25

■H.—6a

ROTORUA. Two inspections of the Rotorua Fire Brigade and its equipment have been made —viz., 6th December, 1912, and 19th May, 1913. The following reports, forwarded to the secretary of the Board, cover both inspections :■ — Str, — 6th January, 1913. Herewith I have the honour to forward a report in connection with my recent inspection of the Rotorua Fire Brigade and its equipment. At the inspection muster held at 8 pan. on the 6th ultimo there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, twelve firemen, and three probationers : these, with two firemen on leave, accounted for seventeen out of a total strength of nineteen then on roll. Various drills, wet and dry, were carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner, but more attention should be given to the rescue drills. ; A number of the couplings were leaking badly, and the washers required attending to. A considerable amount of pressure is lost from that cause. Some minor alterations to the plans, as pointed out at the time, would improve the utility of the proposed new fire-station. No improvements had been made at Ohineinutu : the shed and plant there were still in the same neglected condition as at the time of my previous visit. Hand-pumps cannot be obtained here, and none are being imported, therefore your original order will have to stand good. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. Sib,— sth June, 1913. An inspection of the Rotorua Fire Brigade and its equipment was held on Monday, the 19th ultimo, and in that connection I have the honour to forward the following report for the consideration of your Board : — _ At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and fifteen firemen :. these, with two on leave, accounted for the full strength of the brigade. The hand-reel was taken into Tutanekai Street, and hose drill, wet and dry, was carried out. The new fire-bell with its turbine ringing-attachments was tested with very satisfactory results. AVith respect to the proposed motor fire machine for your town, on the lines as discussed with certain members of your Board, I have to recommend that tenders be called for a motor-car to< carry six men, with engine guaranteed to develop 30 h.p., and geared to, say, 35 m.p.h., fitted with box to carry 1,000 ft. of hose, and accommodation for the smaller fire appliances, &c. : tenders to state extra cost for fitting car for and supplying one 35 ft. telescopic ladder; also extra cost for fitting car with and supplying two CO 2 chemical cylinders, 30 gallons each, with hydraulic reel, 180 ft. special hose. The above is an outline onfy; detailed specifications can be prepared when your Board has finally decided as to the general requirements. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. The new central fire-station in Haupapa Street, was officially opened on the 25th June last. The building is of wood, with concrete foundations, two stories in height, well designed and fitted up. It contains an engine-house (36 ft. by 22 ft.), watch-room, kitchen, large social hall, five bedrooms, having sleeping-accommodation for seven single men and all necessary conveniences. A skeleton iron bell-tower has also been erected; the bell is rung by means of a water turbine controlled both from the watch-room and outside the station. The first complete year of operations by the brigade since coming under the control of a Fire Board terminated on the 30th ultimo, and during the year seven calls were received, four of which were actual fires. The remaining three proved to be scrub on fire. The attendance of brigadesmen averaged 144 per call, or 758 per cent, of the total strength. The fire loss for the year amounted to £952. The estimated cost of the brigade for the year 1913-14 is £1,426 55., as against £697 for the year 1912-13, an increase of £729 55., due to expenditure over the estimate for 1912-13 in respect of the new station, also :to provision for the purchase of a motor fire appliance. TIMARU. The Borough of Timaru was constituted a fire district on the 15th April, 1913. An inspection of the district, fire brigade and its equipment, water-supply, &c, was made on the 10th and 11th June, and the following report addressed to the members of the Timaru Fire Board covers the various matters in connection therewith :— Gkntnumen,— . 19th June, 1913. On the 10th and 11th instant .1 inspected the Timaru Fire Brigade and its equipment, the water-supply of the borough as available for fire-extinction purposes, the general risks of the town, &c, and in those connections have the honour to forward the following report for the consideration of your Board : —■ Brigade. —An inspection of the brigade was held on the evening of the 11th instant, when there were present the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and fourteen firemen : these, with two on leave, accounted for the full strength (eighteen) then on the roll. The members of the brigade present are to all appearances a smart, active body of men, of good physique, and under good discipline.

4—H. 6a.