FIRE BRIGADES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3756, 9 March 1926, Page 7

FIRE BRIGADES.

UNITED ASSOCIATION. FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. The 47th annual meeting of the United Fire Brigades* Association of New Zealand wa s opened in the Central Fire Station on the Ist. The president (Superintendent C. C. Warner, of Christchurch) occupied the chair, and the following delegates were present:—Fireman W. Williamson (Auckland City), Hydrantman D. W. Little (Avondale), Secretary H. Poole (Akaroa). Lieutenant W. W. Tilley (Ashburton). Foreman W. Parlane (Alexandra), Fireman W. T. Overend (Addington Railway), Secretary C. J. Wood (Balclntha), Engineer E. R. Norgrove (Blenheim), Fireman Thoß Finnerty (Bluff), Fireman W. J. Hepburn (Christchurch City), Fireman H. Richards (Christchurch Railway), Secretary R Smith (Carterton), Foreman G. Drewe (Cambridge), Fireman P. Sweetman (Cobden)., Captain A. Tidy (Cromwell), Foreman W. Morrison (Dunedin City), Superintendent H. E. Folles (Pevonport). Fireman N. M’Kinnon (Pannevirke), Superintendent Chissell (Pargaville). Secretary D Tollan (Penniston), Superintendent A. C. Sporle (Feilding), Fireman N. Taylor (Featlierston), Deputy-superintendent. F Lockwood (Foxton), Fireman D. C. Bricknell (Greenlane), Secretary D. L. Ferguson (Gisborne), Sub-superintendent P Deere (Greyinoutli), Captain J. J. Brett l (Geraldine), Captain F. Wallis, jun. (Gore). Branchman J. Workman (Grey town). Deputy-superintendent P. Grace (Hawera). Foreman H. Price (Hastings), Treasurer C. Stubbs (Havelock North), Secretary W. D Davie (Hamilton), Captain A. ltusbatch (Hillside Railway), Fireman W. 11. Steele (Hokitika), Fireman W. Rapley (Invercargill), Secretary H. T. Meads (Invercargill Railway), Superintendent E. J. Crossmar (Inglewood), Captain R. Sinclair (Islington), Fireman C. J. Anderson (Invercargill Workshops), Secretary E. T. Mallascb (Kaiapoi), Captain W- Benyon (Knmara). Hydrantmau H. C. Hawke (Kaponga). Superintendent A. A. Jensen (Kaitangata). Secretary A. A. Young (Levin), Treasurer B. H. Jonea (Lyttelton). Deputy-supenn-dent J. J. Doran (Lower Hutt). Fireman R. H. Marshall (Lawrence), -Superintendent T J. Ramsay (Leeston), Superintendent AE. Freeman (Masterton), Foreman A- Murray (Manaia), Fireman A. F. Burt (Mount Albert), Fireman H. W. Moore (Mount Eden), Superintendent R. A. Auderson (Martou), Fireman E Lefort (Martinborough), Superintendent G. Stewart (Matn■mata), Deputy-superintendent J. R. Wilson (Milton), Fireman J Whyte (Mosgiel) Fireman D. Kelpin (Mananui), Superintendent W. E. Grigg (Morrinsville), Fireman A. Canton (Motueka), Fireman L. Ashworth) (Napier), Secretary H. E. Watts (Newmarket), Fireman It. F. Unwin (Newmarket Hailway-), Secretary H. H. Ford (New Plymouth), Foreman A. Bvoady (Northcote), Superintendent R. A. Stolte3 (New Brighton), Secretary H. M. Richardson (Nelson), Fireman Geo. Wright (Napier Railway), Captain J. Francis (Naseby), Captain T. J. Watts (proxy. Ngaruawahia), Secretary H. E. Laurence (Otorohanga), Brnnchman I) H. Hawkius (Opotik!), Superintendent C. E. Gilherd (Onehunga), Secretary O. B. Nillson (Otaki), Captain A E. Williams (proxy, Otahuhu), Foreman T. Gleutworth (F.ltliam), Foreman C. Chapman (EllersUe), Fireman D. Eagle (Eketahuna), Fireman J Ealie (Eastowu Kailway), Deputy captain R. Hull (Eastbourne), Lieutenant H. Welsh (Fairlie), Superintendent W. Couper (Oamaru), Fireman G. P. Avery (Otira Railway), Superintendent W. H Barnard (Palmerston North), Fireman 11. Q. Shard low (Petone), Captain F. A. Hepworth (Petone Railway), Deputy-superin-tendent W. 11. Adams (Pukckohe), Secretary H. T. 11. Walker (Papakura), Captain J. I’arfltt (Pieton), Captain J. Mool-e (Paeroa), Fireman Collins (Falitstua), Captain L. T. Adams (Paten), Fireman T. E. Percy (Port Cliabncrs). Superintendent L. J, Lynch (Queenstown), Secretary H. L. Musgrave (Rotorua), Fireman G. Buckley (Raetihi), Fireman H. Newport (Richmond), Fireman P. H. Prestnoy (Rangiora), Captain C. Coxoll (Roofton), Lieutenant J. J. Ableson (Ross), Fireman L. B. Davis (Stratford) Fireman C. J. Riddle (Port Ahuriri), Driver R. Clarke (Sumner). Superintendent C. W. lyler (Southbrook), Fireman M. Hoskins (Thames), Deputy-superintendent D Webb (Taurangn). Fireman A. M. R. Ripley (Takapuna), Fireman A. Hooke (Timoru), Captain 8. F. Reid (Tuihapo), Fireman 11. (To Kuiti), Fireman T Lnncv«. (T* Asoha), Fireman O R. Knowles (To Awamutu). Captain O. Chester (Te Puke), Fireman H. "R. Carr (Taumarsnui), Fireman O. H. Hancox (Temukn), Fireman G. Hutt

