FIRE BRIGADES CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 361, 11 March 1902, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADES CONFERENCE.

(Per Press Association). j HOKITIKA, last night. The weather has set beautifully fine and the delegates to the Fire Brigades Conference promise to have a pleasant stay. The Conference opened at 9 a.m., the President, Mr Baker, presiding. The Mayor, Mr Michel, extended a hearty welcome to the visitors on behalf of the citizens, and wished them a pleasant stay. The executive’s report disclosed an increase of membership, now totalling 78 brigades. The report acknowledged a vote of £250 from the Government for the purpose of holding an exhibition of fire brigade appliances. It is proposed to communicate with outside manufacturers to ascertain the conditions on which they will exhibit, also to secure the co-operation of colonial manufacturers. The demonstration prize fund, inaugurated last year, shows a credit of £65. It was recommended that the executive should now have a voice in allotting the prize money, and deternining the conditions for demonstrations. The cost of gold stars for long service was steadily increasing, and it was recommended that half the cost be paid by brigades of which apolirants are members. Referring to the patriotic movement, the reportmentioned that several firemen had showed their loyalty in a practical form, a number now serving in South Africa. The firemen were displaying a noteworthy interest in ambulance work. The brigades generally are recommended to adopt a course of instruction. The funds of the Accident Society show an increase of £2O. The total membership is 1000. The annual balance-sheet of the Association shows total receipts £lOOl,

including £228 carried forward, exoenditure £BO2 ; leaving a credit bal|ar.cc of £l9B. The assets are £227, iabilities £163. The accident assurance balance-sheet- shows that the year began with a credit of £729, the re-

-eipts were £169, and expenses for. the year £l5O. One death claim was revived from Christchurch, and twelve brieades sent accident claims. The balance to credit is £749. The Conerence will extend oyer two days, there being several notices of motion ;et down, and various papers to read nd discuss. The report on the Fire Brigades Bill to an interview with the Prenier, who showed himself favorably lisposed to the proposed measure if rate fire insurance was not carried. The report recommended circulation of. i petition among municipal authorities for signature, to be presented to Parliament, praying for the passing of i Bill to provide for the efficient maintenance of brigades, half the cost by insurance companies and half by local bodies. The report was adopted, after a spirited debate. The Conference proceeded to discuss

notices of motion. It was resolved that there be not less than three timekeepers at competitions; that no branchman have more than one branch. A motion to adopt the American titles of chief, sub-chief, and foreman officers of the brigade was lost, also a proposition to strike a special medal for firemen saving life at fires. A motion to revise the competition rules was withdrawn.