UNITED FIRE BRIGADES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 49, 27 February 1901, Page 3

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES.

THE CONFERENCE,

[By Telegraph—Pres3 Association.]

Christchurch, last night. The Fire Brigade Conference was resumed to-day. On the recommendation of the Committee, which reported that the cost would not exceed JMOO, it was resolved to hold an exhibition of fire appliances. The question of instituting an Association badge was referred to the incoming executive.

The report of the committee appointed to enquire into the Fire Brigades Bill was brought up by Secretary Robbins, Hawera. He stated that the taxation proposals

should be adjusted so that the Government should be left out of consideration altogether, the taxes to be levied partly on insurance companies and partly on local bodies.

Supt. Smith, Christchurch, seconded the motion.

Capt. Mitchell, Hokitika, thought it unfair that the Government should be left out of taxation proposals. Secretary Martin, Gore, thought the Government should take up the matter of State fire insurances.

Tne motion was earned, and Secretary Robbins and Lieutenant Baker, Gore, were appointed to wait on the Government

with regard to the Bill. It was reported that Captain Mitchell and Fireman Wallace, Hokitika, Captain Blackwell, Kaiapoi, and Fireman Woolcott, Wellington, had earned gold stars for 25 years’ service. Invitations wore extended by the delegates from Hokitika and the Bluff to hold the next conference at those places. A ballot taken resulted in favor of Hokitika.

Tho following officers were elected: — President, Lieut. W. Baker (Gore); vicePresidcnts, Capt. Washer (Roslyn), and Secretary Walton (Hokitika); Secretary and Treasurer, Supt. Gilbert! (Napior); Auditor, Mr Garner (Napier). It was resolved to pay the usual subsidy of ,£35 to the “ New Zealand Fire and Ambulanco Record,” the understanding being that unless the journal received better support it should be discontinued in June.

Supt. Gilbert! stated that ho had given attention lately to preparing a firemen’s ritual, and ho hoped to have it circulated among brigades in a few weeks. Tho usual vote of thanks terminated the proceedings.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE. Tho annual meoting of the Accident Insurance Society in connection with the Association was then held. It was reported that since tho Society was formed in 1890, .£IOOS 4s lOd had been received in contributions, and i£79 10s 4d in interest. Tho expenditure for benefits amounted to i£362 2s. Tho credit balance was .C 729 18s 6d.

It was decided that any member who

meets with an accident while at practice, or whilo going to, engaged at, or returning from a fire, should bo entitled to an allowance of 80s a week for a term not exceeding twonty weeks. On any brigade which is in arrears with its contributions to the Society over thirty days a penalty of 6d per momber shall ho inflicted.

Tho following officers were elected : President, Secretary Robbins, Hawera ; Vice-Presidents, Captain Pickering, Masterton, and Captain Keys, Mount Eden ; Secretary and Treasurer, Superintendent Gilberd, Napier ; Auditors, Messrs F. W. Warner and W. Hodgson, Napier.