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DETAILED REPORTS. AUCKLAND. An inspection of the Auckland Brigade and its several stations was made on the 28th and 29th March last. The following report forwarded to the Secretary of the Fire Board covers the inspection : Snt, 9th April, 191!). An inspection of the Auckland Fire Brigade witli its stations arid equipment was made on the 28th and 29th ultimo, when the turnout at the several stations was performed efficiently and in quick time. The stations and equipment generally were in good order, and a decided improvemenl was manifest in the drills carried out at (he central station on the evening of the 28th. No improvement has yet been made as to the distinctive marking of the positions of the street fire-alarm boxes, but I understand this matter will be attended to simultaneously with the work of installing the new fire-alarm system. In its local conditions, particularly in respect to the block risks and to the rapidly increasing number of individual buildings of larger cubical capacity, Auckland now has all the characteristics of a large city, and with a view to the future effectual co-ordination and economic working of the brigade, together with, as far as possible, the standardization of plant and appliances, a, scheme covering the policy to be followed now and in the future should lie drawn up. In the, past, owing to the long-drawn-out negotiations for the amalgamation of the various suburban districts with the city proper, it has not been possible to lay down any definitely comprehensive line of action, but the time has arrived when such a scheme can be drawn up with some degree of certainty, and to that end I submit the following recommendation for the considerations of your Board : 1. With the exception of the Dennis and Thorneycroft machines, all your motor host tenders are more or less underpowered for the work they are called upon to perform. Reserve horse-power is-an essential for all motor fire appliances, and, as one at least of the motors now in use has become unreliable, I recommend that a 60 horse-power motor machine, of special construction for fire-brigade work, be procured, the equipment of the machine to include a first-aid pump outfit and a, 35 ft. Ajax ladder. 2. Workshop at the central station to be fitted out with a lathe, drill, forge, taps and dies, and other necessary smaller tools. (Note.—The economical and other aspects in connection with this recommendation were discussed when in Auckland.) 3. The erection of a new substation at or in the immediate vicinity of the junction of Ponsonby and Franklin Roads. (Nqtb,—This would enable both St. Mary's Road and Rose Road Stations to be done away with, and in addition to greater efficiency would also prove a more economical system. of working.) 4. Provision of married quarters at the Remuera substation. (Note. In connection with, this recommendation, for various reasons, the remaining portion of the original section (about 20 ft. frontage) on which the station is erected should be purchased immediately.) 5. The provision of a fire-station on the waterfront. (Note.- This is a matter that in its several bearings towards the scheme as a, whole requires serious consideration, but beyond that does not call for action at present.) I have to suggest that the two first recommendations, marked 1 and 2 respectively, be given effect to immediately, and in that connection enclose herewith a, specification embodying certain requirements in. the equipment of the proposed new motor machine. I have, &c, Tims. T. Hugo, Percy Butler, Esq., Secretary, Fire Board. Inspector of Fire Brigades. A 40-gallon CO 2 chemical, with the necessary hose, hydraulic reel, and other fittings, was purchased and mounted on the, six-cylinder Thorneycroft motor-chassis, and most satisfactory results in minimizing water damage has attended its use. Again (as during the previous year) an excessive number of false alarms have been received viz., 132 -of which number eighty-one are set down as having been maliciously given, and the remaining fifty-one as due to line faults, accidents, &c. Altogether, during the last two years the Auckland Brigade has received nearly double the number of false alarms that have been received in all the other fire districts put together. During the year 1918—19 ninety-three fires occurred, as against ninety-seven during 1917-18, a decrease of four. The fire loss for the year amounted to £45,849, as compared with £18,118 for 1917-18, an increase of £27,731. BALCLUTHA. An inspection of the Balclutha, Brigade was made on the sth March last. The following report covers the inspection : — Sir,— 15th March, 191.9. An inspection of the Balclutha Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the sth instant, when at the inspection muster there were present the Deputy Superintendent and eight firemen ;

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