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TIMARU. An inspection of the Timaru Brigade was made on the 12th February, 1919. The following report covers the inspection : — Sir,— 24th February, 1919. An inspection of the Timaru Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 12th instant, when there were present at the inspection muster the Superintendent, Deputy, and twenty-two firemen ; these, with one on leave, accounting for the full strength of the brigade. Various wet and dry drills with the motor pump, hose and hydrant, ladders, &c, were carried out in a satisfactory manner. The station and appliances were in good order and condition. The new street fire-alarm boxes recently fixed on an extension of the D circuit are well situated for the protection of the Highfield district. The hydrant-indicators along Stafford Street are still (see report dated sth April, 1918) in an unsatisfactory state. The paint on some of the street fire-alarm boxes and on the poles to which they are fixed has faded to a neutral greyish colour, so that at a little distance it is difficult to distinguish box from pole : this is a matter that should receive immediate attention. I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, H. H. Fraser, Esq., Secretary, Fire Board, Timaru. Inspector of Fire Brigades. The Board ordered from England in February last a second combination motor machine fitted with a 45 horse-power engine, 30/350 gallons turbine pump, 30 ft. extension ladder, &c. During the year nine fires occurred in the district, as against eight for the previous year. The lire loss for 1918-19 amounted to £267, as compared with £790 for 1917-18, a decrease of £523. WAIHI. An inspection of the Waihi Brigade was made on the 29th May, 1919. The following report covers the inspection : — Sir,— 4th June, 1919. An inspection of the Waihi Fire Brigade and its equipment was made on the 29th ultimo, and in that connection I submit tho following report for the consideration of your Board: — At the inspection muster there were present the Superintendent, Deputy, and thirteen firemen ; these, with one on leave, accounting for the full strength of the brigade. Drill, both wet and dry, was carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the equipment is in good order and condition. I note that, as recommended in my previous report, the ladder, hand-pump, nozzles, and axes have been provided, but the No. 1 fire-alarm circuit has not yet been cut, nor have the three new call-boxes been installed, and this matter should receive attention ; also, the brigade should be provided with six collapsible canvas buckets for use with the hand-pump as well as for other purposes. As arranged and for the purposes explained at the time of my visit, I enclose herewith specimen page of occurrence-book, and two copies of the pamphlet " The Use and Maintenance of some of the Smaller Fire Appliances." I have, &c, Thos. T. Hugo, J. J. Ritchie, Esq., Secretary, Fire Board, Waihi. Inspector of Fire Brigades. A serious fire broke out at 3 a.m. on Sunday, the 23rd March, involving an estimated loss of £20,000. During the year twelve fires occurred in the district, as against nine for the previous year. The fire loss for 1918-19 amounted to £21,446, as compared with £2,757 for 1917-18, an increase of £18,689. WHANGAREI. An inspection of the Whangarei Brigade was made on the 2nd April, 1919. The following report covers the inspection : — Sir— 22nd April, 1919. An inspection of the Whangarei Fire Brigade, its station and equipment, was made on the 2nd instant, when there were present at the inspection muster the Deputy Superintendent and eleven firemen ; these, with three on leave, accounting for fifteen out of a total strength of sixteen then on the roll. During the course of the inspection drills there was considerable confusion in carrying out the required work —this due to lack of officers. Tho Superintendent was absent through illness, and there is no one filling the, position of foreman, thus leaving the Deputy as the only officer available. This is a serious position, and the position of foreman should be filled forthwith.