SIREN FIRE ALARM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 30 March 1928, Page 9

SIREN FIRE ALARM.

HAWERA’Si NEW SYSTEM. GOVERNING BOARD’S APPROVAL The isiren fire alarm system which (as reported on page 1) was tested last evening, was discussed by members of the Hawera Fire Board at its meeting in-day, Mr. G. J. Bayley remarking that- the Jio-wl of the machine in the evening had had a very disturbing effect on the children in his household and on others concerning whom lie had been informed. He suggested that the operation of the signal at about noon daily for .a few days would serve to accustom residents of the district to the sound and at the same time give opportunity for observing the effect against whistle signals and test the reliability of the siren generally. Air. H. It. Spratt: “It produced a weird hoodoo sound and unless the children were accustomed to it the effect would naturally be- terrifying.” Air. Spratt further remarked that at Hamilton the -siren sounded daily at 8 a.m. and noon and had become a recognised time signal. The chairman (Air. L. A. Bone) said the initiation of the system had caused similar trouble in other centres, but through custom people became used to the sound an<] the -siren was gradually replaying the fire bell alarms. TO SOUND DAILY At 5 2.-30 p.m. the- board- made- -an inspection of the appliance and after a further demonstration listeners on a •two miles radius reported h-etaring the sound clearly and a m-eltnfbe-r of the brigade living in the town reported it had a rousing effect inside the house though the blouse was closed as if for the night. Against the stiff north westerly, however, tlie signal was- not picked up by a listener at Normanby, whore in the comparatively still conditions it hind been clearly heard last evening.

Following the deimo-ustrnltion. the chairman of the hoard informed a “Hawera Star” reporter that the permanent imst'alllation of the siren had been approved. “It is not nc-'arly as startling as the siren on the Auckland wla'terfiront, •' said r Grayson during to-day’s trial.

The' siren is to be so untied 1 with a slioid signal rising once to full pitch at noon daily excepting Sundays, and in the event of an alarm coimcidlng with that time the signla'l will be sustained.