Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
1924
The Deputy-Superintendent, Mr J LeScelles was accidentally killed in an accident to the fire engine at Stanley Bay where the brigade had been called on a false alarm.
1923
In November a loan authority was obtained to spend £2500 on a modern fire station, tenders to be considered.
1921
January - tenders called for a new fire engine. Mr Fletcher had already found a fully equipped engine for £1,300, but Tenders were called anyway. This was probably the famous Firefly.
A big new motor fire engine was christened the "Firefly", and taken for a trial spin to Takapuna. In the last months of 1921 a Queen Carnival was held and raised £600 for a new brigade station.
1920
Council received a deputation from the Fire Brigade over the need for a new Fire Station, the position arising from the recent rejection by the ratepayers of the Devonport loan proposal was discussed by the council with particular reference to the fire brigade
Devonport Borough Council scrap books ; v. 13 ; p. 48
Devonport Borough Council scrap books ; v. 13 ; p. 48
1917
This was the brigade in 1917, all the men were away at the Great War, and it was a much reduced fire brigade to that which was operating a few years later.
The Rules and Regulations incorporated in 1917 and not changed until 1968
The Rules and Regulations incorporated in 1917 and not changed until 1968
1916
A loan authority was obtained to build, at a cost of £350 a fire brigade station in Calliope Road, the site having been purchased previously and held for the purpose.
On the 2nd of December the council repealed an existing bylaw dealing with the Fire Brigade, along with Cab fares, water supply and sea bathing.
Devonport Borough Council scrap books ; v.5. ; p. 6
1915
Papers Past- Evening Post- 4 October 1915 - Page 8
DESTROYED BY FIRE
(BY TELEGRAPH – PRESS ASSOCIATION.)
AUCKLAND This Day.
A fire at Devonport gutted a seven roomed house, owned by G.M. Maunder and occupied by James Sanderson. The tenants were absent. The contents of the house were destroyed.
When you see the Fire Brigade rushing along the street think of the British Dominions General Insurance Company; Panama street. They cover all losses by fire. - Advt
DESTROYED BY FIRE
(BY TELEGRAPH – PRESS ASSOCIATION.)
AUCKLAND This Day.
A fire at Devonport gutted a seven roomed house, owned by G.M. Maunder and occupied by James Sanderson. The tenants were absent. The contents of the house were destroyed.
When you see the Fire Brigade rushing along the street think of the British Dominions General Insurance Company; Panama street. They cover all losses by fire. - Advt
1914
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 21, 7 February 1914, Page 3
FIRE BRIGADE CONTESTS (by TELEGRAPH. – PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, 6th February
The fire brigades’ competition commenced this afternoon, brigades being present from all parts of the North Island and from Dunedin. Results:-
Two-men Coupling event. - Dunedin South 1, Petone Railway 2, Grey Lynn 3, Dannevirke 4.
Disabled Hose Event:— Thames 1, Dannevirke 2, Dunedin South 3. Devonport. 4.
Hawera, Napier and Taumarunui were among other brigades which took part.
Papers Past, Grey River Argus, 10 March 1914, Page 3
UNITED FIRE. BRIGADES .
ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
(Per Press Association.)
AKAROA, March 9
The 35th. annual. meeting of the. United Fire: Brigades Association opened to-day at . Akaroa, nearly every brigade in New Zealand being represented.
Superintendent G. Spriggins, Wanganui presided.
The annual report stated that matters in connection with the Association were in a very satisfactory condition. The amount of assets over liabilities was £536 6s 6d, as against £643 10s 6d for the previous year a decrease of £107 4s. That was accounted for by the non inclusion of the Government grant for 1914 of £300, which came to hand too late to be included in the balance sheet.
The actual assets really amounted, to £836.6s.6d .
The number of brigades affiliated with the Association at the close of the year was 131 …. with the Association at the close of the year - was 127 being an increase of three from 1ast year.
Arch Hill and Parnell brigades were absorbed by Auckland City Brigade.
During the: year the following brigades had become affiliated :—Denniston Frankton Junction, Pukekohe, Remuera and Te Awamutu.
Since then Leeston, Mangaweka and Whakatane brigades. had joined, making the present total 130
In the Course of the year four calls had been made for financial assistance on behalf of comrades in distress and the total amount subscribed to date was £176 19s for which members were heartily thanked.
During the past year the Association had suffered loss by death of one of their most esteemed past presidents, viz., the late M J. Hughes of Auckland.
The accident assurance branch of the Association was in a satisfactory condition The revenue amounted - to £233 13s 3d, and the expenditure, which included a death claim, to -£137 thus leaving a profit for the year of £96 13s 3d.
The total fund now to the credit of the accident fund was £1949 3s.
The balance sheet showed the receipts for the year to be £2093 18s 9d and the expenditure£1,525 16s 6d, leaving a credit balance of £568 2s 3d.
The assets were valued at £736 10s 6d and the liabilities. £200 4s, leaving a balance of £536 6s.6d.
The report and balance sheet were adopted.
The conference discussed the following notice of motion proposed by the Napier fire brigade, that in the event of territorial duty falling in a brigade muster, and the brigade members having to attend, they be marked as present on the brigade roll.
It was decided to defer the matter until the deputation saw the Hon. F. H W. Bell, Minister of Internal Affairs, who is arriving on Wednesday.
The motion of the Devonport brigade that it be made compulsory for every intending member of brigades to be medically examined was lost.
It was decided to abolish the system of compulsory levies for benevolent purposes in favour of a voluntary system.
A motion by the Dunedin City. Brigade that all, M.F.B.A. honors be standardised was carried.
A number of questions relating to competing conditions were discussed but the majority of the changes proposed were defeated.
It was decided that the drop in the shutter discs be used, at all future demonstrations.
It was decided to award a gold star to Fireman Morrison of Gisborne, who in the opinion of the special sub committee set up to consider his case, had his name improperly removed from the brigade roll between 1888 and 1909.
It was decided that manual events should not count for the high pressure shield.
The next conference and demonstrations are fixed for Timaru.
FIRE BRIGADE CONTESTS (by TELEGRAPH. – PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, 6th February
The fire brigades’ competition commenced this afternoon, brigades being present from all parts of the North Island and from Dunedin. Results:-
Two-men Coupling event. - Dunedin South 1, Petone Railway 2, Grey Lynn 3, Dannevirke 4.
Disabled Hose Event:— Thames 1, Dannevirke 2, Dunedin South 3. Devonport. 4.
Hawera, Napier and Taumarunui were among other brigades which took part.
Papers Past, Grey River Argus, 10 March 1914, Page 3
UNITED FIRE. BRIGADES .
ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
(Per Press Association.)
AKAROA, March 9
The 35th. annual. meeting of the. United Fire: Brigades Association opened to-day at . Akaroa, nearly every brigade in New Zealand being represented.
Superintendent G. Spriggins, Wanganui presided.
The annual report stated that matters in connection with the Association were in a very satisfactory condition. The amount of assets over liabilities was £536 6s 6d, as against £643 10s 6d for the previous year a decrease of £107 4s. That was accounted for by the non inclusion of the Government grant for 1914 of £300, which came to hand too late to be included in the balance sheet.
The actual assets really amounted, to £836.6s.6d .
The number of brigades affiliated with the Association at the close of the year was 131 …. with the Association at the close of the year - was 127 being an increase of three from 1ast year.
Arch Hill and Parnell brigades were absorbed by Auckland City Brigade.
During the: year the following brigades had become affiliated :—Denniston Frankton Junction, Pukekohe, Remuera and Te Awamutu.
Since then Leeston, Mangaweka and Whakatane brigades. had joined, making the present total 130
In the Course of the year four calls had been made for financial assistance on behalf of comrades in distress and the total amount subscribed to date was £176 19s for which members were heartily thanked.
During the past year the Association had suffered loss by death of one of their most esteemed past presidents, viz., the late M J. Hughes of Auckland.
The accident assurance branch of the Association was in a satisfactory condition The revenue amounted - to £233 13s 3d, and the expenditure, which included a death claim, to -£137 thus leaving a profit for the year of £96 13s 3d.
The total fund now to the credit of the accident fund was £1949 3s.
The balance sheet showed the receipts for the year to be £2093 18s 9d and the expenditure£1,525 16s 6d, leaving a credit balance of £568 2s 3d.
The assets were valued at £736 10s 6d and the liabilities. £200 4s, leaving a balance of £536 6s.6d.
The report and balance sheet were adopted.
The conference discussed the following notice of motion proposed by the Napier fire brigade, that in the event of territorial duty falling in a brigade muster, and the brigade members having to attend, they be marked as present on the brigade roll.
It was decided to defer the matter until the deputation saw the Hon. F. H W. Bell, Minister of Internal Affairs, who is arriving on Wednesday.
The motion of the Devonport brigade that it be made compulsory for every intending member of brigades to be medically examined was lost.
It was decided to abolish the system of compulsory levies for benevolent purposes in favour of a voluntary system.
A motion by the Dunedin City. Brigade that all, M.F.B.A. honors be standardised was carried.
A number of questions relating to competing conditions were discussed but the majority of the changes proposed were defeated.
It was decided that the drop in the shutter discs be used, at all future demonstrations.
It was decided to award a gold star to Fireman Morrison of Gisborne, who in the opinion of the special sub committee set up to consider his case, had his name improperly removed from the brigade roll between 1888 and 1909.
It was decided that manual events should not count for the high pressure shield.
The next conference and demonstrations are fixed for Timaru.
1913
Corporation Notices Local Bodies Loan Act 1913 "for the sum of £5,500 for erection of a Fire Brigade Station and purchase of a Fire Motor and Brigade equipment.
1912
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12702, 4 March 1912, Page 7
FIRE AT DEVONPORT.
PICTURE THEATRE SENSATION
OPERATING ROOM DESTROYED
A fire broke out m the operating-room of the Queen's Pictures which are shown m the Parish Hall, Church street, Devonport, during the currency of an entertainment on Friday evening, by which damage to the estimated extent of £200 was done. There were fully 200 people in the hall at the time. At 9.20 the audience became aware that all was not right, the fire which had started in the operating-room being reflected on the sheet, while from' outside came indications of fire in close proximity. There was no outcry or panic, those present leaving the building in a very orderly manner. The fire had a firm hold, and the wisdom of fireproof rooms for cinematograph machinery was evident. In the case of the Parish Hall, a new brick building, the operating-room is situated in a galvanised iron lean-to erected over the porch, and this was soon a blazing mass.
The Devonport Fire Brigade, under Captain Miller, was quickly on the scene, but delay ; in getting the water on was caused by the inability to find the fire plugs, the borough officials, having neglected to erect guiding mark's on the neighboring buildings or fences. Sufficient time was lost for the fire to gain a good hold, but in this case the flames blazed impotently on brick walls, and when the water was finally turned on the outbreak was suppressed in about 15 minutes. The proprietor of the Queen's Pictures and lessee of the Parish Hall is a blind man, Mr J. Bacovich. He estimates his loss at about £200, his machinery and plant not being covered by insurance. He lost a fine Gaumont machine which cost £80, 3000 ft. of film, lenses and other accessories. The Parish Hall, which was recently erected at a Cost of over £2000, is fully covered by insurance in the South British office, both on the building and on the furniture. It is the property of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The building is only slightly damaged, a scorching on the outside of the front and a wetting inside being the extent.
The operator stated that the fire was caused through the film accidentally igniting after the machine had stopped. The inflammable material of which the films are composed burst with a blaze, and the room was quickly a raging inferno, from which he was glad to escape and descend to the ground without injury.
FIRE AT DEVONPORT.
PICTURE THEATRE SENSATION
OPERATING ROOM DESTROYED
A fire broke out m the operating-room of the Queen's Pictures which are shown m the Parish Hall, Church street, Devonport, during the currency of an entertainment on Friday evening, by which damage to the estimated extent of £200 was done. There were fully 200 people in the hall at the time. At 9.20 the audience became aware that all was not right, the fire which had started in the operating-room being reflected on the sheet, while from' outside came indications of fire in close proximity. There was no outcry or panic, those present leaving the building in a very orderly manner. The fire had a firm hold, and the wisdom of fireproof rooms for cinematograph machinery was evident. In the case of the Parish Hall, a new brick building, the operating-room is situated in a galvanised iron lean-to erected over the porch, and this was soon a blazing mass.
The Devonport Fire Brigade, under Captain Miller, was quickly on the scene, but delay ; in getting the water on was caused by the inability to find the fire plugs, the borough officials, having neglected to erect guiding mark's on the neighboring buildings or fences. Sufficient time was lost for the fire to gain a good hold, but in this case the flames blazed impotently on brick walls, and when the water was finally turned on the outbreak was suppressed in about 15 minutes. The proprietor of the Queen's Pictures and lessee of the Parish Hall is a blind man, Mr J. Bacovich. He estimates his loss at about £200, his machinery and plant not being covered by insurance. He lost a fine Gaumont machine which cost £80, 3000 ft. of film, lenses and other accessories. The Parish Hall, which was recently erected at a Cost of over £2000, is fully covered by insurance in the South British office, both on the building and on the furniture. It is the property of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The building is only slightly damaged, a scorching on the outside of the front and a wetting inside being the extent.
The operator stated that the fire was caused through the film accidentally igniting after the machine had stopped. The inflammable material of which the films are composed burst with a blaze, and the room was quickly a raging inferno, from which he was glad to escape and descend to the ground without injury.
1910
Papers Past, Hawera & Normanby Star, 7 September 1910, Page5
BIG FIRE AT DEVONPORT MANY HOUSES DESTROYED (PRESS ASSOCIATION) AUCKLAND, September 6
A serious fire occurred this afternoon at King Edward Parade, Devonport, which destroyed. Ventnor House a large boarding establishment containing 32 rooms, and four dwelling houses. Nothing is left but a mass of smouldering debris. Three other places were damaged. The fire broke out in Ventnor House as a result of some clothes being left near the kitchen stove to dry. The Devonport Fire Brigade turned out and made a good fight, but were unable to stay the progress of the fire, till a clean sweep had been made for over 100 yards. The flames were so strong that members of the brigade were wrapped in mattresses to enable them to stand the heat while playing with the hose on the burning building.
The following is a list of the places destroyed or damaged, with the insurances as far as can be ascertained: Ventnor House, owned by A. Watson and occupied by Mrs Lewis—totally destroyed. The building was insured for £2000 in the Alliance Co., and the furniture in the South British.