(Timaru Railway), Secretary R. Duff Tapanui), Foreman J. Paterson (Tamaki), Fireman J. W. Donovan (Tomoana Freezing Works), Fireman’T. P. Grotty (Wanganui), Superintendent F. W. Stamp (NVaihi), Superintendent C. H. Chissell (Whangarei). Secretary W. J. Childs (Woodville), Lieutenant Leo Williams (Westport), Fireman C. Watson (Waipawa), Superintendent J. Chambers (Waipitkurau). Fireman N. Mines (Waimate). Foreman A. Pritchard (proxy Westfield Freezing Works), Superintendent C. C. Simmer (Waitara), and Lieutenant T Morgan (Whakatane). The following officers were present ; Superintendent T. Anderson (Rotorua), Superintendent A. Garrett ('Thames), vicepresidents; Captain V. J. Watts (Newmarket), secretary; Secretary C. A. Osborn© (Onehunga), treasurer; and Superintendent A. Morrison (Hawfera), past president.

The following past-presidents were pie?ent: —Hon. H. L. Michel. M.L.C„ (Hokitika), A. Martin (Gore), J. J. Salmon (Dunedin City), R. B. Hean (Addington Railway), W. Couper (Oamaru), B. Winn (Lawrence), W. Keith (Hastings). C. Lucas (St. Kilda), A. Washer (Roslyn), and W. H- Barnard (Palmerston North), Jos. Stewart (past vice-president, Invercargill), M. Baker (Gore). Inspector Hugo was also present. WELCOME TO DELEGATES.

In extending a hearty welcome to tho delegates the President expressed the hope that they would have a very pleasant and a very instructive time. He had very much pleasure in introducing one of the oldest past presidents of the association—(the Hon. H. L. Michel). During the past year the executive had had a considerable amount of work, portion of which comprised the preparation of standing orders, which had been approved by the executive and would be submitted to the conference for adopThe Hon. Mr Michel returned thanks for the very friendly remarks made by the president with reference to himself. As an old past-president and one who had attended very regularly the first 25 annual meetings he was glad to see. the marked progress made by the association. At the first demonstration ’held in Dunedin under the auspices of the association he was one of the competitors, and they had in Dunedin that day Mr Wallace, who had been a member of the Hokitika Fire Brigade, continuously for 51 years. Mr Wallace, who was still an active member of the brigade, could still get up a ladder as quickly as any man of his age in New Zealand. Mr Michel said he was a brigade member for 37 or 38 years, but when the new legislation came into operation he relinquished the leadership and accepted tho chairmanship of the Hokitika Fire Board, so that his connection with the fire services of the country extended over half a century. It seemed to him that no man could render service of a higher standard to his fellow citizens than that of being ever readv to assist in saving lives and protecting the people. In spite of the great support which the brigades received it seemed to him that the fire losses in New Zealand were still far too high. Greater progress was being made in building' and much larger buildings were being erected, with the result that the risk of fire was much greater. Ho considered that the expenditure on fire prevention must be increased. STANDING ORDERS.

