Newspaper Article 1986 – Wairoa’s Hidden Talent

Wairoa’s hidden talent

I’m not averse to putting in a plug for some of the fine services that are carried out by Rotarians in our District.  If you go to Wairoa and don’t take time to visit Bill and Margaret O’Connell’s excellent Clydestyle Furniture factory you are denying yourself the opportunity of seeing some of the finest craftsmanship available in traditional furniture manufacture.

Bill is a real craftsman and his run of leather furniture is something to behold.  You may well have been sitting on it in some of the best hotels, clubs or even diplomatic embassies somewhere in the country.

Bill and Margaret are most hospitable and welcome Rotary visitors.

If you’re there you might ask Bill and Margaret to tell you something about their remarkable and unique log house on Mahia Peninsula.  Together they logged a section of forest, carted and peeled the logs and built the house, learning as they went.

You’ll enjoy a visit with them, but you’ll find it hard to resist leaving without buying a piece of their fine furniture.