CONFERENCE OF FIRE BRIGADES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 136, 26 February 1918, Page 8

CONFERENCE OF FIRE BRIGADES

BASIS OF CONTRIBUTIONS THE CONSTITUTION OF FIRE BOARDS By Telcirraph.-l'rcEß Association. Tauranga, February 25. One hundred and ton delegates from all parts of the Dominion have assembled here for the annual conference of the United Fire Brigades' Association, of New Zealand. 'Die men reached here on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday by motor-cars from Waihi, the last arriving about 9 o'clock on Saturday. Yesterday the men attended a' 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 9 o'clock. The president (Mr. R. P. Hean, of the Addington Workshops), in his opening address, welcomed the delegates, and expressed pleasure at meeting them, especially the delegates from the Westfield awl AVhangavei Freezing Works and Woodliaugh and Woolston, who joined during the year. The executive had approached the Government during the year for an increase of the subsidy to the association, but the request had. been declined. One hundred and. fifty-one firemen had made the supreme sacrifice in the great fight for freedom, and deepest sympathy _ was expressed •with the bereaved relatives. Forman J. E. Wilson (Milton) was appointed minute secretary. After the 'calling of the _ roll, thei meeting adjourned for five minutes out. of respect to the memory of comrades who had fallen in action. The roll of honour showed 1318 members enlisted, 15 killed, 183 wounded. 107 invalided, two prisoners of war, two winners of. Distinguished Service Orders,three Distinguished Conduct Medals, three iMilitary Crosses, 15 Military Medals.

The thirty-ninth annual report of tho executive showed assets over liabilities 19s. 9d. The balancesheet showed receipts £1739 14s. Bd. (including £435 7s. Id. brought _ forward and £300 Government subsidy), expenditure £1318 13s. 7d., leaving a credit of £421 Is. Id.

The balance-sheet and report, were adopted. . It was resolved that a special effort be made to bring the Gilberd Memorial Fund to the amount required, £125 ' , , X, ' Inspector Hugo conveyed to the conference the regret of the Minister ofInternal Affairs that he was unable, to be present. He also conveyed to the conference an intimation from the Minister that no additional financial assistance could bo granted while tha war lasted. A long discussion ensued on a motion:—"That with a view to all brigades receiving their just dues from the insurance companies and with the object of thoroughly equipping all. brigades, amendments be made to the. Firo Brigades Act, 1908, and that theprinciple that insurance companies con-, tribute their share to the upkeep'ot all brigades be affirmed by the conference as fair and equitable. —The motion was carried on the voices. Following the passing of a resolution affirming the principle that insurance companies should contribute to the upkeep of all brigades, whether under fire boards or not, the conference passed resolutions:— (1) That the Fire Brigades Act lie amended to provide that the constitution of fire boards be one representative each from the Government, the. local governing body, the insurance companies, and one to be elected bv the fire brigade. (2) Contributions to the upkeep of volunteer brigades to be based on the capital value, provision to be made for unimproved value ratings, and that all brigades outside tho present Act to receive the benefits of the amended Act. , ,' (3) Contributions to be equal third, shares by tli6. Government, the local governing body, and the insurance companies. (4) The payments of contributions to be subject to a certificate of proficiency issued by the Government Fire Inspector. (5) All contributions io be assessed and paid to the brigades through thu board secretary.

(6) Ordinary dues by the association to be a legitimate charge in the annual assessment for maintenance of brigades,, and provision to be made in the estix mates to provide means of recreation for members of brigades, and for the payment of expenses of members of brigades attending any demonstration or conference of the association. (7) On the formation of a board in a district where the plant is owned by a brigade, valuation to he mado\and made a charge upon the board, the money to be paid into a separate ac r count controlled by the brigade, such moneys to be expended for the benefit of the brigade. Where the local body "owns the plant, the same steps to bo taken as provided in the present Act. (8) Appointment of chief and second officers to bo subject to the approval, of the board. A majority of the board may, for the good of the cause, determine any such apopintment, provided any technical disputes may be inquired into by the Government inspecting officer.

(9) In cases of disputes on technical matters between a board and officers, or any disputes as to the efficiency of a brigade, the matter may be inquired into by the Government inspecting officer, who shall report to the Minister, whose decision shall be final. (10) Estimates for the year to be submitted to tho Minister for approval before coming into force, such estimates to include all capital expenditure or loans for that purpose. (11) Authority to be given to make by-laws for the government of brigades. (12) Failing the Fire Brigades Act not being amended as outlined, tho Government be asked to amend the Municipal Corporations and Counties Acts with a view to compelling insurance companies to contribute to the support of all brigades. The conference also passed the following resolutions: — By the Eangiora Brigade—"That tho Municipal Corporations and Counties Acts be amended, giving the chief officer of a brigade the same power as exercised at present under those Acts by tho inspector of buildings."

By the" Hastings Brigade—"That oxygon and ammonia cylinders ho classed as dangerous goods, and users lie compelled to notify brigades of their positions on premises." Various increases in the cost of goods supplied hv the association were agreed to.

A. motion by the Akaroa Brigade that conferences or demonstrations be held at the middle or end of March was defeated, and also a motion by the Wangnnui Brigade that representations he made to the Government for exemption of nil active firemen in the Dominion from military service.

The conference resumes at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.