UNITED FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1929, Page 6

UNITED FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION

VISIT TO HOKITIKA

AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING

The eventful time, looked forward to for some weeks past, lias arrived, and fire brigade week is now in progress. The advance guard of the visiting firemen arrived on Thursday last, the number being greatly augmented on Saturday when several hundred arrived. More are due to-day, and the last of the party to-morrow. Saturday evening witnessed a very busy scene at the railway station, when two trains from Christchurch deposited their loads of visitors round about seven o’clock. There was a very animated time as teams and parties were sorted out, and directed to their lodgings. There was a very hearty atmosphere about the greetings, friend meeting friend, or host making hearty acquaintance with a new found friend. By 7.30 o’clock the station was clear, and the 400 people scattered to their lodgings about the town. r lTic hotels generally were well filled, and the overflow was arranged for at private lodgings. The large party was accommodated without discomfort by the town, which is a tribute to the resources of the accommodation available on such occasions. The visitors on .arrival were met by the Reception Sub-Committee, and everything possible done to facilitate the accommodation, at the same time extending to the visitors a very cordial welcome to Hokitika.

Saturday night saw Revell Street the popular promenade on that evening of the week, well congested through the earlier hours, giving some suggestion of a Christmas Eve crowd. The visitors were not slow in making friends, and were to be seen in friendly groups learning something of the town and its, people.

SUNDAY’S PROGRAMME. The Church Parade of the (Firemen yesterday morning was the chief event of the day, and it was an outstanding function, creditable from every point of view to all concerned. The men. who must have been fully 400 strong assembled at No. 1 Station in Hamilton Street, where the men were addressed by. President Freeman briefly. He extended a welcome to the Jiibilee gathering of the Association, and stated the honour and reputation of the Association were in the keeping ot those wearing its uniform. He referred to the busy time, ahead of the men. and hoped all would comport themselves as firemen, and felt sure they would all leave carrying away with them very happy recollections of the 1929 Conference and Competition at Hokitika.

The Secretary, Captain Watts, then called the roll, there being only two absentees, and tlie Brigades will be called upon for an explanation. The parade of Firemen, who made, an imposing sight, then formed np behind the Municipal Band, and leu by Captain Bleach, proceeded by a suitable route to the respective churches. The parade was a record for a uniformed turn-out in Hokitika, and was an impressivp display as to the magnitude and importance of tlie gathering now centred here. The parade under the command of the President proved to he an inspiring sight, and was watched by large numbers oi civilian's along tbe route. All the churches were well filled am 1 tbe services reverently followed. On "the dispersal of the congregations tbe parade reformed, and marched back to the starting point. Before being dismissed Captain Watts complimented tbe men on tlicir bearing on the parade and referred to the impressive service many of them bad attended at tbe Anglican Church. Some announcements were made for the information of the men. including a reference to the facilities for training on the Hokitika ground on Hampden Street which was available for the visitors throughout the day up to 7

p.m. •Yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock the Executive and visiting ladies and theii husbands, were motored to Lake Kanieri. About 20 vehicles were requisitioned for tbe occasion, several members of the Automobile Association placing ears at the disposal of the Deception Committee. The day was beautifully fine, and the visitors had a very enjoyable outing. 'Pile road i* in excellent order for motoring, but tbe visitors were mostly taken with the scenery, the hush making a special appeal. At Lake Kanieri all were I impressed with the wonderful outlook, and carried away very, pleasant mem ories of the scenic gem which the lake is undoubtedly. Several of tlie cars toured as far as Hans Bay; and others to Sunny Light, while on the return journey many made the detour via Woodstock and Rimu, and back by Adair’s road mid South Hokitika, obtaining a glimpse of the dredge. At Lake Kanieri the visiting party wa> entertained at afternoon tea, Mrs Tullocli putting on an acceptable spread, and the refreshments were enjoyed greatly. In town, some hundreds of people, including many firemen, assembled on Cass Square, where the Municipal Bend rendered an extended concert programme for a couple of hours. The afternoon was perfect, and Cass Square in a pleasing condition, was a fine setting ,for the gathering. The large assemblage remained till tbe playing of the National Anthem.

