FIRE BRIGADES

Grey River Argus, 2 March 1927, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES

N.Z. CONFERENCE. Concluding Session. GISBORNE, Marell 1. The Eire Brigade conference conclud ed this afternoon. The executive was instructed to call lor applications for the next conference and demonstration. A proposal that a description of th'.standard uniform and badges of rank be put into print for the guidance of brigade was adopted. A draft of the standard dull was sub mitted by the executive, and copies were handed to the members, who were instructed to submit the reconinrenda tions for amendment by May 31st., it Icing stated that the executive held the right to adopt or reject the suggesiens.

After discussion of the draft, it was referred back to the executive to await suggestions from the brigades before consideration.

Papers were read by vice-president Garrett on hydraulics, by another vicepresident on discipline and by President Anderson on fireproof building. Officers were elected as follows: President, Superintendent Garrett (Thames); vice-presidents, Supts. Free man “(Masterton) and E ’ Gilbert (Onehunga); treasurer, C. A. Osborne (Onehunga); auditor, P. R. Erase; (Auckland). 25 YEAR MEDALS. GISBORNE, March 1. Five medals for 25 years’ service, >he highest honour attainable, were presented to Superintendent Chissel (Whangarei), Deputy-Supt. Mc-Kendry I Westport), Dep.-Supt. Thomson (Timaru). Secretary Eccles (Whangarei), and Brunclwnan Thompson (Raugiora). At the Fire Brigades’ Conference the Accident Society’s report stated: —

“The executive would point out that v.ith the ever increasing number of motor reels being introduced into service, and the enormous amount of motor traf- ’ fu- generally, accident hazards naturally are becoming greater. It behoves nil brigades to exercise the greatest caution at all times to safeguard the welfare of members.” The report pointed out the heavy increase in accident claims last year, with the result that the credit balance was reduced to £B7. A remit urging increasing the accident I merits to £3 a week was defeated, it being pointed out that the alteration was unwise, in view of the increased risks due to tne advent of the motor.