FIRE BRIGADES' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1918, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES' ASSOCIATION.

• ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Hy Telegraph.—Press Association. Tauranga, Feb. 2a. I One hundred and ten delegates from all parts of-the Dominion assembled here for the 30th annua! conference of the United Fire Brigade's Association of. New Zealand. - The men attended church parade, and in the afternoon were entertained by the citizens at Mount Mango nil \ On Saturday evening the visitors were' entertained at a Bmoker by the local brigade. this morning the conference opened at nine o clock. The president, Sir. R. p. J loan, Adding ton workshops), i n his opening address, welcomed the delegates, and expressed his pleasure at meeting delegates from Westfleld, Wliangarei, U oodliangh, and Woolston, who had, joined during the year. The executive had approached the Government during the year for an increase in the subsidy to the Association, but the request was declined. Fifteen firemen had made the supreme sacrifice in the great fight for lieedom. The deepest sympathy was expressed for the bcreaveed relatives. Foreman J. R. Wilson (Milton), was appointed minute secretary. After calling the roll the meeting adjourned for e minutes out of respect for the mem. orv of comrades fallen in action. , I lie roll of honor showed that 1318 mcmoers liad enlisted. 15 had been killed, IS:) wounded, 107 invalided, and two tteie ] risoners-of-war. The honors "ained were: D.5.0., 2; D.C.M., 3;M.C, 3; M..M„ I;"). The annual report showed that the balance of assets over liabilities was .€476 IDs 9d. The balance-sheet showed receipts .I.' T 730 4s Sd, including £435 7s Id brought forward, and £3OO Government subsidy; expenditure £l3lß 13s <d, leaving a credit of £421 is id. AMENDMENT OF ACT DESIRED. Tauranga, Last Night, i At the Fire Brigades conference the balance sheet and report were adopted, it being resolved that a special effort lie made to bring the Gilbert Memorial Fund to the amount required, £125. Inspector Hugo conveyed to the conference an intimation from the Minister of Internal Affairs that no additional financial assistance'could be granted while the war lasted. A long discussion took place on a motion tliat, with a view to all brigades reciving their just dues from the insurance companies, nad with the object of thoroughly equipping all brigades, amendments be made to the Fire Brigade Act, 1008, and that, the principle that insurance companies, contribute their share to 'lie upkeep oi ;il! brigades bo affirmed by the conference ftA fair'and equitable. The motion was carried, and the conference is now considering amendments to the Act to give effect to this resolution. . Latea. the conference passed various resolutions to amend the Fire Brigades Act ia the direction of compelling insurance companies to contribute to the upkeep of all bri'.'a<ies, and in the event of that Act not being,amended, that the Municipal Corporations and Counties Act be amended with a view to securing the desired fil. Other matters wore dealt with ami the meeting adjourned till tomorrow morning