A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SHANNON
VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
The formation of the Shannon Volunteer Fire Brigade was the outcome of considerable work on the part of a group of interested citizens headed by Mr James Curran. At a public meeting held in the Council Chambers on AUGUST, 2nd 1927 a resolution moved by Mr W.H. Gunning that a Brigade be formed was carried.
The FIRST GENERAL MEETING on the newly formed Brigade was held on AUGUST, 18th 1927 and the senior officers elected were as follows : SUPERINTENDENT Mr James Curran, LIEUTENANT Mr J.T. Bovis, SECRETARY - TREASURER Mr J.V. Burns.
FOUNDATION MEMBERS :
| SUPERINTENDENT : LIEUTENANT : SECRETARY : BRANCHMEN : |
R.E. Downes A. Hill |
ASSISTANT BRANCHMEN : B. Holdsworth
- King
HYDRANTMEN : T. King
- Hook
REELMEN H. Curran
- Murray
FIREMEN : P. Haley
- Butt
- Sunley Wells
FIRE POLICE : T.C. Thwaites
A.B. Hudson
Mr Curran held the office of Superintendent until September 1929 when he tendered his resignation from the Brigade. He was appointed a Life Member upon his retirement. On April 17th 1928 Mr Curran tabled the plans for the Fire Station at a meeting of the Borough Council, and on October 16th of that year the building was completed and opened by the Mayor Mr E.J. Butt.
The first fire-fighting equipment to be purchased was a HOSE-REEL FROM THE PALMERSTON NORTH FIRE BOARD at a cost of £ 7. On August 10th 1927. This equipment was stationed at Currans Hotd1 (Albion Tavern). THE FIRE BELL was obtained from the WELLINGTON FIRE BOARD for £ 8.
The old Fire Station was a hut from Mangahao Dam bought down by volunteers and erected opposite the T.A.B. on 30th January, 1928.
A meeting was held on 18th August, 1927. Moved Mr J. Bovis, Sec. Mr B. Holdsworth that any member joining the brigade does so at his own risk.
OPERATING COST FOR YEAR 1982/83
Medical Expenses 80.00
Brigade Grant 1,554.00
Honaria 296.00
Travelling Expenses (General) 75.00
Travelling Expenses (Courses) 100.00
Control Room Equipment 100.00
Radios 50.00
Radio Licences 75.00
Fuel & Lubricants 475.00
Routine maintenance of appliances 350.00
Road Users Tax
Registration & Licencing Vehicles 130.00
Building & Premises 425.00
Miscellaneous Costs 150.00
Uniforms & Personal Equipment 2,300.00
Dry Cleaning 30.00
Hose & Couplings 600.00
Branches & Standpipes 150.00
Station Stores 100.00
Heating & Lighting 350.00
Rates 669.00
General Office Expenses 50.00
Postage 25.00
Telephone - Rental & Installation 1,376.00
Telephone Tolls 35.00
$ 9,545.00
BALANCE SHEET FOR YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 2ND 1929
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EXPENDITURE:
| £. | s. | d. | |
| Cheque Book C. & A. Odlin (Timber etc)Shannon Co-Op Dairy (Tea for dance) W.H. Gunning (Hat & Coat hooks) Horowhenua Power Board (Electricity supplied) |
7. | 10. 6. 5. 7. | 0. 0. 8. 6. |
| Shannon News (Printing) |
| 7. | 0 |
| Premier Tyre & Petrol Station (Patching etc) |
| 14. | 0. |
| Horowhenua Power Board (Installing lights) | 2. | 2. | 0. |
| A.E. Hyde 17 chairs @ 11/6 each | 9. | 15. | 6. |
| Horowhenua Power Board (Electricity supplied |
| 10. | 0. |
| Police Badges |
| 10. | 6. |
| E. Dickhoff (Repairs to Hydrant) |
| 4. | 6. |
| Shannon News (Tickets Posters etc) | 1. | 12. | 6. |
| Thos Griggs & Son (Wreath for J. Douglas) | 1. | 1. | 0. |
| T.E. King (Freight on Hydrant) |
| 10. | 2. |
| Secretarys working expenses for year |
| 11. | 10. |
| U.F.B.A. Hydrant nozzles | 12. | 18. | 0. |
| Cash to balance | 5. | 7. | 8. |
|
| £38 | 6. | 2d. |
todays currency $76.62
In 1976 the New Zealand Fire Service Commission took over control of all Fire Brigades in New Zealand and all cost of running the local Brigade then came under the control of the Palmerston North area. Also in 1976 the Brigade held a special farewell for C.F.O. Charlie G. Wishart and Mrs Wishart for 41 years service - 37 of these years as Chief Fire Officer. His Queens Fire Service Medal, which was a great honour for the Brigade. Mrs Wishart later received from Her Majesty The Queen the Queens Service Medal part of this being the many years Mrs Wishart worked for the Shannon Fire Brigade. In October 1977 the Brigade received a new Dodge Fire Appliance from the New Zealand Fire Service Commission. This appliance has been a big asset to the district, as more equipment can be carried etc. The cost $28,000.00
The Brigade has had 11 Chief Fire Officers over the years, 7 Gold Star members whom have done 25 years and over 8 Life Members also 8 members have received from the Fire Service Commission their Long Service (14 years) and good conduct medals.
