FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14301, 22 February 1910, Page 6

FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE

[BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION*.]

Hastings, Monday. The fire brigades* delegates, who are attending the annual conference, were welcomed to-day by the Mayor and Mr. Dillon, M.P. One hundred and eight brigades are represented. Mr. W. Lucan, who presided, stated that important matters on the order paper would claim the conference's attention. The delegates attended church parade on ' the racecourse yesterday. The Rev. Mr. Hobbs preached from the grandstand,-1200 being present. During this afternoon the delegates were entertained at a garden party on the racecourse..

The conference resolved to again hold a prize essay competition on matters relating to fire brigade work.

A committee was set up to consider the whole question of delegates' fares and other expenses connected with conferences and demonstrations. . The "conference unanimously accepted an ~ explanation regarding the action of the Wanganui Fire Brigade in presenting a gold star to a member some months before it was due. .

A meeting of, the, Fire Brigades' Accident Assurance Society was held: at Hastings to-day. The executive's report stated that ill spite of numerous accident claims made and paid during the pact year, there was a satisfactory credit balance. The report recommended that rebates for the ensuing year be as follows : — Brigades not having drawn, in benefits 50 per cent, of their total contributions, to receive 25 per cent, rebate; over 50 per cent., 10 per cent, rebate ; over 75 per cent., no rebate. After careful consideration of the question of sick benefit, the executive were of opinion that ample provision : now existed with friendly societies, and that any- scheme for the institution of sick benefits would be' altogether outside the object of the society. They therefore strongly recommended that no alteration be made. Five brigades were admitted to ; the society during the year, and the number of members now on the roll was 1518, an increase of 85 for the year. The total revenue for the year was £248 4s 6d, and payments. for accidents £146 ICte, leaving a credit to the accident fund of £1524 Cte Id. The executive recommended that a committee be set up to report to this conference on the matter of including brigades working under Fire Boards in the Accident. Society, to include risks under the Workers' Compensation Act. A committee was set up accordingly. V 7. . . , . . '- ■