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made a more or less crude electrical attachment to a very expensive machine that, amongst other things, is acting in a manner detrimental to the life of the engine, and at the same time effecting no advantage in any shape or form. Although this was pointed out to the Chairman and other members of the Board, as well as to the Superintendent, no slops were taken to remedy the matter. In tli£ above comment, I do not refer to any of the principal, centres, where the professional Superintendents assume entire responsibility for the practical working of their brigades, and do not allow any " tinkering "—the word is used advisedly—with their motor machines. Following are detailed reports dealing with each fire district, I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades.

AUCKLAND. Two inspections of the Auckland Fire Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been made—■ viz, Bth and 9th November. 1915. and 7th and 9th May, 1916. On both occasions the equipment was found in good order and condition, and the turnouts and drill was carried out smartly and in an efficient manner. In connection with the second inspection the following letter was forwarded to the Secretary of the Board : — Sir,— 18th May, 1916. On the 9th instant, in company with the Superintendent, an inspection was made of your Board's several fire-stations, and in each case both stations and equipment jM'oved to be in good order and condition. The section and dwelling in Manukati Road, now in occupation as the station for the Parnell district, has been converted to its purpose in a suitable and efficient manner. An inspection was made of the station in Remuera Road now in course of erection, but in this case, in purchasing only 40 ft. instead of the whole section frontage of 66 ft., your Board, in my opinion, has not displayed sufficient foresight in regard to the future requirements of this rapidly growing district. In respect to the building itself for many years it has been a generally recognized principle of fire-brigade administration that in all residential sub or district stations, for cogent reasons, married quarters shall be provided and a married man placed in charge, and it is to be regretted that this was not done. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. The question of a conversion of the present street fire-alarm system, or of replacing it within the city propei' with a new and more reliable installation, is at present occupying the attention of the Board, as is also the question of a new site and station to serve the Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, and Arch Hill districts.

CHRISTCHURCH. Two inspections of the Christehurch Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been made — viz., 24th November, 1915, and 23rd May, 1916. At both inspections the stations and equipment were found in good order; the turnout and succeeding drills were performed smartly and in an efficient manner. During the course of the second inspection the new 40 h.p. combined hose and turbine-pump motor machine was tested with satisfactory results. Later the same evening an alarm was given from the Choral Hall street fire-alarm box, when two motor machines were in attendance one minute and fifty-four seconds after the alarm was given. A third machine was in attendance two minutes later, a very creditable performance. The St. Albans district station, which has practically been entirely rebuilt, was formally opened on the 24th May last. The building contains an engine-house, set of married quarters, social hall, two bedrooms accommodating five single men, and all necessary conveniences. The next major matter requiring the attention of the Board is the provision of an 85 ft. electrically manipulated ladder. DANNEVIRKE. An inspection of the Dannevirke Brigade and its equipment was made on the 11th Februarylast. The result of the inspection is covered in the following report forwarded to the Secretary of the Fire Board :— SlK _ loth February, 1916. Following upon my inspection of the Dannevirke Brigade and its equipment on the 11th instant, I beg to submit the'following report for the consideration of your Board. At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and sixteen firemen; these, with two on leave, accounting for the full strength of the brigade. Various drills were'performed that, taking into consideration the number of newly enrolled men, were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The quantity of hose on hand is too limited, but I understand an order for anotheV 500 ft. has already been placed. The station and appliances are in good order.