FIRE BRIGADE ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 940, 7 March 1890, Page 1 (Supplement)

FIRE BRIGADE ASSOCIATION.

The eleventh' annual conference of the delegates of the Unite ! Fire Brigades Asso. ciation of New Zealand was begun in St George’s Hall on Monday morning. Lieuteoant E. Smith, of Christchurch (President of the'Assoeiation), occupied the chair. The delegates present were : —Ashburton— Captain G. Scott (Vice-President) ; Auckland—Branchman C. Borehatn ; Christchurch —Lieutenant E. Smith ; Christchurch Rail way—Foreman D. Round ; Dunedin South —Captain E. Osborne ; Dunedin Railway— LieutenantH. B.Williams: Gisborne—Superintendent Townlev ; Gore and Gordon BranchmanW. Baker;Greytown—Lieutenant G. Phillips; Grey mouth—Captain J. Brimble: Hastings—Superintendent S. Tong ; Hokitika—Captain S. Michel ; Hawera—Secretary B. C. Robbins ; Invercargill Municipal Branchman W. Cook ; Invercargill South —Fireman C. S. -Ross ; Kumara Captain H. Burger ; Kaiapoi—Branchman F. Smith ; Marton—Captain S. Gibbons ; Masterton Municipal—Captain D. Pickering ; Masterton Volunteer—Captain Muir; Napier— Superintendent T. Waterworth ; Nelson Secretary W. Cooksey.; Newton (Auckland) — Captain F. D. Parsons ; New Plymouth Ciptain M. Maher ; Palmerston North— Captain A. Tingev ; Rangioia—Superintendent J. Smith ; Roslyn—Lieuteuant J. Davey ; Spit—Sub-Superintendent W. Lucas; Thames Secretary M. F. Kennedy; Timaru—Captain J. R. Jones ; Wanganui— Branchman H. Townsend ; Wellington— Branchman F. B. Parsonage: Waipawa— Superintendent J. Stone ; Woodville— Foreman R. Grmlinton. Sub-Superintendent J. G. Gilberd (of Napier), Secretary of the Association, was also present. The annual report of the Executive was as follows : —ln making the eleventh annual report of the United Fire Brigades’ Association, your executive have much pleasure in again having to congratulate the members on its continued success—since the last annual meeting held at Christchurch. Seven brigades have joined the Association, viz., Ashburton, Western Hawera, Newton, Oamaru, Keefton, Southbrook and Woodville. making fifty brigades now on the roll, and we feel confident that the few brigades (about eight) ontside the Association will take advantage of the reduced subscription and enrol themselves within. The funds are still in a flourishing state, there being, after providing for all liabilities, a credit balance of £l3O, and assets in the shape of reel, hose, hydrants, &c., to the value of £BO. We are also pleased to state that all amounts due to the Association have been paid with the exception of three guinea?, representing three brigades’ subscriptions for the year 18S9. On receiving information of the proposed meeting and demonstration, your officers thought that in the interests of tho Association it would be advantageous to meet and consider the best steps advisable under the circumstances. A meeting was held at Wellington on February 20, ISS9, at which a number of resolutions were adopted, subject to confirmation by the brigades belonging to the Association. These were submitted to Brigades in the shape of questions as follows : —On account of the Government not having voted the usual subsidy, and the Association funds being inadequate to provide travelling expenses of delegates, the question was asked, would the Brigades be in favour of dispensing with the annual meetings for the year ? Thirtytwo voted for it and one against. If meeting not held, would they be in favour of reducing fee for j’ear to one guinea ? Unanimous. For the entrance fee to competition events to go to a fund for providing and repairing, competition plaDt ? Twenty-nine for, four against. For the establishment of a paper in the interests of the Fire Protection Service ? Twenty-one for and twelve against. The support guaranteed was not considered sufficient to warrant any further steps being taken. Two Brigades objected to other business, but did not state objection. The voting, as above, showed that the action of the Executive was approved by the majority of Brigades. Seeing the sound condition of the finances, we would recommend that the annnal subscription should be reduced to one guinea, which would enable the smaller Brigades to continue their connection with the Association, and we are satisfied that with economy this amount will be quits sufficient to meet the ordinary expenses of carrying out the objects of the Association. Since the introduction of ambulance events at the Christchurch demonstration, it is gratifying to notice that this branch of drill is spreading, the returns for last year showing that II Brigades are receiving instruction in