The building of Shantytown

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32702, 3 September 1971, Page 11

The building of Shantytown

•M Wi WM •■ s .

The idea of a Shantytown arose out of a meeting in Greymouth on May 23, 1968, when a group of railway and vintage car enthusiasts discussed the possibility of forming a society for the care and preservation of such relics and the creating of a tourist attraction.

John Melse, an electrical engineer on an overseas ship, and lan Tibbles, a railway engine driver, were the enthusiasts behind the preservation of old steam engines, Ace Boustridge was keen on vintage cars, and Barney Sutherland, a jeweller, was interested in gold panning as a tourist attraction. Arising out of this meeting the West Coast Historical and Mechanical Society, was formed. Barney Sutherland had visited Knotesberry Farm in Los Angeles, where there is a replica of an old town, and he realised that the West Coast had the setting for something authentic. People could come and win gold, and be guaranteed of getting it, and at the same time taste the real business of "living in the last century” if we could set up a genuine old West Coast town. Many more people became involved, including the enthusiasts for the preservation of old steam railway engines, and finally was evolved the incorporated society which took over the project with Barney as its president. The whole community helped—the business firms, the cartage and construc-

tion contractors, the service clubs, electricians and their supply houses—either with donations of goods or services, or with “hard labour”; but it was a labour of love. A careful record was kept of the number of man hours donated—an amazing total of 10,367 work hours, over a period of about 18 months. The basic design of the town was decided early, and the site bulldozed and prepared. Local architects voluntarily supplied plans and perspectives for the buildings, and these have been followed closely. Eventually it is hoped to erect typical gold miners’ huts or cottages on the site, where people may live on holiday and enjoy the “atmosphere.” As . the Minister of Tourism (Hon. H. J. Walker) said on opening day: "Shantytown is both a memorial and a tribute to the pioneers of the past whose hard work and ambition did so much to open up this region for further development. It is also a sign of future trends, because Shantytown is destined to become a notable tourist attraction.” Reprinted from the flrat edition of the “Shantytown Gazette.”