History
Of the Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade
Preface
During the winter months of 1987 I realized that this small part of the N.Z Fire Service
had been operating for 24 years and as the only original member still serving in this
brigade it was time to place together all the notes, facts and figures compiled and filed
away into a complete record.
In 1963 when celebrating the formation of this Brigade at the home of Thelma and Mick
Longstaff there was a great deal of hilarity and during the merriment and discussions on
who had done this and that a remark was made by Thelma “You know someone should
record what we are talking about before it’s all forgotten”
Thankfully that remark was duly noted and in the next few months we, that is my father,
Mick Longstaff, Cyril Paltridge and myself gathered together a;; those papers containing
minutes, and correspondence that had in relation to the formation of the Fire Brigade.
Notes were made of incidents that we knew were not recorded.
These papers were then placed in a carton and low and behold handed to me by Cyril
Paltridge as he remarked “Here you are, you are the Chief, they are all yours”. I don’t
remember thanking him but I clearly recall saying “Bloody hell, what am I supposed to
do with all this guff?” and Mick Longstaff’s prompt reply “Well on a wet day you can sit
down and write it all out, it could be a dam good story”. Little did Mick realize then that
his eldest son Allen was later to write much of that story.
I don’t possess to be a writer but must admit I received a great deal of pleasure and
satisfaction to piece together the first chapter of the Matata Fire Brigade History.
Special Thanks
To Allen Longstaff who during his service with our Brigade commenced to sort through
and record in the correct order the facts, figures and dates from the huge pile of minutes,
notes and letters both inwards and outward collected during those six to seven year while
endeavoring to form our Fire Service in Matata.
Also to my wife Alice who spent many hours deciphering our writing, correcting our
spelling and typing it all out into a readable form.
Thank you again
T W Dobson C.F.O
Chapter 1
Before the Beginning
Officially the Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed on the 8th May 1963, but like
any other organization that has been established its actual beginning is often lost with the
passing of time, if the events of those early days are not recorded. Questions will be
asked, how and why was it formed, who was involved and what did it cost. When was
this Brigades real beginning?
In the 1950’s this small country town, with population of 400 – 500 people and
administrated by the Whakatane County Council, had just formed the Ratepayers
Association in Matata, mainly to gain knowledge of the amount of finance collected for
rates, and possibly to have some say in how it should be spent, as improvements were
over due to the water supply, street formation and storm water drainage.
The streets were only roughly formed, unsealed except for Arawa Street, (State Highway
2) which was narrow and only sealed between the Post Office and St John Street, the dust
was at times almost unbearable. Storm water, none existed, when it rained there were
constant problems. The streets were originally named but very few residents knew them.
The water supply, Well! More about that later.
At this time the township consisted of some 100 dwellings, two schools, 2 country stores,
2 dairies, 3 churches, post office, hotel, butcher shop, garage and petrol station, railway
station and goods shed, carrying depot, M.O.W depot, picture theatre and the Rangitihi
Marae and dining hall.
That is a brief description of the township as it was in 1954 when I moved from Raetihi
with my wife Alice and young family of three, to reside with my parents T.H (Tom) and
D.E (Doris) Dobson, until I built my own home. With my father we formed a partnership
to work at the building and plumbing trade, contracting mainly for Maori Affairs and the
Lands and Survey. It was not very long after becoming a resident and ratepayer that I
became involved in local body affairs.
Having previously served over 10 years in the Volunteer Brigade at Raetihi I must admit
my interest in the Fire Service was still very strong indeed, and my work in the plumbing
trade gave another interest not only in the domestic water supply, but also in a supply of
sufficient volume for fire fighting purposes. While serving my apprenticeship at this trade
in a large sheep farming community, much of our work involved the installation of water
supplies and I was for ever thankful in the future for this knowledge.
The experience received from the Fire Service was of the practical nature and through
having participated in the U.F.B.A Competitions around the country had met many
prominent Fire Personnel, but had not received any tuition in administration, financing or
control of a Fire Brigade. Unbeknown at the time that knowledge was never far away, for
during the first months of 1957 I met Mr. Fred Villis C.F.O of the Rangitaiki Dairy
Company Volunteer Fire Brigade, (now the Edgecumbe Volunteer Fire Service). The
close association and friendship that was formed between this Brigade, and especially
between Fred and myself over the years to follow, led to the undisputed fact that he was
to become our greatest ally in terms of assistance, advice and encouragement. As our
interest and participation in public and local body affairs was beginning to run parallel
courses, we were to meet quite frequently and discussions with Fred invariably turned to
the Fire Service and how one could be formed. Questions were asked, and suggestions
made that there must be local support, the Whakatane County Council would have to be
approached and must agree to the forming of a Fire Service as they, the local authority
were the only body that could apply for the formation of a Secondary Urban Fire District.
