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for, first, supply of material and complete fitting-up of the system, tender to include a period of maintenance ; and, second, supply of necessary material only. I think the first alternative the safest course to adopt. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. TIMARU. An inspection of the Timaru Brigade was held on the 24th. January. The inspection is covered by the following report forwarded to the Secretary of the Brigade : — Sir,— sth February, 1917. An inspection of the Timaru Brigade and its equipment was made on the 24th ultimo, when at the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and seventeen firemen ; these, with three on leave, accounting for twenty-two out of a total strength of twenty-three then on the rolls. Various drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The equipment was in good ordjr and. condition with the exception of the jumping-net, which is not in fit condition for its purpose, and a new one should be provided ; also, the rubber hose being used at present with the smoke-helmet is too short and of an unsuitable pattern. Two 60 ft. lengths of armoured rubber hose, similar to that recently supplied to the Christchurch Fire Brigade for the same purpose, should be ordered from the Dunlop Rubber Company. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. WHANGAREI. An inspection of the Whangarei Brigade and its equipment was made on the I.7th November, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and thirteen firemen; these, with one on duty and three on leave, accounting for the full strength then on the roll. Various motor hose and ladder drills were carried out, and the appliances were in good order. A second-hand 20 h.p. (English, rating) motor-car was purchased and converted into a hose-tender. A modified system of street fire-alarm and bell-ringing apparatus known as the " remote switch control " has been installed. Very successful tests of the system were made' at the time of my visit, and up to the present I understand it has given every satisfaction. WOOLSTON. Two inspections of the Woolston Brigade and its equipment have been made-—viz., 2nd November, 1916, and 22nd May, 1917. At the first inspection there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and four firemen; these accounting for six out of a total of eleven then on the roll. The motor chemical-engine was taken out and some instruction in the working thereof was given. . The second inspection is covered by the following report forwarded to the Secretary of the Board :— Sir,— 30th May, 1917. An inspection of the Woolston Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 22nd instant, and in that connection I beg to submit the following report for your consideration :■ — At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and three firemen; these representing the full strength of the brigade then on the roll. The appliances were well handled, and the station and equipments are in good order and condition. Every effort should be made to increase the effective membership of the brigade. I would again bring before your Board the urgent need for providing some means of summoning the brigade in case of fire, as well as the necessity of installing a modified system of street alarms. A system of street alarms is an integral part of any scheme of town fire protection, and is particularly necessary in such a place as Woolston, where the whole of the protection consists of first-aid equipment, and which for efficiency or for any adequate return commensurate with the expenditure absolutely depends upon earty information of outbreaks of fire. As previously fully explained to your Board, I consider the " remote switch control " system of local alarm and ringing the bell both, economical and suitable to your requirements. A cheap and effective modified system of street alarms would be by means of a few "push-pin " boxes connected to a relay having a. drop-shutter for each circuit or lino fixed in the fire-station. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, Inspector of Fire Brigades. The new central fire-station has been completed and is now in occupation. It is constructed of briok, contains one set of married quarters, accommodation for single men, engine-room of ample size, social-room, &c, and all necessary conveniences.

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