STEEL HOSE TOWER

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 153, 25 March 1938, Page 5

STEEL HOSE TOWER

Fire Station Landmark To Disappear A landmark iu the centre of Wellington for many years past has been the 70ft. steel hose tower located in the exercise yard of the old central fire brigade station. This structure was built toward the end of last -century, when the brigade headquarters was removed from Manners Street to the junction of Cuba Street and Jervois Quay. It was not only used to dry the brigade’s hoses, but high up there was a watch-house and a large bell which gave forth an alarm when a tire was sighted.

These premises are now being converted for the use of the traffic department ami tiie reserves department, and the tower is to be dismantled almost immediately. Built of strong angleiron and well bolted, this tower will probably have to be cut down in sections with acetone flame. About where it stands is to be located an up-to-date petrol station, which should be convenient for the traffic department’s officers, most of whom are now supplied with motor-cycles. These men are to be provided with a messroom and lockers, in the brick building above the workshop in the backyard, where they will have a clear outlook on to Jervois Quay and Cable Street.

Linoleum is now being laid on the floor of the new front office of the traffic department’s quarters—the old engine-house of the tire brigade—and next week the staff will change over to their new offices, where they will have more room and much better light than in those they at present occupy.