MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10447, 12 October 1911, Page 5

MASTERTON FIRE BRIGADE.

INSPECTOR HUGO'S REPORT. In his annual report on the Fire Brigades of the Dominion, Inspector Hugo says:—.Two inspections of the Maaterton. Fire Brigade and the Fire Police Corps with their equipments have been held—viz., 3rd November, 1910, and 30th January, 1911. A third visit was m'ade in April last ifor the purpose of testing the newly installed street fire-alarm system. . "~ ! JJie new Central Fire Station, wsSts, officially opened on 3rd November, 1910. The building is. eoni&trueted v.l brick, two stories in height, contains commodious engine house, loose boxes for two horses, watch-room, and all necessary offices, and one set of niarried quarters, all on the ground'floor. On the first floor there is a large recreation room, a meeting room for the Fire Police, and accommodation for seven single firemen. At.the inspection on 30th January last there were present,—Fire Brigade : Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and 18 officers and men ; these, with two on leave account for the full strength, viz., 22 all told. Fire Police Corps: Captain, Lieutenant, and 12 constables, with 2 on leave.; total strength accounted if or (16). The attendance of. both brigades and police were very satisfactory. The various drills .required were carried out smartly and efficiently by ix-th bodies. The pliant and appliances are'maintained good cider and condition. Some delay was experienced when getting the steam fire engine to ■work, due to the cover of the well from which the water was taken ibeing entirely covered over with mietal. ■ A new cover should be fitted, and raised to a level with the ground. The main Jirebell at the Central Station does not ring in a. satisfactory manner, and this important matter should be attended to immediately. Some new ropes, lighter than, those at; present in use, are required by ■the 'Fire Police.

A street fire alarm system consisting of five circuits', and having a total number of twelve iboxes or call points, has recently been installed, and up to the present time has given every satisfaction.