The Old Stone Jug

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 4, 26 March 1927, Page 17 (Supplement)

The Old Stone Jug

'J’HE landmarks associated with the Auckland of bygone days are disappearing one by one. Time has obliterated those that hindered the progress of man’s civilisation. Disregarding sentimental or historical value, these relics of the work of our forefathers have been sacrificed, needlessly in some instances, to provide space for the buildings of modern commercialism. It is a recognised fact, however, that for the benefit of Auckland city planning and development some of these landmarks had to go. It is a duty to preserve these relics wherever possible, and it is gratifying to know that this duty is being observed by the city fathers in recognised cases. An Existing Landmark. Out of the city, and down the smooth white concrete road leading to Point Chevalier, the traveller’s attention is arrested by a building bearing the unmistakable mark of age. With its doorsteps overgrown, windows dropping from their old-styte frames. slate 3 slipping from the old-fashioned roof, and blue stone standing in solid defiance, it possesses a grimness th it. inspires respect. Tt is the “Old Stone Jug.” a ways : de of nearly 70 years back, and a popular resting-

place for travellers of that period Erected in 1858, by Mr. Edgecombe this interesting old building was first intended for an inn, but later, during the Maori War, from 1860 to 1866, it became well knowu as an outpost and as a rendezvous or social club for officers of the militia then camped at Point Chevalier. It is said that such well-known officers as Major Gundrey, Lieutenant Chevalier. after whom Point Chevalier was named, ami Lieutenant McDonnell gathered in this building after the day’s work in the training camp on the Point, and indulged in friendly games of cards and convivial gatherings. Major Von Tempsky occasionally made a visit id the “Old Stone Jug” when passing through to break the journey and feed horses. It was, perhaps, because of these soirees and the consistent patronags of officers that the building became famous. As an outpost it was utilised by the veterans who, being unfit for the expedition* into the interior, were sent out to this point to keep a night watch in troublesome times in case the natives decided to make an attack. A sign, to indicate the name of tinbuilding, which disappeared some time back, took the form of a stone jug worked in relief in a slab of blueston-. This symbol stood on the doorstep, and was probably placed there when the building was originally erected. Whether the “Old Stone Jug” will remain as a “ymbol of past days bybeing preserved depends to a large extent on the relative land values. Point Chevalier, It has to be admitted, is making phenomenal progress as a suburb, and with the recent establishment of concrete roads, and an efficient transport system, it is questionable whether this unique old building will not have to make way for structures of greater use.