General Conditions.

This Competition will be held subject to the following General Conditions compiled and adopted by the United Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand.

1. Constitution of Teams.—Each team shall consist of not more than 5 men, and not more than 5 men shall be allowed to compete from each Brigade: provided that should any member of a competing team sustain such injury while on the ground competing, as (in the opinion of the judges) to incapacitate the said member from further work during the competition, it shall be permitted the team to (if possible) procure a substitute to take the disabled man's place for the remainder of the work that team may have to do. Each member of a team shall have been a member of the Brigade which his team represents not less than six months previuos to the date for closing the entries for this competition, and the Captain of each team shall hand to the Secretary for the Demonstration a written declaration made before a Justice of the Peace attesting the date each man in his team entered the Brigade. All Brigades sending teams must be members of the United Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand; teams coming from sister Colonies excepted.

2. Nature of Gear.—The minimum weight of competing reels (stripped of everything) shall not be less than 250lb, and any reels below this standard shall be weighted up to it. Each reel to weigh out correctly after its run.

Hose to be strictly canvas, not less than 2¼ inches, and in no way prepared or lined.

Couplings, &c.—Screw Couplings only allowed. All connections of hose to engine, hose to hydrant, hose to hose, hose to union, and hose to branch, to be made with not less than two full turns. The pitch of thread on the hydrant lugs to be not less than 4 turns to one inch. All couplings to be spanner tight at finish.

Hydrants.—Single or double-headed may be used, at the option of the competitors, unless the nature of the event requires the double-headed.

3. Gear—How To Be Made Up For Running.—All caps, couplings, &c., to be hand tight.

Hose in Coil.—To be coiled with the male coupling in the centre, and to be secured by strap through the centre of coil, buckled outside.

Hose on Reel.—To be wound on in one continuous length; and, in every case, a 50 feet length of hose shall be carried on the reel over and above the quantity required (by the nature of the event) to be run out.

4. Gear—How To Be Run Out.—Hose in coil to be run out by the lugs or on a key. No throwing out allowed.

5. Mode of Starting.—The starter shall stand behind the competitors. After giving the caution, «Are you ready?»—no reply being at once made—the starter shall start the men by whistle or pistol as may be arranged. The Judge shall put any man back one yard for every time he attempts to start before the proper start be given.

6. Mode of Finishing.—Wet Finishes: Branchmen to stand, branch in hand, facing the direction in which the water is to be thrown. Dry Finishes: See special conditions embodied in programme.

8. Dress.—At competitions held under the auspices of this Association all events shall be run in full Brigade uniform—i.e., helmets, jumpers or tunics, trousers, belts, spanners, and boots or ordinary walking shoes (running shoes and spikes or bars on soles not allowed), axes dispensed with. Belts may be attached to tunics by ordinary belt hooks, but must not be tied or sewn on.

9. Time For Starting.—The time for commencing each day's work to be stated on programme. Each team shall be ready to start within 5 minutes' notice being given by the starter (or his deputy), or be disqualified for the event.

10. Testing Hydrants, etc.—No practice to be allowed on the mains or fire-plugs after 9 a.m. on the first day of the competition.

11. Judges And Referees.—Not less than two judges shall adjudicate on each event.

Judges to see that all general and special conditions are strictly complied with; to receive the time from the timekeepers, adding when necessary the time penalties; to deal finally with any teams refusing to comply with the conditions. In the event of any difference arising between the judges, the matter shall be referred by them to the referees, whose decision shall be final: two-thirds majority to settle all matters referred to them.

12. Marshal shall be appointed, who will have charge of torchlight procession, &c., when it is arranged to have one in connection with the Demonstration. He will also place the reels in running order ready for the examiners.

13. Examiners.—To weigh reels, both before and after run; measure all hose, and ascertain that it is of the required length and width, as specified in the conditions. Shrinkage allowed on 50ft. length, 2½ft.; on 100ft. length, 4½ft. To see that hose is properly wetted when conditions require wet hose; to examine couplings, and see that there is sufficient room to take two full turns in making the connections; to examine all hydrant lug threads, and see that they are in accordance with conditions; to see that all hose is properly coiled and strapped, or reeled as the case may be, and that all joints, caps, &c., are hand-tight; that the proper number of men start for each event, and that they are dressed in accordance with the conditions; finally, the examiners having ascertained that all general and special conditions, re gear and men at starting, have been complied with, will hand the teams over to the starters.

14. Starters to be appointed who shall be conversant with the provisions made re starting in clause 5.

15. Timekeepers.—There shall be not less than 2 time-keepers, more if possible. They shall take time from pistol fire, or whistle, to show of water, bell-ring, or otherwise, as may be provided in the special conditions.

Having settled the exact time between them, they shall communicate the same to the judges only.

16.—Final.—All events shall be contested against time, except otherwise specified; and only one try will be allowed to each Brigade, except in case of a tie. Ties shall be run off by direction of the judges.

Each team shall compete in the order drawn for competition.

