THE FIRE FIGHTERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18200, 26 February 1929, Page 13

THE FIRE FIGHTERS.

CONFERENCE _AT HOKITIKA. B, A..0c1.110n, HOKITIKA, February 25. lhe fiftieeli uomerence oi tne New ZeUaud Limed JDre Lr.gaues’ Association opened tins mol ning. Visiting otneers, delegates and competing teams tor the competitions arrived on Saturday night by special train. , ~ , A church parade was held yesterday, in ideal weather, when 408 lirenieii, headed by the Municipal Band, maiched to the respective churches. The bearing oi the men on parade was specially remarked upon. The sight was a ” inspiring one, the streets being lined with spectators. in the afternoon the executive officers and ladies’ parties, numbering 120, motored to Lake Kanieri, and had an enjoyable outing at the popular scenic resort, where they were entertained at a Iter noon tea. The local band rendered a sacred programme of music on Cass Square in the presence of several hundred people. The present is the jubilee conference of the Association, anti the attendance is a record in the history of the organisation, 130 brigades being directly represented, and a large number or past officers are present. The Town Hall, where the conference is held, is crowded for the occasion. At 11 o'clock the Mayor (Mr Perrygave the visitors a civic welcome, other speakers including Mr J. O’Brien, M.P.. the Hon. H. L. Michel, and the chairman of the Fire Board.

A public luncheon was tendered the delegates at 1 p.m., and to-night there will be a display c-f fireworks on Cass Square,, when all the firemen will be entertained at supper.

The conference will be continued tomorrow. and on Wednesday there will be a public picnic to Lake Mahinapua. The competitions will be field on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On this orcas on the conditions ol events have been modernised. and special interest centres in the competition. Mr T. T. Hugo, representing the Government Department, is mesent. a™! expressed great satisfaction at the inspiring turn out. and the bearing ui the men for parade yesterday. The Executive report states that 14U brigades are affiliated to the Association. The balance sheet states that the assets over liabilities are £2 274 4s 4d. Four gold stars for 25 years’ continuous service, will be presented at the conference. Appreciation was expressed for +Lp grant and allowance made to the As-so-’at on bv the Government. The Fire Brigade’s Conference was continued in the afternoon, various reports and papers being read and several remits were dealt with. An Oamarti remit abolishing all dressing events, except the one man event, was agreed to A Stratford remit- for a benzine tin to bo used instead of a drop shutter disc was agreed to. Invitations for the- 1930 conference were received from Oamaru. Whangarei and Gore Brigades. The location will be decided by ballot later in the year. The conference adjourned at 4 p.m. till next morning. A meeting of the U.F.B. Accident Society was then held the past President, Mr Deere, presiding. The annual report showed the roll number to be 114 Brigades, the same as last year, and the membership, 1827 —an increase of 22. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £23o2—an increase of £l2O. A remit to admit fire police corps to the Society was lost. The election of officers resulted President, Superintendent Tyler (Rangiora); vice-presidents. Superintendent Folla-s (Devonport), and Superintendent Mclntosh (Hakitika); treasurer. Osborne ; and secretary, Watts (Newmarket'

To-night a. fireworks display is hein held, after which the visitors will b entertained at supper.