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Firemen from all walks of life and from all parts of New Zealand travelled to Nelson last month for the biennial competitions and conference of the United Fire Brigades Association. The competitions, designed to test the skill, teamwork and general ability of four-man teams, are a form of sport with the firemen and very often a split second determined winners of events. At the Botanical Reserve where the events were held teams vied with each other to complete the exercises in the shortest possible time and in the most efficient manner and the speed with which hoses were coupled, uncoupled and water laid on, left no doubt in the minds of bystanders that New Zealand towns and organisations are wellserved by brigades – most of which consist of volunteers. In all, about 700 firemen and wives were in Nelson for the week-long competitions and conference.

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Awaiting the yell for water

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Running the hoses out under pressure of time is no easy matter

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Teamwork – as one team member approaches with hose, another has nozzle ready

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The water is on and the target is down

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Timekeepers John McNabb, Fred Carbutt, Clarrie Coxall, Fred Laidlaw check watches while ten Myhill checks his rules.

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Richmond team, Noel Schwass, Gerald Holland, Peter Biggs and Brian Hill prepare for test

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An important job was that of the man on the pipe – by careful timing he could ensure that water was available at the exact instant it was needed.

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Motueka team, John Craze, Neil Wratt, Mike Wells and Jock Primmer

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Hoses were very carefully rolled

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Anxiously team members watch as officials test connections for tightness – a loose connection cost points.

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Attractive and appropriate were these two trophies.

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Mr W. Jarvie, managing director of Wormald Bros, presented this plaque to Allen Proctor (Palmerston North) for competition.

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The Sumner team, placed third (they won the last two championships), comprise two sets of brothers, Russell Kerr, Ian McNabb, Barry Kerr and Bruce McNabb.

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President, Mr W. G. Grey, presents the championship shield to Palmerston North. From left, Allen Proctor, Trevor Lewis, Chief Fire Officer Nat Buick, John Storey and Grahame Crosby.