FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

MEETING AT GISBORNE. ' GISBORNE, February 28. At the Fire Brigades’ Conference, following the executive’s recommendation, it was -decided not to admit fire police to the association, Wellington’s application to this effect being rejected. - ’ Remits were dealt, with as follows . . Gisborne.—That tile arrangement between the Underwriters’ Assurance and the United Fire Brigades Association be revised in regard to 'the conditions of the payment ol salvage rates of pay.—Carried. Dannevirke. —That each sub-association have the right . to. {decide the number of teams to compfete' at district 'demonstrations. —Rejected. , Dunedin. —That at all future demonstrations extension ladders be used in preiference' to 25ft. ladders. —Rejected. Taf-Kuiti. —That in future demonstrations provision be made, to run dry coupling q\ents with dry\'|fea.r, and, if’ necessary, •tlibse events bo run under cover, this riving all teams equal chances.—Rejected-; Onehunga.—Thgt the captain of a team -ishall “have-the fi&hfe. jto immediate' appeal, <vhere, in his opinion, an examiner is compelling a team to place gear in a manner contrary to the printed conditions, or in any way varying .. the conditions set out in the draft programme.—Carried. Te Kuiti: That trophies be allotted to teams winning -rescue events at demonstrations, and that half the prize money in the event be ■ used for trophies.—Rejected. :.i ' r New Brighton:, That the presidents of provincial associations be granted free passes to a W.F.A.B. Conference.—Withdrawn. Cambridge: That examiners be instructed to examine all gear in the coiled events on placing the mark instead of at the plug.—Adopted.. Avondale: That advantage be taken where wireless stations are established to broadcast occasional lectures on fire , prevention.—Carried, with the addition ’ that the addresses be first submitted to ' the executive. Hawera: That the retiring president be not eligible for re-election.—Rejected,. Past President Warner (Christchurch) read a paper on the electrical heating of motors in cold weather, calling attention to a device by which machines could be started instantly, .and which he installed on the Christchurch engines. The device was simplicity itself and cost only £126, —£ls for the conduit wiring and installation on the engine. The delegates were the guests of the Citizens’ Committee at a cabaret this evening, when there was a very large at- ■ tendance.

CONCLUDING DAY’S BUSINESS. , ‘ GISBORNE, March 1. “The executive would point out that, with the ever-increasing number of motor reels being introduced into the service, and the enormous amount of motor traffic generally, accident hazards naturally are becoming greater, and it behoves all brigades to exercise the greatest at all times to safeguard the welfare of members.” This statement prefaced the report of the ■Accident Society of the Fire Brigades’ As" sociation, which pointed out that the heavy increase in accident claims last year- re- . suited ‘in the credit balance bqjng reduced by £B7 . J . A remit uiging increasing the accident benefits to £3 a week .was defeated, it being pointed out that the alteration was unwise? in view of the increased risks due to the advent of the motor.' ’ The conference was ’concluded this -afternoon. The executive was instructed, to call for applications for the next conference and demonstration. The proposal that a description of the standard uniform and badges of rank be put into print for the guidance of brigades was adopted. . The draft of the standard drill was submitted by the executive and copies were handed to the members, who were instructed to submit . recommendations amendment by May .31, it being stated that the' executive held .the right to adopt or, reject the suggestions. After discussion the draft was referred .back to the executive to await suggestions from the brigades before consideration,. ; .. Papers were read by the vice-president,-~Mr, .Garrett; on - hydraulics, .by Vice-presi-dent Freeman ,qn discipline, and President Anderson on fireproof buildings.

Officers were elected for the ensuing year as follows:—President, Supt. Garrett (Thames); vice-president—Supts. A.'Freeman (Masterton) and C. E. Gilbert (Onehunga) ; treasurer. C. A. Osborne (Qpehunga); auditor, P. R. Fraser (Auckland). Five medals for 25 years’ service, the highest honour attainable, were presented to the -following’:—Supt. Chissel (Whangarei), Dept. Sunt. M‘Kendry (Westport), Dept. Supt; Thomson (Timaru), Secretary Eccles (Wharigarei), and Branehman Thompson (Rangiora).