NEW FIRE MOTOR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 168, 19 June 1925, Page 4

NEW FIRE MOTOR.

TO BE PURCHASED BY BOARD. “The water record shows that at times the pressure falls as low as 301 b, and frequently only some 40 to 501 b is registered —a dangerous condition of things. The water loan having been rejected, the question ns to when an improvement in the water service for fire extinction purposes can be expected is an unknown quantity, and in that view the position calls for the provision of a second pumping unit,” was an extract from a report flo the annual meeting of the Fire Board yesterday by Mr T. T. Hugo, Government inspector ol fire brigades. Reference to tho inattor was alsq contained in the annual report of the superintendent, Mr W. H. Barnard, who stated that, in accordance with instructions from the chairman of the board, Mr A. J. Graham, he had placed on the estimates for the coming year tho sum of £1330 for the purchasing of a new fire motor. Mr M. A. Eliott asked whether a new machine was necessary. Mr Barnard replied that, if the purchase were not made this year, the matter would again • have to be considered next year. When the new motor was procured the brigade would be able to use two pumping units. Tho present motor with pump attached was 14 or 15 years old, but was still fully efficient. After giving the board particulars of the fluctuating water pressure in Palmerston North, the superintendent said that the brigade should, for efficient working, never have less than 75 or 80 pounds pressure. Mr S. S. Dean asked whether it would not be possible when fires occurred for the water supply to be localised in the area affected, by the shutting of the valves controlling the supply to other portions of the town. Mr Barnard explained that, owing to the nature of the reticulation, this would in the majority of cases be of no benefit. Furthermore, the turncock might have to go round quite a number of valves and by that time it would be of no use. The chairman, Mr A. J. Graham, commented that it appeared that the superintendent was on sound lines in advocating a new motor. Following further discussion, it was deoided that the amount already on the estimates for the purpose should remain.