TALLEST FIRE-FIGHTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1923, Page 3

TALLEST FIRE-FIGHTER.

BRIGADE'S NEW ACQUISITION*. WELLINGTON, May 30 There arrived by the s.g-. lonic yesterday a number of c-asoi containing pa its which, w hen assembled, will constitute the new mechanical fire ladder ordered by the Wellington City Council some months ago for the City Eire Brigade. Its cost is £2BOO, and the amount was provided tor in last 'ear's balance sliest.

The fin- escape apparatus i> mounted in a Id horse power motor truck capable ot bring driven at a speed of 30 miles an linin'. Tile ladder is electrically controlled and is capable of being extended in 20 seconds to a height of Sd feet. Thi< is quite twenty feet higher than the longest firelighting ladder at present ill use ir; the city, and it may a'-o he operated manually. I; 1 the tests conducted 5,e----lore tin- motor was -hipped from England, the ladder was extended horizon; ally from tin- truck for sixty feet, ami a man LTI pounds in weight took 11 j) a position on the extreme end without affecting the stability ol the machine. The telescope consists of a main ladder and three steel extension piece-. One of the principal i'eaiures is that it is fitted with special appliances for holding a hose in position in that it may he directed unattended i through a window' of a burning build- ; ing and played li]),m a centre of fire unapproachable by firemen. Severe tests were al-o imposed upon the motor in England, and grades of 1 in '- and 1 in 7 were successfully negotiate;!. By special mechanical dej vices the ladder is prevented from I swaying; when extended. and 1 lie wheels are locked when the vehicle is stationary .-<> that there i~ no possibility of the truck moving even if put under power. The ma,-hint- was constructed by the Tilling'-Ki evens Petrol Electric Go., of I .ondoit.