FIRE BRIGADE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8987, 27 February 1888, Page 6 (Supplement)

FIRE BRIGADE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING.

The Fire Brigades Association met at Christchurch on Feb. 20. The annual report stated that six brigades had joined during the year, making 43 brigades on the roll, with a membership of over 1000. The balance-sheet showed receipts, £494 3s 9d; expenses, £292 7s. A protest from the brigade agairtmt the alteration of conditions for lioso hydrtant competition for five men was not allowed. The question of admitting fire police and salvage corps was referred to the next conference, the executive meanwhile to draw up special rules applicable to them. Papers were received from Captain Page on providing proper accommodation and pecuniary assistance, and suggestions for working brifades. Captain Mitchell reported that he ad been unable to obtain remission of fares for delegates travelling by the Union steamers.

In tho afternoon it was decided that members entitled to three sibver two-year service bars should be entitled to exchange thom for one gold bar ; that all medals except long-service medals must bo worn on the right breast; that only tepims winning five-men events shall bo debarred from competing in consolation event®. The following officers were elected President, Lieutenant Smith (Christchtfrch); vicepresidents, Captain Scott (Ashburton) and Captain Page (Wellington) ; secretary and treasurer, Sub-superintoodent Gilbert (Napier).

THE DEMONSTRATION. The fire brigades' demonstration began with a torchlight procession on February 20. Three hundred firemen took part, and several thousand people witnessed tho display, which passed most successfully though the weather was wet. The tfial was continued for several days.