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Sir,— 26th May, 1915. An inspection of the Whangarei Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 14th instant, when there was present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and thirteen firemen ; these, with four on leave and one on theatre duty, accounted for the full strength of the brigade. Various drills were carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner. As pointed out at the time, greater attention should be paid to the maintenance and care of the lire-hose, and a more practical method adopted in its use. Consequent upon the extensive improvement in the water-supply and the high pressure that will shortly be available, some, new hose is required ; and, say, 500 ft. Should be purchased. The information supplied by the manufacturers of the motor hose-and-ladder tender shows that delivery of the machine cannot be expected under nine months at the earliest, and probably much longer : therefore I would recommend your Board to accept the offer made—to in the meantime house a motor-car at the lire-station for the use of the brigade, upon what, 1 consider, are most reasonable terms. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. The 50 h.p. hose-ladder and first-aid pump motor machine ordered over twelve months ago has not yet been delivered, and, according to information received from the manufacturers, is not likely, even under much improved conditions, to come to hand for some months yet.. During the year six fires have occurred in the district, the same number as last year. The attendance of members of the brigade at the six calls averaged I 1-5 per call, or 60-5 per cent on an average strength of nineteen members. The fire loss for the year amounted to £126, as against £1,466 for 1913 -14, a decrease of £1,340. The estimated cost of the brigade for 1915-16 is £500, as compared with £600 for 1914-15, a decrease of £100.

Approximate Cost, of Paper. —Preparation, mSt given ; printing (1,(1011 copies), £17 10s.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. —1915.

Price 9d.]