Tuesday 7th October

Today we went on the train to Britomart. Because of the power cut we did not need to pay to get on the train in Glen Innes as the pay stations weren't working. When we got to Britomart Mama put $10 on our AT Hop Cards. Then we went on the red bus that was free for people with AT Hop Cards. We were late to do a tour that we were doing so we got off after a while and walked quickly to where we needed to be.

The first building we went into was the Baptist Tabernacle, built in 1886. It had a pool for people's full immersion baptism but that was covered up with carpet so they now use other churches with the pool.

Then we went to the St Kevin’s Shopping Arcade. The Nathan family used to own land there but had to move for the Shopping Arcade to go in. Arthur Myers (mayor 1905 - 1910) donated 10,000 pounds.

Next we went into George Court Department Building. It was designed by Architect Clinton Savage. It was the Air Raid Central Command for Auckland during WWII (World War 2).

After that we went to Samoa House Fale. It is the first Fale be built out of Samoa.

Later on we went to Hopetoun Alpha. It is the only building of it's kind with a curved wall shown on the outside. It is the first building in NZ to be built with cast concrete, and was built in 1875. 

Then we went to Central Fire Station. It is now offices and some apartments. There used to be a wash-house for the firefighters.   

Last of all we went to Pitt Street Methodist Church. That and Baptist Tabernacle have moving altars as in their religions, the ceremony was not as important as the preaching. It has a very big communion rail.

At night we went to Papatoetoe Library for activities from WWII. There was Blackout Challenge, Butter Making, Washing the Clothes and Army Dress Up.   

First I did Army Dress Up and I wore a Paratrooper NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) hat.

Then I went to Washing the Clothes and I washed a pair of socks.  We had to use a wooden wash board in a large washing tub.

Next I made some Butter and put it on toast. I learnt that it takes longer with salt in it.

After that we did the blackout challenge and we had to cover a table so no light was seen using newspaper and pegs. Robin and I won.

Last I had more toast and Milo, Pineapple Juice and an ANZAC Biscuit before I left.

I enjoyed my day yesterday.

Click here to listen to an air raid siren.