The competition for the Insurance Association's Shield took place on the Public Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon. The firemen of the various Companirs, with their trucks and reels, assembled on the French Bund at 4 p.m. and shortly afterwards proceeded to the Recreation Ground, where a large number of spectators awaited their arrival. The turn-out was very creditable, trucks, reels, uniform, and helmets all being in spick-and-span order.
The conditions were as under Each competing reel to have ten of the usual fifty-feet lengths of hose, T" start from the West gate of the Cricket Club, with four men on the truck, and drive towards the hydrant. The fifth man to stand opposite the foreman and join in on the word "Go," and (1).—At a point about 20 yards from the hydrant the word "Go" will be given-by the Foreman of competing Company, when the axle of the w'.-. yissex the fixed point," before which no part of the reel may be loosened or taken off, and nothing taken from the box. The hydrant must first be flushed, ordinary double goose neck connected, with one branch, capped, then three lengths of hose connected, laid out towards Loongfei Gate (North Section) and water turned on.
Time to be taken from the word "Go" by the Foreman till water comes out of (2).—On the word ' Go" from the Foreman while water is turned on:—Water must be turned off, one length of hose will be taken from the track and connected with the South Branch and laid out tewsrd the Swimming Bath.
Time to be taken from the Foreman's word of command till water issues from th" lished 8th May 1902. These letters of Jatter'of the two nozzles. (South Section.)
1898 and 1900 are exactly the standpoint of the Consular Body now. May I restate them?
The Chinese Courts only have jurisdiction over the Chinese. When foreign interest is sufficiently shown, the Consul of (3).—The middle long h of the North Section will be supposed to be broken. On the word "Go" from the Foreman while water is turned on, water must be
replaced by one from the truck, tamed off and the supposed broken length Time again taken from the Foreman's word of command till water comes from the nozzle.
(4).—When Tim-keepers are ready the Foreman will give the word "Go," when four lengths must be reeled up' and all xts" replaced, the broken length roll-of the truck. ed up and placed on the foot-board in front
The order of succession having been settled by lot, the Torrent Company were the first to set things going. Unfortunately one of their number fell and was dragged by the reel. He held on to the hose very luckily, however, although he must have badly scraped, and the movements were gone throw: h in the fairly good time of 147 seconds. Then followed the Mih-ho-loong, who were applauded for the neatness with which the movements were executed, in the quick time of 1381 seconds, Perhaps the greatest interest as taken in the work of the Deluge Company, last year's winners. They quite upheld their reputation by making the record time of 113 seconds, and when the time was made known were vociferously applauded. 'The Inst to come were the Victorias, Their first movement took 60 seconds, but the time for the second, 21 seconds, was fairly good. In the third movement' a mistake occurred and the Company retired; The Hongkew Company did not compete, and we cannot help thinking this great pity, as this Company has done excellent work in previous com: petitions.
The official times were as follow 3 f=] 3
Ist Event. 7 60s 2nd Event: 116) 3rd Event aL Retired. 4th Event Penalties Total At the close of the contest the men assembled in front of the Golf Club pavilien, where the shield on view. "Mr, Kenneth Campbell, the foreman of the Deluge Company. was called forward to receive the Shield, and the presentation was made by Mr. H. R, Kinnear.
In making the presentation, Mr. Kinnear congratulated Mr. Campbell and his Com-any upon their success in winning the Shield for the fourth time, and the third time in succession. He said it was unnecessary for him to refer to the excellent work that was don the Fire Brizade, but he wished on behalf of the Insurance Association, to express their appreciation of the services of the Brigade. There was no volunteer organisation where the work was better done or more appreciated, and he was give that to him, as Chairman of the Association, had fallen the pleasure of making the presentation. The Settle~ ments were quickly increasing in size and population, but he felt sure that the Fire Brigale would always be equal to their increasing duties.
Ta reply, Mr. Campbell thanked Mr, Kinnear for his appreciation of the work done by the Companies. He said that all the Companies had done good work and the public would be able to judge from their performances that day how efficient they were.
Mr. W.G. Bayne, the Chairmin of the Municipal Counci', sp ko as follows "Gentlemen of the Fie Brigide. As chairman of the Council, it has given me great pleasure to be present at your competition this afternoon, and I shall be very glad to report to my colleagues the very
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.