AVONDALE FIRE BRIGADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19050, 22 June 1925, Page 13

AVONDALE FIRE BRIGADE.

NEW ENGINE HANDED OVER. AN EVENTFUL TRIAL RUN. Some time ago the Avondale ratepayers sanctioned a loan of £750 to purchaso a motor hose reel and to make additions to the fire brigade station. The now fire engine was formally handed over to the Borough Council on Saturday afternoon at tho fire station in the presence of a large gathering. The Mayor of Avondale, Mr. W. J. Tait. after accepting it on behalf of tho borough, called upon the captain of the brigade, Mr, L. Watson, to take charge and expressed the hope that, although the brigade was now so well equipped, there would be demands for its services. Other speakers were Mr. Cossar, representing the agents for the machine, Mr. W. Pendlebury, a member of tho council, and Captain Watson. The motor-body and ladders were manufactured in Auckland. There is accommodation for 18 men. By a coincidence, when the engine was returning from the trial run, a large fire was seen in the direction of Point Chevalier. Haste was made back to the fire station for lengths of hose and the motor then proceeded to the fire. However, on arrival, it was found the outbreak was confined to a paddock of gorse. The passengers on the machine included the Mayor and some members of the counciL