21

H.—6a

OAMARU.

Two inspections of the Oamaru Fire Brigade, its etation and equipment, have been made viz., 21st October, 1913, and 10th February, 1914. The two following reports. Forwarded to the secretary of the Board, cover both inspections: Sir, (itli November, L 913. An inspection of the Oamaru Fire Brigade and its equipmeni was made on the 21st ultimo, when there was in attendance the Superintendent and nine firemen: these, with three on duty and three on leave, accounted for the full strength of the brigade then on the roll. Various drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. For the better protection of the large risk known as the Crown Roller Flour-mil] the Borough Council should be requested to place a fire-hydrant on the 3 in. main in the right-of-way leading to Aleck's Bridge, off Thames Street. By doing so it will on one delivery save nearly 200 ft. of hose, with the consequent large loss in pressure due to friction in unlined canvas hose. I would again bring under the notice of vouv Board the necessity for erecting a small bose-reel shed and bell towards the north end of Thames Street, with an equipment to consist of a reel, hose, branch, Stand-pipe, and hand-pump ; also, a ladder should be placed there. 1 have, &c, Tims. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. Sir,— 27th February, 1914. An inspection nl the Oamaru Fire Brigade and its equipmeni was made on the lOth instant. At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and fourteen firemen, these representing the full strength of the brigade. Various wet drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The time has now arrived for the appointment of a permanent caretaker at the central station. The appointment should be made on the lines as previously fully explained to the Chairman and other members of your Board. I have again to bring under the notice of your Board the advisability of erecting and equipping a small hose-reel station somewhere in the neighbourhood of the north end of Thames Street, and when established some of the residents in the vicinity should be given instructions by one of the officers of the brigade in the first use of the appliances placed there. The fire that took place on board the steamer " Flora " when lying at the wharf has emphasized the necessity of making some provision for dealing witli ship fires occurring in the harbour, and to that end pour Board might with all propriety represent to the Harbour Board the advisability , of having a 1 in. main laid to run from the main of the same size at present laid down on the railway property to the sea end of Home's Wharf. Also, they might be asked to defray half the cost of providing a smoke-helmet. I have. 4c, Tims. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. During the year fourteen calls were received, of which twelve proved to be actual fires within the district, or five more than occurred during the previous twelve months. The attendance of members of the brigade at the fourteen calls averaged 12-57 per call, or 78-56 per cent, of the full strength. The fire loss for the year amounted to £2,661, as against £2,675 for 1913, a decrease of £14. The estimated cost of the brigade for 1914-15 is £370, as compared with £340 for 1913-14, an increase of £30. PALMtiRSTON NORTH. Two inspections of the Palmerston North Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been madeviz.. 18th November, 191.3, and 25th May, 1914. At the first inspection there were present the Superintendent and twenty firemen: these, with one on duty and three on leave, accounted for the full strength of the brigade. Various drills, wet and dry, were carried out in a very satisfactory manner. The second inspection is covered by the following report: — Sir,— 30th May, 1911. An inspection of the Palmerston North Brigade and its equipment was made on the 25th and 26th instant. At the inspection muster on the evening of the 25th then' were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and nineteen firemen : these, with five on leave, accounted for the full strength of the brigade. The motor was tinned out. and various wet and dry hose and ladder drills were carried out in the neighbourhood of the Square and Rangitikei Street, and executed in a particularly smart and efficient manner. The next morning the motor-pump was taken down to the creek in Rangitikei Street and there got to work. With a suction lift of ! I ft. water was shown on a first delivery in 32 seconds at a pressure of 110lb. The suction hose was then emptied, the pump again started, and water shown in 12 seconds, pressure 1201b. The pump was stopped and allowed to stand for five minutes, again started, and water shown in .'ij seconds. The results were very satisfactory.