NORTHCOTE VOLUNTEER
FIRE BRIGADE
1908 – 1969
WE STRIVE TO SAVE
By Brett (Skeeta) Swanson
Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade
1
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5
IN THE BEGINNING .................................................................................................................................. 6
1908 - FORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 7
1909 - GETTING IT TOGETHER................................................................................................................. 8
1911 - MEMBERS PICTURES .................................................................................................................. 10
1911 – BOOT MONEY ............................................................................................................................ 11
1913 - TRAGIC YEAR .............................................................................................................................. 11
1913 - THE NEW BELL............................................................................................................................ 13
1914 – WORLD WAR ONE ..................................................................................................................... 13
1920 - EXPENSES ................................................................................................................................... 14
1922 - SECOND STATION – 2 Rodney Rd............................................................................................... 15
1922 - THE QUEEN CARNIVAL ............................................................................................................... 14
1922 - FIRST MOTOR APPLIANCE .......................................................................................................... 15
1923 - REORGANISATION ...................................................................................................................... 16
1924 – QUESTIONABLE CITIZENS .......................................................................................................... 17
1927 - ALARM BOXES ............................................................................................................................ 17
1927 – MEMBERS PICTURE ................................................................................................................... 18
1928 - HONOURABLE SURGEONS ......................................................................................................... 18
THE GROWING DISTRICT – BIRKENHEAD .............................................................................................. 18
1. Hydrants .................................................................................................................................... 19
2. Cover for Northcote .................................................................................................................. 19
3. Expenses.................................................................................................................................... 19
4. Raising The Alarm...................................................................................................................... 19
5. Location ..................................................................................................................................... 20
TELEPHONE SYSTEM – for fires in Birkenhead District ..................................................................... 21
1932 – BIRKENHEAD VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE.................................................................................. 22
COMPETITIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 22
1930’s - TOUGH TIMES.......................................................................................................................... 23
THEFTS........................................................................................................................................... 23
FIRE PLUGS .................................................................................................................................... 24
BIRKENHEAD ................................................................................................................................. 24
GAS MASKS ................................................................................................................................... 24
UNFORGETTABLE FIRES................................................................................................................. 24
ANNUAL FIRE................................................................................................................................. 25
2
1938 - SECOND MOTOR APPLIANCE ..................................................................................................... 26
1939 – SECOND WORLD WAR – E.P.S ................................................................................................... 27
1941 - THE OLD BELL TOWER ................................................................................................................ 28
1942 – SCOUTS...................................................................................................................................... 30
1940’s – TRAINING ................................................................................................................................ 30
1943 – TRAILER PUMP .......................................................................................................................... 30
1948 - THE NORTH SHORE FIRE BOARD ................................................................................................ 31
1950 - THIRD MOTOR APPLIANCE ......................................................................................................... 31
1950 - MEMBERS PICTURE .................................................................................................................... 32
1950’s – FRUSTRATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 33
RADIO TELEPHONE ........................................................................................................................ 33
FALSE ALARMS .............................................................................................................................. 33
FIRE STATION ................................................................................................................................ 33
FIRE CALLS ..................................................................................................................................... 33
REDUNDANT BRIGADE .................................................................................................................. 34
1955 - THIRD STATION .......................................................................................................................... 34
1958 – FORTH MOTOR APPLIANCE ....................................................................................................... 35
1960’s – WINDING DOWN .................................................................................................................... 36
1969 - THE END ..................................................................................................................................... 37
MAP OF EVENTS .................................................................................................................................... 38
RANK STRUCTURE ................................................................................................................................. 39
FIRE CALLS ............................................................................................................................................. 40
SOCIALS ................................................................................................................................................. 41
SOCIALS ................................................................................................................................................. 41
SOCIAL CLUB ................................................................................................................................. 41
BILLIARD TABLE ............................................................................................................................. 41
HONORARY MEMBERS .................................................................................................................. 42
MEETINGS ..................................................................................................................................... 42
NORTHCOTE APPLIANCES ..................................................................................................................... 43
1908 – 1909................................................................................................................................... 43
1909 – late 1920’s ......................................................................................................................... 43
1922 – 1938................................................................................................................................... 43
1938 – 1950................................................................................................................................... 44
1950 – 1958................................................................................................................................... 44
1958 – 1969................................................................................................................................... 44
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EARLY FIRES 1888 - 1941....................................................................................................................... 45
15.10.1888 .................................................................................................................................... 45
15.4.1902 ...................................................................................................................................... 45
1.1.1913 ........................................................................................................................................ 46
10.7.1913 ...................................................................................................................................... 46
8.10.1913 ...................................................................................................................................... 46
25.10.1921 .................................................................................................................................... 47
24.2.1923 ...................................................................................................................................... 47
3.5.1923 ........................................................................................................................................ 47
12.1.1924 ...................................................................................................................................... 47
18.12.1926 .................................................................................................................................... 48
9.4.1928 ........................................................................................................................................ 48
22.6.1928 ...................................................................................................................................... 48
25.5.1930 ...................................................................................................................................... 49
27.9.1933 ...................................................................................................................................... 50
18.8.1935 ...................................................................................................................................... 50
19.8.1938 ...................................................................................................................................... 51
OIC’s, SECRETARIES & GOLD STARS ...................................................................................................... 52
MEMBERS – Alphabetical Order ........................................................................................................... 54
MEMBERS – Chronological Order ......................................................................................................... 58
STATISTICS............................................................................................................................................. 78
QUICK FACTS ......................................................................................................................................... 79
4
NORTHCOTE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
We Strive to Save
INTRODUCTION
Not many people know that for over 60 years there was a Volunteer Fire Brigade in Northcote. They
had 164 members during this time. Not many people know where the Fire Station was, how the alarm
for fire was given, the problems they faced let alone who these volunteers were.
I hope to do these men proud and document their history.
These men gave an average of 4.7 years service each with 6 members serving over 25 years.
From this, I can say that the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade had close to 800 years experience
throughout its 60 years in operation.
In the pages ahead you will read many amusing stories such as about Northcote Volunteer Fire
Brigades Model T Fire Engine. This machine was not without its drawbacks as occasionally, it had to
reverse up Onewa Road to keep the petrol flowing. It was also common to see the Firemen pushing
the Fire Engine up the hills!
And then there was the shop in Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead which caught fire. Harry Taylor
responded who was a new keen Northcote Volunteer Firemen which lived down on Sulphur Beach
Road, Northcote. When he reached the Station, the Engine had gone. He could see it at the bottom of
Queen Street going flat out, doing around 7 MPH. Harry saw the glow in the sky coming from
Birkenhead, and took off down across the Gasworks (Little Shoal Bay – Maratime Terrace) and up the
other side. He reached the fire before the rest of the Fire Brigade did!
One story I like is about Mr Ron Robb who lived just up from the Fire Station. One night Mr Robb and
his son saw what they thought was a fire in the night sky. They ran along to the Fire Station and rang
the fire bell. Everybody came running out and in the process someone mentioned something about
Guy Fawkes Night. Mr Robb and his son quietly slunk back into the crowd before saying anything.
This history, I hope will provide a tribute to those pioneers of the Volunteer Fire Service in Northcote,
who by their goodwill and determination, provided a wonderful foundation and example for their
successors, the present day Fire Fighters , who have continued to provide a commendable service to
their community.
5
IN THE BEGINNING
As you can imagine without the Fire Brigades we have today, local residents would all get together
and do what they could to extinguish the flames.
Like most Districts started off, when there was word of fire, people would run with buckets from their
wash-house to the nearest household tank to the fire itself. One or two men would stand at the top
bailing water into the buckets of men waiting below. They would then run with the buckets and throw it
on the fire. These methods were obviously inefficient and laborious.
Everyone would try to help out. An example of this was when De Luen’s house in Northcote burnt
down; “the Ligard’s neighbour ran over to help and do his little thing. He came out with the chamber
pot from under his bed”.
Before Northcote had a Fire Brigade, and before the Borough was formed, you could only imagine the
devastation fire could cause. Articles from past newspapers testify to this.
15.10.1888
In Queen Street (previously known as Main Road and Old North Road) the
Northcote Hotel owned by Mr M Davis burnt down at 2.30am. The glare of
the fire lit up the harbour. There was no Brigade at Northcote, so there was
no way of attesting the fire. None of the Auckland Fire Brigade went over as it
was outside their boundary, besides; no assistance could be rendered until
too late of service.
Note: This Hotel was originally located on the other side of King Street from the
present building and was originally called the North Auckland Hotel. Later it was
known as the Ferry Hotel. In 1882 it was announced that the Hotel was to be pulled
down and be replaced by a ‘handsome family hotel’.
15.4.1902
Fire destroyed the Post Office occupied by Mr Lepper. Winchers Boot shop
and two houses were also destroyed, but all postal matters were saved. The
fire originated at 2.30pm in a house tenanted by Mrs Musgrave who put
some long sticks of wood in the fire and tendered to her washing. The house
next door, owned by Mrs Stuhlman soon caught fire and by this time the
alarm had been given, and many willing hands were ready to render
assistance. Mr Winchers boot shop next door was also engulfed in flames. Mr
Lepper, the Post Master, foresaw that the Post Office would be destroyed and
immediately set to work to remove all postal papers from his office, and
succeeded in saving all the documents and cash. A number of residents
formed a bucket brigade and battled with the flames, but their determine
efforts failed to save the buildings.
(This was the original Post Office which was located down by Fishermans Wharf.
After the fire he moved to a new building at 60 Queen St, Northcote, where he still
remained Postmaster. It wasn’t until 1929 when the new Post Office on the corner of
Bartley and Queen Street was opened.)
Some articles were not as serious but still newsworthy;
27.12.1897
The passenger shed at Northcote wharf was burned down shortly after
midnight, and a portion of the wharf decking was destroyed. It was supposed
to have been caused by hoodlums smoking in the building. The residents
formed a bucket brigade and were helped by two Auckland Constables who
saw the glare of the fire and rowed across the harbour to render valuable
assistance.
10.3.1904
A lodger in Mrs McLeans Boarding House in Northcote was reading in bed by
candle light which then caused a slight fire to occur. This caused damage to
the extent of £3 to the window curtains and bed clothes.
6
1908 - FORMATION
In 1908 the Northcote Borough was originally formed with a population of 2,485 over an area of 1190
acres. At one of the Borough Councils first meetings on 14.5.1908, it was decided that steps should
be taken to form a Volunteer Fire Brigade. The matter was to be reported back to the Council at the
next meeting. On the next public meeting in July, at the Northcote Hall, 30 volunteers handed in their
names to offer their services to the Borough as members of a Fire Brigade. 12 names were selected
and sworn in.
There were a number of prominent young men from the District.
H.H Lowe
R.H Pettard
Alfred Parrish
B.E Mountfield
T (jnr) Cadness
J.G Jackson
Malcolm Taylor
P Smith
Herbet Jackson
Richard (Dick) Haynes
Samuel R Tremain
George F Lepper
George F Lepper
(Longest serving foundation member)
The Council Met two months later on 3.9.1908. Mr B.E Mountfield (a new Volunteer Fireman) wrote to
the Councillors stating that the following Officers had been appointed subject to the Council’s
approval;
Mr H.H Lowe
Mr R.H Pettard
Mr A Parrish
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Foreman
The Council agreed to confirm the appointments.
T (jnr) Cadness was appointed the Brigade Secretary.
With a bit of shuffling around, the newly formed Brigade took a couple of years to settle into their new
roles. They had four different Captains within a two year period.
After one month Mr H.H Lowe resigned (8.10.1908) and Mr R.H Pettard was appointed Captain, A.
Parrish was Lieutenant and J.G Jackson was the new Foreman.
A year later Mr R.H Pettard resigned and Mr B. E Mountfield was appointed Captain.
And after another year, Mr Mountfield resigned and Dick Haynes was appointed Captain.
Testing the water pressure at Northcote on Tarry’s Hall in Queen St
1.2.1908 – this was six months before the Brigade was officially formed
(oddly enough, this Hall burnt down in 1935)
7
The Council already possessed a number of appliances for the suppression of fire (provisions had
been made for such when inaugurating the water supply in 1908) but this was not adequate.
A Fire Committee was set up by the Northcote Council and they were empowered to purchase the
necessary fire appliances to thoroughly equip the Fire Brigade, the cost was not to exceed £100.
(14.1.1909).
The Brigade later met with the Fire Committee and advised them that this was not enough money to
equip them adequately. Without proper appliances they were convinced that it was useless to go on.
The members of the Brigade were not willing to continue under these present conditions. The Council
either had to provide more funds or let the Brigade disband.
Request was eventually agreed to on 11.8.1909 and the cost was increased from £100 to £120.
Once the Brigade had officially formed, they joined the United Fire Brigades Association and the
Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Association. Northcote Brigade remained members of these
Associations until they dissolved in 1969.
Northcote Fire Brigade members were getting paid per turnout and were insured against accidents
with the association, the premium being paid from the funds of the Brigade.
1909 - GETTING IT TOGETHER
The Brigade still had no station, and the Brigade members
yet to be equipped with a Hand-Reel Cart, so the members
took turns at taking home their only fire fighting equipment
such as hoses and nozzles.
For other fire fighting equipment, there was a house in
Princess Street (which backed onto Queen Street) that had a
hose reel (hand hose) on its fence. If there was a fire they
used to have to go and get it off the fence.
Brigade Members lined up with hose and nozzles
There was another hand reel (hand hose) kept at the corner of Heath and Lake Roads which was
utilised. (Note; Heaths Road was renamed Exmouth Road on 6.10.1914)
It wasn’t until 3.9.1908 when the Northcote Borough Council let the Brigade utilise an old shed in
Rodney Road for their Fire Station. Here you would find just a tin shed with a small meeting room.
The bell alongside the Methodist Church in Stafford Road was used as the first fire bell. One would
race to the bell to ring whenever there was a fire. This was just across the Road from the Fire Station.
Soon afterwards, the Brigade acquired a hand reel with a handle and big wheels which were lined
with solid rubber. The centre was round and the hose was coupled together and coiled around the
middle.
They had shafts with ropes beside them and a fireman would get inside the shaft and the others
would get hold of the rope and they’d run and they’d pull it.
Firemen would gather upon hearing the bell ring, and then push and pull their hose reel on foot
towards the fire.
If they were lucky, someone would bring a horse to hook up to the machine.
Sometimes the local children would help pull and push the hand reel as everyone used to go to fires.
Some people didn’t want to get to close or the Firemen would give them a job to do, so they would
just stand and observe.
8
One resident remembers watching the Fire Brigade at a fire in Northcote;
“there was a fire at rubbish tip at the dip in the bottom of Lake Road which often caught fire. Rats
would come running out and the Firemen would pour water on them. Once a rat ran up the leg of a
Fireman……”
Cess Morrisson (bakers delivery man) of the Sanson & Clow Bros Bakery, the only baker at the time
in Northcote, had a horse, and when he heard the fire bell ring he would sometimes help by bringing
up his horse to pull the hand reel cart. This worked well until he got a new horse.
Because the hand reel cart carried a number of brass fittings for the firemen to use, when going over
bumpy roads with the solid rubber lined wheels, it would make loud ‘clanging’ noises. This spooked
the new horse on its first outing to a fire, and it bolted past the house where the fire was. The owner of
the house watched in despair as the horse and cart with firemen running alongside, go past as he
yelled at them where the fire was. Eventually the horse was pulled up about a mile further up the
road.
Quite few years later, if they were really lucky, it would be towed around by a car. On a couple of
occasions they used Mr Jimmy Verrans (from Northcote) Model T Ford to tow it instead of dragging it
around by hand. Unfortunately the Firemen still had to push it up some hills (Queen Street and
Onewa Road) which proved too slippery or steep for the little Ford.
Superintendant Mr J Fenton of the Grey Lynn Fire Brigade had given assistance to the training of the
Northcote Fire Brigade since its formation. He paid visits to weekly practices and offered his expertise
where needed. His services had been of considerable help in promoting the efficiency of the Brigade.
The Northcote Brigade recognised this by presenting him a small award for their appreciation in
October 1910.
9
1911 - MEMBERS PICTURES
Captain R.H (Dick) Haynes
Founding member
Jackson
Founding member
Malcolm Taylor
Founding member
George F Lepper
Founding member
P Smith
Founding member
Alfred Parrish
Founding member
S.R Tremain
Founding member
Roy Fairweather
Leslie Hewitt
Albert Tyer
Cyril Jones
10
1911 – BOOT MONEY
The Northcote Fire Brigade did have its share of difficulty in the early days. On 15.11.1911, the
Brigade Captain, Officers and Firemen, forwarded in their resignations to the Northcote Borough
Council.
Resignations from the Brigade were:
Captain Haynes
G.F Lepper
M.M Taylor
E Jordan
A.V Tyer
Foreman S.R Tremain
Jackson
A Parrish
R Fairweather
L Hewitt
It was a month before this date at a meeting that the Northcote Borough Council refused to pay a sum
of £9 for ‘boot money’ (Boot money was supposed to be paid at a rate of £1 a year per member. This
payment was ‘grand parented’ and carried out for 38 years until 1946 at the same payment of £1.
They did ask for an increase in fire pay and additional allowances including boot money in 1920).
The Brigade resigned as the action from the Council was resented by them. A letter was read from
the Captain of the Brigade at a Council meeting conveying the feelings of the members that their
services are not fully appreciated. He also stated that as of late that no interest has been taken in the
Brigade by the Council.
Considerations for the resignations were deferred for a fortnight but the boot money was soon paid by
the Northcote Council.
Nine years
Captain Haynes
1913 - TRAGIC YEAR
1913 was a tragic year for the District with 4 fatalities:
Early on New Year’s morning in 1913, a fire broke out at Birkenhead in a small cottage occupied by
Mr Thomas McLean (a retired master mariner) aged 70 whose charred remains were found
afterwards among the embers. Owing to the intense heat of the fire, the rescue of Mr McLean was
impossible. Other structures and two stables, comprising of Mr C Verrans Hostelry Yard were also
destroyed. To create a fire break, half a dozen neighbours worked together and tried pulling down the
neighbouring building. This was unsuccessful.
All hope was lost until out of the night two boatloads of military men from the German Cruiser
Cormoran rendered assistance to the Northcote Fire Brigade. They put off from their ship at the first
11
sight of fire carrying full fire-mans outfits of ropes, buckets, hatchets, smoke jackets and helmets and
attacked dangerous sheds with such dedication that everything was soon in comparative safety.
The 1630 ton ship was visiting the pacific on a good will assignment, and sailed the next day to
Samoa. The next year was the start of World War One and the Cormoran was scuttled in 1917.
The Germans were largely instrumental in preventing the spread of fire. Had it not been for their
prompt action in extinguishing the fire, which spread to Smith and Hortons Workshop, half a dozen
houses which adjoin each other, would have also probably been destroyed.
The buildings destroyed covered an area of ¾ of an acre.
The German Battle Cruiser Cormoran
Six months later, on 10.7.1913 another fatal fire resulted in the death of Mr Ernest Edward Cooke and
the destruction of a five roomed dwelling in Maxwell Ave (name changed to Fairfax Ave in October
1914) at 11pm. A kerosene lamp either exploded or was knocked over in the kitchen when Mr Cooke
was preparing a meal. Mrs Cooke heard the crash, and on making her way into the kitchen saw it in
flames. Her husband was lying across the doorway with his clothes on fire. She tried in vain to move
her husband, but found her efforts to no avail. She rushed into the street and called for help. A
neighbour also attempted to rescue her husband, but was unable to enter the house as it was now a
mass of flames and dense smoke. The body was incinerated and his remains not recovered until the
next day. Mr Cooke was a 35 year old baker. Owing to the isolated position of the dwelling, no call
was made to the Northcote Fire Brigade so the house was reduced to ashes in a very short period of
time.
The last 1913 fatal fire for the District was in Birkenhead. On 8.10.1913 an old couple were burned to
death at 8.30pm on Saturday night. Their dwelling, a two roomed shanty, owned and occupied by Mr
James Given aged 66 years and Mrs Given aged 65 years, was totally destroyed by fire. When
discovered, the flames had such a strong hold that nothing could be done to save the building. As the
walls fell in, the dead bodies of Mr Given and his wife were seen lying amongst the burning debris.
From the position of the bodies, it appeared that Mrs Given was in bed when the fire started and her
husband was on the floor a few feet away. It is supposed that the fire was caused by the upsetting of
a lit candle.
12
1913 - THE NEW BELL
The only alarm system for fire was the bell at the Methodist Church. The need for a more efficient fire
alarm system in Northcote had been forcibly demonstrated by the occurrence of two serious fires in
the neighbourhood. A year ago (in 1912) the Northcote Borough Council purchased a Fire Bell from
the Auckland Fire Brigade Station in Pitt Street. Since then it has lain at the Northcote Station.
The first motion (which was carried) was to erect a bell tower and the Fire Bell near the Northcote
Tavern Hotel. This motion was later rescinded.
It was decided in 13.2.1913 to erect the new fire bell alongside the Council Chambers in Rodney
Road. It was finally erected six months later on 25.8.1913.
Sounding the alarm for fire and hearing the two ton bell ring would send a shiver down your spine.
Unfortunately this was one month too late for a local resident. In the early hours of 10.7.1913 his
house was destroyed which was within two miles of the Fire Station and in a street where a water
main had been recently laid. But as there was no means of giving the alarm at the Fire Station, the
services of the Northcote Brigade could not be obtained.
Now and again some rascals would ring the bell and
run like the dickens. Often somebody would ring the
bell and rush off home again to get their gear or go
straight to the fire. By the time the firemen arrived at
the bell, there was no one to tell them where to go to
the fire. All they could do was to wait for the person
who rang the bell to come back again.
Because of this a board was then made with a
pointer on it. If the Brigade members were needed,
the pointer was set to show the direction of the fire.
This proved valuable for any latecomers.
The Fire Bell Tower and Methodist Church
(looking down Rodney Road to the cnr of Queen and Stafford Rds)
Mr Ron Robb lived just up from the Fire Station, and one night Mr Robb and his son saw what they
thought was a fire in the night sky. They ran along to the Station and rang the bell. Everybody came
running out and in the process someone mentioned something about Guy Fawkes Night. Mr Robb
and his son quietly slunk back into the crowd before saying anything.
1914 – WORLD WAR ONE
Dick Haynes, founding member and Brigade Captain retired on 1.9.1913 after
serving five years at Northcote. Eric Jordan was then appointed the new Captain
as recommended by the Brigade. It wasn’t long before Mr Jordan and nine other
Brigade members enlisted in the Great War. They served their country and
Northcote proud. Sergeant Eric Jordan received a Distinguished Service Medal for
outstanding bravery in the battle of the Somme. During this battle he had some
hard fighting and narrow escapes.
Unfortunately Brigade member Private Jack Mulhern
paid the ultimate sacrifice.
During the Brigades annual social honours night on
18.9.1919, the Mayor stated that of the members of the
Northcote Fire Brigade, only one of the ten who enlisted
had avoided being killed or wounded during the War.
G.F Lepper
Private J Mulhern
Killed in action
13
1920 - EXPENSES
A proposal was made on 17.3.1920 at a Northcote Borough Council meeting, that a Fire Board be
formed at Northcote, but a report upon the matter was to the effect that this would be unsuitable for
Northcote on the grounds of expense, was adopted.
Need for uniforms were urged at the meeting, plus an increase in pay for attendance at fires, and
additional annual allowance for boot money.
Seven months later on 5.11.1920 the Northcote Borough Council decided to contribute £50 towards
the costs of new uniforms for the Northcote Fire Brigade and to increase the allowance at fires to
bring the amount into conformity with that paid to members in other Districts.
