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Chronology 1847 - 1907
1874
November 20
Inaugural meeting of Ashburton Fire Brigade
1876
Twenty two man Shand Mason arrived at Port Lyttleton on the ship "Desdemona"
July 3
Captain W.H Meikleham
1878
September 3
Fire engine "Wainui" arrived in Ashburton, christened by first Mayor, Mr T Bullock
1880
February
Mr G. Compton resigned, and Mr James Wilkie, a reporter for the "Herald and Guardian" was elected Brigade joined U.F.B.A.
1881
December 4th:
Fire destroyed Cookson's Stables and Tait's Saddler's Shop next to Saunders Buildings. Branchman George Miller broke a leg while fighting this fire.
1882
July 28th: The promoters of a Fire Prevention Service for the west side of the town met, there being an attendance of 13 persons under the Chairman, Mr S. Hill.
March 9th:
Added 200ft of hose, replacing hose lost in Library fire.
May 3rd:
It was resolved to obtain medals and clasps from the Fire Brigade Association for members who served five years and upwards.
June 7th:
It was decided to remain on the part of section reserved for the Brigade in preference to moving to another section as offered by the Council
1883
April 3rd:
Brigade practiced with patent pole grab, disengaging sway bar and patent lock for fore carriage of manual, recently imported from London.
Four fires for year.
1885
A system of Fire Bell Tolls adopted:
Allenton, one toll.
Borough North of Railway, two tolls.
Borough South of Railway, three tolls.
Hampstead, four tolls.
1887
Firemen Baker, Pauling, Clark, competed in U.E B. Competition at Caledonian Ground, Dunedin.
1888
February 22nd:
Fireman Crompton ran in one-man manual dry event at Christchurch
1889
May 27th
Almaganation of Western Brigade with Ashburton Brigade. Brigade acquired steam engine. The Mayress, Mrs D Thomas, christened it "The Pride of Ashburton" by skillfully shattering bottle of champagne over one of its wheels..
1890
March
Foreman F.I Noakes, Firemen J.H Pauling, W.D.E.B Compton, W.H Baker, H Parken, won first prize of 5 pounds and trophy in consolation Manual Engine event at Wellington Time, 50 secs
1891
February 3rd
Mr A.A Fooks elected Captain.
May 7th:
Agreement made between Ashburton Volunteer Brigade and Ashburton Borough Council:
(1)That the Council pay the Brigade a subsidy of œ80 per annum in consideration of which amount the Brigade undertakes to find and maintain a complete set of uniforms for its members, also pay all fire expenses (including fuel and oil, horses, pumpers, bell ringing, small repairs, alterations and additions. Any account for any single repair exceeding the sum of œ 5) to be paid by the Council who pay the Custodian's salary as formerly, the Council to provide horses for the Brigade's wet practices.
(2)That the Brigade supply the Council with a Balance Sheet duly audited.
(3)That the Brigade keep the plant in thorough working
order.Signed:
HUGH FRIEDLANDER, Mayor.
ALFRED A. FOOKS, Capt., A.V. E B
1893
Resolved that in the case of an alarm of fire being given, ten shillings per horse be paid for the first two horses harnessed to the steamer and curricle, five shillings for taking the hook and ladder truck to the scene of
1894
Foreman E I. Nokes, Branchman W. D. E. B. Compton, Firemen Hayes, Groves and Barber came second to Christchurch in five-man manual engine event at EB.A. Competition at Addington Show Grounds. Time, 48 4/5sec, including 4sec penalty
1896
J. Donn runner-up in one-man Competitions at Christchurch.
September 17th:
Event at F.B.A.Three horses were trapped in a fire which broke out in the Ashburton Borough Council stables. So quick did the blaze spread that firemen and helpers had no chance to save the animals. The stables were situated behind the present Fire Station
1898
Captain A. A. Fooks elected President of Accident. Assurance Society of the Fire Brigades Association at Queenstown..
1901
Captain T. Barber, Lieutenant Donn, Branch Donn, Firemen E. B. Burroughs and W. Kidd entered in ten events at E B.A. Competitions at Christchurch
1904
Foreman J. Donn traveled to Geelong, Australia, in the U.EB.A. Competition representative team.
1907
December23rd:
Destructive fire in Havelock Street, James Donn and Sons (Painters), John Scott and Co. (Cabinet Maker), Henry Stephenson (Auctioneer), Kerr Bros. (Coal Merchants).
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