The standing orders drawn up by the executive were adopted on the motion of past-president Barnard (Palmerston North) seconded by secretary Davies (Hamilton). MINUTE SECRETARY. Deputy-superintendent J. R. Wilson (Milton) was unanimously appointed minute secretary. OFFICIAL WELCOME. The delegates were accorded an official welcome by Cr Wilson (chairman of the Dunedin Fire Board) and Mr J. 11. Walker (chairman of the local Demonstration Committee). . , , Cr Wilson, who apologised for the absenoe of the Mayor, said he was very pleased to extend a hearty welcome to the representatives of the fire brigades. ll© had no doubt that the work done at the conference would be of benefit to the fire brigades generally, and he was sure that the watchword generally was efficiency. He knew tliat the advancement in regard to fire brigade work was remarkable. The brigades needed more plant, and it was the duty of the boards to find the money. The Dunedin board’s expenditure now was five times as great as it was when the board was formed. The board did not regret that, however, because it was getting service. He knew- they were all imbued with the spirit of doing tlioir host for the bodies they served. He hoped they would have a joyful time and that they would be able to visit the Exhibition and see some of the beauty spots of Dunedin.—(Applause.) Mr Wattjer said that during nis whole experience of public life he had never found a- committee that worked so hard or so well as the Fir© Brigades’ Demonstration Committee. They had a large meeting every time, and tho committee got right

down to work. He hoped their deliberations would be of great benefit to the fire brigades and that the results would more than justify the conference. If the Demonstration Committee could do anything to further the interests of the delegates it would be delighted to do it... At a subsequent stage of the proceedings the Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P.) attended the conference, and officially welcomed the delegates. He said this was one of the largest conferences ho had had the privilege of addressing. He hoped their deliberations would be quite satisfactory. He went on to speak in highly appreciative terms of the work done by the brigades, and said he thought it was due to their efficiency that New Zealand enjoyed such a small fire loss. He thought the local bodies should do everything they could io assist the brigades. The wolcome was briefly acknowledged by the president, and cheers were given for the speakers. PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. In the course of an interesting address she President dealt with many matters iof live interest to firemen, and on the motion of Secretary C. J. Wood C. Carter (Soutlibridge), the president 0. carter (Soutlbridge), the president was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his able address, and it was decided that yt be printed in the reports. BALANCE SHEET. On the motion of Fireman Shadlow !(Petone), seconded by Superintendent Lynch (Queenstown), the balance sheet yfos adopted. CONDOLENCE. On the motion of the President, a vote of condolence with the relatives of their •omrades who had passed away during the yea wot carried, members standing silence.

EXECUTIVE S REPORT. The report of the executive contained the following clauses: Your executive regrets to record the deaths of ex-Captain S. Moir (Port Chalmers), Superintendent A. Tingey (past president), ex-Captain T. ' Beveridge (Roslyn), *ind Station-officer Joshua Henry Noblett of the Christchurch City Fire Brigade, who was killed as a result of a motor accident, whilst proceeding to a fire on June 15, 1925.

The number of brigades affiliated with the association on February 1, 1925, was 131. During the year the membership has been strengthened by the inclusion of the Leeston' and Eastbourne Brigades. The total strength of brigades now on the roll is 133.

The position of the Gold Star Fund is ffradually being improved, • and although a oss of £253 was shown for the period 1912 to 1921, that loss is being substantially reduced each year, and at present amounts to £lB4. During the year gold stars have been presented to J. Francis (Naseby), A. E. Freeman (Masterton), G. Laurie (Dun edin), P. A. Milverton (Palmerston North). E. R. Norgrove (Blenheim). Dr G. Smith (Pneroa), and J. Wilson (Hokitika). The following will receive their gold stars at this conference: —L. T. Adams (Patea), D. T. Gibson (Ashburton), 11. E. Grcathead (Eketahuna), H. Lynch (Greymouth). A. C. H. Prestney (Rangiora), J. T. Sinfling (Rangiora), and A. H. Tyler (Rangiora ana

>efton. The amount of assets over liabilities is £2200 6s Bd, as against £1952 Is 4d last year—an increase ot £248 5s 4d. The executive interviewed the Government for the purpose of getting our £l<DO subsidy restored to that a s granted in previous yean; and whilst we have pleasure in stating that our request was acceded to, it ia regretted that our railway privileges were cut down lo £1250 ia lieu of £ISOO aa formerly

granted We consider that the important work carried out by fire brigades in the interests of the community warrants al* the concessions that can be bestowed upon them, not only by the Government, but also by the local authorities, and we earnestly hope that every consideration will be given to all reasonable requests from the association and affiliated brigades with a view to increasing the efficiency of the fire service as much as possible.

