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Napier. Inspection, 14th June, 1926. At the inspection musters at both town and Port stations respectively all members of the brigade were present or accounted for. The inspection drill of the town brigade was carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner, but there is still room for improvement. At the Port, however, it was clearly evident that that section of the brigade was in need of more instruction and drill. The town station and its equipment were in first-class order ; but the Port Station badly needs enlargement and renovation, and the proposed alterations should be carried out as soon as possible. During the year a street-alarm system, consisting of three circuits with twenty-five call-boxes thereon, Las been installed and placed in commission. New Plymouth. Inspection, 28th October, 1926. At the inspection muster two officers and twenty-two fireman were on parade. The various inspection drills were carried out smartly and in a satisfactory manner, showing considerable improvement in that respect. The station and equipment were in good order. Attendance at the fourteen fire calls averaged 79 per cent, of the total strength —a good record. Recommendations were made at a meeting with the Board as follows : Provision of a station and equipment in the rapidly growing western district; agreement with Harbour Board ; provision of smoke-helmets ; formation of a Volunteer Fire Police Corps, &c. A Fire Police Corps has since been established in New Plymouth. Oamaru. Inspection, 11th May, 1926. Two officers and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. There was quite an improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills, and further instruction was given therein. The equipment was in good order. Attendance at the fourteen fire calls averaged 70-1 per cent, of the total strength —a fair record. A second story on the present Central Station building is now in course of construction, and the additional accommodation will add greatly to the efficient working of the brigade. Formation of a Volunteer Fire Police Corps was recommended. Ohakune. Inspection, 16th February, 1926. Two officers and seven firemen, out of a total strength of fourteen, were in attendance at the inspection muster. Attendance at the eleven fire calls averaged 64-4 per cent of the strength. Whilst there was a low average of attendance in both cases, in the local circumstances it may be regarded as a fair record. Whilst the trailer pump was at work for inspection purposes a slight mishap occurred, otherwise the pump is in good order and worked well. The new hose recommended in my report of the 25th May last had not been procured, and the stock of hose was short to a serious degree. Other matters previously recommended also required attention. Otaki. Inspection, 11th February, 1926. Two officers and ten firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. There was considerable improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills, and further instruction was given therein. A number of the street fire-hydrants were in a most unsatisfactory condition, overgrown with herbage, &c., and is a matter that requires prompt attention. A new Central Fire-station is in course of erection, and a 22 h.p. motor hose-and-ladder tender is on order. Palmerston North. Inspection, 7th January, 1926. At the inspection muster two officers and thirteen firemen were on parade. The various inspection drills were carried out in the usual efficient manner, and all equipment was in good working-order. A new 30/35 h.p. 250/300 g.p.m. motor pump and a first-aid combination machine were placed in commission in February last. A new Central Fire-station is in course of erection, and is nearly ready for occupation ; also an electrically operated syren is being installed, which will replace the bell as a fire-alarm. With the opening of the new station the Fire Board will have equipped the brigade to a high degree of efficiency, but the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes is most unsatisfactory and to a degree that may easily result in disastrous consequences. The establishment of a Fire Police Corps would prove a valuable auxiliary to the brigade. Petone. Inspection, 21st June, 1926. Two officers and thirteen firemen in attendance at the inspection parade. As at previous inspections, the inspection drills were carried out in a highly efficient manner, and the station, motors, and other equipment were in first-class order. At the fifteen general alarms there was an average attendance of 78-2 per cent, of the brigade strength —a fair record. During the course of the inspection, to augment the pressure then showing on the gauge, the pumping-station was rung up, but it was sixteen minutes later before the increased pressure became

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