On the 2nd October 1956 at a ratepayers meeting held at Mr. & Mrs. M Lee’s residence,
Mrs. Jane Huriwaka suggested that some form of Fire Protection should be established in
the township. It was agreed that this was one of the services required, but at the time it
was thought other projects were of more importance to the community. Later this order of
priority was disputed on many occasions owing to changes in members, opinions,
management problems and financial difficulties. Those present at this meeting were my
father T.H (Tom) Dobson, Chairman , Mr. C R Paltridge, Secretary, Miss M (Pinky)
Burt, Mrs. J (Jo) Marr, Messer’s J.(Jim) Marr, M (Mo) Lees, and myself, also Mr. F
(Fred) Reichardt representing the Whakatane County as he was the Matata Riding
Member.
When the Whakatane County Council members and staff were approached no indication
of support was shown, nor any suggestions of advice offered on what should and could be
done, in fact no one seemed to have any knowledge of what constituted a Fire District,
possibly because the Council did not have a Fire Brigade within its county area accounted
for this attitude, and one member actually stated they definitely did not want one.
NOTE: - The Whakatane Brigade was controlled by the Whakatane Borough Council.
The Board Mills Brigade was Industrial as were the two stationed at Edgecumbe. It was
most frustrating in those days to have four Brigades so near and yet so far away to be of
any assistance in the event of a fire.
In mid 1958 we, that is myself and family who keenly supported the need for fire
protection were slowly forming a small and enthusiastic group of supporters, they were
A.S (Mick) and Thelma Longstaff, (Mick also served in the Fire Service) J.W (Jack )
Paterson, Cyril Paltridge, Mo & Nada Lees, Mrs. Jane Huriwaka and Miss (Pinky) Burt.
The following facts and figures have been copied from those recorded in 1966 by Allen
Longstaff, eldest son of Mick & Thelma. Allen at this time was the Hon. Secretary of the
Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade, who kindly offered to carry on the task of writing up
notes for entry into the history of this Brigade. He was given access to the notes and
records of the Ratepayers Association and their Fire Committee.
Chapter 2
The Fire
By Allen Longstaff
6-12-1858
On the evening of the 6th December a disastrous fire occurred in which the youngest child
of Mr. & Mrs. Tooman tragically perished. This home of the Tooman family was one of
the three remaining railway houses, situated at the North Western end of the township.
The Whakatane Brigade were called and arrived to see a blazing inferno as the roof caved
in. Although this unfortunate event awakened the thoughts of many people to the
realization that a local Fire Service possibly could of saved the child’s life, it did not stir a
few people who were prominent positions and who most certainly could have set the
wheels in motion more quickly, instead of the slow heavy drag that was to continue on
and on.
7-12-1958
The day after this tragic event an emergency meeting was called by the Matata
Ratepayers Association to discuss and organize assistance for the Tooman family who
had lost all their possessions in the previous night’s fire. Cash donations, food and
clothing were thankfully received. This all contributed more public support, to
establishing the towns Fire Fighting Service. The story within this achievement in the
face of frustration and innumerable difficulties was one that reflected the greatest credit
possible on a few determined and enthusiastic people.
7-4-1959
At the Matata Ratepayers Association (M.R.P.A) meeting held at the Kings Theatre
Arawa Street, it was resolved.
QUOTE: “That this association supports in principle the formation of some means of Fire
Protection.” UNQUOTE
During the discussion Mr. T.W. Dobson spoke quite strongly of the need of establishing a
Fire Service within the township which once formed would be able to offer some
protection to the surrounding area. He also stated that he had many discussions with
C.F.O Fred Villis of the Rangitaiki Dairy Company Volunteer Fire Brigade on this
subject and he (Mr. Villis) was prepared to give all the assistance he possible could.
Evidently the same encouragement was not offered by Mr. E.L. Briggs the County Clerk
when he was visited by Mr. Dobson the previous year, he apparently was not interested
and as Mr. Dobson stated, he did not seem to know anything about Fire Brigades, Urban
Fire Districts, or the Fire Service Act of 1949.
It was agreed the more investigation was required and it was resolved (Mr. Jack Paterson
and Mrs. Janie Huriwaka) that a committee of three persons be formed to gather further
details of the ways and means of forming a Fire Service and what equipment would be
required, the committee elected, Mrs. C.R. Paltridge, T.H and T.W Dobson to be known
as the M.R.P.A. Fire Committee.
