TO FiGHT FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 138, 12 June 1926, Page 13

TO FiGHT FIRE.

FINE MODERN EQUIPMENT. NEW STATION AT MT. ALBERT. PROGRESS OF DISTRICT. The up-to-date fire station at Mount Albert, recently built to replace the obsolete structure which housed the borough firc-ficrhting equipment for so long, was opened thi3 afternoon by the Mayor of Mount Albert (Mr. L. E. Rhodes), in the presence of a large gathering of residents. The Deputy-Mayor (Mr. Ailingham); who is chairman of the fire brigade committee, presided. Others on the platform were the architect, Mr. D. Patterson, and Superintendent Wilson, of the City Fire Board.

The Mayor referred to the development of the Mount Albert borough in recent years. recalling the days when the Are fighting appliances consisted of nothing more than a hand reel, housed in a shed. The rapid growth of Mount Albert as a residential district had made up-to-date equipment a necessity.

To-day, the Mayor proceeded, the line modern building provided accommodation for two engines and other appliances on the ground floor, sleeping quarters for unmarried volunteers on the ground floor, and a residence for the superintendent and hia family upstairs. The new tire station had cost £4243, and was thoroughly up to date in every respect. The new engine, built by a Scottish firm which specialised in the manufacture of fire-fighting equipment, had a six-cylinder motor, and could attain a speed of 35 miles an hour, or more. It was fitted with a water tank and 150 ft of hose. When in action the engine would throw a quarter-inch jet 60ft, under a pressure of SOlb 35ft extension ladder, an air pump, and a smoke helmet for use when dealing with outbreaks located in large buildings, were also caried on the engine, which cost £1170. The old engine, which had served the borough for a number of years, was being retained as an auxiliary. The superintendent and deputy-superintendent-driver were paid members of the brigade. The volunteer members numbered 15, and all were very keen.

Five years ago the population of Mount Albert borough was only 11,000; to-day it was 17,497, continued the Mayor. It was an increase of 54 per cent. The- total increase in the city area, which included Grey Lynn, Archhill, Point Chevalier, Eden Terrace, Parnell, Epsom, and Remuera, was 35 less than that in Mount Albert. The city had increased its population by 0117, and Mount Albert by (1152. Last year 459 residences were built in the district, at a total cost of ±'420.075. That was a record for the Dominion, in so far as provincial towns were concerned. In four years 1500 dwellings had been erected. It would be readily conceded, that, in view of such exceptional development, the district was entitled to first-class fire-fighting equipment.