H.—6a

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I note the brigade have not yet been provided with the six collapsible canvas buckets as recommended at the time of my previous visit. There was no light in the front of the station, and I understand it has been out of order for some little time ; it should be attended to. The question of mechanical transport for the men and appliances should also receive the attention of your Board. The station and equipment are in good order. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. DUNEDIN. An inspection of the Dunedin Central Fire-station and the Maori Hill, Roslyn, and Mornington Substations, with their equipment, was made on the 15th, 16th, and 19th March, when the stations and appliances were found in good order ; also, an inspection was made of the then nearly completed new district station at South Dunedin. This station is designed to serve the Caversham and St. Clair districts in addition to South Dunedin. The building is well designed, and contains one set of married quarters, accommodation for six single men, large engine-room, social room, &c, and all necessary conveniences. Three new 60 h.p. motor hose-tenders have been received, each fitted with telescopic trussed ladder and first-aid pumping outfit. I would again call attention to the very inadequate supply of water available for the protection of property on and in the immediate neighbourhood of the harbour-front-—in fact, the whole question of the city water-supply requires attention, as 1 understand that the supply of water was cut off last summer from certain sections of the city for as long as twenty-four hours at a stretch. FEILDING. An inspection of the Feilding Brigade and its equipment was made on the 19th April. The inspection s covered by.the following report forwarded to the Secretary of the Board :■ — Sir,— 26th April, 1917. An inspection of the Feilding Brigade and its equipment was made on the 19th instant, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, nine firemen, and one messenger ; there, with two on leave and two on duty, accounting for sixteen out of a total strength of nineteen on the roll. Using the motor hose-tender for the purpose, various hydrant and hose drills were carried out, but not in an efficient manner, due to the repeated failure to ship the stand-p : pe properly. I have had occasion to more than once comment upon this same fault, and the men should receive a thorough drilling so as to become efficient in this important part of a fi.-eman's drill. Instruction was given to the Superintendent as to the method of drill best suited to give more efficient results. Only when responding to an alarm of fire should the fire-alarm gong on the motor be sounded ; at all other times the ordinary horn with which the machine is fitted should be used. The station and equipment are in good order and condition. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. A 25 h.p. commercial petrol-motor chassis was purchased and a suitable body built thereon to serve as a hose-tender. The horse has been sold, and the stables utilized in the alteiations made to provide a set of married quarters at the central station. GREYMOUTH. An inspection of the Greymouth Brigade and its equipment was made on the 19th January, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and fifteen firemen ; these, with three on leave, accounting for the full strength of the brigade. Various wet and dry drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. Up to the time of my inspection nothing had been done to put the steam fire-engine in proper working-order (see report dated 3rd March, 1916), nor has anything been done in that direction up to a very recent date. In view of local conditions the Board would be wise to attend to this matter with as little delay as possible. Also, the wheels of the ladder-carriage at the central station are in bad condition ; otherwise the station, plant, and appliances are in good order. The Blaketown district is still without any adequate means of fire protection. HAMILTON. An inspection of the Hamilton Brigade and its equipment was made on the 26th February, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, eleven firemen, and two messengers; these, with three on leave, accounting for the then full strength of the brigade.