Notes of the Day

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3699, 7 December 1912, Page 6

Notes of the Day

THE NEW FIRE TENDER

By the Ripple yesterday arrived tljo Simonis chemical hose and ladder motor fire tender ordered some months ago by the Gisborne Fire Board. The approximate weight of the machine unloaded is about 2 tons 15 cwt, and speeds can be obtained up to 40 miles an hour. The changing of speeds is effected automatically by the Commer patent automatic gear-box. which is a most important feature. The road clearance is 11 inches. The engine itself is a four-cylinder engine, and guaranteed to develop 50 h.p. at about 1500 revolutions, and can propel the car at a speed of 35 miles an hour fully loaded on a fair road. The machine is capable of climbing a gradient of 1 in 6?> at approximately 4 or 5 miles per' hour, when carrying the escape ladder and full complement of men and gear. The body of the tender is framed in ash, with mahogany top, and carefully panelled. There is . plenty cf brass edging and brass rails, land aluminium treading on all foct- , boards, and the machine presents a j smart appearance. There is seating ! accommodation for eight men. A main ; hose-box is provided capable of hold- • mg 1600 feet of 24-inch unlined hose. ! with a longitudinal centre partition. ! and with special rollers to prevent couplings catching on the edges. The hose-box is fitted with Simonis latest sliding-in doors; also an auxiliary box for jumping sheets, ropes, etc. Be- ; tween the mud-guards there are two . long boxes, which serve as foot-boards. 1 and these take branches, hydrant tools, stand-pipes, etc. The chemical apparatus consists or a eopr cylinder of about 60 gallons capr.c'n, and has a permanent connection ' trough a copper pipe with an automatic reel in the centre of the machine, fitted with 200 feet of Simonis special firstaid engine hose. The machine is webequipped with electric lights operated , from one switch. There is also a ; syren and a motor horn. The tender is tyred with solid tyres on all wheels. | 4-inch single tyres on the front two i and 7-in twin tyres on the back two. I The cost of renewing tyres is an ex- ; pense which the makers say need not be considered for about B or 10 years. ' assuming tlmt the machine does not travel more than 1000 miles per rear. The tender cost about £790. _ Mr A. Daws, cf Messrs Davys. Third and Mitchell, has offered to run the car for the first twelve months, and yesterday afternoon fitted it up and made a ; couple of trial spins.