Any Brigade entering a protest must make it in writing, and deposit one guinea, which will not be returned if the protest be not upheld or be deemed frivolous.

All work to be gone through in a workman-like manner. No gear to be handled in a way calculated to damage it.

These conditions to be binding, except when the nature of an event in a programme conflicts with them in any way, when special conditions will be entered in the programme.

No valves or stop-cocks allowed in hydrants or branches.

The Napier Brigade will (if necessary) provide hose-reel, hydrant, and hose.

The Judges shall have power to alter (if it appears to them necessary) the order in which events shall be taken.

Entries for the whole of the events to be in the Hon. Secretary's hands at Napier not later than 8 p.m. on December 1st, 1885, and the drawing for places will take place in Napier on the 2nd December under the supervision of His Worship the Mayor and J. D. Ormond, Esq., M.H.R., for Napier. Slips containing the result of the drawing will be forwarded to the various Brigades as early as possible.

On Wednesday, 27th January, 1886, the first event on the card will commence at 10 a.m., and the work will be continued on the succeeding day at 9 a.m. sharp.

Australian Teams.—The Committee offer a bonus of £60 to be divided amongst any three or more Australian Teams attending the competition, who hook their passages for Napier on or before the 15th October (and produce proof of the same). Should less than three teams attend £20 each will be allowed.

Steamboat fares per Union boats. Melbourne to Napier, return tickets, saloon, £17; steerage, £10. Sydney to Napier, return tickets, saloon, £15; steerage, £9.

New Zealand Teams.—Should the capitation vote be carried this year, last year's arrangements re coach and steamboat fares will as far as possible be carried out.

Hotel accommodation will be arranged for at a moderate scale.

A Torchlight Procession will take place on Tuesday evening, 26th January. Brigades to muster at the Napier Fire Station at 7.30 p.m. sharp.

All communications to be addressed to the Secretary, Intercolonial Fire Brigades Demonstration, Fire Brigade Station, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

First Event.

Hose-reel Practice for 5 Men.

1st Prize.—A handsome trophy, 5 gold medals, and £80 cash (presented by the Hawke's Bay Sheepfarmers). Total value, £115.

2nd Prize.—A handsome trophy, 5 silver medals, and £10 cash (presented by the District Legislators). Total value, £30.

3rd Prize.—A handsome trophy and £10 cash (presented by the Napier Corporation). Total value, £20.

Total value for event, £165.

Five men (not to exceed) to run 10 yards, pick up reel, run 100 yards with reel to fire-plug; fix hydrant, run out 150 feet of canvas hose (in three 50 feet lengths); fix branch, and strike with water a bell-disc (3ft. in diameter) fixed 10 feet from the ground; run off from reel another 50 feet length of canvas hose, and with it replace the centre length in the 150 feet, and again strike with water the bell-disc.

Five 50 feet lengths (250 feet) of wet canvas hose, hydrant, and branch (¾-inch nozzle) to be on reel at start.

Time to be taken from start to striking disc second time; and any team not striking the disc with first water will be disqualified.

Second Event.

Engine Practice for 5 Men.

1st Prize.—A handsome trophy and 5 gold medals (presented by the Fire Insurance Association), and £60 cash (presented by Demonstration Committee). Total value, £85.

2nd Prize.—A handsome trophy and 5 silver medals (presented by the Fire Insurance Association), and £5 cash (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £20.

3rd Prize.—A handsome trophy (presented by Mr S. E. Cooper), and £5 cash (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £10 5s.

Total value for event, £115 5s.

Five men (not to exceed), each dressed only in shirt and trousers, to be in a tent (or on a tarpaulin) lying down. At signal from starter, men to get up and dress, puting on tunic (of which 4 buttons must be page 7 fastened), boots, helmet, belt, and spanner, running 25 yards to engine, connect to, and pay out from one side of engine two lengths of wet canvas hose, 50 feet each; fix branch (½-inch nozzle), connect two lengths suction hose to engine (strainer to be previously attached), turn-over, secure and unlock levers, lock fore-carriage, and pump from a dam (previously filled with water), and with the water strike a bell-disc (3 feet in diameter) fixed about 10 feet from the ground. At starting, suction hose to be in side pockets on each side of engine (lids closed), delivery hose to be made up in two coils and with branch (detached), placed on body of engine.

When work is done men to hold arms over heads until dismissed by Judges.

Time.—From start to water striking disc.

Third Event.

Ladder Race for 1 Man.

1st Prize.—Trophy, value £6 6s (presented by Captain Cohen, Napier Fire Police).

2nd Prize.—Trophy or cash, £3 3s (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

3rd Prize.—Trophy or cash, £2 2s (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

Total for event, £11 11s. Od.

Fireman to run 50 yards, mount ladder, and ring bell.

Platform 25 feet high. Ladder to be 10 inches between the rungs.

Two ladders to be fixed against the platform.

Two entries allowed from each Brigade. Not against time.

Will be run in heats.

Fourth Event.

