FIRE-FIGHTING

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2586, 19 August 1922, Page 4

FIRE-FIGHTING

WANTED A SIREN ! , Past alarms have proved how inadequate is the present fire-bell for intimating to members of the Brigade that their services are required to cope with an outbreak of lire. Owing to the position of the recent fire station, it is not possible for. many of its members to reside within a radius of under haif'-a-mile, and unless the weather conditions are favourable, it is seldom the bell alarm is heard at a. further distance. It does not require'much imagination to realise what >rould occur in the event of a v fire jrnking place in the town on a bpisteroils night. In such a case, every lew seconds gained at the commencement/are of incalculable value. The mo/t effective alarm is generally recognised to be an electrie siren, such as used in Hamilton. The siren is attached to a fairly high stand, and driven by an electric motor. Its approximate radius of sound is three miles. ,Such a siren would cost approximately £26 10/, and the motor and installation would bring the total cost up to about £65. We understand that sirens similar to this arc giving satisfaction in Auckland, on the Ferry 'Buildings, and elsewhere.

The. Brigade is most anxious to install a siren, and the profits from the recent citizens' ball will be set aside for that purpose, but will not be nearly sufficient for the purpose..