9

H.—6a

DETAILED REPORTS. Auckland. Inspection, 16th and 17th May, 1922. The turnouts at the various stations were performed smartly, and there is marked improvement in the bearing and discipline of the men and in the carrying-out of the inspection drills. The stations and equipment were found to be in good order and condition. A hose-reel station has been erected in the Point Chevalier district, which will be manned by volunteer firemen. The "' duplex " system of street fire-alarms is now installed throughout the city proper, and the older instruments are being utilized in the outer portions of the city. Additional married quarters are urgently needed, and it is the Board's intention to proceed with the erection of the proposed new district fire-station to serve the western area, and also with the erection of two sets of married quarters adjoining the Remuera district station, at the earliest opportunity. Balclutha. Inspection. 26th January, 1922. Considerable improvement was evident in the carrying-out of the inspection drills as compared with former occasions, but more instruction and drill are still required. I have again to rejiort that up to the time of my inspection, with the exception of purchasing a site for the erection of a new fire-station, very little has been done by the Board in respect to improving fire-fighting conditions in Balclutha. A new fire-station is urgently required, and the Board should take immediate action in the matter. Christchurch. Inspection, 27th March, 1922. The turnouts at the various stations were performed smartly, and the stations and equipment were in their usual good order and condition. The newly acquired 45 h.p. turbine, first-aid, and ladder combination machine was taken to the river, and got to work with very satisfactory results. During the year the Woolston Borough became incorporated with Christchurch, and fire protection of the Woolston district was taken over by the Christchurch Fire Board on the Ist April last. A number (forty-six) of " duplex " street fire-alarm boxes have been installed in the various outer districts of the city, and a section of land has been purchased with the object of erecting a fire-station for the protection of the Opawa, St. Martin's, and Avonsido districts. The weakest feature in the equipment of the brigade is the long-talked-of mechanically operated 90 ft. turntable ladder, and this matter should receive the early attention of the, Board. Dannevirke. Inspection, 29th May, 1922. The. inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and steady improvement in that respect was manifest. The station and equipment were in good order and condition. 1 had again to bring under the notice of the Board the necessity for the provision of a 35 ft. trussed telescopic ladder, and also for the installation of a street fire-alarm system. Dargaville. Inspection, 23rd November, 1921. Various wet drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and the station and equipment were in good order. Some of the street hydrants were overgrown with grass, and others covered with street-metal and mud ; also, a number of the indicators were entirely hidden in foliage or altogether missing. Thi' Board are calling tenders for the supply of a motor hose-tender. Dunedin. Inspection, 30th and 31st January, 1922. The turnouts at the various stations were-performed smartly, including a particularly smart response to a street fire-alarm call by the South Dunedin section ; also, the inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner. The 85 ft. electro-mechanical turntable ladder has been fitted with a new set of the Edison type of battery, and is now again in commission : this at a total cost of just under £2,000 —in my opinion, too much to have been expended for that purpose. 1 have again to confirm my previous recommendation in respect to adequate provision for the protection of the Mornington district, the provision of additional quarters for married firemen, and numerical strengthening of the brigade personnel. No practical steps have yet been taken in respect to the better protection from fire of property on the harbour-front, and I am afraid that sooner or later this will prove a very costly error. Feilding. Inspection, 11th April, 1922. The inspection wet and dry drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, and considerable improvement in that respect is manifest. I have again to recommend the provision of a more powerful motor machine, so as to enable the carrying of more men, and particularly of ladders. The supply of water for fire-extinction purposes is still far from satisfactory.

2—H. 6a.