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extincteurs, is necessary. Water-supply : The static head provides ample pressure, but the drop from 100 lb. to 58 lb. with one f in. delivery at work tends to show that the carrying-main is not in diameter equal to present requirements, and probably corroded also. Provision of one or other of the several systems of public fire-alarms was recommended. Timaru. Inspection, 23rd March, 1927. Two officers and nineteen firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. The inspection drills were carried out in an efficient manner. An explanation and practical illustration was given of the standardized squad drill. The station and appliances were found in their usual good order. Attendance at thirty-nine fire calls averaged 80 per cent, of the brigade membership—-a good record. A permanent Superintendent has been appointed, and a 20 h.p. runabout motor has been added to the brigade equipment. For the purpose of providing additional married quarters the Board have purchased a section, with dwelling thereon, fronting Latter Street, and are negotiating for the purchase of the section intervening between that purchased and the central fire-station. Certain minor recommendations were made in my report to the Board. Waihi. Inspection, 11th November, 1926. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection muster. The inspection drills were carried out in a satisfactory manner, showing very marked improvement in that respect. Attendance at the twelve fire calls averaged 50-6 per cent, of the total membership of the brigade. In view of the more or less unsatisfactory conditions of the water-supply for fire-extinction purposes, also on account of other local conditions, the attention of the Board was again directed to the necessity of installing a street fire-alarm service ; also, a supply of new fire-hose was required. Waipukurau. First inspection of the Waipukurau Brigade, its station and equipment, was made on the 22nd September, 192&. An alarm was rung on the station firebell ; four minutes later, seven firemen reported present. At the subsequent inspection muster two officers and fourteen firemen were in attendance. A short drill was carried out and technical instruction was given. The personnel are apparently an active, willing body of men of good physique. The water-supply as to reservoir storage, volume, and pressure is quite inadequate for fireextinction purposes, but since then extensive improvements have been taken in hand. The brigade equipment is very deficient, and recommendations were made to the Board in regard to the provision of a motor hose-tender, purchase of fire-hose, branches, hand-pumps, chemical extincteurs, &c. The station firebell is altogether too small and light in tone, and the installation of an electrically operated siren, to be operated from certain fixed points, was recommended. Wairoa. Inspection, 11th October, 1926. Two officers and twelve firemen were in attendance at the inspection parade. This brigade was only organized in the previous March, and in that view the inspection drills were performed in a very creditable manner. Attendance at the thirteen fire calls averaged 71 per cent, of the total strength—a fair record. During the year erection of a central fire-station of concrete construction was completed, and is in occupation. An electrically operated fire-alarm siren has been installed, and a2O h.p. motor hose-and-ladder tender, hose stand-pipes, branches, and other necessary smaller equipment provided by the Fire Board. Waitara. Inspection, 28th October, 1926. Two officers and ten firemen were present at the inspection parade —under the then circumstances a creditable attendance. The inspection was satisfactory, and verbal instruction was given to the members of the brigade. The station and equipment were in good order. Reports received tend to prove that the brigade performed good work at the Waitara Meat-works fire which occurred in February last. Certain conditions in respect to the water-supply for fireextinction purposes were unsatisfactory, and recommendations were made which, if carried out, would remedy the fault. Wanganui. Inspection, 25th and 26th November, 1926. Three officers and twenty-four firemen were in attendance at the inspection ; twenty-one officers and members of the Volunteer Fire Police Corps were also present. The required inspection drills were carried out in a smart and efficient manner, and the stations and all equipment were found to be in good order and condition. Additional equipment includes purchase of a 30/35 h.p. motor fitted with a 250/300 g.p.m. turbine pump, first-aid pumping outfit, &c,

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