Wayne became a member of the Reefton Fire Brigade in 1961, joined just after Trumans burnt down. Played top level Golf for Nelson/Marlborough/Buller-Westland and won the senior club championships more than once at both Reefton & Westport Golf clubs.
Wayne was born into a family of 5, Brian, died at birth, Reon, Marie, Wayne and Kerion.
Wayne’s mum, Phyllis was born in Reefton in 1913, his dad was born in Kumara 1904. Grandfather Nathaniel Collins was also born in Reefton in 1878, and grandmother Elsie was born at the Lyell in 1883.
Nat, as he was known, was a miner the same as his father and grandfather, he owned the Murray Creek coal mine in the early 1900's, he delivered coal by horse and dray to householders in the area, sometimes as far as Waiuta for 30 shillings a ton, taking 3 days to get there and back, he had 4 men working for him, Fred Bierwith, Jack Goodyer, Frank Kent & Don Black. Nat died in 1964 aged 86.
Wayne’s grandmother, Elsie Charlot Kearns, was a twin. The family moved from the Lyell to Golden Point (soldiers Road), in 1907. She married Nathaniel Collins and they had three children, Elsie, Ossie, Phyllis.
Elsie loved playing cards and would be seen at all the tournaments, on many occasions Wayne would go with her, over the Lewis Pass spotlighting at that time. She would have been well into her 70's, she died in 1970 aged 87.
Wayne’s father, Gilbert (Toke) Murtha, drove buses most of his younger years, then moved to Reefton to join his brother George who at that time was the manager of the local Brewery, and became one of the Brewers.
He married Phyllis in 1938. He had a big interest in horse racing, later in life was awarded life membership of the Trotting & Galloping clubs, he was also a wonderful dancer and with Phyllis won
many waltzing trophy's. He died in 1983.
Phyllis, after leaving school, worked for Charles Lawn snr, who had a stationery shop on broadway. She did all the book work plus typing, she loved dancing, cooking and knitting (some of the pullovers she made for the children were out of this world). She still lives in a flat by herself on Bridge Street in Reefton at the age of 93.
Reon Murtha, born in Christchurch, was brought up and educated in Reefton, joined Broadcasting as a Radio announcer in Greymouth 1959 until 1969, transferring to Christchurch as Radio/Television Sports presenter and editor until 1992.
Marie, born and educated in Reefton, on leaving school worked for the local chemist, Bill Duff & later Darryl Latham. Married Gary Hoy (a name that would be known by most people that lived in Reefton and visited the local picture theatre, Frank Hoy was his father).
They now live in Palmerston North, where Gary is still into theatres, and Marie is School Administrator for the Milson School. They have four children Sonia, Shane, Michell, Carman.
Kerion, born and educated in Reefton, on leaving school went into the banking world, managed various branches throughout New Zealand and now works for himself as a Financial Advisor. Kerion married a girl from Masterton, Linda Gleeson and they now they live in Christchurch.
