FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12607, 10 March 1903, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE.

(Per Usited Pmss Association.) NAPIER, March 9. The annual conference of tho Fire, Brigades' Association was held to-day, Mr J. 01. Walton, of Greymouth, president, in the chair. ' The annual report showed that six new brigades had joined during the year, making the roll number 83. The balance sheet showed receipts totalling £1282 18s 4d, including a Government subsidy of £250 and Government vofa for the exhibition, £250. The association have a cash balance of £1296. The funds of the Accident Insurance Socioty are in a health}' condition, tho credit balance amounting to £762,

The following resolutions were carried;— (1) "That any brigade being in default, or acting in such a manner as to be derogatory to the welfare or interests of the assoriation, may be susponded by the executive from all benefits; a brigade suspended shall have the power, by giving one month's notice before the annual meeting, of appealing to the delegates against the executive's decision." (2) "That invitation to hold' the conference, or conference and demonstration, shall be handed in at the annual meeting; if more than one invitation be received, a vote of the brigades shall be taken. and decided within two months." (3) "That in the event of any fireman being in another district than his own, he he allowed to put in his practices'with the brigado* of that place, provided suoh brigade is duly registered;'these attendances to be recorded on the roil of his own brigade." Secretary Robins (Hawera), President Walter (Greymouth), and Lieutenant Baker (Gore) were appointed a deputation to wait upon the Premier during his visit to Napier this week, to ask whether the Government would give its support to the Fire Brigades Bill, the principles of which are that the maintenance ot brigades should be cast upon local bodies, fira insurance companies, and the Government. The. deputation 'was also instructed to bring under the notice of Mr Soddon the question of obtaining i reduction in the duty on brigade appliances,Invitations for the next conference have been received from Palmerston North and To Aroha. A vote of the brigades throughout the colony wifl be taken on tin matter dnring the next two months.

A torchlight procession was held this evening, which was attended by over SOO firemen, the precession being the largest that has yet been lipid under the auspices of the association. Tho procession marched through the principal streets, which ware thronged with people.