H. —12.

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alarms averaged 83-8 per cent, of the total membership —a good record. I had, as upon previous occasions, to again comment upon the unsatisfactory conditions in regard to the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes in certain parts of the town, particularly instancing the block occupied by the Evans mill and stores, Dalgety's stores, and other similar buildings, as also in the Gibson and Arthur Streets neighourhood. The Highfield section of the town, with its many and steadily increasing number of high-class residences, is too far away to be effectively served from the central fire-station, and the Board would be well advised to consider erection of a substation in the near future for protection of that portion of the fire district. Waihi. Inspection, 26th September, 1929 : Two: officers and thirteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and creditable manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Altogether, there is a great improvement in the brigade and brigade matters generally. Attendance at the thirty " fire calls " averaged 76-3 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. The Board has decided to purchase a new and more efficient motor fire-engine. Recommendations were made in regard to provision of certain minor equipment. Waipukurau. Inspection, 12th November, 1929 : One officer and fifteen 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 were found in good and proper order. Attendance at the nine " fire calls " averaged 70-6 per cent, of the total strength —a fair record. Recommendations were made in regard to the street " call-box " system, as also in the matter of some minor equipment. The new storage reservoir recently constructed with the new 9 in. carrying-main has greatly improved the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes in Waipukurau. Wairoa. Inspection, 18th March, 1930 : Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, very creditable to this comparatively recently organized brigade. The station and equipment were found in good and proper order. Attendance at the seven " fire calls " averaged 94 per cent, of the total membership —an excellent record. Waitara. Inspection, 27th November, 1929 : Two officers and seven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. During the inspection drill it was evident that the men were in need of more instruction and drill. Instructional drill should be carried out not less than twice per month. Attendance at the four fire calls " averaged 87-5 per cent, of the total membership—a good record. Attention was called to the defective condition of some of the equipment, and recommendations were made in regard to other brigade equipment. Wanganui. Inspection, 26th and 27th March, 1930 : At the Central Station inspection parade two officers and twenty firemen were in attendance ; a strong contingent of the Volunteer Fire Rolice Corps was also present. The required inspection, drills were carried out in the usual efficient manner, and both the Central and Castlecliff Stations and their equipment were found in first-class condition. The Board has purchased the section in Wilson Street adjoining the present central-station site, and the ten-roomed house thereon is to be converted into two sets of married quarters. Attention was called to the condition of street-hydrant indicators in the Gonville section of the city. Wellington. An inspection of the Wellington Brigade, its several stations, and their equipment was made on the 23rd and 24th August. The method of drilling the firemen as demonstrated at the central station during the course of my inspection is not, in my opinion, carried out on effective lines ; this, and what I consider other faults in the method of use and maintenance of some of the fire-fighting equipment, was pointed out to the Superintendent during the inspection. This inspection, together with my, observation of the working of the brigade at fires, and in other matters, force me to the conclusion that the general tactics employed, as also the directive control of the brigade operations at actual fires, is gravely at fault. Westpobt. Inspection, 11th December, 1929 : Two officers and sixteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. Whilst there was an improvement in the oral part of the inspection drill, more practice in the practical work is very necessary, Drill once per month is not sufficient, bi-monthly drill should be adopted. Attendance at the nine " fire calls " averaged 82-5 per cent, of the total membership —a good record. A matter that should receive prompt attention is the repairing of the fire-station building damaged by the late earthquake, also quite a number of other matters require attention, as set out in my report submitted to the Fire Board. Whangarei. Inspection, 22nd January, 1930 : The Superintendent and thirteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in good and proper order. Attendance at the seventeen general alarms averaged 74-5 per cent, of the total membership —a fair record, Recommendations were made in regard to minor matters.

2 —H. 12.