A FIRE INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11430, 21 July 1900, Page 5

A FIRE INQUIRY.

[BY TELECRArH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Paeroa, Friday. TriE low pressure of water at the recent fire was the subject of an investigation last night by the County Council, all the members of the Council being present, whilst Messrs. Bastings and Pratt (chairman and secretary respectively of the Fire Prevention Council), and Captain Hunt, of the local fire brigade, were also in attendance. Mr. Bastings opened the proceedings by referring to the low pressure obtained on the night of the fire, and pointed out that the test made of the same pipes a week later revealed quite a different state of affairs. Evidence was then adduced to show that on the night of the fire the pressure was so small that even with onlv one lead of hose in play the hranchman could, by squeezing the hose with his hands, 'top the supply trickling through. Mr. O'Tlara, turncock, in defence, pointed out that he did all lie could to give a good supply, but, unfortunately, a bit; leakage bad occurred in one of the mains near the railway station, and the large quantity of water escaping prevented anything like good pressure at the scene of the fire. The Council decided to have a practical test made, and in this way it was shown that with the valves opened at the railway station very little pressure could be secured at the place where the fire occurred, though under favourable conditions, and with the valves closed, the supply was all that could be desired. After a lengthy investigation the following resolution was carried: That after hearing all the evidence available, in the opinion of the Council, the cause of lb" low pressure on the nuht of Mrs. McGeehin's fire, was the break in the pipe at the railway."