Fire At Waikumete

These are a series of photographs (originally slides) of one of two fires in Waikumete Cemetery that occurred during November 1969 and January 1970.

Taken by my father Charles Bradshaw, a past president of the Henderson Photographic Society, they depict a blaze in an area above the western railway line near what was Westbrook station. The cause of the fire may have been school boys smoking on a hillside dominated by pine trees, Hakea, Teatree and Pomaderris Kumeraho. Tea tree is noted for its flammable nature. At the time this was one of a number of fires on the fringes at the cemetery. It probably occurred in the late spring.

This fire exposed the body of an adult male found dead in scrub between Waikumete and the railway line. He lay undetected maybe for up to three years.

Other photographs included are two taken near the Chapel of Faith in the Oaks, the sky threatening to unleash heavy shower at any moment. My mother, Gladys Bradshaw appears in both.

Two photographs of sunsets in Waikumete are to be seen. To the best of my knowledge they were in an area in the vicinity of Kelston Community Centre.

The final picture is of the view from our back fence showing Waikumete hillside in the distance. A bridge one would walk across to walk up to the railway line and Westbrook station is visible as is the horse names nugget Raymond Bendale, neighbour and Glen Eden Borough councillor owned.

Charles and Gladys Bradshaw also rest in the clay of Waikumete Cemetery. Charles passed away on the 26^th of April 1971 aged 59. Gladys was laid to rest with her husband in Protestant Berm A Row 12, Plot 75 on Christmas eve of 1974 she was aged 64 years.

Memories of Colin Bradshaw

Images by Charles Bradshaw