TO-DAY’S PROCEEDIN'OR. The Conference opened at flic Town

Hall at 9 o’clock this morning, followed by a civic welcome by the Mayor and others at 11 o’clock. At one o’clock a luncheon for the Conference members took place at the Soldiers Hall. The Conference continued this afternoon, and to-night there will be a fireworks display on Cass Square. For to-morrow there will be another busy programme of events.

JUBILEE CONFERENCE. OF UNITED FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND. HELD AT HOKITIKA. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2otli. The fiftieth (Jubilee) annual meeting of the Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand opened in the Town Hall, Hokitika, at 9 .a.in. Superintendent A. E. Freeman (Masterton), President, occupied the chair THE EXECUTIVE. The following Executive Officers were present.—Vice-Presidents C. C. Gilbeii (Onelninga), P. Deere (Greymouth), Junior Past President A. * Garrett (Thames), Captain T. J. Watts (Newmarket), Secretary, C. A. Osborne (O neh u ngn) Treasurer. PAST PRESIDENTS. The following past Presidents weir also present and occupied seats on tin. platform.—Hon. H. L. Michel (Hokitika, elected 1895); B. C. Robbins (Tauranga, 189 G); A. Martin (Gore. 1898); J. G. Walton (Greymouth. 1902); B. Winn (Lawrence, 1904); J. J. Salmon (Dunedin, 1914); W. Cooper (Oamani, 1918); W. Keith (Hastings, 1918); C. Stewart (Akaioa, 1920) ; C. A. Lucas (South Dunedin. 1921) W. 11. Barnard (Palmerston North, 1923); A.-Morrison (Ha worn. 1924); T. Anderson (Rotorua, 1920); A. Garrett (Thames, 1927). Fireman J. R. Wilson (Milton) was appointed minute secretary. The President (Superintendent Freeman) in opening the Conference said it was with pleasure that he extended a welcome to delegates or. this thou fiftieth conference. He was glad tc find such a large assemblage present. It was very gratifying to all on this their jubilee gathering. He also expressed his pleasure to find that thcio was a record attendance of past Presi dents, the most that had gathered at any conference. He had been glad to find that the Secretary had been able to lift the embargo on the number and tlmt a record attendance had resulted. He trusted that all those past Presidents will live long to give the results of their long experience. The Executive had passed a very trying year and he was glad his term o! office was expiring. As the result of an interview with the Government, however, .they had been well received and as a result had received a substantial grant for the present gathering. He declared the Conference open and again extended to members a heartv welcome.

The roll of delegates was then call ed.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE

Your Executive have much pleasure in presenting this the 50tli Annual Report relative to tbe workings oi this Association and matters connected therewith. Tlie year lias been a very strenuous one, but tbe results achieved must be considered very satisfactory.

Obituary.—During the year the following Members aiffcwered tlie final Roll Call:—Fireman R. Beutli (Auckland City), died from burns received on duty; Fireman H. Lynch (Grevmoutli). Secretary G. S. Harvey (Havelock North). Life Member H. Baldwin (Lower Hutt), Fireman D. 0. Lougli--lin (Masterton). Fireman A. Kay (Napier Baliway). Roll.—The number of brigades affiliated with this Association on November .'K’tli was 140, a decrease of I on the previous year, Papatoetoe having joined, and Avondale 'and Christchurch Railway having been disbanded. Annual Balance.—The Balance oi Assets over Liabilities is .02274 -Is 4d, - as against i:1707 lbs 7d, an increase of £560 Ills Od. This is very satisfactory, but we will be faced with very heavy expenditure in connection with this Demonstration.

