Fire-Brigade Matters.
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We learn that the Penge U.D.C. has decided to defer the purchase of motor plant until it is satisfied that a, more-perfect stage of fire-engine construction has been reached.
The Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., has just received an order for one of its 16 h.p. side-entrance cars for the London Fire Brigade. This vehicle, we understand, is for the use of an inspector for visiting the various fire deptits.
The chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee of the Southgate U.D.C. and Mr. Holmes are to inspect the motor chemical fire-engine in use by the West Ham Fire Brigade, with a view to the Southgate Council's possible purchase of a similar motor.
Leyton Contemplates Purchase of Motor First-aid Machine.
The Layton U.D.C. has appointed a sub-committee to consider a report, presented by the borough surveyor, as to the cost of a motor-driven first-aid machine and fire escape, and, also, the cost for the upkeep of the same. The following gentlemen will constitute the sub-committee: Messrs. Tornlins (chairman of the Highways and Lighting Committee), Hall, Golightly, Freeman, and Findlay.
Demonstrations with a Morris Engine for Pretoria.
At Leicester, on the 28th ult., demonstrations with a Morris fire-engine for Pretoria were witnessed by Alderman Torrington, Chairman of the Fire Brigades Committee, and Chief Officer Neil in the fire station yard and at the tramways power station. This engine, the order for which was announced in our issue of the 3rd March last, is driven by a -50-55 h.p. petrol engine, and carries dozen men besides 1,000 yards of ;lose and all the necessary stand-pipes, nozzles, etc., and, with that load, is capable of travelling at a speed of 35 miles an hour. It is fitted with a turbine pump capable of delivering 350 gallons of water per minute. At the Leicester demonstration the engine was tested with jets of varying sizes, and it delivered a solid stream of water 14 in. in diameter to a height exceeding that of any building in the
town. The engine cost approximately
1,000, and its performance resulted in favourable comment in the local newspapers. After the demonstration, the engine was driven to Nottingham, in which town further demonstrations were made before the local fire brigade, and then proceeded to Manchester, whence it will be shipped for Pretoria at an early date.
Nothing to Spare for Motors.
The Redcar U.D.C., as reported in our issue of the 16th ult., contemplated spending the modest sum of £130 on a light motor chassis with a view to its being refitted to carry a hose box and a 30 ft. ladder. Since that date, a further meeting of the Council has been held, and, after much discussion, it was decided to apply for power to borrow £550 to carry out the re-organization scheme of the local fire brigade, but, as much of that money will be .spent in the erec tion of fire alarms and other necessary alterations to the exiting service, it does not appear that motor appliances will figure very largely in the new equipment.
Front-wheel Brakes.
As showing the advance which front-wheel braking has made for firebrigade machines, it should be noted that about two months ago Merryweather's delivered two motors to the London County Council Fire Brigade, both of which were fitted with AllenLiversidge front-wheel brakes. Recent Lenders which have been issued for 14 cars specify that front-wheel brakes of an approved design are to be fitted.
Tr-car's Demonstration.
The Gravesend Fire Brigade officials last week inspected the first-aid N.S.I. tri-car at the Beckenham (Kent) station, and there witnessed a demon
stration with that machine. It is probable that an order will be placed for a similar machine. The Beckenham machine proved very successful at two local fires last week, one of which was at the sports-ground pavilion and the other on the Birkbeck Estate.