AUCKLAND BRIGADES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20072, 9 October 1928, Page 12

AUCKLAND BRIGADES.

the annual conference. LARGE TOTAL OF FIRE LOSSES. Concern at the enormous annual fire losses of tho Dominion was expressed by several speakers at tho annual conference of tho Auckland District Fire Brigades' Association, held at Onehunga. Mr. 11. Vauso presided over a large attendance, which included the Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. W. C. Coldicntt, and members of the Borough Council, members of the New Zealand executive, and representatives of the Underwriters' Association. Mr. T. T. Hugo, the Government fire inspector, said the annual loss in NewZealand was four times greater than that of Canada or the United States, amounting to nearly £1,500,000. This enormousloss was not due to the inefficiency of fire brigades, but rather to the number of outbreaks caused by sheer carelessness. Already a scheme was in operation for tho education of children in fire prevention, and this work must bo systematically furthered. Tho necessity for teaching growing children to exerciso caro had been realised in other countries, where millions of pounds had been saved annually in this way. in "the annual report the executive expressed concern at tho losses, but was of opinion the formation of metropolitan areas would not solve the problem. The figures furnished by Mr. Hugo made it obvious tho city brigades had sufficient to cope with .already, and it was considered it would bo time enough to add to their areas when it was proved their own districts were adequately protected. Tho report also stated that since tho last conference tho Opotiki, Papakura and Papatoetoo brigades had joined tho association, while tho Tamaki and Avondalo bodies had been absorbed by tho city, making tho present membership 36. Tho only brigades not affiliated with tho association, which was tho largest subassociation in New Zealand, wero Matamata, Ngaruawahia and Whakatano. Tho balance-sheet showed receipts £l3B and expenditure £62 for the year. Every fire brigade was in a sound financial position. The next New Zealand championship demonstration is to be held at llokitika in February, 1929, when a more modern programme of events will lie drawn up and a now extension ladder, designed by Mr. Hugo, Will bo used. Tho election of officers resulted:— President, Mr. J. Henderson (To Kuiti); vice-presidents, Messrs. A. Fleming (Thames) and J. Grant (Onehunga); secretary, Mr. T. J. Watts (Newmarket) ; treasurer, Mr. G. A. Osborne (Onehunga); auditors, Messrs. J A. Gray and P. If. Hollingsworth; trustees, Messrs. J. Williams and H. Follas.