Newspaper Article 1995 – Woolshed joins Ongaonga display

Woolshed joins Ongaonga display

An old two-stand woolshed is the latest attraction in the Ongaonga Historical Society’ development programme.

The Wakarara woolshed was transported on to the Ongaonga village site last week.

It came from the farm of the late Alf Reeves, a long-time identity in the Wakarara/Lookout Rd area.

It was built from heart matai early this century and donated by the farm’s current owner, Denys Bell, Omakere.

Plans for transporting the woolshed came to fruition with a $4500 grant from the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s community initiatives fund.

Immediate past president of the society, Juliet Holden said the woolshed’s arrival was an exciting development.

Mrs Holden, who has retired from her position after eight years, has been replaced by Jeff Hornblow.

Waipawa Rotary and Trust Bank Central also contributed funding, Mr Hornblow said.

The society plans to restore the woolshed to working order so shearing demonstrations can be held.

It joins a number of other buildings on the site which is being jointly developed by the society and the Department of Conservation to provide a collection of heritage attractions in a village green.

The buildings already on the site, include the museum, a butcher’s shop, a military hut, an old whare, and a musterers’ hut from Big Hill Station.

Photo caption – The old Wakarara woolshed