During the year the advisory superintendent has carried out his onerous duties most satisfactorily to the executive, and we trust also to tho many brigades which he has visited. It is impossible for any officer to inspect the whole of the brigades belonging to the association in any one year. This fact has been recognised by the Council of Fire Underwriters, who have now extended the period of inspection for that body to two years. Some brigades have been most unreasonable in their requests for an inspection In most of these cases the executive officer is expected to travel some dayg for the purpose of inspecting one brigade only, and the finances of the asso ciation will not permit of this being done. Your executive is definitely of the opinion that, owing to the enormous amount of correspondence which the secretary and advisory superintendent has to deal with, he should bo empowered to obtain such assistance as is necessary. BRIGADES’ DEPOT. The volume of business transacted by the department in the interests of brigades affiliated shows a marked increase on pro vious years. During the past year 11,450 ft of hose has been distributed to the various brigades, also large quantities of brasswork, helmets, axes, etc. Additional work has been done by the secretary, in the cutting, coupling up and skipping of hose and appliances. We desire specially to mention the great indebtedness of the association to the Department of Internal Affairs lor ite

valued assistance in indenting hose and other equipment for the depot The total moneys received by th' Jtiristchurch Demonstration Committee was £1378 5s sd, and the expenditure amounted to £1256 8s lOd, showing a credit balance of £l2l 16s 7d. The latter was distributed in proportion to orphanages, charitable institutions, and the local brigades who worked so well to make the occasion such a success.

Several applications for subsidies have been received from sub-associations, but owing to the heavy expenditure involved in carrying out consecutive demonstrations, the executive regrets that no grants can be made either for the past or current year. In view of certain matters which arose in connection with some railway brigades, it was deemed necessary for the president and secretary to visit" Wellington. A definite understanding was arrived at with the board as to the duties and conditions of this branch of our service. We are assured that so far a? the Railway Board is concerned, the rules of the association arc to be strictly adhered to. During the year three appeals were made to brigades for assistance to the widows and orphans of deceased comrades, and one for assistance to a comrade who was the victim of a serious accident. A very gratifying response was made, and a total of £325 4s was subscribed as follows: —Hart Relief Fund, £IOO 14s; Jackson Relief Fund, £72 Is; Loveridge Relief Fund, £66 11s; Pike Relief Fund, £BS 18s (this is not yet closed). We would suggest, in cases of sickness or accident where a fireman is unable to follow his ordinary employment, that his brigade appeals to the residents in which town he resides, and if necessary organise concerts, or inaugurate other measures for his benefit. Owing to the inauguration of a new system of railway passes, it was necessary for the secretary of the association to visit Wellington for~ the purpose of getting acquainted with the position. Last year some unwarrantable liberties were taken with passes, and it has now been found necessary to endorse on the order for railway tickets an undertaking that uniforms must be worn. This will not. apply to new brigade, retired past presidents; or ol Several of the remits passed at the last conference have either been put into operaticn or are in course of drafting for submission to Parliament during its next sitting. Syrens are restricted to the use of motor fire engines only. Buses licensed to carry passengers are requirea as from April 1 next to be provided wit> rear exits More drastic penalties have been embodied in the Consolidated Fire Brigades Act for any person giving, or attempting to give, a false alarm of fire to any fire brigade. Provision is also made for passages in and exits from public buildings being kept free from obstruction, and the inspection of fire escapes by the chief officer of any fire brigade. These matters, together with the restoration of our £IOOO subsidy, must be regarded as very gratifying to delegates. The report was adopted. SUBSIDIES. In reply to a question by Fireman W. Higgins (Te Kuiti), the president stated that the subsidies to sub-associations were due in 1927. Although the balance was fairly substantial at present, it would be reduced to very small dimensions by the time the conference and the demonstrations were finished. REMITS. On the proposal of the Gore Brigade, it was decided to alter the rules so that no brigade could exercise more than one vote and one proxy at the conference. On the motion of the Palmerston North Brigade, it was decided that the association demon3tra ion competition programme Pe compiled by the executive of the association and forwarded to brigades three months piior tc the competitions. In the course of the discussion it was pointed out that at present the pro gramme was drawn up by the Demonstration Committee, and then forwarded to the executive and the Governme.it and finally returned to the Demonstration Committee. That meant that a start had to be made with the programme about nine mouths before the competitions. The following motion submitted by the Levin Brigade was agreed to: —“That a standard instruction book be compiled, to be as complete as possible in all information necessary to the service.” It was also decided that the compilation of the book be left in the hands of the executive. The Levin Brigade brought forward a proposal that the Government be approached with a view to having a telephone number standardised for fire stations. In the course of the discussion most of the speakers contended that it would be impracticable to carry such a suggestion into effect. It was decided to urge the Government to have the numbers of the telephones of all fire brigades and of all superintendents printed on the first page of telephone Books. It was decided to close tho books on November 30 each year, the object being to enable the secretary to forward copies of the balance sheet to the various brigades one month before the date of tho conferenca.

