RUBBER TIRES FOR FIRE APPARATUS.

RUBBER TIRES FOR FIRE APPARATUS.

Rubber tires were, for the first time, tried on a fire engine in this city, last week. For some time past the adoption of such tires has been under consideration by the department, and it now looks as if their adoptien on all fire apparatus of the city were only a matter of time. The tires used in the present instance were solid lubber, four inches deep, with a founded thread. Thin steel flanges on both sides of the wheel serve to hold the tire in place. Similar tires have been applied to several hose wagons,and they worked so satisfactorily that it was decided to try to use them on the engines. The only doubt that seemed to exist as to their adaptability was the great weight of these machines. Engine No. 23 which weighs 7,000 pounds, was selected for the experiment. She was fitted with the rubber tires and made her first run to a fire on the same day that they were fitted on with perfect satisfaction. The same engine has answered several alarms since,when the tires seemed to act well. Captain Leonard, of engine company No. 23, is very enthusiastic over the success of the trials and he considers a great saving will be effected in the cost of repairs as well as security and ease while going to fires. In making these trial trips the engine had to travel parallel with, and over street railway tracks and rough pavements, so that the test may be considered a thorough one. While the cost of rubber tires is more than the metal ones now in use, the fire commissioner will be perfectly justified in adopting them upon the strength of their economy alone, in the saving on repairs.

The taxpayers of Watervliet, N. V., will vote on December 12. on the question of adopting plans for a system, to cost $234,498.