Search for engine stretches to Waikato
A South Island fire brigade has cast its net over the North Island in search of a treasured engine it believes could be languishing in the back of a Waikato property.
Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade hopes to find its ‘‘elusive’’ 1965 Commer Fire Engine which was originally owned from brand new by the brigade in the 1960s.
Spokesperson Peter McQuarters, said once disposed of by the Fire Service Commission, the engine went through a number of private owners before it was sold from Auckland about seven-to-10 years ago.
He said it was sold to a person in the Waikato, possibly in Cambridge, but the brigade was not ruling out the possibility it could be elsewhere in the Waikato.
It was unregistered when sold and carried no license plates.
‘‘We believe it could still be tucked away in a shed or on a farm somewhere, but also may possibly have been scrapped.
‘‘Either way, we are very keen to learn its status.’’
The brigade has one photo of the engine but McQuarters said it was more than likely repainted after the picture was taken.
‘‘So it could look quite different now. It had carried advertising on the rear for LJ Hooker, which is another clue.’’
He said some distinguishing features of the engine included a conventional rear crew door as shown in photo.
‘‘This was a modification as most Commers of the era had a folding two-part concertina door.’’
It also had a sliding compartment behind the rear seat with B A set placard.
No matter its current condition, the Ashburton Fire Museum was keen to learn of its whereabouts.
‘‘We’ve had excellent help and buy-in from local enthusiasts and fire brigade personnel, but so far no positive leads.’’
The Ashburton Fire Brigade owned and operated the Ashburton Fire Museum and had an extensive collection of historical firefighting gear dating back to its inception in 1874.
It included a prized one-owner, 1889 horse-drawn Shand Mason steam fire engine in full operating condition.
If you have any clues to pass on to the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade, to help find the engine, contact Peter McQuarters on 021 1291 333 or email Peter, aeroview@xtra.co.nz