FIRE PROTECTION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1699, 15 March 1913, Page 14

FIRE PROTECTION.

'A WELL-EQUIPPED BEIGADE. It is essential in. an important and rapidly-growing town such as Gisborne, with its numerous imposing and costly buildings, that adequate protection should be afforded against the ravages of firo. In this respocfc the town is well provided for. The Fire Brigado is composed of 25 members, whoso enthusiasm and skill have on many occasions saved the town from serious loss. The brigado is well equipped, and only recently a modern motor and chemical engine lias been imported at a cost of .£750. This, in conjunction with other appliances and a good highpressure water supply, enables the brigade to deal most effectively with any outbreak which may occur. It is interesting to note that prior to

1883, although the town possessed two; fire engines, no organised effort was madeto'fight fire.- Although the value of property in the town at that time repref sented a considerable 6um of money tho town'depended solely upon any civilians who might be upon the scene in time of 'fire volunteering to combat the flames. As might bo expected, the result of this state of affairs was that on many occasions there was needless destruction of property. In the year' Inentioned, Mr. John Townley took tho, initiative, and called a ipublio meeting to discuss the situation. The outcome was that a volunteer brigade was formed. Mr. Townley, who for the past 25 years has held—and still holds—the position of superintendent, is the only remaining member of tho original band ,of volunteers. The first firo engine owned by Gisborne was a manual, purchased from tho ' Auckland Brigade about tho year 1878. This cneino was landed in Auckland in 1855, and, although it has done service for over half a century, it is still in good working order. In 1882, the year previous to , the formation of the volunteer brigade, the Borough Council purchased the steam engine exhibited by Shand Mason at the Melbourne Exhibition. Although a portablo engine, it was fitted up, to pump water from the river into street mains at a pressure of 1501b. to the square inch, and in this way its effectiveness was very much increased.. The rapid growth of the town of late years has Tendered this inadequate, and the motor engine previously mentioned was purchased. In addition to ' the fire engines and the high-pressure water service, a powerful pump on the dredge John Townley, capable of throwing three strong jets of water, affords further protection to warehouses and other buildings;in. the vipinity of the waterfront';* •' , . „ Plans are now out for ail up-to-data firo station, which will be erected as soon as the money is. available.