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Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1929, Page 4

.Many were the complimentary remarks passed on the splendid bearing ol the visiting firemen at the church parade on Sunday. Now that the Competitions have opened, and the men are engaged in their strenuous work, the public will understand the athletic build and good physique of the men. The teams here are the pick r,if the respective brigades, and it is interesting from a national point of view to see the assembly. The gathering is indicative.of the general excellence of the fire-fighting force, and the care and pride with which the men prepare tor their work. Another aspect is the excellent discipline to he observed. The men are subject to good training and respond readily to command. This is a striking characteristic invariably to •><?• found with the volunteer in particular. Discipline is essential in all organisations where the best results are necessary, and the readiness to respond is of course of paramount value in great emergencies. The United lire Brigades 'Association was promoted for the betterment of the individual brigades nn'.l to enhance their fire-fighting qualities. The competitions now in progress are intended to bring out the best in the brigades, and the results have shown that the objective is being achieved. It says a good deal for the interest and enthusiasm of the men to find so many of them competing at these demonstrations. The entries are large, practically for every event, and the competition, it goes without saying, will be keen. The Association in pursuing its task is thus doing everything possible ifor the national weal in regard to firefighting. It is very unfortunate that fires, not only here and in the Bomb ion, hut also worldwide, are increasing. It seems to be a factor in keeping with the expansion going on everywhere, that the liability to fire is more and more pronounced. There is not any clear definition why it should lie so, but the fact is all too plain. There seems to be occasion for a close study of •• safety first ” in regard to fire risks as ; well as in other directions, where special precautions are called 'for by the surrounding conditions. The task of the brigades, however, is to grapple. with 1 , the effects of the unwary and careless, and to suppress the outbreaks nud-preveut the serious loss and waste to the fullest extent. I*or that task il is evident the personnel of the bngades is of great consequence, and, given reasonable conditions, they are well enough equipped with youth and physique to face all menace to the public at large. A gathering such as the present assists to recall the obligations oh all to aid and assist the ilrcmen oi the Dominion in theii good work, and give them all encouragement to persevere 'for the common good and public safety.