"A WASHOUT!"

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 165, 26 April 1935, Page 6

"A WASHOUT!"

FIRE PLANT AT METHVEN. BRIGADE EQUIPMENT CRITICISED. "THE WORST IN NEW ZEALAND." PURCHASE OF PUMPING GEAR.

"Our fire-fighting equipment is a washout, and if there should be a good fire we would have to stand by and let it go!" This statement, made by Mr J. F. Stone" at a meeting of Methven ratepayers on Wednesday night, opened, a discussion on the question of fire-fighting in the township, and as a result of a statement made by the County Chairman (Mr D. J. Morrow) it is likely that a new pumping plant jvill be purchased by the Council at an early oate on behalf of the township, the cost to be refunded out of a special rate struck to coyer it.

Mr G. Cookson (Superintendent of the Methven Eire Brigade) stated that in a test carried out in the centre' of the town the pressure in the mains was shown to be 36 or 38 pounds to the square inch, and that the pressure at the nozzle of the hose was only 221bs. This was totally inadequate for dealing with fires, and it was time something was done about it. Captain Watts (Inspector for the United Fire Brigades Association) had inspected the plant, and had declared that the M.ethveir Brigade was the worst equipped fire brigade in New Zealand. A motor pump, of the typo that could be attached to a motor car, had been tested in the township that day, and the demonstration had proved that the plant was most suitable for Methven. The Eire Brigade Committee had discussed the question, and had come to the conclusion that a loan of about £SOO should be raised to purchase the plant, and make the brigade's equipment thoroughly efficient. A rate of | of a penny in the £ would be ample to meet such a loan, which could be raised for a term of fifteen years. For £IOO, or less, a motor chassis could be obtained to haul the pump, and members of the committee would carry out the work necessary to convert it 'for " the purpose. There would have to be some alterations at the brigade's shed where the equipment was housed. Mr R. W. Wightman said that the apparatus tested was much the same as that purchased for Allenton, but was about half the power. Mr G. Kelly (County Clerk) said that the easiest way of getting the apparatus was for the people to give the County Council an idea of the cost,' and the Council could advance the money on condition of repayment out of a special rate in the fire area. The County Chairman ' (Mr D. J. Morrow) said that there should be no difficulty in arranging for the purchase of the pumping plant, as suggested by Mr Kelly. It was agreed that further consideration should be given to this question at a meeting of ratepayers in a month's time, and that the County Council be asked to make a report in 1 regard to the raising of the cost, and its repayment.