On 21.5.1924 they were granted an extra allowance for time spent to wash the hose after being used.
They also received two shilling an hour for practice nights and musters.
In 1925 the member’s allowance was three shillings for attending a fire and three shilling an hour over
the first hour of attendance at a fire.
During the late 1930’s, the fire pay was left to accumulate for 6 months and was then paid out at the
Brigades AGM and at Christmas time.
Another pay rise was in March 1941 when the Northcote Borough Council increased the firemen’s
allowance.
On 5.7.1948 the members decided amongst themselves not to be paid for practices and musters, but
to let the money remain in the funds.
A 500 foot length of hose was ordered along with another hydrant (standpipe) and minor accessories.
They realised that the aging hose reel should be supplanted by a motor reel (Motor Vehicle) as soon
as possible.
1922 - THE QUEEN CARNIVAL
It was decided to hold a Queen Carnival to raise
funds to purchase a Ford Model T machine. On
25.3.1922 was the coronation ceremony where Miss
Verona (Rona) Devlin was crowned. This ceremony
was held on the lawns behind the Northcote Hotel
where a stage was erected and lights with a
generator were set up.
All the different local groups had Queens; soccer,
tennis, cricket, plunket, and this being competitive,
also divided Northcote North and South. The group
which raised the most money through different
activities such as raffles was the Queen.
The winner was Miss Verona Devlin (Northcote Fire Brigade Queen raised £184)
st
1 Princess was Miss Eileen Bruce (The Ramblers Queen raised £175)
nd
2 Princess was Miss Edna Cadness (The Soccer Queen raised £100)
The carnival was well organised and a great success with £460 raised in total.
14
1922 - SECOND STATION – 2 Rodney Rd
At a Council meeting in late October 1921, the New Brigade Captain, William Parry Roberts proposed
that the Council supply material for better quarters for the Firemen and that the Brigade members
would provide the labour to build a new Station.
But the Council put out a tender for this project on 31.5.1922 and two months later a new Station on
Rodney Road frontage (just behind the old Station) was completed by contractors at a cost of £388.
The 26 foot x 16 foot building had a brick base and wooden upper floors, sleeping quarters for one
and a meeting room. At the official opening ceremony the Mayoress turned the key in the locked door
amidst applause, and declared the Fire Station open.
It wasn’t until over 2 years later on 7.12.1924 that the Council decided to light the Station by
electricity. They later acquired a small library of books in the Station which had mostly been donated
by the ratepayers.
The Borough Council desired the old Brigade shed to become a workshop for their Engineering Staff,
Foreman of the Works and the Waterworks Engineer.
At the same time the new Station was being built, they were also looking at replacing their Hand Reel.
On 7.6.1921 the Brigade stated that it was not capable of coping with a fire with the present
apparatus. This somewhat “put the wind up” the new Northcote Council, which pictured visions of the
destruction of one or more of the many new dwellings or some of the older ones. Councillor AW Smith
said that the Council should not wait any longer than the next day to replace what was necessary. Mr
S Fairweather stated that the plant including the hydrants and hose was practically useless. But
councillor J.B Tonar said an inventory had recently been furnished of the Brigades appliance and the
bulk of it was considered in good condition, with the exception of some lengths of hose.
1922 - FIRST MOTOR APPLIANCE
A Ford Model T (‘Tin Lizzy’) was purchased soon afterward the carnival costing £422. This was their
first modern motor to replace the Hand Reel Cart. It was furnished with standpipe, 2 ½ inch hoses and
couplings, and had no pump. (Registration plate A9256).
Another £58 was spent on building the body, an extension ladder, chemical fire extinguisher and a
first aid kit.
It was going to be a big day for the Fire Brigade when word
was received that the new engine was ready to pick up at an
Auckland city motor bodybuilders firm. Mr Hurleys job was to
go to Auckland city and bring the engine back. All was going
well until travelling up Victoria Street in the city, when it
suddenly developed a fuel problem and stopped. The new
gleaming red-painted engine quickly attracted a large crowd of
onlookers and wits.
Mr Hurley got a lot of advice by the passing public, and was
asked whether he wanted a telegram sent to Northcote to let
them know he was still coming. Someone else offered to write
a letter to Northcote.
As you can see the Model T was not without its drawbacks as
occasionally, it had to reverse up Onewa Road (Zion Hill) to
keep the petrol flowing. This was a common problem with
these vehicles back then. It was also common to see the
Firemen pushing the Fire Engine up the hills.
1922 new Station and Engine
15
On the way to any fire call, the driver would pick up firemen as they drove along.
Because of the weight of the men on board and road surfaces with potholes and uneven terrain, you
couldn’t go too fast otherwise the equipment would fall off or something might break on the Model T. It
was known to do a top speed of 7 MPH down Queen Street, and the men could quite often run faster
than the machine.
This was obviously before Queen Street was concreted in 1927.
“One night a shop and dwelling in Birkenhead caught fire and Harry Taylor responded who was a new
keen (two months in the Brigade) Northcote Volunteer Firemen which lived down on Sulphur Beach
Road. When he reached the Station, the Engine had gone. He could see it at the bottom of Queen
Street going flat out, doing 5 MPH. Harry saw the glow in the sky coming from Birkenhead, and took
off down across the Gasworks (Little Shoal Bay - Maratime Terrace) and up the other side (bush
track). He reached the fire before the Fire Brigade did”.
This Fire was the Birkenhead Green grocers shop in Hauraki Road owned by Mr Johnston. It burnt
down at 2.30 am on 24.3.1925.
The Brigade members were still getting familiar with their new appliance. On one particular fire call,
the members took off with their Model T and somebody forgot to shut the locker door which secured
the hose, so as they drove to the fire, the hose fell out and unwound. When they got to their
destination they realised there was no hose left so they had to go back and gather it all back up.
Some of the local bus drivers (Waitemata Bus Company) were also Northcote Volunteer Firemen. If
the fire bell rang, and you were on the bus, the bus driver would rush away to the fire. Depending on
where he was at the time of course, you might find that you had to make another way to your
destination.
If the fire engine was in for servicing or
repairs at the bus transport workshop (W.B &
T. Co. Ltd Garage - which was behind the
movie theatre in Clarence Road) it was
known for a bus to take its place.
You can just imagine a bus with Firemen
perked up in the seats and all their equipment
onboard rushing off to a fire.
(The Waitemata Bus Company started in
1927 and was bought out in 1954. The bus
route would go as far as Wernham Place,
Onewa Road, where they would turn around.)
Waitemata Bus Company
One local remembers an event behind the Bridgeway Theatre at the Bus Company;
“There was an incident at the petrol pumps which were part of the Waitemata Bus Company. Jack
Crawford was filling up his Buick with benzene (petrol) at half time during a film at the pictures, when
the cigar he was smoking at the time set the car on fire. Fortunately the petrol pump didn’t catch fire”.
1923 - REORGANISATION
Northcote Fire Brigade was reorganised in 17.10.1923 by the Northcote Borough Council to become
the Northcote Municipal Fire Brigade. The membership would consist of a Captain and 12 Firemen.
Being a Municipal Fire Brigade enabled greater powers to be taken advantage of by the Municipal
Corporations Act. It would also bring the Brigade into closer touch with the council.
Even though the Northcote Borough didn’t have a Fire Board, they did however have a fire committee
which was made up of Councillors and Firemen.
16
1924 – QUESTIONABLE CITIZENS
There had been three fires within a three month period at Mr Thomas Heaton’s grocery store at 43-45
Queen Street (later this shop was Halls Grocery).
st
1 Fire, 12.1.1924
nd
2 Fire, 13.1.1924
rd
3 Fire, 23.3.1924
The fire at 8.15pm caused very little damage. It started in a box full of
smouldering straw in the loft. Mr Heaton had left to attend a social that night.
The next day a fire was found in the same place, also with very little damage
done. The fire was noticed by a passerby who saw the glare at 9.30pm.
This resulted in the destruction of the building just after midnight. The building
consisted of four rooms and the shop. A Fireman, Mr H Pearce received
burns to his arm and a member of the public, Mr E Rickets was slightly
injured by debris falling on his foot while assisting at the fire.
These fires were treated as suspicious and Mr Heaton was charged with wilfully setting fire to the
premises. He went to court for arson charges and the Fire Brigade Captain had to also provide a
statement. After a two day trial, the jury failed to agree, and an emotional Mr Heaton was found not
guilty and discharged.
Another problem they faced was reported on 18.2.1925 at a Council meeting. They were informed
that a branch and other apparatus were missing from the firebox at the corner of Onewa and
Gladstone Roads. This matter was reported to the Police.
1927 - ALARM BOXES
Wanting to keep up with the modern age, the Northcote Fire
Brigade submitted a request to the Northcote Council for a fire
alarm system for the Borough. Alarm boxes were proposed for
the sites of;
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Corner Alma and Princess St.
Corner Beach and Queen St.
Corner Clarence and Queen St.
Northcote Fire Station in Rodney Rd.
Sulphur Beach area.
Corner Gordon (Onewa) and Waimana Ave.
Corner Church and Onewa Rd.
Corner Fairfax and Onewa Rd.
Corner Raleigh and Lake Rd.
Corner Ocean View and Lake Rd.
Consideration was deferred. Sept 1927.
Unfortunately this request was declined and residents would
continue to summon the Fire Brigade by either motoring to the
Fire Station to manually ring the fire bell or by telephoning the
Northcote Council (during work hours) or Northcote Constable
who would then ring the fire bell.
The telephone system had its problems if in fact you were one
of the minorities that had a telephone.
17
1927 – MEMBERS PICTURE
1927 Northcote Volunteers and Model T Ford
1928 - HONOURABLE SURGEONS
Like most Brigades at the time, Northcote had an Honourable Surgeon. In fact, Northcote appointed
two surgeons who joined on 3.5.1928.
Dr J.W Craven and Dr R Dudding (who lived at the corners of Queen Street and Onewa Road).
On 7.7.1953, R Dudding was presented his Gold Star (which cost £2) after 25 years with the Brigade.
He was very popular and known as a medical legend in the District.
Something interesting about a young Dr Dudding was in 1930 when his suspicion was aroused after a
death in Northcote and he became involved in the Mrs Munn murder case. He was caring for Mrs
Munn who, at the time, was being slowly poisoned by her husband. Dr Dudding was the citizen who
alerted the police.
“Arthur Thomas Munn had poisoned his second wife Lillie, shortly after she made a will
leaving him everything, including the house. He had struck up a relationship with another
woman. This lead to Munn’s arrest and execution several months later.”
THE GROWING DISTRICT – BIRKENHEAD
So if we go back to 1921, this is when things started really heating up. The Northcote Fire Brigade still
had a Hand Reel and had responded to a big fire in Hinemoa Street in Birkenhead. They hooked it up
to Jimmy Verrans (from Northcote) Model T Ford and headed off to the fire. They had to get out and
push it half way up Queen Street and the again up Onewa Road. By the time they got there the place
was full of flames.
This was Mr E.J Miles big two story grocery shop in Birkenhead, right next door to the Post Office.
They had tins of biscuits and barrels of vinegar out on the road, which was all they could save from
the fire.
At a Birkenhead Council meeting four days later, thanks were given to the Northcote Fire Brigade for
promptly attending the fire and the exceedingly good work they accomplished. They saved the Post
Office which was scorched from the flames. It was decided by Birkenhead Borough Council to
immediately purchase 250ft of 2½” fire hose. The formation of a Volunteer Fire Brigade for
Birkenhead was practically agreed upon pending further meetings.
18
Note: Mr E.J Miles built another grocery shop on the same site as the old one out of corrugated iron,
unfortunately 18 months later, this caught fire too. Mr E.J Miles last run of bad luck was when his
house, which was further down Hinemoa Street (opposite Mariposa Ave) also caught fire. He had
three fires all up and then decided to leave Birkenhead. People of the District spoke quietly that the
fires were lit for insurance reasons.
An account from the Northcote Council to the Birkenhead Council in connection with the Northcote
Fire Brigades attendance at the fire of Mr Mile’s store was for £10.17s.3d (ten pounds, seventeen
shillings and three pence).
After this fire, Birkenhead and Northcote Councils had multiple meetings to figure out how to provide
fire protection for Birkenhead District using Northcotes appliance and Firemen. (These meetings took
place until 1932 when Birkenhead formed their own Fire Brigade).
There were multiple proposals and many debates about a joint Fire Brigade between Northcote and
Birkenhead. Experts had been employed to report on the Districts and propose a plan using the
Northcote plant. They looked at running costs, location, equipment and capital cost.
For the Northcote Fire Brigade to respond to fires in the Birkenhead District they had many problems
to overcome such as:
1. Hydrants
The water main hydrants were not of a uniform size in each District.
Remedy: Because of this problem with coupling the hose to the hydrant, in 11.10.1923 the
Birkenhead Council furnished the Northcote appliance with a double hydrant to use in their District.
2. Cover for Northcote
What would happen if the Northcote District received a call for a fire if the Motor Engine was engaged
at Birkenhead?
Remedy: The Northcote Fire Reel was overhauled for backup for when their Model T Ford went out of
district to Birkenhead Fires. When the Northcote Fire Brigade went to a fire call in their fire appliance,
they would detail two men to stay behind on duty at the Station. These two men would be at the ready
with hose in the absence of their Brigade in the neighbouring district (17.9.1925).
3. Expenses
On 10.12.1925 Birkenhead first started paying £25 to Northcote for fire protection. This was to go
towards the upkeep of the Brigade. At a Northcote Council meeting in 3.7.1929 it was proposed to
increase this to £75. This motion was not passed. However at a future Northcote Council meeting in
25.3.1931 it was agreed to raise the price to £75. It was just over a year later when Birkenhead no
longer required this service as they had established their own Brigade in 1932.
4. Raising The Alarm
The system they had in the mid twenties to alert the Northcote Fire Brigade was that the Birkenhead
Constable was contacted about an incident requiring the Fire Appliance. He would then ring Auckland
City telephone exchange that would then ring the Northcote Constable, who would notify the
Northcote Fire Brigade.
19
Some of these messages of fire didn’t even get through to the Northcote Brigade. An example of this
is when a shop and dwelling which burned to the ground in Birkenhead at 2.30am on 23.3.1925.
There was a fault with the telephone exchange in the city.
In November 1928 the telephone system was being dealt with. For the purpose of minimising delays
in giving alarm for fire at night time, the Northcote Council had arranged for a night line to be attached
to telephone 46 which was at the residence of Firemen W.F Ward. He lived in Stafford Road near the
Fire Station and bell tower, so could quickly give an early alarm to Volunteers for fires in Birkenhead
and Northcote.
In 1930 the manual phone exchange became automatic and now that a number of local residents had
automatic phones installed they were also relied upon to give an alarm in case of fire.
The new automatic telephone number of the Fire telephone (Fireman Wards residence) was
advertised to telephone subscribers. 18-022.
The Northcote Fire Brigade phone was shifted several times over the years into different member’s
residences. In November 1940, Fireman Albert Bradbourne had the fire telephone installed in his
residence for the purpose of receiving fire alarm calls in the Borough after the Northcote Council office
was closed.
Unfortunately Fireman Bradbourne was enlisted in the Second World War, so the phone was soon
shifted to Deputy Superintendant George Harts home.
In March 1942 the Brigade wrote to the Council recommending that their phone number be listed as
the Northcote Fire Brigade phone in the directory.
5. Location
The biggest problem was the location of the Northcote Fire Station. In the mid twenties it took an
average of 20 minutes for the Brigade to reach fires in Birkenhead. Because of this delay, the fire
would have already had a strong hold on any building and the likelihood of saving that building would
be futile.
A common theme mentioned was to erect a central fire station in Zion Hill (Onewa Road) and have
two permanent Firemen based there. At a meeting on 25.10.1921, the Northcote Brigade Captain
stated that if there was a central Fire Station at Zion Hill, because of this location, you would still
require two satellite Stations in Northcote and Birkenhead.
And on 1.9.1927 is when the Northcote Fire Captain, Mr W.P Roberts generated much applause at
another Birkenhead Council meeting about how to cover the Borough with fire protection. He stated
that no district the size of Birkenhead should be without a Fire Brigade. He said, Northcote would
always answer a call from Birkenhead in the event of a fire, but laboured under great handicap in
rendering the highest level of service to Birkenhead. This is because of delays in receiving the initial
alarm due to the lack of modern automatic telephone systems and the method involved in having to
convey the message through the various sources before the alarm could be given at Northcote.
Owing to this feature, in most cases the Northcote Brigade had been unable to save burning premises
because of the hold the flames already had. Of course they have been successful in saving
surrounding buildings by preventing the spread of fire.
“Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the Northcote Firemen would, throughout the controversy for a
central brigade, continue to render all possible service to Birkenhead to defeat the dread enemy of
fire” (applause).
20
TELEPHONE SYSTEM – for fires in Birkenhead District
1920’s
Once a fire is discovered it would be reported to the
Birkenhead Constable at 110 Hinemoa Street
The Constable would telephone
the city exchange in Auckland
The Switchboard Operator would
connect the Birkenhead Constable
to the Northcote Constable
The Northcote Constable would run approx. 300 meters
from 11 Clarence Road to the Northcote Fire Station at 2
Rodney Road and ring the Fire Bell
The Firemen would come from their
homes to the Fire Station and be told
where to go to the fire in Birkenhead
1928 on
Automatic direct “Night Line” installed
Once a fire is discovered it would be reported to
the Birkenhead Constable at 110 Hinemoa Street
The Constable would telephone Northcote
Fireman Ward (in Stafford Rd)
The Fireman would run approx. 50 meters to the
Northcote Fire Station at 2 Rodney Road and ring the
Fire Bell
The Firemen would come from their
homes to the Fire Station and be told
where to go in Birkenhead to the fire
SOMETIMES THE TELEPHONE CALL SYSTEM FAILED AND ONE WOULD HAVE TO
MOTOR TO THE FIRE STATION AT NORTHCOTE TO RING THE BELL
21
1932 – BIRKENHEAD VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
In May 1932, the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade services were no longer required in Birkenhead. It
was officially on a Saturday (14.5.1932) when the new Birkenhead Fire Brigade finally assumed
control of their own fire district. It was then desired that the existing fire protection agreement with the
Northcote Council should be terminated on this date. The new Birkenhead Fire Board extended its
thanks to the Northcote Brigade and Northcote was informed that in future, it must attend only to
those fires within their Borough Boundaries.
However, the locals can remember on many occasions, the Birkenhead Fire Brigade coming down to
help the Northcote boys. “As soon as the Northcote fire bell rang you would hear the Birkenhead siren
go off and they would come down and help Northcote”.
“The Birkenhead Volunteer Members were very frustrated by this instruction. Once Northcote College
had a fire and the Birkenhead Fire Brigade were called to it. They had to leave their machine in their
District (just up the road) and run across to help their fellow firemen of the Northcote Brigade. The
Birkenhead Members were only allowed to do this as private citizens.” – Wilfred Dil - Life Member
Birkenhead Fire Brigade.
There was no acknowledgement of the Birkenhead members in any of the newspapers:
28.12.1936
One building at Northcote High School was totally destroyed by fire 2.30am.
It was built six years ago out of corrugated iron and a wooden frame as a
temporary building, but because of the onset of the depression, the provision
of a permanent building was not to be proceeded with. Northcote Volunteer
Fire Brigade arrived but it was impossible to do more than confine the
outbreak. This was the first notable fire to occur in the Northcote District for
over 12 months.
If someone in Northcote phoned the Birkenhead Station for a fire call, they would be told that they
have rung the wrong station and to call Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade. Sometimes the phone
would ring again few minutes later as the Northcote Brigade didn’t answer the phone. The Birkenhead
Firemen would then ring one of the Northcote Firemen at home to get things going.
Remember the Birkenhead Fire Board constituted members of not only the Birkenhead Council but
also members of the Insurance underwriters and they had strict boundaries. Even if a fire call came in
for Glenfield, the Firemen could not leave their area without specific direction from the Chairman of
the Fire Board.
COMPETITIONS
Northcote Brigade had their own events where they would demonstrate and compete against each
other for trophies such as the Hurley Shield, Hurley Cup (for one man event), Ellis Memorial Cup (2
man wet events) (also called the Ellis Trophy) and in 1938 the Paitry Memorial Cup (3 man disabled
event).
The Hurley Cup was donated by Northcote Fire Station Officer Alfred Hurley at the end of 1953 as a
parting gift for his retirement. The Brigade members asked Alf to reconsider his decision, and he
ended up staying on for two more years until 1955.
Alfred Hurley served over 32 years with the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade. When he started he
was appointed messenger, and retired after serving nine years of Station Officer.
The Paitry Memorial Cup was donated and presented in 2.5.1938 by Mr McBeth. AP Paitry was the
late Northcote town clerk who died in September 1937 aged 34.
It was formally decided in October 1938 to compete for this cup in a motor reel event to show that the
members are conversant with the workings of the pump and gear.
22
For other competitions that were held around the country, the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade would
be subsidised by the Northcote Council but would also do fundraising activities to cover their
expenses.
They would compete against other New Zealand Brigades and prove to be a tough contender. Of
course Northcote favoured the screw coupling event competitions held by the U.F.B.A as this was the
only couplings they originally had in their District.
Instantaneous couplings were becoming more popular over the years and the screw coupling events
were becoming less common. Even so, in 1950 Northcote sent a letter to the U.F.B.A in favour of the
screw events.
Northcote was present in the A.S.F.B Ass. Competition and demonstrations held at Western Springs
in 22.9.1951. They entered a team with Fireman Bezzant & Fireman Morrisson competing in the ‘2
man screw event’.
The 1953 competitions in Hastings were the best the Brigade had ever done and the members were
congratulated by their Station Officer A Hurley.
Sometimes they couldn’t contend in out of town competitions because of leaving the District ‘short
staffed’. They would try to find cover for the members by appointing Auxiliary Firemen for the time
they were away. Most of the time the Auxiliary Firemen who volunteered were ex-firemen of the
Brigade. An example of this was for annual competitions in 1939.
Auxiliary Firemen appointed were: A Miller, A Hurley, G Stewart, R Davies, F Brooking and E
Whitcombe.
The members were very serious about competing. They would practice drills on Monday and
Wednesdays in preparation for upcoming events.
So serious that in 1.5.1939 they planned to build a competition tower to practice competing in events.
This was to be based at Stafford Park Reserve and constructed on skids to facilitate moving if
necessary.
A letter was sent to the Northcote Council for approval stating that it would help the efficiency of the
Brigade. The proposal never turned out.
Competitions were common events between Devonport, Takapuna, Birkenhead and Northcote. All the
North Shore Brigades would have turns in holding an event in each other’s District. It would be a big
day out to show off their skills to the huge crowds that would gather.
One of the cups up for grabs was the Takapuna Cup which was a three man disabled event.
1930’s - TOUGH TIMES
The nineteen thirties were a tough period for the Brigade and for the rest of the Northcote Borough,
not only were they dealing with fires, the Great Depression had stock and World War two was looming
around the corner.
THEFTS
Unfortunately, there were thefts from the Fire Station.
In August 1934, the Council received complaints from the Brigade about interference with the motor
Fire Engine (Model T Ford). Benzene (petrol) in the tank had been pilfered. This was a very serious
offence and the matter was reported to the police.
A few years later (4.7.38) the members noticed more interference of gear including the fire reel and
lights. A notice was soon erected at the Fire Station stating ‘Trespasses will be prosecuted”.
And a few more years later (7.4.1942) it happened again. The Council was notified as to a loss of
approximately 8 gallons of benzene from the machine. The Brigade was instructed to use a suitable
lock on the fuel tank and the keys to be left in the hands of the Deputy Superintendant and First
Driver.
