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To myself as Superintendent it is an immense relief to feel that a ready and practicable method of dealing with fires on the upper levels is now available through the instrumentality of these appliances made possible through our excellent water pressure. The highest level at present supplied with them is Queen's Gardens, and one has only to imagine how difficult it would be to tackle with a fire in that neighbourhood from the harbour to realize the great advantage that the existing water supply gives to the operations of the Brigade.

I have before now drawn attention to the fact that there exists no means of extinguishing fires at the Peak. Peak residences are now so numerous having amongst thein extensively fitted

up Hotels and the summer residences of His Excellency the Governor and all the leading European residents of the Colony, that as a fireman I do not like the idea of these places being at the mercy of accident, and I think money would be well spent in taking advantage of the water system of the Peak District by making it available for the use of fire extinguishing appliances.

I attach a list of fires for the last ten years with the estimated amount of property destroyed in each case and also a list of incipient fires during the past year put out without calling out the Brigade.

2

Mr. HORSPOOL having returned from leave has relieved Mr. MATHIESON of his duties as Acting Assistant Superintendent of the Fire Brigade. This latter Officer performed his duties to my entire satisfaction. Mr. CAMPBELL and Mr. KINGHORN continue to carry out their duties with the same care and discretion as they have invariably shown and Mr. Chau Shau remains the same exemplary Clerk as before.

All the firemen of the Brigade have worked well and zealously at their duties.

I attach copy of report froin Mr. KINGHORN regarding the state of the Engines. The suggestions made in his letter will be dealt with separately.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable G. T. M. OBRIEN, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

H. E. WODEHOUSE, Superintendent, Fire Brigade.

HONGKONG, 19th January, 1894.

SIR,-I have the honour to forward my report on the state of the Government Fire Engines for the year ending 31st December 1893.

STEAMER No. 1.

(Floating Engine by Merryweather & Sons).

This Engine has been 27 years in service and is in good order. The Boiler is very much worn and-considering its age-I cannot recommend it to be repaired; the pressure has been reduced, for safety, to the lowest useful limit and I would strongly recommend a new Boiler to be obtained for this Engine at an early date, as it is the only Floating Engine in the Brigade and might be called upon to do some heavy work.

STEAMER No. 3.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason).

This Engine has been 15 years in service, it has been kept as reserve engine during the year, regularly tested at the monthly drills for drivers, and is now in good order and condition.

STEAMER No. 4.

This Engine has been 12 years in service, it has not been disabled at a fire, has required no repairs, and is now in good order and condition.

STEAMER NO. 5.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason).

This Engine has been 8 years in service, during the early part of the year it did some good work at fires, and was 23 times under steam, it has not been disabled, and is now in good order and condition.

STEAMER NO. 6.

(Land Engine by Shand & Mason).

This Engine has been 15 years in service (9 years in Volunteer Brigade), it has been regularly tested during the year at the monthly drill for drivers, the Boiler is much worn and is under reduced pressure, otherwise the Engine is in good order and condition.