Wins become crucial for SC Post offices had multi uses
Our NZ post offices were multi-functional and used, not only for postal services, but also for banking and registry weddings.
The prosperous and busy Temuka district eventually outgrew the original post office which had operated on the prominent corner site at King St and Domain Ave since 1869. By the end of the 19th century the decision was made that a replacement office was required.
Other sites were investigated but it was decided to rebuild on the same corner and tenders were called by the Public Works engineer, E R Ussher, in June 1901. J L Potter supervised the erection of the new PO with Messrs Petrie and Son as the carpenters and Messrs Palliser as contractors and plasterers.
The rather grand two-storeyed building (pictured right) was opened by acting premier Sir Joseph Ward in front of a large crowd in June 1902.
The brick and plaster building has an asymmetrical plan. The main part of the building is two storeys in height and has a pavilion roof with the upper storey being used to house the postmaster while the ground floor was used for public offices.
The street facing facades are heavily detailed with classical features such as rusticated quoins and sash windows with pilasters, pediments, aprons (a raised section of ornamental stonework below a window ledge) as well as decorative swags.
It came to the end of its use as a Post Office in 1989 and is now in private ownership. It enjoys a Historic Place Category 2 listing; several of the original architectural details at roof level were removed from the building some time prior to the mid-1980s including the tall chimneys, pediments and ironwork.
When the foundation stones were laid a bottle with coins, stamps, telegraph form and a copy of The Temuka Leader were encased inside. That will be an interesting discovery one day.
– Karen Rolleston South Canterbury host Buller in Timaru today in a pivotal match in the Heartland rugby campaigns of both sides as six teams sit within a few points of each other on the table.
The home side is fifth on the table with two wins, a draw and a loss, but three bonus points means it is only four points behind the unbeaten leaders, North Otago. All this means wins and bonus points are vital over the coming weeks.
Matches between South Canterbury and Buller are usually tight affairs with less than three points’ difference between the sides in their past two encounters, so it is bound to be another battle with the Alan Strachan Memorial Cup at stake.
Among the changes to the South Canterbury team that drew 13-all with Mid-Canterbury last week is the return of Siu Kakala from illness and on to the blindside with Cam Russell dropping back to the bench and Kieran Coll staying at No 8. Solomone Lavaka gets a start at lock after some good impact matches while Anthony Amato becomes the impact player off the bench.
In the backs the only change is due to the injury last weekend to Kalavini Leatigaga, with Brad Tunnicliffe starting on the wing and hoping to continue his form from his last start when he scored a hattrick against Poverty Bay.
With a better weather forecast for Saturday, South Canterbury will be aiming to get their more expansive game going again after conditions nullified much of that against Mid-Canterbury.
Crucial to the implementation of that game plan will be patience and ball security as there were too many handling errors and turnovers after better and has become an attacking option too.
Buller have arguably had a better draw to date, and their fitness may be an issue after last week scoring nearly all their 46 points in the first half, they allowed Horowhenua-Kapiti to come right back into the game before holding on for a 46-31 win.
Buller always builds around a good forward pack and then relies on the combination of halfback and Andrew Stephens and mercurial first-five James Lash to direct play.
South Canterbury (from 1): Tokoma’ata Fakatava, Ben Hewitson, Dan Suter, Solomone Lavaka, Reegan O’Gorman, Siu Kakala, Nick Strachan (c), Kieran Coll, Willie Wright, Miles Medlicott, Brad Tunnicliffe, Joel Smith, Shane Anderson, Clarence Moli, Zac Saunders (substitutes) Cameron Hucker, Afalia Taelega, Anthony Amato, Cam Russell, Theo Davidson, Reilly Cormack, James Wilson-Bishop.
Buller (from 1): Jack Best, Mason Briant, Jareth Mackay, Jeth Lepa, Isei Lewaqai, Willis Scott (cocapt), Gabba de Kock, Daniel Hytongue, Andrew Stephens (cocaptain), James Lash, Pat Saukuru, Michael Wells, Tokohau Samuels, Mitieli Kaloudigibeci, Robbie Melneck (substitutes) Peter Foote, Anthony Ellis, Zach Walsh, Kahu Parata, Joel Hands, Iliesa Ravudra, Tim Manawatu.