A proposal by the Hastings Brigade that the necessary steps be taken to nave the association registered under the Friendly Societies’ Act was lost by a large majority. A remit by the Hastings Brigade in favour of a delegate from each executive of sub-associations being accorded the privilege of attending conferences to confer on any subject of interest to their associations was rejected by a large majority. The Manaia Brigade proposed an alteration in the rules to permit of 12 parades per year being allowed to count tor the association’s medals. It was pointed out that several of the country brigades found it very difficult to hold 18 parades. The proposal was rejected.

A remit from Hastings urged that the association take steps to establish a depot for the benefit of brigades generally, such depot to be in a position to supply helmets, belts, axes, spanners, hose, etc., and to make arrangements for the supply of uniforms, the funds for this purpose to be borrowed from the Accident Society and the loan io be registered. In the course ' the discussion some of the speakers pointed out that such a schome would be teyond the means of the association, and the secretary mentioned that when he had fned to

get sufficient orders to warrant an indent from Home he met with a very poor response. The motion was defeated bv a large majority. A remit from Levin urging that a better scheme should be adopted to meet benevolent appeals than by subscription ists was defeated, the majority of the delegates coasidering that a better response would be made if the matter were left to the generosity of the individuals.

A proposal by the Hastings Brigade that a definito design of body be adopted for use in motor events was left n the hands of tho executive.

A motion by the Te Kuiti Brigade that at all future demonstrations provision be nude to run dry coupling events with dry gear, and that if necessary such events be run under cover thus giving all teams equal chances was lost after a division had leen taken.

The Dunedin Brigade urged that the \*>e of the 25ft ladder in all demonstration events be* abolished and that the ordinary telescopic ladder lie substituted. The tarv explained that very few of the small brigades had telescopic ladders, and he did not think any change should be made until they had them. The motion was lost.

ADVISORY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.

In )iis fourth annual report the Advisory Superintendent (Captain T. J. Watts) stated that steady progress was being male in the improvement of fire appliaucea, and a keen desire existed to raise the standard of lire prevention generally. A number of local bodies were taking much keener interest in their brigades. There was not the same keen desire on the part of the younger men to take on fire brigade duty as existed some years ago. This could be chiefly attributed to two causes—firstly, the love of pleasure, .which was the younger generation’s chief desire to-day; and secondly, the commercial trend of the world in wanting payment for any services rendered. It would be a great loss to th(S Dominion if the volunteer spirit waft allowed to die out, but on the other hand it would make some of the local bodies realise what their volunteer brigades were really worth. It had been a very heavy year, and he was away altogether 103 days. In most cases the brigades turned out for inspection, and in the others plant was inspected and officers interviewed.

He also acted as judge at the West Coast and King Country Associations’ demonstrations, in addition to numerous brigades’ local competitions.