A six-roomed house owned b Mr A Watson and occupied by Miss Bood— totally destroyed. The building was insured for £270 in the Alliance Co., and the furniture for £130 in the Royal.
Three two-storeyed houses owned by the Auckland Grammar School and occupied respectively by - Messrs W. Wright, Williams and Spinley – totally destroyed. Each building was insured for £400 in the New Zealand Insurance Co. Williams had £150 insurance on his furniture in the Norwich Union, and Spinley £200 in the New Zealand Co.
A sixroomed house owned by the Grammar School Board and occupied by Mr Warbrick—partially destroyed. The insurance on the building was £200 in the New Zealand Co. The houses of Mrs Swinnerton and Mr G. Sandford were slightly damaged.
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume LXXX Issue 83, 5 October 1910, Page 7
FIRES
BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION AUCKLAND, 26th October.
Fire at Devonport early this morning destroyed a house in Mosley-avenue owned by Mr. Parker and occupied by Charles Sainty. Mrs. Sainty and family escaped in night attire. The insurance on the house was £323 in the Liverpool, London. and Globe, and on the furniture £330 in the South British.
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 83, 5 October 1910 Page 7
HOUSE DESTROYED AT MASTERTON [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) MASTERTON, ‘This Day.
A six-roomed house and contents were destroyed by fire at 2 o’clock this morning. The house was insured for £300 in the Victoria Office, and the furniture for £175 in the State Fire Office.
AUCKLAND, 4th October.
A five-roomed house in Vauxhall road, Devonport owned by Mr. Maxwell, of Ponsonby, and occupied by Mr. H. Nicholl, was totally destroyed by fire to-night, nothing being saved. Mr. Nicholl was alone in the house at the time; his wife being away in Hastings. He was in bed when the fire broke out, and just had time to make his escape in night attire. The furniture was insured in the Victoria Office for £150, the insurance on the house is not available at present.
This note from the newspaper is unexceptional except as a note that the Fire Station was in Kerr street in 1910, and loutish behaviour is not confined to our own generation.
Papers Past, Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LX, Issue LX, 29 December 1910, Page 8
A FIGHT AT AUCKLAND TO A FINISH. BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION AUCKLAND, Dec. 28.
A fracas occurred at Devonport on Christmas Eve and morning which may result in serious consequences. Shortly before midnight on Saturday two young men commenced to light on Victoria wharf to settle a long-standing grievance. After an exchange of blows they suspended hostilities and adjourned to the Mount Victoria Reserve, where it is said they, in company with fellow-roysterers, had several drinks from a store, purchased to carry the thirsty souls over the festive season. The fight, which had been stopped on the wharf, was resumed and kept up for some time. One of the contestants eventually lapsed into a state of unconsciousness and medical aid and the police were called to the scene, which was near the fire brigade station in Kerr street at 3.30 a.m. on Christmas Day. After receiving attention the injured man was convoyed to his home, where he has since been confined. It is probable that the police will take action in the matter.
BIG FIRE AT DEVONPORT MANY HOUSES DESTROYED (PRESS ASSOCIATION) AUCKLAND, September 6
A serious fire occurred this afternoon at King Edward Parade, Devonport, which destroyed. Ventnor House a large boarding establishment containing 32 rooms, and four dwelling houses. Nothing is left but a mass of smouldering debris. Three other places were damaged. The fire broke out in Ventnor House as a result of some clothes being left near the kitchen stove to dry. The Devonport Fire Brigade turned out and made a good fight, but were unable to stay the progress of the fire, till a clean sweep had been made for over 100 yards. The flames were so strong that members of the brigade were wrapped in mattresses to enable them to stand the heat while playing with the hose on the burning building.
The following is a list of the places destroyed or damaged, with the insurances as far as can be ascertained: Ventnor House, owned by A. Watson and occupied by Mrs Lewis—totally destroyed. The building was insured for £2000 in the Alliance Co., and the furniture in the South British.
A six-roomed house owned b Mr A Watson and occupied by Miss Bood— totally destroyed. The building was insured for £270 in the Alliance Co., and the furniture for £130 in the Royal.
Three two-storeyed houses owned by the Auckland Grammar School and occupied respectively by - Messrs W. Wright, Williams and Spinley – totally destroyed. Each building was insured for £400 in the New Zealand Insurance Co. Williams had £150 insurance on his furniture in the Norwich Union, and Spinley £200 in the New Zealand Co.
A sixroomed house owned by the Grammar School Board and occupied by Mr Warbrick—partially destroyed. The insurance on the building was £200 in the New Zealand Co. The houses of Mrs Swinnerton and Mr G. Sandford were slightly damaged.
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume LXXX Issue 83, 5 October 1910, Page 7
FIRES
BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION AUCKLAND, 26th October.
Fire at Devonport early this morning destroyed a house in Mosley-avenue owned by Mr. Parker and occupied by Charles Sainty. Mrs. Sainty and family escaped in night attire. The insurance on the house was £323 in the Liverpool, London. and Globe, and on the furniture £330 in the South British.
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 83, 5 October 1910 Page 7
HOUSE DESTROYED AT MASTERTON [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) MASTERTON, ‘This Day.
A six-roomed house and contents were destroyed by fire at 2 o’clock this morning. The house was insured for £300 in the Victoria Office, and the furniture for £175 in the State Fire Office.
AUCKLAND, 4th October.
A five-roomed house in Vauxhall road, Devonport owned by Mr. Maxwell, of Ponsonby, and occupied by Mr. H. Nicholl, was totally destroyed by fire to-night, nothing being saved. Mr. Nicholl was alone in the house at the time; his wife being away in Hastings. He was in bed when the fire broke out, and just had time to make his escape in night attire. The furniture was insured in the Victoria Office for £150, the insurance on the house is not available at present.
This note from the newspaper is unexceptional except as a note that the Fire Station was in Kerr street in 1910, and loutish behaviour is not confined to our own generation.
Papers Past, Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LX, Issue LX, 29 December 1910, Page 8
A FIGHT AT AUCKLAND TO A FINISH. BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION AUCKLAND, Dec. 28.
A fracas occurred at Devonport on Christmas Eve and morning which may result in serious consequences. Shortly before midnight on Saturday two young men commenced to light on Victoria wharf to settle a long-standing grievance. After an exchange of blows they suspended hostilities and adjourned to the Mount Victoria Reserve, where it is said they, in company with fellow-roysterers, had several drinks from a store, purchased to carry the thirsty souls over the festive season. The fight, which had been stopped on the wharf, was resumed and kept up for some time. One of the contestants eventually lapsed into a state of unconsciousness and medical aid and the police were called to the scene, which was near the fire brigade station in Kerr street at 3.30 a.m. on Christmas Day. After receiving attention the injured man was convoyed to his home, where he has since been confined. It is probable that the police will take action in the matter.
1909
Rod Cornelius, Flagstaff,
Henry Follis was born in Auckland 23rd September 1882 and at the age of 20
in 1902 he married Sarah Hannah Smart at 53 Lake Rd Devonport. He lived in Devonport for the rest of his life. They had seven children Enid was 2nd youngest.
Henry Follis joined the brigade on the 13th April 1909 when it was still only operating with a hose reel on wheels and very primitive equipment. The brigade was made up of volunteers. He rose to be Superintendent by 1917 and retired in 1948 after 39 years service.
Henry who was a builder by trade built the house which the family still own in Aramoana Avenue. The house was the first to have an alarm system that allowed Henry to identify where a fire was located in the town. Enid recalls there being about eight rings and each one represented an area of the town, She always remembered that one ring was Bowen St. and eight was up where they lived. If the alarm went off when her father was out in the garden she had been told to count the calls before calling out to him so that he would know where the fire was. Henry would then head off on his bike to answer the call. If the alarm went off at night her mother would stand at the window and wait and watch till her husband returned.
Henry Follis was born in Auckland 23rd September 1882 and at the age of 20
in 1902 he married Sarah Hannah Smart at 53 Lake Rd Devonport. He lived in Devonport for the rest of his life. They had seven children Enid was 2nd youngest.
Henry Follis joined the brigade on the 13th April 1909 when it was still only operating with a hose reel on wheels and very primitive equipment. The brigade was made up of volunteers. He rose to be Superintendent by 1917 and retired in 1948 after 39 years service.
Henry who was a builder by trade built the house which the family still own in Aramoana Avenue. The house was the first to have an alarm system that allowed Henry to identify where a fire was located in the town. Enid recalls there being about eight rings and each one represented an area of the town, She always remembered that one ring was Bowen St. and eight was up where they lived. If the alarm went off when her father was out in the garden she had been told to count the calls before calling out to him so that he would know where the fire was. Henry would then head off on his bike to answer the call. If the alarm went off at night her mother would stand at the window and wait and watch till her husband returned.
1908
A tender by Mr WH Ollive of £17 to paint Council Chambers and Fire Station. Also 250ft of hose tender accepted.
Observer, Volume XXVIII, Issue 23, 22 February 1908, Page 16
The Devonport Fire Brigade have applied to the local Borough Council for new uniforms, and they remark casually that, after twelve years’ wear, the old uniforms show signs of wearing out. The situation would appear to be a desperate one, but the callous Borough Council calmly decided to let the matter stand over until the estimates come up for consideration. Presumably; if financial matters are not satisfactory, the brigade will have to whistle for their new uniforms. There is a rumour current in Devonport that no member of the brigade dare sit down while in uniform, for fear of sustaining irretrievable damage to his veteran unmentionables. It is horrible to contemplate what may happen before those estimates come to light. The brigade will probably have to borrow some of W. J. Napier’s spare military uniforms.
Papers Past, Observer, XXVIII, Issue 26, 14 March 1908, Page 18
AUCKLAND FIRE BOARDS £10 REWARD
The Auckland Fire Board will give a reward of £10 (ten pounds) to any one giving such information as will lead to the conviction of any person or persons who gives -or causes to be given, a FALSE ALARM OF FIRE to the Auckland City Fire Brigade.
Any person so convicted is liable to fine of Imprisonment under the Fire Brigades Act
1907.”
By order of the Board.
PERCY BUTLER,
Secretary.
Observer, Volume XXVIII, Issue 23, 22 February 1908, Page 16
THE FRETFUL PORCUPINE
Papers Past, Observer, XXVIII, Issue 26, 14 March 1908, Page 18
AUCKLAND FIRE BOARDS £10 REWARD
The Auckland Fire Board will give a reward of £10 (ten pounds) to any one giving such information as will lead to the conviction of any person or persons who gives -or causes to be given, a FALSE ALARM OF FIRE to the Auckland City Fire Brigade.
Any person so convicted is liable to fine of Imprisonment under the Fire Brigades Act
1907.”
By order of the Board.
PERCY BUTLER,
Secretary.
1907
Otago Witness, Issue 2767, 27 March 1907, Page 48
THIRD DAY
CHRISTCHURCH. March 21
The bi-ennial competitions under the auspices of the United Fire Brigade Associations were continued today on the Exhibition Sports Ground. The attendance of the public in the afternoon was most disappointing. On account of the half-holiday a large crowd was expected. All the morning was occupied with the hose, hydrant and union event, and it is anticipated that matters will have to be hurried considerably to bring the competitions to a close to-morrow evening. The results of to-days work are as follows:-
RESCUE EVENT. First prize £10, second £6 third £4 fourth £2
Reefton, 23 4-5 secs 1
Hasting, 25 3-5 secs 2
Greymouth, 26 secs 3
Waihi and Stratford tied for fourth place at 26 2-5 secs.
Devonport sent a team to this event and managed to run the event at 31s, not the last by any means, as Oamaru seems to have been the last at 32 1-5 secs with 9 teams being disqualified.
HOSE, HYDRANT, AND UNION for three men.
First price £20, second £10, third £7, fourth £4
Timaru, 33 2-5 secs 1
Caversham, 34 2-5 secs 2
It looks as though the rest of the field was so far behind they didn't issue a 3rd or 4th place. Devonport being part of the teams 'who also started.'
A large number of teams from all over the country attended this popular event, the prize money alone being a strong incentive to attend, but the camaraderie present for the men at these events must have been a strong attraction. The events on this day were interspersed with the Ambulance events, even then there was a strong tie between the two response teams.
1906
Papers Past, Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLI, Issue 21, 29 January 1906, Page 2
UNITED FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
The 27th annual conference of the United Fire Brigades' Association met at the Municipal Chambers this morning.
Present :— Captain Toomey (Lyttelton), Captain Bellringer (New Plymouth), Captain Battle (Wanganni) Vice-Presidents; Ex-Presidents: T. D. Cummins (Wanganui), E. Smith (Christchuroh), B. 0. Robbins (Hawera), D. Leach (Westport); A. Martin (Gore) J, Smith (Rangiora), W. Baker (Gore), J. Walton (Greymouth), J. Washer (Roslyn), A. Tingey (Palmerston N.).
Delegates.
Auckland City. — Foreman Carr.
Ashburton. — Engineer Dolman.
Arch Hill. — Foreman Smith.
Auckland Railway.— Captain Round.
Alexandra. — Foreman Anderson.
Blenheim. Foreman Jellyman.
Bluff.— Captain Millar (proxy).
Caversham.— Fireman Pearce.
Christchurch City.— Superintendent E. Smith.
Christchurch Railway.— Engineer Winter.
Carleton.— Fireman E. McKenzie.
Cambridge. — Secretary E. Rugo.
Dunedin City. — Foreman Foster.
Dunedin South.— Foreman Price.
Dunedin Railway.— Ex-President Mitchell.
Devonport. — Captain Strude.
Eden Terrace. — Foreman Brook.
Eastown. — Captain Holland.
Eltham.— Captain Nuttall.
Feilding. — Captain Saywell.
Fitzroy. — Secretary A. W. Eller.
Grey Lynn. — Secretary Collins.
Greymouth. — Foreman Smith.
Gisborne. — Secretary Nield.
Gore. — Fireman J. Logie.
Geraldine. — Foreman Bennington.
Hokitika. — Secretary Andrews.
Hastings. — Captain Braush.
Hawera. — Secretary Robbins.
Hamilton — Secretary Thomson.
Hillside Railway. — Captain Wilkins.
Hawera Fire Police. — Captain Hughes
Invercargill. — Captain Millar.
