The Mōkau Memorial Hall was built on a site next to the existing hall. It was designed by Mr A.K. Thorne of New Plymouth and the construction was supervised by retired New Plymouth builder, Mr E. Scott.
Voluntary labour was used throughout the build, with a member of the committee, Mr N.E. McAlley, stating that almost everyone in the community "from adolescents to men in their seventies" had played their part. A group of ten men (all over 60) had been of particular help to Mr Scott throughout the year.
The hall was officially opened on 2 July 1955 by the M.P. for Waitomo, Mr D.C Seath. The dedication service was led by the Rev. A.W. Aldworth and it was dedicated by a former Vicar of Mokau, Rev. R.S.C. Fussell.
The cost of the hall was put at £4,000, with the community having raised £1,000 and it was hoped that "the Government would supply the rest".
A feature of the building was "a stage measuring 22 feet by 36 feet which together with the wings, will occupy the full width of the hall". Speakers at the opening ceremony described it as "one of the finest community halls in New Zealand".
A memorial plaque was located above the main entrance.
Related items:
Mokau Hall (Taranaki Daily News 22 January 1955)
Year To Build Hall (Taranaki Daily News 5 July 1955)
Please do not reproduce these images without permission from Puke Ariki.
Contact us for more information or you can order images online here.
