Regulations as to such fire drills in factories can be obtained in booklet form from the State Fire Marshal.

Chapter 204, Laws of 1913, amends section 351 of the State Fire Marshal Law and now gives the State Fire Marshal jurisdiction over "the adequacy and sufficiency of water supply and fire apparatus and their inspection for fire fighting purposes.'

Chapter 303, Laws of 1913, amending section 379 of the State Fire Marshal Law, gives him the power to adopt regulations on the subjects under his jurisdiction, file a copy with county, town and village clerks, and thereupon the fire and police departments and law officers of these localities must assist the State Fire Marshal in their enforcement.

Chapter 308, Laws of 1913, makes new and stringent provisions as to moving picture apparatus and booths which must hereafter be enforced.

Chapter 393, Laws of 1913, amends section 364 of the State Fire Marshal Law, and places the transportation of explosives in quantities exceeding five pounds, for any purpose, within the requirements of the present law.

Chapter 405, Laws of 1913, amends section 369 of the State Fire Marshal Law, and makes it the duty of all assistants to the State Fire Marshal, in the absence of local ordinances, to inspect not less than twice a year, in outlying districts, and four times a year in closely built portions, all buildings, premises and public thoroughfares, to ascertain, correct and report upon any conditions liable to cause fire.

Chapter 431, Laws of 1913, amends section 378 of the State Fire Marshal Law, and requires municipal fire marshals, fire chiefs and all other assistants to report yearly, between the first day of May and June, in detail the extent and condition of their respective fire departments, apparatus or stations, water supply and service, and also any recommendation or suggestion which, in their opinion, would tend to increase the usefulness of their departments or decrease the fire hazard in their respective locali

ties.

Chapter 432, Laws of 1913, amends section 353 of the State Fire Marshal Law, and adds as additional assistants to the Depart

ment, the chiefs of fire districts under the County Law, the president or like senior officer of each incorporated village in which no fire department exists, and the chief of the fire department or like senior officer in an unincorporated village in which a fire department exists.

Chapter 520, Laws of 1913, amends section 369 of the State Fire Marshal Law, and takes away from parties suspected in arson cases the privilege of immunity if examined as witnesses under oath, but they should, notwithstanding, as a matter of precaution be informed of their rights before being sworn and that their answers might be used against them.

Chapter 523, Laws of 1913, amends section 357 of the State Fire Marshal Law, and requires owners and lessees of boilers within cities and incorporated villages to notify chiefs of fire departments or other assistants, of the location of their boilers. Such chiefs and assistants and also town clerks must keep a record thereof and forward a copy to the Department in January and July of each year.

These laws are also sent to you in full but your special attention is called to them in this manner. The State Fire Marshal must largely depend upon his assistants and inspectors. Their work forms the foundation of the operations of the Department. He acknowledges your valuable help in the past and now appeals to you most earnestly to do all in your power to aid him. Chapter 204, Laws of 1913, with reference to water supply and fire apparatus, and chapter 405, Laws of 1913, with reference to inspection of buildings, premises and public thoroughfares, will prove especially beneficial in the reduction of the fire waste.

THOMAS J. AHEARN,

State Fire Marshal.

STATE OF NEW YORK.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL.

ALBANY,

To all Assistants of the Department:

GENTLEMEN.I call your special attention to the imperative need of the utmost caution in reporting and investigating incendiary fires.

Read carefully sections 354, 369, 372, 373 and 374 as they specify your duties, powers and compensation.

Keep personal notes of your work to help your memory if your testimony is required.

Investigate every fire or explosion and determine whether it was the result of carelessness or design.

Begin such investigation immediately.

If of suspicious origin or incendiary, notify the State Fire Marshal at once.

But a fire is not necessarily incendiary merely because its origin is unknown.

If you believe a formal investigation necessary as to a suspicious or incendiary fire, notify the State Fire Marshal immediately.

If you think a fire incendiary, give fully your reason and the facts on the back of the blank report-a blank report is absolutely useless.

Incendiary fire investigations should be quietly conducted, giving nothing out prematurely so as not to defeat the ends of justice. Under section 369 you have power to conduct the investigation in private.

Collect and preserve any physical evidence of arson with notes of finding.

The importance of dating the report is evident. It will show when the fire originated, when reported, your diligence and the promptitude of the Department.

Fill out carefully the blanks and the forms sent to you. Write your reports legibly, concisely and yet full enough. Inadequate, general and inexact reports are of no service. Do not fail to sign them.

Have a photo taken of arson evidence and transmit it with your report, endorsing it properly.

Unless the report is properly made out you can not be paid.

Time consumed in investigating fires must be accurately stated. Payments will only be made for services actually rendered and expenses actually laid out.

Expense accounts must be made out conscientiously and in detail, giving the date, name and location of the fire and number of miles traveled.

I ask your help toward wiping out incendiarism and reducing the fire waste by your activity in these investigations, reliable reports and personal interest in the discharge of your duties.

THOMAS J. AHEARN,

State Fire Marshal.