FIRE BRIGADE MATTERS

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 80, 5 April 1939, Page 6

FIRE BRIGADE MATTERS

Easter Conference In Palmerston North EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME SET OUT For the first time, as far as can be ascertained, the annual conference of the United Districts Fire Brigades’ Association is to be held in Palmerston North over Easter. The association was formed in 1911 for the purpose of promoting the interests of the smaller brigades in the southern half of the North Island through co-operation and to secure increased efficiency by means of competitions. Shortly before the Great War a sum of about £3OO was collected to enable a New Zealand conference to be held in the city, but the advent of hostilities lead to the abandonment of the proposal. About 40 people are expected to be present on this occasion for the various activities associated with the conference. On the Friday evening a meeting of the executive will be held. This comprises: Superintendent R. Wakelin, of Carterton, president; Foreman H. A. Scherf, senior vice-president; DeputySuperintendent Collings, of Taihape, immediate past president; DeputySuperintendent A. S. Annand, of Waipukurau, secretary; Superintendent W. Lawry, of Pahiatua; Deputy-Superin-tendent W. Boston, of Featherston; and Foreman L. Horne, or Petone.

On Saturday morning the conference opens at the Central Fire Station at 9 a.m. and the visitors will be extended a civic welcome by tho Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, who is ajso chairman of the Palmerston North Fire Board, at 10 a.m. A smoke concert ut which the delegates and firemen will be present is to take place in the evening. A church parade has been arranged for Sunday morning at tho All Saints’ Church, when the preacher will be the vicar, Canon G. Y. Woodward. The Palmerston North City Band is to head the parade, which will be augmented by brigadesmen from Feilding, Foxton oiid Shannon. The afternoon will be occupied by a drive hist to the Glaxo factory at Bunnythorpe aud then to Feilding for afternoon tea. There the fire board has arranged a reception in honour of the visitors. A special tour of tho district has been arranged for the wives of the delegates on the Saturday afternoon to be followed by afternoon tea and a theatre party in. the evening.