Inglewood. — Lieutenant. Rolston.
Kumara.— Captain Benyon.
Kaiapoi. — Branchman Heney.
Lyttelton — Fireman Carson.
Lawrence. — Fireman O'Connell.
Levin. — Captain Anstice.
Masterton.— Captain Jenkins.
Marton. — Fireman Richardson.
Milton. — Captain King.
Masterton Fire Police.— Secretary Lewis.
Napier. — Fireman Dickson.
Naseby.— Secretary Kirby.
Nelson. — Captain Wimsett.
New Plymouth. — Fireman Roberts.
Newmarket — Foreman Smith
Napier Fire Police.— Captain Eagle ton.
Napier Railway. — Fireman Hawke.
Oamaru.— Ex-President Martin (proxy)
Opunake. — Captain Stewart.
Port Chalmers. — Fireman Foster (proxy).
Parnell.— Secretary Collins.
Patea. — Fireman Neilson.
Palmerston N.— Captain Tingey.
Petone. — Foreman Leppe.
Petone Railway. — Fireman McEwan.
Paeroa.— Secretary Brenan.
Palmerston S. — Foreman Clark.
Queenstcwn. — Secretary Haines
Rangiora. — Secretary Blake:
Richmond.— Captain Wilkes.
Roslyn. — Lieutenent Bewridge.
Ross.— Fireman Roberts,
Reefton. — Fireman Dansey.
Spit. — Branchman Smith.
Southbrook, — Foreman Wilson (proxy)
Stratford. — Branchman Partridge.
Sumner. — Capain Phillips.
St. Kilda. — Captain McKenzie.
Temuka. — Lieutenant Gunnion.
Timaru. — Lieutenant Jones.
Timaru Railway. — Captain. Burke.
Thames. — Secretary Hammond.
Taihape. — Captain Wilson.
Wanganu},— Leutcnant Sims
Waipawa. — Branchman Wills.
Woodville. — Foreman Grinlington.
Westport. — Captain Hansen
Waihi. — Fireman Sorenson.
Waitekauri. — Secretary Corbett.
Captain Toomey, of Lyttelton, presided, and briefly welcomed the delegates. The minutes of the 26th annual conference held at Dunedin last year, were read by Secretary Gilberd, and carried.
The balance sheet and report of the Executive for the year were read and adopted.
The report of the Executive showed that the receipts of the year totalled £1351 8s, and included a balance of £409 14s 9d, at last audit; Government subsidy, £300; Brigade subscriptions £229 6s; goods, £231 7s 6d; and sale of competition plant, £140 12s 6d; the balance being made up of small items, which are of course shown in the balance sheet. The expenditure amounted to £1195 0s 9d, and included travelling expenses, £431 8s; competition plant, £229 2s; goods purchased, £180; and the grant to the Dunedin Demonstration Committee, £150, towards the prize fund of the competitions. The balance sheet shows a cash balance of £156 7s 3d. The total liabilities amount to £164 10s, and the assets to £323 2s 3d, showing a balance in favour of the Association of £158 12g 3d, (the balance covers a period of eleven months only.) With regard to the item 'Brigades' subscriptions, etc, due, £112 nearly half of- this amount is due for competition plant. During the year the Roxburgh, Lower Hutt, Palmerston South, Hawera and Opunake Brigades have become affiliated to the Association, the roll now showing a membership of 97 Brigades.
The report continues :— At the Dunedin conference it was confidently anticipated that legislation improving the status of Brigades would be placed upon the statute book. A measure, which met with the unanimous approval of delegates, was submitted to that conference, but unfortunately it met the fate of previous bills of the same description, being shelved towards the close of the session. Your Executive, although disappointed, are not disheartened, and a more determined effort will be made this year to have the Fire Brigades Bill passed by Parliament. Probably the greatest difficulty the Executive have had to contend with in furthering the interests of the Bill has been the marked and regrettable apathy of brigades. In a number of towns in the colony Brigades have taken no steps to invoke the assistance of members of Parliament and local Borough Councils, consequently when the, measure was before the House legislators proved by their remarks that they were not in touch with its objects, thus weakening the support accorded the Bill. We would urge each Brigade during the year to do its utmost to assist the Bill, and if a united effort be made in this direction there is little doubt that the measure will become law next session. During the year Gold Stars for 25 years service were presented to G Moore (Auckland), and J. Carrington (Dunedin), and the following Stars will be presented at this Conference W - Lucas ( Spit). T. G Blackwell (Kaiapoi) W. Carr (Blenheim) J. Washer (Roslyn), T. H. Battle (Wanganui). Other claims have been sent in, and will be referred to at this meeting. The Accident Society is still progressing satisfactorily. Although the claims paid during the year amounted to £101 10s a net profit of about £90 was made the total funds now reaching £970 6s 2d.
Papers Past, Wanganui Herald , Volume XXXX, Issue 11958, 30 August 1906 , Page 4
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
At Auckland last week a jury awarded Mrs Rogers and her three children £925 from the Devonport Borough Council in respect of her husband, who was killed in a vehicle accident caused by the horses being frightened by the Fire Brigade, who were testing the water supply.
Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 10, 24 November 1906, Page 9
GRAND NATIVE AND ORIENTAL FAIR To be held on the DEVONPORT DOMAIN, December 5, 6, 7 and 8, PROGRAMMES OF VARIED ATTRACTIONS
This looks like quite an event with all sorts of athletic prowess being displayed, as well as baby shows, spoon and egg races, and a Great Maori Display! On Thursday Evening part of the entertainment was the Fire Brigade Alarm and Rush with Prizes 1st £1 1s and Second 10s 6d. Entry fee 1s, also the Firemans Race. 100yds Prizes and entry fee as above.
Papers Past, Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12037, 3 December 1906, Page 6
FIRES. (Per United Press Association). AUCKLAND, December 2
A five-roomed house, occupied by Robt. Black, of Devonport, and owned by C. McGuiness, was totally destroyed by fire on Saturday night. At the time of the outbreak no one was in the house. The cause of the fire is unknown, and nothing was saved. An adjoining house, occupied by W. Simpson, had a very narrow escape. Mr. Black's house was insured in the Government Insurance Office for £150. It is not known whether there was any insurance on the furniture.
UNITED FIRE BRIGADES' CONFERENCE. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
The 27th annual conference of the United Fire Brigades' Association met at the Municipal Chambers this morning.
Present :— Captain Toomey (Lyttelton), Captain Bellringer (New Plymouth), Captain Battle (Wanganni) Vice-Presidents; Ex-Presidents: T. D. Cummins (Wanganui), E. Smith (Christchuroh), B. 0. Robbins (Hawera), D. Leach (Westport); A. Martin (Gore) J, Smith (Rangiora), W. Baker (Gore), J. Walton (Greymouth), J. Washer (Roslyn), A. Tingey (Palmerston N.).
Delegates.
Auckland City. — Foreman Carr.
Ashburton. — Engineer Dolman.
Arch Hill. — Foreman Smith.
Auckland Railway.— Captain Round.
Alexandra. — Foreman Anderson.
Blenheim. Foreman Jellyman.
Bluff.— Captain Millar (proxy).
Caversham.— Fireman Pearce.
Christchurch City.— Superintendent E. Smith.
Christchurch Railway.— Engineer Winter.
Carleton.— Fireman E. McKenzie.
Cambridge. — Secretary E. Rugo.
Dunedin City. — Foreman Foster.
Dunedin South.— Foreman Price.
Dunedin Railway.— Ex-President Mitchell.
Devonport. — Captain Strude.
Eden Terrace. — Foreman Brook.
Eastown. — Captain Holland.
Eltham.— Captain Nuttall.
Feilding. — Captain Saywell.
Fitzroy. — Secretary A. W. Eller.
Grey Lynn. — Secretary Collins.
Greymouth. — Foreman Smith.
Gisborne. — Secretary Nield.
Gore. — Fireman J. Logie.
Geraldine. — Foreman Bennington.
Hokitika. — Secretary Andrews.
Hastings. — Captain Braush.
Hawera. — Secretary Robbins.
Hamilton — Secretary Thomson.
Hillside Railway. — Captain Wilkins.
Hawera Fire Police. — Captain Hughes
Invercargill. — Captain Millar.
Inglewood. — Lieutenant. Rolston.
Kumara.— Captain Benyon.
Kaiapoi. — Branchman Heney.
Lyttelton — Fireman Carson.
Lawrence. — Fireman O'Connell.
Levin. — Captain Anstice.
Masterton.— Captain Jenkins.
Marton. — Fireman Richardson.
Milton. — Captain King.
Masterton Fire Police.— Secretary Lewis.
Napier. — Fireman Dickson.
Naseby.— Secretary Kirby.
Nelson. — Captain Wimsett.
New Plymouth. — Fireman Roberts.
Newmarket — Foreman Smith
Napier Fire Police.— Captain Eagle ton.
Napier Railway. — Fireman Hawke.
Oamaru.— Ex-President Martin (proxy)
Opunake. — Captain Stewart.
Port Chalmers. — Fireman Foster (proxy).
Parnell.— Secretary Collins.
Patea. — Fireman Neilson.
Palmerston N.— Captain Tingey.
Petone. — Foreman Leppe.
Petone Railway. — Fireman McEwan.
Paeroa.— Secretary Brenan.
Palmerston S. — Foreman Clark.
Queenstcwn. — Secretary Haines
Rangiora. — Secretary Blake:
Richmond.— Captain Wilkes.
Roslyn. — Lieutenent Bewridge.
Ross.— Fireman Roberts,
Reefton. — Fireman Dansey.
Spit. — Branchman Smith.
Southbrook, — Foreman Wilson (proxy)
Stratford. — Branchman Partridge.
Sumner. — Capain Phillips.
St. Kilda. — Captain McKenzie.
Temuka. — Lieutenant Gunnion.
Timaru. — Lieutenant Jones.
Timaru Railway. — Captain. Burke.
Thames. — Secretary Hammond.
Taihape. — Captain Wilson.
Wanganu},— Leutcnant Sims
Waipawa. — Branchman Wills.
Woodville. — Foreman Grinlington.
Westport. — Captain Hansen
Waihi. — Fireman Sorenson.
Waitekauri. — Secretary Corbett.
Captain Toomey, of Lyttelton, presided, and briefly welcomed the delegates. The minutes of the 26th annual conference held at Dunedin last year, were read by Secretary Gilberd, and carried.
The balance sheet and report of the Executive for the year were read and adopted.
The report of the Executive showed that the receipts of the year totalled £1351 8s, and included a balance of £409 14s 9d, at last audit; Government subsidy, £300; Brigade subscriptions £229 6s; goods, £231 7s 6d; and sale of competition plant, £140 12s 6d; the balance being made up of small items, which are of course shown in the balance sheet. The expenditure amounted to £1195 0s 9d, and included travelling expenses, £431 8s; competition plant, £229 2s; goods purchased, £180; and the grant to the Dunedin Demonstration Committee, £150, towards the prize fund of the competitions. The balance sheet shows a cash balance of £156 7s 3d. The total liabilities amount to £164 10s, and the assets to £323 2s 3d, showing a balance in favour of the Association of £158 12g 3d, (the balance covers a period of eleven months only.) With regard to the item 'Brigades' subscriptions, etc, due, £112 nearly half of- this amount is due for competition plant. During the year the Roxburgh, Lower Hutt, Palmerston South, Hawera and Opunake Brigades have become affiliated to the Association, the roll now showing a membership of 97 Brigades.
The report continues :— At the Dunedin conference it was confidently anticipated that legislation improving the status of Brigades would be placed upon the statute book. A measure, which met with the unanimous approval of delegates, was submitted to that conference, but unfortunately it met the fate of previous bills of the same description, being shelved towards the close of the session. Your Executive, although disappointed, are not disheartened, and a more determined effort will be made this year to have the Fire Brigades Bill passed by Parliament. Probably the greatest difficulty the Executive have had to contend with in furthering the interests of the Bill has been the marked and regrettable apathy of brigades. In a number of towns in the colony Brigades have taken no steps to invoke the assistance of members of Parliament and local Borough Councils, consequently when the, measure was before the House legislators proved by their remarks that they were not in touch with its objects, thus weakening the support accorded the Bill. We would urge each Brigade during the year to do its utmost to assist the Bill, and if a united effort be made in this direction there is little doubt that the measure will become law next session. During the year Gold Stars for 25 years service were presented to G Moore (Auckland), and J. Carrington (Dunedin), and the following Stars will be presented at this Conference W - Lucas ( Spit). T. G Blackwell (Kaiapoi) W. Carr (Blenheim) J. Washer (Roslyn), T. H. Battle (Wanganui). Other claims have been sent in, and will be referred to at this meeting. The Accident Society is still progressing satisfactorily. Although the claims paid during the year amounted to £101 10s a net profit of about £90 was made the total funds now reaching £970 6s 2d.
Papers Past, Wanganui Herald , Volume XXXX, Issue 11958, 30 August 1906 , Page 4
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
At Auckland last week a jury awarded Mrs Rogers and her three children £925 from the Devonport Borough Council in respect of her husband, who was killed in a vehicle accident caused by the horses being frightened by the Fire Brigade, who were testing the water supply.
Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 10, 24 November 1906, Page 9
GRAND NATIVE AND ORIENTAL FAIR To be held on the DEVONPORT DOMAIN, December 5, 6, 7 and 8, PROGRAMMES OF VARIED ATTRACTIONS
This looks like quite an event with all sorts of athletic prowess being displayed, as well as baby shows, spoon and egg races, and a Great Maori Display! On Thursday Evening part of the entertainment was the Fire Brigade Alarm and Rush with Prizes 1st £1 1s and Second 10s 6d. Entry fee 1s, also the Firemans Race. 100yds Prizes and entry fee as above.
Papers Past, Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12037, 3 December 1906, Page 6
FIRES. (Per United Press Association). AUCKLAND, December 2
A five-roomed house, occupied by Robt. Black, of Devonport, and owned by C. McGuiness, was totally destroyed by fire on Saturday night. At the time of the outbreak no one was in the house. The cause of the fire is unknown, and nothing was saved. An adjoining house, occupied by W. Simpson, had a very narrow escape. Mr. Black's house was insured in the Government Insurance Office for £150. It is not known whether there was any insurance on the furniture.
