From Tauranga City Library’s archives
A monthly blog about interesting items in our collection
In honour of International Firefighters’ Day, Whakanuia Ngā Kaipatuahi, on 4 May, we would like to share some images from Pae Korokī.
Certificates are awarded by the New Zealand Fire Service in recognition of the commitment of volunteers, this is Sylvanus Davis three-year membership with the Tauranga Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1909 (from the United Fire Brigades Association).
Sylvanus Davis is first on the left in this photograph of the brigade in 1911 with their new hose reel in front of the Star Hotel, that was on the corner of Spring Street and Devonport Road. A.C. Bellamy writes about the history of Tauranga Fire Brigade in ‘Tauranga 1882-1982’ (available to
read online in Pae Korokī), including the enrolment in 1888 of six men who were to be paid one shilling and sixpence for each monthly practice, with additional payments for fires attended.
In 1911 Tauranga Fire Station was opened, commemorating the coronation of George V (King Charles III great-grandfather).The Strand fire in November 1916 destroyed eleven shops and the Commercial Hotel.
Then on 15 February 1936 the Tauranga Hotel on the Strand was destroyed by fire.
Issuing of protective gear has evolved over the years, note the contrast in the photos below from the 1940s, 1963 and the 1990s.
Engaging with the community has always been a part of the work of the Fire Brigade, these images are from outreach in the 1960s.
Maybe you
recognise someone sheltering from the hose spray?
This last image from March 1970 recognises the logistics of fire fighting in a port city.
Explore Pae Korokī for more images of fighting fires in Tauranga and other items of interest.
For more information about these images and other items in our collection, visit Pae Korokī or email the Heritage and Research Team: research@tauranga.govt.nzWritten by Kate Charteris, Heritage Specialist at Tauranga City Library.
