After detailing the Trials of Hand-worked Fire-Engines, the Report states that,—
The Committee next proceeded to take the necessary steps for trying the steam fire-engines on the 1st of July, and, as before, invited the engine builders to a preliminary meeting, that they might receive full information as to the rules and regulations to be observed.
In compliance with this invitation, the following engine-makers attended a meeting on the 28th of June, viz:—
Mr. Lee, of the firm of Lee and Larned, Novelty Iron-works, New York.
Messrs. Merryweather and Son.
Messrs. Shand and Mason.
Mr. Lee declined to produce his steam fire-engine for trial, alleging various reasons for so doing, and though strongly urged, persisted in his resolution, and declined the contest.
Messrs. Merryweather and Son expressed themselves ready to produce their steam fire-engine on the appointed day.
Messrs. Shand and Mason informed the Committee that the engine which they had intended to work would not be ready owing to an accident, but requested permission to produce for trial two steam-engines made by them for the London Fire-Engine Establishment, although they were not in the Exhibition. All the arrangements having been made for trying several engines together, the Committee granted this request, as otherwise only one engine would have been present, and a complete table of results could therefore not have been obtained.
The Committee assembled in the appointed place at eight o'clock on the morning of the 1st of July, and found three engines present, viz., one of Messrs. Merryweather and Son and two of Messrs. Shand and Mason.