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ROTORUA. Two inspections of the Rotorua Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been made—viz., sth .November, 1914, and 26th March, 1915—also a special visit was paid to Rotorua on the sth August, for the purpose of conferring with the Board in reference to the tenders for the supply of a motor firemachine. The following reports forwarded to the Secretary of the Board cover both inspections : — Sir,— 26th November, 1914. An inspection of the Rotorua Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the sth instant, when there was present at the inspection muster the Superintendent and fourteen firemen, or fifteen out of a total strength of sixteen—a satisfactory "attendance. Various experiments and drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. According to the gauge readings—on the 4th at 8 p.m. 49 lb., at midnight 50 lb., on the sth at noon 50 lb., and at 8 p.m. 44 lb.—there is as yet no improvement in the water-pressure. More street firehydrants should be laid down in certain sections of the town, particularly in the settled neighbourhood of Whakarewarewa Roads, and where the hydrants are in some cases over 800 ft. apart. After further inquiries and experiments with the extension-ladder, I am of opinion that they are quite unsuitable for ordinary fire-brigade work, and the best ladders for your purpose I know at present, to be obtained in New Zealand are the 10 ft. 6 in. coupling-ladders. In reference to the recent purchase of a second-hand motor chassis for the brigade service, for various reasons, as, for instance, the age of the machine and particularly the continuous hard work to which it has been subjected during the last two years at least, and the more or less indefinite and incomplete character of the experts examination and report, as stated to the local members of your Board at the time of my visit, I consider the purchase a very injudicious one, and in any case the price paid was, in my opinion, excessive. As a considerable factor towards securing successful results a new Claudel-Hobson carburettor should be fitted, and the body built in accordance with my recommendations made whilst in Rotorua. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. Sir,— 9th April, 1915. An inspection of the Rotorua Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 26th ultimo, and following is a report in. that connection for the consideration of your Board : — At the inspection muster there was present the Superintendent, Deputy, and fifteen firemen ; these, with one on leave, representing the full strength, of the brigade—viz., eighteen all told. Various drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The coupling-ladders recently delivered are not satisfactory, as at present the different sections are not interchangeable. There are loose rungs, no heel-bands ate fitted, the finish is very bad, and altogether they should not be accepted in their present condition. Either your Board should have them put in proper order at the maker's expense or return them for that purpose. As discussed with members of your Board, certain alterations to the body part of the motor hosetender are necessary before the machine is put into commission ; also the leakage from the radiator requires stopping. As pointed out, the amount of hose available for fire-work is dangerously low. Couplings should at once be turned into the 400 ft. of new hose at present in stock, and at least 300 ft. of new hose, with the necessary couplings, purchased. There will then be 1,500 ft. of good hose available, and not less than that amount should always be maintained at the Central Station. The water pressure at 8 p.m. on the 24th registered 53 lb., and at 8 p.m. on the 26th 54 lb. That is a slight improvement when compared with previous readings. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. During the year seven calls were received, of which number four proved to be actual fires—-the same number as during the previous year. The attendance of members of the brigade at the seven calls averaged 12-7 per call, or 74-7 per cent, of an average total strength of seventeen members. The fire loss for the year amounted to £902, as against £116 for 1913 1.4, an increase of £786. The estimated cost of the brigade for 1915-16 is £752 75., as compared with £614 for 1914-J5, an increase of £138 7s. TAURANGA. This is the first year that the Tauranga Brigade has carried on under the control of a Fire Board, Tauranga having been proclaimed a fire district on the 27th July, 1914. Two inspections of the brigade and its equipment have been made —viz., 6th November, 1914, and 25th March, 1915. The following reports forwarded to the Secretary of the Board covers both inspections :- Sir,— 23rd November, 1914. An inspection of the Tauranga Fire Brigade, its stations and equipment, was made on the 6th instant, and following is my report and recommendations in that connection : - The authorized strength of the brigade is twenty-two, but at the time of my visit there was only sixteen on the roll, and an effort should be made to bring the membership up to the full strength. At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, eight firemen, and one messenger, or eleven all told. The attendance as at the time of my previous visit was very unsatisfactory, and did