In 1935 the income for the year was only £2. Moved J. King Sec. H.D. Richards that the Borough Council either a grant of at least £12.10.0 per year or for the Council to take over finances of the Brigade.
Over the years since 1941 the Brigade has paraded on Anzac Day in remembrance of ex-fireman G. Seaton who died of wounds on 11th May, 1941.
The Shannon Brigade has always been keen in competition running over the years and have acquitted themselves well at Provincial and National level.
FIRES OVER THE YEARS
April 26th 1929 at 8.30 a.m. House Fire. Occupied by Mrs Johnston, corner Vance Street and Levin Road - slight damage.
July 14th 1929 at 11.15 p.m. House Fire. Occupied by Mr C. Coyle, Cemetery Road - no water supply, little furniture saved, house totally destroyed.
August 18th 1929 at 3.30 a.m. House Fire. Occupied by Mr O. Hahansen, Grey Street, house and contents totally destroyed, water brought through from Stout Street undoubtedly saved the house of Mr Foster adjoining.
April 1930 an alarm was given at 3.45 a.m. to a house fire the property of C. Gunning was a total loss.
During the year of 1931 the Brigade were called two alarms both being buildings and were badly burnt.
August 1953 the Brigade received two calls during the months one to a residence in Graham Street owned by Mr J.A. Wilkinson and occupied by Mr D. Lang but on the account of no plugs in that area nothing could be done.
The other call was to a dwelling in Whittaker Street owned by Mr B.G. Taylor. The brigade was quickly on the scene but fire had too big a hold for anything to be done but the outbuildings were saved.
1936. Only one fire call was made during the year and that was to an outbreak in M. Mead General Store. The Brigade turned out promptly and only slight damage was done.
1939. One call to a Chimney fire in Plimmer Terrace.
1940. There was one outbreak of fire in the premises of Messrs Moynihan Brothers. But the services of the Brigade were not required.
It was not until July 28th 1930 that the Hand Reel went out of service, for on this date negotiations were completed with the Feilding Fire Board for the purchase of a "T" MODEL FORD Fire Engine. The cost being £35. The sum of £20 was paid as a deposit and the remaining payments were completed in December, 1931. It is interesting to note that this engine was sold on July 7th 1947 for the same price as it was purchased for. As time went on the old engine became unreliable and out of date and it was during the months of March and April 1947, a Queen Carnival was organised to raise funds for the purchase of a new and up-to-date engine. Although the Carnival lasted for only three weeks the response of the public was so great that the sum of almost £1,200 was raised. On June 6th 1947 Superintendent C.G. Wishart and members of the Brigade took delivery of the new FORD V.8. ENGINE from a Wellington Business Firm. It was found however, that the new engine was too large to be accommodated in the existing station and the Railways Department were approached for permission to extend the building onto their property. In 1948 the Station was extended at a cost of £25.
In 1935 the Brigade joined the U.F.B.A. and U.F.B.A. Accident Assurance Society this step was necessary for the protection of Firemen _who might be killed or injured in the course of his duty.
In 1935 Report no calls have been made on our service. One fire occured, but as the house was well out of town we did not go out..
Annual meeting December 18th 1939. 1000ft Hose. Acquired a trailer Pump in 1943.
The Fire Bell was replaced by an ELECTRIC SIREN INSTALLED during the latter part of 1948. The old Bell still remains on the tower today.
The Brigade was donated a section by Mr E. Chester Snr, in Plimmer Terrace as a site for a new Fire Station. (where T.A.B. now stands). With the support of local carrying companies, the section was filled and levelled ready to build on. However when the Brigade was making the move to build the Roads Board proved it unsuitable and the present site in Vogel Street, was passed and proved as suitable.
The V.8 Fire Engine was sold in 1962 and a New Land Rover appliance costing £2,250 commonly known to the local children as "Little Flick" was purchased. In 1969 the Local Lions Club donated to the Brigade a B.A. Set and the Fire Board another which proved a great asset to the Brigade.
Early in 1969 the building of the new Fire Station was commenced at a cost of $20,000 and in November that year the Brigade moved in after an official opening by the M.P. Mr L. Gandar. The plans for this station did not allow for a social and meeting room to be built owing to the lack of finance: so brigade members with the assistance of the local Jaycees and Lions Clubs canvassed our protected area and over $3,000 was raised and with 1200 man-hours done by brigade members in constructing the Appliance Bay, the social and meeting room were included as part of the new building.
