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The street hydrants and their indicators were in better working-condition than formerly, but some few still require attention, and particular care is necessary when tarring the surface of streets that the hydrant-covers are kept clear. I had again to recommend that if the work of improving the water-supply is not taken in hand and gone on with at once the brigade should be provided with a pumping unit. Foxton. Inspection, 27tli April, 1926. At the inspection muster there was present two officers and eight firemen. Of the remaining strength two were away sick and four were absent from the town. There was a decided improvement in the carrying-out of the required inspection drills by those members of the brigade who were present. Attendance at the six general alarms averaged 70 per cent, of the membership—just a fair average. The fire which destroyed the Town Hall accounted for £6,250 out of £6,400, the total fire loss for the year. Recommendations as to some minor equipment requirements were made to the Board, and the formation of a Fire Police Corps advocated. Gisborne. An inspection of the Gisborne Brigade and its equipment was made on the 24th March, 1926, all members of the brigade being present at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner, and the station and equipment were in good order. The attendance at the twenty-eight alarms averages 80-1 per cent, of the membership —a good average. During the year the Board has made extensive improvements in the fire protection of the town. A street fire-alarm system has been installed, consisting of fifty-seven call-boxes on four circuits, and two motor trailer pumps have been added to the equipment; also it has been decided to install an electric fire-alarm siren. With the provision of a5O ft. fire-ladder the brigade will be thoroughly well equipped, and the establishment of a Volunteer Fire Police Corps will tend materially to more efficient results. Greymouth. Inspection, Ist December, 1925. Two officers and seventeen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The stations and equipment were found in good order. The attendance at the fifteen fire calls averaged 81 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade —a good record. The gravitation water-supply for fire-extinction purposes is still causing anxiety, and the Board have purchased a 20/25 h.p. motor pumping combination machine, the main pump having an output capacity under pressure of 200/250 g.p.m., which will somewhat improve the position ; also a site for a new substation has been purchased in High Street. Hamilton. Inspection, 28th January, 1926. Two officers and twenty-one firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner, and the station and equipment were all in good order. Attendance at the twenty-eight general alarms averaged 84-6 per cent, of the strength of the brigade —a good record. The plant has been increased by addition of a 20 h.p. motor runabout fitted up as an emergency hose-tender. In my report to the Board (sth February, 1926) I considered it again necessary to comment upon the exceptionally low pressure and limited volume of the water-supply available for fire-extinction purposes in Hamilton, and in view of the large number of new buildings erected and in course of erection, together with the recent increase in the fire-district area, the position becomes more acute every day ; also the said conditions emphasize the need for erection of a sub-fire-station in the Frankton section of the town. Hastings. Inspection, 15th June, 1926. At the inspection muster the full strength of the brigade (two officers, sixteen firemen, and two messengers) was in attendance. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment, with the exception of some of the hose, were in good order and condition. The attendance at twenty-eight general alarms averaged 78-5 per cent, of the total brigade strength—a fair record. The stock of fire-hose was low to a risky degree, but a further supply has since been purchased; also some minor matters required attention. A tender has been accepted for the installation of a street fire-alarm system. Hawera. Inspection, 14th December, 1925. Two officers and fourteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The station and equipment were found in good order. The attendance at eight general alarms averaged 63 per cent, of the total membership—not a good average. A test was made of the pumping outfit of the newly acquired 30/35 h.p. motor combination machine. The main turbine vacuum and first-aid pumps were all in good working-order, the maximum output was slightly in excess of the guaranteed quantity, and the machine appears to be equal to the specifications in all respects. t

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