UNITED FIRE BRIGADES

Evening Star, Issue 20109, 25 February 1929, Page 7

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES

THE JUBILEE CONFERENCE A RECORD GATHERING [Peb United Press Association.] HOKITIKA, February 25. The .fiftieth conference_ of the New Zealand United Fire Brigades’ Association opened this morning. The visiting officers,''delegates, and the competing teams for the competitions arrived on Saturday night by special train. A church parade was held yesterday in ideal weather. Some 400 firemen, headed by the Municipal Band, marched to their respective churches. The bearing of the men on parade was specially remarked upon. The sight was an inspiring one, the streets being lined with spectators. In the afternoon the executive officers and ladies’ parties, numbering 120, motored to Lake Kanieri, and had an enjoyable outing at that popular scenic resort, where they were entertained to afternoon tea. The local band rendered a,sacred programme of Music on Cass square in the presence of several hundred people. The present is the jubilee conference of the association, and the attendance is a record in the history of the organisation, 130 brigades Being directly represented, and a large number of past officers present. The Town Hall, where the conference is being held, was crowded for the occasion. At 11 o’clock the mayor (Mr Perry) gave the visitors a civic welcome, the other speakers including Mr O’Brien, M.P., the Hon. Air Michel (chairman of the Fire Board). A public luncheon was tendered the delegates at 1 p.m., and to-night there .will bo a display of fireworks on Cass square, and all the firemen will be entertained at supper. The conference will be continued tomorrow and on Wednesday, when there will also he a public picnic to Lake Mahimipna. Tiie competitions will he held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, On ibis occasion the conditions of the events have been modernised, and special interest centres in the competitions. Air T. T. Hugo (representing the Government) is present, and has expressed great satisfaction at the inspiring turnout and bearing of the men for the parade yesterday. The executive report states that 140 brigades are affiliated to the association. The balance of assets oyer liabilities is £2.274 4s 4d. Four gold stars for twenty-five years’ continuous service will be presented at tbo conlerence.

Appreciation was expressed for the grant and allowance nnnjo to tlie association by tho Government,