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colleges have been founded, and are in operation, for the education of fire-brigade officers in more efficient methods of fire-prevention and fire-extinction, __c. Any material reduction of the present heavy drain on the resources of this Dominion can be brought about only by a general movement to that end —spasmodic action will not attain the desired result. Concerted action, following as closely as possible the methods outlined above, together with compulsory installation of automatic alarms or sprinklers in large warehouses, stores, emporiums, &c, over a certain cubical capacity, is the only really effective remedy. Malicious false alarms of fire are on the increase ; the returns show a total of 132 alarms under that heading. In May last one such alarm resulted in the death of a fire-brigade officer—not the first death from a similar offence —and in more or less severe injuries to several brigademen. Applications have been made to have the Act amended in the direction of providing heavier penalties for this class of offence. The Act already provides a penalty of " liability to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds," but hitherto the very serious nature of the offence with its always present liability to fatal and other consequences, including expense, does not seem to have been realized, and, with few exceptions, the penalties inflicted upon conviction have been of a trivial nature, generally fines ranging from 10s. to £5 ; whereas if heavier penalties, as allowed by the Act, were inflicted it would certainly have a markedly deterrent effect. Appended are the following tables : — (1.) Summary of calls attended by each brigade ; (2.) Fire loss in each district; (3.) Annual cost of each brigade;; (4.) Summary of the causes of fires in each district: (5.) Personnel and equipment of each brigade ; also short detailed reports rlealing with each fire district. I have, cic, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs, Wellington.

DETAILED REPORTS. Auckland. Inspection, 31st March and Ist April, 1924. The turnouts, &c, at the different stations were carried out in an efficient manner, and the stations and equipment were found to be in good order. There are two matters in particular calling for early attention : First, at the central station the work necessary to keeping the plant and appliances in proper order is at present being carried on under extremely cramped conditions, and the sanitary conditions in tin; enclosed yard are most unsatisfactory. Certain alterations were contemplated, but not, in my opinion, to an adequate extent, and I have suggested the purchase of a strip of land about 5 ft. wide adjoining the station section, which would enable a great improvement to present conditions. The second matter is the provision of married quarters at the Remucra Station. The erection of the Western District Station has been completed ; the station is now in occupation, and should tend to the more economical and efficient working of the brigade. Balclutha. Inspection, 12th March, 1924. At the inspection muster there were present two officers and eight firemen out of a total strength of twelve, The inspection drills were not performed in the most satisfactory manner, but with regular practice of the recently adopted standard squad drill the brigade, who are apparently a smart and active body of men, should attain a satisfactory degree of efficiency. The" new central fire-station was officially opened the same evening. The building, which is of brick, is commodious and well designed for its purpose, and the cost of both site and building was most reasonable, The brigade, should now be provided with motor transport for men and appliances. Christchurch. Inspection, 17th and 19th May, .1924. The, turnout at the several stations was performed smartly, and the stations (with the exception of Sydenham Station) and equipment proved to be in uood order and condition.