H.—6a

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Ohakune. Inspection, 7th April, 1921. At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and fourteen firemen. This is a newly organized brigade, and none of the members have had any previous practical fire-brigade experience, but they are apparently an active, willing body of men. During the afternoon I witnessed an instruction drill with the recently acquired steam fire-engine, and in the evening oral instruction in fire-prevention matters was given. The new firestation was approaching completion, and the principal equipment, all newly acquired, consists of a 10 horse-power oil-fuel motor steam fire-engine and a 20 horse-power second-hand motor hose-and-ladder tender. Six hundred feet of new hose and some new standard, nozzles are required. Palmerston North. Inspection, June 6th, 1920. The inspection drills with the motors, hose, ladders, juni ping-sheet, &c, were carried out in the efficient manner usual with this brigade, and the stations and equipment were found to be in good order and condition. For some years past it has been recognized that the present central fire-station is too small for its purpose, and, it being found impossible to procure additional land adjoining the present station, a new and larger site has been secured at the corner of Cuba and Bourke Streets, where a new station will be erected immediately finances will allow. Another urgent matter hold up for the time by financial considerations is the installing of a street fire-alarm system, which is a most essential requirement of brigade equipment if efficient results arc to be expected. Petone. Inspection, 16th June, 1921. At the inspection muster the full strength (if the brigade was in attendance. The various drills were carried out in the efficient manner customary witli this brigade, and the station and all equipment was found to be in its usual good order. J had again, as in years past, to call the attention of the Board to the inefficiency of the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes, which is steadily becoming more and more inadequate, and failing an immediate improvement in the gravitation supply a recommendation was made that a motor fitted with pumping-apparatus be provided. The Board has an agreement with the Gear Meat Company that in case of emergency the company's pump will be connected with the town mains for the purpose of " boosting " the ordinary supply, and a test was made to ascertain to what extent the supply would be augmented by that proceeding. The results were satisfactory to the extent that if the recommendations contained in my report are carried out I consider, in view of all circumstances, the purchase of a motor fire-pump might remain in abeyance for the time being. Port Chalmers. Inspection, 18th January, 1921. Only nine members of the brigade out of a total strength of eighteen were in attendance at the inspection muster, but as the absent firemen were working overtime on the wharf the attendance may be regarded as satisfactory under the circumstances. A 1-ton truck motor-chassis was purchased, and the body, including a first-aid pumping-outfit, was built locally. A trial of the pumping-outfit gave very satisfactory results, but the tank itself is unnecessarily large, consequently the motor is carrying a load of quite 2001b. more than is needful. The collapsible fire-buckets had not been provided, nor had the hand pumps been put in proper working-order ; also, no progress had been made in respect to the provision of a new central station to be erected on the higher levels of the town. Rotorua. For inspection purposes an alarm of fire was sent from the King George Hospital on the evening of the 4th February last, when from the time the alarm was given until the brigade arrived only two minutes forty seconds elapsed. The " getting to work-" and other drill required was performed smartly and efficiently. The telescopic ladder has not yet arrived, but other recommendations previously made have been carried out and have amply proved their usefulness. Taumarunui. The first inspection of the Taumarunui Fire District was made on the 19th October, 1920. At the inspection muster there were present thirteen members of the brigade out of a total strength of eighteen then on the roll. During the course of the various drills it was evident that more instruction and drill is required. The lower part of the town is fairly well reticulated with 8 in., 6 in., and 4 in. fire-mains, but there are some 2 in. pipes laid down which should be replaced with pipes of larger diameter. The fire-station is well situated, and if the proposed alterations are carried out should provide adequate accommodation for some years to come. New branches and nozzles of standard pattern are required; also, the brigade should be provided with helmets, axes, and belts.