FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE,

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10306, 13 March 1895, Page 6

FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE,

(Pbb United Fbess Association.)

Hokitika, March 12,

The United Fire Brisadea'^Confereaco was told ai the Town Hall. Tho meeting commenced at 9 o'clock this morning, Mr Michel (president) being in the chair, supported by the vice-presidents (Messrs Robbing and Stewart), The secretary (Mr Gilbert) was also present, with 52 delegates. The Mayor of Hokitika wrote officially welcoming the delegates, regretting their rough trip down, and wishing them a usefnl cession and a pleasant time. The president's address waa a defence of the association, maintaining that Hb existence was responsible for the great improvement in tie efficiency of brigades. He gave the delegates a. hearty welcome, and hoped the business would be dealt with espeditiously. The report of the executive showed that the Newmarket and Stratford Brigades and the Napier Fire Police had joined the association. The assets showed a balance of £394, as against £415 the previous year, a decrease accounted for by the expenses of the .Napier demonstration exceeding the Government grant by £21. The report went on to refer to the dropping of the Firo Brigades Bill lant Parliament, the Government refusing to take tip the measure. The conditions under which the poiice and salvage corps were permitted to join the association were detailed, and the executive asked for approval of the action. Ou the subject of free passes the report stated that the officers had waited oa the Minister for Railways, who stated that the free-pass system had bsen greatly abused. The Government decided that all applications sboald go before ths department and be considered on their merits. Recognising that the existence of the association to a certain extant depended on the retention of the concession, the executive urged the delegates to use their influence with parliamentary representatives to a«si3t in having the privilege reinstated. The flourishing stato oE the Accident Assurance Society was noted, and con-affiliated brigades were urged to join this useful adjunct of the association. Long service gold star medals for 25 years' service were granted to Heinz (Hokitika) and Wimsell (Nelson). The report further referred to the death of ex-Superintendent Robertson, of Dunedin, one of the founders of the association, and its first secretary, also of Fireman Shakesby (Port Chalmers), who died on duty at a fire on board the Mararoa. The balance sheet was adopted.

Mr Hansen's (TJestport) motion prohibiting the wearing of other tlian association medals ac the conference was lost. Mr Smith's (Christchurch) motion admitting members to the association from 18 years instead of 21 was carried. It was resolved that ambulance events do not count in the aggregate at the competitions. A committee was appointed en the motion of Mr Robbing (Hawera) to prepare a fire brigade drill manual. In competitions the penalty for open lids, &c, was decreased to lftec. It was decided that competitors should wear the eamo pair boots in all competitive events. On tho casting vote of tho chairman it was resolved that prize-Tvianera at competitions ba awarded certificates. It was resolved to revert to the old rule d five instead o£ seven years' service. Mr Smith, of Chriotohurch, extended an invitation to hold the next conference aud demonstration at Christchurch. This waa accepted unanimously.

A telegram from Captain Hughes, of the Auckland brigade, contradicting the statement that the brigade allowed the asylum to be destroyed and water cut off to save a hotel was received. Messrs Weir and Keys detailed the circumstances. Kr Sniiii (Christchurch) pointed oat that the brigade he wes connected with saved £80,000 worth o£ Government property when the Sunnyside Asylum was endangered. The Presideat read the record report of the causes that led up to the destruction of the Auckland Asylum. It was resolved, in view of the charge made by the Government against the Auckland brigade that the conference wisbed placed on record that no distinction between public and private property was recognised.

The Secretary read a special report dealiDg with tbere3ult o? the interview with the Minister for Railways re frea passes. 16 waS resolved— "That the president, Lieutenant Smith, and the secretary draft a letter to the Minister, setting oat tho position of the brigades' funds and asking reconsideration."

It was resolved that honorary members' certificate* be issued to past executive officers. The International Fire Insurance Association of America wrota appointing the secretary. Me Gilberd, an honorary member. Tho letter was received with expressions of gratification, and it was resolved—" That the secretary of the International Association be appointed an honorary membar of the New Zealand Association." Lieutenant George read a paper on the subject of the official organ of the association, being substituted for the Fice and Ambulance Record. It was resolved to ask the Government to discontinue the charge for the inspection of fire engine boilers. A long discussion ensued on the question of re-introducing the Pire Brigadeß Bill, the disagreement being on the principle of raising revenue. Eventually the proposal was negatived.

The election of officers resulted as follows:— President, Mr Hobbina (Hawerii); vice-presi-dents—Mr Stewart (Invercargill) and Mr Bsllringer (New Plymouth) ; secretary, Mr Gilberd (Napier). Votes of thanks were paused to the Hokitika Brigade and citizens, also to the "VVestport and Grey Brigades, and a special vote of thanks wn3 accorded to the Midland Railway Company for oo readily placing a spscial train at the disposal of delegates. The press was also thanked. The business is practically concluded.

The Accident Assnrance Society met in the evening, and subsequently the visitors were entertained at a social in tho Princess Theatre, The function is public and very largely atfeai&d, the mayor presiding.