FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 69

FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

REDUCTIONS IN SUBSIDIES. NEW PLYMOUTH, February 27. The forty-ninth annual meeting of the Fire Brigades’ Association opened this morning, Superintendent A. Garrett (Thames) presiding over an attendance of 100 delegates from all parts of the Dominion. After the president’s opening address a civic reception was accorded the conference by the Mayor (Mr Griffiths)-, Mr C. E. Bellringer, M.P., and Mr Wyatt, chairman of the Fire Board. The conference then proceeded to and after a brief discussion adopted the report and balance sheet. The reduction of its subsidies to fire brigades by the Government was the subject of much discussion, and it was decided to approach the Government for more liberal treatment. Speakers told how thousands of pounds’ worth of Government property had been saved, and in return it was thought that the State should assist the association in its conference, demonstration, and travelling expenses. Remits covering these matters were carried. Another remit recommended education boards to include in the school curriculum provision for fire drill in public and private schools. February 29. At the concluding session of the Conference of the Fire Brigades’ Association to-day the following officers -were elected: President, Superintendent A. E. Freeman (Masterton); vice-presidents — Superintendent G. E. Gilbert (Onehunga) and Deputy-superintendent P. .Deere (Greymouth) ; treasurer, Secretary C. A. Osborne (Onehunga); secretary, Captain T. J. Watts (Newmarket); auditor, Mr P. R. Fraser (Newmarket). The retiring president (Superintendent Garrett, Thames) and Mr C. E. Bellringer, M.P., a past president, were elected life members of the association. The position of secretary was made a permanent one.