NEW FIRE ENGINE.

Evening Star, Issue 12173, 18 April 1904, Page 8

NEW FIRE ENGINE.

The efficiency of the Roslyn Volunteer Fire Brigade has been materially enhanced by the acquisition of a new Shand-Mason vertical steam fire engine. A number of Roslyn residents gathered at the local Fire Brigade Station on Saturday afternoon to witness the formal opening of this. Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., Mayor of the Borough of Roslyn, performed the ceremony of christening the machine, which he called "The Pride of Roslyn." While enlarging on the value of the new engine to the borough, he said that steam could be pnt on and the engine made ready to pump at full pressume in seven minutes, and the danger from fire -was therefore lessened to an appreciable extent. The brigade had. shown a veiy plucky spirit in the manner in which they had entered into the venture. The engiue was not quite paid for yet, and as there were a number of insurance agents present, perhaps some of them would give a donation.—(Laughter, and a Voice : " You have State fire insurance."). Yes, and he was very glad State fire insurance was an accomplished fact, for it had caused the big insurance companies to reduce their rates to a. more reasonable basis. Mr Mackenzie concluded by calling for three cheers for Captain Washer and the brigade, to which call all those present responded heartily. He then called upon Mrs Washer to tam.aa the steam* and tbe engine threw

a jet of water about 60ft high through a length of hose of 300 ft, which had just been run out. The carriage for the engine was constructed by Glaister and Carey, of Walker street.