Whangarei Man Invents Portable Fire Escape

Northern Advocate, 13 March 1948, Page 3

Whangarei Man Invents Portable Fire Escape

A MOVEABLE fire escape which, it is claimed, can be adapted to any type of budding has been invented by Mr R. Morrison, of Whangarei. The escape and its fittings embody novel features which, Mr Morrison says, were designed in full conformity with the relevant Dominion statutes.

One of its fittings is a wheel, which when turned; (a) Sets off an alarm in the house or building, and is also connected with the fire station. (b) Switches .on a light above the escape. (c) Allows a landing to spring out from beneath a window. j (d) Drops a ladder to the ground. j NOT ATTACHED j The occupant of a house or building then opens the window, steps on to the landing, then on to the ladder, and finally to the ground. If someone else is in need of assistance from another window, the ladder can be removed and placed under it. Mr Morrison estimates that a 14ft ■ ladder would weigh about 401bs. "I The beauty of his invention, Mr Morrison claims, is that the ladder is not attached to the building, can be raised and lowered at will, and has no hinges which are likely to corrode. ! The landing .which is operated by j springs, is not an essential part of the equipment, but is a help to the aged. | I HIKE MOUSETRAP j It opej.ai.es somewhat on the prin-' ciple of a mousetrap, the handrail pushing against the side of the building and opening the whole thing. Although the statutes of New Zea- ' land provide for only one handrail on a fire escape, Mr Morrison has two on his. i This provides, he claims, a safe method of egress for a man with one arm occupied—or amputated. j When not in use the ladder is placed high up on the wall, out of reach of possible burglars, but when the wheel is turned it drops to the ground, running in two grooves. This, says Mr Morrison, is in conformity with the Factories Consolidating Regulations, 1937, which state that an escape shall reach to not more than 7ft from the ground level. The light also conforms with these regulations, which read: ‘.‘All means of egress shall be lighted to a degree sufficient for escape purposes.” OFFERS DEMONSTRATION Mr Morrison made four working models of his invention before he was satisfied. He patented the idea about 10 years ago. Since then, he claims, his brainchild has won the acclaim of high fire-brigade officials throughout New Zealand Writing to the last meeting. of the Whangarei Borough Council Mr Morrison suggested that he should demonstrate a working model of the fire escape which he had made and patented, and which, he claimed, could be made applicable to any type of building. The legal and finance committee reported that it had deputed Crs H. W. James and F. C. Eyles to inspect the model and report back.

WEDDINGS. . . Hyde - Taaffe A quiet but pretty wedding was solemnised in St Saviour’s Church, Kaitaia, on February 28 when Necia Lenore, second daughter of Mr and Mrs James Taaffe, was married to Koy Raymond, eldest son of Mr and Mrs H. G. Hyde, of Auckland. The Rev. H. D. A. Nibjock officiated and Mrs King presided at the organ. The bride, who was escorted up the aisle by her father, chose an unusual gown of lacquered net worn over satin made Spanish style. The oval scalloped applique net veil, which was caught to the hair with a high coronet of orange blossom, fell to form a train. Miss Verna Mclntosh made a charming bridesmaid, also attired in lacquered net over satin, and wore a large picture hat. Both bride and bridesmaid carried bouquets of asters in pastel shades. Mr Tom Mclntosh was best man. The bride’s mother wore a black ensemble with accessories to match and a shoulder spray of gold dahlias. Following the ceremony Mr and Mrs Taaffe received their guests at their home, “Aotea,” in President Street, where the wedding breakfast was held. Goodison Wilson The wedding took place on January 10 at Christ Church, Whangarei, of Jean Marion, only daughter of Mr and Mrs T. C. Wilson, Otaika Road, Whangarei, and Henry Dougias, youngest son of Mr and Mrs W. S. Goodison, Herae Bay, Auckland. The ceremony was performed by Archdeacon A. E. Prebble and Mrs G. Woolley played the organ. The bride’s gown was of ivory silk threaded lace. The scalloped hip drape was caught in a bustle with a spray of orange blossom. Lace ruffled the deeply rounded neckline and cape sleeves, and edged tfie full skirt and scalloped train. Two clusters of rosebuds secured her veil of silk embroidered French tulle. She carried a shower bouquet of charm dahlias, rosebuds and pale pink begonias. Attending her were Misses Marie McDonald, Jean Cook and Elma Nanlcivell, who wore period frocks of pale turquoise marquisette. Frills cascaded from the centre back waistline to the hem at the front of the circular skirts and edged their circular trains. Begonia sprays topped their pompadour curls The best man was Mr Bruce Lethbridge and the groomsmen were Mr Bert Cadman and Mr Martin Goodison. Guests were entertained at a buffet reception at the Whangarei Hotel. They were received by Mrs Wilson, who wore a draped frock of cinnamon wool georgette and matching accessories with a spray of cream gladioli. She was assisted by the groom’s mother, wearing a black braided suit and matching accessories, with a spray of pink carnation. For travelling the bride wore a cocktail suit of cyclamen crepe with blue plaited braiding catching sleeves to shoulders. Skellon Lock A pretty wedding was solemnised at St Cathrine’s Church, Okaihau, on February 28 when Isobel Thresher, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs H. Lock, was married to Ronald Victor, eldest son of Mrs Skellon and the late Mr Skellon, of Auckland. The Rev’. J. G. Heath officiated and Mr C. Lock was the organist. During the signing of the register Mr C. Sloan sang ’ A Prayer Perfect.” Entering the church with her father, the bride wore a gown of white marquisette and lace, tight-fitting bodice and full sleeves of lace. The trained skirt was of marquisette with insets of lace. Her long tulle veil was held in place with a spray of orange blossoms worn by the bride's gihndmother 66 years ago. Attending the bride was her sister, Miss Betty Lock, also Miss Gwenda Skellon, sister of the bridegroom. Both maids were attired in powder blue marquisette. The bridegroom’s brother, Mr K. Skellon, was best man, and Mr Bemand was groomsman. / , , , After the ceremony 130 guests assembled at the home of Mr and Mrs Lock. A large marquee had been erected and a bountiful repast provided, the main feature of the table being the wedding cake made by the bride’s mother. To receive the guests, the bride’s mother wore a grey frock with peplum, burgundy design, with grey and navy accessories. The bridegroom’s mother assisted Mrs Lock to receive the guests. She wore a suit of kingfisher blue with fawn accessories to match and wore a gold orchid spray. The bride’s grandmother, who had flown from Auckland for the occasion, wore a black frock, hat and coat to match, and had a spray of red carnations. When Mr and Mrs Skellon left on their honeymoon the bride was wearing a champagne suit with brown accessories. Their future home will be in Auckland.