UNITED FIRE BRIGADES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12396, 4 March 1911, Page 3

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES.

(Per Press Association.) HOKITIKA, last night. The thirty -second annual meeting of the United Fire Brigades Association was opened at the Town Hall, Hokitika. this morning. Mr J. G. Gilberd, «t* Napier, presided over a hundred delefates. Inspector Hugo was also present, 'he President welcomed the delegates, referring feelingly to tho three past presidents, Messrs Henry Wit ford (Wellington), who was the first president, Amos (Timaru) and Lucas (Napiei^), who had passed, away during the 'past year. He hoped their deliberations would result in the advancement bf the service. The executive report was most satisfactory, and the balance-sheet showed that the assets over liabilities had risen from £537 to £780. During the- year four brigades had joined, and the total number now was 45. Accident societies connected with the Association had paid out'" £131 in claims, but still there was a small profit of £138. The total funds now amounted' to £1662. The Mayor of Hokitika, Mr Michel, welcomed the delegates on behalf •of the citizens. The election of officers resulted as follows :— Mr Boyes (Nelson), president ; Mr Leaver (Westport) and Mr Salmon (Dunedin), vice-presidents * Mr Watts (Newmarket), secretary; Mr Sprigging (Wanganui, treasurer. After the conference closed the delegates were entertained at. dinner bv the citizens, with the Mayor of Hokitika in the chair. •.■■'.. The competitions start to-morrow, and every event will be keenly contested.