Historic plaque returned to Cornwall Park gate

One hundred years ago this week, brand new gates leading into Cornwall Park were officially opened for the first time by New Zealand Governor General Lord Jellicoe.

This week, one of the original plaques – all that remains in Hastings of the gates - was mounted onto the gate pillars at the Fitzroy Avenue entrance to the park.

The eight-hectare park in what is now central Hastings, was gifted to the community by the Williams family and formally opened by Hastings mayor William Young Dennett In 1905.

The gates with commemorative plaques were added and an official opening ceremony held on August 24, 1924.

Historic records show the gates were built by Ron Gallien at Smith and McCutcheon, a foundry in Tōmoana Rd, Hastings, at a cost of £556 (approximately $67,500 in 2024), while the plaques were cast in England.

The gates were sold to a resident by the Hastings City Council in the 1960s but the plaques were kept in storage. It appears the gates were on-sold to another resident who later emigrated to the United States and reportedly took the gates with him.

Hastings councillor and noted historian Michael Fowler was very pleased to see the plaque remounted within the park.

“Having markers of history where we can see them helps us to reflect on the journey that has brought us to where we are today. Cornwall Park is an important part of our post-colonial history and much-loved by our residents. It is thanks to the Williams family and the council of the day that we have such a beautiful green space right within central Hastings.”

The other plaque will continue to be kept in storage for safekeeping. 

4 September 2024

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