Fire Brigades’ Conference & Demonstration

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1929, Page 3

Fire Brigades’ Conference & Demonstration

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS. An important stage in the preparations Tor the Conference and Competitions of the New Zealand United Fire Brigades’ Association will he reached to-night with the arrival of the main body of the competing teams and delegates. About 30 of the advance guard arrived bn Thursday night. This evening at 6.30 the train from Christchurch is expected to bring the main body, numbering upwards of 400. Included in the party will he about 60 ladies.

A final meeting of the Reception Executive was held at the Town Hall last night, the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presiding. Secretary Watts of the Association was present by invitation and discussed several matters with the Executive.

Mr O’Brien, M.P., accepted the invitation to be present on Monday and would attend the public welcome at tin - Town Hall at 11 a.m., and the luncheon later at the Soldiers’ Hall at 1 p.m.

Mr G. C. Black, M.P., telegraphed regretting owing to a special (function at Motueka to-day, he would be unable to get through to Hokitika in time. ■ It was stated the net surplus from the St. Paul’s Dramatic Club benefit was £24 9s.—Received with thanks to the Club If or the result of its efforts. Mr A. Lawn offered to conduct a social dance at the Soldiers’ Hall on Wednesday night next, as a further attraction for the entertainment of the visitors. Accepted with thanks. Messrs Perry and Mclntosh reported the guarantee list towards the expenses of the reception and entertainment o r the visitors exceeded £6OO, and would be increased still further. The collectors’ work was appreciated. The Mayor consented to ask the business places to close from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday next Ifor the final afternoon of the Demonstration Competitions.

The Treasurer reported the receipts to date were estimated at £175. to which was to he- added the 'subsidy from the Association.

Secretary Watts stated the forth coming Conference would he a record for the Association. It promised to be attended by over 130 brigades, which would he the largest yet held. Regarding the demonstration he said it was to some extent a trial, as the conditions of the events had been modernised, but he bad no doubt ns to the success. The control of the Demonstration was banded over to the U.F.B.A.

Captain Watts expressed satisfaction with the general arrangements made locally. Various matters in connection with the programme were discussed.

Members for the Conference, etc. assemble to-morrow at 9.50 at No. 1 Stn tion for the Church Parade of which Captain Watts will be the marshall. A route suggested by the Band was agreed to. It was reported the fireworks had arrived and Mr Bickerton would he here this evening to arrange for the display, which would take place on Monday night. Mr Coles was complimented on the general arrangements which he had finalised, and the complete manner jn which matters had been prepared. A large amount of general information was given in the programme booklet just published and which would he on sale at one shilling. About 30 off the executive will he taken to Lake Kanieri to-morrow in cars provided by the Automobile Association. On Tuesday afternoon the same number "(*ll he taken to the Hokitika Gorge, while the delegates to the Conference will be taken to the dredgp, buses leaving Newman’s Gar--ago during the afternoon.