CAPTAIN SHAW IN WATLING STREET.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2598, 5 May 1877, Page 4

CAPTAIN SHAW IN WATLING STREET.

In the centre of a vast web, skilfully and patiently woven during the 15 years, sits the architect thereof—the beneficent spider^ whose fly is a firefly. North,' south,'. east and west of him extends —:to the uttermost limits of the region ruled by the Metropolitan Board of Works—a network, well planned, carefully executed and protected against the possibility of breakage by extraordinary precautions. This telegraphic safety net, by means of which each station of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade is brought into. connection with every other station, aud the whole brigade could, if deemed necessary and prudent, be concentrated on any one spot in an incredibly short space of time, is the work of Captain Kyre Massey. Shaw, Chief Officer of the Brigade since Mr Braidwood lost his life, on that memorable occasion when the Thames was literally set on fire. Since then London has been divided into four great districts, three of which are north of the Thames, London, south of the river forming the D district. In the centre of each district is a superintendent in telegraphic connection with every station within its limit, and also with the central office in Watling street, where Captain Shaw sits in his quiet study, far from the din of fire-bells, but perfectly cognisant of the condition of every fireman's post in London—how many men, engines, and horses can be brought together within a i'eyv minutes at any given spot. The organiser of this machinery, which goes rather better than clock-work, is a tall square-shouldered Irishman of some forty-eight years, but with figure so well set up.tliat when clad in his short, jaunty tunic, fireman's helmet, and huge jackboots, he looked no more than thirty-five —a lithe, active, muscular man, and a skilful wielder of the tomahawk which hangs in his girdle. ' His very becoming uniform is the outcome of much care and thought and long practical experience. A fireman's helmet, for instance, must fulfil several conditions. It must .be strong enough, especially in the " comb," to resist falling bricks and rafters, and must have a very thick and well-fitting lining. It must also have sufficient peak in front to protect the face without impeding, the vision, and behind to shield the neck completely from molten lead. The ears also must be. protected without interfering with the hearing ; and there are many minor details which combine to render the construction of a fireman's helmet a momentous affair. Captain Shaw Las at last; reached something near perfection-, and feels as safe in his helmet when under fire "as. he can reasonably expect. Tight in the waist and hips, and loose in the shoulders and sleev.es, the tunic is an admirable working dress for men who are perpetually getting in and.gut of windows, and through the panels of doors swiftly ripped, out with a keen tomahawk. When a house is already full of smoke, and the fire is gnawing hungrily at the staircases, there is no time)for picking locks or removing doors. Smash goes the tomahawk,into a panel, tears it out, and then head 1 or feet foremest the fireman plunges intoihe unknown beyond. So he is trimly yet strongly clad from headto;heel; for the essence of his work is time ; be must be both swift and strong. Fire is not only the element against which lie must, be protected, for he is apt and indeedcertain, to be drenched; with water when at work. As tons of water are hurled at flaming building, cascades pour down upon the brave fellows working on the lower floors, drenching them to the skin. Captain Shaw who on "busy nights" is. all over London from fire to fire,'has, in a private and particular "bedroom/of his own-^a sort of blue chamber, from which even- Mrs Shaw is: excluded—a regiment of uniforms: to change about with after each particular soaking. All is orderly and methodical. On the floor is a row of jackboots standing erect, shoulder.to shoulder, like awell- :- driljed regiment, and over them hang raiment without end, all ready to hand at a moment's notice. : '■■ • ■ 5.