H.—6a.

14

Various wet and dry drills were carried out in a satisfactory and efficient manner, and the several stations with the plant and appliances were found to be in their usual good order and condition. At the time of my visit the fire-station gauge registered a pressure in the town mains of only 481b. The reservoir had been undergoing repairs, but was then in course of being refilled. During the year eleven fires occurred in the district, or one, loss than during the previous year. The fire loss for 1918-19 amounted to £966, as against £1,732 for 1917-18, a decrease of £766. MASTERTON. An inspection of tho Masterton Brigade was made on the 30th January last. The following report covers the inspection:— Sir, — 16th January, 1919. An inspection of the Masterton Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 13th instant, when there were present at tho inspection muster the, Superintendent, Deputy, and twenty-two firemen ; these, with one fireman on leave, accounting for the full membership then on the roll. Various drills with hydrants, hose, ladders, and the chemical equipment were; carried out in a satisfactory manner ; also, tho motor with the steam fire-engine was taken for a trial run, which proved quite satisfactory. Several (about eight) of the brigade members are without belts and axes, which are a very necessary part of a fireman's outfit, and they should be so equipped ; also, half a dozen canvas collapsible water-buckets are required. I note that the new lengths of suction-hose for tho steam fire-engine, although, I understand, ordered some time ago, aro not yet to hand. The motor ran very well, but the magneto, which was burnt out, has boon taken off the machine altogether, and it is now running on a battery and coil ignition only. With the view of reliability all firo-motors should be, fitted with dual ignition ; therefore I have to recommend that a new magneto be provided. It is remarkable that the bosses of both back wheels should have carried away, and as, according to my information, on both occasions the accidents happened when the machine was on a straight run on a level road, it points to weak construction of that particular part. Several of tho fittings of tho chemical extincteur apparatus are quite out of date, and the working arrangements arc not as efficient as they should bo. The alterations to the interior of the hose-box, as carried out by your Superintendent, aro a considerable improvement, and in accordance with modern methods of working. I note tho motor is fitted with the loft-hand drive, which is certainly not an advantage. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, R. Brown, Esq., Secretary, Fire Board, Masterton. Inspector of Fire Brigades. During the year seven actual fires occurred in the district, as against ton during tho previous year, a decrease of three. The fire loss for 1918-19 amounted to £6,146, as compared with £258 for 1917-18, an increase of £5,888. MILTON. An inspection of the Milton Brigade and its equipment was made on the 6th March, 1919, when at the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and six firemen; these, with three on leave, accounting for eleven out of a total strength of twelve then on the roll. Certain drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and appliances were in good order and condition. No improvement has yet been made in the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes in this town, and a serious fire loss may occur at any time in direct consequence. Two fires occurred in the district during the year, one more than took place during 1917-18. The fire loss for 1918-19 amounted to £25, a decrease of £75 as compared with the previous year. NEW PLYMOUTH. An inspection of the Now Plymouth Brigade and its equipment was made on the 10th October, 1918. Various drills with the motor pump, escape-ladder, &c, were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the stations with the plant and appliances were found to be in good order and condition. During the year twelve fires took place in the district, as against nine during the previous year, an increase of three. The fi.ro loss for 1918—19 amounted to £1,812, as compared with £1,632 for 1917-18, an increase of £180.