20-5-1959
The Fire Committee presented their findings to the M.R.P.A. They had interviewed the
County Clerk Mr. E.L. Briggs and what had been previously said about this man was
defiantly correct, (a lot more was said but not printable) and if we are to proceed with the
project we will have to do it alone with no assistance from the Local Authority.
Mr. Dobson mentioned that he had been in touch with a member of the Fire Service he
knew quite well, Mr. N.G. (Nat) Buick C.F.O of the Palmerston North Brigade, who as a
representative of the N.Z. Fire Service Council would most certainly be able to enlighten
this committee on the correct procedure for the formation of a Fire Service, and would let
us know when he would be able to visit Matata.
This lengthy discussion continued on the equipment required, a vehicle to carry this
equipment, preferably with a pump and some where to house it all. The water supply was
also mentioned, and as it was to be upgraded, sufficient Hydrants should be installed. It
was at this meeting Mr. Jack Paterson moved. QUOTE: “That we the M.R.P.A. do fully
support, and will do everything possible to see that a Fire Brigade is formed in Matata,
also a letter must be written to the Chairman of the Whakatane County Council informing
him of this decision, and to point out that we were not at all impressed with his clerk Mr.
Briggs when he was interviewed by representatives of this committee.” UNQUOTE. This
motion was carried unanimously, as was the following motion by Mrs. Jack Paterson and
Mo Lees. QUOTE: “That the residents of Matata and District be circularized to the effect
that this Ratepayers Association wishes to form a Volunteer Fire Service and would
require their support to finance the project.” UNQUOTE.
Mr., Jack Paterson also mentioned, as Mr. Fred Reichardt the Matata representative on
the W.C.C. could not be drawn into the Fire protection scheme, he would approach Mr.
D.C. Butler Chairman of the W.C.C. as he often met him during the course of his work.
This meeting did take place and the letter to Mr. Butler delivered by Jack who used very
strong words to express his point of view.
May 1959
The day was not recorded.
At the Public Meeting held in the Kings Theatre, members of the Matata Ratepayers Ass.
outlined their feelings of support and proposals for the formation of a Fire Service.
As Mr. Cyril Paltridge recorded QUOTE: “This committee was not received with as
much enthusiasm as expected, for when it was realized that every penny would have to be
raised by the town and district and there was to be no assistance from the W.C.C. quite a
number of people did not confirm their support, by expressing their objections and stating
there were others things that needed attention first. The smallness of the community was
questioned, the fact that it is administrated by a County Authority that is not interested,
and the township is not self constituted.” UNQUOTE.
At this time it looked as if the Matata Ratepayers Ass. and their Fire Committee had lost
another round, and must have been very disappointed.
A few days later at the end of May, early June (again the actual date is not recorded) their
enthusiasm must of received a considerable boost for they were about to meet one of the
most respected and knowledgeable men of the N.Z Fire Service.
Extracted from notes recorded by Mr. Cyril Paltridge. QUOTE: “Mr. T.H and T.W
Dobson and I met C.F.O. N.G. Buick of the Palmerston North Brigade. He immediately
impressed me as a man of vast experience and seemed to know what he was talking
about. He agreed we were heading down the right road, and said he might be able to help
a little by sorting out a wee chappy in Whakatane, who is drawing good pay for doing
something he does not know much about.” UNQUOTE.
The Matata Ratepayers Ass. were not informed of what took place, but they did know
that on 8-6-97 the Fire Service Council sent copies of the N.Z Fire Service Act 1949, and
specifications to the Whakatane County Council.
12-7-1959
A letter was sent to Mr. Percy Allen M.P. requesting advice on the ownership of the
vacant section adjacent to the Ministry of Works Depot on Heale Street, as the
Association wished to purchase land on which to build a Fire Station.
20-7-59
The first money raised by the Fire Fighting project was achieved by the Mrs. Cyril
Paltridge and Bob Gardiner at the Matata Service Station by running a “Pick the Score”
sweep on the rugby games played during the British Isle tour of N.Z. A total of £16.96
($32.95), with this money the M.R.P.A. Fire Committee opened a Post Office Account,
Mrs. C. Paltridge and A.R.J (Bert) Kenny (Post Master) being the two trustees. The
M.R.P.A Fire Committee had increased its membership to five with the addition of Mrs.
Bert Kenny and Mick Longstaff.
6-8-59
A reply was received from Mr. P. Allen M.P advising the M.R.P.A “that the vacant
section in Heale Street is under the control of the Ngati Rangitihi Tribal Committee.” The
M.R.P.A. was also investigating other sites as well.
