Rangataua's landmark hotel turns to a memory

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 568, 28 December 1994, Page 3

Rangataua's landmark hotel turns to a memory

Rangataua' s old Ruapehu Hotel is likely to be just a memory by the time you read this, as contractors started work dismantling the landmark Wednesday last week. But having served its purpose as a residential hotel for a number of years before becoming home to Connie Phillip's large family (all but one were born in the house, the Bulletin was informed), the building is likely to carry on being of use in providing house restorers a wealth of valuable recyclable material. The group of Raetihi men began removing whatever timber could be recycled on the morning of 2 1 December. That included valuable heart rimu finishing timber, ceiling timber, hearth surrounds and doors. Anything that could be reused will be available for sale, said contractor Ike Pearce. He said even the grey and weathered bevelled weatherboards that were in good condition would be highly prized. "You can ' t buy clear nati ve boards like that — you can ' t even buy pine like it," he said. Looking inside the building, it is easy to see why the council had to ask Mrs Phillips to leave (see Bulletin - 25 October 1994). There was hardly a straight wall inside, and taking a walk up the stairs felt a risky venture. Looking at the floor, there were holes in several places, showing that the piles were virtually non-existent in places, leaving the floorboards resting on the dirt. Even the most ardent historic place fan would have been hard-pressed to summon up the will to take on a restoration project. Mrs Phillips said at the time of moving that she was sad, but could see the logic.