Memorial to Elworthys of Craigmore

This little building was erected as a memorial to Herbert and Gladys Elworthy of Craigmore by their children and grandchildren. It sits on a pleasant section opposite Rongomaraeroa, the Peace Walk in Maungati.

St James Church Hall fulfils the function of a community hall as well as a church. Early in 1924 a Methodist minister needed a central place in Maungati where he could conduct his services.

Mr W J McDonald offered the use of a room in his house until the school was built in 1913. Regular monthly services continued at the school for many years. I imagine when the new church hall went up the locals were delighted to have a permanent venue for worship.

On July 28, 1953, the Maungati Church Hall was officially opened. It was designed by R A Heaney, of Timaru. Built of red brick with wooden details, it measured 50 feet by 20 feet.

A fun discovery was that a Lights On ball was held in the Maungati Church Hall to celebrate the switching on of electric power in the Maungati, Gordons Valley and Southburn areas in May 1960.

Community halls are found throughout rural farming districts. Once they played a huge part in the community providing a muchneeded centre for get togethers, dances, meetings, celebrations, church services and the like. Some of these halls are still in use but due to the changing needs of the community, population decline and ease of transport making it far simpler to get into town, these days, they are often closed up.

This one is still well used; there is a playcentre on site and monthly services are held under the umbrella of the Waimate District Co-operating Parish.

The settlement of Maungati was formed in 1912, the word itself comes from the Ma¯ ori words ‘‘maunga’’, meaning ‘‘mountain’’, and ‘‘tı¯’’, meaning ‘‘cabbage tree’’, translated this means ‘‘mountain of cabbage tree’’. Indeed there are many cabbage trees in the area.

It is a farming community in limestone-rich country which provides very dramatic landscapes and backdrops.

There are some stunning Ma¯ ori rock drawings located about the district.