A REAL FIRE DRILL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6493, 13 April 1908, Page 2

A REAL FIRE DRILL

VALUE OF DISCIPLINE SHOWN AT A SCHOOL OUTBREAK. A fire scare* which occurred at the L.C.C. school in Colnmbia-rd., Hackney (London), on Thursday afternoon, February 25th, gave interesting proof of the value of the fire drill which is given to the children. Just about four o'clock a boy, going to the 'heAdmastior's room, noticed! thaV pome brown paper in tuo far comefr of the room was burning. Ho immediately informed Mr Newton, the headmaster. The master flung some sand and loam on the flame®, and then water was dashed on thD heap. CHILDREN'S RESPONSE. In the meantime the caretaker had

been •warned, and he rang the fire-bell. The value of the fire-drill was seen in the prompt way in whicii the children responded to the alarm. In the school there were nearly 1500 girls and hove/ These with their teachers marched out of their class-rooms into the playground in about two minutes. There was not tha slightest suggestion of panic. In the playground tlie children were dismissod to their homes. CHILDREN IGNORANT OF FIRE. Most of the children were unaware that an outbreak had occurred until they saw two fire engmos and a couple of fire escapes come up. The fireman's services, however, were not required, for Mr Newton had extinguished the flames. The damage in the room was slight. The cause oi the outbreak is a mystery.