Gold Stars.—The financial position of the Gold Star Fund has greatiy improved by donations from various brigades, which were given at the request of last Conference, but the lesponse, £.77 4s Od, was not as good as expected, a great number failing it; assist. A further sum of £7 0s Od has since been received. The number of firemen who are nearing their 25 years' service causes your Executive some anxiety in regard to finance, as the income will not meet (lie expenditure. Two remits dealing with this question appear on the Order .Paper. The following received their Gold Stars during liie year:—A. Chapman (Richmond), P. L. .Tonkin (Thames), A. MoFarlane (Akaroa), .), .1. McLaclilat' (Gisborne), H. Moon (New Plymouth'), J. Percy (Port Chalmers), C. H. Seiwood (Petone), H. G. Shardlow (IVtono). W. E. Ward (Pncroa).

The following will receive their Stars at this Conference: —.L Hurrcn (Kumarn). P. Leslie (Ashburton). TL Stewart (Nelson). S’. Vitaglich (Westport). Executive Meetings.—As directed by tbe New Plymouth Conference, your ■Executive met in Wellington to attend a deputation to the Acting-Min-ister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. I). J. Bolloston (Hon, Sir M. Pomare being ill). Tbe whole of the Executive

wero present, and we received a most cordial reception with successful results £IOOO being given as a grant, while an allowance of £1250 was made for railway passes. \our Executive very deeply appreciates the sympathy shown by the Minister and Cabinet to the Eire Service of this Dominion. While we regret this amount was not made permanent, wo feci sure that this Association will receive the same sympathetic hearing on future occasions. Your Executive waited on Dr Strong, Director of Education, in regard to compulsory teaching of fire drill in our schools. Although we received an assurance that it would be given effect to, and printed in the n'cw school syllabus, we regret that it is left optional with the teachers to give the lesson. We trust that in the’ near future it will lie made compulsory. (A Paper dealin* with the giving of the lessons has been written by Sec. C. W. Malcolm, the author of the Lessons, and will bo road at this Confcionce). During the year President Freeman and P.P. Garrett went to Auckland to confer with the other Members of the Executive in regard to completing the Demonstration Programme, drawing up ladder specification, and other matters of urgency that could not he done by correspondence. P. and T. Department. —Your Executive further waited on the P. and T. Department in regard to the charges made for line rental on the tclegrapn poles. The Minister being absent from the Dominion, we interviewed Mr EsS on, the Assistant-Secretary as arranged by Mr McNamara (Secretary). After placing our case fully before him. the official promised nothing slating that his Department was a commercial concern and was compelled to present a balance-sheet to Parliament: therefore they were not prepared even to reduce the charges made, A second interview by your President and Secretary took place to refute certain statements made by the Secretary of the P. and T. Department, but no progress was made ui regard to a reduction in the charges. Tt is obvious that fhe officials are not in sympathy with our request, and further efforts will made with the uev Minister to obtain some eonvessions for services rendered. Advisory Superintendent.— During the year your Advisory Superintendent has carried out his onerous duties most satisfactorily to your Executive, nul we trust it has been beneficial to the brigades he has Visited. We "'ish to point out, after going carefully into the matter and reviewing bis work, that it is impossible for any officci o meet and inspect the whole of the brigades in any one year. Brigades are continually appealing to the Superintendent to specially attend social functions. This we consider only a secondary consideration ain lie has been instructed to cut it down to a minimum unless lie bo visitin*' that particular district at that period. The whole of the South Island was inspected and most of the North Island. The Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki T. > vincos will receive first attention this year. For the last ,two months vour Officer has been fully -occupied with his secretarial duties.

Sgb-Associntions. —■ Several .appiioaions for special subsidies have been received from Sub-Associations, hut owing to the fact that your Executive had to wait on fhe Government foi financial assistance, we regret that v.r could not make such grants.