1905
Papers Past, Grey River Argus, 9 March 1905, Page 3.
Fire Brigade Conference
(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION) DUNEDIN, March 8
The Fire Brigades Conference was resumed this evening. An Additional £10 was voted to the secretary for his assistance. After a vote of thanks, the annual meeting of the insurance society was held. The report stated that notwithstanding the unusually large number of claims there was a credit balance of £880 l0s 1d. The report was adopted.
The election of office bearers ranked:
President —Captain Strude’ Devonport.
Vice presidents—Lieut. Baler Gore and Mr Scantlebury, Reefton.
Treasurer – Captain Smith, Christchurch.
Trustee—Mr Robbins, Hawera.
Secretary – Mr J G Gilberd
Papers Past, Feilding Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 220, 13 March 1905, Page 2
AUCKLAND SENSATIONS. Telegraph. Press Association.
Copyright Auckland,
This Day.
A young man named William Liddle died in the hospital from the results of a bush felling accident at Poti.
A motor car, driven by two men (names unknown) collided with a horse, upsetting a trap and the occupants, Mr and Mrs Myles and family. Mrs Myles received a broken collar bone and fractured hip, and is in a rather serious condition. By a fire at Onehunga the school was destroyed, also the latrines, which had cost £50. The Brigade prevented the spread of the fire. Incendiarism is suspected.
The Masonic Hotel at Devonport had a marvellous escape from destruction by fire on Saturday night. A two-storey detached building was destroyed.
Search parties have been out since Thursday night for Elizabeth Peak, aged 27, daughter of John Peak, Newton. She was recently in a melancholy state. There is not the slightest clue to her whereabouts.
Papers Past, Observer, Volume XXVI, Issue 8, 11 November 1905, Page 7
That the question of water pressure will be a burning one at the next meeting of the Devonport Borough Council. Plenty of pressure when the garden hose is running, and none when the fire breaks out.
Fire Brigade Conference
(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION) DUNEDIN, March 8
The Fire Brigades Conference was resumed this evening. An Additional £10 was voted to the secretary for his assistance. After a vote of thanks, the annual meeting of the insurance society was held. The report stated that notwithstanding the unusually large number of claims there was a credit balance of £880 l0s 1d. The report was adopted.
The election of office bearers ranked:
President —Captain Strude’ Devonport.
Vice presidents—Lieut. Baler Gore and Mr Scantlebury, Reefton.
Treasurer – Captain Smith, Christchurch.
Trustee—Mr Robbins, Hawera.
Secretary – Mr J G Gilberd
Papers Past, Feilding Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 220, 13 March 1905, Page 2
AUCKLAND SENSATIONS. Telegraph. Press Association.
Copyright Auckland,
This Day.
A young man named William Liddle died in the hospital from the results of a bush felling accident at Poti.
A motor car, driven by two men (names unknown) collided with a horse, upsetting a trap and the occupants, Mr and Mrs Myles and family. Mrs Myles received a broken collar bone and fractured hip, and is in a rather serious condition. By a fire at Onehunga the school was destroyed, also the latrines, which had cost £50. The Brigade prevented the spread of the fire. Incendiarism is suspected.
The Masonic Hotel at Devonport had a marvellous escape from destruction by fire on Saturday night. A two-storey detached building was destroyed.
Search parties have been out since Thursday night for Elizabeth Peak, aged 27, daughter of John Peak, Newton. She was recently in a melancholy state. There is not the slightest clue to her whereabouts.
Papers Past, Observer, Volume XXVI, Issue 8, 11 November 1905, Page 7
That the question of water pressure will be a burning one at the next meeting of the Devonport Borough Council. Plenty of pressure when the garden hose is running, and none when the fire breaks out.
1904
Papers Past Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1116, January 1904, Page 7
The Association’s Accident Society
TE AROHA, January 28.
The annual meeting of the Fire Fire Brigades’ Association’s Accidents Society was held today.
The annual report stated- that 59 brigades were affiliated and the Society had, a total membership of 1156. The society has a credit balance or £875 5s 8d.
An appeal of the Napier brigade re a claim made by Foreman Gilberd was upheld.
Superintendent Phillips (Sumner) was elected president and Captain Strude (Devonport) and Captain Kivell (Startford) vice presidents.
The Association’s Accident Society
TE AROHA, January 28.
The annual meeting of the Fire Fire Brigades’ Association’s Accidents Society was held today.
The annual report stated- that 59 brigades were affiliated and the Society had, a total membership of 1156. The society has a credit balance or £875 5s 8d.
An appeal of the Napier brigade re a claim made by Foreman Gilberd was upheld.
Superintendent Phillips (Sumner) was elected president and Captain Strude (Devonport) and Captain Kivell (Startford) vice presidents.
1903
Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4400, 19 January 1903, Page 2
Fire AUCKLAND, Monday. —
About midnight last night a fire broke out in the coal shed attached to the engine room at the Calliope Dock, Devonport.
The flames secured a firm hold of the shed, which was completely destroyed, and threatened the pumping adjacent, but the brigade soon had the fire under control and completely extinguished.
The damage is estimated at about £50.
It is believed that the outbreak was due to the spontaneous combustion of the coal, although little was burnt.
Fire AUCKLAND, Monday. —
About midnight last night a fire broke out in the coal shed attached to the engine room at the Calliope Dock, Devonport.
The flames secured a firm hold of the shed, which was completely destroyed, and threatened the pumping adjacent, but the brigade soon had the fire under control and completely extinguished.
The damage is estimated at about £50.
It is believed that the outbreak was due to the spontaneous combustion of the coal, although little was burnt.
1901
Census this year as at 31 March in Devonport 3823.
Papers Past, Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10278, 2 March 1901, Page 1
Devonport participating in the coupling practice for two men with a time of penalty of 2 sec at 65sec
Papers Past, Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10278, 2 March 1901, Page 1
FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITIONS.
(Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 28. The Fire Brigade competitions opened at Lancaster Park this morning.Devonport participating in the coupling practice for two men with a time of penalty of 2 sec at 65sec
1900
By 1900 the first batch of 5 year medals were distributed, the brigades men having been sworn in the as fire police on the 10th of August 1895. The men signing in the original declaration were:
Matthew Keefe, Wm.G Harp, Ernest James, E.William Savage, John Scott, George Blandford, Geo.Strude, CS Cave, T Scott, Edward Howe and C Shaw.
Matthew Keefe, Wm.G Harp, Ernest James, E.William Savage, John Scott, George Blandford, Geo.Strude, CS Cave, T Scott, Edward Howe and C Shaw.
1899
Observer, Volume XVIII, Issue 1058, 8 April 1899, Page 3
That the Fire Brigade's demonstration and conference hold in Auckland last year cost the Association 432 pounds and an actual loss of 135 pounds.
Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 3913, 18 October 1899, Page 2,
Fire on a tug Auckland, this day. Early this morning a fire was discovered on board the Devonport Ferry Company’s tug-boat Durham berthed at Queen Street wharf.
The fire brigade succeeded in suppressing the outbreak before serious damage was done.
The fifth annual concert 2 shillings per couple?
That the Fire Brigade's demonstration and conference hold in Auckland last year cost the Association 432 pounds and an actual loss of 135 pounds.
Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 3913, 18 October 1899, Page 2,
Fire on a tug Auckland, this day. Early this morning a fire was discovered on board the Devonport Ferry Company’s tug-boat Durham berthed at Queen Street wharf.
The fire brigade succeeded in suppressing the outbreak before serious damage was done.
The fifth annual concert 2 shillings per couple?
1898
From 1895 to 1897 the fire brigade was quartered at the wharf but in 1898 Permanent headquarters were located in Kerr Street (near the school).
From the minutes of the Devonport Borough Council "General: the requisition from the fire brigade was passed, but it was decided to take no action regarding the cleaning of the gear, the council expresses the opinion this work should be done by the Fire Brigade.
Regarding the recent gorse fire on Mr Whites property on Calliope Road, the owner wrote stating he recognised the good work done by the foreman of works (Mr Savage) and the fire brigade and that the intended suitably recognising the labours of the later. It was decided to charge all expenses incurred to Mr White. "
Also in Feb a fire at Devonport on the properties of Messrs. J Boylan, and Edward Anderson.
On the 24th of September 1898 an advertisement appeared in the Observer giving preliminary notice of a Grand Benefit Concert for Mrs Dampier and Family who were in destitute circumstances which was under the patronage of a large number of organisations including the Devonport VFB, with the Concert being held at the Devonport Ferry Company. Quite a number of the local thespians gave freely of their time and talent.
1897
Papers Past, Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7285, 31 January 1887, Page 2
NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS
PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND, January 29.
The anniversary of the founding of New Zealand was celebrated to-day with great spirit. The regatta passed off successfully. The Arawata was flagship. The Champion Whaleboat Race was won by Waitemata by five lengths from North Shore. Nelson, who pulled gamely, was four lengths behind. A good race. An enormous crowd was on the shipping end of the wharf during the contest. The Naval Brigade Race was won by the Auckland Navals, with Devonport second. The Amateur Whaleboat Race was won by North Shore.
9th September "The third annual concert of the Devonport Fire Brigade was held in the Devonport Hall last night. There was a large audience among those present being the Mayor and councilors or Devonport, and several members of the Newmarket and Mount Eden fire Brigades. The programme was opened with an enjoyable selection by the Newmarket United Band. Miss Gelston was loudly encored for her singing of "The Old Brigade," and "The Kings Own," and thoroughly deserved the applause which greeted her efforts. Miss Oberg played a violio solo in good style, the bowing and execution being much admired. Miss Boylan contributed "Beauty's Eyes" and "Hansel and Lusie." Miss Ethel Cave, who took the place of Miss Best, who was unable to attend, was also well received, her vocal selections pleasing the audience. The other vocalists were: - Messrs. C. Williamson, P. J. Blackman, V. Ingham, and Phelham. Mr Doyle was deservedly applauded for his clever exhibition of Indian club swinging ; while Master Johnston danced a sword dance and Highland fling. Messrs. H. Fountain and A. E. Forster contributed banjo duets, and added considerably to the success of the entertainment. Mr A. Smith also received his due meed of applause for is recitations. Miss Lily Thomson made an efficient accompanist. During the evening Mr George Hill of the Devonport Torpedo Corps, was presented with a bronze medal and certificate of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for saving from drowning the daughter of Mr J. C. Spinley of Devonport. The presentation was made by the Mayor (Mr J. C. Macky) who, in a neat speech, referred to Mr. Hill's courageous act, and of the pleasure which it afforded him in handing Mr Hill a well deserved token of his bravery. Three hearty cheers were given for the recipient."
Devonport Borough Council scrap books ; v. 7 ; p.154
NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS
PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND, January 29.
The anniversary of the founding of New Zealand was celebrated to-day with great spirit. The regatta passed off successfully. The Arawata was flagship. The Champion Whaleboat Race was won by Waitemata by five lengths from North Shore. Nelson, who pulled gamely, was four lengths behind. A good race. An enormous crowd was on the shipping end of the wharf during the contest. The Naval Brigade Race was won by the Auckland Navals, with Devonport second. The Amateur Whaleboat Race was won by North Shore.
9th September "The third annual concert of the Devonport Fire Brigade was held in the Devonport Hall last night. There was a large audience among those present being the Mayor and councilors or Devonport, and several members of the Newmarket and Mount Eden fire Brigades. The programme was opened with an enjoyable selection by the Newmarket United Band. Miss Gelston was loudly encored for her singing of "The Old Brigade," and "The Kings Own," and thoroughly deserved the applause which greeted her efforts. Miss Oberg played a violio solo in good style, the bowing and execution being much admired. Miss Boylan contributed "Beauty's Eyes" and "Hansel and Lusie." Miss Ethel Cave, who took the place of Miss Best, who was unable to attend, was also well received, her vocal selections pleasing the audience. The other vocalists were: - Messrs. C. Williamson, P. J. Blackman, V. Ingham, and Phelham. Mr Doyle was deservedly applauded for his clever exhibition of Indian club swinging ; while Master Johnston danced a sword dance and Highland fling. Messrs. H. Fountain and A. E. Forster contributed banjo duets, and added considerably to the success of the entertainment. Mr A. Smith also received his due meed of applause for is recitations. Miss Lily Thomson made an efficient accompanist. During the evening Mr George Hill of the Devonport Torpedo Corps, was presented with a bronze medal and certificate of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for saving from drowning the daughter of Mr J. C. Spinley of Devonport. The presentation was made by the Mayor (Mr J. C. Macky) who, in a neat speech, referred to Mr. Hill's courageous act, and of the pleasure which it afforded him in handing Mr Hill a well deserved token of his bravery. Three hearty cheers were given for the recipient."
Devonport Borough Council scrap books ; v. 7 ; p.154
Monday, June 8, 2009
1896
Papers Past, Star, 6 March 1896, Page 2
FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION.
The arrangements for the annual demonstration and competition of the New Zealand Fire Brigades, which will take place in Christchurch next week, are now completed. Several of the northern representatives have already arrived, and it is expected that all the outside brigades, numbering some 370 representatives, will be here by Saturday. Arrangements have been made by the General Committee for the accommodation of the visitors at the different hotels in town. The proceedings will commence with a church parade of all the brigades at St Paul's Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Sunday, In the afternoon the visitors will be taken to New Brighton and Sumner, the various tramway companies having offered to carry them free of charge. The Sumner Fire Brigade has undertaken to provide afternoon tea for those who visit this seaside resort. The annual conference will open at the Caledonian Society's rooms in Hereford Street on Monday, when the visitors will be welcomed by the Mayor of Christchurch, and in the evening they will be entertained at a smoke concert at the Working Men's . Club, of which the whole of the visitors have been made honorary members during their stay. On Tuesday morning the conference will be resumed, and in the evening those who belong to the Masonic fraternity will be entertained by the ' members of the St Augustine Lodge. On Wednesday morning there will be a cricket picnic at Lancaster Park, and in the evening the United Brigades will give a water display. On Thursday the competition will commence at Lancaster Park, and in the evening there will be a torchlight boating excursion to Dallington, where refreshments will be provided and a display of fireworks will take place. On Friday the competition will be continued, and in the evening a banquet will be held at the Art Gallery, when the prizes won will be distributed.
