| Historical notes: | In the 1942 Fire Brigade Annual Report, the following statement is made: -
"Resulting from the activities of the members of the Women’s Fire Auxiliary, a sum of £3323/7/4 was raised and handed to the Board for the purpose of providing mobile canteen facilities for the NSW Fire Service." - NSWFBAR 1942:3.
What was the Women’s Fire Auxiliary?
The Woman’s Fire Auxiliary was inaugurated in June 1940, as a means for women to assist in the War Effort. Lady Wakehurst, the wife of the Governor of NSW, was a driving force in the formation of the WFA, and was subsequently elected president. The first members were recruited from the WANS (Women’s Australian National Service), and among other things, were put through an eight week course in Air Raid Procedures, , dealing with incendiary bombs, fires in the home, rescue work, first aid, operating chemical extinguishers, operating fire alarms, station procedures, and Watchroom Duties. On passing an examination, they were attached to the station in their locality, and continued to advance in their training from there. They did one night per week of drill for 1 ½ hours, and another night of Watchroom duty. They were initially recruited from 30-45 year old members of the WANS, and were supplied with a uniform consisting of tunic, skirt, hat, gloves, stockings shoes, shirt, tie, lapel badge, Duperite helmet, overalls and two shoulder badges. This age restriction was later relaxed, and the WFA was opened to members of the public. Records show that the WFA had members attached to Headquarters, and District Stations, as early as 1941. With the conclusion of the war, the WFA was disbanded.
Fundraising & Misunderstanding
On 21st July 1942, Florence E Rogers, on behalf of the Women’s Fire Auxiliary, made application to the Deputy Chief Officer W.H. Beare to hold a "... Dance at the Paddington Town Hall, on Friday, 18th September, 1942, proceeds to be in aid of a Mobile Canteen for the Fire Brigade." On 23rd July 1942, Mr Beare wrote to the Chief Officer, informing him of the WFA’s desire to raise money for a mobile canteen, and recommended "... that monies raised at all future functions be donated to this fund until the objective is reached". On 4th August 1942, at a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Women’s Fire Auxiliary, it was decided that, subject to the approval of the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Women’s Fire Auxiliary should organise social functions with a view to raising £1000, to be presented to the Board of Fire Commissioners for the purchase of a Mobile Canteen. It was also proposed that when the Mobile Canteen was purchased, members of the Women’s Fire Auxiliary should be included in the personnel to man and service it, according to a suitable roster. The Board gave their assent to the first proposal and stated that it would "consider sympathetically" the second proposal, "when occasion arises."
Some 104 functions, including Cocktail Parties, Dances, Housie-Housie, Card Parties, Market Days and Theatre Parties were organised. An Art Union was also organised, with the prizes including a refrigerator, a portable radio set, a vacuum cleaner, a ‘Vacola’ preserving outfit, an electric iron, and an electric hot water jug. The main fundraising function, however, appears to have been a Queen Competition, consisting of eight contestants (one from each Fire District in the Metropolitan Area). The winner of the competition, Mrs Beryl Lester Balzer of Fisher Road, Dee Why, (who raised £812/14/9), was crowned at a "Golden Helmet" Ball on 23rd October 1942, at Sydney Town Hall, and on 4th December 1942, a cheque for £3323/7/4 was handed over at a special ceremony at Paddington Town Hall.
The fundraising appears to have begun in earnest during August of 1942. The following month, (10th September), the Board of Fire Commissioners received a letter from the Fire Brigades’ Association (ie the firemen’s union), stating that, "...whilst commending the Women’s Fire Auxiliary on their enthusiasm generally" the members could more energetically support some more worthy objective of which they are not beneficiaries", (and that) "it would benefit the War effort more if the money raised was donated to a more worthy cause." Following the conclusion of fundraising activities for the canteen on 4th December 1942, a further letter to the Board, dated 11th February 1943, was sent, which stated that since "... many members of the Association have worked enthusiastically with the Women’s Fire Auxiliary towards raising the funds... The Chief Secretary’s Department suggests to the Association that we approach the Board... with a view to co-operating in the expenditure of the funds."
