UNITED FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11473, 27 February 1918, Page 4

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES’ CONFERENCE.

£Por Press Association.} Wellington, Feb. 2G. In connection with the Tauranga Fire Brigades' Conference, last night the United Fire Brigade Accident Assurance Society held its 30th annual meeting, the president. Superintendent Grubb, Stratford, presiding. The annual report showed a decrease during the year of the amount paid for accident claims. Six brigades with a membership of 70 affiliated during the year, and three brigades withdrew. The membership at the close of the year was 103 brigades, with 1533 members. Contributions amounted to £IBO 19s lid, and payments for accident claims to £97 15s, a decrease of £l-12 on the amount , paid last year. The report and balance stieet was adopted. A motion moved by the Executive was carried tint during the war and as long after ms the Executive thinks fit, in districts with a limited supply of doctors, medical certificates signed by the matrons of hospitals will he accepted, the brigade concerned to satisfy the Executive that no doctor was 'available at the time. A motion moved by the Executive was rejected that in view of the number of accidents since the system of motor reels came into force, and with a viejy to protecting the members of the Society against unnecessary risks, the Government be asked' to set a speed limit for ail lire motors, such speed to ha agreed on between the Government Fire Inspector and the representatives of the Society. The secretary explained that the object of the Executive was achieved in bringing under the notice of delegates the danger men on motor reels were running.

The election of officers resulted; President, Captain Gre Ahead, Eketahuna; vice-presidents, Captain Moore, Paoru; and Superintendent Canton,' Taumarunui; treasurer, Superintendent Osborne, Ouehunsra; secretary, Captain Wat is, 11 owm ark ot.

This morning the mein conference resumed at 9 o’check to consider various suggested amendments in competition conditions. During the morning the members of the Tauranga Fire Board visited the Conference, and Inspector Hugo delivered a ionvthy address ou various matters of interest to firemen. Tins evening the delegates will be entertained at a moonlight excursion. The Fire Brigade Conference concluded, this afternoon. Invitations for the nest conference were re : curved from Hastings, Levin, Invercargill and Lyttelton. The selection is to be. unis by the brigades.

Tiie election ot officers resulted: — President Doputy-Supt. Keith, Oamaru: vice president Superintendent Goodwin. AKaroa: treasurer, C. A. Osborn, Onehunga: secretary, Captain Watts. Now marked'.

A resolution was passed urging the Government not to agree to hand back the islands in the Pacific to Germany ami that aliens in the Dominion be employed on useful work. .

The retiring president, Superintendent Bean, Addington Railway, was elected a life honorary member. The delegates are to bo taken to several outings to-morrow and a banquet in the evening. Most of them leave ou Thursday