ambulance work. We would like to impress on all brigades the advisabjeness of establishing classes for the purppse of receiving instruction in this valuable adjunct to a fireman’s duties—“the knowledge of how to a?3ist their fellows in case of accident.” Early in the year the sum of £2 Is 0d was received as additional subscriptions to the McCutcheon fund, making the total amount leceived £92 11s Bd, and, less expenses, was forwarded to the South Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade for. the benefit of the widow and orphans of late Fireman McCutcheon. On the advice of several members of the House of Representatives it was considered necessary that a petition should be prepared for presentation to the Government last session, asking that the usual grant of £250 should be placed on the Estimates. It was kindly taken charge of by Sir John Hall, and, although not required,the thanks of the Associalion are due to him for his assistance, with ether representatives, in getting our request granted. It is pleasing to note that the Government recognise the services rendered to them and the public by the firemen of the Colony by their voting the annual subsidy aod the granting of free passes. We also wish to

place on re ord the interest efiown to the firemen of the Colony by his Excplleooj’ the Governor. In January last he kinrlly invited the South Island Brigades to DunediD, offering them free passes, and entertained about 300 at a banquet during their visit. On applying to the Railway Commissioners for passes on the Government lines for the members to attend this meeting and demonstration, their reply was that the only concession they could make was the same as to religious bodies and friendly societies, viz., Saturday return fares, and as this would mean that tho Association would not be able to guarantee the whole of fares to teams and delegates to Wellington, Messrs Stuart Menteath and Fisher, members for Wellington, waited on the Ministers and prevailed on them to authorise the granting of the passes as usual. An application was made during the year to the Government for exemption from the fee for the inspection of boilers of steam and fire engines. A reply was received that the Department had no power to grant the request. During the past year an application has been received from the Thames Brigade for a valour medal for Superin tend ant West for saving life ah a fire. Tho evidence according to rules will be laid befero you for consideration. Itis with feelings of regret that we have to refer to the loss sustained by the Associotion during the past year by the deaths of our late Vice-President, Captain R. Page, and past President, Captain Lishtfoot. They were energetic and valued officers of the Association, and took great interest in its welfare, and their absence from our meetings will cause a void not easily filled. Superintendent Wilkie, of the Spit Brigade, was elected acting Vice-President to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Vice-President Page. In conclusion we trust that during the two years we have held office our efforts for promoting the welfare of our Association will meet with your approval. i The report was adopted. The annual balance-sheet was also read and adopted. Some discussion took place with regard to the payment of travelling expenses of the delegates, and it was eventually decided that each delegate, and each officer in chargeof the team, should be allowed cabin fare. It was decided on the motion of Sec. retary Cooksey, seconded by Branchman Cook, that the annual subscription of each Brigade be reduced from two guineas to one guinea. The Thames Brigade applied for a valour medal for Superintendent We3t, who had save the life of an ol i lady named Love. It was decided that a committee consisting of Captains Jones, Gibbons, Scott and Secretary Kennedy be appointed to bring up a report on the matter. A communication ■was received from the Kumara Brigade with reference to the Government capitation grant to firemen, and it was decided that a committee, consisting of Captains Michael. Burger, the President, with power to add to their number, should bring up a report on the matter. It was decided, on tho motion of Captain Burger, that a letter should he sent to the widow and orphans of the late Captain Page, of Wellington, and that a sum of £5 should be handed to the Wellington Brigade toward the cost of a memorial. Superintendent Waterworth. Branchman Parsonage, the President and Secretary of the Association were appointed a committee to report as to the necessary alterations to rules. On the motion of Captain Scott, seconded by Captain Pickering, it