Benevolent Appeals—During the year several requests were made to eircul ate appeals, but permission could -not 1)0 granted on account of our rule. On ( appeal was granted after making vct v close inquiry this being considered such a deserving case that your Executive felt they would he failing ir their duty to humanty if they refused A further sum of £l3 10s 6d was ie ceivod for tbe Piper Fund, making :■ total of £137 Os suseribed by Brigades. ’l’he Fund specially referred to it the Harvey Fund, and will come into for e date the sum of £BO 18lr boon ; ; bo(L

p,. pot.—The sales through tlie Do pot have b—n up to tlie average of previe-s ve " .mid’ Local Bodies an nnv, • ’'using directly through the Association. During the year 71*30 feet of hose lias been distributed tr Brigades and Local Bodies, in addition to large quantities of lrrasswork. lhc cutting and packing is all done by vour Secretary.

Fiider pressure from interested firmsthe Government lias decided to cease indenting hose .although the Association will still be in a position to buy at the most advantageous terms. \ our Executive will require to watch the position very closely to see that there is no unnecessary rise in the prices, and if necessary should make arrange incuts to indent for Brigades. Wo desire to specially mention the great indebtedness of the Association to the Department of Internal Affairs for its valued assistance in indenting hose and other equipment lor tbe Depot, and our best thanks are due to the Minister (The Hon. Sir Maui pomare), tlie Undersecretary oi Internal Affairs (Mr G. P. Newton), and the Inspector of Fire Brigades (Captain 'I. T. Hugo) in that iTim-tion. > Brigades have to thank these gentlemen for their efforts in having the price of Jiose reduced in the last, few years. Demonstration Programme—The first programme drawn up by tlie Executive will be carried out this week, and as every endeavour has been made to modernise the events, great interest has been manifested. The Demonstrations of the future depend very largely upon the success of tliis programme, and the Executive ask for the loyal co-operation of officials and teams to bring this about. In conclusion, we desire to point out that the wisdom of having the Chief Officer sign the Auditor’s Statement has been fully borne out tliis

year, and the rule has been of tin greatest benefit to Brigades and tin A ssoc iat io n Sec ret ary.

The President referring to tin obituary list stated that he had jushoard of the death of Past President J. Smith, of Rangiora, The Presi dent moved a vote of condolence and the meeting stood in silence. The Conference then adjourned for five minutes as a mark of sympathy. BALANCE SHEET. Supt. W. Tyler (Rangiora) moved that the balance sheet be taken as read and adopted.—Seconded by Supt. Sprant (Feilding) and carried. President Stewart moved the reception and adoption of the report. Secretary Novillc (Kaponga) seconded the motion. Secretary Fraser (AVairoa) congratulated the Executive on the success of their efforts in obtaining an increased grant from the Government. The motion was agreed to. CORRESPONDENCE. A quantity of correspondence waf taken as read. The Hon. Do La Perelle (Ministei of Internal Affairs) wrote regretting his inability to be present at the Jubi less Conference at Hokitika but wish ed them a very successful gathering.Received.

The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy (Min lister of Health) regretted his inability to bo present at the Conference ant wishing them every success. —Eeceiv ed.

From Underwriters Association re gretting inability to be present al Conference and wishing them ever;' su cecss.—Rcce ived.

From A. R. Hi slop and Co., Welling ton, notifying presentation of a shieb for the contest by Mr Frank Ridda way, of Manchester.—On the motioi of the President, it was resolved tc thank Mr Hislop for his donation. From W. R. Castle, Lyttelton, regrettig inability to be present.—Received.

From Past President Scantlebury Nelson, regretting inability to be present.

The correspondence was received ORDER. PAPER.

Supt. Surinaii (Mt. Eden) moved tliai a.i Power Boards throughout New Zealand should grant all Fire Brigade. l the free use of the power on all Fire ntions. Speaking to the motion lu said if they could not get it free then tiiov should get it on the lowest possible rate. Secretary Wood (Matuura) seconded pro forma. Supt. Mclntos (Hokitika) spoke against the motion will'd) was lost on a show of hands.

