Fire Engineers Confer

The annual conference of the New Zealand branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers took place in Gisborne last month. Among- the papers dealt with was a practical demonstration of underwater firefighting technique by Instructor S. Thomas of the Fire Service Training School, "Wellington, In frogman's suit with oxygen tanks attached, he demonstrated the methods used to attack wharf and ship fires from the water.

Thomas jumped into the McRae Baths with the hose nozzle. After coupling to the hose, the water was turned on and used as a form of jet propulsion.

Jet-propelled

The delegates watching the underwater fire fighting demonstration

Messrs B. Henderson A.M.I.F.E., G. Drummond (Chief Fire Service Officer), J. Davidson (Timaru), H. Caffey, and Gisborne's Chief Fire Officer E. Smith.

Chief Smith watches as Thomas turns on the jet

The conference concluded with a cabaret. Seen here are Mr and Mrs C. Haccbe, Mrs P. Wooller, Mrs P. Naden, Mrs F. Capes, Mr F. Capes and Mr P. Naden.

Entertainment was provided by the Savage Club

The Vienna Boys Choir sang "Sed Movies"

The opening speech of the conference. From left: Mr M.O'Dowda (Chairman, Gisborne Fire Board), Mrs H. H. Barker, Mrs O'Dowda, Mr H. H. Barker, Mr G. Drummond, M.I.F.E., Mr A. Taylor, A.M.I.F.E., Mr E. Smith (Chief Officer, Gisborne), Mrs E. Tombleson, M.P., Mr W. Clarkson, A.M.I.F.E. (partly obscured), and Mr S. Dean, O.B.E, (Chairman, Fire Service Council).

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 108 : June 13, 1963

Fire Engineers Confer