FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVIII, 12 March 1914, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

TESTER DA Y ’f>’ SESSION. [PRESS ASSOCIATION i’ELEGEAM.J AKAHOA, March 11. The Fire Brigade Conference was concluded to-day. The following officers were elected: President, Deputy Su.pt, J. J. Salmon (Dunedin); vice-presidents, Captain P. Campbell (Timaru); and secretary, E. C. Scantlebury (Reefton); treasurer, secretary C. A. Osborne (Onehunga) ■ secretary, Captain T. J. Watts (Newmarket) (re-elected for three years) ; auditor. P. R. Fraser (Auckland). This afternoon Hon. Mr 801 l and Hon. Mr Rhodes addressed the conference.

Replying to representations made, Mr Bell said he would have to submit to Cabinet a. proposal to make a Territorial drill count for fire brigade parades when the two duties clashed. The matter had alerady been settled by the former Cabinet and coukl only be re-opened by Cabinet. He intended next session to introduce an amendment allowing contiguous local bodies to form themselves into a combined area. Legislation would also be introduced exempting from liability acts done by Eire Boards and brigades in the protection of property or to check fire spreading He proposed to give Fire Boards official status at fire inquests. He congratulated the conference on the advanced methods of their competitions. They had put New Zealand brigades on a level with those of other countries. Mr Rhodes said the interests of fire brigades were thoroughly safe in Mr Bell’s hand. A hearty vote of,thanks was accorded both Ministers. The following members, who had completed 2.> years’ service, were presented with gold stars: Lt. F. Fisher (Greytown), Fireman J. J. Braggins (Greytown), Secertary J. G. Walton (Grey mouth), Fireman L. Laboon (Spit), Oapt. T. Barber (Ashburton), Foreman A. Thomson (Gisborne), Fireman W. J. Ford (Rangiora), Secretary G. Hilton (Tima.ru), and Captain W. H. Butler (Eden Terrace).