H.—6a

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Christchurch. Inspections, 3rd March and 4th April, 1925. The several stations and their equipment were in good order, and the various turnouts were performed in a smart and efficient manner. A demonstration of the newly acquired 85 ft. petrol-electric turntable fire-ladder showed it to be a very fine and efficient piece of equipment, and it should prove a valuable addition to the plant of the brigade. Conditions as to accommodation generally at the Sydenham district fire-station is most unsatisfactory ; in particular the men's living-quarters are cramped and unhealthy, this although the necessity for the erection of a new district station was recognized and a new site purchased as far back as February, 1920. However, I believe the Board have now called tenders for the building of the new station, and the work should be commenced at the earliest possible date. Another matter to be borne in mind is the necesssity for a station for protection of the Avonside - St. Martin district. Dannevirke. Inspection, Ist June, 1925. At the inspection muster two officers and fourteen firemen were in attendance. The inspection drills were carried out in a very satisfactory manner, showing great improvement since my last inspection. At conclusion of the drill certain instruction was given, and the station and equipment weie found in good order and condition. There was an average attendance of 87-1 per cent, of the membership at the eleven fire callsa good average. A tender for the installation of a sixteen-call-point street lire-alarm system has been accepted. Dargaville. Inspection, 20th January, 1925. One officer and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment were in good order and condition. The attendance at six fire calls averaged 6TB per cent, of the membership —not a good record. The brigade should be provided with a 35 ft. extension fire-ladder. Dunedin. Inspection, 10th March, 1925. The several stations and their equipment were found in very good order, and the various turnouts and subsequent getting to work was performed smartly and in an efficient manner. The newly acquired motor combination, a six-cylinder 90 h.p. machine fitted with a 1,000 g.p.m. turbine pump, was taken to the wharf for trial run of the pumping unit. The vacuum-pump was not in effective working-order, but in all other respects the machine proved satisfactory. At a second trial run on the Ist April with all in order very satisfactory results were obtained, and even better results may be anticipated when the engine has had more work. I consider the machine is a very valuable addition to the brigade equipment, and particularly for work along the waterfront. The more urgent work now requiring the Board's attention is in regard to the provision of better protection from fire in the Mornington, North-east Valley, and Anderson's Bay districts, and also erection of the proposed new headquarters fire-station. Eltham. First inspection of the Eltham Fire District made 25th September, 1925. Estimated population of borough, 2,100, with an area of 1,590 acres of an undulating character. Owing to the moderate height and comparatively small cubical capacity of the buildings generally, together with numerous fire-breaks in the way of brick buildings and dividing-walls, there are no very serious block risks. Brigade : The strength of the brigade is sixteen all told. The members are apparently an active, willing body of men, and drilled to efficiency. Station : The fire-station is well situated in regard to the town risks, and, subject to recommendations set out below, suited to requirements. Equipment: The principal equipment consists of a 22 h.p. motor hose-and-ladder tender, and two hand-drawn hose-reels, all with the usual outfit. Recommendations : The water-supply is the most serious and urgent matter. The static head, 220 ft. at the Borough Chambers, is adequate to local conditions, but the volume over a great part of the town, owing to the small diameter of a large proportion of the mains (and which is accentuated by corrosion and the number of dead ends), is quite insufficient for fire-extinction purposes, and the situation calls for the provision of a motor pumping-outfit ; it must be understood, however, this would be only a partial remedy pending improvement of the gravitation reticulation. Extra rooms and conveniences for the proper accommodation of the caretaker are necessary, and the lighting of the engine-shed inside and out requires attention ; also, the brigade should be provided with certain smaller equipment; but this and other minor matters are fully dealt with in my report to the Board. Feilding. Inspection, 15th October, 1924. Two officers, fourteen firemen, and two messengers were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drill showed considerable improvement in the handling of the brigade and in the work of the men themselves. The attendance at six general alarms averaged 70-2 per cent, of the membership—a fair average. Several minor recommendations were made, which have since been given effect to ; but should there be no prospect of any immediate extensive improvement in the water-supply, provision of a pumping outfit is necessary.