Amongst the items at the competition will be a one-man manual engine (dry) event; a hose, hydrant and union competition for five men ; ladder rescue competition for five men ; manual engine competition for five men; bicycle, hose and hydrant competition for two men; hose reel flat competition for five men ; coupling practice for two men ; hose and ladder competition for two men; hose and hydrant competition for three men; ambulance work for teams of five men ; and a 250 yds race in working uniform.
A meeting of the members of the Christchurch Fire Brigade was held last night, Superintendent Smith in the chair. A detachment was told off to meet the members of visiting brigades at the railway station on Saturday evening, with a drag, for the purpose of driving them to their hotels. Other detachments were appointed to look after the general welfare of the visitors during their stay. It was decided to invite all ex-members of the brigade to attend the church parade on Sunday morning.
Superintendent Smith was elected delegate to represent the brigade at the annual conference of the United Fire Brigades' Association. [Per Press Association] AUCKLAND, March 5.
The Auckland Fire Brigade will be represented at the conference by Foreman Gladding, the Eden Terrace Brigade by Captain Butler, and Mount Eden Brigade by Firemen Champion and A. Dunn. Fireman Bowler will represent the Devonport Fire Brigade. The Mount Eden Brigade also intends sending down a team, consisting of Messrs Champion, Cowan, Vincent aud Swiinan, to participate in the general competitions. The members left for Lyttelton to-day by the Mahinapua, from Onehunga.
FIRE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION.
The arrangements for the annual demonstration and competition of the New Zealand Fire Brigades, which will take place in Christchurch next week, are now completed. Several of the northern representatives have already arrived, and it is expected that all the outside brigades, numbering some 370 representatives, will be here by Saturday. Arrangements have been made by the General Committee for the accommodation of the visitors at the different hotels in town. The proceedings will commence with a church parade of all the brigades at St Paul's Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Sunday, In the afternoon the visitors will be taken to New Brighton and Sumner, the various tramway companies having offered to carry them free of charge. The Sumner Fire Brigade has undertaken to provide afternoon tea for those who visit this seaside resort. The annual conference will open at the Caledonian Society's rooms in Hereford Street on Monday, when the visitors will be welcomed by the Mayor of Christchurch, and in the evening they will be entertained at a smoke concert at the Working Men's . Club, of which the whole of the visitors have been made honorary members during their stay. On Tuesday morning the conference will be resumed, and in the evening those who belong to the Masonic fraternity will be entertained by the ' members of the St Augustine Lodge. On Wednesday morning there will be a cricket picnic at Lancaster Park, and in the evening the United Brigades will give a water display. On Thursday the competition will commence at Lancaster Park, and in the evening there will be a torchlight boating excursion to Dallington, where refreshments will be provided and a display of fireworks will take place. On Friday the competition will be continued, and in the evening a banquet will be held at the Art Gallery, when the prizes won will be distributed.
Amongst the items at the competition will be a one-man manual engine (dry) event; a hose, hydrant and union competition for five men ; ladder rescue competition for five men ; manual engine competition for five men; bicycle, hose and hydrant competition for two men; hose reel flat competition for five men ; coupling practice for two men ; hose and ladder competition for two men; hose and hydrant competition for three men; ambulance work for teams of five men ; and a 250 yds race in working uniform.
A meeting of the members of the Christchurch Fire Brigade was held last night, Superintendent Smith in the chair. A detachment was told off to meet the members of visiting brigades at the railway station on Saturday evening, with a drag, for the purpose of driving them to their hotels. Other detachments were appointed to look after the general welfare of the visitors during their stay. It was decided to invite all ex-members of the brigade to attend the church parade on Sunday morning.
Superintendent Smith was elected delegate to represent the brigade at the annual conference of the United Fire Brigades' Association. [Per Press Association] AUCKLAND, March 5.
The Auckland Fire Brigade will be represented at the conference by Foreman Gladding, the Eden Terrace Brigade by Captain Butler, and Mount Eden Brigade by Firemen Champion and A. Dunn. Fireman Bowler will represent the Devonport Fire Brigade. The Mount Eden Brigade also intends sending down a team, consisting of Messrs Champion, Cowan, Vincent aud Swiinan, to participate in the general competitions. The members left for Lyttelton to-day by the Mahinapua, from Onehunga.
1895
On the 4th of February 1895 the Mayor of Devonport asked Colonel Goring to form a volunteer corps.
at a meeting at which 30 men attended Colonel Goring urged the forming of a volunteer corps, an after discussion the matter was adjourned for a time. On the motion of Mr Allison (the Mayor) [1890-1895] it was the resolved to form a fire brigade and ten men handed in their names.
A committee to assist was formed being Messrs R Duder, J Mays, D Shaw, R Wynyard and J.C Spinley.
Taranaki Herald, Volume XKIV, Issue 10288, 22 April 1895, Page 2
FIRE AT DEVONPORT
COTTAGE DESTROYED.
AN alarm of fire was given at 5.15 a.m. this ( morning, the locality of the outbreak being in Bulkeley Terrace, near the Morley-street goods shed. The Fire Brigade promptly responded to the call, but as the cottage was small and some distance from the water main, their efforts were unavailing. The cottage, a two-roomed structure, was owned by Mr A. Kyndon, and occupied by Mr T. Kyle and his wife. Mr Kyle is away at Hawera, and the only occupant of the cottage was Mrs Kyle, who stated that she retired to bed about 8.30 o’clock on Sunday night, and was disturbed by the crackling of fire about 5 am., when she discovered the woodwork round the mantelpiece to be onfire. Mrs Kyle had barely time to escape. The furniture, which was valued at £10, was all destroyed. The house was valued at £12. There was no insurance.
Developments fairly sprang ahead and in May a reel was delivered to the fire station, and 77 pounds worth of appliances purchased.
In June a 3 cwt bell to cost $30 was ordered and an equipment of helmets, axes etc.
In July one doz uniforms were ordered, to cost $43 2s.
By October rules for the brigade had been adopted. The brass badges for the brigade were designed by Mr Lyell (Lisel) pumping station engineer. It was proposed that the old Naval Shed on the Reserve at the head of the Wharf be used as a fire station as possession of it was given by the Harbour Board in September.
The first public appearance of the new brigade was rather unfortunate, the first fire in their term was in October at Mr Patterson's house. The hose reel was locked in the fire brigade shed, and the key could not be found: a bucket brigade had to be formed. It was also found that the firebells were defective - one being cracked.
25th October
"About three o'clock this morning a ten room dwelling house near North Head Devonport, caught fire and was burned to the ground, property being destroyed to the value of nearly 1000 pound. The home as in the occupation of the owner, Mr George Walker, employed in Messrs. Macky Logan's in Victoria Street, who together with his wife and family, had a very narrow escape. According to Mr Walker's statement, when he retired last night about midnight, there was no appearance of fire of any kind about the place, the fire in the grates having gone out. Before going to bed he was smoking for a while in the dining - room, but he cannot say whether he dropped the match he lit his pipe with on the floor or not. He was awakened by the smell of smoke about 2.45a.m. and he then found the room full of smoke, and the front portion of the house all in flames. His wife and children and himself had to escape through a window in their night clothes.
The firebell was rung but owing it is said, to the bell being cracked, and probably also to the strong wind blowing at the time, very few of the fire brigade heard the alarm, the consequences being that it was some time before the brigade put in an appearance. In the meantime a number of residents kept the flames from doing any damage to the adjoining buildings by means of buckets of water. When the brigade arrived however, all danger of any other buildings being destroyed was quickly removed, the fine water supply which the borough possesses being of utmost inestimable assistance. As for Mr Walkers building, there was no hope from the first as the fire had too big a hold when discovered."
Devonport Council Scrapbooks
The fire brigade would surely have taken exception to the paper intimating they arrived too late and a letter to the editor appeared on the 28th of October.
"Sir - In the Herald account of the fire at Mr Geo. Walker's home on Friday morning, you say that the Fire Brigade did not take up the alarm speedily. This, I think is a mistake, as I understand from those well able to judge that the alarm was taken up very quickly. When you consider that the engine-house is in the centre of Devonport and the fire broke out at the North Head, the time taken by the men from the time the alarm was given till they reached the fire was only fifteen minutes, great credit was due to all. Had there not been a brigade the houses each side would have gone too. I am, etc. R. A. Butler"
Devonport Council Scrapbooks
Good on Mr Butler the volunteers must have been pleased that someone in the community supported their efforts, especially when you think that they would also have had to carry their equipment on that mad dash to Cheltenham.
Mr Geo Strude, captain of the brigade was appointed fire inspector in October shortly after the first fire.
After what seems to be a fairly rocky start for the new brigade in November the brigade held a wet practice for the inspection of insurance inspectors and all went well, which must have been a great relief, for the council as well as the Captain of the Brigade.
Observer, Volume XV, Issue 880, 2 November 1895, Page 3
That some members of the Devonport Fire Brigade are so zealous that they make a practice of sleeping in their uniform. It wants the Lieutenant from the fort on the job.
1894
In 1894 a water supply had been installed in the borough and The mayor E.W.Alison moved to improve the service. At a public meeting ten men volunteered to become brigadesmen. It is of interest to note, that at the celebration of the water supply being turned on it was the Ponsonby brigade that turned on a water display with their pumps and hoses. Devonport had no such equipment.
Rod Cornelius from Rods Rambles in the Flagstaff 20 June 2001
Observer, Volume XV, Issue 816, 18 August 1894, Page 10
Cold Water
DEVONPORT AND ITS LIQUOR
Last Saturday was a proud day for the Mayor and. Councilors of the borough of Devonport. Their waterworks were opened on that day, and the borough felt like a dog with new tin tail in consequence. Devonport spread itself for the occasion, and no ancient Roman who threw out chest as he informed the world that he was a Roman citizen, was more proud than the ratepayer who informed you with a lordly air that he ‘belonged to Devonport'. Mayor and Councilors had certainly worked hard to bring the waterworks scheme to a fitting climax. Triumphal arches, gorgeous flags, brass bands playing, crowds gathering, pretty girls and balmy skies all helped to make a success of the 'opening of our new waterworks.’ There was only one thing wanting: the Reverend Cold Water Isitt should have been there to lend his patronage and his protecting aegis to the function. The opening of a water- works is something which no teetotaller should miss on any account, any more than a brewer should forget to attend the opening of a new grog-mill. Wells Isitt wasn’t there, mores the pity. Devonport revelled in cold water that Saturday. It was the wettest day the North Shore has had since last Takapuna races.
The Council had invited numerous guests for the occasion, and these representative citizens including the inevitable OBSERVER man, were taken for a drive, a la football teams, in brakes, out to view the new pumping station on the shores of Lake Takapuna. Fears had been entertained by the ‘aughty haristocrats who own the Lake, or talk as if they did, that the thirsty Shore people would drain Takapuna Roto dry. The Devonport people, however, though they are well known as very thirsty souls, prefer to adulterate their water with a little of something else; anyhow, it has been shown that the water which North Shore would take a year to drink would be covered twenty times over by the annual rainfall on the surface of the Lake alone. So the potentates who go down to measure the Lake level with a foot-rule, may rest assured that the little pond won’t run dry just yet. The visitors duly inspected the pumping station, and after explaining nonchalantly to each other the intricacies of the machinery—of which they knew about as much as Oliver Mays does of Sanscrit— they were again packed into their brakes and driven to Devonport where they were received by a huzzaing crowd—they, the crowd, didn’t huzza, it only laughed and asked if the procession was drunk yet.
The Mayor, Alison, ye ken, now lifted up his voice and spoke unto the people. He made some sage remarks about the value of water to wash in, to flush drains with and other things—not to drink, fortunately—and then, amidst the braying band and the squeals of approbation from the small boys, he turned on the water. Devonport at last had a real water supply of its very own! Happy Devonport! Then some fire-brigade men, borrowed for the occasion from a suburban borough, [Ponsonby] came along in their coal-scuttle helmets, and began to squirt water with their hose promiscuously over a considerable portion of the borough. A photo-fiend was cold bloodedly taking snap-shots of the function from the top of a shop verandah. The fire brigade simply turned the hose on the verandah, and the unfortunate photographer disappeared. He is now offering a reward for his camera, lost in a flood at the North Shore.
The Mayor had announced ‘that there would be jets afterwards’. There ‘were jets’ with a vengeance, but not the sort of jets Alison expected. Without a word of warning or so much as saying by your leave, ladies and gentlemen, a regular geyser burst under the feet of the assembled multitude, and rose higher and higher in the air until it was as high as Rangitoto, or the Council Chambers, or thereabouts. A water-pipe had busted, probably owing to the extra potency of the Takapuna water (they say there’s whisky in it), and the result was that a small lake had gone into the air before the spectators recovered from their surprise. Oo-o-h! yelled the small boys. How pretty! screamed the girls. Turncock said several words, but we will let them be missing. Oliver Mays—our friend Oliver—rubbed his hands with glee. He’d always opposed that waterworks scheme; - he always prophesied no good would come of it; dirty rain-water was good enough for North Shore; it was tempting Providence and King William the Third to go in for too much cold water, specially from Takapuna, and there now, see what came of it. I told you so, said he, as be surveyed the geyser and the hole in the road. Oliver’s triumph was short-lived, however. The water was turned off by the time main street – was a small lake of Takapuna water, and Councilors and guests went into Council Chambers to feed and speechify.
The spread was a splendid one, and so were the pleasing fables the feasters told about each other when they came to toasts. They toasted pretty well everyone under the sun, themselves included, and all agreed that the waterworks opening had gone off without a hitch. Then they made speeches at each other and everyone told everyone else what a splendid fellow he was and how the credit of the waterworks - rested on him alone. When they praised up the water—just as if they were as good judges of water as they were of - whisky and of racehorses; and they drank to each other’s health—not in water— and they sang ‘He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ until Gerald Peacock got up to make a speech—and then they all thought it was time to go home. So they dispersed, sober but happy.
The OBSERVER hopes that now Devonport has its waterworks it will become an eminently sober community, and that its newly-made acquaintance with cold water will be a red letter day in its progress towards temperance. At the same time Takapuna water should be taken with just a little microbe killer in it—for the stomachs sake.
