FIRE BRIGADES’ DEMONSTRATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1557, 24 February 1887, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADES’ DEMONSTRATION.

The annual conference of the Fire Biigades ot the colony was held at Dunedin on Tuesday morning. Twentyfour brigades were represented, and about thirty delegates were present. The report showed that six brigades had joined the Association during the year, making a total of thirty-eight brigades now in the Association. The balance-sheet showed that the receipts for the year had been £559 3s Id, and the expenditure £447 6s 2d, leaving a balance of £lll 16s lid. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. A Committee was appointed to bring up a report on necessary alterations in the rules. A letter was read from exCaptain King, acknowledging a cheque for £IOO subscribed, A paper on the duties of firemen was read by Captain Page, of Wellington, A discussion took place regarding capitation allowance, and a resolution was passed that a Bill similar to that passed in Victoria and New South Wales should be introduced. Some discussion took place regarding gear for the demonstration, Captain Milton, of Hokitika, complaining th*t some brigades bad no chance against the light hydrants of Dunedin and other brigades. It was stated that those provided with light hydrants would lend them to others, and the matter dropped. The torchlight procession and display of fireworks heid m connection with the Fire Brigades’ demonstration was most successful.

The weather was cold and threatening for the Fire Brigade Demonstration on Tuesday, in the ladder practice for one man eighteen brigades competed. The best times were made by Corfe (New Plymouth), 15secs; Hatterall (Napier), 15 l-Ssecs, The hose practice resulted as follows: —Spit, 48 l-sth secs, 1; South Dunedin, 50 secs, 2 ; Dunedin, 54 l-sth secs., 3. The engine practice resulted as follows; —Spit, 46 l-sth secs (including 4 secs penalty), 1; Dunedin, 48| secs (including 6 secs penalty), 2 ; Rangiora, 49 secs, 3. Temuka, SOsecs, was 13th.