UNITED FIRE BRIGADES' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16315, 23 February 1915, Page 6

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES ' ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL CONFKIircNOK. U'"ROM Ol'B OWN CORHKSrONMKNT.) TLVIARU, Februiiry 22. Tho thirty-sixth aiiiiiinl nn:i:ting of tho association was held today in the Aroadu, <JaroliiK' lia.v, Tirniiru; the president (Mr .). J. Salmon) iiri-siding. II;! wa.s supported by tho exirutive, vice-prrsidenta (Messrs P. Ca-mpboll and E. J. Scuntlobury), the tri-'iuiurer (Mr (..'. A. OsbornnJ, secrutary (Mr T. J. Watts) and past president (Mr ii. Spriggiiis. There were also present eiverul woJl-known past presidents—Mestsrs J. Morton (Gore), A. C. Hanson (Wostport), F C. Bellringer (New Plv mouth), G. Weldish (Gisborne), H. I*. Michel, Hokitika), t). Smith (Riingiora), E. Smith (<Jhristchurchj, W. Buker (Gore), B. Winn (Liwrence), ajid A. Leaver (Westport). Ninetytivo brigaxJes were represented. Tho President (Mr J. J. Salmon) welcomed tho dfilcgates. In referring 1o tho present war, he stated that over 200 members of the association had gone to tho front. He also made froling reference to tho death of tho late Superintendent D. Leech. EXEcrmVE J s Kll'onT. The amount of assets over liabilities is £853 8s 2d, as against £536 6s 6d tho previous year, being an increase of £317 la Bd. Brigades will note that two years' Government subsidies are included in tho balance sheet. Against this there is the fact that there aro heavy liabilities in connection with tho present conference and demonstration. The number of brigades affiliated with the association at tho cloeo of the year was 133, being an increase- of six from last year. Tho Grey Lynn and Masterton Fire Police have boon both absorbed by larger brigades. Daring the year the following eight brigades have become affiliated with tho association—viz., Balclutha, Dargarille, Leeston, Mangawoka, Otahuhu, Tc Puke, Wairoa (H. 8.), and Whakatane. In tho course of the year five culls have been mado for financial assistance on behalf of comrades in distress, and tho total amount subscribed to date hss been £173 11s for which members arc heartily thanked. We still have in hand £50 9s 6d, subscribed to the Gilberd memorial fund. Your executive found it necessary, on account of the number of appeals, to postpone the further collection of subscriptions to this fund till a later date. Wo regret to state that during the past year the association has suffered tho loss by death of one of our most esteemed past presidents—viz., the late Mr David Leech, of Timaru. Gold stars for 25 years' service have been earned during the year by 14 members. In tho course of tho year seven have been presented to the following: —Lieutenant W. Baker (Gore), Fireman W. Chisholm (Dunedin Railway), Foreman R. F. Conloy (Parnoll), Deputy Superintendent W. Couper (Oamaru), Fireman J. Roberts (New Plymouth), Lieutenant E. E. Wallis (Gore), Captain J. E. Williams (Mount Eden). The following will be presented with their gold stars at this conference —viz.: —Captain P. Campbell (Timaru), Deputy Superintendent J. Champion (Hawera), Lieutenant R. L. Cowan (Mount Eden), Fireman G. Edlin (Southbfook), Custodian T. Morrison (Gisborne), Fireman J. Nelson (Palmerston North), Foreman W. 11. Shardow (Pctone). It is with pride tho executives places on record the noble response made by members of the fire service throughout the dominion to the Empire's call, up to the present time nearly 200 members having been granted leave from the association, and as has already been advised by tho executive, brigades are requested to keep tho members good on the roll bodks, so that they can earn the association's honours.

