A Gisborne Volunteer Fire Brigade group circa 1892. From left are Ross (full name unknown), Jack Johnston, John Townley, Bill Fox, George Wildish and Tom Morrison. Photo courtesy of Tairāwhiti Museum
A Gisborne Volunteer Fire Brigade group circa 1892. From left are Ross (full name unknown), Jack Johnston, John Townley, Bill Fox, George Wildish and Tom Morrison. Photo courtesy of Tairāwhiti Museum
A piece of memorabilia that goes back to the beginning of voluntary firefighting services in Gisborne has come back to the city after decades in the South Island.
It is understood that the pewter beer tankard was presented to a founding member of the Gisborne Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1887.
The tankard that has been returned to Gisborne after decades away and is undergoing repairs before being displayed at the city fire station. Photo / Keith Watts
“It was donated back to Gisborne by the wife of the late Neil Price from Kaiapoi,” Gisborne brigade historian Keith Watts said. “His wife Judith said her husband had it on his desk for many years.
“It was presented by Superintendent Townley of the Gisborne Volunteer Brigade and we believe it was presented to a founding member of the brigade, George Wildish.”
Gisborne Fire Brigade representative team 1914. Back (from left) are F. Clarke, J.T. Lloyd and S.L. Ledger. Front: George Wildish (Deputy Superintendent and coach), R.J. Wildish, T.J. Donovan (captain), J.Weston and T.Morrison. Photo courtesy of Tairāwhiti Museum
Wildish was born in London in 1865, came to Gisborne in the late 1800s and was a saddle-maker.
“He was a supporter of many community organisations, and one of them was the fire service,” Watts said. “He became superintendent of the brigade when it was in its infancy.
“George later joined the Borough Council and was Mayor of Gisborne for seven years - 1919 to 1926.”
George Wildish - Mayor of Gisborne from 1919 to 1926. Photo courtesy of Tairāwhiti Museum
He was also a member of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board, chairman of the Citizens Defence Committee and a member of the Fire Board.
“He was a successful sportsman and fire brigade competitor, winning many awards,” Watts said.
“Apparently, he gave all his medals and trophies to the World War I fundraising campaign.
“The beer tankard that we now have back in Gisborne would have been one of his trophies. To have it come back to the city after such a long time is very special.”
Once repairs have been done, the tankard will be added to a display in a cabinet in the meeting room at the Gisborne Fire Station.
