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of the Fire Brigade calls for little comment. A satisfacto-
-ry feature is the decrease in the number of fires from
57 in 1904 to 32 in the year under review. The heavy
sentences inflicted upon persons found guilty of arson
doubtless tends to check this formerly prevalent crime.
10.
Fire Hydrants were fixed at
various points on the Peak during the year, as the com-
-pletion of the new pumping station and main rendered a
Joe
full supply of water available for them.
11.
In consequence of the high
estimate received for a floating fire-engine of shallow
draught such as I had proposed in the third paragraph of
my Despatch No. 92 last year, this purchase has not been
effected. I have now come to the conclusion that a floating
engine of ordinary draught will meet the requirements of
the Colony, and I propose to set apart a sum of $50,000
in the Estimates for 1907 for this purpose.
12.
The lack of Fire Alarms throughout
the City and at the Peak has been engaging my attention,
but in view of the uncertainty that exists as to the most
serviceable form of Alarm, I have decided to take no steps
in the matter until a report is received from Mr. Hallifax,
Assistant