23
FIRE PLUGS
They had multiple problems with fire plugs (hydrants) either insufficiently marked, asphalted over or
totally overgrown with weeds and grass. This was an ongoing problem and the Brigade spent some
training nights clearing and checking the fire plugs. Because of the problems of trying to locate these
fire plugs during a fire call, the Council gave the Brigade a map of the District showing where all the
plugs were located.
They had periods where they were “in a bad state” even up to 1948.
BIRKENHEAD
The annual payment of £75 (1932) from Birkenhead had ceased as Birkenhead had now established
their own Volunteer Fire Brigade and therefore Northcotes services were no longer required.
Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade had started protruding into Northcotes District for fire calls. The
biggest incident was the fire in Onewa Road at the Dominican Sisters Convent. This caused great
arguments between the two Brigades.
GAS MASKS
At a Northcote Borough Council meeting on 23.9.1936, the Fire Brigade proposed about obtaining
provision of military gas masks for smoke protection. These were seen as a necessity because it was
only a month later before four gas masks were issued and stowed on their appliance.
Because of the high costs of the masks, care was warranted in the handling and use when at fires
and they could only be used when instructed by an Officer.
Driver G Hart was nominated as caretaker with the power not to issue the masks unless instructed by
a more senior Officer. “No one being in position to take masks without consent”.
A notice for the use and care of the gas masks was put on the notice board for the member’s perusal.
In 1942 Deputy Superintendant McKenzie sent more smoke masks to the Brigade. A motion was lost
shortly after the masks arrived; “that each member be issued respirators as no two persons will share
a respirator”. Nice to see one was thinking about Health and Safety 73 years ago.
On 7.8.1944, during the Second World War, ten more respirators were given to the Brigade on
permanent loan from Superintendant Wilson.
UNFORGETTABLE FIRES
The 1930’s exhibited some unforgettable fires in the Northcote Borough.
Among the more spectacular fires remembered were:
25.5.1930
An eight roomed house of Mr Williiam Hector George (cabinet maker) on the corner
of Bartley Road and Richmond Ave was practically destroyed by fire. The neighbours
heard him yelling out for help at four o’clock on a Saturday morning. The outbreak
started in the kitchen, and a valuable collection of Kauri Gum, curios and heirlooms
were lost. It was his great collection of Kauri gum which fuelled the fire. As the fire
was virtually uncontrollable at the time the Brigade arrived, all that was left standing
was the front of the house where he used to sleep. Everyone came out to watch the
fire, all in their pyjamas and nighties.
27.9.1933
Even the Mayor, Mr Robert Martin, was affected by fire. His seven roomed home and
contents were destroyed by fire at 3.30am. The wooden house in Waimana Ave was
gutted and the contents, a piano, furniture and clothing were all destroyed. The fire
started in the front bedroom and spread rapidly along the ceiling to the other rooms.
The fire was burning fiercely when the Brigade arrived.
18.8.1935
Tarrys Hall burnt down which was opposite Hoppy Beatons shop (general store),
approximately 76-80 Queen Street. The Hall was the centre of social, civic and
political activities. They held dances, films and the Brigade had held their honours
nights in the hall. Part of the hall was used by Mrs A.M Rowley who had a
confectionary and fancy dress shop which was destroyed. It was just before midnight
24
when the old timber burned like matchwood and provided spectacular moments,
especially when the front of the building collapsed in a blazing mass on the footpath,
and not long after, the side walls came crashing down. The heat melted electric light
wires outside. The Fire Brigade concentrated on saving the adjoining houses and
were later congratulated for there efforts.
This 50 year old well known landmark was known as Tarrys Hall, but its name had
changed to Bayview Hall under new ownership.
Tarry’s Hall (left of picture)
19.8.1938
Dominican Sisters Convent in Onewa Road burnt down shortly before noon. The fire
caused major destruction with the walls and roof of the building collapsing. Nothing
was saved. Destroyed were three pianos, all of the furniture and personal belongings.
This took a year to rebuild and cost £7400. The fire started by a kerosene heater
which was used to heat an incubator for chickens that the Nuns were rearing. They
think a cat may have knocked it over. There were only two people in the premises at
the time of the fire. Sister St Roche suffered slight burns to her face after trying to
extinguish the fire and a hurried escape. The call for the Birkenhead Fire Brigade
came from Rev. Father Taylor who did not know that the Northcote Fire Brigade
existed as there was no indication whatsoever appearing in the telephone directory.
(In March 1942 the Brigade wrote to the Council recommending that their phone
number be listed as the Fire Brigade phone in the directory).
This fire caused great arguments between the Northcote and Birkenhead as the
Birkenhead Fire Brigade attended well before Northcote Fire Brigade even though the
fire was in Northcotes District. Birkenhead didn’t relay the message of fire at the
Convent to Northcote. The Mayor Mr R Martin said “Birkenhead Brigade had no right
to come into Northcote at all. When they received the call it was their duty to relay it
on to Northcote”.
However, saying this, a week later the Birkenhead Fire Brigade did receive a letter
from the Northcote Council thanking them for coming to the assistance of Northcote.
nd
So on 22 April 1938 (three days after the fire) an instruction was issued to the
Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade that their services of are not to be made available
outside of their District.
ANNUAL FIRE
The Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade always faced “Northcotes Annual fire”. This was a Northcote
mystery. Every year for about 35 years there has been a mysterious fire in a paddock overlooking the
Gas Works at Northcote (Little Shoal Bay). This area was overgrown by Watsonia grass and as soon
as the summer sun dries the stalks they take fire. Sometimes it would be set alight by a ‘firebug’ just
to see the Fire Brigade come out.
Many other theories were advanced as to the cause and a possible explanation was hinted at during
a Northcote Borough Council meeting, when the Mayor remarked “that when he was young and
irresponsible he put a match to some grass and started a blaze”. He must have seen the reaction
from the Councillors faces so quickly added “however, in those days there were no houses in the
vicinity.” (10.9.1941)
The Northcote Fire Brigade used to set a date to light it, but about a week before this date, someone
else would set it alight. This always seemed to be on a Sunday night.
25
1938 - SECOND MOTOR APPLIANCE
Things started looking up again towards the end of the
depression and they looked at options to replace the aging
Model T Ford. (The old Model T Ford eventually went to
Kawakawa Fire Brigade).
In August 1938 Northcote Fire Brigade were soon the proud
owners of a 1919 Dennis Fire Engine (registration H1706)
which was purchased from the Auckland Metropolitan Fire
Board (Remuera Fire Brigade) at a cost of £50. A further
£50 was spent on extensive repairs.
Mr E Whitcombe (ex-Brigade member who rejoined in 1941 as an Aux. Fireman)) was involved in
procuring the new machine. His involvement and efforts were very much appreciated by the Brigade,
so much so that he was appointed Advisory Honorary Mechanic. He replied with his thanks and
offered his assistance at any time. In-fact, he got started right away into the next project of making a
siren for the Brigade.
The ‘new’ Dennis was their first appliance to have a pump on board and was fitted out with a big
search light (approximately 300mm diameter) which could be manually operated by anyone in the
front seat.
The four cylinder machine also carried first aid and a 25 foot ladder with all hoses and branches.
When the hoses were getting old and required mending, the members would cut and repair their own
hoses and couplings. The members were very enthusiastic and practical in making things work.
In 1.9.1941 they ordered a foam extinguisher to furnish the appliance. This foam branch pipe
extinguisher was ordered from Utilities Wellington Pyrene and cost £20. A year later (on 7.9.42) it still
hadn’t arrived so they sent a letter back to cancel the order as it took too long and Birkenhead had
‘loaned’ some branches to Northcote.
When selecting this machine they looked at how practical it was to pick up Firemen on the way to fire
calls. For this there was plenty of room on the back step and on the side of the appliance.
It was a big machine and was terribly hard to start. One or more had to jump on the starting handle,
and if that didn’t work it was known for the Firemen to push it down the hill to roll start it.
Also interesting is that it had been without a Warrant of Fitness (W.O.F) for 5 years. This was noticed
by the newly formed North Shore Fire Board on 2.12.1948.
1919 Dennis
26
1939 – SECOND WORLD WAR – E.P.S
The Emergency Precautions Scheme (E.P.S) was introduced in 1935 by the Government. This was to
coordinate a national response to natural disasters or enemy attacks. It was mainly concerned with air
raids, fires, poison-gas attacks, and earthquakes. The EPS was the forerunner of Civil Defence.
Volunteers and conscripts:
In January 1942, enrolment in the Emergency Defence Corps (which included the EPS and Home
Guard) became compulsory. All able-bodied men aged between 18 and 65 who were not serving in
the armed forces were required to join. Women were asked to volunteer, and once enrolled could not
resign at will.
EPS duties:
Thousands of EPS members prepared against possible attacks.
They built trenches and shelters, planned for evacuations and
the protection of school children, watched for fires, and policed
blackouts. There was some overlap between the duties of the
EPS and Home Guard, and men could be members of both.
As you can see, part of this organisation was to prepare and
greatly strengthen the NZ Fire fighting services.
Birkenhead Fire Station had a Trailer Pump appointed at its
premises and living in Rawene Road were Emergency Fire
Service (E.F.S) staff ready to respond.
Demonstration of E.F.S
members and Trailer Pump
The Northcote Fire Brigade were appointed Auxiliary Firemen to make up the numbers and the
appliance was furnished with additional hoses and nozzles. They were told that in the event of the
E.P.S being wound up, the Council would be offered to buy the hoses and nozzles back.
In the start of the 1940’s the Brigade membership numbers were getting low.
In October 1940, the Brigade got a shake up when two of their Officers were called up for war service.
Deputy Superintendant Hurley (17 years) and Foreman Ward (14 years) had to be replaced. The
Brigade had just lost 31 years experience.
Five Brigade members had enlisted and were on active service for the war. The Brigade had spoken
about introducing a roster system and to include Auxiliary Firemen.
Because of the uncertainty of the war, Northcote Borough Council had appointed 11 members and 2
auxiliary firemen to help keep the Fire truck rolling. Auxiliaries were also used to answer alarms while
some members left the District to compete in Brigade competitions.
As the war went on, more Auxiliaries were appointed. Towards the end of 1941 they tried getting
armbands for their Auxiliary Firemen with the letters NMVFB on them. This would be for all of their
E.P.S fire personnel carrying out emergency duties. Most of these men were older gentlemen who
were ex-members of the Brigade. At its peak in 1942, the Brigade had appointed twelve auxiliary
Firemen.
On 1.9.1944, the average Brigade member age was 50 years old. The youngest member was 34
years old. But towards the end of this year, nine members had resigned including the last four
Auxiliary Firemen.
On 7.8.1944, Superintendant Wilson informed the Brigade on the function of Auxiliary Firemen and
the Second World War Emergency Precautions Scheme E.P.S. “Owing to the slackening of the E.P.S
organisation, any Brigade Auxiliary Fireman who wished to retire from active membership may do so
providing they held themselves available in the event of an emergency arising and to report to the Fire
Station. Auxiliaries taking advantage of his position would be requested to hand in all E.P.S and
Brigade gear in their possession.”
Maybe because of the extra help they got used to, and now with the decline in numbers, the
Northcote Brigade wished to increase their membership.
They wrote to the Northcote Borough Council to increase the Brigade numbers to fifteen (18.8.1946).
This was approved.
27
1941 - THE OLD BELL TOWER
In the past the bell was rang from a sense
of chivalry as well as ones duty.
Whenever the bell was sounded for an
alarm a crowd of watchers would gather.
Vincent Road Station and Dennis – note
Bell Tower in background
When telephones were becoming popular,
fire calls were communicated by
telephone to the Northcote Constable or
Northcote Council Office on Rodney
Road. Often the only person present in
the building was a girl typist whose duty it
was to summon the Fire Brigade by tolling
the heavy bell. The sight of her struggling
with difficulty of sounding the alarm and at
the same time trying to keep her frock
from working up to an immodest height
would often cause assistance from
someone else to take over the duty for
her.
When the Council offices were closed during the night, a ‘night line’ was installed (1928) via a
telephone to a Brigade member.
The manual phone exchange soon became automatic (1930) and one could phone the ‘Fire’
telephone directly, that is, if they could find its listing in the directory.
However, whatever the system to communicate the word of fire, the Fire Bell still had to be rung to
summon the Fire Brigade members. It had been this way for close to thirty years.
In March 1941 the Northcote Borough Council increased the firemen’s pay. Perhaps this help
energised them to race things along.
On 4.9.1941 the Fire Bell tower was moved from in front of the Council Chambers to a new position in
the rear of the Fire Station. The bell was being decommissioned to make way for a modern device.
The Northcote Borough Foreman, E Mays, supervised the removal which was made difficult by the
necessity of having to keep the bell in position so that in case of fire, it could be rung without any
delay.
It was no mean feat as the tower and bell weighed 2 ½ tons so was placed on skids and moved less
than 50 meters with the aid of a grader.
Previous to this, (May 1939) some members started making an ‘electric alarm box’. This siren was
erected and tested, but the manual fire bell was still being rung.
A year later (May 1940) a letter was sent to the Northcote Borough Council pointing out the dire need
for some sort of electric “alarm system owing to this the wireless age”.
The Council decided to have a look at what the Firemen envisaged, and a siren was demonstrated at
a Council meeting with the Mayor. The siren would ring for 1 minute and 20 seconds automatically.
W.E Aspden had manufactured this siren for the Brigade. It was to be a gift to Northcote from Mr
Aspden, Auxiliary Fireman E Whitcombe, Deputy Superintendant G. Hart and Secretary F. Gilmore.
The Council liked what they saw and gave the project the ‘green light’. The E.P.S said they would
assist with costs which may have helped the Council’s decision. The E.P.S would refund to the
Council the net outlay on the siren on an understanding that in the event of the E.P.S being dissolved
the Council would be required to repay the expenditure less depreciation.
The new siren was then mounted in the old bell tower which was moved less than a month ago.
The old Fire Bell was kept as a stand by in-case of the new siren failing.
28
The first test of the new siren was made on 28.9.1941. The Mayoress Mrs E.C Fowler was invited to
press the contact switch and the test was highly satisfactory. It was heard from Birkdale (4kms away)
despite a strong south-westerly. It was the loudest siren on the North Shore and during its trialling
phase, was sounded at 1pm every Saturday for testing purposes.
To activate the siren in case of fire, the system is brought into operation by breaking a glass panel
and pressing a button. This in turn, works a relay switch that closes a circuit between the batteries
and the siren motor. It was later intended to establish contact points throughout the Borough to enable
calls to be made from any area.
Less than a year later in 1942 notes were being put on boxes to advise that they are ‘OUT OF
ORDER’.
It is noted in the minutes book (3.11.1941), that the following names go down for recognition for the
work done in the making and installation of the new fire siren; Mr Aspden, Auxiliary Fireman E
Whitcombe, Deputy Superintendant G. Hart and Secretary F. Gilmore.
On 1.3.1942 they stopped ringing the old fire bell on a Saturday at 1pm.
But during the next few years they swapped around between using the new siren and old fire bell.
A letter was sent to the Council (7.4.1942) stating that practical experience of ringing the bell is
archaic.
So two months later in 1.6.42 they reverted back to use of the electric siren as some of the members
were unable to hear bell.
On 7.2.44 a letter was sent to the Chief Warden for the E.P.S in regard to use the siren for alarm
purposes and also try to gain possession of the motor patrol and gear in the Fire Station.
And finally in May 1944, all gear pertaining to the siren was costed and sold to the E.P.S. The Brigade
had also installed a motor generator set for the purpose of charging batteries. Payment of this set was
sent to the E.P.S.
The North Shore Fire Board had taken over in 1948 and had upgraded the North Shore District with
new alarms.
In 1950 house bells were installed into Volunteer Firemen’s homes in Birkenhead which were
activated with the siren. The crews would be summoned by the house bells between the hours of
10pm and 6am. During the day the external siren was still used. The house bells were operated from
Takapuna HQ through a direct line to give a long telephone ring to alert them
The Northcote Brigade could see the advantages of this system but were yet to be upgraded. On
5.11.51 a letter was sent to the N.S.F.B for the Northcote Brigade to get house bells. Unfortunately
this wasn’t approved.
So four years later, on 5.12.1955 the Northcote Brigade sent another letter to the N.S.F.B requesting
house bells. This still wasn’t approved. Probably because in 1954 the Fire Service Council chair and
the CFSO stated that Northcote Station is redundant. The North Shore Fire Board retained Northcote
as a reserve force in the event of emergencies. The whole setup was to be revised after the opening
of the Harbour Bridge (1959).
On 2.9.1960, nine years after first asking, the Northcote Brigade members sent a letter to Mr Preston
(Chief Fire Officer N.S.F.B) asking to abolish sleeping on the Station and to ring house bells from
Takapuna (Headquarters).
And at the end of 1963 the Northcote Brigade still wanted house bells installed in the member’s
residences. The members had been asking for house bells for over 12 years now.
29
1942 – SCOUTS
Working closely with the community, the Northcote Fire Brigade were looking at expanding their
services and wrote to the Northcote Scout Master. On 3.1.1942 they offered to train a maximum
number of twelve boy scouts, and that this training would take place on Thursday evenings. Brigade
member Mr E.A (Ted) Whitcombe was the first to start this training.
This could have possibly been where the North Shore Fire Board got the idea to start the North Shore
Junior Fire Service (N.S.J.F.S) 20 years later in the early sixties.
1940’s – TRAINING
Drill night was originally once every fortnight. It was like this for many years until around the time the
N.S.F.B formed in 1948. Then training was once a week.
The members were very serious about competing. They would practice drills on Monday and
Wednesdays in preparation for upcoming events.
Because one Monday in a month was taken up with meetings, they would also train on two Sunday
mornings of the month.
The Sunday morning training would sometimes start at 0700 hours and last for a couple of hours. But
in August 1942 the members wanted to take part in a more intensive training so they extended it to
four hours on Sundays, 0800 – 1200 hours. This lasted for a little while, and then reverted back to
around 2 hours.
Later on changed to one Sunday a month to clean the gear and carry out pump tests.
The 2 hour Sunday practice was still happening in 1944 but reduced to 1 hr in August.
Throughout the years training night and times have changed around a little, but generally training was
held on Monday evenings at 7pm (much like today).
On 1.6.1936 they moved practice night to start at 7.30pm instead of 6.30pm.
During the 1940s they would practice drills on Tuesdays and have their meetings on Mondays.
In the late Forties, Devonport Fire Brigade would occasionally come over to Northcote in their Number
Two machine to train with Northcote. Both Brigades benefitted from this arrangement.
On 14.12.1948 Devonport demonstrated using foamite (foam) with a special branch and containers.
The Northcote Firemen found this very interesting as they had never seen this in operation before.
On another occasion the Northcote Fire Brigade would practice with Devonport’s ‘suction leads’ (they
called hoses leads), First Aid Equipment and instantaneous couplings. Devonport came over on
12.7.1949 and both Brigades trained with instantaneous couplings. This was the first time the
Northcote Members had trained and used instantaneous couplings as the Northcote District was fitted
with older screw couplings.
A week later Devonport came over again and gave a demonstration of a Self Containing Breathing
Set (Breathing Apparatus).
In the fifties they changed training night to Tuesday but this didn’t last long and it was changed back
to Mondays. From then on training was only carried out on a Monday evening.
1943 – TRAILER PUMP
In May 1943, the Northcote Council had obtained an old Trailer Pump for the Brigade. Unfortunately it
had no motor power, so the members looked at not only providing an engine for it, but also erecting a
building to house the pump. A sub-committee was formed to go into the cash expenditure of
maintaining a pump and material to erect a building to house it.
Maintenance and insurance was £2.2.4. Material for building was £25.
Unfortunately the Council weren’t so enthusiastic. On 6.9.1943 a letter was received from the Council
turning down the Brigades proposition of reconditioning and erecting a building for the pump.
30
1948 - THE NORTH SHORE FIRE BOARD
th
On the 25 July 1947 a special meeting of the Board was called to consider the amalgamation of the
Fire districts on the North Shore. This meeting was addressed by Mr Girling Butcher, Chief Inspector
of Fire Services.
And on 1.4.1948 the Northcote Municipal Fire Brigade amalgamated with Birkenhead, Takapuna and
Devonport to become under the control of the North Shore Fire Board. A new Superintendent was
appointed on 14.6.1948 that was originally stationed at Devonport.
Northcote remained the only purely volunteer Station.
Buildings & Equipment owned by Northcote Fire Brigade had been itemised, valued & taken over by
the Board.
The four Brigades were organised as one unit where equipment and drills standardised, a backing up
system inaugurated and communication with direct telephone lines between the Brigades was
installed.
Existing fire alarm systems had been overhauled and receiving boards modernised where necessary.
Additional fire alarm points were added. A new four circuit Duplex Fire Alarm Board for Northcote and
Birkenhead and 80 new alarm boxes had been ordered. (Devonport 9; Takapuna 28; Northcote and
Birkenhead 43).
Northcote remained the only purely volunteer Station with 15 members.
Buildings & Equipment owned by Northcote Fire Brigade had been itemised, valued & taken over by
the Board.
1950 - THIRD MOTOR APPLIANCE
The North Shore Fire Board had taken over and plans for the District. On 11.10.1949 all screw
couplings were taken off Northcotes Appliance and changed to instantaneous. They were also
equipped with 1000 foot of canvas hose and 100 foot of rubber lined hose. Two respirators were also
issued.
Six months later (15.4.1950) the Dennis engine from Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade had been
fully reconditioned with new valves, pistons, rings, brakes overhauled to obtain a W.O.F and
st
transferred to the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade. The next day 1 Officer Wrightson from the
Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade came down and demonstrated suction and the workings of the
pump to the Northcote boys.
Ex-Birkenhead’s reconditioned 1931 Dennis (callsign N54)
31
This 3.5 ton machine was described as ‘compact and speedy, capable of pumping water (suction) at
250/300 gallons a minute, delivered at a pressure of 120 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). It carried a
35 foot extension ladder with a 40 gallon tank and hose reel.
Three months later in July, the Brigade purchased a red light for this machine.
In the mid 1950’s they attended a number of fires where the use of a ‘good strong crowbar’ was badly
needed. A requisition was put in to the North Shore Fire Board for one.
Ex-registrations were H37.724, H51.912, EX5381, and 32FIRE.
It wasn’t until 26.2.1953 when the North Shore Fire Board furnished this appliance with a R/T.
Northcotes older 1919 Dennis appliance which they had for twelve years was sold to the Warkworth
Fire Brigade on 29.6.1950 for £250. This was a good price as it originally cost the Northcote Brigade
£100. The North Shore Fire Board must have been happy with this.
1950 - MEMBERS PICTURE
Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade (taken 19.11.1950)
Back row: Bill (William) Whitcombe, Fred (Fredrick) Reed, Alby (Albert) Bradburn, Des Ennion (Driver).
Front: Bob (Robert) Moore , ? , Rod (Rodriek) Taylor, J Andrews, S/O Alf Hurley, Jock (Forbes) Gilmour, Percy Neville, ?
Each member who wanted a copy of this photograph would pay 5/- (five shillings) to the
photographer Mr Breckon. It was £2 for an enlargement.
32
1950’s – FRUSTRATIONS
The 1950s came with some minor irritations:
RADIO TELEPHONE
After the formation of the North Shore Fire Board, Radio Telephones (R.T’s) were soon rolled out.
The original problem with the R.T was that one had to have a radio licence to operate it. In 1953 the
st
only members that could use the R.T were 1 Officer Gilmore and Station Officer Hurley. This was
authorised by C.F.O Ander from the N.S.F.B.
I guess it couldn’t be used if they didn’t make the truck.
