Tawa Historical Society Incorporated

The Tawa Historian

Newsletter #21 – June 2009

Both the WCC and our Community Board have been written to regarding Willowbank Reserve, set in an area of considerable historical interest (Origin of Takapu as a name; the harbour-to-harbour Maori trail passed through the reserve; Boscobel Lane is part of the Old Porirua Road; is part of William Earp’s Farm, and his old orchard; the Bucket Tree was planted by Earp; the Wellington-Manawatu Railway track ran nearby; the present line is part of the Tawa Deviation; Takapu Station was opened in June 1937; McCoy’s Stockade was nearby). We have suggested that the reserve be renamed William Earp Park, and that an information board be placed in the Reserve / Park outlining the history of this area.
Our finances are in a healthy state. Since we last met book sales have totalled about $800. We shall shortly be spending money on reprinting Rails Through the Valley (only 5 were in stock) and on publishing The Tawa Cemetery 1861-1978. We hope to launch this latest booklet in our Historical Series in late July. We are mindful of the costs that will be associated with the publication of Bartlett House and Best of Tawa Vol 3. We have received membership subscriptions from about 80% of our members thus far for the 2008-09 year. We plan to send out subs notices for 2009-10 in Oct/Nov 09.
Tawa History Week went well, with small (8-12) but appreciative audiences. We plan to repeat the Week in the week after Queen’s Birthday, 2010, as part of our contribution to our community.
Out of the blue, the WCC have come back to us anxious to see the completion and placement of a four-sided (lit at night) Tawa Heritage sign (similar to those in place along the Wellington waterfront) on the corner of the Main Road and Cambridge Street, just south of the Tawa Library. It will be a tall structure, with text and photos on each of its sides, much of which we have provided. It will give information on Tawa’s settlement, local government, education, and transport links.
Our next Exec meeting is on 3 August, and our AGM will be on 7 September.