FIRE-FIGHTING UNIT FOR MILTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26559, 6 September 1947, Page 6

FIRE-FIGHTING UNIT FOR MILTON

This fire tender will prove to be a valuable acquisition by the Milton Volunteer Fire Brigade. Formerly a “ Marmon-Harrington ” used by the New Zealand Artillery during the war, the vehicle was converted 'to fire-fighting purposes by motor body builders in Dunedin. A similar tender will be acquired by the Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade and a third by the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board. Possessing both rear-wheel and front-wheel drives, these vehicles can negotiate the roughest country, it being possible to employ a four-wheel drive with a consequent dropping of the gear ratios. These fire tenders can carry a crew, of up to 10, taking two in the driver’s cab, five seated in the rear compartment, and three standing on the wide step at the rear. On either side of the vehicle there are boxes of hose trays, while a ladder bracket is placed on top of the machine. With a powerful engine and heavy tyres, these vehicles are the essence of serviceability and will provide a further incentive to the country fire brigades. The tenders are not fitted with pumps, but when these are provided by the brigades the units will be complete.