25-9-59
The W.C.C. Clerk Mr. Briggs, the man who had made himself No.1 villain of the Fire
Committee decided to, or was compelled to, wrote to the Fire Service Council. The copy
of the letter follows.
QUOTE: “The Matata Ratepayers have approached the Council to ascertain procedure
necessary to establish a service for fire protection for the township of Matata.
Matata has a population of approximately 450 and its buildings consist of approximately
120 residents and 12 commercial ones. It has a water supply, although the Council does
not consider it adequate for fire fighting purposes.
I should like your guidance as to what the procedure will be to enable this area to be
gazetted, presumably a second fire district.
I have examined the Fire Service Act, 1947, and it would appear that it is necessary to
apply to the Local Government Commission for its sanction to form a district.
However, your advice and opinions you can give would be gratefully appreciated.”
UNQOUTE: and signed by E.L Briggs County Clerk
Evidently Mr. Briggs received a reply from the Fire Service Council as he wrote again on
the 16-10-59 QUOTE: “I thank you for your prompt reply to my letter of the 25th
September 1959, in connection with the formation of a proposed secondary urban Fire
District of Matata.
As requested, I am returning the questionnaire that you attached with your letter of the 8th
inst., duly completed.
The only additional information that I can add is as follows:
That the majority of the inhabitants are such that they cannot afford donations or grants
above what the average township people can give.
In fact I am astonished that they have raised a sum of £200.
In order to improve the water supply to the area, the Council representatives discussed
with the Matata Ratepayers Association the need to improve their water service and
stressed that the only way this could be done was by increasing their rate charges which,
on average, was less than £1 per year to £6 per year.
It says something for the people that there has been no complaint raised, each one
recognizing that the need was so urgent that the extra charges had to be paid if the service
was to be improved.
Matata Township will never grow to any extent. It is only recently that there has been a
community spirit in
(i)
forming the Ratepayers’ Association and
(ii)
in now trying to form a Voluntary Fire Brigade
There is a great need for improvements in the township, mainly footpaths and an
improved water supply.
While their rates that they pay are nominal, the water rate as already mentioned can be a
hardship to quite a number of the ratepayers concerned. The improvement rate for
footpaths, and roading, generally, will also have to be paid by the ratepayers and that is
why the Ratepayers’ Association has been formed, with a view to the township being
made a separate works rating area. I feel sure that an inspection for the township will
convey much more than what I have endeavored to explain in this letter.” UNQOUTE
and signed by E.L. Briggs County Clerk.
When the copy of this letter was received by the M.R.P.A. the general comments were he
(Mr. Briggs) had said “The people can’t afford donations” we wonder where he thought
the £200 ($400) had come from and his “only recently” was going a bit too far as the
Ratepayers Association had been formed for 5 years and the Fire Brigade was first
mentioned in 1956, that was three years ago. There was one remark made by the
Chairman Mr. T.H Dobson that was frowned on at the time. “It has taken him this long to
write a couple of letters I hate to think how long it will be before it is finalized.” The
others did not see it this way either Mr. Briggs or W.C.C have had a change of heart; it
should not be long now.
3-11-50
The total amount raised by the M.R.P.A. Fire Committee at this date was £225-12-0
($445.50) by donations, sweeps, raffles and housie evenings. These housie evenings were
held weekly at the Public School and netted an average £7 ($14).
13-11-59
A letter form the F.S.C (Fire Service Council) was received by Mr. Briggs, a copy of it
was sent to Mr. T. Dobson who was the acting Secretary in the absence of Cyril Paltridge
who was over seas.
This letter caused great excitement, the other committee members were immediately
informed and it was agreed that Mr. Briggs must of changed his mind and indicated in
some way to the F.S.C. that they (the W.C.C.) were prepared to accept the responsibilities
of a Secondary Urban Fire District for the opening paragraph stated QUOTE: “Your
application for the constitution of a Fire Brigade in Matata was considered by the Fire
Service Council at its recent meeting and I am pleased to tell you that the Council
approved the constitution of a Secondary Urban Fire District for Matata and has placed it
in the “F” category for fire risks.” UNQUOTE. The rest of this letter contained all the
necessary legal conditions and requirements for the signing of the document accepting
Matata as a Secondary Urban Fire District. The signing of this acceptance was not forth
coming as expected and sadly this saga was to continue for the next three and a half
years.
27-11-59
On this day two ladies Mrs. Doris Dobson and Mrs. Thelma Longstaff canvassed the
town for donations towards the Fire Committee project and received a total of £42 ($84).
