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HAWERA. Two inspections of the Hawera Brigade and its equipment have been made- —viz., 4th September, 1916, and 16th April, 1917. At the second inspection there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, fifteen firemen, and one messenger ; these, with three on leave, accounting for the full strength of the brigade. Various drills, wet and dry, were carried out in a very satisfactory manner—-in fact, there is a great improvement in the all-round efficiency of this brigade. The plant and appliances are maintain in good order and condition. A 36 h.p. commercial chassis has been purchased, and with a body built locally has been converted into a suitable hose-tender. It is proposed to purchase a3O ft. telescopic ladder to carry on the motor. HOKITIKA. An inspection of the Hokitika Brigade and its stations and equipment was made on the 22nd January, when there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and twenty firemen ; these, with two on duty and three on leave, account for twenty-seven out of the full strength of thirty then on the roll. The steam fire-engine was got to work, and various drills from the engine and from the town mains were carried out in a smart and efficient manner. The different stations and their equipment are maintained in good order and condition. LAWRENCE. An inspection of the Lawrence Brigade and its equipment was made on the 7th March, when there were present at the inspection muster the Deputy Superintendent and four firemen; these, with one on sick-leave, accounting for six out of the full strength of ten then on the roll. One delivery was got to work, which showed a good pressure in the town mains. The plant and appliances are in good order, but some collapsible canvas buckets for use with the hand-pumps should be carried on the reel. MASTERTON. An inspection of the Masterton Brigade was made on the 3rd May. The inspection is covered by the following report sent to the Secretary of the Board : — Sir— 11th May, 1917. An inspection of the Masterton Brigade and its equipment was made on the 3rd instant, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and twenty-two firemen ; these, with three on leave, accounted for twenty-seven out of a total strength of twenty-nine then on the roll. Various drills, wet and dry, were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and appliances are in good order. A light is required on the street-front of the central station :it should be fixed over and between the two main doors. Two matters require the attention of your Board : (1.) Provision, in part, of new uniform; at present some of the men are short of both uniform and accoutrements. (2.) Extension of the street fire-alarm system ; this requirement is brought about by the rapid growth of buildings in certain portions of the town. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. MILTON. An inspection of the Milton Brigade was held on the Bth March, and is covered by the following report forwarded to the Secretary of the Board :■ — Sir,— 30th April, 1917. An inspection of the Milton Brigade and its equipment was held on the Bth March, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and ten firemen ; these, with three on leave, representing the full strength then on the roll. 'Various drills with the manual pump, ladders, &c., were carried out. It was very evident the men required more drill witli the ladders, and the Brigade should be provided with some old hose for drill purposes. The copper strainer on the pump suction hose requires straightening : with that exception the plant and appliances are in good order. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. NEW PLYMOUTH. Two inspections of the New Plymouth Brigade, its stations and equipment, have been made— viz., sth September, 1916, and 17th April, 1917. At the first inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and seventeen firemen ; these, with four on leave, accounted for the then full strength of the brigade.