CONFERENCE OF FIRE BRIGADES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 137, 27 February 1918, Page 4

CONFERENCE OF FIRE BRIGADES

ACCIDENT ASSURANCE SOCIETY

COMPETITION CONDITIONS

By I'docraph.—l're'se Association. Tauranga, February 26. At the Fire Brigades' Cuni'oreiico last niglit the United Fire Brigado Accident Assurance Society held its twenty-sixth annual meeting, tho preskbnt, (Superintendent Grubb, of &tratrord) presiding. Tho annual report showed there had been a decrease during the year in the amount paid for accident claims. Six brigades, with a membership of seventy, had affiliated during tho year, and thice brigades withdrew from membership. At the close of the year there were 102 brigades, and 1532 members. The contributions amounted to £180 IDs. lid., and the payments for accident claims to £97 los., a decrease of £142 on the amo-.mt paid hist year. The report and balauce-slicet were adopted. A motion by the executive was carried:—"That durng the war and as long after as the executive thinks lit, in districts with a limited supply of doctors, medical certificates signed by matrons of hospitals will be accepted, the brigade concerned to satisfy the executive that no doctor is available at the time."

A motion by the executive was rejected :—"That, in view of the number of accidents sinco the system of motor reels camo into force, and with a view to protecting members of tho society from unnecessary risks, the Government bo asked to s>it a speed limit for all fire motors, such speed to be agreed on between the Government Fire Inspector and the representative of the socioty." Tho secretary explained that the ohject of tho executive had been achieved in bringing under the notice of delegates the danger men on motor reels were

running. The election of officers resulted:— President, Captain Greathead, Eketalrana; vice-presidents, Captain Moore (Paeroa), and Superintendent Canton (Tanmarunui); treasurer and secretary, Mr. Gisborne, Onehunga; secretary, Captain Watts, Newmarket. This morning the main conference resumed at 9 o'clock, to consider various suggested amendments to the competition conditions. \ During the morning members of the Tauranga Fire .Board visited the conference, and Inspector Hugo delivered a lengthy address on various matters of interest to firemen. This evening the delegates are to be enturtained at a moonlight excursion. The conference continued the consideration of rules affecting competitions this afternoon, &nd passed several further amendments.

A special committee iccommended the executive to consider discs submitted' and report as to their relative merits for competition purposes. Invitations for the next conference were received from luvercargill, Levin, Hastings, and Lytteltou. In Accordance with the rules the brigades will be asked to vote for the locality.

A resolution was passed that during the war and until the executive consider the finances admit, no invitation bo accepted from any town off the main railways or branches thereof. A motion that a demonstration he held next year was defeated.

A resolution was passed recommending the executive to consider the question of classifying brigades and report to next conference. ,

A resolution was passed that the conference respectfully request the' Government on no account"t6 l agree"to'any proposal whereby the islands in the Pacific he handed back to the Germans, and that\tho Government be asked to employ all aliens in New Zealand on useful work.

It was also resolved that the Government be asked to print and circulate to brigades the address delivered by Inspector Huso at the morning session.

It was decided that the executive purchase forthwith a shield for winpetition as a Gilbcrd Memorial. The election of officers resulted:— President, Deputy-Superintendent W. Couper, Oamaru; vice-presidents, Superintendent Keith (Hastings), Superintendent Goodwin (Akaroa); treasurer, Mr. C. A. Osburne (Oiielnmga), reelected; secretary.'Captain Watts (Newmarket), re-elected; auditor, Mr. P. It. Eraser (Auckland). The retiring president, Mr. Heati (Addingtcm Railway),; was appointed a' life honorary member.

Tho usual votes of thanks to the executive and to the peoDlo of Tauranga for their hospitality dosed the fuect-

lli(r. To-morrow the delegates are to be taken for various outings, and they will bo entertained at a banquet in the evening, the majority leaving for home on Thursday morning.