THE FIRE BRIGADES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8357, 18 February 1913, Page 10

THE FIRE BRIGADES

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. i Press Association. WANGANUI, February 17. The fir© brigades’ annual conference commenced here to-day, about 500 delegates being present. Superintendent Leaver, of Westport, presided. The president, in nis address, made feeling reference to the death of Mr J. G. Gilberd, a past president and secretary, and Mr Mitchell, a past president. A resolution, of admiration at the heroism of the Antarctic victims and of condolence with the relatives was adopted, also votes of sympathy with the relatives of Messrs Gilberd and Mitchell. The report of the executive stated that matters in connection with tho association were in a satisfactory condition. The excess of assets over liabilities is £643 10s fid; and the number of brigades on the roll 126. The accident insurance branch revenue amounted to £320 los, and the expenditure, which included death claims, was £193 3s 3d, leaving a profit of £127 11s 9d. A Pahiatua remit was carried as follows,—"That in the case of a fireman being granted leave of absence and attending all regular musters of brigades other than the one to which he belongs, such attendance shall count towards long service honours with the U.F.B.A."' A committee consisting of Captains Glenny, McAneny, Soowra, Beveridge, Heon, Eolston, Nuttall, Lieut. Jones, and Fireman Williams was set np to go into the question of establishing a benevolent fnnd in connection with the association. A number of remits were carried bearing on competition conditions. In a rowing match between the Gisborne and Wanganui Fire Brigade fours Gisborne won after an exciting race by nearly three lengths. ’ ’ , , To-night the firemen formed a torchlight procession, and with two bands and decorated engines and reels paraded the streets. There was an immense crowd, and tram traffic was stopped for hour. . The conference resumes to-morrow.