It appears that the union was responding to hearsay when the above letters were written. The minutes of a deputation from the Association to the Board on Wednesday 11th August 1943 indicate that there had been a lack of communication between the WFA and the Association as to the purpose of the Canteen. The Association was of the opinion that the canteen was being purchased specifically for general fire brigade use. They objected to the fact that the WFA began collecting funds for this purpose, without first consulting the Association. "If this canteen was necessary..," (they argued), "...then it should be supplied by other people". They were concerned that "... the appeal was making the men an object of charity." A further concern was that the vehicle would be run by "...the Committee who have been registered by the Chief Secretary to raise funds to purchase it." - meaning the WFA. The President of the Board (T.J. Smith) criticised the Association for their failure to contact the Board on the matter. He stated that, "...if the Fire Brigade Association wants information, they know where to get it." He then proceeded to explain that the situation was quite different to the Association’s understanding of the matter. Basically, a war emergency organization (WFA) had sought permission to raise funds (by public subscription) for the war effort. Having raised the funds the canteen would be presented to the brigade "...primarily having in mind war emergencies, but also for use in case of unusual circumstances in connection with Brigade activities." It would "...be part of the service" (but) "function as a war emergency unit " (to) "assist firemen and anyone else." Permission being granted from the Chief Secretary, the Board was made trustees of the funds raised through the appeal, and, following the canteen’s installation, was to administer the vehicle. This meeting achieved a better understanding and settled the matter.
It should be pointed out that despite the misunderstanding at ‘official’ level, many firemen did, in fact, work enthusiastically during the appeal to support the ladies in their fundraising.
Investigation, Purchasing and Construction
In response to the fundraising initiative of the WFA, the Board of Fire Commissioners instructed Special Officer J. Neville and the Stores Officer (Mr W.Wiggins), to inspect a number of Mobile Canteen Units, which were in use at that time by various organizations, so that "...information might be gathered to facilitate the construction and supply of a similar unit for the NSW Fire Brigades." Of the units inspected, it was considered that the Canteen used by the WANS offered, "...the best utility so far as dispersing refreshments at short notice is concerned." A report from Messrs Neville and Wiggins outlined the layout and facilities of the WANS Canteen, and concluded with the following observations: - "...
a. The selection of suitable chassis will have to be determined in order that the plan of the body and interior equipment might be prepared.
b. Plans are available for inspection of the WANS Unit. This was constructed by the AGL Company on a chassis supplied by that Company.
c. A determination... (was needed) ...as to where the Mobile Canteen unit (would) be housed and the location of a Supply Depot."
A Special Meeting of the Women’s Fire Auxiliary Advisory Committee, which was held at Headquarters on 9/3/1943, resolved that Special Officer J.J. Neville, and a Mr Lucas, should obtain the necessary authority from the Board to purchase a chassis for the Mobile Canteen. Extensive enquiries were made regarding the availability of suitable motor truck chassis, and it was decided that a "...1942 Ford V-8 Model T7460 Chassis, 174 inch wheelbase, quoted at £490/6/0 ..." provided all the features necessary for the purpose. The Committee recommended, that the quotation of Hastings Deering Service Ltd, "... be accepted and an order placed for early delivery." It was subsequently recommended that the Principal Mechanic proceed with the preparation of plans for a suitable body design. However, problems arose in connection with wartime restrictions.
The Board’s minutes of 14/4/1943 report that, ".... As some weeks have elapsed since the order was placed, enquiries were made ... from Mr Dunn of the Department ... (ie Dept of Emergency Road Transport)... and he intimated that all 174 inch wheelbase chassis have been frozen for construction of Omnibuses." Representations were made to the Department of Road Transport for the release of a chassis of the type required by the Board, but the Department replied that, in view of the transport position, it was impossible to accede to the Board’s request. However, further enquiries with Hastings Deering revealed that they were in a position to offer an alternative - a 'cab-over-engine' model truck, which would provide the necessary dimensions for the body required. The Board’s officers investigated the particular features of the chassis and were satisfied that from the "mechanical and carrying points of view", it would be suitable for their purpose.
