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Otago Witness, Issue 3714, 19 May 1925, Page 7

With the projected demolition of the buildings on what has for many years been known as “Townley’s Corner’’ (says the Gisborne Times), one of the oldest landmarks of Gisborne, a building • which for upwards of 50 years has boen used for many and varied purposes, will disappear, giving place to a modern three-storey stiucture. The old building 50 vears ago was the recognised courthouse of the district, and accommodated various other Government departments, while, unofficially, it was utilised for many other purposes. During the periodic visits of the clergy, and, on occasions, by laymen, it wa s used for holding church services, while during the big massacre, and at other times during the wars with the Maoris, this combined temple of justice a*td religion was appropriately regarded a place of refuge for the community. The building was ©noircled by a balcony, fitted with loopholes, thus making it easy of defence against attackers.