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Napieb. Inspection, 17th March, 1930: At the central fire-station inspection muster two officers and eighteen firemen were on parade and at the Port station one officer and ten firemen were in attendance. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner at both stations. The stations were found in good order and the equipment in effective working-condition. New Plymouth. Inspection, 26th November, 1929 : Two officers and fourteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The practical part of the inspection drills was carried out fairly efficiently, but more practice in the oral part thereof is necessary, and ordinary brigade drill should be held not less than twice per month. The station and equipment were found in good order. Equipment of the brigade is not keeping pace with the growth of the town, and should be strengthened as follows: Extension of the street - fire - alarm system, provision of a new motor fire-engine equipped with a first-aid pumping-outfit, and provision of a workshop and additional storeroom. Oamaru. Inspection, 4th February, 1930 : Two officers and ten firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. Whilst the men are apparently an active and willing body, it was evident during the course of the practical inspection that they were seriously in need of more instruction and drill in the use and operation of the various fire appliances. Attendance at the twenty-four " fire calls " averaged 68 per cent, of the total membership ; this is below the general average, and is probably due to the inefficiency of the present fire-bell alarm. The method of ringing the fire bell is very crude, and a mechanical apparatus should be installed for the purpose. Other recommendations in minor matters have been made. The fire risks, block and otherwise, in Oamaru has increased considerably of late years, and are steadily growing. In my opinion, the time has arrived calling for the appointment of a permanent. Superintendent of the brigade. Ohakune. Inspection, 13th January, 1930 : Two officers and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner. Attendance at the eight " fire calls " averaged 71 per cent, of the. total membership —a fair record. The brake shoe on the trailer pump-carriage had not been repaired, otherwise the various defects pointed out in my previous report had been remedied, and generally there is a marked improvement in the workingconditions and maintenance of both station and appliance. Recommendations were made in regard to clearing a track to the creek and as to the disposal of the old steam fire-engine. Onehunga. Inspection, 20th September, 1929 : Two officers and thirteen 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 first-class order. Attendance at the twenty-five general " fire Calls " averaged 68-3 per cent; of the total membership. This percentage is below the average record. Certain recommendations were made in regard - to minor equipment. Opotiki. My first inspection of the Opotiki Brigade and its equipment was made on the 25th September 1929. Two officers, nine firemen, and one messenger were in attendance at the inspection muster. The members present are apparently an active willing body of men that, with proper instruction, should constitute a smart and efficient brigade. Instruction was given in brigade squad drill, methods of fire-extinction, use and maintenance of the various appliances, &c. The present fire station is not well situated in regard to the risks of the town, and is otherwise unsuitable. A number of recommendations were made in regard to equipment and other matters. Otaki. Inspection, 14th November, 1929 : Two officers and eleven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner and the station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at the three " fire calls " averaged 75-6 per cent, of the total membership —a fair record. Various matters were discussed with the Chairman of the Board and the Superintendent, and certain recommendations made in regard to minor equipment, &c. Pahiatua. Inspection, 13th November, 1929 : Two officers and eight firemen only, out of a strength of sixteen all told, were in attendance at the inspection muster. During the course of the inspection it was evident that the members of the brigade required more instruction and practice in the various squad drills, &c. Attendance at the three " fire calls " reported averaged 68-8 per cent, of the total membership. This is below the general-average record. .Recommendations were made in regard to minor equipment and other matters. Once again I have to call attention to the inadequate and most unsatisfactory conditions of the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes obtaining in Pahiatua. Palmebston Nobth. Inspection, 3rd April, .1930 : Two officers and twenty firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. . The inspection drills were carried out in a thoroughly efficient manner, and the stations find equipment were found in first-class order. In view of the number of buildings of large cubic