FIREMEN'S CONFERENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 11169, 19 February 1900, Page 3

FIREMEN'S CONFERENCE.

(Special to the Star.) BLENHEIM, February 19. The delegates to the Fire Brigades' Conference, numbering about s x y, arrived at Blenheim on Saturday evening, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the mayor and other residents of the town. Yesterday morning church parade was held, the delegates, headed by the local band, marching to the Church of Nativity, where a sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by Archdeacon Grace. In the afternoon the visitors were taken for a drive to ReawicUtown, situated ssven miles from Blenheim. The weather was perftct, and the outing much ci joyod. The delegates in the evening attended service at St. Andrew's Church, where full provision was made for entertaining the visitors. This evening a social takes place in E'vart's Hall, on Tuesday a picnic at Port Underwood, 011 Wednesday afternoon cycling sports, and on Thursday a garden party in the park in aid of the Patriotic Fond. The Conference is «xprctcd to terminate on Wednesday at mid-day. Prob'.bly a public meeting will be held on Wednesday evecios to discuss the Fire Brigades Bill. The Oonferccce decided to Bend a telegram to the Union Company of Dunediu strongly protesting agiinst the recent altcration°in the steam strvice between Wellington and Picton. When the arrangements were made for the Conference the steamer w»3 advertised to leave Picton on Thursday next for Wellington, but it wai subsequently annoncced;by the Union Company thatthere would hi no boat, on Thursday! The delegates now have to leave on Wednesday «.b mid day, consequently the titfcingß of the Conference will be interfered with. The twenty-first annual Conference of the Uuited Fire Brigades' Aesnciitiou commenced atßleuhAm to-day. Superintendent Smith (Rangiora), the president, occupied the chair, fifty-five delegates being present. The report and balance-sheet, showing that the Association had a fairly prosperous year, were adopted. The accidents society connected with the Association have a memhership of 900 and accumulated funds of £622, as against 700 numbers and £SOO last year. During the morning sitting the mayor and councillors waited on the Conference and extended a hearty welcome to the delegates in connection with their visit to Blenheim. Committees were appointed to report upon long-service honors to members of salvage corps, and the best means to further the passing of the Fire Brigades Bill and advancing the interests of the smaller brigades of the colony.