Historical Motueka-based pop-quiz number two.
1.) What was the name of the theatre that stood in Summit Real Estate’s rough footprint on Motueka’s main street?
2.) What was the fate of Felix Fry, who together with his brother Stanley, opened the Motueka Livery and Bait Stables in 1906?
3.) What was the fire station’s dual purpose until 1951?
4.) As well as launching the eclectic Cash Store (where Hello Motueka now stands) in 1899, what other roles did Percy George Moffatt have in local society?
The answers? The Majestic Theatre, which burned down in 1980. Poor Felix drowned in the Motueka River, just five years after his business was established. The fire station also served as the town morgue. And as for prodigious Percy, he went on to be the Harbourmaster and a Motueka borough councillor, as well as the town’s first fire chief.
The second round of historical plaques has been erected around town, adding a further 17 plaques to the 16 which went up early last year. Sharp-eyed locals will notice the adonised aluminium panels on the exterior walls of the businesses that now occupy the sites.
The plaques offer a snapshot of Motueka’s history, hailing back to a time when High St was unsealed and electricity and gas were newly-installed. The plaques describe the buildings and businesses of yesteryear, as well as the people who worked or lived within them.
The Motueka Historical Association has undertaken the project, and Brodie Goodall says that they have worked their way through “vast amounts” of information to pinpoint what was to be etched on each metal panel.
For further information about the work contact motuekahistorical@gmail.com.
