NEWSLETTER OF THE AUCKLAND FIRE BRIGADE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Patron Murray Binning Management Superintendent: David Neil Deputy Superintendent: (NZFS Liaison) Denis O’Donoghue Secretary/Editor: Colin Prince Treasurer: Kevin Farley
Committee Graeme Booth Peter (Sprats) Doughty Grant Manning Forbes Neil John (High-rise) Walker Gary (GT) Walker
NZFS Ex Officio Member: Fire Region Manager Kerry Gregory
Correspondence To: Above address membership@afbhs.co.nz Website: www.afbhs.co.nz Like us on Facebook Membership fees: Full: $15.00 Associate: $10.00 (overseas) Brigade/Corporate: $50.00 Membership year: 1 April—31 March
Membership Fire Museum Network– USA NZ History Federation Inc. MOTAT Society—Affiliate UFBA—Associate member NZ Ex Firefighters Assn. Registered Charity number: CC 45510
P.O Box 68-444 Newton Auckland 1145 membership@afbhs.co.nz www.afbhs.co.nz
TWO FIREMEN KILLED IN ENGINE CRASH 10 DECEMBER 1949 Two firemen were killed and four others injured when a fire engine from the Western Districts Station capsized at the intersection of Franklin Road and Victoria Street West, near Victoria Park, shortly after ten o'clock last night. The engine and its crew were proceeding to a small outbreak of fire in a wooden shed in Fanshawe Street. Turning from Franklin Road on its way to the city from Ponsonby, the fire engine collided with a telegraph pole alongside the park, bounced from the gutter and spun round to a position on its side 20 yards beyond the pole. It was the most serious accident to a fire crew in the recent history of the Auckland brigade. The victims were:— First-class Fireman Albert Clark, aged 50, married with four children — killed. First-class Fireman George Leonard Oliver, aged 22, single — Killed. First-class Fireman L. K. McNamara, suspected broken collarbone — Injured. Fireman-Driver G. D. Wright, aged 23, driver of the engine, shock and possible concussion. Second-class Fireman C. Rodgers, slight shock. Auxilliary-Fireman J. Wilson, slight shock, All the firemen lived at the Western Districts station in Ponsonby. Driver Wright was admitted to the Auckland Hospital for observation, but the other injured men returned to the
station after treatment. Driver Wright's condition last night was not serious. The only member of the fire crew of seven who was not taken to hospital was the officer-in-charge, Station-Officer A. Mason. Although his leg was injured, he did not ask for treatment. The Superintendent of the fire brigade, Mr G. A. MacKenzie, stated that Station-Officer Mason had informed him that "we had made this trip hundreds of times, and the run tonight was no different from any of the others." The description of the accident by one of the crew was that the driver of the fire engine was changing gear as it swung into Victoria Street West from Franklin Road. It skidded on the tramlines, headed directly at the telegraph post on the opposite side of the street turned around and capsized. Passengers in a Herne Baybound trolley bus which had stopped at the intersection of Franklin Road and Victoria Street West were horrified witnesses of the accident. One of them, Mr W. A. Brown of Herne Bay, said he heard a whirring sound as the fire engine crossed Victoria Street West. It collided with the post, ricocheted, hit the gutter, bounced and twisted round, coming to rest on its side. In the short distance between the initial impact and the capsize, the fire engine left a trail of lengths of hose, a ladder, and broken pieces of wood.
