WAITANGI HOMESTEAD

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 32, 8 February 1933, Page 8

WAITANGI HOMESTEAD

RESTORATION OF HOUSE

REPLICA OF TREATY DAYS

The Waitangi National Trust Board has in immediate view the restoration of the treaty house, and for this pur-; pose a. visit was made last week to Waitangi by Mr. W. H. Gummer, representing the architectural committee' of the trust, "which consists of Mr.-Gum-' mer and Mr. W. M. Page (states the "New Zealand Herald"). They were; accompanied by Mr. Vernon Beed. Th»i object of the visit was to examine tha' building to ascerljgn its structural con*; dition and to make a plan which -would■• serve as a reliable basis for the restor-i ation of the home to its original condi* tion, both-regarding features and qiial* ity of materials. The building to-day is approximately; 100 years old, and in view of that fact its constructional condition is in a i&markably good state of preservation... It is a tribute not only to\he workmanship of the times, but'to the qualities of New Zealand timbers, which, with the exception of certain, minor items, were used throughout, Mr. Gummer said. The site Is of volcanic origin and the foundation is accordingly formed with large boulders which are to be found in abundance in' the vicinity. The franv, ing of the building is particularly solid. The main front of the building overlooking the Bay of Islands is flanked by a verandah for its whole length, and paved with .flagstones 'brought from Sydney. The building "at present i»; roofed, with corrugated iron, which' some years ago replaced the original covering of split kauri shingles." The plan of the building in its se* quence of rooms shows that those' re<'. sponsible for it were appreciative both!, of efficiency and architectural effect.' The,general finish is one of great dignity, which is emphasised by the pro* portions of the doors and windows,' and by the delicacy and charm of tha mouldings on these and Wher items of joinery finish. It is obvious from' what now exists of the treaty building that originally it was : considerably, larger. Many other alterations havej also been made since the signing aft the treaty, but these have been traced; by the careful survey that has bsen' made and from information received from a granddaughter of Mr. James Busby, the British resident who built and occupied the house. From the data thua obtained it. is hoped to make a complete restoration o£ the building as it existed at the tawi of the signing of the treaty. This mil reveal considerable architectural skill' and taste in the original design.