Papers Past, Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7155, 12 December 1894
Devonport Water Supply
In this time of drought, when the need of a water supply is being so severely felt, it is interesting to note what has been done in the little Borough of Devonport near Auckland. A well-informed correspondent writes to a contemporary stating: “Devonport was very dull for several years but since the water supply, is going ahead fast. Houses are going up all round an property generally has considerably increased in value.” He goes on to say that the waterworks have brought down the fire insurance premiums by nearly one half. The water is supplied from a lake three and three-quarter miles in distance from the borough, and the scheme is a pumping one.
The Devonport water works loan is £15,000 at 5 per cent., with ¼ per cent. sinking fund, which is estimated to extinguish the debt in fifty years. The ratepayers pay a special rate of 9d in the L which is expected to be reduced within five years to 4½d. The works now constructed have cost about £15,000, and from start to finish have been completed by Mr Metcalf the engineer, without delay, slip or mistake. There was not a shilling of extras in any contract made for the work. After the works were finished the Mayor publicly stated that there had not been a single blunder from beginning to end. Respecting the cost of the works the following details may be of interest; Contract No 1, pipes and material, £5,810; contract No. 2, pumps, boilers and machinery, £1,485; contract No. :3, construction, £4,138 5s 6d. The other main items of expenditure were interest and sinking fund for first year, £900; Engineer, £600; land and buildings, £686; and Inspector, £200. At the opening ceremony in August last a local fire brigade threw five jets of water over the highest buildings in the place.
The charges to householders for the use of water are as follow :—Ten shillings per annum on properties not exceeding £12 10s on the valuation roll, five per cent. on higher valuations up to £100, and four per cent. above that limit. One half of these rates is charged to non-consumers situate within 100 yards from the mains; manufacturers and others by meter, 1s per 1000 gallons; gardens, 20s per annum. But these rates are in the main based on the limits prescribed in the Municipal Act, and are common to all towns enjoying a water supply.
100 feet of hose, 2 1/2 inch size, 22 pairs of couplings and one 3 way piece were ordered.
In December 1894 the Mayor (Mr Alison) bought forward the matter of forming a fire brigade and volunteer corps. Were the Hook and Ladder brigade paid?
Rod Cornelius from Rods Rambles in the Flagstaff 20 June 2001
Observer, Volume XV, Issue 816, 18 August 1894, Page 10
Cold Water
DEVONPORT AND ITS LIQUOR
Last Saturday was a proud day for the Mayor and. Councilors of the borough of Devonport. Their waterworks were opened on that day, and the borough felt like a dog with new tin tail in consequence. Devonport spread itself for the occasion, and no ancient Roman who threw out chest as he informed the world that he was a Roman citizen, was more proud than the ratepayer who informed you with a lordly air that he ‘belonged to Devonport'. Mayor and Councilors had certainly worked hard to bring the waterworks scheme to a fitting climax. Triumphal arches, gorgeous flags, brass bands playing, crowds gathering, pretty girls and balmy skies all helped to make a success of the 'opening of our new waterworks.’ There was only one thing wanting: the Reverend Cold Water Isitt should have been there to lend his patronage and his protecting aegis to the function. The opening of a water- works is something which no teetotaller should miss on any account, any more than a brewer should forget to attend the opening of a new grog-mill. Wells Isitt wasn’t there, mores the pity. Devonport revelled in cold water that Saturday. It was the wettest day the North Shore has had since last Takapuna races.
The Council had invited numerous guests for the occasion, and these representative citizens including the inevitable OBSERVER man, were taken for a drive, a la football teams, in brakes, out to view the new pumping station on the shores of Lake Takapuna. Fears had been entertained by the ‘aughty haristocrats who own the Lake, or talk as if they did, that the thirsty Shore people would drain Takapuna Roto dry. The Devonport people, however, though they are well known as very thirsty souls, prefer to adulterate their water with a little of something else; anyhow, it has been shown that the water which North Shore would take a year to drink would be covered twenty times over by the annual rainfall on the surface of the Lake alone. So the potentates who go down to measure the Lake level with a foot-rule, may rest assured that the little pond won’t run dry just yet. The visitors duly inspected the pumping station, and after explaining nonchalantly to each other the intricacies of the machinery—of which they knew about as much as Oliver Mays does of Sanscrit— they were again packed into their brakes and driven to Devonport where they were received by a huzzaing crowd—they, the crowd, didn’t huzza, it only laughed and asked if the procession was drunk yet.
The Mayor, Alison, ye ken, now lifted up his voice and spoke unto the people. He made some sage remarks about the value of water to wash in, to flush drains with and other things—not to drink, fortunately—and then, amidst the braying band and the squeals of approbation from the small boys, he turned on the water. Devonport at last had a real water supply of its very own! Happy Devonport! Then some fire-brigade men, borrowed for the occasion from a suburban borough, [Ponsonby] came along in their coal-scuttle helmets, and began to squirt water with their hose promiscuously over a considerable portion of the borough. A photo-fiend was cold bloodedly taking snap-shots of the function from the top of a shop verandah. The fire brigade simply turned the hose on the verandah, and the unfortunate photographer disappeared. He is now offering a reward for his camera, lost in a flood at the North Shore.
The Mayor had announced ‘that there would be jets afterwards’. There ‘were jets’ with a vengeance, but not the sort of jets Alison expected. Without a word of warning or so much as saying by your leave, ladies and gentlemen, a regular geyser burst under the feet of the assembled multitude, and rose higher and higher in the air until it was as high as Rangitoto, or the Council Chambers, or thereabouts. A water-pipe had busted, probably owing to the extra potency of the Takapuna water (they say there’s whisky in it), and the result was that a small lake had gone into the air before the spectators recovered from their surprise. Oo-o-h! yelled the small boys. How pretty! screamed the girls. Turncock said several words, but we will let them be missing. Oliver Mays—our friend Oliver—rubbed his hands with glee. He’d always opposed that waterworks scheme; - he always prophesied no good would come of it; dirty rain-water was good enough for North Shore; it was tempting Providence and King William the Third to go in for too much cold water, specially from Takapuna, and there now, see what came of it. I told you so, said he, as be surveyed the geyser and the hole in the road. Oliver’s triumph was short-lived, however. The water was turned off by the time main street – was a small lake of Takapuna water, and Councilors and guests went into Council Chambers to feed and speechify.
The spread was a splendid one, and so were the pleasing fables the feasters told about each other when they came to toasts. They toasted pretty well everyone under the sun, themselves included, and all agreed that the waterworks opening had gone off without a hitch. Then they made speeches at each other and everyone told everyone else what a splendid fellow he was and how the credit of the waterworks - rested on him alone. When they praised up the water—just as if they were as good judges of water as they were of - whisky and of racehorses; and they drank to each other’s health—not in water— and they sang ‘He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ until Gerald Peacock got up to make a speech—and then they all thought it was time to go home. So they dispersed, sober but happy.
The OBSERVER hopes that now Devonport has its waterworks it will become an eminently sober community, and that its newly-made acquaintance with cold water will be a red letter day in its progress towards temperance. At the same time Takapuna water should be taken with just a little microbe killer in it—for the stomachs sake.
Papers Past, Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7155, 12 December 1894
Devonport Water Supply
In this time of drought, when the need of a water supply is being so severely felt, it is interesting to note what has been done in the little Borough of Devonport near Auckland. A well-informed correspondent writes to a contemporary stating: “Devonport was very dull for several years but since the water supply, is going ahead fast. Houses are going up all round an property generally has considerably increased in value.” He goes on to say that the waterworks have brought down the fire insurance premiums by nearly one half. The water is supplied from a lake three and three-quarter miles in distance from the borough, and the scheme is a pumping one.
The Devonport water works loan is £15,000 at 5 per cent., with ¼ per cent. sinking fund, which is estimated to extinguish the debt in fifty years. The ratepayers pay a special rate of 9d in the L which is expected to be reduced within five years to 4½d. The works now constructed have cost about £15,000, and from start to finish have been completed by Mr Metcalf the engineer, without delay, slip or mistake. There was not a shilling of extras in any contract made for the work. After the works were finished the Mayor publicly stated that there had not been a single blunder from beginning to end. Respecting the cost of the works the following details may be of interest; Contract No 1, pipes and material, £5,810; contract No. 2, pumps, boilers and machinery, £1,485; contract No. :3, construction, £4,138 5s 6d. The other main items of expenditure were interest and sinking fund for first year, £900; Engineer, £600; land and buildings, £686; and Inspector, £200. At the opening ceremony in August last a local fire brigade threw five jets of water over the highest buildings in the place.
The charges to householders for the use of water are as follow :—Ten shillings per annum on properties not exceeding £12 10s on the valuation roll, five per cent. on higher valuations up to £100, and four per cent. above that limit. One half of these rates is charged to non-consumers situate within 100 yards from the mains; manufacturers and others by meter, 1s per 1000 gallons; gardens, 20s per annum. But these rates are in the main based on the limits prescribed in the Municipal Act, and are common to all towns enjoying a water supply.
100 feet of hose, 2 1/2 inch size, 22 pairs of couplings and one 3 way piece were ordered.
In December 1894 the Mayor (Mr Alison) bought forward the matter of forming a fire brigade and volunteer corps. Were the Hook and Ladder brigade paid?
1892
Papers Past, Marlborough Express, Volume XXVIII, Issue 15, 19 January 1892, Page 2
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.
The Bruce Herald wants to know why Bishop Julius should want to preach to Fire Brigades— (as he did a week ago). "It is his duty to talk to people about one place where fire brigades are not wanted, and another where they would be useless, as the fires are unquenchable.'"
Truly and totally bizzare!
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.
The Bruce Herald wants to know why Bishop Julius should want to preach to Fire Brigades— (as he did a week ago). "It is his duty to talk to people about one place where fire brigades are not wanted, and another where they would be useless, as the fires are unquenchable.'"
Truly and totally bizzare!
1889
In May 1889 Mr Fulljames became fire inspector and the member of the brigade were sworn in as fire police.
August 16th a Concert was organised.
August 16th a Concert was organised.
1888
In 1888 the biggest fire in Devonport's history gutted nine shops in Victoria road, and seven dwellings. It was thought to have been deliberately started by a shopkeeper for reasons unknown. The 'hook and ladder' brigade, formed in 1885, could do little to prevent the fire from spreading, but Patterson's big stables were saved. The fire proved very expensive for local businessmen, as insurances did little to cover the costs. The newly constituted local Council made a law that henceforth only brick or concrete buildings could be built in the business area of Devonport and the Devonport Fire Brigade was formed.
North Shore Times Advertiser. 18th November 1974; p.24
The original commercial area that occupied the western side of Marine Square stretched north from the wharf to Clarence Street. Originally the buildings were of wooden construction, containing both shops and dwellings. Some of the commercial premises were houses whose fronts had been modified to form shops. These early businesses were typically those services essential to any small community and included for example, drapers, bootmakers, fruiterers, grocers, plumbers, tobacconist, blacksmiths and stationers.
In February 1888 a large portion of the block was destroyed by fire but one that did survive was the two-storey brick building erected for Oliver Mays around 1882. This is now the Jack Scott arcade .
It was reported in the Auckland paper as follows:
THE FIRE FIEND RAGES ON VICTORIA ROAD. The biggest “blaze” recorded in Devonport occurred in the early hours of February 19 1888 and destroyed the business block on Victoria Road from about the location of Messes Gee and Beck’s shop on the corner of Clarence Street. Nine shops and seven dwellings were completely wiped out and the premises at either end of the scene of destruction were badly scorched. The fire broke out in the tobacconist’s shop of Mr Alixis Geath and spread north and south; a heavy rain had fallen just prior to the outbreak and possibly delayed the spread of flames. The alarm was given by Mrs McGuiness who ran to the Pattersons and Mrs Patterson rang the fire bell and aroused the people in the adjourning property thus saving the lives of some who were asleep. Many buildings and businesses were destroyed. Patterson’s block where the fire started contained eleven rooms. The next building, John Jervis the grocer had seventeen rooms. Two buildings destroyed belonged to Oliver Mays and one partially destroyed on the corner of Clarence Street belonged to Mr Buchanan.
Shops destroyed were Mrs McInnes, Dressmaker; Alixis Geath, Tobacconist; James Holmes, Fruiterer; H E Fenton, Draper; Mrs Tye, Fruiterer; Frank Baker, Bootshop; John Jervis, Grocer; Groombridge Robinson, Bootmaker; H Lennard, Fruitshop; Spinley Stationer; Spinley and Howell, Plumbers; Cogan, Blacksmith. The estimated loss was 8000 pounds. They were insured along with stock for only about 1600 pounds.
The Oliver Mays Building which was built in 1882, survived because it had brick side walls. This stopped the fire reaching two shops and the large wooden structure of the Flagstaff Hotel (replaced by the Esplanade in 1904). In the midst of the conflagration the horses in Paterson’s Stables were turned loose…..Paterson’s big stables were saved by the efforts of the bucket brigade, assisted by the fortunate fact that the stables had an iron roof.
As a result of the fire the Council required all buildings being replaced to be of fire proof construction ie brick masonry. The area became popularly referred to as the “Brick area”.
Rod Cornelius from Rods Rambles in the Flagstaff 12 Sept 2000
The provincial New Zealand papers nationwide reported extensively on what must have been a horrendous setback for the township of Devonport as follows: -
Papers Past, Poverty Bay Herald, Vol XV, Issue 5098, 20 February 1888, Page 2
GREAT FIRE AT NORTH SHORE
A STREET BURNED DOWN.
Auckland to-day
About 4 o’clock on Sunday morning a destructive fire occurred at Devonport, devastating nearly the whole of Victoria street. The fire originated in the premises of Grath, tobacconist, and extended till destroyed the houses and shops occupied by Amos Holmes, Mrs Mclnnes (drugs maker), Jervie (draper), Robinson (bootmaker), Leonard (printer), Coogan (blacksmith), Tye (Fruiterer), Frank Baker (shoemaker), and an empty shop and house. The following are the insurances on the buildings destroyed:- £700 in the Royal, £510 in. the Equitable, and £300 the National. One cottage was uninsured. All those were wooden buildings. Oliver May’s brick block adjoining, which was slightly damaged, was insured for £1500 in the New Zealand, but the stock, which was mostly destroyed, was not insured. Fenton’s drapery was valued at £1200 The buildings destroyed were owned by James May, John Jervis, John Patterson, William. Buchanan, and Mrs Davis. The want of a water supply was very much felt. The loss greatly exceeds the insurance.
Also in the Poverty Bay Herald an item of interest to those who take pleasure in explosives!
