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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Civic Institutions

Civic Institutions.

The Oamaru Fire Brigade , which has a station at the back of the municipal offices, was established in 1879. Its plant consists of two reels and a carriage which contains a spare hydrant, ladders, etc. No horses are kept in connection with the station, but a fee of £1 is paid for the horse which first arrives at the outbreak of a fire during the night, and 7s. 6d. during the daytime. The membership of the brigade numbers fifteen, including officers.

Mr. John Mainland , Captain of the Oamaru Fire Brigade, is referred to elsewhere as chairman of the Oamaru Hospital Board.

The Oamaru Public Gardens have an area of twenty-three acres, and front Severn, Chelmer, and Isis Streets, and Cross Lane, the principal entrance being from Severn Street. Up till 1889 little attempt had been made to utilise the land, except in connection with page 503 tree planting. About that time, however, the Borough Council awoke to its responsibilities. It, therefore, appointed a skilled curator, and gave him a free hand, and the result of many yeas of persevering labour has been to trans-form the wilderness into a lovely garden with shady walks, ornamental lakes, and attractive lawns. About three acres of the land consists of flower borders, and these are full of plants and shrubs gathered from many parts of the world. Visiting nurserymen have frequently expressed astonishment at the choice and varied collections of all kinds, and it is generally considered that they exceed those to be found in any other public garden in the Colony. This was accomplished solely by the zeal and perseverance of the enthusiastic curator (Mr. James Gebbie), who communicated and managed exchanges with nurserymen in all parts of New Zealand, besides importing fresh varieties annually from America, Japan, and other countries. The walks which extend throughout the gardens are altogether 2870 yards in length, and are laid in fine sand. The Oamaru creek runs throughout the length of the property, and is shaded by graceful willows and crossed by rustic bridges. Water from the stream is conveyed by a race to supply a large serpentine lake, which is a great source of attraction. The house of the curator was commenced in 1891, and two front rooms with a verandah were added six years later. Altogether, the Oamaru public gardens are amongst the prettiest sights in the place, and are popular with both visitors and residents. Mr. Alfred Buzan is now (1904) the curator in charge.