9

H.—6a

DETAILED REPORTS. Auckland. Inspections, 9th and 11th April, 1921. The " turn-outs " at the various stations were performed smartly and the required drill carried out in a satisfactory manner. The stations and equipment were found to be in good order and condition. An inspection of the Point Chevalier district, lately amalgamated with the city was made. For the time.being it is proposed to work this district with volunteers, and the recommendations made for the interim protection of the district are a reasonable proposition. A set of Government-pattern standard nozzles are urgently required ; in fact, the want of certain sizes is affecting the efficiency of the brigade's work. Of the more important requirements the proposed new station in Ponsonby Road and the provision of two sets of married quarters at the Remuera Station are the most pressing, the firstmentioned in particular, not only in the matter of providing urgently needed married quarters, but also as consolidating various units of the brigade and enabling more efficient results to be obtained. Balclutha. Inspection, 14th January, 1921. Owing to a misunderstanding only eight members of the brigade out of a total strength of thirteen were present at the inspection muster. The various drills were carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner, but more instruction and drill is necessary. Up to the time of my inspection very little had been done by the Board in respect to improving fire-fighting conditions in Balclutha. The question of purchasing a site for a new fire-station had been discussed, but so far without any practical results. A new station is an urgent requirement, and the Board should take prompt action in the matter. Christchurch. Inspection, 17th and 18th March, 1921. Various drills with the motors, pumps, &c, as also physical and other drills at the central station, were carried out in an efficient manner. The " turnouts " at the different stations were performed smartly, and the stations and equipment were in their usual good order and condition. I had again to call the attention of the Board to the necessity of providing more adequate protection of life and property in keeping with the growth of the city, more particularly due to amalgamations with adjoining districts. Extensions of the street fire-alarm system is now being carried out in the outlying districts. A new 45 horse-power motor 300-400 G.P.M. turbine, first-aid pumpingoutfit, and 35 ft. extension ladder combination machine, together with a separate first-aid outfit, is now on order. Also, the Board is endeavouring to finance the purchase of a9O ft. mechanically operated turn-table ladder. Estimates are also being obtained for the erection of a new substation at Sydenham. Dannevirke. Inspection, 26th May, 1921. At the inspection muster the full strength of the brigade was accounted for, and the various drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. In this respect considerable improvement was shown as compared with previous inspections. The station and equipment was found in good order. Some new hose is required, and I had to again recommend the provision of a 35 ft. trussed extension ladder to be carried on the motor-tender. Also, the Board should take in hand the installation of a street fire-alarm system. Dargaville. Inspection, Ist December, 1920. There were twelve members of the brigade present at the inspection muster, when the various drills were carried out in a satisfactory and very willing manner. The station and equipment were in good order. I had to again call attention of the Board to the necessity of providing mechanical means of transporting men and equipment to fires. Also, I would call attention to the fact that not one local member of the Board was present at my annual inspection, apathy by members of the Board in such matters invariably reacts on the efficiency of the brigade itself. Dunedin. Inspections, 17th and 18th January, 1921. The "turn-out" at the Central, South Dunedin, and Roslyn Stations wore performed smartly, and the inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner. All stations and equipment, with the exception of the electric turn-table ladder, were found to be in good order. At the time of my inspection visit the services of the volunteer firemen in the Mornington district had then lately been dispensed with, and the services of the volunteer firemen in the Roslyn district were no longer available, thus reducing the numerical strength of the brigade from 67 to 33, and of the latter there is always a certain number not available, either

2—H. 6a.