TRIAL OF THE PATENT FIREESCAPE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2949, 7 September 1882, Page 3

TRIAL OF THE PATENT FIREESCAPE.

It having been announced that a public trial, of Mr Carmalt’s patent fireescape would be made at two o’clock to-day, at the Ship Hotel, a large number of persons gathered opposite the building to witness the proceedings. The frame-work was made fast inside the corner window of the third storey, and the bag dropped out into the street. The escape is merely a long tubular bag of stout canvas, and the hanging end is held by persona below ; The bag is thus in an obliqne position, and anyone wishing to descend has merely to get in at the top, and he descends by bis own velocity, regulating _ the rateof bis limbs. Anything safer or more simple it ryould be difficult to imagine. Some of the employes of the hotel were the first to make the descent, after which Mr John Meikle’s burly form came gracefully down followed after a few moments by his faithful hound, whom someone- prevailed upon to put himself into the bag. A number of other well-known citizns, eetnboldened i. by the success of these, also made the trip. The escape works remarkably well, and we understand that Mr McGninness, who has purchased it, intends it" to remain a fixture at the same window, thus affording • mettni'ttf exit, in case of fire, for the occupants of that side of the House. It naturally occurs to everyone, however, that in the event of fire there would be , a very dangerous rush,to the escape, and Mr McGuinness has determined, with commendable promptitude, to add to this means of exit another in the Strathallan street end of the building. Ho is going to construct an iron "stair way leading from a high window at the end of the building facing the sett, thus securing to those in the house a double means of exit.