It happened on this day.
This is the final post in a four part series of events that happened on this day in February in Rotorua. This week there is an extra bonus day as it's Leap Year. If you've missed the previous posts, find them here:Dates for events are drawn from the works of Don Stafford.
22nd February 1965
First Dinner at Towers Restaurant
The Tudor Towers Restaurant was officially opened by Mayor, A.M. Linton at a dinner with around 130 guests on the 22nd of February 1965. The Restaurant was in the upstairs area of the Bath House but the whole building was often referred to as Tudor Towers.
Library & Council Staff at the Tudor Towers 196? from Kete Rotorua
Want to know more?
The Government Gardens by Philip AndrewsRotorua Daily Post article: 23rd February 1965 available on microfiche at Rotorua District Library.
Kete Rotorua
23rd February 1970
Jean Batten Visits
Jean Batten visited New Zealand for the first time in 33 years in 1970. On the 23rd of February she spoke at Rotorua Girls High School, Rotorua Boys High School and McKillop College and went flying with Fred Ladd.Want to know more?
Rotorua Daily Post article: 23rd February 1970 available on microfiche at Rotorua District Library.Jean: The ballet of Jean Batten - View on the NZ Film Archive at Rotorua District Library.
Alone in the sky by Jean Batten.
The Infinite Air by Fiona Kidman.
Te Ara
The Infinite Air Audiobook
24th February 1940
Ngati Pikiao Donates 10 Ton of Potatoes To Maori Battalion
Want to know more?
Papers Past - Auckland Star 24th February 194025th February 1891
Ginders resigns as Chair of Town Board
Both Dr Ginders and Mr Malfroy also contributed significantly to the town outside of local politics.
Dr Ginders was Rotorua's Resident Medical Officer at the time that the first Hospital or Sanitorium opened in 1885 and Camille Malfroy was an inventive engineer who put his talents to work both with the goldfields of the West Coast and the geothermal resources of Rotorua.
Want to know more?
The Founding Years in Rotorua by D.M. StaffordTaking the waters by Ian Rockel
Te Ara - Biography of Camille Malfroy by Philip Andrews
Kete Rotorua
26th February 1913
First Maori Branch of the Reform League Formed in Rotorua
The Reform Party led by William Massey came to power in New Zealand Government in 1912. The NZ Political Reform League preceded the Reform Party and later merged with it.The first Maori branch of the Reform League was established in Waiteti under Whakaue Matehaere and Te Whare Takirihi.
Want to know more?
The New Century in Rotorua by D.M. StaffordPapers Past - Bay of Plenty Times 28th February 1913
Te Ara - Reform Party
Te Ara - William Ferguson Massey
27th February 1933
Bill Whareaitu Breaks 50 Yard Swimming Record
Bill Whareaitu, also known as William or Wiremu, was born in Rotorua in 1912. He broke the 50 yard swimming record at the New Zealand Swimming Champs in Napier on the 27th February 1933.
He was the first Maori to go to the British Empire Games in London in 1934 competing in the backstroke and medley events. He also served in World War II in the 28th Maori Battalion.
Want to know more?
Read his profile on Swimming New Zealand.Listen to Wiremu Whareaitu's message to the Maori Battalion on 28th Maori Battalion.
Don Stafford File: Sports
28th February 1927
Te Arawa Soldiers Memorial Unveiled
A project is currently underway to restore the memorial.
Photograph of unveiling of Arawa Soldiers Memorial from Papers Past.
Want to know more?
Immigrant Sculptor William Henry Feldon by J.R. Feldon.The Government Gardens by Philip Andrews
Kete Rotorua
Papers Past - New Zealand Herald 1st March 1927
Read about the restoration project on Rotorua Lakes Council news.
29th February 1984
Opening of First FestivArt
FestivArt 84 began on the 29th of February 1984.The five day festival was the first concentrated arts festival to be held in Rotorua. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was the festival's patron and events included art, fashion, films, craft, dance, drama and music.
Want to know more?
Rotorua Daily Post article: 29 February 1984 available on microfiche at Rotorua District Library.That brings us to the end of this series. I hope you have enjoyed journeying through the February of yesteryear in Rotorua.
This series of posts is written by Sandra Quinn, Heritage Collections Librarian, Rotorua District Library.
