Historical information
1879 - The Argus, Friday 11 July 1879, page 4.
The Kew Borough Council having decided to initiate a fire brigade, invited volunteers to send in their names. About 40 complied with the invitation and met at the Town-hall to choose 12 of their number to form the brigade. The 12 elected then chose their officers as follows :— Councillor Gray, captain ; Mr. Thomas Greenhill, foreman ; and Mr. H. Loxton, secretary. The brigade decided to apply to the council for uniforms and a bell; and after adopting rules for their guidance the meeting separated. The brigade now possesses a reel and 500ft. of hose, and a shed is being erected in Little Walpole-street for a station. The council have applied for six additional fireplugs in the Main-road, so that the brigade may now be considered fairly established.
1886 - Globe (Sydney), Tuesday 16 March 1886, page 8
The Kew Fire Brigade, which obtained the pride of place at the recent fire brigades' demonstration, at Sandhurst, was met on their return at Spencer-street Railway Station by the Mayor and Councillors of that suburb, and were subsequently entertained at the Greyhound Hotel.
1886 - South Bourke and Mornington Journal, Wednesday 17 March 1886, page 2
It may be, deemed remarkable, but nevertheless a fact, 'that the Kew Fire Brigade, comparatively a new one, has gained premier place at the recent contest of brigades held at Ballarat, winning two first prizes and two second. On returning they were met at the station and escorted to Kew, preceded by the Borough banner.
Physical description
Certificate awarded to the Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade as an award for winning 'the best average time' in competition at Sandhurst. Surrounding the team's photo are a series of individual oval named portraits of the team. This version of the certificate, (there is two in the collection) is unframed and has a badly torn mount. It is also more faded than the framed version.The photograph without the mount (2016.0097a) has been digitally enhanced.
Inscriptions & markings
Inscription: "Kew Fire Brigade U.F.B.D. Sandhurst. Kew 1886: Best Average Time, 16 points"