Supt. A. loop (Havelock North, moved:—That fire-fighting appliances whether petrol driven or otherwise, ant irrespective of ownership, should b. placed on the exempted tax list, seeing that when vehicles are on the road the; are out on public service. Seconded by Supt. Keith (Hastings). The President stated that the Executive did try to get this, but were not successful, but there would be no objection to having another try. Foreman James (Whangarei) askec for an explanation as to ownership which was given. Lieut. Wallis (Gore) thought an addition should be made to include remission of the benzine tax.

The motion was carried unanimously. Past President Keith (Hastings) moved:—That this Conference recoin mends the responsible department t have provison made that where explosives are stored in any 'building, slid explosives shall be kept in a fireprooi compartment, one wall of which shal he an external wall with a door open ing out and fastened on the outside. ’Jhe mover instanced the danger tha arose in a recent fire at Hastings, ow ing to there being explosives stored ii a ouikling that was on fire. Supt. A- Toon (Havelock North) supported the remit, urging the neeessit of explosives being stored in safei places.

Capt. Gales (Grevtown) thought it was a matter for the Inspector to attend to.

Sub-Supt. Deere (Greymouth) spoke in support, considering the proposal a very necessary one.

Supt. Mclntosh. (Hokitika) heart ilj supported the remit. Capt. Collins (Taihapc) asked if tin remit included all explosives, instancing a danger in a recent fire in a den tist’s room. s

Several other delegates spoke in sup port. Past President Salmoml (Dunedin) asked that an addition should he add eel to read that the word “Explosives’ he painted oil the door to give information.

The suggested amendment was approved. r l lie remit as amended was agreed

Capt. Tvler (Kaiapoi) suggested tlie remit be forwarded to the Municipal Conference 'for consideration. Several telegrams were read extending good wishes lor the success of the Conference from Supt. Warner (Christchurch), Past President Hean (Christchurch), Supt. Williams (Wanganui) and Capt. O’Malley (Geraldine). CIVIC WELCOME. Ai 11 o’clock the civic welcome was given. There were present the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), Mr J. O’Brien (member for Westland), Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., Messrs Jeffries (Deputy Mayor), and Councillors Armstrong and Elcock. . , 'Hie President introduced His Worship the Mayor. Mr G. A. Perry (Mayor) said they had very pleasant recollections or a visit to the town by the Eire Brigades some 17 years ago. The people of the town enjoyed that visit and he felt sure that the visitors also had enjoyed themselves. On behalf of the town and district generally he had very great pleasure in extending a welcome to Hoiktia. He wished them a successful conference and demonstration and

pleasant recollections of their visit and stay in the town. Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., wished on behalf of the people of Westland to give a very hearty welcome to the delegates assembled. He wanted them to understand that the people of. Westland appreciated their efforts in fighting fires and hoped they would successfully continue those efforts. He hoped they would have a successful conference and he extended the heartiest of welcomes and trusted that their stay would be of value to themselves and the Dominion generally. He had great pleasure in extending a hearty welcome. Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., wished to fully associate himself with the previous speakers in extending a hearty welcome to> the delegates. Speaking as Chairman of the Fire Board, he wished to say that the Board recognised the valuable services they were rendering to the people ■ as a whole. After viewing the splendid parade hi yesterday he fully recognised the fine body of men represented that day. He referred to the work he had. when i President of the Association when they drew up the first F’ ! 'e Brigades Bill in conjunction with Pas’-Pres ,T ent Robbins. He hoped the." would have a happy and pleasant t '*es end that they would carry away n. ’ny pleasant recollections of their visit to this district.

The President said it was his "deasant duty to return thanks 'for the -ry knd welcome extended to-day. Sevt members present were also here in 191. when they had such a pleasant time. They had already received a very fine share of the hospitality. The Conference very deeply appreciates the verj kind words of welcome extended by the several speakers. .Tlie delegates then rose and sang “For They Are Jollv Good Fellows.’ Members of the assemblage then rose as the delegates withdrew. [Left sitting.]