Makere |
Introduction The Makere (an unpowered houseboat) was built as a stop over on the way from Pipiriki to Taumarunui and was moved by means of ropes being run from the banks. It was permanently moored at Maraekowhai on the mouth of the Ohura River in 1904 until 1927, when it was again on the move this time to Whakahoro on the mouth of the Retaruke River, it took 39 hours over four days to do so. On the 26th of August 1933 the Houseboat was destroyed by fire. It broke out shortly after midnight and the old vessels wood burnt wildly until 5am. The Houseboat had been shut down for the Winter months and only two staff members were on board who lost all their belongings. Specifications Name Meaning: Not Known (Known as 'The Houseboat') Type: Houseboat Propulsion: None Year Built: 1904 Builder: Alex Laird, Taumarunui Dimensions: Length 92ft, Beam 20ft, Depth 2ft 6in (As built) Gross Tons: Not Available Registered Tons: Not Available Machinery: None |
Below are photos of The Houseboat, click them to see the enlarged version. |
The Houseboat at Retaruke 1927-33. |
The Houseboat at Maraekowhai 1920's. |
The Houseboat at Maraekowhai 1910's. |
The Houseboat being built in Taumarunui 1904. |
The Houseboat featured on this early postcard. |
