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Hamilton". Inspection, 10th May, 1927. Two officers and twenty-two firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. A contingent of officers and members of the Volunteer Fire Police Corps was also on parade. The inspection drills were carried out in a very efficient manner, and the station and equipment were in first-class order. The attendance at thirty-eight general alarms averaged 76-5 per cent, of the total strength—a fair record. Purchase of a section of land for erection of a fire-station in the Frankton district was again recommended, particularly in view of the inadequate water-supply for fire-extinction purposes in the Hamilton Fire District, to which matter attention has been regularly called for years past and this has now assumed a. very serious aspect. Hastings. Inspection, Ist November, 1927. The full strength of the brigade —two officers and eighteen firemen—were in attendance at the inspection muster. The various inspection drills were carried out efficiently, and station and equipment found in first-class order. Attendance at fifteen general alarms averaged 69-3 per cent, of the total strength of the brigade—a fair record. Additions and structural alterations now being carried out at the central station will improve the working efficiency of the brigade. Hawk ha. Inspection, 7th November, 1927. Two officers and seventeen firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and station and equipment found in first-class order. There has been a very low average of attendance at fire calls during the last three years, this due most probably to the ineffectiveness of the firebell alarm. However, a powerful electric siren has been installed, and a better attendance may be expected in future. Certain recommendations were made as to additions and alterations at the central station which will give better facilities for carrying out the brigade work, also as to the purchase of additional land adjoining the present central-station site. Hokitika. Inspection, 9th February, 1928. Two officers and twenty-two firemen were on parade at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner, and the several hose-reel stations and the equipment were found in good order and condition. The attendance at the nine fire calls averaged 85-5 per cent, of the total strength —a good record. Certain recommendations were made in my report to the Board. Invercargill. Inspection, 16th January, 1928. The Deputy Superintendent and sixteen firemen were on parade at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and station and equipment were in first-class order. For years past in each of my reports comment has been made upon the inadequate water-supply for fire-extinction purposes in Invercargill, both as to volume and pressure. Very dangerous conditions exist to-day in that respect, which may easily result in a most disastrous fire at any moment. Kaiapoi. Two officers and eleven firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a willing and fairly creditable manner, but more instruction and drill is necessary. The attendance at the six fire calls averaged 65-7 per cent, of the total strength. The station, motor-pump, and other equipment were in good order. Attention was again called to the necessity of sinking a sump in the North Road for the protection of a number of properties in that vicinity. Kaitangata. Inspection, 17th January, 1928. One officer and five firemen only, out of a total strength of twelve, were in attendance at the inspection parade —not a satisfactory muster. As reported last year, the motor first-aid and hose tender is faulty in design and badly constructed. The body of the machine requires remodelling and fitting with an hydraulic hose-reel; also, the present water-main should be extended along Edison Street—not a costly undertaking—which would afford a reasonable degree of protection for a very large number of the buildings in the town. Lawrence. Inspection, 13th January, 1928. Two officers and eight firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. During the course of the inspection drills it was apparent that more practice in the squad drill is necessary. The stock of fire-hose is dangerously low, only 304 ft. of good serviceable hose being available ; also, as pointed out in my previous report, the water-reticulation pipes, through excessive corrosion, are in a dangerous condition as for fire-prevention purposes ; further, there are not sufficient street fire-hydrants fitted on the mains. Levin. Inspection, 26th March, 1928. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. A contingent of the recently formed Volunteer Fire Police Corps was also in attendance. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and station and equipment were found in first-class order. Attendance at the five fire calls averaged 82-5 per cent, of the total strength—a good record.

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