It was that tho Government had a great amount of property which was not insured, and the Companies could not see why they should contribute towards the cost of tho Brigades if the Government did not do likewise. — Captain Cummin said thia matter vra3 no new thing. It cropped up annually. He did not think it right that any attempt should bo made to compel Insurance Com panies to contribute. Competition was keen, aud consequently the Companies mado their ratos commensurnto with the risks. Ho thought tho proper way to sup port Fire Brigados was through tho Municipal Corporations. The influence in the Upper House was too strong to allow of auy Fire Brigade Bill passing. He con sidered further action would jeopardise what they already roceived.—Secretary Salmon considered that Volunteer Firemen should be placed on tho same tooting as Voluntoor Companies. One portion of the support of tho Brigade should come direct from tho Government nnd tho other from the municipal corporations. — Superintendent Hughes also agreed that Insurance Companios should not bo called upon to support the Fire Brigade*. — It wa» a well-known fact that in tho towns where there were efficient brigades, tho premiums were reduced. Tho Municipal Corporations Act empowered a Council to levy a special rate for tho maintenance of Firo Brigades. — Lioutonant Bollringer moved that it would bo prejudicial to tho bent interests of the Fire Brigades to intro duco any measure which would tend to bring them under Government control, and that the Conference deem it inadvisable to take any action in that direction. He objocted to firemen being placed on the footing of volunteers, and perhaps having to be sworn in. He re minded the firemen that in protecting the Government property they were simply looking after property which belonged to themselves as a portion of the people.— Captain Cummin seconded the resolution. —Foreman Rose movod as an amendment that the Executive take the necessary stops to have a Bill introduced atthe forthcoming session.—SeeretaryScantleberry.of Roof ton, suggested that some action should be taken to empower County Councils to subsidise the Fire Brigades in the same manner as Municipal Corporations.—Secretary Linda men spoke in support of the amendment. Ho felt sure that any Bill they sent to the House would receive fair consideration, as the Hon. 