FALSE ALARMS
Children were being more of a nuisance and playing with the fire alarm boxes causing false alarms.
“They used to run along. There were alarms on the posts – on the telegraph posts – and they were a
jolly nuisance ‘cause children used to break them with a stick, you see. And you’d get a terrible lot of
false alarms. They were a jolly nuisance. That’s why I finally had to leave.” Hector Stott (Birkenhead
Fire Brigade Foundation Member)
FIRE STATION
The engine room was continually wet and damp from seepages. This started having an impact on the
hoses and other gear which had to be monitored for deterioration.
This was noticed by the North Shore Fire Board in March 1954. Three months later they were talking
about alternative accommodation for Northcote Fire Brigade and not long later (on 28.10.1954)
Northcote were using an empty shop for storage while the Board was looking at erecting a temporary
Station.
A new Station was on the cards and was built a year later.
FIRE CALLS
It was noticed that the Birkenhead Fire Brigade was starting to arrive at fires in the Northcote District
before the Northcote Fire Brigade did. It is documented that Birkenhead was the first fire appliance to
arrive at fires in Lake Road, Onewa Road and Church Street (which was less than 500 meters from
Northcote Fire Station). Of course, this was debated by Northcote.
Factors which would have influenced this quicker response from Birkenhead were:
1.
Birkenhead had been appointed two permanent Firemen that slept at their Station
(from 1948). And in 1951 the North Shore Fire Board appointed another permanent
Fireman at Birkenhead bringing their total paid staff to three.
2.
Birkenhead had two appliances and both were newer than Northcotes aging Dennis.
Birkenheads first responding appliance was a brand new Ford V8.
To rub salt into the wound, when the Birkenhead Fire Brigade went to some calls, Northcote were
asked to ‘Stand-By’ at the Birkenhead Station.
Maybe because of this, on 5.5.1952 at a Northcote Fire Brigade meeting it was unanimously decided
that two men be on duty and sleep at the Station each night from 2230 to 0600 hours. A roster system
st
was drawn up by 1 Officer Gilmore and work was immediately made on sleeping quarters. (A
separate roster was later drawn up for manning the Station on Saturday nights.)
The next day Fireman R Taylor and Fireman R Moore commenced the first shift.
Some members sleeping on the Station found it hard to wake up in time each morning so it was
decided to purchase an alarm clock.
This lasted eight years until 12.9.1960. The Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade members sent a letter to
Mr Preston (Chief Fire Officer), asking to abolish sleeping on the Station and to ring their house bells
from Takapuna (Headquarters). The members had been asking for house bells for over 9 years now.
33
REDUNDANT BRIGADE
In 1954, the Fire Service Council chair and the CFSO stated that Northcote Station is redundant. The
North Shore Fire Board retained Northcote as a reserve force in the event of emergencies. However,
they still financed a new Station next year. The whole setup was to be revised after the opening of the
Harbour Bridge (1959).
Perhaps after the review they would also issue all the members with helmets as three Northcote
Firemen didn’t have them.
1955 - THIRD STATION
The Fire Station at 2 Rodney Road was due for building extensions but ended up being pulled down
to make way for the District War Memorial Community Building.
They found another property in Vincent Road, the Northcote Borough Council leased land to the North
Shore Fire Board for ten years.
On 21.10.1954 a building permit was approved to erect Fire Station with concrete foundations, wood
and concrete board walls and an iron roof. The value to be £1075.
The building permit had been issued for the Northcote Station to have a lean-to roof. A month later
this was changed to a gable roof.
Once again the Northcote Firemen offered their services into erecting a new building. This time the
offered was taken up by the Board.
The new Station was built voluntarily by the firemen themselves partly using the material from the old
station which was just a stone’s throw away (across the road). They removed the old social room from
Rodney Road and re-erected it on the new foundations.
The rest of the material was supplied by the North Shore Fire Board. The Northcote Council owned
the building and the North Shore Fire Board paid rent for it.
On 13.6.55 Mr L Hunt was made honorary custodian and caretaker of the new Fire Station, and a
year later they splashed out and purchased a pair of overalls for him.
And on 10.11.1955 at 2pm, the Mayor of Northcote, Mr F.M Pearn officially opened the new Fire
Station 2 Vincent Road. Cups and saucers had to be obtained from the Takapuna Fire Station.
The new Station has much better amenities that the old one. It had an engine room, watch room,
shower room, store room, kitchen, and large social room with a ‘talkie film screen’ with which the
firemen would entertain their families and friends occasionally.
They also had a billiard table and would hold competitions, not only amongst themselves, but also
with the Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade.
It was only eight days before the official opening that Station Officer J.A Hurley resigned (2.11.1955)
after spending 33 years with the Brigade. When he started there was no fire engine, the only
equipment they had at the time was a hand reel. And his first job at the Brigade was to act as a
messenger. The Brigade members presented him with a retirement gift – an electric drill.
Most of the members took pride with their new Station but something was noticed that could be
improved upon. At a meeting in May 1956, a request was made to the members to flush the w/c after
use. Mention was made that ‘two members were not fully equip.’
34
1958 – FORTH MOTOR APPLIANCE
On 25.6.1956 a report by the Board on the aging 1931 Dennis was carried out.
It was found that the engine which was satisfactory 25 years ago did not develop the power so
necessary in their present day appliances. A full crew of volunteers, who at times mounted the
machine when it was responding, greatly retarded both its speed and hill climbing abilities, thereby
reducing its efficiency.
The machine was fitted with an outdated body of limited dimensions and with its small locker space
was not designed for modern fire brigade conditions.
Although it was designed in the first instance as a Fire Engine, it was still in reasonably good
condition, but it was definitely outdated in a Brigade of this classification. It would however give useful
service in a small country or rural Brigade.
Replacement was therefore necessary in the near future.
It was in 1958 when Northcotes Dennis was
replaced by a 1939 Ford V8 ex- Navy crash
tender. This was originally taken over from the
Navy at the Boards inception in 1948 under the
Naval Base Protection Agreement. It was
designed as a crash tender for aerodrome work
such as plane crashes during World War 2.
1939 Ford V8 N56
It was first stationed at Devonport from 9.12.1948 as this was very close to the Naval base.
It has now been restored and on display at the Wanaka Museum.
It carried a 240 gal water tank with a 400 gpm pump which made it perfect for responding to nonreticulated areas.
Unfortunately the Boards report on this appliance two years before being transferred to Northcote
wasn’t that appealing. They found that the locker space which was satisfactory for aerodrome work
was not suited to normal Brigade operations. Outside the cab, it only had a back step to carry the
crew. The timber frame had deteriorated and the tank was badly corroded with its remaining life only a
matter of conjecture. The 17 year old vehicle was still doing a useful job, particularly in non-reticulated
areas, but life in Devonport Brigade was strictly limited. Its replacement was therefore warranted.
It was later transferred to Northcote Brigade where it spent another 13 years in service. Upon its
arrival the Northcote members soon drew up a roster to regularly clean the machine.
It was only a year later and the members were not happy with the condition of their truck. It had no
W.O.F and the handbrake and muffler required attention. They had general discussions around the
maintenance of the truck and it was decided to keep a book in the watch room to record all complaints
relation to the machine.
This machine only had an enclosed cab and back step which would limit how many firemen could
respond to a call. When they first got it, the membership numbers were around twelve, but started
dropping in the years ahead.
The driver would pick up other members on the way to fire calls. My father can remember the fire
engine driving to a daytime call. “The fire truck would slow down as the fireman waited for his
opportunity to jump on the back step. Unfortunately, his got his timing wrong and as he reached out to
grab the truck he missed with his grip and fell flat face to the ground”.
Being their first fully closed cab truck, it was noticed that some
members were smoking in the cab while at fire calls. A
discussion was held at a meeting about smoking at fires.
And within a short time of the trucks arrival, Station Officer
Gilmore “once more stressed the point that under no
circumstances was any member permitted to smoke on the
machine”.
35
1960’s – WINDING DOWN
Throughout the years they had maintained an average of thirteen members a year. Some years the
membership was over twenty (with Auxiliary Firemen).
During the mid 1950’s quite a few members were related with only a handful of ‘outsiders’. Because of
this concern they had discussions on 13.6.1955 about how many family can be members of the
Brigade. A letter was sent to Chief Fire Officer Preston regarding a written statement on the number
of persons from one family joining the Brigade.
In the early sixties the Brigade membership was getting low. Sometimes only two members would
show up for a Brigade meeting. It wasn’t uncommon to have only four or five members at these
meetings.
If a member wanted to resign, he would have to explain his reasoning why. If the Brigade didn’t have
a full crew, or his reason for leaving wasn’t know, he might be turned down.
Even resigning from a position within the Brigade could have been a problem. An example of this is in
8.2.1960 when Mr R Hewitt wanted to resign as Secretary. This wasn’t accepted by the Brigade so he
stayed. But a year later the Secretaries role was split up for the first time between Secretary and
Treasurer. Mr W Cowie was the new Secretary and Mr R Hewitt was the new Treasurer. Unfortunately
Cowie resigned shortly after and Hewitt reassumed Secretarial duties as well as being Officer In
Charge.
In 1962 they only had three members for half of the year, and the same again in 1963.
The Meeting minutes from 4.3.1963 would read, ‘As there are still only three members in the Brigade,
there was not much to discuss’. The Chairman closed the meeting.
There were at least ten meetings where they had only three members with not much to discuss.
There was no correspondence, no finance or accounts to talk about, so these meeting were very
quick in closing.
They decided not to have a meeting one night when only two of the three members showed up.
In the last nine years from 1960 until closing in 1969 they maintained an average of six members.
They never got more than ten members at one time.
They still carried on with night duty but tried to recruit more members to relieve their situation.
On 12.9.1960 the Brigade members sent a letter to Mr Preston (Chief Fire Officer), asking to abolish
sleeping on the Station and to ring their house bells from Takapuna (Headquarters).
On 10.10.1961, two members were staying permanently at the Station.
Again in 1963 they wanted house bells in members residences.
The members had been asking for house bells for over twelve years now.
In October 1963 they did get enough members to reintroduce a roster for one man to sleep on the
Station everyday of the week. They took Saturday in turns.
36
1969 - THE END
Changes were in the wind. Two years earlier the Northcote Council Offices in Rodney Road were
closed (1967). The new offices were now in Kilham Street.
Then in 1969 the Northcote Police Station closed. Responsibility was given to the Birkenhead mobile
patrol with afterhours cover provided by Takapuna.
th
The final meeting of the Northcote Volunteer was held at their Station on May 7 1969.
All five members were present.
Clarence Wood – First Officer (served 17 years)
Harry (Henry) George Bentley – Second Officer (served 12 Years)
Phillip Edward Wood – (served 2 years)
Raymond Walter Hewitt – (served 12 years)
Francis William Curran – Secretary (served 1 year)
Minutes of the Final Meeting held at Station 7.5.69
st
nd
Present:
1 Officer C. Wood (presiding), 2
Wood, W. Curran.
Officer H. Bently, R.W. Hewitt, Philip
Minutes:
Moved R. Hewitt, seconded H. Bentley that the minutes of the last meeting
be confirmed as read. Carried.
General Business:
It was suggested that C. Wood send a letter to the North Shore Fire Services
thanking them for their assistance and wishing them all the best in future.
Moved by R. Hewitt, seconded Philip Wood, that members present at the
final meeting sign the minutes book. Carried.
C. Wood – First Officer
H. Bentley – Second Officer
R. W. Hewitt
P. E. Wood – F/M Driver
F. W. Curran - Secretary
37
MAP OF EVENTS
Rodney Road
Queen Street
Fire Station original location
built 1922 (now War Memorial)
Fire Bell erected 1913
Fire Bell tower moved 1941
Methodist Church – used
bell as fire alarm pre 1913
Fire Station (pictured) built 1955
Vincent Road
Picture taken 1963
38
RANK STRUCTURE
When the Birkenhead Brigade started, Northcote Fire Brigade membership was still at twelve. During
this period each member was allocated a position with a role.
Right back in the beginning (1908) there was a Captain, Lieutenant and a Foreman at Northcote Fire
Brigade.
The Lieutenants position was discontinued after the first couple of years after the Brigades formation
in 1908.
The Captain and Foreman titles were changed and sanctioned by the Council in September 1938 to
become Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent.
Because things were unsettled with members during the Second World War, in 1943 they created a
further office of 2 deputy superintendants. This office was held for 6 months until 6.12.43.
Also during the Second World War, over a dozen Auxiliary Firemen were appointed to the Station.
This was because the Brigade numbers were getting low because of the members enlisting for the
New Zealand Forces. These Auxiliaries were mostly older ex-members who had fire fighting
experience.
Interesting to note that during this time the average Brigade member age was 50 years old. The
youngest member was 34 years old.
Over the years the different roles voted on annually were:
Captain/Superintendant (CFO)
Foreman/Deputy Superintendant (DCFO)
Dept. Foreman
Senior Hydrantman
Second Driver
First Aid
Billiard Steward
Senior Branch-man
Junior hydrantman
Steward
Secretary
Librarian
Lieutenant – until 1911 (DCFO)
Junior Branch-man
First Driver
Assistant Steward
Treasurer
Messenger
Depending on the Brigade membership numbers, some of these roles were either not given or one
member would be given two roles. (In 1946 they had written to the Northcote Council and had their
numbers increased to 15).
When the Northcote Brigade amalgamated with the formation of the North Shore Fire Board in 1948,
the role of Superintendant and Deputy Superintendant within their Brigade was discontinued. The new
Superintendant was based at Devonport and looked after all the North Shore Brigades.
Therefore the names of Superintendant, Deputy Superintendant and Foreman were changed within
st
nd
rd
the Brigade to 1 Officer, 2 Officer and 3 Officer.
In July 1950, they introduced the role of a Station Officer of which Alf Hurley was elected.
Position:
Captain
Chief Fire Officer. This title was changed in 1938 to Superintendant.
Lieutenant
Deputy Chief Fire Officer. This title was only around for a couple of years within the
Brigade as they stopped using it around 1912.
Foreman
Also Deputy Chief Fire Officer. This title was changed in 1938 to Deputy
Superintendant.
Driver,
Branchman,
Hydrantman
These roles speak for themselves. They were placed in order of 1 , 2
rd
and sometimes 3 or Senior and Junior.
st
nd
39
First Aid
To maintain and care for the First Aid kit. To keep it stocked up and locked. This
position was first appointed in April 1940 when the Council approved the Brigade to
purchase a complete first aid set. The first member to be officially placed in charge of
the kit was Ray Hurley as he had just completed being a fully qualified St Johns
ambulance man.
Messenger
Messengers would act as runners passing on messages to the Firemen at a fire call.
They were generally younger fit members of the Brigade and got paid out of the
Brigades general fund.
Steward
The Steward and Assistant Steward would arrange the tea and suppers for the
meetings and socials.
Secretary
The Secretaries duties were to record all of the meetings minutes and deal with
correspondence and the Brigades finances. The role was split up in 2.2.1954 when
S/O Hurley stated that as the Secretary has enough to do that the Brigade appoint a
Treasurer. First Officer Gilmore was elected the first Treasurer of the Brigade.
Billiard Steward.J.Andrews was appointed the Brigades first Billiard custodian in 1946. The Billiard
table was procured on 4.11.1946, given by the Northcote Council. The Billiard
Stewards job was to maintain the table and cues (which often required attention). He
was also responsible for the money box which people had to pay to play.
Librarian
He would look after the books in their small library. Local residents would donate
books to the Brigade.
FIRE CALLS
The Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade maintained an average of over 7 to 8 fire calls per year.
Sometimes they would go for months without a call. In comparison the Birkenhead Volunteer Fire
Brigade were averaging 70 calls per year over the same period.
During the existence of the Brigade, they attended over 2600 musters and calls. They would have
attended around 500 fire calls.
An example of call numbers is seen below. Interesting to see when Birkenhead Fire Brigade stopped
using Northcotes services in May 1932 that the calls slightly dropped.
Fire Calls
(June to
June)
Fire Calls
(June to
June)
Year
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
No.
4
7
9
2
2
10
0
2
3
4
0
12
9
8
9
10
9
21
Year
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
No.
12
0
7
4
1
2
1
11
4
8
13
23
15
14
11
7
3
18
Northcote Fire Calls
25
20
15
10
Northcote Fire Calls
5
0
40
SOCIALS
After its formation it wasn’t long before the Northcote Fire Brigade became a great source of pride for
the local people. The residents at Northcote would boast about it to the Birkenhead locals. “We got a
fire brigade and you haven’t” they would gloat.
It was a very lively organisation, not only as a fire fighting unit but also as a social club.
They were very involved in their community, attending parades, giving demonstrations, holding
dances, baby shows, side shows, and galas. Children would jump on board their Motor Engine for
rides. During one of their galas at Sulphur Beach in February 1923, they had to bolt off to attend a
scrub fire on the Bell Estate near the Gasworks (Little Shoal Bay).
The Brigade would donate money for presents towards the crippled and orphaned children picnic
which was held every year. In 1953 they also canvassed the shops in Northcote for gifts towards the
children.
SOCIAL CLUB
Along with the community events they had their own social events such as ladies nights, billiard
competitions, movie nights and of course their annual Honours nights where the Mayor would present
awards to the members.
For these events they formed a Social Committee (4.10.1948) to organise and fundraise.
They had donation jars in Waldings and Sims stores for the social club fund. They would continue
receiving donations from local residents and shops including the Chelsea Sugarworks.
To help with assisting money towards the social funds the first bottle drive ever held was on Saturday
(1.11.52) at 8am. They made £27 and 10 shillings (also included donations).
Raffles were also very common. Prizes would be things like bottles of whisky and once a pedal car
fire engine. They were asked to stop selling raffle tickets at the Birkenhead shops as this area was
now already covered by the Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade.
At some of their demonstrations they would have a collection of donations. Once at Stafford Park they
raised £2/17/5 pence.
Another way they raised money was to burn sections and hedges that were fire risks. They would
charge the owner of the property 30 shilling for this service (1941).
BILLIARD TABLE
On 4.11.1946 they received a billiard table from the Northcote Borough Council. Foreman J Andrews
was appointed the first new billiard custodian and two years later introduced a roster to keep the
social room clean (6.12.1948).
Members would pay six pence to play a game which helped to keep up with the upkeep and social
funds.
This turned out to be a big focus for the Firemen and Honorary Members social activities. It was very
popular that they had to put a notice up “All games must cease and Lights out at 11pm”. Firemen and
Honorary Members could invite one friend to accompany them.
It was so popular that on 5.5.47 it was proposed by Fireman Arblaster that “Firemen and Councillors
be the only ones allowed to play billiards on the premises of the Fire Station on Sundays”. They had
quite a discussion around the rules of the table and it was decided to leave the key of the Station in
Deputy Superintendent Andrews place. The key was to be left in the Station if he was out.
Also a snooker tournament amongst the members was started. Entrance fee was 2 shilling.
Over the years there were healthy competitions between the Northcote and Birkenhead Brigades. Not
only did they compete for cups and trophies in fire fighting events, they also had a snooker cup up for
grabs. On 10.6.57 Station Officer Morgan (Birkenhead Fire Brigade) presented a snooker trophy to be
contested between the Northcote and Birkenhead Fire Brigades. Teams were to be made with four
men.
41
The members took pride in their billiard table and social room. A heater was donated by Roberts
Electrical in 1952.
The N.S.F.B was very good because in 1956 they had refurbished the table, paid for new lino and
donated another heater for the social room. I guess that would help them to keep the Fire Station
manned by being a hub of social activity.
The same year a box was provided for billiard fund money. Unfortunately a few months later it was
noticed the money box had been tampered with.
It was also noticed that the billiard table was being misused and cues and cigarette butts were being
left on the floor. A complaint from the custodian that parts were missing from the floor polisher. This
was then locked away and two new pads were ordered.
On 10.4.61 all members agreed for the N.S.F.B to take the billiard table into storage. After the table
was removed the room was empty and the door was kept locked, owing to the mess left by outsiders.
But four months later (August 1961) they were using the table again as new members had arrived and
wanted a team again.
Two years later in November 1963, the roof was leaking over the billiard table.
HONORARY MEMBERS
The Northcote Fire Brigade had presented and appointed many honorary members over the years.
There were Life Honorary Members which were Brigade members such as Superintendant William
Parry Roberts (in 1946) and Station Officer Alf Hurley (in 1955) who both served over 30 years with
the Brigade.
(Hurley wanted to resign a few years earlier but the members asked him to reconsider his decision).
Life Honorary Member Superintendant G Hart was presented his medal retiring in 1947 after serving
21 years.
In 1928 there were two Honorary Surgeons (Dr JW Craven & Dr RG Dudding), one whom received a
25 year Gold Star from the Brigade.
Upon the arrival of a new Dennis machine in 1938, Mr E Whitcombe was appointed Advisory
Honorary Mechanic.
On 13.6.55 Mr L Hunt was made Honorary Custodian and caretaker of the new Fire Station.
And then there were the local residents who were either appointed by the Brigade or could apply to
become an Honorary Member. Not all new members were charged, but in 1947 the fee for this
privilege was 10/6 (Ten shilling and six pence).
Honorary Members listed in the minutes book from 1935 on were:
1935 Mr C Taylor, 1936 Mr J Clark, 1938 Mr FA Gilmore (Aux. Member), 1939 Mr Fletcher, Mr EC
McBeth, Mr Doug Merrick, Mr A Hicks, Mr McWysoke, 1947 Mr D Temple, Mr H Collins, 1950 Mr
Couch, 1955 Mr Hirst, 1956 Mr Hunter, Mr McLellan, 1957 Mr Osborne, Mr Peter Jackson, Mr P Ross,
1958 Mr P Heath, Mr Archie Lanegan.
In June 1961 it was unanimously agreed by all members that a member leaving the Northcote Fire
Brigade by their own free will, becomes an Honorary Member without it being voted for.
MEETINGS
The Brigade would have monthly meetings which dates and times changed throughout the years.
Generally they held them on the first Monday of the month, every month at 1930 hours. It wasn’t
uncommon for the meetings to close after 2200 hours and then the members would have supper.
During the late 1930’s, some meetings were closing at 2230 hours.
42
Often the members would stand in silence to respect those that had passed on.
The Brigade Captain would always speak briefly at the AGM upon the feeling of good fellowship
amongst the members of the Brigade and thanked various men for their efforts and cooperation in
making the past year a pleasant one. He would describe the Brigade as a “Happy family”. And after
his speeches, you would get a great applause from the members.
An example of this is on 3.8.36 where the Brigade expressed its appreciation of Captain Roberts
leadership and fair-mindedness. “Captain Roberts could rest assured that the Brigade members on all
occasions were loyal to him”.
In the Brigades final decade on August 1961 they changed their meetings to Tuesdays and they
wouldn’t last long as the membership numbers were getting low and they didn’t have much to discuss.
NORTHCOTE APPLIANCES
1908 – 1909
The Northcote Borough Council possessed a number of appliances for the
suppression of fire but this was not adequate.
The members took turns at taking home their only fire fighting equipment
such as hoses and nozzles.
On 11.8.1909 they received £120 to spend on new appliances.
1909 – late 1920’s
Appliance:
Service History:
Hand Reel Cart
Spent approx. 21 years with Northcote. This was overhauled in 1925.
The Hand Reel had big wheels which were lined with solid rubber. The hose was coiled around the
middle.
The Firemen used to push and pull it to the fires. Sometimes they hooked it up to a horse or later on a
Ford Model T.
The Northcote Fire Reel was overhauled in 1925 for backup for when their Ford Model T went out of
district to Birkenhead Fires. When the Northcote Fire Brigade went to a fire call in their fire appliance,
they would detail two men to stay behind on duty at the Station. This procedure was still carried out in
the late 1920’s.