BUS PASSENGERS ASSIST Passengers from the trolley-bus raced across the road to give assistance. Fireman Oliver was pinned beneath a front mudguard and Fireman Clarke, seriously injured, was lying clear of the wrecked vehicle. The other brigademen, although injured were doing their best to help their comrades. With the aid of the bus passengers, Fireman Oliver was extricated from beneath the machine. Mr Brown called the ambulance station and the central fire station, both in Pitt Street from a telephone box about 100 yards from the scene of the accident. He said that two ambulances, another fire unit, and a traffic car were on the scene before he had returned. Two radio-equipped ambulances sent a call for reinforcements, and two more ambulances were dispatched from the Pitt Street station. Women passengers from the trolley bus assisted ambulance men to move the casualties in stretchers from the footpath. Fireman Clarke and Fireman Oliver died before they could be admitted to hospital. Fireman Clarke joined the auxiliary staff of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board in 1923 and the permanent staff in 1924. Fireman Oliver joined the board in May 1947. He came from Christchurch. The fire to which the Western Districts machine was proceeding was a small outbreak in a wooden shed adjoining Austral Super Paints Ltd. at 102 Fanshawe Street. The outbuilding which is completely detached from the factory, is used by employees as a changing and lunch room. Damage was confined to the walls and ceiling, and the flames were quickly extinguished with two first-aid hoses. Three engines attended the fire. BOARD'S REGRET EXPRESSED "I would express on behalf of fellow members of the board and myself our sincere sympathy to the relatives of the men who lost their lives in this most regrettable accident," said the deputy chairman of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board, Mr H. E. G. Matthews, last night. "Mr Clarke had been in the brigade service, I understand, for more than 25 years and was held in esteem by the officers and his fellow members. He was regarded as a most efficient fireman. Mr Oliver joined the brigade after the war and had a promising and successful career ahead of him. The brigade answers many calls every month," Mr Matthews added, "and the accident rate, when one considers the need for prompt responses, is exceedingly low, which makes this accident all the more unfortunate."
AND AT THE SAME PLACE Sitting with the driver of the fire engine which capsized last night was a man who nine years ago
was on a fire engine which collided with a car and nearly capsized — at the same place. The fire engine crossed the footpath and stopped in Victoria Park. The man is Station-Officer Mason who was thrown clear in the capsize last night. He landed on top of the driver on the footpath. Station-Officer Mason said today: "I still cannot realize what a lucky man I am." He was again on duty at the Western Districts Fire Station. He has been 20 years in the fire brigade.
DEFECTIVE CLUTCH CAUSED FIRE ENGINE TRAGEDY February 9, 1950 A verdict that the deaths of Arthur Clarke (50) and George Leonard Oliver (22) both first-class firemen, resulted from injuries suffered when a fire engine from the Ponsonby station became out of control due to the jamming of a clutch, and collided with a pole and overturned at the corner of Franklin Road and Victoria Street on the night of December 9, was returned by the coroner at inquests held yesterday afternoon. GRATING OF GEARS Fireman G. D. W. Wright, driver of the engine said his speed as he drove down Franklin Road was about 30 miles per hour. When nearing the corner of Victoria Street he was unable to change from top to third gear. There was a harsh grating sound as the gears clashed. A second attempt was made, but again the gears would not mesh, it was canting over to the left. He thought that braking would accentuate a skid, so he t r i e d t o d r i ve r o u nd t h e c o r n e r o n a n easy curve. At that time the vehicle was in neutral and was actually free wheeling. "For a few seconds I though everything was going to be all right," continued the witness. "I was going to apply the brakes and ease up, but just then I felt a jar at the rear of the engine. This stopped it swinging to the left and swung it back on to the road. I do not remember the machine turning over. Had I been able to change the gears I consider I could have made the turn." EXPERT EVIDENCE Sergeant W. A. T. McGuire, who is also an A grade motor mechanic, produced the clutch from the engine and showed that it would not "free" the motion. It was defective because the friction lining had parted from the rivets. There were three loose pieces each about two inches square which had jammed the clutch operation. "The jamming could not have happened in the accident nor at the time the driver was attempting to change down," added Sergeant McGuire. "It must have taken place before the accident, probably as the vehicle was put into top gear and accelerated
after leaving the station. The effect of the jammed clutch would be that the driver would have great difficulty in making any change of gears as he approached the corner. It is possible to change gears without the use of the clutch, but if the driver was unaware of the condition of the clutch he would not have time to appreciate what was wrong before reaching the corner. In my opinion, the prime cause of the accident was the defective clutch lining jamming the clutch."
at this very high price this is just so much sour grapes to me. An officer from a southern brigade told me that Auckland had gone too far this time paying $100 a coat. Needless to say I gave him the flea in his ear that he deserved. The Auckland Board is to be congratulated on its stand re the purchase of these coats and I feel sure that we will stand by them to a man in relation to any problems that they may have with Fire Service Council. (They have not been Sergeant McGuire said he did not think the approved by this body as yet nor have they defect in the clutch would have been noticed in a approved the finance for them). routine check.
