FIRE BRIGADE

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 24

FIRE BRIGADE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. TAURANGA, February 25. Ono hundred and ten delegates from all parte of the dominion have assembled here for tho thirtieth annual conference °f the United Firo Brigades' Association of Now Zealand. The men attended church parade yesterday. On Saturday afternoon they were entertained bv the citizens at Mount Mangonui, and on Saturday evening the visitors were given a smoke social by the local brigade. This morning the conference opened at 9 o'clock. It was stated that the executive approached the Government during the year for an increase in the subsidy to the association, but the request was declined. One hundred and fifty-one firemen had made the supreme sacrifice in tho great fight for freedom. The deepest sympathy was expressed with the bereaved relatives. Foreman J. R. Wilson (Milton) was appointed minute secretary. Tho roll of honour showed that 1318 members had enlisted. Of these 15 were killed, 183 wounded, 107 invalided, and 2 were prisoners of war. Two received Distinguished Service Orders, three the Distinguished Conduct Medal, three the Military Cross, and 15 the Military Medal. Tho financial statement showed that the assets over liabilities amounted to £476. 19s 9d. The receipts were £1739 4s 8d (including £435 7s Id brought forward and £3OO Government subsidy). The expenditure was £l3lß 13s 7d, leaving a credit of £421 Is Id. The balance sheet and report were adopted, it being resolved that special effort be made to bring the Gilberd memorial fund to the amount required (£125). A good deal of business moetly*of interest to firemen only was transacted.