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No. 4. Mr. W. H. Hennah to Hon. Ministeb for Public Woeks. Sib,— Wellington, 25th June, 1894. I have the honour to report that I have examined all the hose throughout the Government buildings, and beg to submit the following report:— Parliament House. The hose in front of the building is very bad, but my previous recommendations having been approved this will not be required. Eemainder of hose in good order. Government House. Hose in good order. Museum. The fire appliances consist of two lengths inch rubber hose; the hose is very bad, and should be replaced at once with canvas and cradles. There should also be a hydrant, branch, and 150 ft. hose near the entrance. General Post Office. With one exception, the hose is in good order. I would draw your attention to the fact that there is only inch hose throughout the building. I would strongly recommend that a 3in. column be erected in the centre of the building from the ground to the top floor; valves, cradles, and 150 ft. 2-jrin. canvas hose on each flat; also a 2Jin. pipe to command the room where the mails are received. A great danger exists through the use of the cellar under the mail-room : there is a gas-stove placed close to a wood and paper partition. I was informed that some of the employes use it at lunch time to warm their tea, &c. This, without a doubt, is very dangerous. Printing Office. With the exception of one lOCft. length (which in some way has been cut) the hose is in good order. If it were coupled to the stand-pipe, and placed in cradles, a great saving of time would be effected in case of fire. Supreme Court. Hose very bad ; should be replaced at once. I have, &c, W. H. Hennah. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington.

No. 5. Mr. W. H. Hennah to the Hon. the Minister for Public Woeks. Sib,— Wellington, Ist July, 1894. A statement appeared in last night's Post which, if true, would appear that I was wanting in common-sense. The facts are as follows :— On receipt of instructions from the Under-Secretary to examine the hose in the Government buildings, I did so at once, and sent you my report. Moulton, the plumber from the Government workshops, was with me during the examination. On overhauling the hose at the Supreme Court I discovered a hole through which I could put my finger, and on doing so it tore like a piece of old linen. I reported the hose was bad, and the Eesident Engineer went with me to the Supreme Court to see it. No knife has ever been used by me. to examine the hose. When the hose has been new I have been satisfied, and when not by water test. The Eesident Engineer and Moulton can substantiate the above facts. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. W. H. Hennah.

Mr. Wilson, —Will you please remark hereon—viz., as to correctness of statements made by Captain Hennah. Also get Moulton to remark similarly, please. —H. J. H. 810w.—2/7/94.

No. 6. Mr. D. Moulton to the Besident Engineee, Public Works, Wellington. District Office, Public Works Department, Wellington, 2nd July, 1894. Memorandum for the Eesident Engineer. I was with Captain Hennah when he examined the hose at Supreme Court. It was quite rotten. We could tear it off with our fingers. We used no knife in our examination. D. Moulton.