Votes of sympathy wore passed to the relations of the late past President (D. Leech) and Ex-superintendent South, members standing for a few minutes. After discussion, several questions being satisfactorily answered, the balance eheet and report were adopted. ALTERATION OF BULB. A new clause was added to Rule 11 to the effect "That members bo entitled to their marks if absent through sickness or accident arising through attendance at practices or fires." DEMONSTRATION COMMITTEES. The following committees were set up for tho demonstration: —Protest Committee— Captain Carson (convener), Captain Hean, Deputy-superintendent Nesbit, Captain M'Millan, Deputy Fitzgerald l , Foreman Sermon ; Points Committee-—Superintendent Spnggins (convener) Superintendent Tyler, Captain AYilliams, Foreman Jenkins, Caiptain Ashworth; Committee, to Meet Judges —Peterson, .Superintendent Glennie, Deputy. Dunoan, Captain Nutuall (convener), Foreman Sermon, Fireman Edwarde, and Messrs Moore, M'Kenzie, Mealings, M'Gregor, and Henry. MUKICIPAL HBOEPTION. Business was hero adjourned, and Superintendent Campbell, of tho Timaru Fire Brigade, introduced McE. R Guinness, Mayor of the city, and his councillors. Mr J. Craigie, M.P., the Mayor of Waimate (Mr Black), the Chairman and Secretary of the Timaru Harbour Board, and several other prominent citizens. Tho M.iyor extended , a hearty welcome to tho delegates, awl expreseed pleasure on behalf of the citizens at having the demonstration held at Timaru. He recognised fire, brigades as doing good* work saving life and property, and the- wonderful advancement made in that direction- They would do everything to make the visit a pleasant and enjoyable ono. Mr Craigie, M.P., also welcomed the delegates, instancing the big fire- at Timaru in November, 1868, when a large block of the town was burnt down. The only fire fighting- appliance then was a bucket brigade, and he instanced the present appliances, and etafced that they held the record with their band and fire brigade. Several others of those present endorsed the welcome. President Salnron responded! on behalf of the U.F.8.A., and hearty cheers were given, the singing of "They Are Jolly Good Fellows" terminating a very pleaeant little function.

Business was then resumed. BTJLE ALTERATIONS.

Dunedin Fire Brigade moved—"Alter Rule 13: Strike out from ' no' in the second lino to 'certificate' in the tenth line." —A corn-' mittee of seven was set up to report upon this to the conference. Dunedin Fire Brigade also moved— Add to Rule 15: After the word 'lists' in first line, 'or art uniou tickets.'"—This was carried. The Pahiatua Firo Brigade moved— " That it be compulsory for owners of buildings used as accommodation houses, providing accommodation for 12 or more persons, to place a fire alarm bell in a central position in such building."—This was carried, the executive being empowered to bring tho matter before tho Municipal Conference. GENERAL BUSINESS. In the afternoon the Pahiatua remit— "That the Government be requested to frame a by-law to deal more systematically with the storage of explosives generally in country towns," was carried in an amended form, "country towns" being omitted. Inspector Hugo, who was present, and occupied a seat upon the platform, was accorded a hearty welcome. He addressed the conference on ' the alarm systems and firelighting appliances, and waa accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Oarrt.u'u Five Brigade moved—"That tho last paragraph in the One Man Ladder Event be altered a>3 follows: —That the words "Winner of each pair run off' bo deleted from tho programme of the coming competitions of the U.F.8.A., to be held at Timaru next February."—Agreed to. Dunedin Fire Brigade moved—Add to Rule 6.—After tho word 'thrown' in the third line. 'In all eventa in which two streams of water art , being used both waters to strike disc at the finish. be taken when la?t water strikes disc." —Carried.

Dunodin Fire Brigade moved—"New Rule.—All nose to be used in wet events to remain soaking in water over night previous to starting of demonstration."—Agreed to.

TViihape "Volunteer Fire Brigade moved-— "Alter Rule 10 ae follows.—After the word 'available' in the fourth line, add the words 'and the size of the water main to bo used.' Making the- paragraph read: — 'The water pressure in use for the competitions must not oxoeed 1301b, and the pressure available, and the size of the water main to b<? used shall be published in draft programme, and made known not, lees than four months prior to the* date of competition?.' " —Agreed to. The Hon! IT. D. Bell is expected to attend the conference on Wednesday. Tuesday will bo set apart as the {rn'q. day, instead of Wednesday. Kr.ECriON' OF OFFICERS. President. C'autiin P. Campbell (Timani) V v:.s eWtrd. Mr F.. J. iPonntlebairy (secri'tsiry. Reoftnn) retiring. Vice-presidents. 23 nomination*; Captain, R. B. Hean (Addingron Rsvlwpv) mi! «eantlebury: S<Trer,iry C A. Osborno (Oneliunpi). re-eler+ed.

The retiring president (Dnpmty-Fiipnrin-fenrlent Salmon. Piinerrin) was elected a life honorary member. The conference will resume its eittinge on Wednesday.