1922 – 1938
Appliance:
Service History:
Registration:
Ford Model T
Spent 16 years with Northcote then went to
Kawakawa.
A9256
On 25.3.1922, it was decided to hold a Queen Carnival to raise funds to
purchase a Ford Model T machine. £460 raised in total.
A Ford Model T (‘Tin Lizzy’) was purchased soon afterwards costing
£422. This was their first modern motor to replace the Hand Reel Cart. It
was furnished with standpipe, hoses and couplings, no pump.
Another £58 was spent on building the body, electric starter, an extension
ladder, chemical fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
43
1938 – 1950
Appliance:
Service History:
Registration:
1919 Dennis N
Ex- Remuera appliance; Spent 12
years
with
Northcote;
then
transferred to Warkworth.
H1.706
In August 1938 Northcote acquired a 1919 Dennis Fire
Engine which was purchased from the Auckland
Metropolitan Fire Board at a cost of £50.
It was a big machine and was terribly hard to start.
Sometimes one or more had to jump on the starting handle,
and if that didn’t work it was known for the Firemen to push
it down the hill to roll start it.
1950 – 1958
Appliance:
Service History:
Registration:
Callsign:
1932 Dennis
Ex-Birkenheads appliance (18 years); spent 8 years with Northcote;
(decommissioned from Fire Service in 1964); brought privately by an Officer
of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade; now at the Northland Firehouse Museum,
Okaihau.
H37.724, H51.912, EX5381, and 32FIRE.
N54
On 15.4.1950 the Dennis engine from Birkenhead
Volunteer Fire Brigade had been fully reconditioned and
transferred to the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade.
This 3.5 ton machine was described as ‘compact and
speedy, capable of pumping water (suction) at 250
gallons a minute, delivered at a pressure of 120 PSI
(Pounds per Square Inch). It carried a 35 foot extension
ladder with a 40 gallon tank and hose reel.
1958 – 1969
Appliance:
Service History:
1939 Ford
Ex- Navy/Air Force Appliance which was first transferred to Devonport after
World War 2. It has now been restored and on display at the Wanaka
Museum.
This single cab tanker was originally used as a
Navy/Air-Force crash tender. There was room
for two fire men to stand on the back step and it
carried a 350 gal water tank.
44
1909
1909
Hand Reel Cart
1922 Ford Model T
1969
late 1920's
1922
Approx. 20 years
1938
16 years
1938
1919 Dennis
1950
12 years
1950
1932 Dennis
1939 Ford
1958
8 years
11 y
1958
1969
EARLY FIRES 1888 - 1941
From the articles below, you will see that the Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade were held in high
regard and quite often praised for their good work and good will.
Note: dates bold & underlined for more intriguing fires.
15.10.1888
The Northcote Hotel owned by Mr M Davis burnt down at 2.30am. The glare
of the fire lit up the harbour. There was no Brigade at Northcote, so there
was no way of attesting the fire. None of the Auckland Fire Brigade went over
as it was outside their boundary, besides; no assistance could be rendered
until too late of service.
26.12.1897
A passenger shed on Northcote Wharf was burnt down early on Sunday
morning. A number of residents formed a bucket brigade. The glare was
noticed by two constables on duty in the Auckland city. They pulled across
in a boat to the scene of the fire and offered valuable assistance. The decking
of the wharf was badly damaged in places.
15.4.1902
Fire destroyed the Post Office occupied by Mr Lepper. Winchers Boot shop
and two houses were also destroyed, but all postal matters were saved. The
fire originated at 2.30pm in a house tenanted by Mrs Musgrave who put
some long sticks of wood in the fire and tendered to her washing. The house
next door, owned by Mrs Stuhlman soon caught fire and by this time the
alarm had been given, and many willing hands were ready to render
assistance. Mr Winchers boot shop next door was also engulfed in flames. Mr
Lepper, the Post Master, foresaw that the Post Office would be destroyed and
immediately set to work to remove all postal papers from his office, and
succeeded in saving all the documents and cash. A number of residents
formed a bucket brigade and battled with the flames, but their determine
efforts failed to save the buildings.
10.3.1904
A lodger in Mrs McLeans Boarding House in Northcote was reading in bed by
candle light which then caused a slight fire to occur. This caused damage to
the extent of £3 to the window curtains and bed clothes.
45
1.1.1913
Early on New Year’s morning in 1913, a fire broke out at Birkenhead in a
small cottage occupied by Mr Thomas McLean (a retired master mariner)
aged 70 whose charred remains were found afterwards among the embers.
Owing to the intense heat of the fire, the rescue of Mr McLean was
impossible. Other structures and two stables, comprising of Mr C Verrans
Hostelry Yard were also destroyed. To create a fire break, half a dozen
neighbours worked together and tried pulling down the neighbouring
building. This was unsuccessful.
All hope was lost until out of the night two boatloads of men from the
German Battle Cruiser Cormoran rendered assistance to the Northcote Fire
Brigade. They put off from their ship at the first sight of fire carrying full firemans outfits of ropes, buckets, hatchets, smoke jackets and helmets and
attacked dangerous sheds with such good will that everything was soon in
comparative safety.
The 1630 ton ship was visiting the pacific, and sailed the next day to Samoa.
It never came back as the next year was the start of World War One and the
Cormoran was scuttled in 1917.
The Germans were largely instrumental in preventing the spread of fire. Had
it not been for their prompt action in extinguishing the fire, which spread to
Smith and Hortons Workshop, half a dozen houses which adjoin each other,
would have also probably been destroyed.
The buildings destroyed covered an area of ¾ of an acre.
10.7.1913
Another fatal fire resulted in the death of Mr Ernest Edward Cooke and the
destruction of a five roomed dwelling in Maxwell Ave (name changed to
Fairfax Ave in Oct 1914) at 11pm. A kerosene lamp either exploded or was
knocked over in the kitchen when Mr Cooke was preparing a meal. Mrs
Cooke heard the crash, and on making her way into the kitchen saw it in
flames. Her husband was lying across the doorway with his clothes on fire.
She tried in vain to move her husband, but found her efforts to no avail. She
rushed into the street and called for help. A neighbour also attempted to
rescue her husband, but was unable to enter the house as it was now a
mass of flames and dense smoke. The body was incinerated and his remains
not recovered until the next day. Mr Cooke was a 35 year old baker. Owing to
the isolated position of the dwelling, no call was made to the Northcote Fire
Brigade so the house was reduced to ashes in a very short period of time.
8.10.1913
The last 1913 fatal fire for the District was in Birkenhead. An old couple were
burned to death at 8.30pm on Saturday night. Their dwelling, a two roomed
shanty, owned and occupied by Mr James Given aged 66 years and Mrs
Given aged 65 years, was totally destroyed by fire. When discovered, the
flames had such a strong hold that nothing could be done to save the
building. As the walls fell in, the dead bodies of Mr Given and his wife were
seen lying amongst the burning debris. From the position of the bodies, it
appeared that Mrs Given was in bed when the fire started and her husband
was on the floor a few feet away. It is supposed that the fire was caused by
the upsetting of a lit candle.
25.11.1915
A six roomed house owned by Mr Rupert Hopkins in Old Lake Road,
Northcote, was destroyed by fire. This was tenanted by Mr H.J Brown, pork
butcher.
16.8.1916
A dwelling in Clarence St was destroyed at 11 am yesterday morning. Owned
by Mr G.W Ravenhill. The Northcote Brigade had two leads of hose on the fire
and were assisted by a band of willing workers who made efforts to save the
contents of the house. They had been ironing at the time when she left the
room for a few minutes.
46
22.9.1916
A five room dwelling owned by Mr Y.B Young in Richmond Ave was
practically destroyed by fire at 5am. The Fire Brigade promptly arrived and
did good service saving the front of the house from destruction and
preventing flames spreading to the adjoining residences.
5.10.1916
At 1.30am fire totally destroyed a six roomed dwelling in Onewa Road. Only
the two chimneys remain standing. Owned by Mrs Lucas S Maxwell and
occupied by Mr Robert Stewart (blacksmith). The Brigade saved the Catholic
Church next door from burning.
6.12.1917
A seven roomed dwelling in Church St, owned by Mr J.P Hillary was burned
to the ground at 4pm. Only the chimneys were left standing. The house was
empty at the time.
17.12.1917
Scrub fire at Kauri Gully, Northcote. The Northcote Brigade, with the
assistance of a large number of boys from the Northcote School, with the
Headmaster Mr D.W Dunlop and male teachers, stamped the fire out after 1
½ hours work.
11.11.1919
A eight room dwelling burned to the ground at the head of Little Shoal Bay.
The fire had a firm hold when it was discovered and nothing was saved.
14.9.1920
A fire was discovered in an outhouse which was used as a storeroom. Owned
by Mr H Weaver in Princess Street. The outbreak was suppressed by the
Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade.
25.10.1921
Fire destroyed Mr E.J Miles two story grocery shop and dwelling in
Birkenhead, right next door to the Post Office. They had tins of biscuits and
barrels of vinegar out on the Road, which was all they could save from the
fire. (On 3.5.1923 fire destroyed his next Store too).
24.2.1923
A house owned by Mr C.D Adamson in Rodney Road Northcote was partially
gutted by fire at 1.30am. Mr Adamson was a current member of the Fire
Brigade, so was able to render prompt assistance.
26.2.1923
A boat building owned by Mr W Brown caught fire but was extinguished
before much damage had been done.
3.5.1923
Fire destroyed Miles General Store; nothing was saved in the early morning.
Mr E.J Miles built another grocery shop on the same site as the old one out
of corrugated iron, unfortunately this caught fire. (Mr E.J Miles last run of
bad luck was when his house, which was further down Hinemoa Street
(opposite Mariposa Ave) also caught fire on 18.12.1926. He had three fires all
up and then decided to leave Birkenhead).
12.1.1924
There had been three fires within a three month period at Mr Thomas
Heaton’s grocery store on Queen Street.
1st Fire, 12.1.1924 the fire at 8.15pm caused very little damage. It started in
a box full of smouldering straw in the loft. Mr Heaton had left to attend a
social that night.
2nd Fire, 13.1.1924 the next day a fire was found in the same place, also with
very little damage done. The fire was noticed by a passerby who saw the glare
at 9.30pm.
3rd Fire 23.3.1924 this resulted in the destruction of the building just after
midnight.
The building consisted of four rooms and the shop. A Fireman, Mr H Pearce
received burns to his arm and a member of the public, Mr E Rickets was
slightly injured by debris falling on his foot while assisting at the fire.
These fires were obviously suspicious and Mr Heaton was charged with
wilfully setting fire to the premises. He went to court for arson charges and
47
the Fire Brigade Captain had to also provide a statement. After a two day
trial, the jury failed to agree, and an emotional Mr Heaton was found not
guilty and discharged.
19.2.1924
A six room dwelling owned by Mrs J Hamilton in Palmerston Road, was
extensively damaged by fire at 1am. The Brigade experienced considerable
difficulty in getting the outbreak under control. The wooden structure blazed
fiercely and the glare was plainly discernible from the city.
1.7.1925
A large 14 roomed, two storied apartment house in Harbour View Road,
Birkenhead Point was totally destroyed by fire at 7.15pm. Owned by Mr
Andrew Perry. Northcote Brigade confined the loss to just the one building by
directing their efforts to safeguard other dwellings. All that was left at 9pm
was 3 chimneys and a heap of cinders. The windows of the shop across the
road were cracked from the heat.
18.12.1926
Mr Miles eight roomed house was destroyed this afternoon. Mr Miles and son
were in the city. Known as ‘Kauri Glen’. Northcote Brigade responded with
Two men on the engine with others being picked up along the way.
Birkenhead Borough workmen had a hydrant ready in the fire plug. Two
hoses were playing on the fire. Mr Miles has had three fires all up and
decided to leave Birkenhead.
29.10.1926
A dwelling in Mokoia Rd was destroyed by fire. Owned by Mr Enoch Cottle.
He gave the alarm and the fire bell in Northcote was rung by constable C
Warneford who was advised by telephone. The Northcote Firemen were soon
on the scene and extinguished the flames which had enveloped the 4 roomed
house.
9.10.1927
A wooden one storied, eight roomed dwelling burnt to the ground at 8pm.
Owned by Mrs Adams and occupied by Mrs K Brown. The Northcote Brigade
turned out but the fire had a too strong a hold before they arrived.
9.4.1928
Fire destroyed a five roomed house in Glenfield Road early in the morning.
The house was owned by Mr G Long and tenanted by Mr D Edwards who was
away on holiday. The fire started shortly after 1 am, but owing to the
absence an automatic telephone connection between Birkenhead and
Northcote, they had to motor to the Northcote Station to ring the fire bell.
The Brigade quickly responded but there task was hopeless. A length of hose
was got out by the Birkenhead residents before the firemen arrived.
22.6.1928
A fire at 7.30pm destroyed valuable palms and a Native bush at Wragges
Gardens. The fire also caused damage to a Boatshed belonging to Mr L
Lancaster. Northcote Brigade prevented the spread of fire to nearby houses.
This was Mr Clement L Wragge’s Tropical Palm Garden in Awanui Street in
Birkenhead. This tourist attraction was Wragge’s Institute and Museum,
Observatory and Waiata Tropical Gardens. Visitors would explore the
gardens which featured different types of palms as well as a variety of exotic
edible plants. Unfortunately this caught fire and a valuable collection of
curios gathered throughout the scientist’s lifetime was reduced to ashes. The
Birkenhead Councillors were holding a meeting at the time the alarm was
given. They rushed out to the fire box at the Chambers Office and uplifted
the fire hose and hydrant which they then put in a car and proceeded to the
fire. On arrival this was of no use as the fire plug was located too far up the
road and the hose was not long enough to reach the fire.
Unfortunately delay was also experienced in getting a telephone connection
with Northcote to summon their Fire Brigade. By the time the Northcote
48
Volunteer Firemen finally got to Birkenhead, the fire already had a 30 minute
head start, and saving any portion of the fiercely burning mass was hopeless.
23.7.1928
House Fire on the corner of Beach Road and Sulphur Beach. The flames were
extinguished before much damage was caused.
9.9.1928
A six roomed house corner Queen and King Streets was destroyed at 4pm.
Owned by Mr J.H Davies. The fire had a good hold when it was discovered.
29.9.1928
In Onewa Road, a large prize poultry breeder’s house containing incubators
and modern poultry raising apparatus were destroyed by fire. Owned by Mr
R Gordon Hunt.
27.2.1929
A wooden five roomed house owned by Mr A.R.T Jamieson in Princess Street
was gutted by fire at 10.30pm. The fire had started in the wash house and
had a strong hold when it was discovered. The Brigade did good work, but
the contents were considerably damaged by water. The members of the
house had retired for the night and managed to escape in only their night
attire. Mrs Jamieson suffered considerable shock.
23.4.1929
A fire was contained to the back portion of a house owned by Mr Edgar Case
on the corner of Queen Street and Duke Street. The house was tenanted by
Mr W.A Kit the greengrocer.
26.6.1929
A good save by the Northcote Brigade. A phone call was received from
Birkenhead at 5.45 by Fireman W.F Ward in Stafford Road and in 13
minutes later, the Brigade was attacking the flames of a two storied
apartment house overlooking the wharf known as (Headland) owned by Mrs
Anna Esther Winch.
3.7.1929
A five roomed house at Halls Beach, Northcote caught fire at 2.30pm causing
damage to one room. Owned by Mr Wernham and Mr Hugh. The fire was
started by the wind fanning wood embers which were placed outside in a tin
on the porch.
13.3.1930
A wooden house owned by Mr A.H White in Rawene Road was gutted by fire
shortly before noon. The Northcote Fire Brigade arrived promptly.
25.5.1930
An eight roomed house of Mr Williiam Hector George (cabinet maker) on the
corner of Bartley Road and Richmond Ave was practically destroyed by fire.
The neighbours heard him yelling out for help at four o’clock on a Saturday
morning. The outbreak started in the kitchen, and a valuable collection of
Kauri Gum, curios and heirlooms were lost. It was his great collection of
Kauri gum which fuelled the fire. All that was left standing was the front of
the house where he used to sleep as the fire was virtually uncontrollable at
the time the Brigade arrived. Everyone came out to watch the fire, all in their
pyjamas and nighties.
29.12.1930
A native bush fire fronting the beach spread along the cliff on the properties
of Mr G Wellings and Mr H Weaver at Princess Street, Northcote. Northcote
Fire Brigade prevented the flames from reaching the residences.
13.3.1931
A five roomed house at the Corner of Nelson Ave and Sulphur Beach was
totally destroyed by fire at 3.30am. The house was owned by Mr Edwin E
Sutherland.
4.8.1931
A five room dwelling owned by Mrs Rosina Hand in Queen Street caught fire.
A passerby saw flames breaking through the roof and gave the alarm. The
Brigade confined the fire to one room.
49
10.2.1932
Northcote Fire Brigade was busy today attending three fires today. At 3pm
they extinguished burning scrub on Glenfield Road adjacent to the Methodist
Church. At 5pm a four roomed house in Rodney Road owned by Mr John
Broady and occupied by Mr W Holmes caught fire from an electric iron that
had been left unattended. The fire was confined to the interior. And a scrub
fire on the paddock of the Bell Estate adjacent to the Gas Works was also
extinguished by the Brigade.
13.2.1932
A five roomed house in Ocean View Road, owned by Mr R.H.P Hopkins and
occupied by Mr Joseph A.R Froude was destroyed by fire at 12.00am. The
house stood some distance from the water main in the road which militated
against the work of the Northcote Fire Brigade. Nothing was saved.
26.4.1932
Six roomed wooden house in Onewa Road was destroyed. Owned by Mr W.G
Brunton and occupied by Arthur and Peter Brunton. The former was baking
and had boiled the billy in the kitchen. He went to awaken his brother when
he discovered the place to be on fire, and had to pull Peter out through the
window.
10.8.1933
The back portion of a wooden dwelling adjoining the Roman Catholic Church
on Onewa Road was destroyed by fire. Northcote Brigade made a good save
preventing the flames from reaching the front of the building. The Church
was undamaged.
27.9.1933
The Mayor, Mr Robert Martins seven roomed home and contents were
destroyed by fire at 3.30am. The wooden house in Waimana Ave was gutted
and the contents, a piano, furniture and clothing were destroyed. The fire
started in the front bedroom and spread rapidly along the ceiling to the other
rooms. The fire was burning fiercely when the Brigade arrived.
2.2.1934
A seven roomed house in Princess Street owned by Mr James T Fearnley was
badly damaged by fire at 10.30am. The Northcote Brigade prevented the
spread of fire to adjacent houses which the occupants were preparing to
remove their belongings.
3.5.1934
A five roomed house in Hillcrest Ave, Northcote, was destroyed by fire shortly
after 2am. No alarm was given to the Northcote Fire Brigade and by the time
the Firemen had knowledge of the outbreak, there was no chance of saving
the building.
18.8.1935
Tarrys Hall burnt down which was opposite Hoppy Beatons shop (general
store), approximately 76-80 Queen Street. The Hall was the centre of social,
civic and political activities. They held dances, films and the Brigade had
held their honours nights there. Part of the hall was used by Mrs A.M
Rowley who had a confectionary and fancy dress shop there was destroyed. It
was just before midnight when the old timber burned like matchwood and
provided spectacular moments, especially when the front of the building
collapsed in a blazing mass on the footpath, and not long after, the side walls
came crashing down. The heat melted electric light wires outside. The Fire
Brigade concentrated on saving the adjoining houses and were later
congratulated for there efforts.
This 50 year old well known landmark was called Tarrys Hall, but its name
was changed to Bayview Hall under new ownership.
9.4.1936
Scrub at a large vacant section at the gasworks caught fire. The fire was
allowed to burn itself out to prevent a reoccurrence.
28.12.1936
One building at Northcote High School was totally destroyed by fire 2.30am.
It was built six years ago out of corrugated iron as a temporary building, but
50
because of the onset of the depression, the provision of a permanent building
was not to be proceeded with. Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade arrived but
it was impossible to do more than confine the outbreak. This was the first
notable fire to occur in the Northcote District for over 12 months.
19.8.1938
Dominican Sisters Convent in Onewa Road burnt down. The fire caused
major destruction with the walls and roof of the building collapsing. This
took a year to rebuild and cost £7400. The fire was started by a kerosene
heater which was used to heat an incubator for chickens that the Nuns were
rearing. They think a cat may have knocked it over. There were only two
people in the premises at the time of the fire. One suffered slight burns to
her face during a hurried escape. The call for the Birkenhead Fire Brigade
came from Rev. Father Taylor who did not know that the Northcote Fire
Brigade existed as there was no indication whatsoever appearing in the
telephone directory.
This caused great arguments between the Northcote and Birkenhead as the
Birkenhead Fire Brigade attended well before Northcote Fire Brigade even
though the fire was in Northcotes District. Birkenhead didn’t relay the
message of fire at the Convent to Northcote. The Mayor Mr R Martin said
“Birkenhead Brigade had no right to come into Northcote at all. When they
received the call it was their duty to relay it on to Northcote”.
24.8.1938
A scrub fire behind the tennis pavilion in Church Street, Northcote, swept
some five acres of hillside until the Northcote Brigade prevented the spread
of fire into the residential areas.
6.12.1938
As a result of the engine back firing an outbreak of fire occurred on a scow
called ‘Combine’ which was moored at Northcote Wharf at 8.40am. The
Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade extinguished the fire but the engine was
ruined.
4.8.1941
Mr E.W.B Herricks house in Richmond Ave caught fire at 2am. The end
room was gutted, but quick work from the Fire Brigade saved the rest of the
house.
51
OIC’s, SECRETARIES & GOLD STARS
Officers In Charge/Chief Fire Officers
* no retirement or appointed date given
From
To
Years in
Position
H. H
3.9.1908
11.8.1909
1
Appointed by council, Resigned from Brigade
Mountfield
B. E
11.8.1909
*1910
1
Resigned from Brigade
Haynes
Richard (Dick) H
*1910
1.9.1913
3
Resigned from Brigade
Jordan
Eric
1913
*1914
1
Spence
William
*1914
*30.6.1920
6
NZ Forces - Active Service
Resigned from Brigade
Lepper
George F
*30.6.1920
17.8.1921
1
Resigned from Brigade
Roberts
William Parry
1921
2.9.1946
25
Resigned from Brigade
Hart
George Napier
1946
3.2.1947
1
Resigned from Brigade
Morrison
Wilfred Harold
4.8.1947
*1949
2
14.12.1955
6
Resigned from Brigade
9.12.1960
5
Resigned from Brigade
*1961
*1967
6
Brigade members got very low (3) in the 1960's
22.3.1967
8.5.1969
2
Brigade Disbanded
Surname
Lowe
Christain Name
Hurley
Alfred James Alexander
*1949
Gilmore
Forbes Andrew
1955
Hewitt
Raymond Walter
Wood
Clarence
Notes
Secretaries
* no retirement or appointed date given
From
To
Years in
Position
T (Junior)
1908
*1910
2
Lepper
George F.
*1910
1913
3
Mulhern
J. H
1913
1914
1
NZ Forces - Active Service
Lepper
George F.
1914
1915
1
NZ Forces - Active Service
Stilwell
Gordon
1915
1917
2
Lepper
George F.
