FIRE BRIGADES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 18 February 1913, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADES

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. {By Telajrapii. — Fress Association.) WANGANUI, Last Night. The Fire Brigades annual conference commenced here about 000 delegates being present. Superintendent Lever, of Westport, presided. The president's address made feeling reference to the deaths of past president and secretary Gilbert, and past president Mitchell. A resolution of admiration at the heroism of the Antarctic victims, and condolence with the relatives of the dead was carried. Votes of sympathy were passed to i-hei relatives of past presidents Gilbert and Mitchell. The executive's report stated that matters in connection with the Association were in a satisfactory condition. The amount of asset? over liabilities was £643 10s fid. The number of brigades on the roll was 126. The accident insurance branch revenue amounted to £329 15s. and the expenditure (which included a death claim)- was £193, leaving a profit of £127 lis 9d. Pahiatua's remit was carried as follows: "That a fireman granted leave of absence, and attending all regular musters of brigades other than the one to which he belongs, such attendance to count towards long service honours with the U.IJVB.A." A committee consisting of Captains Glenny, McAneny, Socwra, Beveridge, Hean, Rolston, Nuttail, Lieut. Jones and Fireman Williams, was set up to go into the question of establishing a benevolent fund in connection with the Association. A number of remits were carried bearing on competition conditions. T)i a rowing match between Gisborne and Wanganui Fire Brigade fours, Gisborne won, after a good race, by nearly three lengths. To-night, the firemen formed a torch-light procession_ and, w"ith two bands and decorated engines and reels paraded the streets. There was an immense crowd, and tram traffic was stopped for an hour. The conference, resumes to-morrow.