H._6A,

available. This points to a serious flaw in the arrangement, and calls for prompt attention. An accident occurred to one of the fire-motors whilst proceeding along Adelaide Street at a very moderate speed, tearing ofl the off-side running-board and box, &c., and was apparently due to a loose iron grating over a steel manhole. Two firemen were injured, but, fortunately, not seriously so. Petone is growing very rapidly, and altogether conditions warrant the appointment of a second permanent fireman. Port Chalmers. Inspection, 4th March, 1926. At the inspection muster two officers and seven firemen were present-^—a satisfactory attendance in the local circumstances. There was a decided improvement in the personnel of the brigade, and the equipment was in good order. Attendance at the fire-alarms averaged 55-4 per cent, of the total strength—not a good record. Five hundred feet of new hose was required, and I again recommended purchase of a site for the erection of a new Central Station on the crest of the hill. Rotorua. Inspection, 16th November, 1925. At the inspection muster two officers and fourteen firemen were on parade. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were in thorough good order. Attendance at the twenty-three alarms averaged 80"3 per cent, of the brigade strength—a good record. A second visit was paid to Rotorua on the 26th January for the purpose of testing the newly acquired 30/35 h.p. 250/300 g.p.m. motor combination fire-engine. The pumping unit and the machine generally proved up to specifications. Taumarunui. . Inspection, 15th February, 1926. At the inspection muster two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance. The various inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment were all in good order. At the five fire calls the attendance averaged 80 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade —a good record. The newly installed electric fire-alarm syren was sounded for experimental purposes, and observations in different parts of the town whilst the syren was in action tended to show that it will prove a very efficient alarm. Tauranga, Inspection, 12th November, 1925. At the inspection muster two officers and eleven firemen were in attendance. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment were in good order. Attendance at the six fire-alarm classes averaged 83-5 per cent, of the total membership —a good record. In my report to the Board following upon my inspection I considered it necessary to comment as follows : " I note that fire-prevention conditions are in the same unsatisfactory state they were at the time of my previous inspection and report in November last year, and dangerous conditions are becoming still more acute owing to the steadily decreasing efficiency for fire-extinction purposes of the borough water-supply, and which further accentuates the need of prompt action on the part of your Board to install some means of summoning the brigade in case of an outbreak of fire." Since then several recommendations have been adopted. In view of the extension of the present fire-station a portion of the adjoining section has been purchased from the Borough Council. The Board has resolved to install an electric syren fire-alarm system having eight fire-alarm call-points. Also some improvement has been made in the water-supply. Te Aroha. Inspection, 10th November, 1925. Two officers and thirteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, there being a decided improvement in the squad work. With the exception of some lengths of hose which required patching, the station and equipment were in good order. Attendance at the eight fire calls averaged 82 per cent, of the total strength—a good record. I noted some of the street hydrant-indicators were still missing, and the timing of the electric syren required some adjustment. Timaru. Inspection, 7th December, 1925. Two officers and twenty-two firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The various inspection drills were carried out in the usual efficient manner, and the station and equipment were in first-class order. Attendance at the thirty-seven fire calls averaged 78 per cent, of the total strength of the brigade —- a good record. The question of purchasing sections adjoining the Central Station site for the purpose of extending the present station building, together with other matters, was fully discussed with the Chairman and other members of the Fire Board, and the enrolment of a Volunteer Fire Police Corps was recommended. Waihi. Inspection, 11th November, 1925. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, there being quite

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