was resolved that, if possible, the title of officer should be made uniform throughout tbe Colony. Captain Michael moved, and Superintendent Waterworth seconded, that the Brigades should be requested to adopt the titles of & superintendent and subsuperintendent. An amendment was moved by Secretary Robbins, seconded by Branchman Cook, that the titles should be captain and lieutenant. As the voting was so equal on the question, it wa3 decided to refer the matter to the whole of the Brigades. The Conference then adjourned natil the after, noon. aftkrkoox sitting. On resuming at 2.30, the Committee appointed to consider the application of the Thames Brigade that a valour medal be awarded to Superintendent West, who had saved the life of Mrs Love, recommended that the Association should communicate with the Mayor of the Thames asking his opinion whether Superintendent West was entitled to the medal, and if a favourable reply be received, that the medal be granted and the Mayor he asked to present it. Superintendent Tong, seconded by Captain Maher, moved that the report be adopted. An amendment was moved by Captain Michael, seconded by Branchman Parsonage, that while she Association commended the promptitude with which Captain West performed his duty on the occasion, it regretted that it could not see its way to grant the medal. This amendment was carried. The Committee appointed to consider the letter from the Kumara Brigade with regard to the capitation allowance to firemen, recommended that a deputation be appointed to wait upon tbe Government and report to them the claims of the Brigades, and ask their support to the passing of a Bill providing funds for the support of Brigades throughout the Colony. On the motion of Captain Michael, seconded by Secretary Robbins, the recommendation was adopted. Tbe President, Secretary Robbins, Captains Burger, Michael, Secretary Cooksey, and Superintendent Waterworth were appointed as the deputation to wait upon the Government. It was decided, on the motion of Captain Maher, seconded by Branchman Cook, that a long service medal should be granted to Mr J. H. Hutchens, of Wellington. It was decided that a hearty vote of thanks be awarded to Messrs Menteath and Fisher, M.H.R.’s, for their kindness in assisting the Association to procure 1 passes from the Government, It was agreed

that a letter of eoudolen.ee should be forwarded to the widow of tho late Captain Lightfoot, of Nelson. A vote of thanks was passed to Sir John Hall for his assistance in getting the vote of £250 placed on the estimates. Captain E. Osborne, of the South Duneoin Brigade, thanked the Association for its generosity in assisting the widow and orphans of the late foreman, Mr M cCutcheon. A motion by Superintendent Waterworth, seconded by Captain Jones, that fire police j and salvage corps be admitted as members of the Association was lost. Lieutenant E. Smith was re-elected President. It was decided that the number of vice-presidents should be increased to three, i and Captains Scott, Jcnes and Adams were i elected. Sub-superintendent Gilberd was ] re-elected secretar3’. On the motion of . Captain Michael, seconded by Captain Jones, it was decided that tho usual salary of £25 be paid to the Secretary. It was also decided on the motion of Captain Jones, seconded by Captain Scott, that a bonus of £lO should’be voted to the Secretary as an honorarium. The Conference then adjourned until Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. The Conference resumed its sittings on Wednesday morning, the President (Lieutenant E. Smith, of Christchurch) occupying the chair. It was ;esolved that a vote should be taken whether the oresent boot or a half-wellington should be worn at future competitions. Two of the rules were slightly amended. The Secretary was requested to procure copies of the Victorian and New South Wales Fire Brigade Bills. Engineer Carr (Blenheim) inquired whether lit was not possible to induce Government to reduce the fees now paid for the inspection of boilers of st€am fire engines. The Secreitary, in reply, stated that the Government I had already been communicated with upon the subject, and had replied to the effect that it was not within the power of the Department controlling the fees to remit them. Votes of thanks were awarded to the press, the Wellington Brigade, the Secretary (Mr J. G. Gilberd, and the Chairman, and the Conference then rose. THE DEMONSTRATION. Patrons—Mr George Fisher, M.H.R., Dr A. K. Newman, M.H.R., Mr C. B. Izard, M.H.8., Mr A. A. Stuart Menteath, M.H. E., Mr W. H. Levin, his Worship the Mayor and City Councillors, and a number of influential citizens ; President —Mr E. Smith (Christchurch) ; VicePresidents—Captain Wilkie (Spit) and Captain G. F. Scott (Ashburton) ; Secretary—Mr J. G. Gilberd (Napier). The annual demonstration of the Fire Brigades of the Colony was commenced in the Basin Reserve on Tuesday. The weather was fine, and the ground in good order. There was a good attendance of spectators, a little over a thousand being present during the afternoon, and they appeared to take considerable interest in the proceedings. During the day Gray’s excellent band played a number of selections to the et.joyment of the spectators. The arrangements were generally satisfactory’, although very little progress was made on Tuesday, only three competitions being completed. A special main was laid on near the Kenc-terrace gate for use in the various competitions, whilst a large platform was erected in front of the pavillion for the ladder and rescue competitions. For the convenience of the Brigades a number of tents, which had been kindly lent by tho Defence Department, were erected on the far side of the reserve. The principal event decided on Tuesday was the hose and hydrant competition, which was won by the Gisborne Fire Brigade—an exceedingly smart team—who were victorious in the same event at the competition held last year. By their win they retain permanant possession of the silver and bronze shield presented by the Fire Underwriters’ Association of Otago. The local brigade and the Wanganui team tied for second place, and they were run off next morning. A member of the Gisborne team, Deputy . Superintendent Morrison, also won the Manual Engine, One Man Competition. The only other ovent decided was the Ladder Race, which was won by Fireman Harrison, of the Marton Brigade. The secretary of the demonstration (Mr M. F. Kennedy) is entitled to a word of commendation for the manner in which he performed his duties—which were certainly anything but light. Foreman J, F. Adams and Branchman H. B. Parsonage, as field seoretaries, also lent valuable assistance. The judges were— Ex-Superintendent Whiteford, Wellington ; Ex-Foreman T. Wilson, Wellington ; Lieut. 35, Smith, Christchurch ; Ex-Branchman F. CoheD, Wellington ; Captain Burgess, Kumara ; Ex-Captain J. Murphy, Dunedin. The examiners were Mr W. Brodie, Conncillor Worth, Captain Muir, and firemen in attendance. The starters—Messrs J. H. Pollock, T. Barker, and C. Tandy—performed their duties satisfactorily, and the same may be said of the timekeepers Messrs L. W. Ludwig, J. King, A. R. Ifislop, and W. Coltman. The results of tho events decided are as follow : Manual Engine (dry); one man, Man to start 20yds from front of engine, at signal given, run to engine, lock forecarriage, turn over, secure and unlock levers, con* nect one length of suction hose to engine, connect to engine and run out 50ft canvas hose and fix blanch, run back to engine and give one stroke of levers oa beat blocks. Delivery hose to be made up in coil and strapped, and, with branch detached, placed in body of engine, not on rocking shaft ; suction to be in Bide pockets ; lids closed, all caps on. First prize, President’s Cup, value £lO 10s, presented by President E. Smith, Christ-

church, and £3 ; second prize, handsome | frame of photos of officers of the United ' Fire Brigades’ Association of New Zealand and £1 10s each. Deputy . Superintendect Mcirison (Gisborne), 47 2-sth see ... ' ... ... 1 Captain Wallis (Goro and Gordon), 47 4-oth sec ... ... ... ... 2 Foreman Hoskins (Palmerston North), 50sec -, ... ... ... ... ... 3 The next highest ware :—Deputy-Foreman Goodall (Greyir.outh), 55sec ; ■ Assistant Engineer Tyler (Rangiora), 56 1 sth sec ; Fireman Ross (Hokitika), 57 3 sth sec; Fireman Payne (Wellington), 57 4 sth sec. There were 22 competitors. Both the winner and tiie second man did their work well, and had the latter not had the misfortune to slip ho would probably have won. Ladder Race (one man) ; man to run 50yds rise and mount ladder (lying on ground), and ring bell on platform 20ft high. First prize, gold medal (presented by Mr F. Moeller), and £3; second prize, silver medal (presented by Merryweather and Sons), and £l. Fireman Harrison (Marton), 16 2-sbh aec 1 Branchman Brouache (Hastings), 1G 4-sth aec ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 Foreman Kitchen (Wanganui) 21 2 sth - see... ... ... ... ... ... 