FIRE FIGHTING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 145, 22 June 1931, Page 6

FIRE FIGHTING

SMARTNESS AND EFFICIENCY WANGANUI BRIGADE’S DISPLAY. Demonstrating their efficiency and knowledge of the methods of modern fire fighting, the Wanganui Fire Brigade gave an excellent display at the Con tral Station on Saturday afternoon. Large numbers of people, including many children, clustered on the surrounding footpaths and qiuetly awaited the signal "which would send the firemen rushing about their work. All was quiet when Superintendent J. Williams opened the doors of the station, showing the three large motors “leashed in like hounds,” ever ready to be used in the saving of life and property. No sound was to be heard bar the scuffling of one or two small boys, who were peering round the large doors, showing the usual inquisitiveness of their age. Suddenly the alarm was heard. A curt order was issued and men came streaming from all quarters of the station. The engines roared into life, and in less than it takes to tell, the first, of them was moving through the doorway with the men in their flashing helmets still buckling up their belts. Down Wilson Street the three of them careered and were quickly out of sight. In a minute or two they were back again, and, after they had been “parked,” the firemen changed their uniforms, and under the instructions of Superintendent Williams, gave an exhibition of the ‘'fireman’s lift,” known the world over. Smoke masks were then donned and the people were able to see exactly bow the air is pumped to a man as ho enters a burning building and how he keeps in touch by telephone with those outside. Jumping into the canvas sheet from the windows of the station, drew forth a round of applause from the crowd. Eleven or twelve stone falling from a height of 15 feet or so would require steady hands and linn muscles below — and the ,r were there, too.

Once more the engines appeared, and on the word of command the men had hoses attached to the hydrants in a flash and were sending three strong jets of water into an imaginary fire. The extension ladder was very popular with the spectators, who intently watched a fireman carry a hose forty feet into the air and play the water into the street below, a feat requiring nerve and steady strength. On conclusion of the display, the brigade lined up and were addressed by Air D. Dustin on behalf of the Welcome Week Committee.

Air Dustin congratulated Superintendent Williams and his men on the splendid display they had given that afternoo. The brigade was one of which the people of Wanganui could be justly proud, he said. It was claimed, ami rightly so, that it was one of the best brigades in the whole of the Dominion. He hoped that those watching the display would benefit from what they had seen. Anyone who wished to inspect the station had only to call on Superintendent Williams, who would be only too pleased to supply the information. A badge of good citizenship was then presented to Superintendent Williams. who, said Air Dustin, was a very important man in the community. On behalf of the men of the Fire Brigade, Superintendent Williams thanked the people for coming there that afternoon to witness the display. He would be only too pleased to show anybody over the station at any time. “Don’t forget that the station is your property.” he continued. “We are only looking after it for you. We are here 24 hours a day and are ready to save your property and the lives of those dear to you whenever the occasion arises. ’ ’