H.—l2.

During the inspection visits instruction in fire drill and in fire-prevention matters generally was given in the smaller towns. Inspections have been made and reports furnished in respect of public buildings and institutions; advice has been given to Fire Boards and local bodies in regard to the purchase of fire-station sites, planning of new fire stations, water-supply improvements, purchase of new equipment, &c. Reports nave been furnished to the Government Loans Board in regard to proposed improvements and new installations of water-supply in various towns. In accordance with instructions, a' special visit was paid to Napier and Hastings immediately following upon the outbreak of fires subsequent to the earthquake ; also, I attended throughout the arbitration proceedings in the matter of retention or otherwise, by the Wellington Fire Board, of the present Central Fire-station site. Following upon an invitation from the executive officers of the United Fire Brigades' Association, I attended their fifty-second annual conference, held at Nelson on the 9th March, and there delivered an address to the delegates dealing with fire-prevention matters generally. Whilst the conference was in session the inaugural meeting of the Incorporated Institute of New Zealand Fire Brigade Officers and Members was held, and members of the council of the institute elected. This institute has been founded with the particular object of improving the efficiency of the volunteer fire brigades, and in this respect should prove of great value to the fire service in this Dominion. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. The Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs.

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