FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10616, 11 March 1896, Page 2

FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE.

(Pcs United Pbess Association.)

Csristchdech, March 10.

The Fire Brigades' Conference was resumed to-day. It was decided to alter the rules to allow of documentary or other evidence being accepted for long service in eases where the records are destroyed. A motion was carried that brigades should be informed that it is expected that each ie»m and delegate sent to the annual meetiogs shall take part in all public functions provided by the Demonstration Committee. The offer of Mr F. M. Baker, of New York, to act as hon. correspondent in that city was accepted. A resolution was carried that it is desirable to have distinctive badges for officers, of brigides so tbat the rank of officers may be more easily ascertained. Superintendent Blackwell (Kaiapoi), Toomey (Lyttelton), E. Smith (Christchurch), and Lieutenant Pauling (Ashburton) were appointed a committee to draw up a drill manual. It was decided to recommend tbo use ot Harwond's electric riming apparatus, and Mr Harwood was appointed electrician to the association. Rule 1 of the general conditions was suspended to allow the Greytown and MasbartoQ teams to take port in the demonstration. It was decided to register the Fire Brigades' Association under the Unclassified Societies' Act, The iuci>miag executive were outhonstjd to expend £W if nece«s.\ry in providing two aggregate trophies—ona for high watter pressure and tbe other for engine events. By 42 to 10 it was resolved to accept Captain Leach's invitation to hold tlie next demonstration at Port Chalmers as against Geraldins. The selection of officer* resulted as follows :—President, Secretary E. Bflllriuger (New Plymouth); vicepresidents, Captain D. Lesch (Port Chalmers) and Treasurer A. Martin (Gore); secretary and treasurer, Sub-superintendent J. G. Gilberd (Napier) re-elected ; auditor, Mr F. W. Garner (Napier) re-elected. It was reported that the Hon. A. J. Cadman had agreed to allow Auckland firemen returnine leave to go free by rail from Wellington to Napier or New Plymouth. A vote of thanks brought the conference to a termination.

The third annual meeting of the Fire Brigades' Association Accident Assurance Society was held at the close of the conference. The balance sheet showed that tho receipt's had been £39115s 9d and the expenditure £87 19s 6d. It was decided to send a circular to all brigades in the colony asking them to joiu the society. The election of offioera resulted as follows: —President, Superintendent E. Smith (Christchurch); vice-presidents— Captains F.>-Billringer (New Plymouth), Leach (Port Chalmers), aud Powell (Wauganui); secretary, Sub-superintendent J. G. Gilb:rd (Napier). ' .