PROPOSED FIRE BRIGADES' DEMONSTRATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5110, 23 August 1895, Page 3

PROPOSED FIRE BRIGADES' DEMONSTRATION.

A WAIRAMPA ASSOCIATION FORMED.

A mooting of delegates representise.the various Fire Brigades in this dgpict was held in the Central Station meeting room, at Mastertou, yesterday afternoon at 3,30, to consider proposals to form an association to curry out annual demonstrations, and to promote the friendly rivalry between the district Fire Brigades, it being contended that such competitions are "Valuable, as tending to materially increase the efficiency of individual numbers, and to encourage n very large body of men —who rondor much valuable service to the community at large—to take an activo ami intelligent interest in a (Oman's work.

The delegates present were: Capt. D, Pickering and Tim 0. Ewington (Masterloii Municipal Fire Brigade); Capt, Dndson and Sec. Wakolin (Carterton Fire Brigade); Capt. Daniell aud Foreman Dixon (Masierton Volunteer Fire Brigade); Capt. Maguire and Fireman Humphries (Urcytown Fire Brigade); Capt, D. A, Pickering (Pabiatua Fire Brigade); See. E. Braggins (Kuripttni Fire Brigade). j On the motion of Capt. Daniell, ®t'. Pickering was elected to tho Cmtir, and in explaining tho objects of the meeting, said that the advantage of an annual demonstration of the Brigades between Wellington and Woodville, would be a great one. It was desirable to bring the Brigades into closer touch, and nothing would attain this better than the formation of such a society as proposed. Captain Pickerirg (Pahiatua) said bis Brigado was unanimously in favour of forming a Wairarapa Fire Brigades Association to enable them to hold friendly competitions, as many could not attend the U.N.Z.F.B. competitions, He would move that the meeting form such an Association.

Captain Jluguire seconded the motion. He thought they should, however, not go outside their district. It would also be advisable to hold only one competition each year. The Chairman said he did not think their proposed Association would interfere with the X.Z. Association in any way, and it was not 'heir desire to do so. What they iMly wanted was to give their various Brigades the chance to compete with their neighbours, so that all might be better qualified to take part in the United N.Z. demonstrations. The object was to promote general efficiency. With regard to his own Brigade, us matters now stood, only live members of the Brigade out of the fifty on the roll were able to attend the. competitions held every two years by the N.Z. Association. The other 45 simply had to rust, and were liable to lose interest.

Captain Daniell said lit; had been surprised to find the interest taken in Fire Brigade matters by individual members, and they deserved every encouragement. He was authorised, with Foreman Dixon to assist in every way in forming the proposed Association. The Chairman said that they had plenty of appliance at Masterton and only required, practice and stirring up by local competition to enable ilie Wairarapa Brigades to go in for ml annex all the medals and trophies TSured by the United Association. (Hear! Hear!) _ Some discussion regarding the name of the Association took place, it being explained that there was no wish to interfere with the Wellington Brigades or the N.Z.- Association.

The Chairman explained that their competitions would be open to visiting teams from outside the district. Captain Daniell maintained that the name should be the" Wairarapa Association,"

Treasurer Ewington contended that the " Wellington District Association" would be a preferable name, and more comprehensive. The Pahiatua and Grcytown delegates said they should stick to the name of Wairarapa. They would have to find prizes, etc,, and they could allow outside Brigades to compete if they wished. The benefit of local associations was plainly shown by the success of teams from districts where these associations existed at the United demonstration. Treasurer Ewington contended by making their district as large as possible they would he doing the right thing. They would expect support from Wellington, and it was advisable to ask Petone and Wei-

lington to join in with tlm Captain Pickering (Pahiatua) sajd he should like to see Wellington co-operate with the Wairarapa Brigades, but apparently the Wellington and Petone Brigades did not fall in with the view, as Wellington -wished to get the N.Z. Association demonstrations held there. Captain Pickering said the next United Demonstration was to be held at Christchurch.

foreman Dixon said he thought the Wellington merchants, as representing the Fire Ollices, would support the proposal. Captain Dndson, in speaking to the motion, said that tho name should be Wairarapa. It would bo better to confine the Association to the Wairarapa at present. If successful, they could launch out in the futlU'D. Finally it was decided that an to be called "ThoWaiSwaVapa Fire Brigades' Association," bo formed.

It was then decided to adopt the United Association's rules with regard to competitions.

On the motion of Captain Daniell w seconded by Treasurer Ewington, it p was decided to hold the first demon- ti stration in Masterton. • e In reply to Captain Dudson, the a Chairman said that the idea was to s hold subsequent demonstrations in I the other townships. n Captain Daniell said if Masterton a lieidtho first demonstration, it meant a a great deal of work, a Captain Maguire said bo under- f stood the responsibility of getting a pp competitions, and was quite in a fiiyor of'Masterton holding the first, s He thought that thanks were due to J Captain Darnell for hi§ suggestion 1 and olfei to tyke the first work, 1 After a lengthy discussion, the i date of the first demonstration was f . ..fixed for January 2'2ud, 1896. < jL, Captain D. Pickering, of the < brigade, was elected Presi- 1 (font; Captains Dudson (Carterton), j Pickering (Pahiatua),' Maguire 1 (Cjueytown), and Daniell (M.V.F.8.) i ffers elected yipe-Presidenta; Sec: j'etary-J'ireinaTi Braggins. It was resolved thateach Brigade of over thirty members be represented at meetings of tlio Exocutivo by two delegates, and Brigades of under thirty members by one delegate, the Secretary to have no rote, It was decided that proxies be

accepted if any delegate is unable to attend. Captain D. Pickering was elected Treasurer. The annual subscription was fixed at ono guinea foreacli Brigade, It was resolyed that in all events each Brigado be permitted to enter only two teams for each competition. 9 Captain Maguire suggested the appointment of a Management Committee from the Mastertou Brigades, to arrange aud carry out tho demonstration. He would move tlmf tho MnsteHon Brigades appoint it working Committee. Captain 1). Pickering seconded, and the motion was carried. It was resolved that the meeting now adjourn, the Secretary to report progress, and the delegates to meet again at a date to be arranged. On the motion of Captain Daniell, a vote of thanks was accorded to tho press representatives for attending the proceedings. , Captain Pickeringroturned thanks for the honor done in electing him President of the new Association. It would have his most hearty support and assistance, and he hoped to see it grow into an important and nourishing body. The meeting then terminated with the usual votes of thanks to the Chairman and the delegates attenditig.