Silver helmet finds its way home
A silver helmet awarded to a Timaru firefighter in 1898 has found its way back home.
Former Timaru Fire Brigade superintendent Peter Campbell was awarded it, but for what, Timaru senior firefighter Alastair Thornley is not completely sure.
Campbell won the one-man manual event across New Zealand, but there is nothing to indicate that was why he was awarded the silver helmet, Thornley said.
Thornley said the helmet was recently offered to them to purchase by Campbell’s granddaughter who lived in Auckland.
She had the helmet valued at $2000, but Thornley purchased it for $1500.
‘‘I thought well we have only got one chance to buy it,’’ he said.
Thornley set about purchasing the helmet for the social club through fundraising.
The social club held a dessert evening. ‘‘It’s an easy way to raise money,’’ he said.
Thornley said after some cajoling, firefighters past and present got stuck into the sweet stuff for a good cause.
He said Campbell was a prominent member of the Timaru community including being a founding member of the Bay Association and president of the Star Football club.
He said Campbell was second-incharge when he was presented with the helmet.
Thornley was impressed with Campbell’s quick rise through the ranks. Campbell joined the Timaru Fire Brigade in 1890. He became brigade captain in 1899 before taking on the rank of superintendent.
Thornley said Campbell was in charge the four years Timaru won national honours.
Campbell’s obituary in The Timaru Herald in 1945 said Campbell had been born on the Columbus, three days before it arrived to New Zealand.