FIRE BRIGADES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 46, 26 February 1935, Page 6

FIRE BRIGADES

CONFERENCE AT BLENHEIM GOVERNMENT CRITICISED I Per Frses Aaeoelatloß. ) BLENHEIM, Feb. 25Over 400 firemen representing 120 brigades are iu Blenheim for lire annual conference of the United Fue Brigades’ Association, with which is associated the first demonstration held since 1929. The conference opened this morning, when delegates were accorded a civic welcome by the Mayor (Mr. McKenzie). The executive’s annual report expressed disappointment at the Government failure to accede to requests for a substantial graut towards the cost of the conference and demonstration, and stated that the letter received on the subject from the Kt. Hou. G. W. Forbes revealed a great lack of knowledge of the true position. The cost of the gathering tc the association is £2OOO, and the value of the demonstration to the younger brigades cannot be estimated, but the association would not have undertaken it .had it not anticipated that the Governwould at least have granted full privileges on the railways. The services rendered to the Government in this last three months in lighting grass fires caused by railway engines should be sufficient in.themselves to have warranted proper recognition in some xorm. The report states that the total membership is 144 brigades. Jhe balance of assets oxer liabilities is £3574 13s lid, a decrease of £4 17s 2d. It has to be remembered that the cost of this year’s conference and demonstra 1 lions has to be met, and that our finances will be severely strained to meet the same. The executive considered during the year the question of a suitable superannuation. scheme for firemen, but although the opinions of prominent actuaries were obtained, no sound scheme was found practicable. The report paid a warm tribute to the work of the advisory superintendent of the Fire Brigade Officers’ and Members’ Institute. Regret was expressed that owing to ihe clashing of dates the invitation to send a New Zealand team to the Baliarat demonstration had to be declined, but it is hoped to resume the interchange of visits in the near future. The annual report was adopted. Conference went into committee to consider plans for pressing for restoration of the Government grant, and the matter was ultimately left in the hands of the executive. The executive of the accident assurance society reported that 110 brigades were now members. The total accumulated funds of the society were £2750, an increase of £46 during ihe year. Accident claims during the vear were £230 10s. " An Alexandra remit that the election of president be by ballot was defeated.

A Gisborne proposal that the association and the Accident Society be controlled by one group of officers was withdrawn, being unconstitutional. Ohakune moved that provision be made to compensate volunteer brigadesmen for damage to private clothing at fires. Uutimately the matter was referred to the executive. Petone moved that any district association holding a demonstration in any vear when the main association was not holding a demonstration be granted at least £35. This was defeared. , A further Gisborne remit that tne Government be asked to legislate in the direction of prohibiting the use of pinus insignis as building material, owing to its inflammable nature, aroused discussion, delegates pointing out that the proposal would kill an industry. It was ultimately moved to amend the remit to read, ‘'That it be a recommendation that pinus insignis be not used for building,” and this was carried.