Mr A. L. Sutherland

Press, 24 November 1986, Page 7

Mr A. L. Sutherland

Mr Albert Leonard (Barney) Sutherland, the founder of the West Coast’s well known tourist attraction. Shantytown, died in Greymouth on Friday, aged 71.

Mr Sutherland, a jeweller by trade, had retail outlets at one time in Greymouth, Hokitika and Reefton. In 1968 on holiday in the United States he saw replica towns of the old west, and sparked a campaign which led to the building of Shantytown at Rutherglen on the outskirts of Greymouth.

in Greymouth, he discussed his ideas with friends with the Rotary Club and a public meeting was called to promote the scheme. Out of it came the West Coast Historical and Mechanical Society. Donations of goods and materials were made, and Shantytown opened its gates in January, 1971.

Mr Sutherland led the builders personally and was usually first on the site of any demolition work in the district, rescueing early panelling and architraves for reuse

in a replica gold mining township.

Shantytown received about 130,000 visitors a year.

For his work, Mr Sutherland was awarded the M.B.E. and since then the trustees gave him the title of founder president.

Mr Sutherland was a foundation member of the Rotary Club of Greymouth, a past president of

the club and was also a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest honours accorded Rotarians.

He served as Westland Commissioner of Scouts and was for many years a member of the West Coast Rugby Union, representing the Westland subunion.

Mr Sutherland is survived by his wife and two sons.