The matter was referred to the WFA Advisory Committee who, in reply, "...expressed their acceptance of the new type of chassis" (and were) "keenly appreciative of the Board’s action in the matter..." The Stores Supply Committee were careful to stress that the quotation submitted by Hastings Deering for £471/18/0, was tentative only, and subject to confirmation by the Prices Commission, but nevertheless, recommended that an order be placed for the chassis. Unfortunately, more difficulties were to arise.
Delivery of the chassis was delayed owing to the supply of cabs being held up at the wharf in Melbourne because "... higher priority requirements had not permitted (them) to be loaded." Meanwhile, the Board’s Bankers were requesting advice regarding the Board’s intentions concerning the renewal of the fixed deposit of £3305/8/9, which was deposited on 9th March, 1943 for a period of three (3) months. The Board needed to ensure that funds would be available to meet the purchase cost of the chassis when it finally arrived.
By 28th May 1943, the Principle Mechanic had submitted his design for the bodywork and equipment for the mobile canteen; setting out in full detail, the arrangement of the various facilities and estimating the cost of construction at £700. The design was subsequently submitted to the WFA Advisory Committee, which gave its approval.
After receiving tenders from several companies concerning the construction of the body, the Stores Supply Committee decided to consider the matter from the point of view of "construction in the Workshops", with Workshops Officer J. Morris submitting an estimate on the basis of carrying out the body framing at the workshops, but placing the work of panelling and interior fitting with outside, specialist firms.
The Board approved this submission and after taking delivery of the chassis in October 1943, construction of the Canteen commenced.
In December 1943, the Board received a communication from the Advisory Council of the Women’s Fire Auxiliary, containing suggestions on matters such as: - staffing of the canteen; the issue of coupons for "Rationed Goods" from the Rationing Commission; a cigarette licence; and enquiries concerning issues such as where the canteen would be housed. In February 1944, with the construction of the canteen due to be completed towards the end of March, the Board responded by deciding that the Canteen would be controlled by the Board, as an ordinary unit of the Service. It would be located at Headquarters Fire Station "...by using the engine space adjoining the Watchroom." It was decided that premises for cooking, stores etc, would not be necessary, as all the stores would be under the control of the Board’s Officers. The canteen would be staffed by a Brigade driver, who would "... take the appliance to the fire and, if necessary, assistance (would be) obtained from members of the WFA, from the particular District in which the fire" (was located)..." The cigarette licence was not considered advisable.
Canteen in Service
Upon completion, number 1 Canteen (Registration: PB-991) was installed at Headquarters station on 21st July 1944, at a cost of £1968/19/11. The unit operated for the first time at a fire at No. 7A and 7B Wharf, West Circular Quay on Wednesday the 2nd August 1944.
Withdrawal from Service
Having spent its entire service at Headquarters station, the canteen was withdrawn in April 1974. It was replaced by a new motorised canteen, No. 506, which was installed at Headquarters on 31/7/1975. Numbers 1 and 506 canteens are the only motorised canteens ever used by the NSW Fire Brigades. Number 506 was replaced by a caravan fitted out for canteen purposes. The caravan has been superseded by a number of different approaches, in an attempt to cater for the needs of firefighting personnel.
After being withdrawn from service, the Canteen was placed under the custodianship of the Historical Fire Engine Association until1981, when it was presented to the Fire Service Museum. In 1985, the canteen was presented to the Museum of Fire for preservation.
The Canteen still incorporates the original Brass Plaque, which states: - "This canteen was provided from funds raised by the Women’s Fire Auxiliary with the co-operation of Fire Brigade and friends." |