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Levin. Inspection, 11th April, 1927. Two officers and eleven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and satisfactory manner, and this brigade is becoming very efficient in that respect. The station and equipment were found in first-rate order. Attendance at the nine fire calls averaged 80-4 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade—a good record. The fitting of an electrical siren alarm, to be operated from the Telephone Exchange, as also the fitting of a siren on the motor fire-engine, is under consideration. Masterton. Inspection, 25th May, 1927. Two officers and seventeen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. Various inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner : there is continued improvement in that respect. The station and equipment were in first-class order. Attendance at the fifteen general alarms for fires averaged 74 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. The brigade should be provided with a couple of smoke-helmets. Milton. Inspection, 18th January, 1927. Two officers and seven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a fairly satisfactory manner, but more practice in squad drill is necessary. The station and equipment were found in good order. Arrangements for a prompt supply of the extra, pressure of water provided by the pumping plants, and most essential in event of any outbreak of fire, are very unsatisfactory. This was commented upon at the time of my visit, and certain recommendations were made, but apparently no action of any sort was taken, as, according to a press report, at the outbreak which, occurred on the 12th April last, which resulted in considerable damage, some forty minutes elapsed before the increased pressure was available. Mount Roskill. An inspection and report upon the conditions obtaining in this then-recently-constituted fire district were made on the 16th and 17th September, 1926, at which time there was neither brigade not fire equipment of any description in the district. The water-supply for fire-extinction purposes is most unsatisfactory, consisting of a very restricted reticulation —none of the piping over 4 in. in diameter, and having numerous dead ends and an inadequate pressure. Later a Volunteer Brigade was enrolled, a permanent Superintendent appointed, and certain fire appliances purchased. A second inspection made on the sth May, 1927. At the inspection muster two officers and thirteen firemen were in attendance, when the required drill was carried out in a very creditable manner. Included in the plant purchased 'is a 20/35 h.p. motor, fitted with a 250/300 g.p.m. turbine pump, first-aid pumping outfit, 30 ft. extension fire-ladder, &c. ; also, tenders have been called for the building of a central fire-station to be erected on a site in Mount Albert Road. Napier. Inspection, 25th February, 1927. Two officers and fifteen firemen at the central station and one officer and seven firemen at the Port station were in attendance at the respective inspection musters. There was a decided improvement at both stations in the carrying-out of the inspection drills, and the stations and equipment were found in first-class order. Additions and alterations to the Port station have materially improved the building as a firestation. A2O h.p. utility motor has been added to the brigade plant. Recommendations were made in respect to several minor matters requiring attention. New Plymouth. Inspection, 24th November, 1926. Two officers and twenty-five firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The various inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, showing a, continued improvement in that respect. The station and all equipment were in first-class order. Attendance at twenty-nine fire calls averaged 80-1 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade— a good record. A Volunteer Fire Police Corps has been formed, and is proving of great service. A traffic-warning siren has been installed at the corner of Liardit and Devon Streets. Recommendations have been made in regard to sinking sumps in Devon Street, as also to the necessity of providing a substation and fire equipment in the rapidlv growing Westown district. O AMARU. Inspection. 24th January, 1927. Two officers and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. Whilst still requiring more practice therein, the standardized drills were carried out in a very creditable manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance of brigadesmen at the twelve fire calls averaged 60-1 per cent, of the total strength. The additions to the central station have been well and suitably carried out, and now provide accommodation for two married arid four single firemen, A recommendation was made that, pending installation of a street fire-alarm system, more telephone fire notice-boards should be fixed in various parts of the town. The Board has under consideration purchase of a more powerful motor fire-engine of modern type to replace, the present unsatisfactory machine.

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