The following year it became quite obvious to the Fire Committee that the reasons for
this stalemate were the delaying tactics of the W.C.C. They definitely did not support the
project and were just using the M.R.P.A. inability at this time to supply the finance
required as an excuse.
It must also be noted that the Association had continued to hound the Council for 4 years
to carry out improvements within the Township. Another disappointing observation was
the apparent lack of interest in the well being of the town by the Matata and District
Representative on the W.C.C. Mr. Fred Reichardt. He did not support the town and its
ratepayers as well as the town would have liked.
Mr. Briggs must have received correspondence for the F.S.C. early March 1960 regarding
the delay by the W.C.C. in accepting Matata as a Secondary Urban Fire District as the
M.R.P.A. received a copy. This letter contained the same remarks as the one dated in 1610-59 except for the last paragraph as follows:
8-3-60
QUOTE: “Because of these factors it will be unwise to enter into financial commitments
for fire protection purposes until the rating position is examined. This will not be until
May of this year. I feel the need to constitute the Matata Township as a Secondary Urban
Fire District should not come into force until the 1st April 1961 at the earliest”.
UNQUOTE.
Disappointment was again felt by everyone concerned, but as the M.R.P.A Chairman Mr.
T.H Dobson stated “ There is one good thing about it, we now have a foot in the door,
Mr. Briggs has at last committed himself, a date has been suggested. We will just carry
on increasing our funds”.
29-9-60 NOTE OF INTEREST
The W.C.C received a plan drawn up by (T.W Dobson and R Sterling County Health
Inspector) of the required improvements to the reticulated water supply within the town.
This supply, gravity fed from a small dam like structure across the Waitepuri stream
some 440 yds (400m) upstream from the railway line and first installed in 1924 to
compensate the residents for the loss of fresh water which flowed through the present
lagoon prior to the diversion of the two rivers the Rangitaiki and the Tarawera. Believe it
or not the pipes used to convey this water were constructed with wood with an internal
diameter of 3 inches (80mm) some of which remained in service until 1966.
As the population grew, the demand increased and owing to the small diameter of the
main pipe lines the volume that could be supplied often was not sufficient to meet the
demand. Heavy rain completely filled the dam with silt, cutting off the supply until it was
flushed out, also the N.Z Health Departments tests of the water, reported to the W.C.C
Health Inspector was always well below what was considered a standard fit for human
consumption. The time and effort spent over a period of many years to establish a top
quality water supply is another story, very similar to that of the Fire Service and with
almost the same people taking a major part.
13-11-60 again a letter to the F.S.C from Mr. Briggs
QUOTE “I was requested by Mr. A James, an officer of your council, to inform you of
what progress has been made in constituting Matata into a Secondary Urban Fire District.
Actually there have been no further developments since my letter to you on the 18th
March 1960. However the officers of this council together with the County Chairman and
the riding member will be attending a meeting of the ratepayers of the Matata Township
to discuss the improvements to the Matata Water Supply. I have no doubt that there will
also be a discussion on the forming of the Secondary Urban Fire District” UNQUOTE.
This discussion did take place nothing was gained.
23-12-60 The M.R.P.A Fire Committee had at this date raised a total of £521-11-0
($1043-10)
1961 This was the year Mr Briggs had suggested for the forming of the Secondary Urban
Fire District, it did not eventuate as the Fire Committee had hoped, they were however
successful in purchasing the section of land where the Fire Station is today for the sum of
£103-0-0 ( $206-00).
During the same period inquiries were being made to the Fire Service Council of what
equipment if any, they may know of or have available for the Fire Brigade to commence
with and the approximate cost.
11-10-61 The reply suggested that they may be able to supply a light trailer pump for
about £200 ($400) plus 1500ft 2¾inch hose, one standpipe, suction adaptor, breeching
collecting and dividing, variable branch, two branches with ⅝ nozzles, 24ft extension
ladder, one 10lb foam and two 4lb C.O.2 extinguishers and two bucket pumps, at a total
cost including the trailer pump £900 - £1000 ($1800 - $2000)
This costing was not as high as the Fire Committee had expected, they were more than
pleased but the next paragraph brought them back to the problem that had become worse
than a nightmare, Mr Briggs and The W.C.C.
QUOTE “The first essential however, is to have Matata declared a Fire District and this is
the prerogative of the local authority, in this case the W.C.C. Our last communication
from the council was in October 1960 and at this time they advised us that the question of
having Matata constituted as a Fire District was still under consideration and that they
would communicate further with us when they were ready to proceed. Since then we
have heard nothing more of the matter” UNQUOTE
Once again it is hard to comment on the thoughts of the people, especially those of the
Fire Committee and their supporters. No doubt it must have been very frustrating and
almost unbelievable for this small group of people who were trying to form a service that
they felt would be of great benefit to the community, to know that it was just one man
preventing the formation of their Fire Brigade. The Fire Service Council were trying,
they had approved the formation on the 13-11-59 and were just as anxious as the Fire
Committee to receive the W.C.C resolution that they would accept their responsibilities.
