CHRISTCHURCH FIRE BRIGADE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2692, 23 November 1882, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH FIRE BRIGADE.

Last evening at seven o’clock the Fire Brigade were timed as to the rapidity with which the various engines could be brought into use in case of fire. Detachments were told off for the various engines. The Dreadnought hand engine and the Deluge steam engine are located at the Lichfield street station. The first of these was run out and dragged hy men and ropes to the tank in front of the Borough Hotel, and a sti’eam of water was got into play within two minutes and ten second* from the time of alarm. Tho Deluge was also got under weigh, and water was obtained in exactly six and a half minutes, steam having to be got up. At the Chester street station tho steam fire engine Extinguisher and the chemical fire engine are stationed. The first of these was harnessed up and the fire lighted, the run being to the Gloucester street bridge, and water was obtained in exactly four and a half minutes. The chemical fire engine was also taken out, and round the block hack to the station, whore a stream of water was got into play from tho force pump in exactly four minutes. The Christchurch fire prevention committee, viz., Crs. Hiorus (chairman), Jenkins, Reese, and Prudhoe, were present. The trial ovex - , an adjoxxrnment was made to the library, Lichfield street station. The recently appointed superintendent (Mr Turton) presided, supported by tho fire prevention committee, the chairman of which (Cr Hiorns) rose and said that this was tho first time the now fire prevention committee had met the new superintendent and inspected tho plant, and he desired to express the plea-sxxx-e they felt at the very prompt manner tho _ bx-igade turned out, and also the efficient way in which the various trials had been made and tho capital time scored. He was aware of tho disadvantage under which the men wore wox-king, and the difficulty of getting up steam on the Deluge ; hut the committee were pleased and satisfied with what they had seen —[applause]—and so far as the finances of tho Council would allow they would see that the Lichfield street quarters were made as comfortable as the Chester street station. They would recommend the Coxxnoil to do its best to locate the Lichfield street Bx-igade on the premises, so that the men would not have to run such a long distance to the fires. He was sure the present committee would always work in harmony with the brigade. [Cheers.] Ho would conclude by proposing the “ Health of the Newly-Elected Superintendent,” and wishing the brigade every prosperity. The toast being honored, Mr Superintendent Turton was afraid that the committee had promised more than they could pex-form during the next twelve months, but he had no doubt they would do their best. As for the Brigade, he knew, its members would work well together. He would now propose the healtlx of his AVorship the Mayor, coupling the toast with tho name of Cr. Hiorns.

Tho toast was drunk with every demonstration of enthusiasm.

Cr. Hiorns, in responding, referred to tho re-election of the Mayor, which gave all the members of the Council the most unbounded satisfaction. Before sitting down, he wished to express the pleasure he felt in learning that Fireman Rose, who was hurt in a recent practice, was speedily recovering.

On the motion of Mr AN. B. Hobbs, seconded by Mr Hillier, the thanks of the Brigade were ordered to he conveyed to the lodge of Oddfellows who had lent a water bed for the comfort of Fireman Bose.

The question of a torchlight demonstration on December 16th was then discussed, and it was resolved —“ That the Brigade co-operate with the Popular Sports committee on the evening of that day, provided it be kept a close holiday.” Several capital songs were sung during tho evening, and the company separated about 10.30.