H. —12,

lias been installed. An English 22-5 h.p. 30 cwt. motor-chassis has been purchased, a body built thereon locally, and fitted with the C0 2 30-gallon chemical apparatus originally carried on the replaced motor. On the evening of my inspection the station gauge registered only 45 lb. pressure, which with 50 ft. of hose and a § in. nozzle dropped to 15 lb. pressure. This, if a true indication, reveals a serious condition in regard to the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes. Te Aeoha. Two officers and fourteen 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 in good order. Attendance at the nine fire calls averaged 90-2 per cent, of the total membership —a very good record. The present motor hose-tender is certainly underpowered, and its weight-carrying capacity quite too low for the work it is called upon to do, in regard to hill-climbing efficiency and to the number of men riding on the machine. The Board would be well advised to limit the number of men carried on the machine to not more than eight in all. The extension ladder to which I have several times previously called attention as being unsafe for fire-brigade usage is being still carried on the motor-tender. Te Awamutu. Inspection, 24th November, 1927. Two officers and nine firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. There was a very creditable improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills. The station and (with some exceptions, pointed out at the time) the equipment were in good order. With a total strength of fourteen, attendance at six general alarms averaged only 59-3 per cent, of the membership—not a good record. The extension ladder is not the most suitable for firebrigade work, and will require care when handling it at a fire. I again recommend installation of a hot-water service at the fire-station, as also other minor matters requiring attention. Timaru. Two officers and twenty firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the station and equipment were in good order and condition. Attendance at twenty-two fire calls averaged 83-1 per cent, of the total membership—a good record. A permanent Superintendent has been appointed, and an additional, permanent fireman placed on the strength. A section with residence thereon has been purchased for use of the Superintendent, also a second section, all adjoining the central-station site, has been purchased, and two cottage sets of quarters for the accommodation of married firemen are now in course of erection. Waihi , Inspection, 15th December, 1927. One officer and ten firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a willing and satisfactory manner, and there is continued improvement in that respect. The equipment was found in good working-order with exception of the nozzles. Attendance at the twenty-three fire calls averaged 57-2 per cent, of the total membership. A set of new nozzles is required. The water-supply for fire-extinction purposes in Waihi is not satisfactory, due to limited reticulation and small diameter of many of the fire-mains. A local system of street fire alarms is now being installed. Waiptjkubau. Inspection, 31st October, 1927. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. Attendance at the five fire calls averaged 70 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. The test of the newly installed electric fire-alarm siren proved satisfactory, and the body of the new motor-chassis then in course of construction is well designed for its purpose. At the time of my inspection provision of more effective equipment was in a state of transition, and required prompt action, but since that date most of the necessary equipment has been provided. Wairoa. Inspection, 13th. March, 1928. Two officers and six firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The required inspection drills, both oral and practical, were carried out in. a creditable manner, and the station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at the six fire calls averaged 62-5 per cent, of the total membership. Under local conditions the brigade is numerically weak, and the authorized strength should be increased to sixteen. The stock of fire-hose is insufficient, and a further supply should be provided ; also, some of the street hydrants and the indicators are overgrown with grass or other herbage, and that is a matter requiring constant attention. The siren alarm was out of order ; subsequent examination showed the mechanism obstructed by birds' nests. The louvres should be removed and the turret enclosed with wide-meshed wire netting. Waitara. Inspection, 9th November, 1927. Two officers and eight firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. During the course of the inspection drill, whilst showing an improvement, it was apparent that more drill and instruction in the squad drills was necessary. Attendance at the three fire calls averaged 81-3 per cent, of the total strength —a good record. The brigade should be provided with an extincteur of the " fire-foam " type.

2—H. 12.

9