1917
1920
3
NZ Forces - Resigned
Appointed Captain
Develin
Osmond Frederick
1920
1923
1
Resigned from Brigade
Adamson
Douglas Charles
1923
1925
2
Resigned from Brigade
Blackman
Leonard George
1925
1926
1
Watson
Alexander James Brown
1926
1931
5
Bradbourne
Albert Henry
1931
1940
9
Gilmore
Forbes Andrew
1940
1948
8
Bezzant
Sydney Corville
1948
1950
2
Moore
Robert Edward Joseph
1950
7.12.1953
3
Resigned from Brigade
Reed
Fredrick Barrington
1954
13.3.1956
2
Resigned from Brigade, rejoined later in the year
Wood
Clarence
1956
1957
1
Hewitt
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
1957
1960
3
Hewitt
Raymond Walter
1960
1961
1
Cowie
Warick Anthony
1961
8.12.1961
1
Hewitt
Raymond Walter
1962
1967
5
Wood
Paul Francis
1967
1968
1
Curran
Francis William
1968
May-69
1
Surname
Cadness
Christain Name
Notes
Resigned from Brigade
Resigned from Brigade
Appointed 3rd Officer
Resigned from Brigade
Brigade Disbanded
52
25 Year Gold Stars
Surname
Christain Name
Joined
To
Due
Notes
Roberts
William Parry
1.11.1915
2.9.1946
1940
Presented on 2.12.1940. Completed 31 Years.
Broady
Arthur
7.8.1914
*30.6.1945
1944
Had a break in service. Completed 26 Years.
Hurley
Alfred James Alexander
1.5.1916
Had a break in service. Completed 32 Years.
Andrews
John Lewis Nathaniel
14.12.1955
9.6.1953
1948
3.8.1925
1950
Whitcombe
B (William George)
7.6.1915
10.4.1951
1950
Completed 28 Years.
Had a break in service. Completed 25 Years.
Bradbourne
Albert Henry
1.5.1926
19.10.1953
1952
Had a break in service -NZ Forces. Completed 25 Years.
53
MEMBERS – Alphabetical Order
Northcote Fire Brigade Member List
* no retirement date given, but dropped off rolls in the year shown
Surname
Adamson
Aldred
Andrews
Christian Names
Douglas Charles
Kenneth James
John Gerald
rejoined
Joined NVFB
Resigned
NVFB
Years at
NVFB
30.8.1920
13.7.1954
4.3.1946
10.8.1948
*30.6.1925
2.5.1955
*30.6.1947
4.5.1952
5
<1
1
4
Andrews
John Lewis
3.8.1925
9.6.1953
28
Arblaster
Aspen
Barrett
Donald Gordon
Charles
John
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1924
*30.6.1929
*30.6.1934
13.6.1966
3.9.1964
8.5.1969
11
1
6
3
3
1
12
Bastion
Bennett
Bently
Derrick Noel
Walter George William
Harry (Henry) George
4.4.1938
20.8.1923
2.7.1923
13.4.1931
22.5.1963
2.12.1963
4.3.1957
Bezzant
Sydney Corville
1.4.1946
1.8.1955
9
Blackman
Boyd
Leonard George
Thomas
1.9.1924
9.10.1916
*30.6.1929
*30.6.1921
5
5
Bradbourne
Albert Henry
1.5.1926
7.8.1944
18
Briars
Broady
Leonard
Arthur
19.10.1953
8.6.1959
3.9.1917
*30.6.1945
1.6.1965
*30.6.1920
*30.6.1944
17.10.1966
7.5.1968
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1910
7
1
3
23
1
8
3
<1
<1
1
2
rejoined
rejoined
Burkhardt
Burt
Cadness
Cadness
Murry
John
G
T (Jr)
28.10.1946
19.5.1958
7.8.1914
24.7.1922
9.6.1964
8.4.1912
5.5.1941
13.7.1966
18.12.1967
16.6.1910
1.7.1908
Clark
Allan E
5.5.1941
*30.6.1949
8
Clark
Clark
Clayton
Cottle
Cottle
Cowie
Craven
Curran
Curran
Davidson
Develin
Develin
Develin
Dudding
John Grieve
William
Albert Eric
David
Eddie (Edward)
Warick Anthony
Dr J. W
Alan Benard
Francis William
Ewin
Clive Noel
Lees Trevelyan
Osmond Frederick
Dr R. G
Bryce William
Owen Roy
Desmond
Ronald George
Roy
W
*30.6.1936
*30.6.1918
7.12.1953
11.5.1961
30.1.1962
8.12.1961
*30.6.1931
16.1.1968
8.5.1969
2.6.1961
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1939
*1942
16.11.1954
14.6.1954
2.7.1951
2.8.1955
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1921
5
3
1
2
5
<1
3
2
1
1
5
2
2
11
Ellis
Ellis
Ennion
Ennis
Fairweather
Fairweather
20.7.1931
1.11.1915
20.10.1952
19.10.1959
11.6.1957
25.2.1961
3.5.1928
7.2.1966
4.3.1968
2.5.1960
20.8.1917
19.1.1920
19.1.1920
3.5.1928
*1942
3.11.1953
16.6.1953
28.2.1950
11.9.1951
3.4.1911
21.2.1921
rejoined
Brown
Brooking
Alfred Leslie
Frederick
rejoined
rejoined
1
1
1
4
<1
<1
Notes
Secretary (2yrs) 1923/25 - Driver 1923
Junior Hydrantman 1946 - rejoined 1948
1st Driver 1949
Snr Hydrantman 1942/43 - Foreman (1yr) 1946 - Dept.
Superintendant 1947 - 3rd Officer (1yr) 1949 - 2nd Officer
1950/51
NZ Forces WW2 - 1st Driver 1947
Jnr Branchman 1925 - rejoined 1931
2nd Officer 1968/69 - Final Member
Steward 1946 - Jnr Hydrantman 1947 - Secretary (2yrs)
1948/50 - 2nd Officer 1954
Secretary (1yr) 1925 - 1926
Secretary (9yrs 1931/40 - 1st Driver 1940 - NZ Forces
WW2 - resumed soldier - rejoined 1946
2nd Officer 1948
NZ Forces WW1 - Rejoined again 1922
Foreman 1925
NZ Forces WW1 - Rejoined 1941
Aux. Fireman 1941/44 - on reserve list 1943
3 months service
6 months service
Founding Member -Foreman (1yr) appointed 11.8.09
Aux. Fireman 1941/42 - Full Member 1943 - Senior
Hydrantman 1946/47
Secretary
Hon. Surgeon
Secretary 1968 - 1969 - Final Member
NZ Forces WW1 - Foreman (1yr) 1921
Secretary (2yrs) 1920
Hon. Surgeon
Back on roll for one year only
1st Driver 1951 - transferred to Takapuna
54
Farnsworth
Fox
Gee
George
Gilchrist
Raymond
Raymond Victor
W
Victor
A
2.8.1915
4.4.1922
5.10.1908
1.9.1913
8.4.1912
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1923
*30.6.1910
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1914
1
1
2
3
2
Gilmore
Forbes Andrew
7.11.1938
9.12.1960
22
12.7.1955
2.5.1960
17.8.1959
31.1.1961
4
1
Gilmore
Robert Findlay
rejoined
Gould
Robert
10.8.1959
7.2.1961
2
Gritton
Reginal G
5.8.1940
4.7.1948
8
Gunner
Hall
Harper
Jack
Robert
Kenneth
2.3.1931
4.11.1963
7.2.1966
*30.6.1931
8.2.1966
2.4.1966
<1
2
<1
Hart
George Napier
1.5.1926
1.9.1926
<1
1.3.1927
3.2.1947
21
rejoined
Aux. F/M 1938 - Secretary (8yrs) 1940/48 - 3rd Officer
(1yr) 1948 - 2nd Officer (1yr) 1949 - 1st Officer (5yrs) 1950
- S/O (5yrs) 1956
Secretary 1958 - rejoined 2.5.1960
Jnr Branchman 1942/43 & 1946 - Foreman 1947
2 months service
Aux. Fireman - Transfer from Paeroa - Resigned, rejoined
1927
Dept. Superintendant 1940 - Driver 1933/34/37/38 - 1st
Driver 1939 - Dept. Superintendant (6yrs) 1940 - 1946 Superintendant 1946
Founding Member - Captain (3yrs) 1910
Aux. Fireman 1942
Aux. Fireman 1926/27
7 months service
Haynes
Herrick
Herrick
Hewellyn
Hewitt
Richard H (Dick)
Edwin William Bertrina
Harry Burn
B William
Leslie
1.7.1908
5.1.1942
1.6.1926
7.10.1963
3.4.1911
1.9.1913
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1929
29.5.1964
*30.6.1914
5
2
3
<1
3
Hewitt
Raymond Walter
20.11.1956
8.5.1969
13
Secretary 1960 - Officer In Charge 1962 - Final Member
Hewitt
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
rejoined
Albert
Alfred James Alexander
24.8.1956
16.7.1962
1.5.1916
21.2.1921
10.6.1961
3.9.1967
*30.6.1918
18.12.1922
5
5
2
2
Secretary 1957/59 - 2nd Officer 1959 - rejoined 16.7.62
rejoined
6.4.1925
14.12.1955
30
21.1.1949
*30.6.1943
*30.6.1949
3.11.1941
*30.6.1949
30.11.1952
1
8
3
2
<1
1
Hurley
Hurley
Messenger (2yrs) 1916
Messenger (2yrs) 1921 - rejoined 1925
Driver 1925 - Foreman (2yrs) 1937/38 - Dept.
Superintendant (2yrs) 1939/40 - NZ Forces WW2 - 1st
Officer (2yrs) 1948/49 - Station Officer (5yrs) 1950/55 rejoined for 1 month 7.2.1961
Transferred to Birkenhead permanent staff
NZ Forces WW2 - rejoined 1946
Junior Branchman 1947
Messenger 1939/40
Hurley
Hurley
Desmond
Eric Alexandra
Hurley
Irwin
Jackson
Raymond Rhodes
Jesse Colin
Graham
10.8.1948
15.1.1935
*1946
6.11.1939
14.6.1949
8.8.1951
Jackson
Herbert
1.7.1908
*30.6.1912
4
Founding Member
Jackson
Jones
Jordan
La Vie
J. G
Cyril
Eric
Philip Henry George
1.7.1908
3.9.1910
14.8.1911
15.12.1954
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1916
28.2.1962
3
1
5
7
Founding Member
Lepper
George F.
1.7.1908
17.8.1921
13
Lepper
Lewellyn
Lidgard
Lidgard
Lloyd
H
Bruce
Roy
Victor
Robert
4.10.1920
12.9.1950
21.5.1917
10.7.1917
30.5.1959
*30.6.1921
3.12.1951
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1960
1
1
2
2
1
Lowe
H. H
1.7.1908
*1909
1
Mackessack
Mayall
McIntyre
McKenzie
Alexandra Ross
Bengiman
Creswell Turner
Norman Llyod
20.10.1953
21.11.1942
5.7.1954
11.12.1951
16.11.1954
*30.6.1944
6.11.1956
*30.6.1957
1
2
2
6
rejoined
Branchman 1913 - Captain (1yr) 1913 - NZ Forces
Transfer from A.M.F.B
Founding Member - Secretary (2yrs) 1910 & 1917/18 Foreman 1913/14 - Captain 1920/21- NZ Forces
Founding Member - First Captain (1yr) appointed
3.9.1908
Transferred to Devonport
Aux. Fireman 1942
55
McLaughlin
Henery (Harley)
rejoined
Messiter
Millar
Miller
Arthur
Andrew
Andrew Walter
Mitchell
Frederick
rejoined
rejoined
21.5.1917
5.5.1941
21.7.1924
9.10.1916
1.7.1909
5.5.1941
19.2.1923
5.5.1941
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1925
*30.6.1918
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1927
3.10.1943
5
3
1
2
2
3
4
2
Rejoined 5.5.1941
Aux. Fireman 1941/44 - on reserve list 1943
5.5.1941
*30.6.1944
3
Aux. Fireman 1941/42/43/44 - on reserve list 1943
14.9.1948
1.8.1927
20.12.1955
7.12.1953
*30.6.1929
9.11.1957
5
2
2
Secretary (3yrs) 1950 - 1953
NZ Forces WW1
Rejoined 5.5.1941
Aux. Fireman 1941/42
Hydrantman 1925 - rejoined 5.5.1941
Aux. Fireman (3yrs) 1941/42/43
Moore
Cyril Joseph
Moore
Morrison
Morrison
Robert Edward Joseph
Cecil Edward
Collin
Morrison
Robert Wilfred
4.8.1948
31.1.1961
13
Resigned 11.6.56, rejoined 28.8.56
Morrison
Wilfred Harold
15.11.1937
*30.6.1949
12
Foreman 1940/41/42/43 - Dept. Superintendant (1yr)
1946 - Superintendant 4.8.1947
Moss
Joseph Anthony Dominic
4.4.1961
13.11.1962
1
Mountfield
B. E
1.7.1908
*30.6.1910
2
Mudgway
Leslie Howard
3.9.1923
*30.6.1924
1
Mulhern
J. H
1.4.1912
Mullon
Eric John
21.10.1940
1916 Died in
War
*30.6.1944
Neill
Kevin T
31.5.1966
19.9.1966
<1
Neville
Noffke
Page
Page
Percy Douglas
Percy Theodore
Allen Alfred
J
3.3.1947
1.9.1941
10.8.1964
1.9.1913
5.11.1951
*30.6.1948
20.6.1966
*30.6.1917
4
7
2
4
Parrish
Alfred
1.7.1908
*30.6.1912
4
Pearce
Harold James
19.9.1922
*30.6.1934
12
Pettard
R. H
1.7.1908
*1909
1
Playfair
Terence James
10.5.1963
29.5.1964
1
Ralston
W
24.8.1908
*1909
Reed
Fredrick Barrington
3.3.1947
19.12.1959
12
Reed
Reid
Reid
Ricketts
Robb
Roberts
rejoined
Leonard Barrington
Walter Herbet
William
Earnest Henry
Percy
Trevor
9.6.1964
3.3.1947
15.5.1922
6.12.1915
14.4.1924
1.9.1913
10.8.1964
30.11.1964
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1923
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1925
*30.6.1919
1.11.1964
<1
2
1
1
1
6
Roberts
William Parry
1.11.1915
2.9.1946
31
Robinson
Row
Ryan
Shackelton
Simpson
Slattery
Smith
Smithurst
Speight
Keith Martin
Fredrick
Frank
Ernest James
John
Gilbert
P
Robert James
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
rejoined
rejoined
William
H
Gordon Desmond
Rejoined
7.2.1966
14.7.1957
14.4.1924
5.1.1942
12.2.1952
11.2.1913
1.7.1908
16.6.1953
19.12.1921
1.12.1930
5.5.1941
4.8.1913
7.6.1915
7.7.1925
5.5.1941
5.2.1968
*30.6.1958
*30.6.1924
*30.6.1943
14.6.1954
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1910
4.10.1954
*30.6.1923
*30.6.1935
20.7.1942
*30.6.1920
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1931
25.10.1942
2
1
<1
1
2
6
2
1
2
5
1
7
1
6
1
Spence
Standing
Stewart
4
4
Founding Member - Captain appointed 11.8.1909
Secretary (1yr) 1913 - Jnr Branchman 1914 - NZ Forces
WW1
Jnr Hydrantman 1942/43
4 months service
Aux. Fireman 1941/42 - 2nd Driver 1942/43
Hydrantman 1914/15
Founding Member - Foreman (1yr) appointed 3.9.08 Foreman (2yrs) 1910/11
Senior Branchman 1925 - Foreman (3 yrs) 1931 - 1934
Founding Member - First Lieutenant (1yr) appointed
3.9.1908
First Aid 1947 - Secretary (2yrs) 1953-55) - Resigned
13.3.56, rejoined 13.8.56 - rejoined 1964
2nd Driver 1947
Driver 1925
NZ Forces WW1
3 months service
Foreman 1920 - Captain (11yrs) 1921 on - Superintendant
(14yrs) 1932 on - Gold Star presented 2.12.40
Aux. Fireman 1942 - First Aid 1942
NZ Forces WW1
Founding Member
Messenger 19.12.1922 - Rejoined 1930
Rejoined again 1941
Aux. Fireman 1941 - resigned with doc. Certificate
Captain (6yrs) 1914 on
Rejoined again 5.5.1941
Aux. Fireman 1941 - Driver 1942
56
Stilwell
Stilwell
Sutton
Taylor
Arthur
Gordon
T
Ducan
rejoined
5.11.1912
4.8.1913
13.1.1961
3.10.1949
28.12.1954
*30.6.1918
*30.6.1917
7.7.1961
*30.6.1952
2.5.1955
rejoined
12.7.1955
30.11.1955
6
4
<1
2
NZ Forces WW1
NZ Forces WW1 - Secretary (2yrs) 1915 - 1917.
rejoined 1954
4 months service - rejoined 1955
rejoined for 4 months
Taylor
Harry (Harold)
2.2.1925
*30.6.1927
2
Taylor
Malcolm
1.7.1908
*30.6.1912
4
Taylor
Townshend
Tremain
Turoa
Tyer
Tyer
Walding
Rodriek Alfred John
Ferris George Vere
Samuel R
Charles
Albert
Harold
Thomas
14.6.1949
19.9.1921
1.7.1908
20.10.1953
1.8.1910
1.11.1915
12.9.1950
19.5.1953
*30.6.1924
*30.6.1912
*30.6.1957
*30.6.1913
*30.6.1919
14.10.1952
4
3
4
4
3
4
2
Ward
William Frederick
1.5.1926
*30.6.1945
19
Ward
William Frederick Fulsh
15.1.1935
*30.6.1937
2
Watson
Alexander James Brown
20.8.1917
*30.6.1930
13
Watson
Watson
Webster
Wellacott
G
Robert
Brian Desmond
Timothy Micheal
1.9.1913
1.4.1912
8.10.1964
6.12.1965
*30.6.1915
*30.6.1919
7.5.1966
4.3.1968
2
7
2
2
Whitcombe
B (William George)
7.6.1915
4.10.1920
5
NZ Forces WW1 - rejoined 1931
1.5.1931
10.4.1951
20
Senior Branchman 1942/43/46/47
17.8.1914
*30.6.1920
6
NZ Forces WW1 - rejoined 1941
5.5.1941
*30.6.1944
3
Aux. Fireman 1941/42/43/44 - on reserve list 1943
rejoined
Whitcombe
Edward Albert
rejoined
Founding Member - Lieutenant (1yr) 1911
Driver 1923/24
Founding Member - Foreman (1yr) 1911 - 1912
Dept. Foreman (2yrs) 1937 - Foreman 1939 - NZ Forces
WW2
Foreman 1923/24 - Jnr Hydrantman 1925 - Secretary (5
yrs) 1926 - 1931
Messenger 1914/15
Senior Branchman 1914/15 - NZ Forces
White
John George
6.7.1925
*30.6.1926
1
Willis
William
20.12.1955
14.7.1958
2
resigned 5.8.56, rejoined 20.11.56
Wood
Clarence
5.5.1952
28.3.1960
8
Secretary 1956 - 1st Officer (1yr) 1959 - rejoined 1967
22.3.1967
8.5.1969
2
First Officer (2yrs) 1967 - Final member
rejoined
Wood
David
13.9.1955
17.7.1956
1
Wood
Frederick
11.11.1952
*30.6.1957
4
Resigned 7.2.55, Rejoined 7.10.1955
Wood
Leslie Reginald
8.2.1955
7.5.1956
1
Transferred to A.M.F.B
Wood
Paul Francis
28.9.1966
4.2.1969
2
Secretary (1yr) 1967
Wood
Philip Edward
22.3.1967
8.5.1969
2
Final Member
Woodward
Dennis
3.10.1949
12.9.1950
1
Average Years Served
Total members
Total
O.I.C
Secretaries
13
22
4.70199
164
57
MEMBERS – Chronological Order
From UFBA records and old minutes, notes
* no Retirement date given, but dropped off rolls in the year shown
Years Served at Northcote Volunteer Fire Brigade (NVFB) is measured at years end.
Surname
Lowe
Pettard
Mountfield
Cadness
Parrish
Jackson
Taylor
Smith
Jackson
Haynes
Lepper
Tremain
Ralston
Gee
Surname
Lowe
Pettard
Mountfield
Cadness
Parrish
Jackson
Taylor
Smith
Jackson
Haynes
Lepper
Tremain
Ralston
Gee
Miller
Surname
Mountfield
Cadness
Parrish
Jackson
Taylor
Smith
Jackson
Haynes
Lepper
Tremain
Gee
Miller
Cadness
Tyer
Jones
Christian Names
H.H
R. H
B. E
T (Jr)
Alfred
J. G
Malcolm
P
Herbert
Richard H (Dick)
George F.
Samuel R
W
W
Christian Names
H.H
R. H
B. E
T (Jr)
Alfred
J. G
Malcolm
P
Herbert
Richard H (Dick)
George F.
Samuel R
W
W
Andrew Walter
Christian Names
B. E
T (Jr)
Alfred
J. G
Malcolm
P
Herbert
Richard H (Dick)
George F.
Samuel R
W
Andrew Walter
G
Albert
Cyril
Joined
NVFB
Resigned
1908
Years
at
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
24.8.1908
5.10.1908
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
24.8.1908
5.10.1908
1.7.1909
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
5.10.1908
1.7.1909
16.6.1910
1.8.1910
3.9.1910
Position
Captain - appointed 3.9.08
Lieutenant - appointed 3.9.08
Foreman - appointed - 3.9.08
Resigned
1909
Years
at
NVFB
*1909
*1909
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Notes
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Founding Member
Position
Captain
Lieutenant
Captain - appointed 11.8.09
Foreman - appointed 11.8.09
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
*1909
1
Resigned
*30.6.1910
*30.6.1910
*30.6.1910
*30.6.1910
1910
Years
at
NVFB
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
Position
Captain
Foreman
New Foreman
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
New Captain
New secretary
Resigned
58
Surname
Parrish
Jackson
Taylor
Jackson
Haynes
Lepper
Tremain
Miller
Cadness
Tyer
Jones
Hewitt
Jordan
Fairweather
Surname
Parrish
Taylor
Jackson
Haynes
Lepper
Tremain
Tyer
Hewitt
Jordan
Watson
Mulhern
Brooking
Gilchrist
Stilwell
Surname
Haynes
Lepper
Tyer
Hewitt
Jordan
Watson
Mulhern
Brooking
Gilchrist
Stilwell
Slattery
Spence
Stilwell
George
Robb
Watson
Page
Christian Names
Alfred
J. G
Malcolm
Herbert
Richard H (Dick)
George F.
Samuel R
Andrew Walter
G
Albert
Cyril
Leslie
Eric
Roy
Christian Names
Alfred
Malcolm
Herbert
Richard H (Dick)
George F.
Samuel R
Albert
Leslie
Eric
Robert
J. H
Frederick
A
Arthur
Christian Names
Richard H (Dick)
George F.
Albert
Leslie
Eric
Robert
J. H
Frederick
A
Arthur
Gilbert
William
Gordon
Victor
Percy
G
J
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1909
16.6.1910
1.8.1910
3.9.1910
3.4.1911
14.8.1911
3.4.1911
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.8.1910
3.4.1911
14.8.1911
1.4.1912
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.7.1908
1.8.1910
3.4.1911
14.8.1911
1.4.1912
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
Resigned
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1911
*30.6.1911
1911
Years
at
NVFB
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
Position
Foreman
Resigned
Lieutenant
Captain
Secretary
New Foreman
Resigned - Rejoined in 1941
Resigned
Resigned
*30.6.1911
Resigned
*30.6.1912
*30.6.1912
*30.6.1912
*30.6.1912
Resigned
1.9.1913
*30.6.1913
Notes
Resigned
1912
Years
at
NVFB
4
4
4
4
4
4
2
1
1
1913
Years
at
NVFB
5
5
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Captain
Secretary
Foreman
Resigned
Position
Captain
Foreman
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Branchman - New Captain
New Secretary
59
Surname
Lepper
Hewitt
Jordan
Watson
Mulhern
Brooking
Gilchrist
Stilwell
Slattery
Spence
Stilwell
George
Robb
Watson
Page
Broady
Whitcombe
Surname
Lepper
Jordan
Watson
Mulhern
Brooking
Stilwell
Slattery
Spence
Stilwell
George
Robb
Watson
Page
Broady
Whitcombe
Whitcombe
Standing
Farnsworth
Tyer
Clark
Roberts
Reid
Christian Names
George F.
