A SUGGESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13325, 3 November 1906, Page 8

A SUGGESTION.

'^ :1 '» 11 , view of the recent bursting of water mains at Wellington and consequent tailuro of water supply, I would draw the attention of the corporation to the advisabi.ity of providing a fire lx>at similar to that in use on the Manchester canal. This \essel can deliver 9000 gallons of water per minute, which can be pumped to distances of even four miles through large flexible pipes to supply land engines or throw jets direct. With - such an appliance the risk of loss by fire would be materially lessened, and the supply of fresh water be conserved. Had such vessels been available, 011 , the waterfront at San Francisco, Valparaiso, and Wellington the loss o;: property would, 110 doubt, have been much less. I Had that recently a motor fire boat lias been built for use at Huelva. Spain. She has vertical motors, each with six separate cylinders, water coolled. and fitted with electric ignition. Each develops 60-1). Control of the gear is within reach of the helmsman. Speed is iiiuo miles. Tumps are driven by the

patent motors; their combiner capacity ;„ 1200 gallon* per minute, and each supple three hose connections on deck, or the en- , tire- delivery can be directed In ■ one large, stream. The advantages are that it can (y> started instantly, can be worked by two 0 •;'' three men, and being of light draught can get close to its work at low tide. I would commend a boat of this, type to replace'that "p now in us* by the .Harbour Board. Thos. Hfnuersos.