New Plymouth 1955 – new wharf and fountain installation at Pukekura park

Video depicts scenes of work being carried out to level the site for a new wharf at Port Taranaki, New Plymouth, 26 January 1955.

Numerous logs, wharf buildings, cranes and power lines can be seen in the background and foreground as earthworks are carried out by a single front end loader. Two men wearing eyeglasses, hats and coats stand on light rail tracks as activity goes on behind them.

Views of Pukekura Park lower lake site and preparation for installation of fountain. 1,2 & 4 February 1955.

A sign states: ‘This Lake Site will be refilled with water and the surrounding area restored with the least possible delay when an illuminated fountain is erected.’ A man shovels earth into wheelbarrow; two men walk around site in discussion. Two men twist [borers] while two other men look at [drawings]. Other men move earth with shovels to back-fill some landscape construction.

Film footage by Caleb Wyatt

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Credit: Caleb Wyatt.