It is stated that Herr Krupp offered two million marks for the secret of the new explosive invented by the Russian engineer Rouckteshell. This the inventor refused having entered into an agreement with the Russian Government
Papers Past - Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1859, 20th February 1888, Page 3
Great fire at Devonport.
(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION)
AUCKLAND February 20.
At about 4 o’clock on Sunday morning, a destructive fire occurred at Devonport, devastating nearly the whole of Victoria street. It originated In the premises of Geth, a tobacconist, and extended till it destroyed houses and shops occupied by Amos Holms; Mrs. McInnes, dressmaker; Jervis, draper; Robinson, bootmaker; Leonard, painter; Cogan blacksmith; Tye, fruiterer; Frank Baker, shoemaker; also the Empire shop and house. Insurances on buildings destroyed : £700 Royal, £500 Equitable, £800 National; one cottage uninsured. All these were wooden buildings. Oliver May’s brick block, adjoining, which was slightly damaged, was insured for £1500 in the New Zealand. The stocks, which were mostly destroyed, were not insured, Jervis’ drapery, valued at £1200. The builds loge destroyed were owned by Jas. May, J.Jervis, John Patterson, W.Buchanan, and Mrs. Davis. The want of a water supply was very much felt. The loss greatly exceeds insurances.
Papers Past, Malborough Express Volume XXIV, Issue 41, 21 February 1888, Page 3
AN AUCKLAND SUBURB GUTTED.
(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION,)
Auckland Feb 20.
About four o’clock on Sunday morning a destructive fir occurred at Devonport, devastating nearly the whole of Victoria street The fire originated in the premises of Geath, tobaccobist, and extended till it destroyed the houses and shops occupied byAmos Holmes, Mrs Mclnnes (dress maker) Jervis (draper), Robinson (bootmaker) Leonard (printer), Coogan (black smith), Tye (fruiterer), Frank (baker), a shoemaker, and also an empty shop and house. Insurances on buildings destroyed : £700, Royal; £600, Equitable; £300. National. One cottage was uninsured.
Al these were wooden buildings. Oliver May’s brick block, adjoining,. which was slightly damaged, was insured for £1,500 in the New Zealand The stocks, which were mostly destroyed, were not insured. Fenton’s drapery was valued at £1,200. The buildings destroyed were owned by James Mays, John Jervis, John Patterson, William Buchanan, and Mrs Davis. The want of a water supply was very much felt. The loss greatly exceeds the insurances.
Papers Past, Bay Of Plenty Times, Volume XV, Issue 2246, 20 February 1988, Page 2
NINE HOUSES BURNED.
An extensive fire occurred at Devonport early on Sunday morning; it broke out in. a house in Victoria Road, belonging to John Patterson, and made a clean sweep of it, and premises of Mr A. Gaeth, barber, Mrs McGinins, dressmaker, James Holmes, A. E. Fenton, draper, Mrs Tye, fruiterer, Frank Baker, bootmaker,. and four shops owned by John Jervis, and occupied by himself, and G. Robinson, bootmaker, 3. A. Leanold, fruiterer, also the blacksmith shop of John Boylan. Here the fire was checked from further extension, nine houses and shops having succumbed to it.
In 1888 the brigade asked for another firebell to be erected (at Melrose) and a little later complained that the bells were too small for the purpose. The Council decided to purchase bigger bells, a steel one was later purchased, and in December 1888 the Council moved to take over control of the fire brigade appliances and 10 pound liabilities that the brigade had incurred.
Someone who could not possibly been involved in the Great Fire
Papers Past Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8091, 7 February 1888, Page 3
NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS. [PERl UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. TOWN CLERK OF DEVONPORT MISSING. Gabriel lHealy, the Town Clerk of Devonport, has been missing since Friday night. His hat and stick were found in the ferry waiting-room. The harbour has been dragged without result. It is believed he has gone to Fiji. Domestic troubles are the cause. His books are all right.
Which must have been a great relief for the Devonport Councilors.
North Shore Times Advertiser. 18th November 1974; p.24
The original commercial area that occupied the western side of Marine Square stretched north from the wharf to Clarence Street. Originally the buildings were of wooden construction, containing both shops and dwellings. Some of the commercial premises were houses whose fronts had been modified to form shops. These early businesses were typically those services essential to any small community and included for example, drapers, bootmakers, fruiterers, grocers, plumbers, tobacconist, blacksmiths and stationers.
In February 1888 a large portion of the block was destroyed by fire but one that did survive was the two-storey brick building erected for Oliver Mays around 1882. This is now the Jack Scott arcade .
It was reported in the Auckland paper as follows:
THE FIRE FIEND RAGES ON VICTORIA ROAD. The biggest “blaze” recorded in Devonport occurred in the early hours of February 19 1888 and destroyed the business block on Victoria Road from about the location of Messes Gee and Beck’s shop on the corner of Clarence Street. Nine shops and seven dwellings were completely wiped out and the premises at either end of the scene of destruction were badly scorched. The fire broke out in the tobacconist’s shop of Mr Alixis Geath and spread north and south; a heavy rain had fallen just prior to the outbreak and possibly delayed the spread of flames. The alarm was given by Mrs McGuiness who ran to the Pattersons and Mrs Patterson rang the fire bell and aroused the people in the adjourning property thus saving the lives of some who were asleep. Many buildings and businesses were destroyed. Patterson’s block where the fire started contained eleven rooms. The next building, John Jervis the grocer had seventeen rooms. Two buildings destroyed belonged to Oliver Mays and one partially destroyed on the corner of Clarence Street belonged to Mr Buchanan.
Shops destroyed were Mrs McInnes, Dressmaker; Alixis Geath, Tobacconist; James Holmes, Fruiterer; H E Fenton, Draper; Mrs Tye, Fruiterer; Frank Baker, Bootshop; John Jervis, Grocer; Groombridge Robinson, Bootmaker; H Lennard, Fruitshop; Spinley Stationer; Spinley and Howell, Plumbers; Cogan, Blacksmith. The estimated loss was 8000 pounds. They were insured along with stock for only about 1600 pounds.
The Oliver Mays Building which was built in 1882, survived because it had brick side walls. This stopped the fire reaching two shops and the large wooden structure of the Flagstaff Hotel (replaced by the Esplanade in 1904). In the midst of the conflagration the horses in Paterson’s Stables were turned loose…..Paterson’s big stables were saved by the efforts of the bucket brigade, assisted by the fortunate fact that the stables had an iron roof.
As a result of the fire the Council required all buildings being replaced to be of fire proof construction ie brick masonry. The area became popularly referred to as the “Brick area”.
Rod Cornelius from Rods Rambles in the Flagstaff 12 Sept 2000
The provincial New Zealand papers nationwide reported extensively on what must have been a horrendous setback for the township of Devonport as follows: -
Papers Past, Poverty Bay Herald, Vol XV, Issue 5098, 20 February 1888, Page 2
GREAT FIRE AT NORTH SHORE
A STREET BURNED DOWN.
Auckland to-day
About 4 o’clock on Sunday morning a destructive fire occurred at Devonport, devastating nearly the whole of Victoria street. The fire originated in the premises of Grath, tobacconist, and extended till destroyed the houses and shops occupied by Amos Holmes, Mrs Mclnnes (drugs maker), Jervie (draper), Robinson (bootmaker), Leonard (printer), Coogan (blacksmith), Tye (Fruiterer), Frank Baker (shoemaker), and an empty shop and house. The following are the insurances on the buildings destroyed:- £700 in the Royal, £510 in. the Equitable, and £300 the National. One cottage was uninsured. All those were wooden buildings. Oliver May’s brick block adjoining, which was slightly damaged, was insured for £1500 in the New Zealand, but the stock, which was mostly destroyed, was not insured. Fenton’s drapery was valued at £1200 The buildings destroyed were owned by James May, John Jervis, John Patterson, William. Buchanan, and Mrs Davis. The want of a water supply was very much felt. The loss greatly exceeds the insurance.
Also in the Poverty Bay Herald an item of interest to those who take pleasure in explosives!
It is stated that Herr Krupp offered two million marks for the secret of the new explosive invented by the Russian engineer Rouckteshell. This the inventor refused having entered into an agreement with the Russian Government
Papers Past - Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1859, 20th February 1888, Page 3
Great fire at Devonport.
(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION)
AUCKLAND February 20.
At about 4 o’clock on Sunday morning, a destructive fire occurred at Devonport, devastating nearly the whole of Victoria street. It originated In the premises of Geth, a tobacconist, and extended till it destroyed houses and shops occupied by Amos Holms; Mrs. McInnes, dressmaker; Jervis, draper; Robinson, bootmaker; Leonard, painter; Cogan blacksmith; Tye, fruiterer; Frank Baker, shoemaker; also the Empire shop and house. Insurances on buildings destroyed : £700 Royal, £500 Equitable, £800 National; one cottage uninsured. All these were wooden buildings. Oliver May’s brick block, adjoining, which was slightly damaged, was insured for £1500 in the New Zealand. The stocks, which were mostly destroyed, were not insured, Jervis’ drapery, valued at £1200. The builds loge destroyed were owned by Jas. May, J.Jervis, John Patterson, W.Buchanan, and Mrs. Davis. The want of a water supply was very much felt. The loss greatly exceeds insurances.
Papers Past, Malborough Express Volume XXIV, Issue 41, 21 February 1888, Page 3
AN AUCKLAND SUBURB GUTTED.
(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION,)
Auckland Feb 20.
About four o’clock on Sunday morning a destructive fir occurred at Devonport, devastating nearly the whole of Victoria street The fire originated in the premises of Geath, tobaccobist, and extended till it destroyed the houses and shops occupied byAmos Holmes, Mrs Mclnnes (dress maker) Jervis (draper), Robinson (bootmaker) Leonard (printer), Coogan (black smith), Tye (fruiterer), Frank (baker), a shoemaker, and also an empty shop and house. Insurances on buildings destroyed : £700, Royal; £600, Equitable; £300. National. One cottage was uninsured.
Al these were wooden buildings. Oliver May’s brick block, adjoining,. which was slightly damaged, was insured for £1,500 in the New Zealand The stocks, which were mostly destroyed, were not insured. Fenton’s drapery was valued at £1,200. The buildings destroyed were owned by James Mays, John Jervis, John Patterson, William Buchanan, and Mrs Davis. The want of a water supply was very much felt. The loss greatly exceeds the insurances.
Papers Past, Bay Of Plenty Times, Volume XV, Issue 2246, 20 February 1988, Page 2
NINE HOUSES BURNED.
An extensive fire occurred at Devonport early on Sunday morning; it broke out in. a house in Victoria Road, belonging to John Patterson, and made a clean sweep of it, and premises of Mr A. Gaeth, barber, Mrs McGinins, dressmaker, James Holmes, A. E. Fenton, draper, Mrs Tye, fruiterer, Frank Baker, bootmaker,. and four shops owned by John Jervis, and occupied by himself, and G. Robinson, bootmaker, 3. A. Leanold, fruiterer, also the blacksmith shop of John Boylan. Here the fire was checked from further extension, nine houses and shops having succumbed to it.
In 1888 the brigade asked for another firebell to be erected (at Melrose) and a little later complained that the bells were too small for the purpose. The Council decided to purchase bigger bells, a steel one was later purchased, and in December 1888 the Council moved to take over control of the fire brigade appliances and 10 pound liabilities that the brigade had incurred.
Someone who could not possibly been involved in the Great Fire
Papers Past Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8091, 7 February 1888, Page 3
NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS. [PERl UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. TOWN CLERK OF DEVONPORT MISSING. Gabriel lHealy, the Town Clerk of Devonport, has been missing since Friday night. His hat and stick were found in the ferry waiting-room. The harbour has been dragged without result. It is believed he has gone to Fiji. Domestic troubles are the cause. His books are all right.
Which must have been a great relief for the Devonport Councilors.
1887
In November 1887 the Borough Council decided to erect a fire brigade shed and 15 pound was to be spent on a site near the school. It seems land was cheaper than bells!
Many years back when I was interviewing Carl and Toots Prime at their home on King Edward Parade, Carl told me a story about the day the timber yard caught on fire just over from their place on the foreshore. That was in 1887. He said it was a very hot day and the building was well alight when the brigade got there. They were fighting a loosing battle with the fire and the heat. The publican from the Masonic Hotel came over to the volunteers and offered them a drink to cool down. Carl told me “ they put all the gear down and went over to the pub for a drink and let the building burn down.” Toots was horrified that he had told me this and said “ Carl you shouldn’t tell stories like that” So who knows whether it was true or not. There is possibly a grain of truth there as with such primitive equipment it would have been very hard to have controlled a fire in a timber yard such as this.
Rod Cornelius, Flagstaff, Rods Rambles 20th Feb 2001
Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times, XV, Issue 2107, 1 March 1887, Page 2
TELEGRAPHIC
[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]
AUCKLAND, last night.
At the Victorian R. C. Meeting on Saturday, the Essendan Stakes were won by Nelson, and the Newmarket Handicap by Lochiel. Both are New Zealand horses, great satisfaction is felt over the results.
A destructive fire occurred last night in Eden Terrace. Six Houses were burned.
A man named Smith was brought before the Police Court this morning charged with firing a house at Devonport on Sunday morning.
The foundation of the Government Insurance Buildings is to be laid tomorrow by His Worship the Mayor.
Papers Past, Southland Times , Issue 9455, 1 March 1887, Page 2
Fire in Auckland.
[By Telegraph] Auckland Feb. 28. An outbreak of fire occurred at midnight on Saturday in a house at Devonport occupied by John H. Stubbs. The fire was extinguished before serious damage was done and Sergeant Gillies made an inspection of the room where Stubbs said a kerosene lamp had exploded while he was in bed and had set fire to the premises. The officer descredited this explanation and as the result of his investigation took the man Stubbs into custody on a charge of attempted incendiarism. The building was insured for L3OO in the New Zealand office.
Papers Past, Star , Issue 6022, 2 September 1887, Page 4
FIRES.
[Per Press Association.]
AUCKLAND, Sept. 1
A seven-roomed house with a lean-to, situated in Cameron street, Devonport, and owned and occupied by Mr Hedley, was destroyed by fire this afternoon. It is thought to have been caused through the igniting of some clothing left to dry in front of the dining-room fire. The house was insured for £300 in the Union, and the furniture for £100 in the same office.
