Courthouse drama not all criminal...

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 54, 9 July 1974, Page 6

Courthouse drama not all criminal...

By

WARWICK

11 ^ KEYS,

Taupo Historical Society

Tucked away behind the Taupo police station is an old building now used by the Maori Youth Oub. Not many people in Taupo are aware of the history of this old building, which is one of the few remaining links with Taupo's Armed Constabulary days. Much of Taupo's history occurred in or near the building, which is now the property of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust It was Taupo's first magistrate's courthouse. Local tradition used to relate that the courthouse was erected "about 1870". The "Cyclopedia of New Zealand", published in the early 1900s, has several pages of interesting information on Taupo. However, the editors must have relied on local information for it, too, states that the Taupo courthouse was built "about 1870". Such a story was based on either guess work or wishful thinking. , Early photos of Taupo township do not show the courthouse until the early 1880s. In fact, it was opened in April, 1881. It was probably the last building erected in Taupo by the Armed Constabulary • for their use. The main purpose for

« the building was as a theatre and public hall! The Armed Constabulary erected all their own buildings as the need arose. Taupo township did not exist when the Second Division, A.C. Field Force, arrived at the shores of Lake Taupo, hot on the trail of Te Kooti. it was late 1869. Where the town stands today was almost barren ground. There were no trees and very little vegetation of any sort. On the opposite bank of the Waikato River was Poihipi's pa (referred to in an earlier article). A redoubt was quickly established, capable of enclosing 150 men in tents. The remains of its pumice walls still stand adjoining the old courthouse. During the next year, 1870-71, a barrack room with accommodation for 32 men was completed and boatsheds erected near the river mouth (the boat harbour). Officers' quarters and stables followed in 1872 and a library in 1873 (Taupo's first library). The only building still remaining on the redoubt site was added in 1874. This was the magazine, or armoury, which was built with pumice blocks. New

boat sheds were also added in 1873. In 1875 a guardroom, officers' cookhouse and the orderly room were erected. Most of the timber for these buildings was felled in the Opepe bush, pit sawn and carted to Taupo. Until the opening of the courthouse the constabulary barrack room was, evidently, the social centre. At last, in 1881, came the theatre-come-hall-come courthouse. A news item in the Bay of Plenty Times of April

28, 1881, tells the story: "Taupo. — The new 'theatre' was opened on the evening of Monday, the 11th instant, when "The Illustrious Stranger", a comedy, "Caught by the Cuff', a farce, and "Villikins and Dinah", a bur-

lesque, were put on the stage. "On account of the Native Land Court being held ip the hall of the theatre, the judge qccupying the stage, the manager and working members of the troupe were rather

pushed for time, the consequence being a failure in the music, and some of the scenic arrangements . . . Tfife total sum taken amounted to 17 pounds and a few odd shillings. "Now for the building — the hall is about 60 feet long by 40 feet wide, exclusive of the stage. "The interior is nicely fitted up with totara lining, varnished, which gives it a very clean appearance. "It has four sash windows on either side, which lights it up first rate. The

stage is three feet above the level of the hall, and is 16 feet wide by 14 feet in depth, and about as much room at the wings. "The proscenium and scenery were made and painted by Mr Strew, to whom they do great credit. "There are also two large rooms at the back of the stage; in one there is a fireplace, with a carved chimney piece, the handwork of Mr Rpss, also of the A.C. force, so that it is quite a mistake to imagine the force to be destitute of genius. "The building was erected solely by men of the A.C. "The scenery was painted with the different coloured clays found in great abundance about the hot springs here . . . Taupo, April 14, 1881." The "Cyclopedia ot New, Zealand states: "It is now used not only as a courthouse, but also for concerts, amusements and religious services, and the meetings of the Native Land Court. "The Magistrate's Court is held half-yearly, and special sittings, when necessary, are conducted by the local justices. ". . . There are two cells in the Magistrate's Court, and the police district extends ' from about half-

\ way to Rotorua to a point nearly half-way to Napier." The old courthouse was still used as such until 1963, when the present courthouse was opened. Many old Taupo buildings have been demolished to make way for new ones. It is fitting that the fifst courthouse should be preserved, as a reminder of the past and of the A.C. in particular.