Newspaper Article 1976 – Nelson grandsons start building fund

After Waikoko fire . . .

Nelson grandsons start building fund

Two grandsons of the man who built Waikoko House – destroyed by fire yesterday – have given the Hawke’s Bay A and P Society $2000 toward a rebuilding fund.

Brothers, Messrs Eric Nelson, Mangateretere, and Leslie Nelson, Poraite [Poraiti], this afternoon each gave the secretary, Mr Keith Moody, a cheque for $1000.

Their grandfather, Mr William Nelson, built Waikoko a century ago and in 1931 sold it to the society.

Fire swept through the house early yesterday morning, leaving only two chimneys standing in the front section and the shell of the original rear wing.

Mr Moody said there was obviously a lot of feeling about the old house and this indicated a fair degree of willingness to contribute to a replacement.

He said it was planned to call a special meeting of the society’s general committee to discuss the loss and possible replacement.

Demolition work began yesterday of all that remains of the building.

About 10 groups had booked ahead as far as March to use Waikoko. One group booked for next Saturday had found another place and another group decided to use part of the area under the grandstand.