B.— f U.

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The new branches and nozzles as previously recommended should be supplied have not yet been obtained, and 600 ft. of new hose with couplings are required. A night light is required in front <>f thr station, and should be placed immediately over the fire-alarm : also, the brigade should be provided with a plan of the water-reticulation, ooireoted up to date, and hung up in the station. If the 4 in. main were extended from Swift Street along Blake Street to its northern extremity it would provide a fair amount of protection for the greater portion of the property in the Bbketown district that at present is entirely without any protection, and I would suggest the Borough Council should be urged to cany out tliat work. I have. &C., Thos. T. Hihjo. Inspector of Kire Brigades. The attendance at both inspections was very satisfactory, and the stations and plant an , maintained in good order. A 4 in. main has been laid out to the extremity of Preston Road. A small reel-shed lias been built and equipped with hose, standpipe, &c, for use in that neighbourhood. During the year nine calls were received, of which six proved to be actual fires, the same number as occurred during the previous year. The attendance of members of the brigade at eight calls. No. 7 omitted, average 13-75 per call, or (> ( S-75 per cent, of the total brigade strength. The fire loss for the year amounted to £1,200, as against £."5.:!7<> for 1913, a decrease of 12,17fi. The estimated cost of the brigade for 1914-15 is £864, as compared with £964 for 191311, a reduction of £100. HAMILTON. Two inspections of the Hamilton Fire Brigade and its equipment have been made via., 20th January, L 913, and 7th May. 1911. The following reports, forwarded to the secretary of the Beard, cover both inspections : Sir,— 29th .January. 191 I An inspection of the Hamilton Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 20th instant, when there was present the Superintendent, Deputy, fifteen firemen, and one messenger, or eighteen all told, these represent ing the full st length of the brigade. I noted t hat some of the men were without uniform and helmets, and others had no axes and pouches. Various tests of the water pressure were carried out. and on the (i in. mam in Victoria Street a standing pressure of 39 Ib. was recorded. With LOO ft. of hose and ajj in. nozzle the flowing pressure registered at the stand-pipe was 25 lb., and at the nozzle 20 Ib. The various tests proved that the volume, and in particular the pressure, are quite inadequate for the efficient fire-protection of the town ; but in reference to the volume. I understand, an 8 in. main is shortly to be laid down from the reservoir and along Victoria Street. 1 have generally to confirm my previous report, addressed to the Town Clerk, but now in the possession of your Board, dealing with the fire-protection of Hamilton, the main features of which, with some small variations set out below, are as follows :— Fire-Stations. The proposed site in Garden Place should at once be acquired, and the erection of a central station proceeded with, the building to contain, as a minimum, engine-house, watch-room, recreation or social hall, workshop, one set of married quarters, sleeping-accommodation for six firemen, and combined kitchen and dining-room : also a combined skeleton-framed bell, hose-drying and drill tower should be erected. With the provision of a motor appliance the previously suggested substation at the junction of Victoria. Ulster, and Liverpool Streets will not be required, but it will still be necessary to provide a substation for the better protection of the Hamilton East - Claudland district. Equipment. —A combined hose, ladder, and pump motor fire appliance to be provided for the central station. Ladder to be of the two-wheeled trussed type, to reach, say. a perpendicular height of 50 ft. when fully extended, and fitted with instantaneous detachable gear. Pump to have a capacity of 300 to 400 gallons per minute, and capable of pumping up to and maintaining a pressure of 180 Ib. A light-running hand-drawn hose-reel to be placed in the suggested substation. A street fire-alarm system to be installed. Brigade. —The numerical strength of the brigade to be increased to twenty two -viz., sixteen to be attached to the central-station district and six to the Hamilton Blast district. Also, a permanent man to be appointed who would reside at the central station, act as caretaker, keep the gear and appliances in good order, and drive the proposed motor appliances. Detailed information in reference to any of the foregoing recommendations will be furnished when required. I have, &c, Tnos. 1 Hufjo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. Sir,— 30th May. 1911 An inspection of the Hamilton Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 7th instant. At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, twelve firemen, and one messenger : these, with two on leave, accounted for seventeen out of the total strength of eighteen. A series of reel and hose drills were performed under the direct supervision of the Superintendent, on the lines as carried out at the ordinary monthly practises, and the methods adopted might In ,