THE firemen of Malvern, who had recently taken delivery of a new fire engine, showed it off at a open day in the town, reported the Gazette 100 years ago.

"There was a large crowd on Belle Vue Terrace, where the Brigade assembled, and a procession was made from thence to the Link Top, where on the flat near Trinity Parish Hall, a most instructive display was given under the direction of Chief Officer Thorp, in the presence of a very large gathering.

"The first item was a hose-cart drill by four teams of four men each. Next followed a one-man drill, a two-man drill and a four-man drill, and then the various types of engines were brought into requisition and their capabilities displayed.

"The first was a display with the old engine, throwing two jets of water, and a display with the two manual engines created some amusement.

"There was plenty of fun to keep the spectators amused, especially when a dog-fight commenced on the ground, and when one of the hose-pipes, placed in a tank erected for the purpose suddenly jumped out of the water, and administered a shower-bath to several firemen when engaged in a demonstration.

"The display with the new motor engine was the chief attraction and the wonderful possibilities of this wonderful method of fire-fighting were abundantly shown.

"During the afternoon a collection was made for the widows' and orphans' fund of the National Fire Brigades Union. In this connection, Fireman Hemming's dog did good service by carrying a collecting box on its back."