FIRE BELLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 152, 30 June 1927, Page 8

FIRE BELLS.

BEVONFORT'S NEW ALARMS,

FROM BELL ROPE TO PUSH BUTTON. Fire! The bell clanged out its warning note, the village constable or the nearest citizen ran to the headquarters of the brigade, and the old-fashioned

"manual" turned out. That was not long ago. Now all is different. The old ''manual" has disappeared. The startling clangour of the fire bell, known so well a few years ago, is fast becoming just a memory. The rope on the bell tower has given way to the automatic push button.

Soon Devonport is to lose the six fire bells which, for over a decade, have tolled their fire tocsin. Thirty-five automatic Duplex alarms, like those in use in Auckland city, have been distributed and installed in various parts of the borough. They are working now.

When the first new alarm was introduced, the line was connected with the fire station, marking the change-over from the old to the new. This was on June 17. Since then such progress has been made with the new system that it will be ready for a formal inspection by members of' the Borough Council on Mondav next.

Nothing definite has yet been decided with regard to the abolition of the old bells, but it may be that a use can be found for them, even though their life as alarms is ended.

The extension department of the N.Z. Bible Training Institute is inaugurating its work in the city by a series of lectures to be delivered in Remuera Library from July 1 to 15. During the first week Dr. W. 11. Pettit will speak on the Bible in relation to science, evolution, war and' modern criticism. During the second week Mr C. J. Rolls, Dean of the New Zealand Bible Training Institute, will lecture on the prophetic Scriptures historically fulfilled, and on other positive evidences of inspiration. Infants' all-wool flannel rompers, in fawn, red, saxe, brown, green, bois de rose, trimmed contrasting tones, usually G/'ll, for 4/11. —At Milne and Choree's sale. — (Ad). Smith and Caughey's great winter clearance fair, now in full swing. \\ onderful bargains in all departments.—Ad. Maids' flannel and Kasha frocks, variety of styles and colours, sixes for ases 6 to IS years, usually 20/0 to 92/(i. now 19/11 to 03/.—At Milnj and Chovce's sale.—(Ad).