£L—6a

10

Feilding. An inspection of the Feilding Brigade was made on the 20th May, when at the inspection muster there were present twenty-one members of the brigade out of a total strength of twentyfour. Various drills were carried out, but not in an altogether satisfactory manner, as subsequently explained to the officers of the brigade. The station and fire equipment were in good order and condition. 1 have recommended the brigade should be provided with 500 ft. of new hose, as also with a couple of gas-masks and a hose-repairing outfit. Gisborne. An inspection of the Gisborne Brigade was made on the 19th February, when, out of a total strength of twenty-eight members of the brigade, twenty-six were accounted for. When the chemical motor was turned out the reverse gear would not act, and upon examination later it was found the near-side chain-drive sprocket-wheel had completely sheared the end of the countershaft. This engine must be taken down and the whole machine thoroughly examined once every twelve months. It took twenty minutes to raise 80 lb. of steam on the stationary fire-engine : this engine is not working at all well. The chemical was got to work, but there was a considerable loss of pressure due to lealcy hose. The personnel of the brigade is efficient, but otherwise, and taken in conjunction with the unreliable condition of the gravitation water-supply, fire-protection conditions in Gisborne are in an unsatisfactory state, and a recommendation was made that a motor turbine pump with a 400-500 G.P.M. should be purchased, and a system of street fire-alarms installed. Other minor recommendations were also made. Greymouth. An inspection of the Greymouth Brigade was made on the 16th March, when the full strength (twenty-eight) of officers and men was in attendance. Various drills were carried out in the usual efficient manner, and the stations and equipment were found in good order and condition. The new motor chemical hose-and-ladder machine is giving satisfaction. The new 10 ft. 6 in. coupling-ladders are not up to standard make, and a new extension ladder is required. There was no improvement in the water-supply, nor was the well in Blaketown completed. The brigade require a couple of gas-masks and a hose-repairing outfit. Hamilton. An inspection of the Hamilton Brigade was made on the 19th April, when twenty officers and men out of a total strength of twenty-six were in attendance. Various drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, with the exception that more ladder drill is required. Nothing had yet been done in the matter of erecting a cottage at the rear of the central station. In addition to some minor recommendations made, 500 ft. of new hose is required. Hastings. An inspection of the Hastings Brigade was made on the 18th May, when fifteen officers and men out of a total strength of twenty were in attendance. Various drills were carried out, but in some particulars, as pointed out to the Superintendent, they were not up to the usual standard of efficiency. In addition to some minor recommendations I had to again call the Board's attention to the necessity of installing a street fire-alarm system in the town. Hawera. An inspection of the Hawera Brigade was made on the 21st October, 1919, when there were present at the inspection muster twenty-one officers and men out of a total strength of twentythree. Various wet and dry drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found to be in good order and condition. Hokitika. An inspection of the Hokitika Brigade wcas made on the 17th March, when seventeen officers and men out of a total strength of thirty were in attendance. Various drills were carried out in an efficient manner, and the several stations with their equipment were found in their usual good order and condition. The Board have received a letter from the brigade asking to be provided with a motor hosetender; but in my opinion local requirements, in conjunction with the present efficient brigade organization and system of working, do not call for such provision. Lawrence. I visited Lawrence on the 23rd January with the intention of inspecting the brigade and its equipment, but, although due notice had been given, only three members of the brigade were in attendance. At my previous inspection practically the same thing occurred. Such incidents clearly show a want of interest in fire-brigade work, and do not give me an opportunity of judging and reporting upon the efficiency or otherwise of the brigade and its equipment. Levin. My first inspection of the Levin fire district was made on the 11th and 12th October, 1919. At the inspection muster there were present eight officers and men out of a total strength of twelve. During the course of the various drills it was apparent that, whilst the men were active and willing enough, they were much in need of more instruction and drill. Unfortunately, the Superintendent has had no fire-brigade experience whatever, consequently is not in a position to impart the necessary instruction, and a qualified officer should be appointed to the position at once. . Plans for a new central station are in hand. The following recommendations were made : A 1-ton motor-truck to be purchased, and body built thereon to suit local requirements; 500 ft. of new hose to be provided, also one hand-pump, six canvas buckets, set of new nozzles (Government standard pattern), one 35ft. trussed telescopic ladder; also all members of the brigade to be provided with uniform, including helmets.