H.—l2.

Ohakune. Inspection. 7th February, 1927. Two officers and eight firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The station was in better order than on the occasion of my previous inspection, and the equipment, with the exception of the motor hose-tender, was in good order. The trailer motor-pump was in good working-order, but the motor hose-tender is about worn out and is not now equal to the work. Sumps should be dug in the bed of the creek to ensure a supply of water for the motor-pump at all times. The motor steam fire-engine housed at the Junction is in a most dilapidated and neglected condition, and the cost of putting the engine in effective working-order is an unknown quantity, and it is a question as to whether or not your Board is justified in expending any more money in that direction —certainly not if no guarantee is forthcoming that the machine will be maintained in proper working-order. Onehunga. Inspection, 4th May, 1927. Two officers and fifteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade —a good muster. The required inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory and efficient manner, and station and equipment were found in first-class order. Attendance at the thirty-four general alarms averaged 80 per cent, of the total strength of the brigade —a good record. The new central station was completed and officially opened on the 11th December last, and a new 40/50 h.p. motor first-aid pump, hose-and-ladder tender, is an addition to the brigade equipment. Recommendations were made in regard to several minor matters. Otaki. Inspection, 6th June, 1927. Two officers and eight firemen, the full strength of the brigade, were in attendance at the inspection muster. There was a decided improvement in the carrying-out of the inspection drills. The station and equipment were found in good order. Attendance at the six fire calls averaged 71 per cent, of the total membership—a fair record. A new central station of brick construction was officially opened in December last, and the brigade has been equipped with a new 20 h.p. motor hose-and-ladder tender. Recommendation was made to the Board as to the provision of new hose and other necessary minor equipment. Pahiatua. Two inspections made—viz., 25th May and 28th June, 1927. At the first inspection two officers and eight firemen were in attendance. Owing to non-arrival of the long overdue motor hose-and-ladder tender no practical drill was carried out, but verbal instruction on various matters was given. At the second inspection, two officers and seven firemen being present, verbal and practical instruction was given in methods of drill and use of the newly acquired motor machine. I understand there has been some little improvement in the water-pressure during the last few months, but the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes is quite inadequate, and is practically the same as at the time and as set out in my report of the 22nd April, 1926. Palmerston North. Inspection, Bth June, 1927. Two officers and eighteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. Certain inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and stations and equipment were in first-class order. The new central fire-station, erected at a cost of some £18,000, was officially opened on the 19th July, 1926. The building provides ample accommodation for all purposes, including five sets of married quarters, and should meet all necessary requirements for many years to come. I consider it necessary to again call attention to the inadequacy of the water-supply for fireextinction purposes, with its possible serious consequences, and would also again strongly recommend formation of a Volunteer Fire Police Corps. Such corps are rendering valuable assistance in all fire-prevention matters in other towns. Petone. Inspection, 21st June, 1927. Two officers and seventeen firemen, the full strength, were in attendance at the inspection parade. Certain drills were carried out in a very efficient manner, and the station and equipment were in their usual good order and condition. Attendance at nineteen general calls averaged 60-4 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade. 1 would again (vide report of 23rd June, 1926) recommend appointment of a second permanent fireman. Following is an extract from a report submitted in June, 1921 : " I would again, as in years past, call the attention of your Board to the inadequacy of the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes, this applying even more to volume of supply than to pressure, and that is steadily becoming more so." Since then the population of Petone has increased greatly, with a concomitant increase in buildings, both in number and size, but with very little real improvement in the water-supply. For many years past it has been recognized that the laying of 3 in. mains for fire-extinction purposes is both an economic and utilitarian mistake, and one of the worst features of the present reticulation is the very large proportion of 3 in. piping included therein, with the original flow further reduced by corrosion. Altogether the position in regard to the water-supply is most unsatisfactory, and calls for prompt attention.

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