NEW BRIGHTON FIRE BRIGADE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 9

NEW BRIGHTON FIRE BRIGADE

INSPECTION BY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Proposals for an improved fire alarm system in the borough were placed before members of the New Brighton Borough Council by Superintendent W. H. Stokes, at the annual council inspection of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. The inspection was made by the Mayor (Mr E. L. Smith), Councillors J. S. Ainsworth, A. E. Lawry, C. V. Lester, T. E. Thomson, W. T. Glasgow, and the Town Clerk (Mr C. T. Middleton).

After the inspection of the brigade, the Mayor and councillors went to the council chambers, where they were addressed by Superintendent Stokes. Mr Stokes said that at present the borough was served by six alarm boxes, which cost the council £l9 10s a year. He proposed that the number cf boxes should be increased by five. This would give more efficient service, but would incur no extra maintenance cost. An alternative suggestion was that 10 extra boxes be provided to cover the whole of the borough at an additional maintenance cost of £l3 10s a year. The cost of the boxes would be about £2 10s each.

The brigade considered that if the pilot light system were introduced, the lighting system of the station would not only be brought up to date, but also, the lighting costs would be considerably reduced, said Mr Stokes. At present it was necessary to keep certain lights going all night, but under the pilot light system, all the lights would be automatically switched on when the alarm was given. The system could be ii'stalled for about £5.

A third suggestion was that a motor hose-tender be bought. The type desired would carry three men and the driver, and 2000 feet of hose. Features of this wculd be a box of two compartments to allow the brigade to lay either one or two lengths of hose at a time, and a 200 gallon first-aid tank. The estimated cost would be £4OO.

The proposals were discussed by members of the council, and were referred to the fire prevention committee for favourable consideration. On the motion of Cr. Lawry, a vote of thanks was accorded Superintendent Stokes for his report. After the meeting, the members of the brigade entertained the Mayor and councillors at supper and a social in the brigade's social hall. The Mayor referred to the good service given by the brigade, not only in fire-fighting, but also in fire prevention work. The brigade, he said, had also work well at social gatherings for the relief of distress, and he extended the thanks of the borough.