U.F.B.A.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 74, 25 February 1918, Page 2

U.F.B.A.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT TAURANCA. er Press Association Taurai'ga, February 25. One hundred and ten delegates from all parts of the Dominion arc assembled here at the thirtieth annual conference of the United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand. Yesterday the men attended church parade, and in the afternoon were entertained by'the citizens at Mount Mangonui. On Saturday evening the visitors were entertained at a “smoker” by the local brigade. This morning the conference opened at nine o’clock. The President (R. P. Hean, Addington Workshops), in his opening address, welcomed the delegates, and expressed pleasure at meeting the delegates from Westfield, Whangarei, Woodhaugh, Woolston, and West who had joined during the year. The executive had approached the Government during the year for an increase in subsidy to the Association, but the request was declined. Fifteen firemen had made the supreme sacrifice in the great fight for Freedom, and the deepest sympathy was expressed with the bereaved relatives. Fireman J. R. Wilson (Milton) was appointed minute-secretary, and after the calling of the roll, the meeting adjourned for five minutes out of respect to the memory of their comrades who had fallen in action. The roll of honour showed that 1318 members had enlisted, 15 were killed, 183 wounded, 107 invalided, and there were two prisoners of war. Of distinguished service orders there were two, distinguished conduct medals three, military cross three, and military medals fifteen. The annual reports showed assets over liabilities £476 19s 9d, The balance sheet showed" receipts £1739 4s 7d, inducing £435 7s Id brought forward, and £3OO Government subsidy, expenditure £l3lß 13s 7d, leaving a credit of £421 Is Id.