At the request of the Railway Board he was resuming his inspection of the railway brigades, and every facility was to be accorded to him in future when making his inspections. Thsi would remove anomalies which previously existed. The work at the depot had been of a pretty heavy nature, 11,450 ft of hose from ljin to 22in having been cut and despatched to brigades, and in many cases couplings attached. A considerable amount of brasswork had also been forwarded, the total expenditure being £1214 19s lid. It should be noted that the whole of the labour had been carried out by the superintendent himself this year. The time was coming when the association would require to rent a shop or office, as quite a lot of space was now required to house the property of the association. The question of payment for depot goods required to be taken into consideration, as in some cases payment was not made for six months, and the average time was three months. Seeing that the depot was not allowed to be run for profit, and that the association was compelled to pay promptly for all goods, some better system of payment should be enforced. Several new motor reels had been installed, and new up-to-date stations had been erected or were in course of erection. In the latter case local bodies showed a desire to conform to his requirements. There was still a lot required in regard to reticulation, and it was apparently very difficult to get some local bodies to realise the necessity of adopting standard pings, valves, etc. A number of left-hand valves had been installed in various towns, and no notification ' given to the brigades. Where a brigade carried valve keys the danger of this could be well imagined, and the fireman might quite innocently cut the water off. Four-inch mains had practically been made the minimum size. One branch of our service that brigades required a great deal of education in was that of hydraulics, and something should be done by the association in this direction. Some of the members had not the remotest idea of the difference between static and running pressures. Hydrantflow gauges were very desirable, and the association should have a complete set of gauges to enable the officer to give brigades satisfactory tests. There should be no necessity to stress the subject of automatic alarms. He considered that the time had arrived for the compulsory installing of them in all public buildings, hotels, boarding-houses, warehouses, and'factories. . . Considerable diversity of opinion existed over the regulations drawn up governing the storage of dangerous goods and picture theatres, and he was continually being asked to interpret them. I his work should be included in the department of which Inspector Hugo had control, or failing this, before regulations were drawn up in future, these questions should be submitted to the executive of the association. The report was adopted, and it # was decided that it be printed in the official report of the proceedings. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE. ADDRESS BY INSPECTOR HUGO. The meeting was concluded at the Central Fire Station on Tuesday. The president (Superintendent C. C. Warner, of Christchurch) occupied the chair, and there was piactieully a full attendance of delegates. EXECUTIVE. The following were* elected to the executive for the ensuing year:— President, Superintendent T. Anderson (Rotorua); vice-presidents, Superintendent A. Garrett (Thames), and Superintendent A. E. Ireenian (Masterton); treasurer, See. 0. A. Osborne (Onehungn). NEXT CONFERENCE. Invitations were received from Gisborne, Haw era, and Te Kuiti in connection with the holding of tho next conference. These will be submitted to a vote of tho brigades, and an announcement will be made in due course. _ EXEMPTION FROM DRILL. Tho secretary (Captain Watts) referred to the question of securing exemption from

