FIRE BRIGADES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10092, 4 March 1911, Page 7

FIRE BRIGADES.

ASSOCIATION MEETING AT HOKITIKA. [Per Press Association.] - HOKITIKA, March 4. The thirty-second annual meeting of the United Fire .Brigades' Association was opened in the Town Hall, Hokitika, yesterday, Mr J. G. Gilberd (Napier) presiding over one hundred delegates. Inspector Hugo was also present. The president welcomed the delegates, referring feelingly to three past presidents, Mr AVhiteford (Wellington), who was the first president, Mr Amos (Timaru) and Mr Lucas (Napier), who had passed away during the past year. He hoped the deliberations would result in the advancement of the service.

The executive's report was most satisfactory. The balance-sheet showed that the balance of assets over liabilities had risen from £537 to £7BO. During the, year two fire brigades had joined, and the total number affiliated with the Association was now 115. The Accident Society connected with the Association had paid out £l3l in claims, and there was still a small pro Et of £l3B. The total funds now amounted to £1662.

The Mayor of Hokitika (Mr Michel) welcomed the delegates on behalf of the citizens. Reviewing the growth of the Association from the second demonstration in 1880, he said that only five brigades were present of over eighty, brigades taking part in the demonstration, and 104 brigades at the Conference. The speaker paid a tribute to the excellent work done by the various Fire Boards, mentioning £I7OO spent by the Hokitika Board on new plant and buildings. The Greymoiith remit that the secretary's term of office should be three years was carried. The Onehunga remit that members of the executive must bo bona fide members of a brigade was withdrawn. The Pahfatua remit that a levy should bo made on each brigade for the purpose of helping disabled firemen, their wives and families was referred to the committee to report, and also a committee was set up to report on and consider what amendments should be made in the Fir© Brigades Aot so as to better the fire brigade service of the dominion. Amongst other committees set up was one to interview the superintendent of tho Christchurch Brigade and endeavour to induce him to reconsider his decision and rejoin the Association. Invitations for the next Conference were received from Picton, Palmerston North and Rotorua, and these were referred to the various brigades • for decision. The election of officers resulted as under :—President, Mr Boycs (Nelson) ; vice-presidents, Messrs Leaver (Westport) and Salmon (Dunedin); secretary, Mr Watts'(Newmarket); treasurer, Mr Spriggins (Wanganui). After the Conference closed the delegates were entertained at dinner by the citizens, the Mayor of Hokitika being in the chair. During the function the Mayor presented past president Gilberd with a handsomely-bound autograph album of the various firemen in the dominion. The Mayor also referred to- Mr Gilberd's thirty-three years' service, twenty-four of which had been as secretary. THE ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION. [Peb Press Association.] HOKITIKA, March 4. The fire brigades' demonstration was commenced in Cass Square this morning in perfect weather. There is a large* attendance.