H,—6a.

14

The following report, forwarded to the Secretary of the Board, covers the second inspection :— " Sir,— " 12th April, 1912. " An inspection of the Gisborne Fire Brigade, its stations and equipment, was made on the 19th and 20th February last. " At the inspection muster on the evening of the 19th there were present the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, twenty-one firemen and three cadets, that with two on leave accounted for the full strength of the brigade—viz., twenty-eight all told, a satisfactory attendance. " The appliances and gear are maintained in general good order and condition. "A test of the water-pressure was made, and the following pressures recorded: Palmerston Road, 1171b.; Gladstone Road, 113 Ib.; Peel Street, 1141b. " Some of the hose used was found to be full of pinholes. The loss of pressure in one length, due to that cause, amounted to as much as 14 lb. Some of the nozzles used, though not the worst of their class, are not of the best design. Care should be taken when purchasing new gear that only standard patterns are accepted. "It is evident to me that the members of the brigade are not being given sufficient practice, drill, and instruction, and this matter should receive attention. " I have, &c, " Thos. T. Hugo. " Inspector of Fire Brigades." The Board have under order a 50 h.p. motor-car to seat eight men, fitted with a chemical cylinder of 40 gallons capacity, a 35 ft. telescopic ladder, and to carry 1,600 ft. of hose, &c. Plan for a new Central Station has been submitted to the Department, and approved of, subject to certain suggested alterations that have since been adopted by the Board. During the year just ended thirty-three calls were received by the brigade, an increase of nine as compared with the previous year, of which twenty-two proved to be actual fires. The fire loss amounted to £5,860, as against £7,892 for the previous year, a decrease of £1,532. The estimated cost of the brigade for the year 1912-13 is £382 19s. 10d., as against £1,159 4s. 6d. for 1911-12, a decrease of £776 4s. Bd.

GREYMOUTH. Two inspections of the Greymouth Fire Brigade and its equipment have been held —viz., 16th November, 1911, and 21st March, 1912. At the first inspection there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and seventeen firemen, that with one on leave accounted for twenty out of a total strength of twenty-one —a satisfactory attendance. Various test drills were carried out in an efficient manner. At the second inspection there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and fourteen firemen, that with four on leave accounted for the full strength of twenty then on the roll. The following report covers other matters in connection with the second inspection : — " Sir,— " 12th April, 1912. " An inspection of the Greymouth Fire Brigade, its station and equipment, was made on the 21st March last. " 'Ihe arrangements made for the temporary housing of the fire appliances during the erection of the new Central Station are very satisfactory. The sub-stations and their equipment are maintained in good order. " A test of the water-pressure was made, and it was found that the gauge at the Town Hall was weak to the extent of registering 6 lb. more than the true pressure. Whilst the testing of the branches and nozzles was being carried out it was apparent that a considerable quantity of the hose in service was in a bad condition, and a further supply should be provided. Some of the branches are badly constructed, and nozzles of intermediate sizes, § in. and J in. are required. "I would again direct the attention of your .Board (see previous report relating to the subject) to the entire unprotected condition of Preston Road and the Blaketown district. In view of the large number of new buildings lately erected in these neighbourhoods the position is becoming more risky every day. If there is no prospect of the high-pressure water-supply being extended in the near future, shallow wells might be sunk at certain points in proximity to the Lagoon, and the manual engine, at present lying in the Boundary Street Station, placed there. With the provision of a chemical engine in Blaketown and the establishment of a section of the brigade in that neighbourhood the foregoing suggestions, if carried out, would provide a reasonable degree of protection for the present. " I have, &c, " Thos. T. Hugo, " Inspector of Fire Brigades." A new iron-framed bell-tower has been erected in Tainui Street. The new Central Station now being erected on the site of the old station in Boundary Street is approaching completion, and will be ready for occupation shortly During the year just ended four fires have occurred in the district, the same number as during the previous year. The fire loss amounted to £1,100, as compared with £1,363, a decrease of £263. . The estimated cost of the brigade for the year 1912-13 is £950, as against £850, an increase )f £100.