AN OLD WAR TIME MARK.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1827, 13 August 1913, Page 6

AN OLD WAR TIME MARK.

AT PORIRUA HARBOUR. On a low promontory in the Poriraa Harbour, near picturesque Puremata, stands the ruins of an old stone building, which few of the present (or eyeu the last) generation know much about. It crumbles, now only a few feet above the ground, a monument to the great troubio and sacrifices mado by tho pioneers and the British troops summoned to their assistance to win the land for England. Tlio "Wellington Independent," of August I], 1847, says of the building: "Tho new stono barracks at Porirua was on Saturday last delivered over to the officer of the Ordnance Department by Mr. Wilson, tho contractor. Having recently had an opportunity of going over the building, we must bear testimony to the superior manner in which the work H completed,- considering the great and unexpected diliiculties with which the contractor had to contend. The importance of the building will be seen at a glance upon entering tho Porirua Hnrbour from the road. It will enable the Government to hold possession of the military post at Paremata with a considerably smaller force than that recently stationed there. It is stated I hat the contractor has lost money l>y the eontract. If this so, and should Iho circumstances under which tho contract was entered into appear on inquiry to justify tho step, 'tho Government would be doing a. simple , act of justice in . giving compensation, for, the loss.".