H.—6a

an improvement in that respect. Attendance at the twenty-nine fire calls averaged 77 per cent, of the total strength of the brigade—a good record. In December, 1925, owing to its having become defective and unreliable and also causing an excessive number of false alarms, the old street fire-alarm system was dismantled. A recommendation was made that a newer and reliable system. should be installed. A tender at a very reasonable cost was submitted to the Board for the supply of a system having sixteen call-points, but so far has not been accepted. In view of the unsatisfactory condition of the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes and the disproportionate number of outbreaks of fire occurring in Waihi, the Board would be well advised to install some fire-alarm system as soon as possible. Waitara. Inspection, 29th October, 1925. One officer and eleven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. There was a very considerable improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills, and the equipment was in good order, with exception of some leaky lengths of hose, for the repair of which the brigade should be provided with a hose-repairing outfit. Wanganui. Inspection, 16th December, 1926. At the inspection musters two officers and nineteen firemen were on parade at the City Central Station, and one officer and eleven firemen at the Castlecliff Station. The various wet and dry inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner. The stations and equipment, with the exception of one motor, were found in good order. In regard to the motor mentioned, and which has been in active commission for some fifteen years, the Board has since decided to replace it, and have ordered an English machine for that purpose. During the year a new district station of brick construction has been erected in Castlecliff at a cost of some £6,000, and was officially opened and occupied by the brigade in February last. Westport. Inspection, 2nd December, 1925. One officer and fourteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. As at the time of my previous visit, it was apparent that the brigade was in need of more instruction, and all future drill should be carried out on the standard squad lines. There was an average attendance at the five alarms of 73-6 per cent, of the total strength —a fair record. The old street fire-alarm system has been dismantled, and a more reliable system should be installed without delay. The brigade is very badly off for uniforms, and they do not possess a suitable fire-ladder of sufficient length to reach the roofs of a number of buildings in the town, nor have they yet been provided with a hand-pump or a hose-repairing outfit. Altogether the fire-protection equipment in Westport is not very satisfactory. Whangarei. Inspection, 20th January, 1926. Two officers and sixteen firemen were on parade at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the plant and appliances were in good order and condition. Attendance at the fourteen general alarms averaged 69 per cent, of the total strength, which is under the general average of attendances. Several matters were reported to the Board as requiring attention, and the fixing of another alarm call-point towards the lower end of Cameron Street was recommended.

2—H. 6a.

9