Apparently the County Clerk had a firm grasp of the reins and was determined to choose
the course that only he wanted the W.C.C to follow.
1962 During this year the M.R.P.A continued to increase their funds and gain more
supporters. They discussed plans of the Fire Service and how it could be built as cheaply
as possible and agreed as long as it was large enough to house an appliance and the
necessary equipment that would do to start with, as additions could be made later when
more finances were available.
It was decided something had to be done about the W.C.C, they knew that it was not
possible fir them to remove the County Clerk although they certainly wished they could.
The next best bet would be to bring about a change within the local body by nominating a
new representative to the W.C.C at the next elections and from what has been said they
worked very hard to achieve this and were successful. Mr F. Reichardt the sitting member
was narrowly defeated by Mr. G.P.M Whitham. The town now had a representative that
they knew would give them a fair deal and was prepared to support the M.R.P.A with the
projects they had been trying to get off the ground for so long.
July 1962 The Fire Service Council were informed by letter that the M.R.P.A Fire
Committee had raised £1000 ($2000), bought a section and paid the legal fees leaving a
cash balance of £778 ($1556). They also stated that as their repeated request to members
of the W.C.C and the County Clerk to resolve the formation of the Matata Secondary
Urban Fire District were being ignored, surely there must be some way that the Fire
Service Council could force the issue. When this letter was received it was the N.Z Chief
Fire Service Officer (C.F.S.O) Mr Drummond who decided to take direct action for on
28-9-62 he informed the M.R.P.A that he had been in touch with Mr Briggs on several
occasions and if the committee would met again with the County Clerk it could very well
be to their advantage, also a report on the Fire Protection of the Whakatane County
Councils area had been sent to Mr Briggs on the 27-7-62
NOTE what actually transpired between these two (N.Z.C.F.S.O and Mr Briggs) was not
recorded.
4-10-62 as suggested, three representatives of the Fire Committee, Messrs C. Paltridge,
T.W Dobson and A.S Longstaff again met with the County Clerk and reported back that
although Mr Briggs reception was a little more convivial he was still very reluctant to
have the W.C.C approve the establishing of a Fire Service at Matata. He agreed that the
C.F.S.O had informed him that £1000 ($2000) was sufficient to commence the Fire
Brigade and that they (the Fire Committee) had fulfilled their part but could not agree to
any resolution from the W.C.C until he was able to inform the county members of the
following matters in relation to their obligations and responsibilities.
5-10-62 the list of questions asked of the F.S.C
QUOTE
1. What will be the membership of the proposed Fire Authority Committee?
2. Would the Fire Brigade have to give protection to an area 5 miles radius from the
Fire Station?
3. When preparing annual estimates would there have to be provision made for the
replacing of capital items such as buildings and plant?
4. What subsidies are payable by the Fire Service Council?
5. Is the County Council expected to levy a rate on the protected area?
NOTE The M.R.P.A viewed this as delaying tactics by Mr Briggs as he had been
previously informed about this question
15-10-62 the list of answers from the F.S.C
QUOTE
1 The Fire Authority is the W.C.C which would delegate some of its powers to a
Fire Brigade Committee consisting of a Brigade representative and three from the
Local Authority. See section 22(4) and 23(4) of the Fire Service Act 1949.
2 Yes. Protected area up to 5 miles.
3 Yes. See section 47 of the Fire Service Act 1949.
4 The District will be classified “F” and a subsidy up to £100 ($200) will be
available. See section 53 of the Fire Service Act 1949
5 Yes. See section 54 (1) of the Fire Service Act 1949. UNQUOTE
The final paragraph was of interest to the M.R.P.A QUOTE
While writing I would remind you that we have not received your comments on the
report on fire protection of the Whakatane area, submitted on the 24th July 1962.
UNQUOTE
As the M.R.P.A Fire Committee had not seen this report they asked for one, which was
received and read as follows
QUOTE “It is suggested that due to the size, population and isolation a Fire Brigade
should be established and constituted with classification “F”. Such a Brigade has been
under consideration for several years and appropriate advice has been given to a local
township committee and the County Council. It would appear that the initiative for such a
local residents for public subscriptions towards the initial expenditure. It is suggested that
a second hand appliance with pump and hose reel tank equipment might be the most
economical basis on which to equip. A suitable second hand appliance is at present
available from Wairoa Fire Authority or failing its acquisition Auckland, Hamilton or
such large brigades may have similar engines becoming available in the near future. The
total cost including appliance, hose, miscellaneous equipment, call out siren and
incidentals would be approximately £1000 and this figure is suggested as the target to
aim at. Formalities for constitution between the County and Fire Service Council would
need to be supplied on request. UNQUOTE
Whether Mr Briggs had deliberately withheld this information or not known, but most of
the Fire Committee and supporters thought he had.
