Like many of the schools and colleges that have regular fixtures at The Willows, Waitaki Boys’ High School in Oamaru boasts some beautiful and significant architecture and artisanship. Senior Master Ken McCallum kindly sent us these images of the Hall of Memories.
The Waitaki Boys’ High School Hall of Memories, designed by Oamaru architect John Megget Forrester and opened in 1927, stands as one of the country’s finest war memorials. The hall is a memorial to the 700 Old Boys who served in World War One, and stands as a testament to those who served their King and country. The striking building, with its castellated battlements has special historical, social, architectural and commemorative significance.
Governor-General Jellicoe laid the foundation stone in 1923 and the Duke of York performed the official opening ceremony on 16 March 1927. The interior’s stained glass windows, flags, plaques, trophies, crests and other memorabilia honour the school’s royal, vice- regal and military and other illustrious connections.
The hall also includes a 1930 Norman and Beard two manual organ built into two transepts.