NEW ZEALAND FIRE BRIGADES' ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1848, 24 January 1880, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND FIRE BRIGADES' ASSOCIATION.

The following report by the seerola-y of the above association as to the work dono by it during the year was laid before the annual meeting held in Dunediu on Tuesday last:—"l have the honor to submit my report of tho proceedings of the association since its formation on December 17th, 1878 According to a resolution passed at the first meeting, a circular was forwarded to each brigado asking their cooperation, and I have much pleasure in stating that twenty-six out of thirty one throughout New Zealand have joined tho association, twenty-three of whom me represented hero to-day. Others have f-xpresßcd their desiro to bo present, but tho time it would cost tho Northern brigades to attond is more than we could expect from them. Tho returns showing tho number of men, engines, &0., &c, in the sevoral towns have been received and printed in pamphlet form, and distributed to tho feveral brigados, municipaiitios, insurance companies and others ihroughout Now Zealand, and I trust that they have given satisfaction, boing tho first work of tho kind south of the Line, end the seoond ever brought out for public circulation. Copies were also sent to tho editor of the "Firemen's Journal" in London and Now York, the recretary of tho Firo Brigades' Association in London arid to others. In reply, valuable information has been received from the secretary of tho London .Association, and also from tho sub-editor of the " Firemen's Register" in the United Kingdom. You are aware that a petition (copies of which were forwarded to each brigade) was presented to Parliament during its last meeting by E. C. J. Stevens, Esq., and it is to be regretted that the financial position of the present Government prevented them from granting our request. A copy of returns and of the petition was forwarded to each member of the Legislative Assembly and House of Representatives, with a request that they would give it their support when brought before the House. From the rules sent by the London Association, I have drafted a code for the guidance of the association and submit them for your approval. Tho president will lay before you a draft Act of Parliament, making provision for tho further and better protection of life and property from loss and damage by firs, also for tho proper maintenance of fire brigades. You will see from the balance sheet submitted to you that the small subscription paid by the several brigades is not sufficient to pay the expenses uf association. It will therefore be necessary to consider the advisability of increasing the same. In conclusion, I have to thank the president for the kind aesistance rendered during tho past year."