H.—l2.

8

area erected in Palmerston North of late and in consideration of tie water-supply conditions existing in the town, I consider the brigade equipment should be further strengthened by provision of another motor-pumping outfit. Petone. Inspection, 10th April, 1930 : One officer and fifteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out in their usual efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in first-class order. Attendance at the twenty-six " fire calls " averaged 62-5 per cent, of the total membership —considerably below the general average. Additions to the brigade equipment during the year include a new telescope fire-ladder and six new call-boxes in extension of the street-fire-alarm system. Improvement of the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes is now in hand, and a new 12 in. supply-main has been laid down and a number of the old 3 in. mains are being replaced with 4 in. piping. Post Chalmebs. Inspection, sth February, 1930 : The Superintendent only was in attendance, all other members of the brigade were working overtime at the shipping in port, consequently no inspection of the personnel could be made. The station was found in good order. In regard to the equipment the stock of good fire-hose is dangerously low ; 500 ft. of new hose is required. As previously reported to the Board, the present motor hose and first-aid tender is past its usefulness as a fire-engine, and the 'brigade should be provided with a more suitable machine. Pukekohe. Inspection, 17th September, 1929 : Two officers and eight firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the equipment was found in good order. Attendance at the eight " fire calls " averaged 71-4 per cent, of the total membership —a fair record. Erection of the new brick central fire-station has been completed, and is now in occupation. The building is well designed for its purpose, and is well situated in regard to the risks of the town. A street-fire-alarm system with ten distributed call-boxes thereon has been installed. Rotortta. Inspection, 7th March, 1930 : One officer and sixteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The required 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 thirty " fire calls " averaged 80-1 per cent, of the total membership —a good record. During the year considerable extension of the water-supply mains for fire-extinction purposes has been carried out, and has greatly improved conditions in that respect. Taumaeunui. Inspection, 14th January, 1930 : Two officers and thirteen firemen were in attendance at tfie inspection muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner and the station and equipment were found in good order and condition. Attendance at the sixteen " fire calls " averaged 92 per cent, of the total membership —a very good record. Attention was called to the necessity of fitting the fire-motors with sirens, as required by the Motor-vehicles Act, and recommendations were made in regard to minor requirements. Tauranga. Inspection, 23rd September, 1929 : The full strength of the brigade, two officers and fourteen firemen, was 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 good order. Attendance at the thirteen " fire calls " averaged 84'4 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade —a good record. A " booster " pump has been installed on the " carrying " main, and has, I understand, improved the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes. A recommendation was made to the Board that land adjoining the fire-station be acquired, this in view of future necessary extension of the present station building. Te Aroha. Inspection, 6th March, 1930 : One officer and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. With the exception that more practice with the new fire-ladder is necessary, the inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner with noticeable improvement in the oral part thereof, and the station and equipment were found in proper order. Attendance at the seven " fire calls " averaged 90 per cent, of the total membership —a very good record. Attention was called to the necessity of fitting a siren on the fire-motor in accordance with requirements of the Motor-vehicles Act; recommendations were also made in regard to minor equipment. No action has yet been taken in regard to provision of a new and more suitable motor fire-engine. Te Awamutu. Inspection, 15th January, 1930 : One officer and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills, particularly the oral part thereof, were carried out in a smart .and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order and condition. Attendance at the three " fire calls " averaged 72 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. Recommendations were made in regard to the provision of certain necessary minor equipment. Timaru. Inspection, 17th December, 1929 : Two officers and nineteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The required inspection drills were carried out in the usual efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in first-class order. Attendance at the thirty-three general