Mana Island barn - Wellington, New Zealand
Posted by: 
waiiti20
S 41° 05.502 E 174° 47.233
60G E 314153 N 5448703
Mana Island is a 217 hectare island 2.5 km from the Plimmerton, North Wellington
Waymark Code: WMPJ0H
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 09/05/2015
Views: 2
The Mana Island woolshed bears testimony to the island's pastoral history which goes back to 1834. At that time, John Bell established 102 sheep on the island to supply passing whaling ships, thus beginning a long and significant chapter in new Zealand's pastoral history. In the following year bell began to export wool to Australia, making Mana the first place in New Zealand to farm sheep on a commercial scale.
It is uncertain when the woolshed was built, or by whom, but it is shown on an 1873 map of the island.
The woolshed is an unusual design, having a steeply pitched roof and very low walls. The low walls could be an adaptation to the very strong winds that are often experienced in Cook Straight.
The building has been extended to include an engine room for the shearing equipment, and a lean-to has been added for the wool press.
Construction: Combination
Is this a 'working' barn?: Equipment Shed (used to store farm implements)
Distinctive Features: Distinctive Shape (round, octagon, gambrel roof, cupola, multi-level)
Other: Not listed
Other Distinctive Features: Not listed
Rating - Please Rate this Barn: Not listed
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