Fire Brigade Motors for the L.C.C.
Page 13
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
At the meeting of the L.C.C. on the 3oth July, the Fire Brigade Committee reported 'having again considered the tenders for motor escape vans (as given in "THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR" on the t8th July, -page 486). The committee stated that the two lowest tenders, those of Argylls, London, Ltd., and Commercial Cars, Ltd., deviated in certain important respects from the specification, and the committee had given instructions for these companies to he asked whether they would be prepared to supply an escape van strictly in accordance with the specification, and, if so, for what sum. In reply, Argylls, London, Ltd., stated that it was unable to construct a chassis otherwise than with the deviations from the specifications to which attention had been drawn. The committee could not see its way, therefore, to recommend the acceptance of this tender. Com mercial Cars, Ltd., was prepared, if the sum of was added to its tender .4'884 los. for one van), to adhere to the specification, except in two particulars, viz., that the engine would be to its standard size, 3o-36h.p., instead of 4oh.p. as in the specification, and that the gear-box would be of its patent type and not of the " gate " type, as specified. It also offered to build a chassis only for a motor escape van, and, in order to demonstrate its capabilities, to leave it in the charge of the Council for two months without cost, except that, in the event of the chassis not proving satisfactory, the Council will pay for wear and tear to the tires. at the rate of 2d. for each mile run, it being understood that,. in the event of the chassis proving in every Way satisfactory,, the Council will pay the company the amount of its amended. tender, viz., £922 los. less.the cost, estimated at £90, of the hose box, hose reel, hose, first-aid appliance, etc., provided for in the specification, and less the unexpended portion, if any, of the sum (5o) provided for extras, and that, in the event of the chassis proving unsatisfactory, the Council will return the chassis to Commercial Cars., Ltd., without any payment to it except for the wear and tear of the tires at the rate mentioned. The committee thought this offer was reasonable, and that it should be accepted. Three motor escape vans were needed for stations in course of erection as. motor stations, and, after careful consideration of the remaining tenders, the committee thought that the Council should obtain one van from Shand, Mason and Co., Ltd., at -£940, and one from Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., at ,4;998. Shand, Mason and Co. had not yet constructed a motor fire appliance for the Council, although it had supplied steam fire engines, etc., but Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., had already constructed a number of motor fire-appliances far the Council.
The report was adopted, and the offer of Commercial Cars, Ltd., to construct a chassis for a motor escape van was accepted on the terms mentioned. The tender of Shand, Mason and Co., Ltd., to supply one motor escape van, and the tender of Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., to supply another motor escape van were also accepted.
The provisional acceptance (reported in "THE COMMERCIAL MoroR "of the 18th of July) of the tender of Shand, Mason and Co., Ltd., for one motor steam fire engine at L;goo, and the tender of Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., for a second motor steam fire engine at £1,012, was confirmed.
It was reported by the committee that the number of fireappliances in the Fire Brigade had increased so much that it was not possible for the existing staff in the brigade workshops to execute with dispatch the repairs required from time to time. Some time ago an additional fitter and an additional labourer were employed, and it was resolved to continue the engagement of these men for a further six months, as their services had been found necessary for the good maintenance of the various machines.