3 Thirty-nine competed. The event was decided in heats, the competitors in the third heat being the three placed men, and Foreman Cork (Taranaki), Foreman Wildish (Gisborne), Fireman Barry (Spit) and Secretary McClintock (South Dunedin). The winners of these heats—the three placed men, and Fireman Barry—rao against time for places, with the result given above. Hose and Hydrant, for five men. Five men to run 10yds, pick up reel, run 100yds with reel to plug, fix hydrant, run out 100 ft hose, fix branch, throw water over a rope 10ft from the ground, fix union, and run out 50ft hose from each delivery of union (union to be capped on one delivery) ; fix branches, and show water over rope as before. First prize, silver and bronze shield (presented by the Fire Underwriters’ Association of Otago) and £25 cash or trophy presented by the Fire Underwriters’ Association of Wellington (shield to be won twice before becoming the property of the winners); second prize, £lO cash. Gisborne Fire Brigade (Oeputy-Superin-tendent Morison, Foreman Wildish, Branchmen Allen and Fox, and Fireman Mitchell), 46 eec ... .. ... 1 Wellington Fire Brigade (Foreman Adams, Assistant-Foreman Lawrence, Branchman Webb, Fireman Payne, and Secretary Kennedy), 52seo ... ... + Wanganui Fire Brigade (Foremen Kitchen and MoGon&gle. Branchmen Copeland, Saunders, and Carrell). 52-ec * The South Dnnedin team (Lieutenant Price, Foreman Counter, Secretary McOlintock, Treisurer Kennedy, and Fireman Wilson) were n°xt, theii time being 56seo. Only ten of the 17 teams that competed finished, most of them failing in fixing the hydrant. The Spit team were thrown out through failing to disconnect the couplings, while the Gore and Gordon men had to retire through a washer dropping off the hydrant. Branchman Newth of tbe Palmerston North Brigade, had his knee put out through slipping when he reached the plug. Newth made a smart run np to plug, and but for this mishap his team would have occupied a better position. The Wanganui and Wellington teams both acquitted themselves creditably. The Gisborne man, however, carrie:! off ihe palm for smartness. They got away well, and they executed the various movements in splendid style. The victors were warmly applauded. A protest was entered against the Wellington team by Captain Cummins, of the Wanganui Brigade, on the ground that a sraDner was put on the hydrant after tho water had passed through the hose. The judges, however, declined to allow the protest, and the two teams ran off for second place next morning. The Fire Brigades’ demonstration was resumed on tho Basin Reserve on Wednesday in beautifql weather. The attendance was not so large as on the opening day, the majority of the spectators being children. The competitions were of a much more interesting character than those got off on the previous day. A considerable amount of interest was taken in the mannal for five men competition, which resulted in a win for the Rangiora team, which made very good time. This event was looked upon as almost a certainty for the Gisborne team, who carried off the principal event on Tuesday; but the Southern men, who were the last to compete, succeeded in doing the work one second faster than the redoubtable Gisborne men. Deputy-Superintendent Mor.rison and Foreman Wildish, of the Gisborne team, won the Ladder Rescue event in quick time, the Spit team being close up. The Hose and Btydrant competition was won in good style by the Wanganui representatives. The Manual Engine for five men, and Hose and Hydrant for one man were commenced but not completed. In the former the Palmerston North Brigade are leading, their time being 53 2-sth sec, Hokitika and Woodville being next. In the other event Fireman Payne, of the local Brigade, oarried out the conditions in the rattling time of 41isec, which gives Mm a good lead. The arrangements for keeping the ground dear were much more satisfactory than on tbe previous day, consequently greater progress was made in getting off the events. The Protestant Band were stationed in the rotunda, and they supplied excellent music during the day. The results of the various events are as follow : Manual for Five Men. Five men, each dressed in shirt and troussrs ; each to be lying on stretcher, with blanket cover, clothes to be lying on ground. At signal from starter, to get up and dress, putting

