THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1918, Page 3

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

OF FIRE BRIGADES ASSO- , CITATION.

>ER PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.]

TAURANGA, Feb. 25

One hundred and ten delegates from all parts of the dominion have assembled here for the thirtieth annual conference of the United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand. The men yesterday attended church parade, and in tfie afternoon were entertained by the citizens at Afount Mango uui. , , On Saturday evening the visitors were entertained at a smoker by the local Brigade. This morning the conference opened at nine o’clock. .

The President R. P. Tlean, of Addington Workshops, in is opening address, welcomed the delegates and expressed his pleasure at meeting delegates from Westfield, Whang.arei, Woodhaugh and Woolston, who had joined during the year. The executive had approached Government during the year for an increase of subsidy to the association, but • the request was declined. 151 firemen had made the supreme sacrifice in the great fight for freedom. The deepest sympathy was expressed with the bereaved relatives.

Foreman J. It. Wilson (Milton) was appointed minute secretary, and after calling the roll, the meeting adjourned for five minutes, out of respect to the memory of comrades who had fallen in action.

The roll of honour showed 1318 mem hers had enlisted. 151 word killed, 183 wounded. 107 invalided, and two were prisoners of war. The Distinguished Service Order, two; (Distinguished Conduct Medals, three; Military Crosses, throe; Military Medals, fifteen ; had been awarded. , The annual balance sheet, showed the assets over liabilities at £476 19s 9d. The receipts were £1739 4s Bd, in eluding £435 7s Id brought forward and £3OO Government sub sidy. The expenditure was £l3lß 13s 7d, leaving a credit of £321 Is lid.