Historic Raetihi building moved

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 588, 30 May 1995, Page 1

Historic Raetihi building moved

The Waimarino Acclimatisation Society building was moved to a new site next to The Waimarino Museum l'ast Wednesday. The society has handed over the building to the museum where it will now stay and remain in their care. The Acclimatisation Society was gazetted in 1903 and with the gradual growth of the society at that time, the situation arose which allowed the society to purchase some land. The section and the building was purchased for about £200 in 1913. It has been used continuously since then. Currently it is used by the T aranaki Fish and Game Council district office and as a meeting room for the Ruapehu Fish and Game Club and for historical records. Over the years the maintenance of the building has been kept up well and members have endeavoured to keep things as close to original as possible. In 1962 the then members added new siding over the original weatherboard in order to protect it and the veranda trellis had to be removed. However the iriside is in excellent condition with regular attention to borer fumigation. Furniture and other historical records have been well cared for over the years and are in good condition today. The interior of the building has not been modified and the unique heating burner is a genuine antique. It is believed that the building is the only example of its type in New Zealand in that it was custom built in 1 9 1 3 and has remained in constant use for that purpose since that time. Harry Brown, a long serving member, submitted the details required for the building to be nominated as a New Zealand Historic Places Trust Building. The Fish and Game club will continue to use it for meetings, but it will remain in the care of the Waimarino Museum Society.