Tawa Historical Society Incorporated
The Tawa Historian
Newsletter #8 – November 2003
INTRODUCTION
Since our AGM some good news has been
received by the Society, and we want to pass it on to our members, together
with other information from our last meeting.
PLAQUES MARKING THE ROUTE OF THE OLD PORIRUA ROAD.
This project has been one of our aims to have completed during 2003. To assist
us with the funding we made application to the Pelorous Trust, and, to our
delight they have granted our request in full, and have sent us a cheque for
$3,500. We are now discussing how to proceed with the Wellington City Council
with a view to having 20 or so plaques set into concrete at appropriate spots.
This is no easy matter, for apparently footpaths can cover a multitude of
pipes, cables, drainage and other essential bits of city infrastructure and
each spot must be carefully checked by the WCC.
So, our aim of this project being “done” by Christmas doesn’t look achievable.
However, we’re well on the way!
TAWA historical trails
A large display board on or near the Tawa Library suggesting a Northern and
a Southern historical trail through Tawa is now through the drafting and
planning stages, due to the very kind efforts and skill of Rod Clark.
We have approached the WCC about a specific site and once again are in the
hands of the Council bureaucracy. Further, our “mock up” of the board has been
delivered to the Council’s Heritage section, and they will look at it in terms
of coordinating it with the new logos and colour schemes for such information
boards. Again, progress is being made.
CITY COUNCIL BOOKLET ON NORTHERN HISTORICAL TRAIL
Some time ago we were asked for input regarding the re-editing and adding
of additional material to the existing booklet which now needs information
about Tawa as the most northerly suburb of Wellington. That editing and
discussion is almost at an end, and it is hoped that the new booklet will soon
be published, hopefully in the new year. We have had significant input into its
contents.
FUTURE PROJECTS
Given that our three major projects for 2003 are proceeding reasonably
well, we have given some thought to other projects we could undertake. The
following are some of the matters we could or might take up:
- Some small monographs on particular aspects of Tawa’s history. (This really requires someone with writing, editing and historical skills to head up such ventures. Any offers?
- A “Tawa’s History” calendar
- A pamphlet explaining membership
- Information boards
- In Grasslees Reserve dealing with Elsdon Best’s family Elsdon Best, and early farming techniques
- Outside the cemetery on the Main Road south of Fyvie Avenue, detailing it is a gift of Edward Gibbon Wakefield; its site for a Church, and noting those buried there
- Any others?
TAKAPU AMMUNITION DUMP
Philip Harland is continuing work on this US Army facility, and has made
good progress. Any comments to him please.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
At the last committee meeting it was decided that subscriptions should be
held at last year’s level, i.e. $25. An application form is attached to this
newsletter. We have changed the format this year to show your current details,
so please check these, and only advise us where our information needs changing.
The subscription is due and payable now, and an addressed envelope is also
attached for your convenience.
LIST OF CURRENT MEMBERS
We would like to publish a list of members in the next newsletter. If any
member objects to being included, would they please let the secretary know. The
list will be confined to member’s names, and addresses.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Bruce Murray
Chairman