Papers Past, Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1728, 14 September 1887, Page 3
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, September 14. An enquiry into the fire at Devonport, which destroyed three houses, was held yesterday, and resulted in a verdict of incendiarism by some person unknown.
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 103, 28 October 1887, Page 4
Fires.
[By Telegraph] [United Press Association.] Auckland, 27th October.
A fire broke out at Devonport this afternoon, at the residence of Mrs. Mary Scott, at Rattray-street. The fire spread rapidly, and in a short time had extended to the adjoining houses of Messrs. Vosper and Harvey, where at length it was stayed. Mrs. Scott has a risk of £550 on the building and £3OO on the contents in the Now Zealand office. Harvey's house is insured by the owner, F. G. Quick, for £4OO in tho Victoria office. The furniture of Vosper and Harvey's houses was saved.
Many years back when I was interviewing Carl and Toots Prime at their home on King Edward Parade, Carl told me a story about the day the timber yard caught on fire just over from their place on the foreshore. That was in 1887. He said it was a very hot day and the building was well alight when the brigade got there. They were fighting a loosing battle with the fire and the heat. The publican from the Masonic Hotel came over to the volunteers and offered them a drink to cool down. Carl told me “ they put all the gear down and went over to the pub for a drink and let the building burn down.” Toots was horrified that he had told me this and said “ Carl you shouldn’t tell stories like that” So who knows whether it was true or not. There is possibly a grain of truth there as with such primitive equipment it would have been very hard to have controlled a fire in a timber yard such as this.
Rod Cornelius, Flagstaff, Rods Rambles 20th Feb 2001
Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times, XV, Issue 2107, 1 March 1887, Page 2
TELEGRAPHIC
[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]
AUCKLAND, last night.
At the Victorian R. C. Meeting on Saturday, the Essendan Stakes were won by Nelson, and the Newmarket Handicap by Lochiel. Both are New Zealand horses, great satisfaction is felt over the results.
A destructive fire occurred last night in Eden Terrace. Six Houses were burned.
A man named Smith was brought before the Police Court this morning charged with firing a house at Devonport on Sunday morning.
The foundation of the Government Insurance Buildings is to be laid tomorrow by His Worship the Mayor.
Papers Past, Southland Times , Issue 9455, 1 March 1887, Page 2
Fire in Auckland.
[By Telegraph] Auckland Feb. 28. An outbreak of fire occurred at midnight on Saturday in a house at Devonport occupied by John H. Stubbs. The fire was extinguished before serious damage was done and Sergeant Gillies made an inspection of the room where Stubbs said a kerosene lamp had exploded while he was in bed and had set fire to the premises. The officer descredited this explanation and as the result of his investigation took the man Stubbs into custody on a charge of attempted incendiarism. The building was insured for L3OO in the New Zealand office.
Papers Past, Star , Issue 6022, 2 September 1887, Page 4
FIRES.
[Per Press Association.]
AUCKLAND, Sept. 1
A seven-roomed house with a lean-to, situated in Cameron street, Devonport, and owned and occupied by Mr Hedley, was destroyed by fire this afternoon. It is thought to have been caused through the igniting of some clothing left to dry in front of the dining-room fire. The house was insured for £300 in the Union, and the furniture for £100 in the same office.
Papers Past, Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1728, 14 September 1887, Page 3
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. (PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, September 14. An enquiry into the fire at Devonport, which destroyed three houses, was held yesterday, and resulted in a verdict of incendiarism by some person unknown.
Papers Past, Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 103, 28 October 1887, Page 4
Fires.
[By Telegraph] [United Press Association.] Auckland, 27th October.
A fire broke out at Devonport this afternoon, at the residence of Mrs. Mary Scott, at Rattray-street. The fire spread rapidly, and in a short time had extended to the adjoining houses of Messrs. Vosper and Harvey, where at length it was stayed. Mrs. Scott has a risk of £550 on the building and £3OO on the contents in the Now Zealand office. Harvey's house is insured by the owner, F. G. Quick, for £4OO in tho Victoria office. The furniture of Vosper and Harvey's houses was saved.
1886
Papers Past, North Otago Times, 12 May 1886, Page 2
AUCKLAND. May 11
An attempt to fire a large block of buildings at Devonport last night was discovered. It started at the premises of Garrard, shoemaker, but was suppressed by the neighbors. Garrard was uninsured. A deposit of rags, kerosene, and sulphur was found.
AUCKLAND. May 11
An attempt to fire a large block of buildings at Devonport last night was discovered. It started at the premises of Garrard, shoemaker, but was suppressed by the neighbors. Garrard was uninsured. A deposit of rags, kerosene, and sulphur was found.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Pioneers 1867 - 1885
Fire - a good servant but a poor master.
The early pioneers on Auckland's North Shore used fire, indeed it was the only tool they had for heating their homes and cooking their meals. They also used it extensively for clearing the land to make it fit for European habitation. They were busy, within 40 years they had put an thoroughly northern hemisphere stamp on the land, carving out roads, building homes and establishing a society that endures.The men who were notable on the early Road Boards, Councils - District and Borough, left their mark on the suburb of Devonport, Duder, Alison, McKay and Nicol to name a few of the earlier ones.
Reading through the early records from 1867 onwards it becomes clear that these were men concerned with establishing roads, links to other points on the Shore, and also with the control of livestock, sanitation, water supply and night soil. At each weekly meeting in the early years there were obviously lively discussions regarding the impounding of cattle and the farmers need to rescue the animals from the pound keeper.
The doctors reports were also given weekly on communicable diseases in the community. Typhoid, diphtheria, and scarlet fever being the most common.
However there were a surprising number of entertainments as noted in the Daily Southern Cross
Papers Past, Daily Southern Cross, Volum XXIV, Issue 3560, 14 December 1868, Page 4
Sales. Meetings, Amusements, &c.,This Day.
Sale of Cargo of Schooner ‘Kauri’ by Messrs. S. Cochrane and Son, at their mart, at 11 o’clock,
Sale of English Hams, by Messrs. Turell and Tonks, at their mart, at 12 o’clock.
Sale of Mr. F. A. Philip’s Stock, by Mr. H Joseph, on the premises, at 10.30 o’clock.
Sale of Cattle, Sheep &c. by Messrs. W. Hunter and Co, at the Newmarket Yards at 1 o
Sale of Shamrock Hotel, Shortland, by Mr. O’Keeffe, at 12 o’clock
Meeting of Ratepayers of Flagstaff Highway District, at the Devonport Hall, North Shore, at 7.30 p.m.
Meeting of persons interested in the formation of a Fire Brigade, at Newton Hall, at 8 o’clock
Meeting at Flagstaff Hotel, North Shore. of persons interested in the Takapuna Annual Races, at 7.30 o’clock.
Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, at 7 p.m. Princes of Wales Theatre.
Fires are startling events in any community in which they occur. They also frequently occur in some unaccountable manner. Sometimes the cause is known ; sometimes they are partly the result of accident from known causes ; at other times they are wilful and caused on purpose : but there are a great many fires of which the cause is never satisfactorily explained, even by those best acquainted with the facts connected with the occurrence. It is well known that fires not infrequently occur spontaneously under certain conditions, and we are inclined to believe that many of those mysterious fires -which now and again startle the community may be attributed to this cause. It has long been known that cotton waste besmeared. with grease and iron filings frequently gets on fire, the ignition sometimes taking place even in the engineer's pockets. A considerable number of experiments have lately been made by scientific ' gentlemen in America to learn something respecting these spontaneous fires, and the requisite conditions for their production. One of the experiments alluded to was with a piece of cotton cloth which had formerly been part of a sheet, but had been worn threadbare. It was smeared with boiled linseed oil, rolled up, and placed in an old chest in a lumber room between two plates of zinc. The chest was filled with paper and rags, and at the end of eight days the contents of the box were on fire. Another experiment was made by a pair of overalls used by a painter. They were covered all over with oil and daubs of paint. They were rolled up and placed in a box amidst some wood shavings. The box containing these articles was placed in a garret during moderately warm spring weather. The experiment was not a week old when the box and contents were in a blaze. Another experiment was made, by rolling up a couple of friction matches in a handful of cotton rags which were not smeared with oil or any other substance. These lags and matches were placed in a tin box, and hung in a loft where the afternoon summer sun shone fully upon it for a couple of hours each afternoon. Towards the fourth day the box was opened, and as the lid was taken off nothing else met the gaze of the experimenter but a puff of black cinders, which flew all over him. Other experiments were made, and all tended to show that great danger arose from stowing away greasy rags into odd corners, a practice not infrequent in many households.
Otago Witness, Issue 1405, 26 October 1878, Page 8
PROVINCIAL AND GENERAL
[BY TELEGRAPH]
Auckland October 17th
A. Beetham’s ten roomed house at Devonport was burnt down after midnight. It had been empty for months, and the fire is believed to be the work of an incendiary. The house was insured in the South British for L300, and is said to have cost L700.
Perhaps this is what prompted Mr Phillips to write to the Board on the 4th of November 1878 to suggest that a fire alarm bell and a small portable fire extinguisher should be provided for the district. The council resolved the subject be deferred.
1880 - Council passed protective fire ordinances requiring brick walls after a particularly devestating fire
P 35 Hundred Years of Devonport.
In 1882 we find the council resolving to drain the swamp, Devonport being referred to as the island by its inhabitants, the swamp being drained would allow further access to the North Shore, Takapuna in particular.
However the good men of the council did see fit to resolve to open a Public Library on the 10th of July 1878, the library was in for some shaky times ahead with being unable at times to support the librarian, almost closing in 1880, but due to a small charge per book it was able to remain open, and develop into the institution still standing today.
Then as now the 4th of November would have been part of the Guy Fawkes fireworks celebrations and fire is an ever present risk on these occasions. Possibly even more so then as firework sales would not have been as restrictive and everyone would have had access to fire lighters, even small children would have been entrusted with lighting fires for the family grate.
Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4250, 26 January 1883, Page 2
FIRE AT DEVONPORT.
Mr. CHARNOCK'S HOUSE TOTALLY DESTROYED. At about a quarter to three o'clock this morning a fire broke out in the house of Mr. Charnock, railway porter, at Devonport, under singular circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Charnock. were the only occupants of the house, and they had been out in the early part of the evening, but returned home at about 9.30 p.m., when they shortly afterwards retired to bed. The fire in the kitchen was put out at about 5 p.m., as Mr. and Mrs. Charnock were going out to tea and when they returned they did not relight the fire, and there was no appearance of fire on the hearth. Mrs. Charnock states that early in the morning — about 2.30 o'clock — she awoke with a feeling of suffocation, and immediately called her husband, who discovered that the house was on fire. They were sleeping upstairs, and the fire originated downstairs. It had gained such a firm hold of the building that they found it impossible to descend by the staircase. They called out loudly for help, and soon roused one or two of the neighbors. Escape was impossible, except out of the windows. Mr. Charnock let his wife out of the window, by means of a blanket, on to the roof of the verandah. In the meantime. Mr. R. Hooker had arrived, and went at once to the rescue, taking Mrs. Charnock safely off the roof of the verandah, and also rendering what other assistance he could to Mr. Charnock. The occupants escaped in their night-clothes, not having had time to throw any garment over them. The fire appeared to have originated in the front part of the house, as that was blazing furiously before the rear of the building caught fire. From the first it was hopeless to attempt to extinguish the flames and, as there were no buildings adjoining likely to be endangered by the fire, it was allowed to burn itself out. Two boxes containing wearing apparel, the property of Mr. Fookes, who had been lodging in the house previously, were the only articles saved. The house was insured in the South British office for £250, and the furniture for £100, but that amount will not cover Mr. Charnock's loss, on account of the furniture being all consumed. The neighbours showed every kindness to Mr. and Mrs. Charnock, whose case was one to call forth sympathy.
Not sure if this is Devonport, Auckland or elsewhere
In 1884 the first steps were taken to form the District into a Borough council and this step took up much of the councils time for the next couple of years.
On 13th of July 1885 a letter was read from Messrs. Merryweather and Sons offering for sale steam operated Fire Engines.
The calling of the public meeting was probably as a direct result of the following fire reported in
Papers Past - Grey River Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 5299, 21 September 1885, Page 2
also in Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 70, 19th September 1885, Page 2
and in the Timaru Herald, Violume XLII, Issue 3426, 21 September 1885, Page 3
FIRE
A fire occurred at Devonport at 4.30 this morning, and destroyed two cottages, one belonging to Mr Patterson and the other to Mr Melville. A family named Donovan, who occupied the latter house narrowly escaped with their lives, being sound asleep while the fire was raging. The other buildings adjoining were saved with difficulty. The insurances on the buildings destroyed were £350 in the New Zealand office There is also £500 on Patterson’s furniture in the same office. The cause of the fire is unknown. There is no fire brigade in this populous town.
It is recorded that on the 21st of September 1885 "the Chairman stated that he had received a requisition asking him to convene a public meeting to consider the advisability of forming a fire brigade. Resolved."
We can see the residents of Devonport, then as now, being extremely vocal in their demands, the innocuous comment in the councils minutes probably covers a multitude of emotions.
A resident constable was sought on the 9th October of 1885 and on the 16th of November 1885 "Messrs Lilewael, TJ Duder and J White wrote to the board to ask the board to erect three fire bells in the district as a "Hook and Ladder Fire Brigade" was in the course of formation and some means of alarm in case of fire was necessary. Moved and seconded and to report at the next meeting as to the cost of Fire Bells and frames for same."
Papers Past, Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1205, 12 December 1885, Page 3
LATEST TELEGRAMS.
(From our own Correspondent.)
Dunedin, December 11th.
An Auckland telegram states that the New Zealand Timber Company's branch mill at Devonport was discovered to be on fire at nine o'clock last night. There was no water supply in the district, and the whole establishment and the stock it contained were destroyed. Tho loss exceeds L2,000. The place was insured for L7OO in the Norwich Union office.
On the 14th of December 1885 the bells were "Resolved to be purchased for £30 as soon as the Hook and Ladder Brigade was formed."
Mr Geo Strude, formerly of a London brigade was appointed Captain of the brigade.
In April of 1886 a circular re fire engines and escapes was received from Messrs Shand Mason & Co of London. Nothing seems to been done about this, its purely on the record has having been received.
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