Lot 1666

Description

Presbyterian Church (Otahuhu), presentation trowel, handcrafted in silver (250x78mm), with native timber wooden handle, uncertain maker's mark, inscribed on top 'Presented/To/The Rt Hon.W.F.Massey/P.C./Prime Minister of N.Z./on the occasion of his laying/The Foundation Stone/of the/Otahuhu Presbyterian/Church/1914' 'Hugh C.Grierson/Architect'. Very fine and a very rare presentation piece to a Prime Minister.

From the N.Z. Herald, 15 June 1914. Courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past.

"A new Presbyterian Church is to be erected at Otahuhu, and the architect, Mr H.C.Grierson, is now, calling for tenders for the work of construction. The structure has been designed to seat about 200 people, and brick is the material to be used. The site is situated near Station Road. The exterior of the new church is to be finished with red and straw-coloured bricks, while the roof will be covered with red tiles. The design is in the Norman style of architecture. Provision is made for a room for the choir, and a vestry for the Minister."

William Ferguson Massey, known as 'Bill' or 'Farmer Bill' (26 March 1856-10 May 1925). He was the 19th and second longest serving Prime Minister of New Zealand, from 1912 to 1925, he was also founder of the Reform Party. He is widely considered to have been a very skilled politician of his time and was renowned for his support of rural New Zealand.

See also lot 4160 for a gold agricultural life member badge awarded to Massey.