Fire Prevention.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 1411, 16 April 1902, Page 2

Fire Prevention.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— lt seems incomprehensible that an intelligent body of men should recommend the purchase of a steam fire engine while at the same time advising the introduction of a high pressure water supply scheme. Yet this is what the water and drainage committee have done. The chairman went so far as to propose that the price of the steamer should be included in the proposed loan for a water supply. I had previously heard of a proposal to procure an engine till a water supply was obtained, and then to sell it ; but to procure one in conjunction therewith seems absurd, and Feilding ratepayers are not likely to go in for such an unnecessary and expensive luxury. If the water scheme did not provide for a sufficient pressure, or if there were many buildings situated at a considerable height, such an expense might be justified ; but these conditions do not extend to the Peilding Borough. Mr Mesteyer's scheme provided, I believe, for a pressure of 1201 b per inch at Manchester Square. The highest level to be supplied would be at the Makino Railway Station, where, it being 100 ft above the Square, 601 b pressure should be obtained — sufficient to throw a jet over a two-storied building. I have watched the Wellington Fire Brigade playing on a four-storied building with a pressure of something like 1201 bin the mains, and the jets rose from the ground well over the roof. I think I have said sufficient to convince most of your readers that once we have an efficient water supply a fire engine will not be needed, but I am willing to admit that with our present inadequate water supply our old " Victor " is almost as useful as an up-to-date steamer. I am, etc., R.T.