H.—l2.

Christchukch. The inspection drills at the central station and the turnout at the several substations were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the stations and their equipment were found in their usual good order. The Christchurch Railway Brigade has been disbanded, and seven street fire-alarm boxes, connected with the city fire-alarm system, have been fixed at various suitable points on the railway property ; also, the railway steam fire-engine is to be put into proper running-order, and held at the service of the city brigade for use in case of emergency. Dannevirke. The full strength of officers and men — eighteen all told — were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and station and equipment were found in good order. The attendance at fourteen general alarms averaged 80-6 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade — a good record. The brigade equipment is equal to requirements for the time being. Dargaville. Inspection, Bth December, 1927. One officer and fifteen firemen present at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a very satisfactory manner. Attendance at the sixteen fire calls averaged 70-1 per cent, of the total strength —a fair record. The station and equipment, with exception of branches and nozzles, were found in good order. Two new branches and four new nozzles are required. Dunedin. Inspection, 13th and 19th January, 1928. The inspection drills and turnouts at the several stations were performed in a smart and efficient manner, and all stations and quipment were found in good order. The newly acquired motor combination unit stationed in Roslyn appears to me heavy for work in that particular district; a lighter and fast machine would be more suitable. The long delay, for legal reasons unavoidable, in erection of the proposed new headquarters station on the site purchased in 1924 is very unfortunate, and this combined with the need for erection of substations in the Anderson's Bay and Mornington districts leaves much to be desired in fire-protection matters in the Dunedin Fire District. A second visit was made for the purpose of consulting with the Board and the Board's architect in connection with the plans for the proposed new headquarters fire-station. Eltham. Inspection, 10th November, 1927. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at the six fire calls averaged 83 per cent, of the total strength —a good record. Provision of additional accommodation at the fire-station is required, and the brigade should be provided with " fire-foam." extincteurs. Feilding. Two officers and thirteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at nine general alarms averaged 70-7 per cent, of the total strength — a fair record. Several recommendations were made, in particular that an electric gong be fixed in the engine-house connected by direct wire with the Telephone Exchange. Foxton. Inspection, 27th March, 1928. Two officers and ten firemen were present at the inspection muster The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The equipment was in good order and the station in better condition than hitherto. The attendance at thirteen fire calls averaged 50-2 per cent, of the total strength—a low average, but probably due to the present ineffective alarmsiren. A more powerful siren connected by direct wire to the Telephone Exchange should be installed. The stock of fire-hose is insufficient, and a better and more uniform method of . marking the positions of the street fire-hydrants is very necessary. GrISBORNE. Inspection, 14th March, 1928. Two officers, twenty firemen, and four cadets were present at the inspection muster ; also a strong detachment of the recently organized Volunteer Fire Police Corps was on parade. The required inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at thirty-six general fire calls averaged 87 per cent, of the total strength—a good record. A first-aid pumping outfit should be installed on the first fire-call motor ; also, a more suitable fire-ladder is required —probably a 35 ft. trussed extension ladder will meet requirements for the present. Greymouth. Inspection, 7th February, 1928. The total strength of the brigade—two officers and eighteen firemen —were in attendance at the inspection muster. The various inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment found in good order. Attendance at the nine fire calls averaged 87 per cent, of the total strength —a good record. The water-supply for fireextinction purposes is still unsatisfactory, but I understand the Borough Council have the matter now in hand.

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