H.—6a

18

Drill with the motor machine chemical-engine and hand-pumps was carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment are in good order and condition. I would again, as in previous years, bring before your Board the urgent need for installing some means for the prompt summoning of the brigade in case of fire. To a practical fireman the present position is somewhat singular in that, having built a new up-to-date fire-station and tower and furnished it with a motor chemical-engine, there is as yet no adequate means of sounding an alarm, rendered more particularly necessary in Woolston owing to there being no watersupply for fire-extinction purposes; consequently the borough relies for protection upon a chemical-engine and other first-aid appliances, which essentially demand prompt application if any successful results are to be obtained; therefore I would strongly recommend your Board to install a suitable bell or a hand-worked siren similar to those that have been in successful use for some time past in several of the Wellington suburbs. These sirens are manufactured in Wellington, and are specially tuned for use as a general fire-alarm. In addition to, or instead of being worked by hand, they may, if required, be made to work with either electric or water power. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, The Secretary, Fire Board, Woolston. Inspector of Fire Brigades. During 1917-18 six fires occurred in the district as against nine during 1916-17, a decrease of three, with a decrease of £609 in the fire loss. The attendance of the brigade at seven calls averaged three members per call.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,050 copies), £22 10s.

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