CORONER'S COMMENTS After returning his verdict, Mr Addison, said it was clear that the accident was one that could not have been anticipated but had been brought about by stress on important component parts of the clutch. The whole thing was most unfortunate, and it was a pity it had been accompanied by the loss of two lives. The driver appeared to have exercised all care. "I agree with Sergeant McGuire when he suggests that these fire engines, which are subjected to considerable strain from rapid acceleration and deceleration, might in future be more closely inspected from time to time" the coroner added. "I will not add a rider to this effect, for I think the matter can very well be left to the authorities concerned."
NOMEX ALUMINISED FIRE TUNICS: Some are already on issue in the Auckland Brigade and from my own personal experience (and from discussions with other wearers) I believe that they will go a long way towards solving the problems that we have encountered in Auckland with protective clothing over the years. Problems such as "radiated heat" "humidity" working in high temperatures at gorse and scrub fires and of course in cold conditions as well. This coat appears to give adequate protection against all of the foregoing, but then for $100 plus one could expect a vast improvement over the Hypalon and the wool coats at present in use. As one who took part in the practical and physical tests which we subjected the various coats to I am under no illusions whatsoever and I believe most firmly that we in Auckland are on the right path. As far as the spate of criticism and innuendoes that have been sounded off around the country because of the Auckland Board's decision to order 250 coats
BRITISH PAINTS FIRE 1973 At 2309 hours, Saturday, 25 August, Fire Control received approximately 18 "111" calls per Auto Phone and a P.F.A. These eventuated into an M.F.A. in Newmarket, a fire in a house at Onehunga and a fire at British Paints Ltd, Rosebank Rd, Avondale. The latter is the most interesting of the three. A first alarm assignment was dispatched. This included Avondale, Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert No. 1. The Central Control rolled upon receipts of multiple calls. Pt Chevalier radioed a proceeding message while passing Oakley Hospital, "Fire showing up weir. Avondale confirmed a K-99 and requested a second
the tide in favour of the fire fighters and the fire gradually darkened down. Early in the operation it was discovered that the remaining half of the building was protected by a concrete fire wall and two sets of fire doors. These were frequently examined by executive officers. As the walls did not go above roof level the fire's entry was only prevented by constant observation near skylights and the use of high-pressure deliveries. Later examination of the fire doors showed that one had just about burned through. Nine Fire Policemen attended and were put to service transporting foam compound around the fireground, a tiring job. A total of 600 gallons of foam
Fire policeman Cranch backs up ASO Cherry & checks the photographer. Photo G Manning
alarm en route. This bought Mt Albert No. 2, Ponsonby, Ellerslie and the Snorkel, E.T. and Hose Layer into the battle. The fire by this time had totally involved half of the 400 x 200 two-storied building. Its unprotected steel roof trussing had failed bringing in a collapsed wall which exposed the office building only yards away. First deliveries were placed to protect this exposure which only suffered some cracked window panes. A third alarm assignment was ordered. Responding on this were Remuera, Parnell and St Heliers with a T.T.L., Salvage Tanker and B.A. Tender. The snorkel was positioned between the fire building and office block, using its monitor to knock down structural fire. Eighty thousand gallons of burning paint were too much for ordinary water and the foam tender was specially called. A high expansion foam generator was placed on the Snorkel and used where possible but the collapsed first floor prevented its effective use other than in the snorkel vicinity. As foam supplies became available, five FB5X foam deliveries were established. This eventually turned
compound was used to deliver foam into the fire. An appliance from Titirangi, standing by at Ponsonby, was dispatched to the Harbour Board Foam Store to relocate stock and ensure adequate coverage. The St. John's Ambulance Association provided a welcome sight in the form of the Mobile Canteen. Finally, at 0114 hours, 26 August the Stop message was sent. It took 10 low-pressure and three high-pressure deliveries, the Snorkel monitor, a H.E.F.G.U. and five FB5X foam deliveries to bring the fire down. Something on the order of 1,800,000 gallons of water was pumped. Glen Eden dispatched an appliance with crew to stand-by while the Auckland men could take a breather and get dry clothes. While fires of this magnitude are becoming more common this one in particular will remain in the memories of those who were present.
