Mangorei Memorial Hall & Plaque (1952)

Following the end of World War II, the local community formed an incorporated society to raise funds for a suitable war memorial. In July 1950 at a public meeting, a sub-committee was set up to push the fundraising effort ahead for the planned community hall. It was to be located on the corner of Junction (now State Highway 3) and Kent Roads on a section of land donated by Mr G.T. Mace. 

Tenders were called for in January 1951 and at a meeting on 1 February 1951 it was announced that a tender had been accepted.

On 6 May 1952 the Taranaki Daily News reported that the hall was nearing completion and that the total cost was about £8,000, of which £3,800 had been raised by members of the district. It was described as the culmination of a project started seven years ago. The hall included a well-equipped kitchen, two dressing rooms and conveniences. A planned 'supper room', dispensed with because of cost, was a last-minute addition courtesy of the donation of £120 worth of concrete blocks and the contribution of voluntary labour.

The memorial hall was officially opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr W.A. Bodkin, on 18 May 1952. On a showery afternoon, 400 people turned out to watch the memorial plaque and roll of honour unveiled by the Minister and hear the Rev. Canon W.E.W. Hurst lead the dedication service. 

The following week a 'Grand Opening Ball' was held, with the Rhythm Kings Orchestra providing the entertainment. 

A black granite plaque in the entrance foyer of the Mangorei Memorial Hall bears the names of the men of the Kent Road District who gave their lives in the two World Wars. A Roll of Honour for the men of the Mangorei District is located in the Upper Mangorei Hall & Sports Complex, Upper Mangorei Road.

Inscription:

In Memory of

The Men of the [Kent Road] District

Who gave their lives in the

Great War and World War II

                                                                 1914-1918                                                1939-1945

                                                                Burkitt F                                                    Benny A H
                                                                Benefield T                                                Brightwell J M
                                                                Coad P                                                       Deighton J L
                                                                Hall T B                                                      Rowlands N
                                                                James J                                                     Smeaton C R 
                                                                May J                                                         Smith A M
                                                                Molloy W                                                   Wasley C H W
                                                                Rowlands E                                               Wipiti H S    
                                                                Tunnecliffe G
                                                                Warren L

Note: Warren, L & Rowlands, E (as F J Rowlands) are also on the NPBHS memorial gate.