Leslie
Eric
Robert
J. H
Frederick
A
Arthur
Gilbert
William
Gordon
Victor
Percy
G
J
Arthur
Edward Albert
Christian Names
George F.
Eric
Robert
J. H
Frederick
Arthur
Gilbert
William
Gordon
Victor
Percy
G
J
Arthur
Edward Albert
B (William George)
H
Raymond
Harold
William
William Parry
William
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
3.4.1911
14.8.1911
1.4.1912
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
7.8.1914
17.8.1914
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
14.8.1911
1.4.1912
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
7.8.1914
17.8.1914
7.6.1915
7.6.1915
2.8.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
6.12.1915
Resigned
*30.6.1914
*30.6.1914
1914
Years
at
NVFB
6
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Foreman and Secretary
Resigned
Senior Branchman
Junior Branchman
NZ Forces
NZ Forces
NZ Forces
Resigned
NZ Forces
New Captain
NZ Forces
Messenger
Hydrant-man
NZ Forces
Resigned
*30.6.1915
1915
Years
at
NVFB
7
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
Position
Foreman and Secretary
Senoir Branchman
Junior Branchman
Captain
New Secretary
Messenger
Hydrantman
Notes
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces
Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
60
Surname
Christian Names
Lepper
Jordan
Watson
George F.
Eric
Robert
Mulhern
Brooking
Stilwell
Slattery
Spence
Stilwell
George
Robb
Page
Broady
Whitcombe
Whitcombe
Standing
Farnsworth
Tyer
Clark
Roberts
Reid
Hurley
Boyd
Millar
J. H
Frederick
Arthur
Gilbert
William
Gordon
Victor
Percy
J
Arthur
Edward Albert
B (William George)
H
Raymond
Harold
William
William Parry
William
Albert
Thomas
Andrew
Surname
Lepper
Watson
Brooking
Stilwell
Slattery
Spence
Stilwell
Robb
Page
Broady
Whitcombe
Whitcombe
Tyer
Clark
Roberts
Hurley
Boyd
Millar
Lidgard
McLaughlin
Lidgard
Watson
Develin
Christian Names
George F.
Robert
Frederick
Arthur
Gilbert
William
Gordon
Percy
J
Arthur
Edward Albert
B (William George)
Harold
William
William Parry
Albert
Thomas
Andrew
Roy
Henery (Harley)
Victor
Alexander James
Brown
Clive Noel
Joined
NVFB
Resigned
1.7.1908
14.8.1911
1.4.1912
*30.6.1916
1.4.1912
1916 Died in
War
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
7.8.1914
17.8.1914
7.6.1915
7.6.1915
2.8.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
6.12.1915
1.5.1916
9.10.1916
9.10.1916
Joined
NVFB
1.7.1908
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
1.9.1913
7.8.1914
17.8.1914
7.6.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
1.5.1916
9.10.1916
9.10.1916
21.5.1917
21.5.1917
10.7.1917
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1916
*30.6.1916
1916
Years
at
NVFB
8
5
4
Position
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Notes
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Captain
NZ Forces - Secretary
Resigned
NZ Forces
NZ Forces
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Messenger
Resigned
*30.6.1917
*30.6.1917
3.9.1917
1917
Years
at
NVFB
9
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Position
Foreman - New Secretary
Captain
Secretary
Notes
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
Resigned
NZ Forces, rejoined 1922
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Messenger
NZ Forces - Active Service
20.8.1917
20.8.1917
NZ Forces - Active Service
61
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Lepper
Watson
Brooking
Stilwell
Slattery
Spence
Robb
Whitcombe
Whitcombe
Tyer
Clark
Roberts
Hurley
Boyd
Millar
Lidgard
McLaughlin
Lidgard
Watson
Develin
George F.
Robert
Frederick
Arthur
Gilbert
William
Percy
Edward Albert
B (William George)
Harold
William
William Parry
Albert
Thomas
Andrew
Roy
Henery (Harley)
Victor
Alexander James Brown
Clive Noel
1.7.1908
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
5.11.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
17.8.1914
7.6.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
1.5.1916
9.10.1916
9.10.1916
21.5.1917
21.5.1917
10.7.1917
20.8.1917
20.8.1917
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Lepper
Watson
Brooking
Slattery
Spence
Robb
Whitcombe
Whitcombe
Tyer
Roberts
Boyd
Lidgard
McLaughlin
Lidgard
Watson
Develin
George F.
Robert
Frederick
Gilbert
William
Percy
Edward Albert
B (William George)
Harold
William Parry
Thomas
Roy
Henery (Harley)
Victor
Alexander James Brown
Clive Noel
1.7.1908
1.4.1912
8.4.1912
11.2.1913
4.8.1913
1.9.1913
17.8.1914
7.6.1915
1.11.1915
1.11.1915
9.10.1916
21.5.1917
21.5.1917
10.7.1917
20.8.1917
20.8.1917
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Lepper
Brooking
Spence
Whitcombe
Whitcombe
Roberts
Boyd
McLaughlin
Watson
Develin
Develin
Develin
Adamson
Lepper
George F.
Frederick
William
Edward Albert
B (William George)
William Parry
Thomas
Henery (Harley)
Alexander James Brown
Clive Noel
Lees Trevelyan
Osmond Frederick
Douglas Charles
H
1.7.1908
8.4.1912
4.8.1913
17.8.1914
7.6.1915
1.11.1915
9.10.1916
21.5.1917
20.8.1917
20.8.1917
19.1.1920
19.1.1920
30.8.1920
4.10.1920
Resigned
*30.6.1918
*30.6.1918
*30.6.1918
*30.6.1918
Resigned
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1919
*30.6.1919
Resigned
*30.6.1920
*30.6.1920
*30.6.1920
4.10.1920
1918
Years
at
NVFB
10
6
6
6
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1919
Years
at
NVFB
11
7
7
6
6
6
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
1920
Years
at
NVFB
12
8
7
6
5
5
4
3
3
3
Position
Secretary - Foreman
Notes
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service - Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
Captain
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Resigned
Messenger
Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service - Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
Position
Notes
Secretary
Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service - Resigned
Captain
NZ Forces - Active Service - Resigned
NZ Forces - Active Service
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Position
Notes
Secretary - then new Captain
Captain
Resigned - rejoined in 1941
Resigned
Resigned - rejoined in 1941
Resigned - rejoined in 1931
New Secretary
62
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Lepper
Roberts
Boyd
McLaughlin
Watson
Develin
Develin
Develin
Adamson
Lepper
Hurley
Fairweather
Townshend
Speight
George F.
William Parry
Thomas
Henery (Harley)
Alexander James Brown
Clive Noel
Lees Trevelyan
Osmond Frederick
Douglas Charles
H
Alfred James Alexander
W
Ferris George Vere
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
1.7.1908
1.11.1915
9.10.1916
21.5.1917
20.8.1917
20.8.1917
19.1.1920
19.1.1920
30.8.1920
4.10.1920
21.2.1921
21.2.1921
19.9.1921
19.12.1921
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Henery (Harley)
Alexander James Brown
Clive Noel
Lees Trevelyan
Osmond Frederick
Douglas Charles
Alfred James Alexander
Ferris George Vere
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
Raymond Victor
Walter Herbet
Harold James
Arthur
1.11.1915
21.5.1917
20.8.1917
20.8.1917
19.1.1920
19.1.1920
30.8.1920
21.2.1921
19.9.1921
19.12.1921
4.4.1922
15.5.1922
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
Surname
Roberts
McLaughlin
Watson
Develin
Develin
Develin
Adamson
Hurley
Townshend
Speight
Fox
Reid
Pearce
Broady
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Adamson
Townshend
Speight
Fox
Reid
Pearce
Broady
Mitchell
Barrett
Aspen
Mudgway
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Adamson
Townshend
Pearce
Broady
Mitchell
Barrett
Aspen
Mudgway
Ryan
Ricketts
Messiter
Blackman
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Douglas Charles
Ferris George Vere
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
Raymond Victor
Walter Herbet
Harold James
Arthur
Frederick
John
Charles
Leslie Howard
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
30.8.1920
19.9.1921
19.12.1921
4.4.1922
15.5.1922
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
19.2.1923
2.7.1923
20.8.1923
3.9.1923
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Douglas Charles
Ferris George Vere
Harold James
Arthur
Frederick
John
Charles
Leslie Howard
Frank
Earnest Henry
Arthur
Leonard George
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
30.8.1920
19.9.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
19.2.1923
2.7.1923
20.8.1923
3.9.1923
14.4.1924
14.4.1924
21.7.1924
1.9.1924
Resigned
17.8.1921
*30.6.1921
1921
Years
at
NVFB
13
6
5
4
4
4
1
1
1
Position
Captain
Foreman - Made Captain
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
New Foreman
Secretary
*30.6.1921
Resigned
Messenger
*30.6.1921
Resigned
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1922
*30.6.1922
18.12.1922
Resigned
1922
Years
at
NVFB
7
5
5
5
2
2
2
1
1
1
Position
Captain
Resigned, rejoined 5.5.1941
Foreman
Secretary
New Secretary
Messenger until 18.12.22
Resigned
*30.6.1923
*30.6.1923
*30.6.1923
Resigned
*30.6.1924
*30.6.1924
*30.6.1924
*30.6.1924
1924
Years
at
NVFB
9
7
4
3
2
5
1
1
1
1
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned, rejoined 6.4.25
New Messenger 19.12.22
3
1923
Years
at
NVFB
8
6
3
2
2
1
1
1
4
Notes
Rejoined from 3.9.1917
Position
Captain
Foreman
Secretary - Driver
Driver
Messenger
Notes
Resigned - rejoined in 1930
Resigned
Resigned
Position
Captain
Foreman
Secretary - Driver
Driver
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
63
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Adamson
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Mitchell
Barrett
Ricketts
Messiter
Blackman
Taylor
Stewart
White
Andrews
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Douglas Charles
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
Frederick
John
Earnest Henry
Arthur
Leonard George
Harry (Harold)
Gordon Desmond
John George
John Lewis
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
30.8.1920
6.4.1925
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
19.2.1923
2.7.1923
14.4.1924
21.7.1924
1.9.1924
2.2.1925
7.7.1925
6.7.1925
3.8.1925
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Watson
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Mitchell
Barrett
Blackman
Taylor
Stewart
White
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
Frederick
John
Leonard George
Harry (Harold)
Gordon Desmond
John George
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
19.2.1923
2.7.1923
1.9.1924
2.2.1925
7.7.1925
6.7.1925
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
Hart
George Napier
1.5.1926
Herrick
Harry Burn
1.6.1926
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Mitchell
Barrett
Blackman
Taylor
Stewart
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Herrick
Morrison
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
Frederick
John
Leonard George
Harry (Harold)
Gordon Desmond
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Harry Burn
Cecil Edward
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
19.2.1923
2.7.1923
1.9.1924
2.2.1925
7.7.1925
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.3.1927
1.6.1926
1.8.1927
Resigned
*30.6.1925
*30.6.1925
*30.6.1925
Resigned
*30.6.1926
1925
Years
at
NVFB
10
8
5
2
3
6
2
2
1
1
1
1926
Years
at
NVFB
11
9
3
4
7
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
Position
Captain
Jnr Hydrantman
Secretary - Driver
Driver
Senior Branchman
Foreman
Hydrantman
Jnr Branchman
Driver
FM
New Secretary
FM
Notes
Resigned
Rejoined from 18.12.1922
Resigned
Resigned
Position
Notes
Captain
Secretary
Resigned
Aux. Fireman - Transfer from Paeroa Resigned, rejoined 1927
1.9.1926
Aux. Fireman
Resigned
*30.6.1927
*30.6.1927
1927
Years
at
NVFB
12
10
4
5
8
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Captain
Secretary
Resigned - Rejoined 1941
Resigned
Aux. Fireman - Rejoined 1926
Aux. Fireman
64
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Barrett
Blackman
Stewart
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Herrick
Morrison
Craven
Dudding
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Barrett
Blackman
Stewart
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Herrick
Craven
Dudding
Morrison
Surname
Roberts
Watson
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Stewart
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Craven
Dudding
Speight
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
John
Leonard George
Gordon Desmond
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Harry Burn
Cecil Edward
Dr J. W
Dr R. G
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
2.7.1923
1.9.1924
7.7.1925
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.6.1926
1.8.1927
3.5.1928
3.5.1928
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
John
Leonard George
Gordon Desmond
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Harry Burn
Dr J. W
Dr R. G
Cecil Edward
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
2.7.1923
1.9.1924
7.7.1925
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.6.1926
3.5.1928
3.5.1928
1.8.1927
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
William Parry
Alexander James Brown
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
Gordon Desmond
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr J. W
Dr R. G
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
1.11.1915
20.8.1917
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
7.7.1925
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
3.5.1928
1.12.1930
Resigned
1928
Years
at
NVFB
13
11
5
6
9
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
Position
Notes
Captain
Secretary
Hon. Surgeon
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned
*30.6.1929
*30.6.1929
*30.6.1929
*30.6.1929
Resigned
*30.6.1930
1929
Years
at
NVFB
14
12
6
7
10
6
5
4
4
3
3
3
3
1
1
2
1930
Years
at
NVFB
15
13
7
8
11
5
5
4
4
4
2
2
2
Position
Notes
Captain
Secretary
Resigned, rejoined 13.4.1931
Resigned
Resigned
Hon. Surgeon
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned
Position
Captain
Secretay
Notes
Resigned
Hon. Surgeon
Hon. Surgeon
Rejoined from 1923
65
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Stewart
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Craven
Dudding
Speight
Gunner
Barrett
Whitcombe
Clark
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
Gordon Desmond
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr J. W
Dr R. G
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
Jack
John
B (William George)
John Grieve
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
7.7.1925
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
3.5.1928
1.12.1930
2.3.1931
13.4.1931
1.5.1931
20.7.1931
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Speight
Barrett
Whitcombe
Clark
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
John
B (William George)
John Grieve
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.12.1930
13.4.1931
1.5.1931
20.7.1931
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Speight
Barrett
Whitcombe
Clark
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
John
B (William George)
John Grieve
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.12.1930
13.4.1931
1.5.1931
20.7.1931
Resigned
*30.6.1931
*30.6.1931
1931
Years
at
NVFB
16
8
9
12
6
6
5
5
5
3
3
3
Position
Captain
Foreman
Resigned, rejoined in 5.5.41
New Secretary
Hon. Surgeon
Hon. Surgeon
*30.6.1931
Resigned
Resigned
1933
Years
at
NVFB
18
10
11
14
8
7
7
7
5
5
8
7
2
Resigned
Resigned
rejoined from 1929
rejoined from 4.10.1920
6
5
1932
Years
at
NVFB
17
9
10
13
7
6
6
6
4
4
7
6
1
Notes
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Secretary
Hon. Surgeon
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Foreman
Secretary
Driver
Hon. Surgeon
1934
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Pearce
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Speight
Barrett
Whitcombe
Clark
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Harold James
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
John
B (William George)
John Grieve
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
19.9.1922
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.12.1930
13.4.1931
1.5.1931
20.7.1931
Resigned
*30.6.1934
*30.6.1934
Years
at
NVFB
19
11
12
15
9
8
8
8
6
6
9
8
3
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Foreman
Resigned
Secretary
Driver
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned
66
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Speight
Whitcombe
Clark
Hurley
Ward
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
B (William George)
John Grieve
Eric Alexandra
William Frederick Fulsh
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.12.1930
1.5.1931
20.7.1931
15.1.1935
15.1.1935
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Whitcombe
Clark
Hurley
Ward
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
B (William George)
John Grieve
Eric Alexandra
William Frederick Fulsh
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.5.1931
20.7.1931
15.1.1935
15.1.1935
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Whitcombe
Hurley
Ward
Morrison
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
William Frederick Fulsh
Wilfred Harold
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
Resigned
*30.6.1935
Resigned
*30.6.1936
Resigned
*30.6.1937
Resigned
1935
Years
at
NVFB
20
12
16
10
9
9
9
7
7
9
4
1936
Years
at
NVFB
21
13
17
11
10
10
10
8
10
5
1
1
1937
Years
at
NVFB
22
14
18
12
11
11
11
9
11
2
2
1938
Years
at
NVFB
23
15
19
13
12
12
12
10
12
3
1
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Secretary
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned - Rejoined in 1941
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Secretary
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Foreman
Secretary
Dept. Foreman
Driver
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned
Position
Notes
Captain/Superintendent
Foreman
Secretary
Driver
Hon. Surgeon
Aux. Fireman
67
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Dudding
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Hurley
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
Dr R. G
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Raymond Rhodes
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
3.5.1928
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
6.11.1939
Surname
Christian Names
Joined
NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Hurley
Gritton
Mullon
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Raymond Rhodes
Reginal G
Eric John
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
6.11.1939
5.8.1940
21.10.1940
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Hurley
Gritton
Mullon
Whitcombe
Brooking
Mitchell
Miller
McLaughlin
Stewart
Speight
Moore
Clark
Noffke
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Raymond Rhodes
Reginal G
Eric John
Edward Albert
Frederick
Frederick
Andrew Walter
Henery (Harley)
Gordon Desmond
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
Cyril Joseph
Allan E
Percy Theodore
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
6.11.1939
5.8.1940
21.10.1940
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
Resigned
*30.6.1939
1939
Years
at
NVFB
24
16
20
14
13
13
13
11
13
4
2
1
1
Position
Notes
Superintendant
Dept. Superintendant
Secretary
Foreman
Driver
Hon. Surgeon
Resigned - back on roll 1942 (1yr)
New Messenger
Resigned
Resigned
3.11.1941
1940
Years
at
NVFB
25
17
21
15
14
14
14
14
5
3
2
2
1
1941
Years
at
NVFB
26
18
22
16
15
15
15
15
6
4
3
3
2
1
1
6
8
4
2
6
6
7
Position
Notes
Superintendant
Dept. Superintendant
2.12.40 Presented Gold Star
NZ Forces - Active Service
Secretary - new 1st Driver
Foreman
1st Driver - new Dept Super.
NZ Forces
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
New Foreman
NZ Forces - Active Service
Messenger
Position
Notes
Superintendant
NZ Forces - Active Service
Secretary
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Dept. Superintendant
NZ Forces - Active Service
Foreman
NZ Forces - Active Service
New Secretary
Messenger
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Driver
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Resigned
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1920
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1920
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1927
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1911
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1922
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1931
Ex - F/M, rejoined from 1935
68
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Mullon
Whitcombe
Brooking
Mitchell
Miller
McLaughlin
Stewart
Speight
Moore
Clark
Noffke
Shackelton
Herrick
Dudding
Mayall
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Eric John
Edward Albert
Frederick
Frederick
Andrew Walter
Henery (Harley)
Gordon Desmond
Harold Rhodes (Roy)
Cyril Joseph
Allan E
Percy Theodore
Ernest James
Edwin William Bertrina
Dr R. G
Bengiman
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
21.10.1940
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
5.1.1942
5.1.1942
3.5.1928
21.11.1942
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Whitcombe
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
B (William George)
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
Hurley
Eric Alexandra
15.1.1935
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Mullon
Whitcombe
Brooking
Mitchell
Miller
McLaughlin
Moore
Clark
Noffke
Shackelton
Herrick
Mayall
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Eric John
Edward Albert
Frederick
Frederick
Andrew Walter
Henery (Harley)
Cyril Joseph
Allan E
Percy Theodore
Ernest James
Edwin William Bertrina
Bengiman
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
21.10.1940
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
5.1.1942
5.1.1942
21.11.1942
Resigned
25.10.1942
20.7.1942
Resigned
*30.6.1943
3.10.1943
*30.6.1943
1942
Years
at
NVFB
27
19
23
17
16
16
16
16
7
5
4
4
2
2
7
9
5
3
7
7
8
1
1
1
1943
Years
at
NVFB
28
20
24
18
17
17
17
17
8
6
5
5
3
3
8
10
6
4
8
2
2
2
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Superintendant
NZ Forces - Active Service
Senior Hydrantman
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Dept. Superintendant
Senior Branchman
NZ Forces - Active Service
Foreman
NZ Forces - Active Service
Secretary
Junior Branchman
Junior Hydrantman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman - Steward
Driver
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman - 2nd Driver
Aux. Fireman - First Aid
Aux. Fireman
Hon. Surgeon
Aux. Fireman
Resigned
Resigned (Docs. Cert.)
Back on Roll in 1942 only
Position
Notes
Superintendant
NZ Forces - Active Service
Senior Hydrantman
Driver
NZ Forces - Active Service
NZ Forces - Active Service
Dept. Superintendant
Senior Branchman
NZ Forces - Active Service Resigned, rejoined 1946
Foreman
NZ Forces - Active Service
Secretary
Junior Branchman
Jnr Hydrantman - Steward
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman - Ass. Steward
Aux. Fireman
2nd Driver
Aux. Fireman - First Aid
On Reserve List
On Reserve List
Resigned
On Reserve List
On Reserve List
Full Member
Resigned
69
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Bradbourne
Ward
Hart
Whitcombe
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Mullon
Whitcombe
Brooking
Miller
McLaughlin
Moore
Clark
Noffke
Herrick
Mayall
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
Albert Henry
William Frederick
George Napier
B (William George)
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Eric John
Edward Albert
Frederick
Andrew Walter
Henery (Harley)
Cyril Joseph
Allan E
Percy Theodore
Edwin William Bertrina
Bengiman
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
21.10.1940
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
5.1.1942
21.11.1942
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Roberts
Hurley
Broady
Andrews
Ward
Hart
Whitcombe
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Clark
Noffke
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
Arthur
John Lewis
William Frederick
George Napier
B (William George)
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Allan E
Percy Theodore
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
24.7.1922
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
Resigned
7.8.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
*30.6.1944
Resigned
*30.6.1945
*30.6.1945
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Resigned
Roberts
Hurley
Andrews
Hart
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Clark
Noffke
Bezzant
Andrews
Bradbourne
William Parry
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
George Napier
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Allan E
Percy Theodore
Sydney Corville
John Gerald
Albert Henry
1.11.1915
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
1.4.1946
4.3.1946
28.10.1946
2.9.1946
1944
Years
at
NVFB
29
21
25
19
18
18
18
18
7
6
6
4
4
9
11
5
9
3
3
3
2
2
1945
Years
at
NVFB
30
22
26
20
19
19
19
8
7
7
5
4
4
1946
Years
at
NVFB
31
23
21
20
20
8
9
8
8
6
5
5
Position
Notes
Superintendant
25 year Gold Star
NZ Forces - Resumed soldier
Resigned - Rejoined 1946
NZ Forces
Dept. Superintendant
Secretary
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Aux. Fireman
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Position
Notes
Superintendant
Resigned
Resigned
Dept. Superintendant
Secretary
Position
Superintendant
Foreman
New Superintendant
Senior Branchman
First Aid
New Dept. Superintendant
2nd Driver
Secretary
Jnr Branchman- Ass. Steward
Senior Hydrantman
Notes
Resigned
Soldier on sick leave
Rejoined from 1943
Steward
Junior Hydrantman
18
Rejoined from 1944
70
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Hurley
Andrews
Hart
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Clark
Noffke
Bezzant
Andrews
Bradbourne
Reed
Reed
Neville
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
George Napier
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Allan E
Percy Theodore
Sydney Corville
John Gerald
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
Leonard Barrington
Percy Douglas
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
1.5.1926
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
1.4.1946
4.3.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Hurley
Andrews
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Gritton
Clark
Noffke
Bezzant
Bradbourne
Reed
Reed
Neville
Andrews
Hurley
Morrison
Moore
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Reginal G
Allan E
Percy Theodore
Sydney Corville
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
Leonard Barrington
Percy Douglas
John Gerald
Desmond
Robert Wilfred
Robert Edward Joseph
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.8.1940
5.5.1941
1.9.1941
1.4.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
10.8.1948
10.8.1948
4.8.1948
14.9.1948
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Hurley
Andrews
Whitcombe
Hurley
Morrison
Arblaster
Gilmore
Clark
Bezzant
Bradbourne
Reed
Reed
Neville
Andrews
Hurley
Morrison
Moore
Taylor
Irwin
Taylor
Woodward
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
B (William George)
Eric Alexandra
Wilfred Harold
Donald Gordon
Forbes Andrew
Allan E
Sydney Corville
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
Leonard Barrington
Percy Douglas
John Gerald
Desmond
Robert Wilfred
Robert Edward Joseph
Rodriek Alfred John
Jesse Colin
Ducan
Dennis
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
1.5.1931
15.1.1935
15.11.1937
4.4.1938
7.11.1938
5.5.1941
1.4.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
10.8.1948
10.8.1948
4.8.1948
14.9.1948
14.6.1949
14.6.1949
3.10.1949
3.10.1949
Resigned
3.2.1947
*30.6.1947
1947
Years
at
NVFB
24
22
21
21
9
10
9
9
7
6
6
1
1
19
Position
Notes
New Dept. Superintendant
Resigned
Senior Branchman
Junior Branchman
New Superintendant 4.8.47
1st Driver
Secretary
Foreman
Senior Hydrantman
NZ Forces
Jnr Hydrantman
Resigned - Rejoined 1948
First Aid
2nd Driver - Ass. Steward
Steward
Resigned
4.7.1948
*30.6.1948
Resigned
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1949
*30.6.1949
1948
Years
at
NVFB
25
23
22
10
11
10
10
8
7
7
2
20
1
1
1
1
1949
Years
at
NVFB
26
24
23
11
12
11
11
8
3
21
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Position
Notes
1st Officer
Secretary - 3rd Officer
Resigned
Resigned
New Secretary
2nd Officer
Rejoined from 1947
Position
Notes
1st Officer
3rd Officer
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
2nd Officer
Resigned
Secretary
Resigned
1st Driver
Transferred to Birkenhead Perms.
