SIXTY-YEAR-OLD COURTHOUSE

Shannon News, 25 January 1929, Page 3

SIXTY-YEAR-OLD COURTHOUSE

MAKES WAY FOR BRICK STRUCTURE IN FOXTON.

With the erection of the new Courthouse, one of the oldest landmarks in Foxton will pass out of existence. The work of erecting the new building is being undertaken by Mr T. W. Hunt, of Foxton, the successful tenderer for the job and his men are now engaged in shifting the old building from the site, to be used as a temporary office during the period, the new building is under construction. The new courthouse will be an imposing brick and concrete, and will face the new District High School building on an angle with Main Street, and situated on the corner recently improved by the Beautifying Society, between Main Street and Avenue Road. The old courthouse was erected, as far as can be ascertained, in the year 1869, states the Herald. An old account for nails, hinges, etc., discovered in the roof of the building when electricians were installing the electric light some four years ago, is dated May 31st, 1869, and is made out to Mr G. N. Nourage, who was probably the controctor. The account reads: — “Manawatu, Foxton, May 31st, 1869. Mr Chas, Reed, Dr. to G.H. Nourage. 23lbs. nails at 6d, 11/6; 2 pair butt hinges, 1s; 28 days at 8s, £11 4s, total £11 16s 6d, less credit by cash, 8s 6d, leaving £11 8s.”

The above document is in a verydelapidated condition and the names are very hard to decipher. Documents, in the court, however, go to show that the courthouse was erected somewhere about the above-mentioned date. A Fee Book has its first entry in 1869.

Constables Owen and Bell have been busy for some days removing all the old files, documents, books and registers of various kinds which have accumulated in the courthouse since it was first opened, and which comprise a very large number. Some interesting records have been brought to light and all of them are in excellent condition. Letter books are still almost as legible as the day on which they were written. The signature of Mr H. W. Brabant, the then resident Magistrate in Foxton, figures on many of the books for a long period. An interesting old book is a copy of the Acts of the Province of Wellington, issued in 1849.

The station was, until some ten years ago, in the Wanganui district, and all documents and letters bear the Wanganui office stamp. The building still contains a great deal of very sound totara timber. The piles appear to have succumbed the most to old age, and in many cases have rotted completely away. The studs and joists are still as good as the day they were put in, and are of very substantial dimensions. The nails used in the flooring of the building are of a peculiar shape and size, resembling, but of course on a much smaller scale, the iron spikes used for fixing railway lines to sleepers.