drill for volunteer firemen. He would like to see representations made to the authorities with the object of securing exemption in case 8 where the military camps clashed with the association’s conference. It was decided that the executive should interview the Defence Department with a view to getting exemption from drill for members of fire brigades who wished to attend conference and demonstration proceedings. PAYMENT FOR WATCHING FIRES. It wa9 decided that the executive should take up with the Underwriters’ Association the question of increasing the payment for men engaged in watching fires after the departure of the brigade, the present remuneration being regarded as insufficiently attractive PRESENTATION OF GOLD STARS Inspector Hugo presented gold stars (representing 26 years’ service) to D. T. Gibson (Ashburton), A. H. Tyler (Christchurch City, Rangiora, and Reefton), A. C. H. Prestney (Rangiora). J. T. Skilling (Rangiora). H. Lynch (Greymouth), G. Laurie 'Dunedin), and L. T. Adams (Patea) AUDITOR. On the motion of Deputy-Superintendent Wilson Mr Fraser was re-appointed auditor SUPERINTENDENT WARNER HONOURED. It was decided to extend .hearty congratulations to Superintendent Warner on his admission as a member of the British Fire Engineers’ Association. On the motion of Past-president Morrison, Superintendent Warner was elected a life honorary member of the association. ADDRESS BY INSPECTOR HUGO In the course of an interesting address Inspector Hugo referred to several matters of importance to members of fire brigades. He said he wished first of all to refer lo some matters which he had brought under their notice at previous conferences .n rase he was not sufficiently impressive at the time. He had bad no reason to comma; a in recent years of the personal :tlention given to his addresses—quite the coat.aiv but while the practical results had been fairly wide-reaching they nad 10' Ven so to the extent that he had hoped for. Unfortunately in the past some delegates had seemed to forget what had taken place immediately they left the conference hall, or they did not consider the matter of sufficient importance to make any report at «-U on their return to the brigade they represented. Hb believed that phase was passing and that of late delegates had taken more practical interest in the proceedings at conference. He was going to say a few words on that ever-green subject of histhe great loss by fire that prevailed in New Zealand. In the issue of the journal “Fire” in September, 1926, there was an editorial article, with the heading “Britain is Burning” in large type. That article stated “The first seven months of the year have been marked by an estimated fire loss in Great Britain and Ireland of nearly £6.000.000. The loss, of course, is considerably greater. There is the displacement of wage-earners and the unfulfilled business contracts to be considered.” The loss in Great Britain and Ireland for 12 months on the same ratio would amount to £10,285.716, or approximately 4s 4d per head of population, while the estimated fire loss in New Zealand for the corresponding 12 months .was £1,150,000, or approximately 17s per capita— nearly fqur times the amount lost in Great Britain. While the Mayor was addressing them the previous morning it had struck him (Inspector Hugo) that although the huge fire loss in New Zealand was frequently referred to in print and otherwise the m-ain factor in that loss was seldom mentioned. As a consequence many people might ascribe it to the inefficiency of the fire brigades, but he wished to state emphatically that the true factor in that loss was the abnormally excessive number of outbreaks of fire which occurred in this small country The majority of these outbreaks could easily be prevented. Many of them were due to sheer carelessness, and but for the general efficiency of the brigades the loss would be very much greater—even disastrous. The article in Fire continued as follows: —“Can any nation afford this continual drag on its resources? No one is so foolish as to assume that a stage of civilised life can be reached in which there will be no outbreak of fire, but none will deny that by increased fire protection in the form of core and better organisation, a paid personnel, and more modern appliances, the fire loss would be materially reduced. The startling feature of it all is that none of the members of the Government seems to recognise the great wastage caused by uncontrolled fires. There must be a general awakening. The question of over-insurance, too. must be considered, and last, hut not least, legislation on fire inquests.” Both question and arguments applied to New Zealand in their entirety, and with greater force in view of the very much higher proportion of loss. Could the nation allow this continual drag on its resources? That was a question which he had been asking in New Zealand for years past, and judging from the apathy of the public in general towards thus burning question it would appear that they thought it could. The most essential factor in the reduction of the national file loss was a better and more general education of school children, the publio generally, and fire officers in particular in the knowledge of fire prevention. Ho had repeatedly brought this subject before conferences, citing what had been done in other countries in thoir effort? to reduce the huge fire losses, hut he was afraid the result had been small. The President of the United States issued a proclamation on September 20, in which he said:— “The time has arrived for the annual re-survey of the nation’s enormous wastage, aliko in human life and property and for the annual appeal for the lessening of this huge loss. The waste results from conditions which justify a sense of Rhame and horror and whioh ought to have been prevented. For the most recent comparable period the fire losses in Great Britain are calculated at not less than one dollar nor capita per annum, whilst those of the United States are placed at approximately five dollars per capita. Comparison? with other European countries are similarly to our discredit. Therefore, I recommend that the week beginning on Sunday, October 4, bo observed ns a na tional fire prevention week. To the city and municipal officials civic organisations, school authorities. and all citizens /md organised bodies, I appeal for the fullest co-operation in improving the conditions." In view of the fire loss conditions obtaining in NoW Zealand and the urgent need for some suoli step, why was a similar week not inaugurated in this Dominion? Tho *pei<kbr went on to suggest, And stronger recommend; the formation of a professiofiaf ftre officers’ association in New Zealand on

the same lines as that which had been functioning in Melbourne for some time. They had at present some 10 professional or semi-professional brigades, ana the number was increasing yearly. He would suggest that membership be open to those chie* officers of volunteer brigades who took sufficient interest in fire prevention to apply for membership. More than once in recent years a request had been made to the department that the inspeotor of fire brigades should compile a manual of instruction for the U6e of brigades. The answer had been that the inspector had not sufficient time at his disposal, whether or not he would have an opportunity later he could not say. but in tne meantime he would commend to the attention of fire brigade officers a manual of instruction issued by the National Fire Brigades Union The speaker went on to refer to the dangers allied to electricity and to the carelessness of people in connection with the use of the current in the home. He also emphasised the value of the work done in the pjast by the fire police in assisting the brigades He pointed out, however, that sucK a body must have the confidence and respect of the public. It could render an immense amoimt of assistance both before and after the arrival of a brigade. On the motion of Superintendent Warner, seconded by Superintendent Anderson, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded' Inspector Hugo for his interesting address. After the newly-elected officers had boon irstalled votes of thanks were accorded the retiring officers, Inspector Hugo, and the press.