NEW FIRE ENGINE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4992, 25 June 1926, Page 2

NEW FIRE ENGINE.

PAEROA’S MODERN MACHINE. SUCCESSFUL TESTS MADE. The new motor Are engine which has recently been acquired by the Paeroa Volunteer Fire Brigade is now completed. Successful trial runs? of the machine have been made, and fire-fighting practices have been cardied out with highly satisfactory results. Built on a one-ton Ford chassis, the machine has a, length of 7ft, evcluding the driver’s seat, and is 3ft 2in wide. The framework is built of Australian hardwood, and the body is> of Kaurfc The. outfit is of the latest design, and several new features, have been incorporated in its construction. In the majority of fire-engines of the motor truck class a door opens a/t the rear of the machine. On this engine there .are two partitions, running parallel with the truck, fitted- with large doors which slide inwards ,on the principle of a roller-top desk, instead off being fitted on hinges. This allows of all the hose being flaked in partitions and one man can operate a hose from the engine, whereas on other designs it requires at least two firemen. In all, from 1000 to 1200 feet of hose can be carried and handled satisfactorily. On the sides of the machine boxes are fitted, in which are carried branches, accessories, and tools. On the rear of. the machine there is a step o'n which are mounted two patent spring clips which carry the hydrants. Along the centre of the vehicle tilery is ample room for the 30ft extension ladder, which is held in position by iron patent spring clips, instea.d of the oldfashioned method of holding it by straps and buckles. In addition to the. equipment there is accommodation for 14 firemen, including the driver. The driver’s seat has been finished off in English leather, with spring seat and back. The footrests on each side of the machine are covered with aluminium sheeting, which is held to wear moire satisfactorily than does cork or rubber matting. The vehicle is painted red, and finished off with a durable red enamel, with gold-leaf lettering, shaded with blue.

This machine, which was desighed by Lieut. E. Moore, of the local fire brigade, and built at Messrs Brenan and Co.’s workshop, Paeroa. is one of the, latest and most modern of its kind in the Dominion. The provision of a motor fire-engine has long been necessary in this town, and the residents, together with the Borough Council, which largely controls the fire brigade, are to be congratulated on having at last made a move in, the direction of seeing to it that the local fire-fighters are equipped with necessary gear with which to carry out their humane and arduous work.