Resigned
71
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Hurley
Andrews
Whitcombe
Gilmore
Bezzant
Bradbourne
Reed
Neville
Andrews
Morrison
Moore
Taylor
Taylor
Woodward
Ennion
Walding
Lewellyn
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
B (William George)
Forbes Andrew
Sydney Corville
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
Percy Douglas
John Gerald
Robert Wilfred
Robert Edward Joseph
Rodriek Alfred John
Ducan
Dennis
Desmond
Thomas
Bruce
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
1.5.1931
7.11.1938
1.4.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
10.8.1948
4.8.1948
14.9.1948
14.6.1949
3.10.1949
3.10.1949
28.2.1950
12.9.1950
12.9.1950
Surname
Hurley
Andrews
Whitcombe
Gilmore
Bezzant
Bradbourne
Reed
Neville
Andrews
Morrison
Moore
Taylor
Taylor
Ennion
Walding
Lewellyn
Jackson
Ennis
McKenzie
Surname
Hurley
Andrews
Gilmore
Bezzant
Bradbourne
Reed
Andrews
Morrison
Moore
Taylor
Taylor
Walding
Jackson
Ennis
McKenzie
Simpson
Wood
Wood
Clayton
Christian Names
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
B (William George)
Forbes Andrew
Sydney Corville
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
Percy Douglas
John Gerald
Robert Wilfred
Robert Edward Joseph
Rodriek Alfred John
Ducan
Desmond
Thomas
Bruce
Graham
Ronald George
Norman Llyod
Christian Names
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
Forbes Andrew
Sydney Corville
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
John Gerald
Robert Wilfred
Robert Edward Joseph
Rodriek Alfred John
Ducan
Thomas
Graham
Ronald George
Norman Llyod
John
Clarence
Frederick
Albert Eric
Joined NVFB
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
1.5.1931
7.11.1938
1.4.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
3.3.1947
10.8.1948
4.8.1948
14.9.1948
14.6.1949
3.10.1949
28.2.1950
12.9.1950
12.9.1950
8.8.1951
11.9.1951
11.12.1951
Joined NVFB
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
7.11.1938
1.4.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
10.8.1948
4.8.1948
14.9.1948
14.6.1949
3.10.1949
12.9.1950
8.8.1951
11.9.1951
11.12.1951
12.2.1952
5.5.1952
11.11.1952
20.10.1952
Resigned
12.9.1950
Resigned
10.4.1951
5.11.1951
2.7.1951
3.12.1951
1950
Years
at
NVFB
27
25
24
12
4
22
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1951
Years
at
NVFB
28
26
25
13
5
23
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1952
Years
Resigned
at
NVFB
29
27
14
6
24
5
4.5.1952
5
4
4
3
3
14.10.1952
2
30.11.1952
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Station Officer
2nd Officer
1st Officer
Secretary
New Secretary
Resigned
Position
Notes
Station Officer
2nd Officer
Resigned
1st Officer
Resigned
Secretary
1st Driver
Resigned - tranferred to Takapuna
Resigned
Position
Notes
Station Officer
1st Officer
Resigned
Secretary
Resigned
Resigned
72
Surname
Hurley
Andrews
Gilmore
Bezzant
Bradbourne
Reed
Morrison
Moore
Taylor
Taylor
Ennis
McKenzie
Simpson
Wood
Wood
Clayton
Ellis
Smithurst
Ellis
Turoa
Mackessack
Surname
Hurley
Gilmore
Bezzant
Reed
Morrison
Taylor
Ennis
McKenzie
Simpson
Wood
Wood
Ellis
Smithurst
Ellis
Turoa
Mackessack
McIntyre
Aldred
Taylor
La Vie
Surname
Hurley
Gilmore
Bezzant
Reed
Morrison
Taylor
Ennis
McKenzie
Wood
Wood
Turoa
Mackessack
McIntyre
Aldred
Taylor
La Vie
Wood
Gilmore
Willis
Wood
Morrison
Christian Names
Alfred James Alexander
John Lewis
Forbes Andrew
Sydney Corville
Albert Henry
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Robert Edward Joseph
Rodriek Alfred John
Ducan
Ronald George
Norman Llyod
John
Clarence
Frederick
Albert Eric
Owen Roy
Robert James
Bryce William
Charles
Alexandra Ross
Christian Names
Alfred James Alexander
Forbes Andrew
Sydney Corville
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Ducan
Ronald George
Norman Llyod
John
Clarence
Frederick
Owen Roy
Robert James
Bryce William
Charles
Alexandra Ross
Creswell Turner
Kenneth James
Duncan
Philip Henry George
Christian Names
Alfred James Alexander
Forbes Andrew
Sydney Corville
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Ducan
Ronald George
Norman Llyod
Clarence
Frederick
Charles
Alexandra Ross
Creswell Turner
Kenneth James
Duncan
Philip Henry George
Leslie Reginald
Robert Findlay
William
David
Collin
Joined NVFB
21.2.1921
3.8.1925
7.11.1938
1.4.1946
1.5.1926
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
14.9.1948
14.6.1949
3.10.1949
11.9.1951
11.12.1951
12.2.1952
5.5.1952
11.11.1952
20.10.1952
16.6.1953
16.6.1953
3.11.1953
20.10.1953
20.10.1953
Joined NVFB
21.2.1921
7.11.1938
1.4.1946
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
3.10.1949
11.9.1951
11.12.1951
12.2.1952
5.5.1952
11.11.1952
16.6.1953
16.6.1953
3.11.1953
20.10.1953
20.10.1953
5.7.1954
13.7.1954
28.12.1954
15.12.1954
Joined NVFB
21.2.1921
7.11.1938
1.4.1946
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
3.10.1949
11.9.1951
11.12.1951
5.5.1952
11.11.1952
20.10.1953
20.10.1953
5.7.1954
13.7.1954
28.12.1954
15.12.1954
8.2.1955
12.7.1955
20.12.1955
13.9.1955
20.12.1955
1953
Years
Resigned
at
NVFB
30
9.6.1953
28
15
7
19.10.1953
25
6
5
7.12.1953
5
19.5.1953
4
4
2
2
1
1
1
7.12.1953
1
1954
Years
Resigned
at
NVFB
31
16
8
7
6
5
3
3
14.6.1954
2
2
2
14.6.1954
1
4.10.1954
1
16.11.1954
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Station Officer
Resigned
Resigned, 25 years 21.7.53
New Secretary
Secretary
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Position
Notes
Station Officer
1st Officer
2nd Officer
Secretary
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Transfer from A.M.F.B
1955
Years
Resigned
at
NVFB
14.12.1955
32
17
1.8.1955
9
8
7
*30.6.1955
6
2.8.1955
4
4
3
2
2
*30.6.1955
2
1
2.5.1955
1
2.5.1955
1
1
Position
Station Officer
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Secretary
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned 7.2.55, Rejoined 7.10.1955
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
73
Surname
Gilmore
Reed
Morrison
McKenzie
Wood
Wood
Turoa
McIntyre
La Vie
Wood
Gilmore
Willis
Wood
Morrison
Hewitt
Hewitt
Christian Names
Forbes Andrew
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Norman Llyod
Clarence
Frederick
Charles
Creswell Turner
Philip Henry George
Leslie Reginald
Robert Findlay
William
David
Collin
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Joined NVFB
7.11.1938
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
11.12.1951
5.5.1952
11.11.1952
20.10.1953
5.7.1954
15.12.1954
8.2.1955
12.7.1955
20.12.1955
13.9.1955
20.12.1955
24.8.1956
20.11.1956
Resigned
6.11.1956
1956
Years
at
NVFB
18
9
8
5
4
3
3
2
2
Position
New Station Officer
Resigned 13.3.56, Rejoined 13.8.56
Resigned 11.6.56, Rejoined 28.8.56
New Secretary
Resigned
7.5.1956
17.7.1956
Notes
Transferred to A.M.F.B
1
1
1
1
Resigned 5.8.56, Rejoined 20.11.56
Resigned
1957
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Gilmore
Reed
Morrison
McKenzie
Wood
Wood
Turoa
La Vie
Gilmore
Willis
Morrison
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Cottle
Row
Forbes Andrew
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Norman Llyod
Clarence
Frederick
Charles
Philip Henry George
Robert Findlay
William
Collin
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Eddie (Edward)
Fredrick
7.11.1938
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
11.12.1951
5.5.1952
11.11.1952
20.10.1953
15.12.1954
12.7.1955
20.12.1955
20.12.1955
24.8.1956
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
11.6.1957
14.7.1957
Resigned
*30.6.1957
*30.6.1957
*30.6.1957
9.11.1957
Years
at
NVFB
19
10
9
6
5
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
Position
Notes
Station Officer
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
New Secretary
1958
Surname
Gilmore
Reed
Morrison
Wood
La Vie
Gilmore
Willis
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Cottle
Row
Briars
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Forbes Andrew
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Clarence
Philip Henry George
Robert Findlay
William
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Eddie (Edward)
Fredrick
Leonard
7.11.1938
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
5.5.1952
15.12.1954
12.7.1955
20.12.1955
24.8.1956
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
11.6.1957
14.7.1957
19.5.1958
Resigned
14.7.1958
*30.6.1958
Years
at
NVFB
20
11
10
6
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
Position
Notes
Station Officer
Resigned
Resigned
74
1959
Surname
Gilmore
Reed
Morrison
Wood
La Vie
Gilmore
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Cottle
Briars
Lloyd
Gould
Cottle
Surname
Gilmore
Morrison
Wood
La Vie
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Cottle
Lloyd
Gould
Cottle
Davidson
Gilmore
Surname
Morrison
La Vie
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Cottle
Gould
Cottle
Davidson
Gilmore
Hurley
Cowie
Sutton
Moss
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Forbes Andrew
Fredrick Barrington
Robert Wilfred
Clarence
Philip Henry George
Robert Findlay
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Eddie (Edward)
Leonard
Robert
Robert
David
7.11.1938
3.3.1947
4.8.1948
5.5.1952
15.12.1954
12.7.1955
24.8.1956
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
11.6.1957
19.5.1958
30.5.1959
10.8.1959
19.10.1959
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Forbes Andrew
Robert Wilfred
Clarence
Philip Henry George
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Eddie (Edward)
Robert
Robert
David
Ewin
Robert Findlay
7.11.1938
4.8.1948
5.5.1952
15.12.1954
24.8.1956
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
11.6.1957
30.5.1959
10.8.1959
19.10.1959
2.5.1960
2.5.1960
Christian Names
Robert Wilfred
Philip Henry George
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Eddie (Edward)
Robert
David
Ewin
Robert Findlay
Alfred James
Warick Anthony
T
Joseph Anthony Dominic
Resigned
19.12.1959
17.8.1959
8.6.1959
Years
at
NVFB
21
12
11
7
5
4
3
3
2
2
1
1960
Years
Resigned
at
NVFB
9.12.1960
22
12
28.3.1960
8
6
4
4
3
3
*30.6.1960
1
1
1
Position
Station Officer
Resigned, Rejoined 1964
1st Officer
Resigned, Rejoined 2.5.1960
2nd Officer
New Secretary
Resigned
Position
Station Officer
Joined NVFB
Resigned
4.8.1948
15.12.1954
24.8.1956
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
11.6.1957
10.8.1959
19.10.1959
2.5.1960
2.5.1960
7.2.1961
25.2.1961
13.1.1961
4.4.1961
31.1.1961
10.6.1961
7.2.1961
11.5.1961
2.6.1961
31.1.1961
3.3.1961
8.12.1961
7.7.1961
Notes
Resigned
Resigned, rejoined in 1967
Secretary
Resigned
5
1961
Years at
NVFB
13
7
5
5
4
4
2
2
1
6
Notes
Rejoined from 1959
Position
Notes
Resigned
Resigned, Rejoined 16.7.62
New Secretary
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
1962
Surname
La Vie
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Cottle
Moss
Christian Names
Philip Henry George
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Eddie (Edward)
Joseph Anthony Dominic
Joined NVFB
Resigned
15.12.1954
16.7.1962
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
11.6.1957
4.4.1961
28.2.1962
30.1.1962
13.11.1962
Years at
NVFB
8
5
6
5
5
1
Position
Notes
Resigned
Rejoined from 1961
New Officer In Charge
Resigned
Resigned
75
1963
Surname
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Bastion
Playfair
Hewellyn
Bennett
Hall
Christian Names
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Derrick Noel
Terence James
B William
Walter George William
Robert
Joined NVFB
Resigned
16.7.1962
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
22.5.1963
10.5.1963
7.10.1963
2.12.1963
4.11.1963
Years at
NVFB
Position
Notes
Position
Notes
6
7
6
1964
Surname
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Bastion
Playfair
Hewellyn
Bennett
Hall
Reed
Brown
Page
Roberts
Webster
Christian Names
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Derrick Noel
Terence James
B William
Walter George William
Robert
Fredrick Barrington
Alfred Leslie
Allen Alfred
Trevor
Brian Desmond
Joined NVFB
16.7.1962
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
22.5.1963
10.5.1963
7.10.1963
2.12.1963
4.11.1963
9.6.1964
9.6.1964
10.8.1964
10.8.1964
8.10.1964
Resigned
29.5.1964
29.5.1964
3.9.1964
30.11.1964
Years at
NVFB
7
8
7
1
1
1
1
1
13
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Rejoined from 1959, Resigned
1.11.1964
Resigned
1965
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Bastion
Hall
Brown
Page
Webster
Wellacott
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Derrick Noel
Robert
Alfred Leslie
Allen Alfred
Brian Desmond
Timothy Micheal
16.7.1962
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
22.5.1963
4.11.1963
9.6.1964
10.8.1964
8.10.1964
6.12.1965
Resigned
1.6.1965
Years at
NVFB
Position
8
9
8
2
2
1
1
1
Notes
Resigned
1966
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Bastion
Hall
Page
Webster
Wellacott
Neill
Burkhardt
Harper
Wood
Curran
Robinson
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Derrick Noel
Robert
Allen Alfred
Brian Desmond
Timothy Micheal
Kevin T
Murry
Kenneth
Paul Francis
Alan Benard
Keith Martin
16.7.1962
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
22.5.1963
4.11.1963
10.8.1964
8.10.1964
6.12.1965
31.5.1966
13.7.1966
7.2.1966
28.9.1966
7.2.1966
7.2.1966
Resigned
13.6.1966
8.2.1966
20.6.1966
7.5.1966
19.9.1966
17.10.1966
2.4.1966
Years at
NVFB
9
10
9
3
3
2
2
1
Position
Notes
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
76
1967
Surname
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Resigned
Hewitt
Hewitt
Bently
Wellacott
Wood
Curran
Robinson
Wood
Wood
Burt
Treva (Trevor) Gordon
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Timothy Micheal
Paul Francis
Alan Benard
Keith Martin
Clarence
Philip Edward
John
16.7.1962
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
6.12.1965
28.9.1966
7.2.1966
7.2.1966
22.3.1967
22.3.1967
18.12.1967
3.9.1967
Years at
NVFB
10
11
10
2
1
1
1
8
Position
Notes
Resigned
New Secretary
New First Officer (OIC)
Rejoined from 1960
1968
Surname
Hewitt
Bently
Wellacott
Wood
Curran
Robinson
Wood
Wood
Burt
Curran
Christian Names
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Timothy Micheal
Paul Francis
Alan Benard
Keith Martin
Clarence
Philip Edward
John
Francis William
Joined NVFB
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
6.12.1965
28.9.1966
7.2.1966
7.2.1966
22.3.1967
22.3.1967
18.12.1967
4.3.1968
Resigned
4.3.1968
16.1.1968
5.2.1968
7.5.1968
Years at
NVFB
12
11
3
2
2
2
9
1
1
Position
Notes
2nd Officer
Resigned
Resigned
Resigned
1st Officer (OIC)
Resigned
New Secretary
1969
Surname
Hewitt
Bently
Wood
Wood
Wood
Curran
Christian Names
Joined NVFB
Resigned
Years at
NVFB
Raymond Walter
Harry (Henry) George
Paul Francis
Clarence
Philip Edward
Francis William
20.11.1956
4.3.1957
28.9.1966
22.3.1967
22.3.1967
4.3.1968
8.5.1969
8.5.1969
4.2.1969
8.5.1969
8.5.1969
8.5.1969
13
12
3
10
2
1
Position
Second Officer
First Officer (OIC)
F/M Driver
Secretary
Notes
Final Member
Final Member
Resigned
Final Member
Final Member
Final Member
BRIGADE DISBANDED 8.5.1969 (with five members)
77
STATISTICS
NORTHCOTE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
Started
1.7.1908
Finished
7.5.1969
Operational for:
60 years 10 months 6 days
Musters & Calls
over 2600
Fire calls
Average calls
approx. 500
6 - 7 per year
Total Members
164
Founding Members
12
Final Members
5
Average Members per year
Average length of Service
13.5
4.7 years
Members serving over 25 years
6
Officers In Charge
13
O.I.C average service time
Secretaries
Lowest membership was 3 in 1963. It
was like this for six months.
William Roberts served over 25
years as Officer In Charge.
4.5 years
22
78
QUICK FACTS
Interesting what the equipment was called:
Hoses were called leads.
Fire hydrants were called fire plugs.
Fire Engine (appliance) was called a Motor reel or motor machine.
Breathing Apparatus (BA set) were called Self Containing Breathing Sets.
1908
Northcote Borough was formed along with the Fire Brigade.
Before they had a Station they took turns in taking home the hoses and nozzles.
They had 12 Members.
H. H Lowe was the first Captain.
First fire bell was the Methodist Church bell.
Joined the UFBA and Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Association.
First appliance was a Hand Reel Cart which was sometimes pulled by a horse and later a
Model T Ford.
First Station was an old tin shed.
1911
The Brigade Captain, Officers and Firemen, forwarded in their resignations to the Northcote
Borough Council because they refused to pay them boot money.
1913
The old 2 ton Auckland City Pitt Street bell was erected. Often a resident would ring the bell
and rush off home again to get their gear or go straight to the fire. By the time the firemen
arrived at the bell, there was no one to tell them where to go to the fire.
1913
A tragic year with four separate fire related fatalities in the District.
1914
Ten Brigade members enlisted in World War 1. One received a Distinguished Service Medal,
one was killed and only one in ten avoided injury.
1922
Queen Carnival to raise funds for a new Motor Engine, their first motor appliance. They raised
£460 in total. (Model T Ford cost £422).
The new Model T Ford broke down when they had just picked it up from the city.
Was common to see the Firemen pushing the Model T Ford up hills.
1922
A two storied building was built as the second Station at 2 Rodney Road.
1923
Were reorganised to become the Northcote Municipal Fire Brigade.
1924
Got electricity to light the new Station.
1920’s For Birkenhead fires, the system they had to alert the Northcote Fire Brigade was that the
Birkenhead Constable was contacted about an incident requiring the Fire Appliance. He
would then ring Auckland City telephone exchange that would then ring the Northcote
Constable, who would notify the Northcote Fire Brigade by ringing the bell.
1925 – 1932 Birkenhead was paying £25 for fire protection to Northcote. This rose to £75 in 1931.
Birkenhead furnished the Northcote Appliance with a standpipe as they had different size
hydrants in each District.
1925
The Northcote Fire Reel was overhauled for backup for when their Model T Ford went out of
district to Fires. When the Northcote Fire Brigade went to a fire call in their fire appliance, they
would detail two men to stay behind on duty at the Station.
1932
Stopped attending fires in the Birkenhead District as they now had a Fire Brigade.
1932
Ranks and roles were:
Superintendant
Senior Branch-man
Junior hydrant
Assistant Steward
Deputy Superintendant
Junior Branch-man
Second Driver
First Aid
Foreman
Senior Hydrant
Steward
Secretary
79
1936
Military gas masks for smoke protection were issued and stowed on the appliance.
1938
Second Motor Appliance was a 1919 Dennis from Remuera. Cost £50.
1941
Fire Bell Tower was moved to the rear of the Station, and replaced by an electric siren.
1948
Amalgamated into the North Shore Fire Board.
1949
Screw couplings replaced with instantaneous
1950
Third Motor Appliance was Birkenhead’s reconditioned 1932 Dennis.
1952
Detailed two men to sleep on Station.
1955
The Volunteers built their third Station at 2 Vincent Road.
1958
Forth Motor Appliance was a 1938 Ford V8 ex-Airforce/Navy crash tender.
1962
Only had three members for half of the year, and the same again in 1963.
1969
Closed doors
80
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to those who helped in my research with supplying membership rolls, pictures and their
memories of the past. This was all greatly appreciated.
I hereby acknowledge the following people and organizations for their contributions:
Colin Prince
Auckland Fire Brigade Historical Society
Forbes Neil
Auckland Fire Brigade Historical Society
Tearo Kelemete
United Fire Brigades' Association
Kevin Croasdale
Life Honorary Member Birkenhead Brigade
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries – photographs:
AWNS-19220824-46-5
AWNS-19220601-41-4
31-73452
31-73453
31-73524
31-73531
31-73539
3173574
31-73665
31-73780
31-73813
31-73822
THE END
81