FIRE BRIGADES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 6

FIRE BRIGADES

INSTRUCTION COURSE AN ANNUAL CAMP CHRISTCHURCH, 25th May A decision to recommend to the United Fire Brigades’ Association that it holds an annual camp for firemen instead of demonstrations as at present, was made by the Canterbury Provincial Fire Brigades’ Association at its annual conference held in Chrischurch.

The proposal was made by the retiring secretray, Mr J. F. Stokes, former deputy-superintendent of the New Brighton Volunteer Brigade. Mr Stokes said that after attending two or three of the United Fire Brigade Association’s demonstrations, he had formed the opinion that they were not of the value thta they should be in teaching fire fighting, because the smaller brigades, not having the same opportunities to practise, could not keep up with the brigades of the larger towns. The National Fire Brigade Association of Great Britain held an annual camp, at which there were lectures and demonstrations to show all brigades the latest in fire-fighting appliances and methods. He thought that if the United Association was to follow this example it would receive greater service from all brigades, and suggested that a recommendation on those lines should be sent forward to the association.

The proposal was supported by Fireman S. Preddy, of Ashburton, who said that an annual camp would be of great benefit to smaller brigades which had not the opportunity of keeping in touch with the latest developments in fire-fighting. Superintendent C. W. Tyler (Rangiora) contended that travelling expenses would amount to a considerable sum of money, and would involve a liability on the United Association.

Superintendent C. C. Warner (Christchurch) said that he had listened to the proposal with a great deal of interest, and he certainly thought it worth while sending the proposed recommendation. He had attended demonstrations for a great number of years, and considered that fire fighting was no further advanced than it was 40 years ago. In his opinion many of the men attending the demonstrations did not give their wholehearted attention to the work, but if they went away for a week the brigades would receive greater benefit. He sincerely hoped that the association would go ahead with the scheme.

After further favourable discussion, Mr Stokes moved: “That this association recommend to the United Fire Brigades’ Association that it discontinue holding the demonstrations now held, and substitute an annual instruction camp, to be held on similar lines to that of the National Fire Brigades’ Association of Great Britain.” The motion was carried.