FIRE BRIGADE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10311, 21 January 1927, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADE

A PROGRESSIVE YEAR. One of tlie most progressive years in the history of the Gisborne Fire Brigade Avas experienced during 1926, according to a report submitted to the Board by Superintendent Kane. “We have added to the plant tAvo neAv trailer fire pumps four lire alarm circuits of 57 boxes, one workshop, additions to tlie residence, one neiv jumping sheet, 1000 ft. of 2iin. hose, 120 ft of fin. hose,” states the report. “The Avater supply has been very good this year, having maintained an average pressure at midnight of 1201 b, and at midday of 10911 b. During the Arbiter months lie brigade rail a series of dances in the City Hall, and a series of billiard tournaments betAveen Gisborne firms and the brigade is in progress," and these are proving most enjoyable. I beg to tender my thanks to tlie members of the telephone exchange, officers and members of the police force, officers and members of the brigade, all of Avhom have at all times Avorked in harmony toAvards the efficiency of the brigade.” “The number of calls to fires A\ T as 38, an increase of 12 as compared Avith last year. Of the 10 dAA’ellings involved three were totally destroyed, one very considerably damaged, and six slightly damaged ; one stable Avas totally destroyed, 10 business premises slightly damaged, one factory badly gutted, High School slightly damaged, golf pavilion totally destroyed, poAver house, no damage, ancl band-room slightly damaged, while there Avere nine rubbish fires, and three outside the borough boundary. The estimated value of property Avhere lires occurred Avas £43,390, and of the contents, £107,140. The insurances totalled £2B,_ 025 on buildings, and £68,858 on contents. The estimated loss of property covered by insurance Avas £3665 on buildings, and £6511 on contents. “Causes of fires' Avere as folloAA':— UnknoAA’n, 11, live ashes, tAvo; electrical, tAvo; lighting fires with benzine, one; cigarettes, six; candles, two ; engine trouble, one ; defective chimney, tAvo; defective gas cookers, tAvo; spontaneous combustion, one; sparks from fireplace, one; children with matches, tAA’o ; neglect, one ; burning rubbish fire goo out of control, one ; leaving electric iron sAvitched on, one; alarms 2. “Days on Avhicli fii’es occurred: Sunday 10, Monday one, Tuesday tAA’o Wednesday 11, Thursday one, Friday four Saturday three. “Number of fires between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. 19; number betAA’een 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., 19. How calls AA’ere received: By telephone 22, duplex alarm system 13, messenger three. “Personnel: Strength of brigade, officers and men, 25; total attendance at fires 842, a\ r erage 22, number of men at station, one custodian, 1 permanent driver, tAio volunteer drivers, two firemen, and tAA’o cadets; number of men connected Avith house alarms, 10; Avitli telephone, three; number of total musters of" brigade at fires, 38; at practices 28.