Fire-fighting display

Press, 9 February 1983, Page 12

Fire-fighting display

Mr Michael Hayes, secretary of the Fire Services Historical Society, polishes one of more than 30 old fire engines which will go on display when the “Hall of Flame” opens at Ferrymead Historic Park on February 19. The hall is a museum of fire-fighting exhibits dating from the first days of fire brigades in New Zealand, and is the result of thousands of hours of work by society members and supporters. The fire engines had been collected from all parts of the country, and some had

required extensive restoration to return them to working conditions, Mr Hayes said. Alongside the engines is a collection of badges, medals, documents, photogrphs, and fire-fighting equipment, telling the story of the early fireman and their work. The 800 sq m building in which they are housed is made of recycled bricks and corrugated iron, and has doors so that the engines can be driven out. The building was erected in recent years and although the collection and

restoration of exhibits began 16 years ago when Mr Hayes acquired an old steam-driven pump. Since then, both the number of exhibits and the number of enthusiasts involved has grown. It is now thought to be the biggest collection of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Before the "Hall of Flame” was finished, many of the exhibits were kept in Ferrymead’s Cranmer building. The new museum will be officially opened by the Minister in charge of the Fire Service, Mr Highet.