Firelines Vol. 4 No.4 1973
EVER WONDERED Ever wondered, what that old machine is, that graces the old UFBA three years certificates. That bonnet for instance, looks a bit like one of Henry Ford's hot rods, and that Braidwood body certainly seems to have a touch of Dennis. The radiator definitely shows International Harvester influence. (Remember the 28-30 International trucks), those wheels too, seem to have been borrowed from a bicycle. They must be all of 24" in diameter. That fire engine looks as if it is an artist's impression of the appliances of the time. Auckland and Whangarei old timers know better.
carburettor, water pump, magneto and body work, restoration was obviously out of the question. The club captain of the local branch of the Vintage Car Club however expressed interest when told of the find and mentioned two more Halleys at the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula. A long day's drive was very successful, one Halley was still going, the other lay, as it had, for the past 12 years, in pieces, covered in grease, in a shed. We're in business, so take another look at that certificate, in a few years, we hope the old timers that are left will ride once again on a Halley Simonis and think about the good old days.
(Editor) This was from 1969 and we are still waiting!
N.Z. HERALD
FIGHTING FIRES HIS LIFE
Watch them at the annual smokos, someone will mention old so and so in the good old days, a queer light will come into their eyes and chances are they will think then of their old Halley Simonis hose reel tender. Introduced in the late twenties in Auckland and Whangarei, these machines became legendary, partly because of their magnificent appearance but also because of their good turn of speed and exciting ride. The 6-cylinder side valve engine drove the appliances at speeds as high as 60 miles an hour, not bad when a contemporary Dennis could only manage 30 miles an hour and Model T cars could touch 50 miles an hour. The Halley vehicle was built in Glasgow by Halley Industrial Motors Ltd, but production ceased in 1933 when the firm was taken over by the Leyland group. The Simonis tag was added by a firm of fire engineers of the period and the machines bore a small plaque on the dash with the inscription : Henry Simonis Fire Engineer Park Royal London Recently a small party, told of a fire engine lying under some trees at Henderson, just out of Auckland, went searching, hoping at most for some 1925 Dennis spare parts. The Halley lay almost over a bank in what was formerly the Henderson night cart dump. It looked then, a very depressing sight, minus
Five months ago a young fireman lay critically ill in Auckland Hospital with severe injuries after being run over by a fire engine. Doctors gave him little chance of living. Now 26-year-old Terry Castle is back at work on light duties at the Auckland Central fire station. By early next year he hopes to be back fighting fires. Mr Castle said yesterday: "I was asleep when the fire bells went. I scrambled down the pole and ran for my engine. "I don't remember much about it now. but somehow I slipped and went right under the engine in front of the back wheels." The seven-ton engine crushed numerous bones in his thighs and lower legs. His pelvis was broken in two places. "I was lucky." he said. "I was fortunate I had a second or two to try to get out. If the engine was moving at the time it would have run straight over my chest." At hospital. Mr Castle was on the critical list for several days. Just as he was beginning to recover, he collapsed with pneumonia and pleurisy — and it was back to the critical care ward. "It's great to be back." he said. "But. boy. I 'm longing to get back on those engines. This job means everything to me."
Firefighter November 1973
Collection Additions The latest edition to the AFBHS collection is this Collection of photographs, brigade rules, letters and other memorabilia relating to the Devonport Volunteer Fire Brigade. It was donated to the society by Carl Buchanan who is the grandson of Harry Folus. Harry was the Superintendent of the brigade when Jules Le Scelle was killed in an accident on “Firefly�. He was a member of the DVFB for 39 years. Unfortunately all of his medals & certificates have gone missing, after being transferred from MOTAT to the Devonport Museum.
NEW PATRON
Not certain what year this photo was taken but there is certainly some NZFS history in front of the camera.
The society would like to welcome our new patron Murray Binning. Murray was the main instigator, one of the founding members and first Superintendent of the society. He was made a life member when he transferred to Tauranga and has kept a strong interest in the societies activities from his new location.
Priority Message is the quarterly newsletter of the Auckland Fire Brigade Historical Society and is sent free to all members, the National Library and other Historical Societies in the Auckland area. Please feel free to pass it onto others that may find it of interest and encourage them to join the society. We actively seek photographs, stories and other information for publication in this newsletter or adding to our growing memorabilia collection. Anything that is related to the Fire Services, not only Auckland City, but the Auckland Fire Region (Mercer to Wellsford) which is the societies area of interest.