FLASHING PHASES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20085, 2 March 1928, Page 8

FLASHING PHASES

FIREMEN ON THE MOVE CREDIT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT ANNUAL INSPECTION HELD Glistening brass helmets, red-paint-ed, roaring engines, hustling firemen, ladders pointing skywards ami swishing hoses—those were impressions at the Wanganui Contra' Fire Station last night, when Captain T. T. Hugo, Government Inspector of Fire Brigades, inaidjo his annual inspection of the city organisation. Three engines and over 20 firemen figured in the display provided, and a large number of spectators was attracted. Brigade Delegates PTesent Among those present were several delegates returning from this week’s conference at New Plymouth of the United Fire Brigades’ Association and all were impressed with the efficiency of the local brigade. There is no doubt that Wanganui possesses a smart fire service and the discipline and steadiness characteristic of it reflects credit on the work of Superintendent J. Williams and De-puty-Superintendent M. Ross. Wanganui fire police as ere in attendance and Mr TV. ML Luxford, chairman of the Fire Board also watched proceedings.

Fire Police Addressed After the display—covering fully the brigade activities—Captain Hugo briefly addressed the fire police. The speaker praised the display and expressed pleasure that it was apparent that considerable interest was shown by Wanganui business men in the fire police organisation. Captain R. McNiven and DeputySuperintendent W. Perrett control the Wanganui body, which consists of representative men who are empowered to assist the brigade at an outbreak. Spectacular movements featured the brigade's actual exhibition. which opened with a smart turn-out of the three engines. Thereafter, spectators were thrilled by ladder-scaling, hose 1 drill, and engine manoeuvres. The unusual sight of three firemen leaping into a jump-sheet was popular, a long climb up an unsupported ladder at an elevation of fully three storeys and a hose pressure display being other phases which found favour; A Keen Test. T.ater, in the station proper, two methods of resuscitation and the fireman’s lift were demonstrated. The test was a keen one, the conditions being more severe on steadiness than normal turn-outs but the brigade carried out the duties set in a convincing manner. The visiting delegates were unanimous in praising the exhibition and it is not improbable that several notions of discipline and smart performance will have been learnt by the outside observers. To the casual spectator, the event was full of interest, its spectacular features having an appeal to those who seek pleasure in sensations.