Hose & Ladder Practice for 5 Men.

1st Prize.—Handsome trophy and 5 gold medals (presented by the Hawke's Bay Licensed Victuallers' Association), and £60 cash (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £85.

2nd Prize.—Handsome trophy and 5 silver medals (presented by the Hawke's Bay Licensed Victuallers' Association), and £5 cash (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £20.

3rd Prize.—Handsome trophy (presented by Mr F. Collins), and £5 cash (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £10 5s.

Total for Event £115 5s.

Five men (not to exceed) to run 10 yards, pick up reel, run 100 yards to fire-plug; fix hydrant, run out 100 feet canvas hose, break couplings, fix branch, raise ladder against platform, take hose up ladder, and from the top of the platform strike with water a bell-disc 3 feet in diameter.

150 feet wet canvas hose, hydrant, and branch (¾-inch nozzle) to be on the reel at start.

Platform 25 feet high. Ladder (10 inches between the rungs) to be furnished by the Committee, the same ladder for all Brigades, and such ladder not to be used until the day of competition.

Any Branchman allowing hose to fall from platform will cause the disqualification of his team.

Time.—From start to water striking disc.

Fifth Event.

Engine Practice, dry, for 1 Man.

1st Prize.—Trophy or money, value £11 (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

2nd Prize.—Trophy or money, value £6 (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

3rd Prize.—Trophy or money, value £3 (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £20.

One man to start 20 yards from engine in full working uniform; lock fore-carriage, turn over and secure levers, connect one length of suction to engine (strainer to be previously attached), connect to engine and run out 50 feet canvas delivery hose and fix branch, run back to engine and give one stroke of lever on the beat-blocks. Delivery hose to be made up in coil and with branch detached, placed on the body of the engine. Suction to be in side pocket. Lid closed; All caps on.

A similar engine to be used by all competitors.

Time.—From start to stroke of lever on beat-block.

Two entries allowed from each Brigade.

For loose clips add 2 seconds each, open lid½-second.

Sixth Event.

Hose & Hydrant Practice, wet, for 2 men

1st Prize.—Trophy, value £15 (presented by the Napier Banks).

2nd Prize.—Trophy, value £10 (presented by the Napier Banks).

3rd Prize.—Trophy, value £5 5s (presented by Mr P. Colledge). Total value, £30 5s.

Two men, carrying hydrant, 50 foot coil wet canvas hose, and branch (¾-inch nozzle), to run 50 yards to plug; fix hydrant, run out hose, fix branch and with water strike a bell-disc (3 feet in diameter) fixed about 10 feet above the ground.

At Starting.—Hose and branch to be detached, all gear to be on the ground, and men standing with hands clear.

Two entries allowed from each Brigade.

Time.—To be taken from start to water striking disc.

Seventh Event.

Ladder—Rescue Race for 2 Men.

Special Event.—Prizes presented by the Ladies of

Hawke's Bay.

1st Prize.—Trophies, value £20

2nd Prize.—Trophies, value £10

3rd Prize.—Trophies, value £6

All presented by the Ladies of hawke's Bay

Total value £36.

Two men to run 75 yards to platform and raise ladder, one man to ascend and bring the "infant" from the top of platform to the ground.

Time.—To be taken from start till ladder-man touches ground again.

Any man dropping the "baby" before being dismissed by Judges will disqualify his team.

Platform 25 feet high. Ladder 10 inches between the rungs. "Baby" about 28lb in weight.

The same "baby" for all Brigades and such "baby" not to be used before the day of competition.

Two entries allowed from each Brigade.

Eighth Event.

Alarm and Rush, 200 yards.

1st Prize.—Cash or trophy, value £4 4s (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

2nd Prize.—Trophy, value £2 2s (presented by Hallenstein Bros).

3rd Prize.—Cash or trophy, value £1 1s (presented by the Demonstration Committee). Total value, £7 7s.

Fireman to run 25 yards to clothes (throwing off private coat and cap), put on uniform consisting of tunic, helmet, belt and spanner; run 200 yards to engine. Not against time, and will be run in heats if number of entries require it. Two entries from each Brigade. To draw for places.

All dressing to be finished before breasting the tape (tunic to be buttoned with not less than 4 buttons) or man will be disqualified. After passing tape men will hold their arms over their heads till dismissed by the Judges.

Ninth Event.

Fireman's Flat Race 200 yards.

For Firemen only, (in full uniform). Draw for places.

1st Prize.—Cash or trophy, £3 3s (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

2nd Prize.—Cash or trophy, £2 2s (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

3rd Prize.—Cash or trophy, £1 1s (presented by the Demonstration Committee).

Total value, £6 6s.

Not against time. Will be run in heats if necessary.

Tenth Event.

Tug of War.

Blue uniforms v Red uniforms (10 men teams).

Prize.—Cash or trophy, value £10 (presented by Demonstration Committee). Total value, £10.

Aggregate Prizes.

Prizes will be entered on Official Programme.

W. Bogle, Hon. Sec.