j ou tunic (of which four buttons must be fastened), boots, helmet, belt, and spaanerunning 30yds to engine, connect to and pay out from near aide of engine two lengths of wet canvas hose, 50ft each fix branch (£ inch nozzle connect two lengths suction hose to engine, turn over, secure, and unlock levers, lock fore-carriage, and pump from a dam filled with water, and witn water strike a bell disc 3ft in diameter, fixed about 10ft from the ground First prize, silver - monnted Challenge Shield, presented by the United Fire Brigadeß Association of New Zealand, and £25 cash or trophy presented by the Fire Underwriters Association of Wellington. Ihe trophy to be won twice in succession or subieot to the ruling of the Aeaociation ; second prize, £lO cash. Rangiora Fire Brigade (Assistant Engineer Tyler, Branchman Buokley, Firemen de Moulin, Young, and Jones), O«S60 ... | Gisborne Fire Brigade (Depnty.Superinl tendent Morrison, Foreman Wildish Branchmen Fox and Allen, and man Mitchell), 54aec (including lseo penalty) ... ' b 2 Spit Fire Brigade (Sub-Superintendent Lucas, Firemen M. and W. Barry Broome, and Frankland), 55 2-sth boo 3 The Ashburton team (Foreman Nokes, Firemen Compton, Baker, Pauling, and Parkm) were fourth, at which included gsec penalty, and Gore and Gordon next, at 59seo (including ssec penalty). The Woodville Palmerston North, Marton, Hawera, Waipawa, Greymouth, Wanganui, Masterton Municipal, Roslyn, Napier, Hastings and Hokitika Brigades also competed. The winners were loudly cheered. Ladder Rescue for two men. Two men to run 50yds to platform 20ft high and raise ladder, one man to ascend and bring a baby from the top of platform to the ground. First prize, two silver medals, value £1 Is and '£s cash ; second prize, two bronze medals, presented by Messrs Merryweather and Sons, and £3. Deputy-Superintendent Morrison and Foreman Wildish (Gisborne), 20 l-sth sec... ... ... j Firemen M. Barry and Franklin” (Spit)' 21 l-sfch aec ’ o Firemen Harrison and Avery (Marton), Lieutenant Price and Foreman Counter (South Dnnedin), and Lientenant Davey and Branchmen Weddessbon (Roslyn), all tied for third place at 21 2-sth sec. Tho Taranaki and Woodville teams ware next at 21 4-sth sec. The following other brigades also competed :—Hastings, Wanganui, Waipawa, Masterton Municipal, Timaru, Dune, din Railway, Hawera, ABhbnrton, Greymouth, Gore and Gordon, Taranaki, Wood- ; ville, Hokitika and Napier. Life Saving Apparatus. —The best portable life-saving apparatus (to be worked by six men only) for resening 10 people from building 30ft high ; apparatus to start 50 yards from building, i Wellington,- Fire Brigade (Foreman Adams, Assistant-Foreman Lawrence, Branchman Webb, Firemen Payne and Williams, and Secretary Kennedy), lmin ißee (including 2sec penalty) 1 Taranaki Fire Brigade (Captain Maher] Lieutenant Lye, Foremen Franois and Corke, Firemen C. and P. Bellringer), lmin 32sec (including 4sec penalty) ... 2 Only these two teams competed. The Taranaki team used an appliance invented by Foreman Corke. Handicap Officers’ Race, 220 yards, in full uniform. First prize, silver plated helmet, presented by Messrs Shand and Mason ; second prize, officers engraved axe, presented by Messrs Merryweather and Sons. Foreman Baker (Gore and Gordon) 2yds... 1 Foreman Sherman (Hokitika) scratch ... 2 Foreman Strachan (Timaru) syds 3 Won by about a yard. About a dozen competed. Hose and Hydrant for 2 Men. —Two men, carrying hydrant, 50 feet coil wet canvas hose, and branch (Jinoh nozzle) to run to plug, fix hydrant,ran out hose, fix branch, and with water strike a bell disc 3 feet in diameter, fixed about 10 feet from ground. First prize two gold medals, value £3 3s each ; second prize, two silver medals, value £1 Is each. Wanganui Fire Brigade (Foreman Kitchen and Fireman Carrel!) 23 l-sth seo ... I South Dunedin Brigade (Lieut Price and Foreman Counter) 26 2-sth see 2 Napier Brigade (Foreman Simmonds and Branchman Laws) 26 3.5 th sec 3 „ H* 6 , other competing teams which finished, were—Spit, Marton, Hokitika, Timaru, Greymouth, Roslyn, Wellington, Gore and Gordon, and Woodville. The Rangiora, Gisborne, Dnnedin Railway, and Ashburton teams also com-' peted, but did not finish. The Wanganui aod Wellington teams ran off their tie for second place in the Hose and Hydrant for five men, the former winning. The time of tbe .winners was 52sec. The local men were thrown out through failing to get the water over the first rope. Up till then they had made capital time. The leading teams, of the fifteen Brigades, which have run off in the Maiiual Engine for five men competition (which will be continued this morning), are as follow: —Palmerston North, 53 2-sth sec; Hokitika, 55sec ; Woodville, 55 2>sth seo; Hasting* and Waipawa, 58 l-sth secs each. The Marton, Ashbnrton, Spit, Hawera, and Timaru Brigades have yet to compete. In the other uncompleted event—tbe Hose and Hydrant for one man—Fireman Payne (Wellington) leads at 41 Jseo, Foreman Oli* phant (Palmerston North) being next at 47 3-sth sec. Only seven men have ran as yet. There are still 11 to compete. The competition was resumed at 9 o’clock next morning. * '

On Tuesday night the members of the visit lug Brigades were entertained at the "\vel--1 njt h Working Men’s Club.