Newspaper Article – Lakeside Church

LAKESIDE CHURCH

TUTIRA MEMORIAL TO BE BUILT IN SUMMER

Occupying a picturesque site overlooking Lake Tutira, a church which is to be the war memorial for the Tutira-Putorino-Kaiwaka area may be erected by the end of next Summer.

Just over two years ago district settlers chose a church as their memorial to servicemen from the district who gave their lives in World War II. The trustees of the estate of the late Mr W. H. Guthrie-Smith gave a site overlooking Lake Tutira and settlers began collecting money. But an early set-back came when the Government refused to grant a subsidy for the church.

The settlers, the big majority of whom are returned soldiers of both wars, decided to go on with the project. Now they have raised £2500, which they think may be sufficient. Of this sum £1800 was raised from donations. Two horticultural shows were held which netted £380. Two wool drives brought in £280.

The efforts of one settler’s wife added £70 to the fund. She sold a booklet which she wrote and hats which she made.

Two settlers donated rimu logs which were cut up into 4000 super feet of timber. All the work involved – felling the trees, transporting the logs and cutting the timber – was done free of charge by various individuals and a sawmilling firm. Donations also include a piano and a lectern. No raffles have been held.

It is hoped to build the church, which will be inter-denominational, during the coming Summer. It will be constructed of reinforced brick, with a tiled roof, and will seat about 80 people. A window will look out over the lake.

A planning committee has been set up.