9

H.—6a

AUCKLAND. Two inspections of the Auckland Fire Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been made — viz., on the 14th and 16th December, 1912, and the 26th and 27th May, 1913. An inspection of the equipment in the Parnell and Arch Hill districts was made on the 28th May. The various turnouts and drills were carried out smartly and in an efficient manner. The electric turntable ladder was taken out and got to work upon each occasion. This ladder has already proved upon several occasions to be a most valuable addition to the equipment of the brigade. The buildings additional to the central station have been completed and are now in occupation. They comprise three sets of married quarters, accommodation for twenty-four single men, commodious watch-tower, a drying-room, and all necessary conveniences are included. A new 55 h.p. motor hose-tender has been added to the equipment. The boundaries of the city have been enlarged (in October last) by the inclusion of the Arch Hill district, and by the incorporation of the Parnell Borough in December, 1912. At present the two established brigades are being retained as auxiliary brigades in their respective districts. The effective protection of the increased area will require in the near future a corresponding increase in the amount of annual maintenance and capital expenditure, particularly in Parnell, where a new station is absolutely necessary; as also the provision of a motor appliance and a street fire-alarm system. A system of inexpensive street fire-alarms suited to local conditions has already been installed in the Arch Hill district. The City Council are now expending a considerable sum of money in the improvement of the water-supply, which hitherto, from a fire-protection point of view, has been more or less unsatisfactory over a large portion of the borough. The Water Department should be asked to pay particular attention to keeping the street hydrants clear of obstruction. I noticed some in the outlying streets that would be very difficult to pick up on a dark night; also, I could see no indicators in some cases. During the year just ended the brigade received 167 calls, three more than during 1912. The number of actual fires was eighty-seven —an increase of ten. The fire loss amounted to £41,147 for the year, as compared with £121,715—a decrease of £80,568. The estimated cost of the brigade for the year 1913-14 is £10,110, as against £8,190 for 1912-13—an increase of £1,920, almost entirely due to additions to the staff and provision for increase of salaries and wages. CHRISTCHURCH. Two inspections of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been ma de—viz., on the 21st and 22nd December, 1912, and the 12th and 13th June, 1913. The two following reports, forwarded to the secretary of the Board, dated 6th January and 19th June, cover the respective inspections :— Sir,— 6th January, 1913. In connection with my inspection of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, its stations and equipment, on the 20th and 21st ultimo, I have the honour to forward the following report for the consideration of your Board : — After the inspection muster held at the central station instructions were given for the brigade to get to work on a three-story building in Bedford Row, with the supposition that it was well alight on the top floor. Deliveries were got to work from the street mains by means of the 45 ft. ladder and the 64 ft. horse escape; deliveries were also got to work from the motor turbine pump. This pump was afterwards taken to Latimer Square, where experiments were carried out with various deliveries and different sizes of nozzles. Rescue drills were also carried out. The required work was performed in a smart and efficient maner. Later in the night a false alarm of fire was given from the box at the corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets, and was responded to by the two motors and the horsed fire-escape from Lichfield Street and by the horsed chemical from Chester Street. The first motor arrived in 1 minute 40 seconds from the time the alarm was given, the second motor arrived two seconds later —a smart response. The substations at Sydenham and St. Albans were found in good order, and the turnout was performed in a satisfactory manner, as was also the turnout at the Chester Street station. When the new central station now in course of erection is completed it should enable the remaining horses to be disposed of, and with that object in view certain modifications might be carried out in the new building, as suggested to the Chairman of your Board at the time of my visit, such as doing away with the outside loose boxes, manure-pit, rearrangement of the carpenter's and paint shops, &c. The next work that should receive the attention of your Board is the provision of married quarters at the St. Albans substation, which work should be carried out as soon as ever finance* permit. ■ I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades.

2—H, 6a.