Hi-12.

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Hokitika. Inspection, 13th December, : One officer and twenty-three firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the central and several hose-reel stations with their equipment were found in good and proper order. Attendance at the four " fire calls " averaged 83-3 per cent, of the total membership —a good record. A recommendation was again made, in regard to provisions of motor transport for men and appliances. Invercargill. Inspection, 11th February, 1930: Two officers and twenty firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out in an exceptionally smart and efficient manner, and a very fine exhibition of physical and gymnastic drill was also carried out. The station and all equipment were found in first-class order. The Borough Council has allotted a sum of over £12,000 for improving the water service, which should put the supply for fire-extinction purposes on a more satisfactory footing. Kaiapoi. Inspection, 16th December, 1929 : Two officers and ten firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. During the course of the required inspection drills it was apparent that, whilst the men were active and willing, they were much in need of more instruction and drill. The station and equipment were found in good order and condition. Attendance at the sixteen " fire calls " averaged 70 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. Attention was called to the inadequate diameter of the supply pipe feeding the recently constructed concrete reservoir situated on the North Main Road. Kaitanqata. Inspection, 12th February, 1930: Two officers and four firemen out of a total strength of ten then on the roll were in attendance at the inspection muster. The brigade was four short of its authorized strength. During the course of the inspection it was apparent that the brigade was not properly conversant with the effective use of the appliances, and more practice therewith is necessary. Attendance at the three " fire calls " averaged 60 per cent, of the total membership —a poor record. Recommendations were made that the motor hose-tender be fitted with Ruxtell axle-gear, broken arm on pump-clutch to be repaired, a new driving-chain to be fitted, and a siren to be fitted in accordance with the Act. Other recommendations in regard to minor matters were also made. Lawrence. An inspection of the district, the fire station, and its equipment was made on the 10th February. 1930. The station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at the seven " fire calls averaged 64 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade —considerably below general-average record. Advice was given to members of the Board in regard to certain matters, and recommendations made in respect to brigade equipment. Levin. Inspection, Ist April, 1930 : Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. With the exception that more practice in the shipping of the stand-pipes is necessary, the inspection drills were carried out in a smart and satisfactory manner, and the .station and equipment were found in good order and condition. Attendance at the eight general " fire calls " averaged 72 per cent, of the membership—a fair record. Provision of a foam extincteur and of a hose-repairing outfit was recommended. An electrically-operated siren with direct wire connection to the Post-office Telephone Exchange has been installed in place of the bell and street-fire-alarm system. Masterton. Inspection, Bth October, 1929 : Two officers and sixteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Inspection was made of several properties under offer to the Board as suitable sites for erection thereon of the proposed new central firestation. Ultimately the Board acquired a very central and suitable site for that purpose. Milton. Inspection, 10th February, 1930: Two officers and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at the nine " fire calls " averaged 72 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. I had again to call attention to fitting the motor hose-tender with a siren in compliance with the Motor-vehicles Act. A new electric motor and pump has been installed, and the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes is now on a better footing. Mount Roskill. Inspection, 19th September, 1929 : Two officers and thirteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out, in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment was found in first-class order. Attendance at the fourteen general " fire calls " averaged 60 per cent, of the total membership^ —considerably below the general-average record. The water-supply throughout the Mount Roskill Fire District for fire-extinction purposes, extent of feticulation, &c., are still far from meeting requirements.