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Invercargill. Inspection, 9th February, 1925. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster ; of the remaining strength, four were on picture-theatre duty and two were on leave. The personnel appear to be an active body of men of good physique, and the inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner. The authorized strength of the brigade —twenty all told —is dangerously low, and should be increased to twenty-five. The street hydrant-indicators were in very bad condition —altogether missing in some cases. This is a matter considerably affecting the efficient working of the brigade, and should be remedied at once. The present street fire-alarm system is old and has become quite unreliable, and a more up-to-date and reliable system should be installed. The position in regard to the supply of water for fire-extinction purposes is very serious, and calls for prompt action. In this latter connection, since making my inspection, a new 65 h.p. 700 g.p.m. motor-pump has been purchased, and is now in commission: this should improve matters to some small extent. Kaiapoi. Inspection, 3rd April, 1925. At the inspection muster there were present two officers and nine firemen. The attendance at the five fire calls averaged 70-1 per cent, of the membership, just reaching a fair average. The Board had recently purchased a 22 h.p. commercial chassis, built a suitable body thereon, and fitted a small 150/200 g.p.m. turbine pump on the front of the motor. The machine was taken to the river-wharf for testing purposes, with satisfactory results. It was then taken to the public baths for further testing, but almost immediately after getting to work the engine broke down. Subsequent examination showed that the key on pump end of crank had sheared ; also, the cam-shaft had shifted. The damaged parts were repaired, and since then up to the present the machine has done good work. At any time the motor is out of commission the water in the steam fire-engine should be heated and maintained at a temperature of about 200° F. until the motor is again in order. Kaitangata. Inspection, 11th February, 1925. Seven officers and men were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in an energetic and willing manner, but more instruction and drill are necessary. The attendance at the four fire calls averaged 87-5 per cent, of the membership —a good record. The recently purchased site for the purpose of erecting a station thereon is not, in my opinion, a suitable one, and the Board should procure another site more centrally situated. Lawrence. A visit was paid to Lawrence on the 6th February, 1925, but at the inspection muster only the Deputy Superintendent and three firemen were in attendance ; of the remainder, three were at work and two on " picture " duty, consequently no inspection drills were performed, but certain instruction was given. The station and equipment were in good order. The present strength of the brigade, nine all told, with the probability of not more than seven being available for calls, is quite too low, and the membership should be increased forthwith. No fire occurred in the Lawrence fire district throughout the year. Levin. Inspection, 23rd March, 1925. Two officers and seven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out smartly, and there is a steady improvement in that respect. The station and equipment were in first-class order and condition. At the six general calls there was 70-1 per cent, of the membership in attendance —a fair average. As at the time of my previous inspection, the brigade is numerically weak, and every effort should be made to raise the membership to the authorized strength. Masterton. Inspection, 19th February, 1925. Two officers and nineteen 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. There was an attendance of 80-1 per cent, of the membership at the twelve general fire calls —a good average. A second visit was paid to Masterton on the 17th March for the purpose of a final test of the newly acquired 40/45 h.p. 300/350 g.p.m. motor pumping engine. The test proved the efficiency of the pumping unit, and in all other respects the machine was in good and proper working-order. Certain of the street hydrants require replacing by others of standard pattern. Milton. Inspection, 6th February, 1925. Two officers and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. There was a decided improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills, and the station and equipment were in good order and condition. A2O h.p.-motor hose-and-ladder tender has been purchased and is in commission. The suggestion that the manual fire-pump and the chemical fire-engine should now be sold is ill-advised. One or the other should be retained as a stand-by, and maintained in good working-order.