Wairoa Fire Authority were immediately contacted, unfortunately it was too late they had
sold the appliance to a weed spraying outfit two weeks previously.
18-10-62 M.R.P.A receive acknowledgement from Mr Briggs that he had received the
answers to his questions from the F.S.C
5-11-62 A Letter was received from the County Clerk parts of which read as follows
QUOTE “The Council resolved that this Council agrees in principle to the formation of a
Secondary Urban Fire District. However, before applying to the F.F.C it is considered
that the Council ascertains whether such a proposal meets with the approval of the Matata
Residents, particularly in view of the fact that the answer to question No 5 is that should
voluntary contributions be insufficient for the running of the Fire Brigade that the County
Council should levy a rate on the Matata area. I shall therefore be pleased if you could
inform me when it is possible for a public meeting to be convened so that councils
representatives may attend” UNQUOTE
12-11-62 Mr Briggs was informed that the M.R.P.A deemed it necessary to strike a
special rate for the area to receive an amount of £150 ($300) as suggested by the F.S.C
and would he prepare the required figures and present them to the Ratepayers at the
public meeting to be held on the 26th November 1962
26-11-62 this public meeting was attended by 22 Ratepayers from the township and
surrounding district, 3 W.C.C representatives Councillors, W.D.M Steel, C.P.M Whitham
and the County Clerk. Chairman D.C Butler apologised for absence.
Again this man Briggs was to succeed in stalling the issue, for when answering the
question “What would be the rates necessary to find the amount the W.C.C was to
contribute towards the Fire Brigade?” he replied “That he had not prepared a rating list as
he was under the impression that this share was to be supplied by voluntary
contributions.” This remark was met with howls of disbelief from a majority present,
even the two W.C.C representatives knew Mr Briggs was expected to present these
figures at the meeting.
After the Chairman Mr T.H Dobson had brought the meeting to order Mr Briggs calmly
continued as if he had not heard the very uncomplimentary remarks made about where he
could go and what he should do, by stating “He did not approve of the proposed plan of
the Fire Station as it did not include a social room”
Once again there was an uproar, those present could not believe what was happening and
when order was again restored Mr T.W Dobson moved QUOTE “As Mr Briggs has been
successful in wasting everyone’s time by not formulating the rate figure that had been
previously requested to be presented at this meeting it should be declared a non event and
adjourned until Mr Briggs could be persuaded to supply the information required” This
motion was seconded by Mr J.W Paterson and carried UNQUOTE
Immediately following this meeting (if you can call it that) those involved were more
annoyed than dejected, the fly in the ointment had grown larger. They were again
subjected to humiliation by Mr Briggs while waiting for him to act.
A Social room was quickly drawn into the Fire Station plan, it was small, possibly the
smallest ever built in a Fire Station and believe it or not Mr Briggs accepted it.
Councillors Steel and Whitham had rallied support within and Mr Briggs was pressurised
into doing his job.
1-12-62 The M.R.P.A Fire Committee in which Messrs C.P Paltridge and A.S Longstaff
were trustees had a total credit balance of £808-1-7 ($1617-07)
23-1-63 The County Clerk informed the M.R.P.A QUOTE “That at their recent meeting
it was resolved that the Matata Urban Fire District could be formed if at a meeting of
Ratepayers they agreed to the formation and to the following, the protected area would
extend for a radius of 5 miles from the Matata Post Office and this same area would be
charged a special rate of point 004 pence in the pound which would amount to
approximately £150 ($300) per year with the F.S.C grant of £100 ($200) this would
amount to £350 ($700) per year.” UNQUOTE
4-2-63 this special meeting of ratepayers was held in the Kings Theatre and those present
approved of the formation of the Matata Secondary Fire District with the protected area
and special rating required to support it. Again there was an apology from the County
Chairman Mr D.C Butler.
5-2-63 A Telegram was sent to the F.S.C as follows
WHAKATNE COUNTY COUNCIL REQUEST THAT MATATA BE CONSTITUED
A SECONDARY FIRE DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 18 FIRE
SERVICE ACT 1949 LETTER TO CONFIRM signed E.L Briggs
The letter of confirmation was duly sent and received.