In the early hours of New Year morning 1970 the old station was burnt beyond repair and the cause of the fire was never found.
1941. No fires and population was 1,000 in Borough.
1942. No fire calls.
1943. This is the third year in succession without a call out.
1945. 16th January Fish Shop occupied by Mr Renwick most damage done by smoke and water.
1946. Three call outs - a rubbish fire at rear of Vinsens. A grass fire at Plimmer Terrace. And a Railway House on Main Road.
1947. Four fires 31st May Mrs Bryants, 2nd August N.Z. Railways shed, September 6th Mr Thirds, Vance Street, November 29th Mr Pene, Vance Street.
1948. Five grass fires and one property at the Higgatts 1.6.48.
From 1948 on the Brigade calls have got more and more each year and some of the more serious of these being
Makarau School on 18th July 1955.
Bach Fire - J.G. Malleta, Opiki with loss of life (child) on 11th May, 1956.
U.E.B. on 18th September, 1957 Levin and Foxton Brigades called. Factory was lost but stores and adjacent house were saved.
Truck fire - Main Road North - (Brick Hill) with loss of life on 19th April, 1958.
Stevensons Workshop - Tokomaru - total loss on 13th February, 1962.
T. Walker, Margaret Street, house fire. Miss Walker received severe burns to lower body and taken to hospital 1st June, 1963.
T. Duckmanton's Electrical Shop - Plimmer Terrace on 24th September, 1965.
Shannon Fish Supply (Sandy Hendry) 8th November, 1966.
House fire Grey Street, 16th February, 1969 Loss of life (Tony Rauhihi).
Old Fire Station (suspected arson) 1st January, 1970.
Grass fire - Railways at Makarua. Brigade worked for 6 hours to get fire out in peat covering a distance of approximately. ¾ mile, 19th February 1970.
Fish Shop - Plimmer Terrace llth.September, 1971. Loss.
Theatre (Renoun Picture) 28th November, 1973.
Fish Shop 20th October, 1974. Ballance Street, Mr Lamb Proprietor.
House W. Smith - Moutoa 10th January 1976.
Car Accident - Tokomaru - 17th April 1976.
Car Accident - Moutoa Fatal 26th October, 1977.
Car Accident - Kaihinau Road - child trapped under car - released -14th October 1978.
Supreme Milk Bar - Plimmer Terrace - 26th April 1980.
Grand Hotel, Levin - assistance 24th February, 1981.
Car Accident - Laws Hill - Rescue 3 hours involved in removing victim in car 28th March, 1981.
Special service - remove Alsatian dog from 20 foot hole 25th January.
Wool Skin Tannery - C.N.G. Gas heater malfunction - Tokomaru-and Foxton Brigades also called 3rd February, 1982.
Car Accident - Grey Street rescue lady trapped underneath car - 23rd February, 1983.
Train derailment after hitting Milk Tanker on Main Trunk Line north Levin, Tokomaru, Palmerston.
| PAST CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS | |||
| J. Curran | 18th August | 1927 | -1929 |
| A.H. Hill | 2nd Sept. | 1929 | -1929 |
| H. Hook | Feb. | 1929 | -1933 |
| H.D. Richards | 20th Jan. | 1933 | -1934 |
| H. Murray | Sept. | 1934 | -1937 |
| W. Radford | Aug. | 1937 | -1940 |
| C.G. Wishart | Feb. | 1940 | -1948 |
| A.H. D. Gyde | 1948 | -1950 | |
| C. Tremewan | 1950 | -1951 | |
| C.G. Wishart | 1951 |
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| K.R. Clough | 26th April | 1976 | -1978 |
| R.C. Kelly | 1st May | 1978 | -1985 |
| G.R. Woodmass | 1985 | ||
| LIFE MEMBERS | |
| |
| K.R. Clough | A.J. Jamieson |
| I.W. Ray | B.H. Moore |
| R.C. Kelly | |
| A.D. Marsh | |
| GOLD STAR 25 YEARS |
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| C.G. Wishart | 1959 | N. Richards | 1961 |
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| H.E. Hermansson | 1969 | K.R. Clough | 1971 |
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| A.J. Jamieson | 1979 | B.H. Moore | 1980 |
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| I.W. Ray | 1980 | A.R. Marsh | 1987 |
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| LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 14 YEARS SERVICE | |||||||||||
| 1978 | A.J. Jamieson | 1978 | ||||||||
| B.H. Moore | 1978 | I.W. Ray | 1978 | ||||||||
| A.R. Marsh | 1978 | R.C. Kelly | 1978 | ||||||||
| D. W. Prouting | 1978 | B.D. O'Brien | 1983 | ||||||||