Display on history of fire-fighting

Press, 15 August 1980, Page 4

Display on history of fire-fighting

Ferrymead will have one of the best displays of antique fire-fighting equipment in the world when its latest museum, called the “Hall of Flame”, is opened later this year. £ Mr D. Muir, director, of the Ferrymead Trust, said the 836 sq. m brick building to house the display was nearly finished. A ball for more than 300 people would be held in the hall on August 30. : >

Two steam-operated fire engines and several handworked pumps, including the first machine used by the Christchurch fire brigade, are among' 40 machines collected by the Fire .Service Historical Society. Fire-fight-

ing equipment such as breathing gear, uniforms, helmets, fire extinguishers, and water mains will be included.

Mr Muir said the display would cover the history of fire-fighting . in Canterbury up to the present day.. ; 4 The display will be designed bv Mr G. Bargo, who worked at the Canterbury Museum for 15 years. T Mr Muir said it was ; hoped to set up. « fire-fight-ing diorama, with a steam fire engine drawn by horses, made bv Mr G. Sutton, of the Canterbury Museum. A model watch room would be included.

The trust hoped to open the display on September 30, but “that might be a bit ,ambitious.” A-. One side of the building is made mainly from the old doors of the Christchurch fire station. These were given by the Fire Service. Mr Muir said the building could house all 40 machines, but only 15 or'2o would be used so they could be displayed to best advantage.