H.—6a

10

ROTORUA. Two inspections of the Rotorua Brigade and its equipment have been made —viz., Bth October, 1915, and 14th April, 1916. At the first inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and seventeen firemen, these representing the full strength of the brigade. Various drills, both wet and dry, were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The following report, forwarded to the Secretary of the Board, covers the second inspection : — Sir,— Ist May, 1916. An inspection of the Rotorua Brigade and its equipment was made on the 14th ultimo, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and fourteen firemen; these, with one on leave, representing the total strength then on the roll, two short of the authorized number. The motor hose-and-ladder tender was turned out smartly, but the subsequent running of the motor was not satisfactory, as on three separate runs it took two to four minutes before the car would travel at all on its top speed—apparently, however, a matter of adjusting the new carburettor. Various hose-and-ladder drills were carried out smartly and in a satisfactory manner, and the appliances are in good order and condition. The fire-alarm telephone notice-boards require repainting and relettering, and to make them last they should be finished off with a couple of coats of good varnish. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. The new set of coupling-ladders is working very satisfactorily. 1,100 ft. of new hose has been purchased. Some new sections of water-mains have been added to the reticulation in different localities, but the whole question of the supply of water —pressure and extensions more than volume —for fire-extinction purposes is in a very unsatisfactory state.

TAURANGA. Two inspections of the Tauranga Brigade and its equipment have been made—viz., 7th October, 1915, and 12th April, 1916. At the first inspection there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and nine firemen, or eleven out of a total strength of nineteen, including two away on active service, then on the roll. Upon this occasion, on account of the heavy rain and muddy state of the roads, only a very short practical drill was carried out. The following report, forwarded to the Secretary of the Board, covers the second inspection :— Sir,— 28th April, 1916. An inspection of the Tauranga Brigade and its equipment was made on the 12th instant, when there were present'at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and nine firemen; these, with one on leave, representing the full strength then on the roll, or six less than the authorized membership. The difficulty of obtaining suitable men is now general throughout the brigades in New Zealand, and in your case an effort should be made to secure the services of some of the younger married business men who, whilst for private reasons they do not enlist yet are willing to help in other ways, will for the continuance of the war assist the brigade in case of fires, and to that end will undergo a short course of drill to fit themselves for the purpose. Certain hose-reel drill was carried out, but whilst the men are willing and energetic enough they require more drill and instruction. The uniforms are in a dilapidated condition; however, I understand it is intended to provide a new supply shortly. I notice the brigade have not yet been supplied with hand-pumps. Some fire-ladders are required, and I recommend, that three 10 ft. 6 in. coupling-ladders, similar to those in use in Rotorua, be purchased. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. This is one of the brigades whose numerical strength has been seriously affected owing to the enlistment of its members and the absence of suitable men to fill their places, but I understand that a number of business men have signified their intention of assisting the brigade, as suggested in the above report. A small hose-reel house and an iron skeleton bell-tower have been erected on a site in Quarter Acres to serve that portion of the fire district.

TIMARU. Two inspections of the Timaru Brigade and its equipment have been made — viz., 23rd November, 1915, and 29th March, 1916. At the first inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and twenty firemen; these, with one on leave, representing the full strength (twenty-three) then on the roll. Various drills with the 60 ft. extension ladder, also hose drill, wet and dry, were carried out in a smart and efficient manner. The motor turbine pump was taken to the wharf and got to work there. With a suction lift of 15 ft. 6 in. water was shown at the nozzle through 100 ft. of hose in seventeen seconds; with