new google groups etc

[Bruce & Trixie]

Hello all,
What a super weekend we had at Whatipu Lodge on 6,7,8 February. Thankyou
Marnie and Alison and all the friends who came and made it such fun. Also
thanks to Mayor Bob who entertained us so well and informed us at the same
time, on Saturday evening. Bruce and Marnie and I went up the stream behind
the Lodge to see if we could find the site of the old photos which Bob
brought along. The one "Mill at Whatipu" was taken up there just behind the
Lodge and the water wheel was powering the saw bench in the photo. We think
it was during the 1910 milling period and they were preparing sleepers for
the rail track which was being extended to the area beyond Whatipu. The
second photo was more difficult as the topography has changed so much in the
last 100 years, but we think it was taken looking out on what is now the
camp ground with Sergeant's Point in the background. We don't know what the
occasion was but it must have been significant if the photographer came
along. The date was possibly about 1890-1900. In those days the sea came in
much closer to the Lodge
Thanks to Marty for getting this groups site up and running. See you all
soon
cheers and good wishes to all
Trixie