H. -6a

6

on a fire creates a most dangerous situation, and a motor*pumping outfit should be procured at once. Some, minor equipment is also required. As set out in my report to the Poard, some additional sumps or wells are urgently required. The attendance at four fire calls averaged 70 per cent, of the membership a fair record. Kaitangata. Inspection, 11th March, 1924. Two officers and seven men were in attendance at the inspection musters, and the inspection drill was carried out in a smart and energetic manner. Greater efficiency would be obtained from the first-aid motor-pump if the delivery-pipe was altered in the manner recommended at the time of my visit. The supply of fire-hose is insufficient. It is time this Board procured a new site and erected a station suited to the requirements of the town. Lawrence. Inspection, 7th March, 1924. Two officers and seven firemen were present at the, inspection muster. Inspection drills were carried out, but the brigade should be thoroughly drilled in the squad drill which has recently neen adopted as a standard for the Dominion. A new portable stand-pipe is required, otherwise the equipment is in good order and condition. Levin. Inspection, 4-th Juno, 1924. At the inspection muster there wore present two officers and seven firemen. The inspection drills were carried out in a much more efficient manner than previously, and generally a considerable improvement is manifest. The present strength of the brigade—eleven all told—is numerically weak, and steps should be taken at once to increase the membership ; also, some arrangements should be made whereby, in case of a call on the street fire-alarm system in the daytime, the firebell shall be rung immediately. Masterton. Inspection, 18th December, 1923. At the inspection muster there were present two officers and sixteen firemen out of a total strength of twenty-four. As compared with previous occasions there was an improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills, but the recently adopted standard squad drill should be introduced and the brigade thoroughly drilled on those lines. The attendance at twenty-two general fire calls averaged 75 per cent, of the membership a fair record. The station and equipment were in first-class order and condition. I have again had to call attention to the unreliable condition of the, water-supply for fireextinction purposes in Masterton, and if there is no prospect of tin improvement in the near future the brigade should be furnished with a motor pumping outfit. Milton. Inspection, 6th March, 1924. The full strength of the brigade was in attendance at the inspection muster. There is considerable improvement in the inspection work of this brigade, and with regular practice of the recently adopted standard drill a satisfactory degree; of efficiency should be quickly attained. The station and equipment were in good order. There is a shortage of fire-hose —a further 600 ft. is required. Napier. Inspection, 20th February, 1924. In regard to the newly erected central fire-station, both in design and construction the work has been carried out in a most efficient manner and at a very reasonable cost. When getting the motor-pump to work at the port one of the street-hydrants was found covered to a depth of 2 in. with road-metal; also, the hydrant-indicators are in a very Unsatisfactory state generally. Such conditions may easily be the cause of serious fire loss, and should be remedied at once. Other minor matters, as pointed out in my report, require attention. Upon reconsideration the Board have purchased a 45 h.p. 300-350 g.p.m. motor-pump instead of converting an ordinary commercial chassis, as was at first proposed. The installation of a street fire-alarm system should now be taken in hand. New Plymouth. Inspection, 10th October, 1923. Two officers and seventeen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. Owing to the inclement weather the inspection drill was considerably restricted, but the brigade require more drill and instruction, and the Superintendent should be authorized to call extra drills at his discretion. The average attendance at twelve fire calls averaged 54 per cent, of the membership —not a good record : this should be looked into. The engine of the 60 h.p. motor was very slow in starting at the turnout—a fault of long standing —and an endeavour should be made to have it rectified locally. A3O h.p. chassis was purchased, a body built thereon, and fitted up locally as a hose-ladder and first-aid chemical-engine tender.