521
and used exclusively for adding new lengths when required, instead of as formerly having recourse to the engines when additional lengths were wanted, and lastly the practice of indiscriminately cuttic) down wood work has been entirely abandoned. No wood work can now be cut down without the order
of an officer, and such an order is seldom required. In the opinion of many the spread of the great fire in 1878 was largely due to the immense destruction of wood work on that occasion, the streets in some places being blocked with shutters and broken timbers which at one and the same time impeded the movements of the Brigade, and served as a bridge for the flames.
With regard to the spread of fires they are occasioned by the beams and rafters of the roof of the house on fire being in contact with those of the adjoining houses, and in many cases protected from access by the ceiling below; also by the falling of lighted matter through the smoke holes of neighbouring houses, and again by projecting verandahs which probably contain inflammable articles. Heat alone is often sufficient to ignite either the opposite houses, or anything near that is capable of catching fire. A double brick-wall is however absolute protection to the extent of the space covered by it. clothes stands on roofs though invariably igniting have not so far as my experience goes been a principal cause of fires spreading. They consist only of upright and horizontal bars, with hollow spaces between them, and do not readily burn.
The
The accompanying report from Mr. BREWER will show the state of the engines at the present time. They have worked well throughout the year, and have been carefully tended by Mr. BREWER, the Engineer, and Mr. WAGNER, the Assistant Engineer.
There is great need of another floating engine. The present floating engine lies at Yaumáti, and is not immediately available for service on this side. Also when a fire occurs anywhere on the other side or in the harbour, there is no launch at the disposal of the Brigade for taking the men to these places. What is required is a floating engine similar to that now in use, and capable of trans- porting men to different parts of the Island. At present if the existing floating engine breaks down, there is nothing able to take its place, and considering the vast shipping interests in the harbour, and the valuable property located at Yaumáti, the Naval Yard, Kowloon, and Hunghom, one floating engine is not enough. The nature of the country on the other side does not admit of the transport of land engines, and the only practicable method of dealing with fires there is by floating engines. I trust therefore that His Excellency will give this matter his favourable consideration and will sanction the purchase or construction of another floating engine..
Also I think the European clement of the Brigade should be further increased. Men who before were available for fire duties have now to attend to engines, and considering the growth of the town I do not think an increase of ten men would be by any means out of place. We are always hampered by want of men, some being in Hospital and some on Police duty, and at the initiatory stages of a fire the want of a sufficient European complement is much felt, as it is on them that the Superintendent has mainly to rely to see that his general system of organisation is properly carried out. Police firemen are not allowed to leave their beat to go to a fire, so that the nominal strength of the European element is reduced by one half at the outset, and to this must be added absence from sickness and other causes.
On the other hand I think the Chinese element might be largely reduced. With an increased European element, I think we might easily dispense with a sufficient number of Chinese to balance the additional expense in the increased European element, so that the change could be accomplished without further cost to the Brigade.
The
I will conclude this report with a return of fires and alarms of fires during the past year. origins assigned to the different fires given in the schedule, must be accepted with reservation, and are not to be taken as authoritative.
I have only to add that the Brigade has enjoyed the hearty co-operation of the officers and men, throughout the year, who have all worked well under the exceptional strain that has from time to time been put upon them.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
(Copy.)
FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTMENT,
HONGKONG, 5th January, 1888.
Annual Report on Fire Engines. SIR,I have the honour to forward herewith a report on the state of the Government Fire Engines for the year ending 31st December, 1887.
No. 1 Floating Fire Engine by Merry Weather.
This engine is 19 years old, and was formerly a land engine on wheels, but was found too heavy for the roads and cumbersome of transportation; it was therefore put into a launch in March, 1883, and has since done good service. The Boiler is now 10 years old, and requires a new fire box. It was intended to execute this repair some months ago, but it was postponed pending the arrival of the new engine from England. The fresh water tanks are rusting internally, and require to be removed for scraping and painting and generally overhauling, I would recommend this be done immediately after the Chinese New Year.
The machinery and hull of the launch are in good order and with a view to increasing the speed of the launch, a new propeller of more suitable design is now fitted.
No. 2 Steamer by Merry Weather.
This Engine is 19 years old. It was fitted with a new boiler in 1878 and new steam cylinders by Messrs. FENWICK & Co. in 1886. The Engine is of obsolete type and too heavy for our roads, proof of which, it has on two occasions broken through the roads and sink up to its axles. The engine bas however done good service feeding the small engines on high levels with salt water. This engine should be supplemented by one of modern type lighter more powerful and a quick generating boiler (as the present one takes 25 minutes against the modern one of 71⁄2 minutes to raise steam.)
No. 3 Steamer by Shand and Muson.
This Engine is 8 years old and was formerly of the auxiliary cylinder type. It was altered last year upon my recommendation, the auxiliary cylinder removed and a balance wheel substituted, which has rendered the engine more efficient and has given every satisfaction. In consequence of the age of the boiler, I have reduced the working pressure of steam to 75 lbs. which has necessarily somewhat handicapped the engine in its work. In my last year's report I recommended a new fire box which I find it is impracticable to attach, and would suggest that Messrs. SHAND & MASON receive instructions to send out a new boiler complete, which we can fix here.
No. 4 Steamer by Shand and Mason.
This Engine is 5 years old and is in excellent condition. New valves have been fitted and the working parts adjusted.
No. 5 Steamer by Shand and Mason
Was supplied upon my recommendation last year. This engine is of the most modern type, and has proved a valuable auxiliary to our fire extinguishing apparatus.
Stanley" Floating fire pump has only been used once during the past year, and is not available on emergency, as the launch is kept at Stone Cutters' Island,
The manual engines 9 in number, are all in good working order.
Generally.Though the calls on the Fire Brigade have been heavy this year, I am happy to state that no Engine has been totally disabled during a fire, and no serious breakdown. has occurred at any time, yet I am still of opinion, we have not sufficient engines for the increasing size of the Colony, as two fires at the same moment would drain our resources, and an engine laid up for repairs renders our appliances insufficient.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
The Honourable F. STEWART. LL,D.,
Your most obedient Servant,
Colonial Secretary,
&C.
&c..
&c.
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed)
JOHN S. BREWER, Assist. Supt, and Engineer.
H. E. WODEHOUSE, Superintendent, Fire Brigade.
H. E. WODEHOUSE, Esq., C.M.G.,
Superintendent, Fire Brigade,
&C.
&C.,
&c.
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