FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2590, 7 June 1923, Page 2

FOXTON FIRE BOARD.

A meeting of the local committee of the above Board was held last night. Present: Messrs Chrystall fchairman), Hornblow, Bryant and tlie secretary (Mr Rangiheuea). An apology for absence was received from Mr A. N. Smith. INSPECTOR HUGO’S REPORT.

Inspector Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades, reported as follows: “An inspection of the Foxton Brigade and its equipment was made o*i the 29th of May. when at the in--ncction muster there was present the Superintendent. Deputy and 9 firemen, these, with one on leave, accounting for 12 out of a total strength of 13. “Owhipf to the present very limited equipment in possession of the Brigade no actual fire drill was carried mil but practical and oral insi ruction was given in the use of Ihe appliances and gear and in the proper methods of fire fighting. “The new station in Hall Street, now nearing completion, is well situated, Ihough the corner section would have been bettor, in relation to the major risks of the town, it is a substantial building of good appearance, internally well designed for its purpose and should meet all requirements for years to come. “The Brigade is dangerously short in the matter of equipment and should be provided ns soon as possible with the following gear: 5 CIO ft. of 2] in. fire hose, one doublehended stand-pipe, three branches, seven nozzles, viz., 2-Jin., 2-3 in., 2yin., 1 - Jin. All Hie above to be made in accordance with the Government standard patterns and specifications.

“The fire bell and tower should be removed from its present position and re-erected alongside the new fire station, the height of the tower to be increased by not less than 20 feet so to utilise it for hose drying purposes. Tf it can be done at reasonable cost, a water power mechanical apparatus, to operate at a minimum pressure of 501bs. should be installed. The siren should be fixed in some prominent position to serve as a fixed fire alarm point.” Tn reference to the fire bell, the secretary said lie had made enquiries and ascertained that the bell had been presented to the town by the late Mr Liddell. Mr Hornblow said the timber was in a splendid state of preservation and could be used in the re-erection. Resolved to ask Inspector Hugo to sulfmit a plan of fire bell tower and hose gallows and to purchase the equipment subject to the consent of the Wellington members.

Resolved to instal a water meter al the fire station and to obtain cost of pel ton wheel for ringing the bell; also to ask the Borough Council for the price of the fire bell and structure.