What a great moment this was for all those members of the M.R.P.A, their Fire
Committee and supporters they certainly had something to celebrate that one man barrier
had finally been broken down.
14-3-63 the duly signed and sealed copy of a resolution of the W.C.C giving authority for
the constitution of Matata as a Secondary Urban Fire District was forwarded to the Fire
Service Council.
29-4-63 The Fire Service Council confirmed that Matata was officially gazetted as a
Secondary Urban Fire District and their authority would be the W.C.C.
The official strength of the Brigade membership would be a maximum of 14 including a
Chief Fire Officer, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Third Officer, Sub Officer and Secretary.
It will also be necessary to elect a Brigadesman for nomination to the appointment as the
Brigade representative to the Matata Urban Fire Committee.
Acting Chief Fire Service Officer J.C McKessar would visit Matata on the 13th May to
meet Brigade reps and discuss any problems that may have arisen and offer any advice
required.
At last the time had finally arrived to officially form the Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade.
8-5-63 this inaugural meeting commenced at 8 p.m. with Mr Cyril Paltridge presiding (in
the absence of Mr T.H Dobson) over a gathering of 28 persons. He outlined the purpose
of the meeting and called on C.F.O Fred Villis of the Rangitaiki Industrial Volunteer Fire
Brigade to address the meeting.
Mr Villis congratulated Mr T.W Dobson and his Fire Committee on achieving the goal
which had taken a very long time and by shear determination and perseverance had
finally won out against the one man who was just as determined to stop the formation of
this Fire Brigade. He then outlined the duties of Volunteer Firemen and their
responsibilities, placing particular stress in discipline and the necessity for constant
practise. He also stated that until the Brigade received their equipment they were always
welcome at any time to train with his members at Edgecumbe.
The chairman thanked Mr Villis for his comments and offer of assistance in training and
then called for nominations for the fourteen members required to make up the Brigade.
Mr Villis suggested that as the meeting had been called for the specific purpose of
electing members why not enrol all the persons present into the Brigade and that they all
are placed on a three month probationary period. By this time these Brigade members
will have sorted themselves out, some may not want to carry on and if by the end of this
period more than 14 members remained they the Brigade members will decide who will
remain on the roll.
Mr Villis was thanked for his suggestion by Mr Paltridge and he then asked those present
how many of them wished to become members of the Fire Service. Seventeen indicated
that they would.
It was moved by T.W Dobson seconded by W J Paterson. “That the seventeen be named
on the roll of the Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade to serve a three months probationary
period and at the time the 8 -8-63 if there are more than 14 members remaining, an
election will be held to find the 14 who are to remain as members”
This motion was carried and the members elected were as follows: R Gurran
L Raureti
N Jarman
W.J Paterson T.W Dobson T Hunt
C. R. Paltridge
W Foote
J Kepa
A.S Longstaff
H Mexted
R Gardiner
C Devon
J.W Paterson K Wolstenholme
L Rondon
H Semmens
The election of Officers then followed: –
Chief Fire Officer
T.W (Tom) Dobson
Deputy Chief Fire Officer
C.R (Cyril) Paltridge
Third Officer
L (Laurie) Raureti
Sub Officer
W. J (Bill) Paterson
Secretary
N (Noel) Jarman
C.F.O T.W Dobson was elected as the Brigades representative for nomination to the
Matata Fire Committee.
At this point C.F.O Dobson addressed the meeting to thank everyone present for the
appointments bestowed on him, and said he would endeavour to carry out the duties and
responsibilities that were required of him as sincerely and faithfully as possible.
Mr Dobson also said, “We now are a Fire Brigade, probably the only Fire Brigade in
New Zealand without a dam thing to fight a fire with, so there is a lot to be done, we have
a plot of land on which to build a station and only have close to £900 ($1800) in hand but
after what we have been through I’m sure with everyone’s continued support we can
establish a Fire Service to be proud of.”
We continued by thanking Mr Villis for his most valued advice right from the start as it
was often Fred’s very keen interest and his continuous encouragement to hang in there
that helped the Fire Committee to achieve the formation of this Fire Brigade.
Mr Paltridge then thanked those present for their attendance, vacated the chair and
welcomed C.F.O Dobson to the position.
Thus the inaugural meeting of the Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade was born.
The following motions were presented and resolved.
1. The Brigade would assemble every Tuesday evening and every third Tuesday of
the month would be set aside as meeting night commencing at 7.30p.m.
2. The remaining Tuesday nights will be for practise commencing at 7.00p.m.
The meeting closed at 10.15p.m.