2 minute read
Millwater ROMEOs
Millwater
book of the month
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Our regular reviewer Diana Lakin has found a very apt book to share this month – especially as she has recently returned from France. Who wouldn’t love to stumble across such an apartment and particularly in a city like Paris, which is filled with the most amazing old buildings and antiques?
A Paris Apartment is a book based on the fascinating true story of a treasure-stocked Parisian apartment that is opened for the first time in 70 years. This is a particularly stunning debut book, which will capture a wide audience – but particularly those who are interested in stories about the women behind famous men.
Michelle Gable superbly weaves romance, mystery, past and present in a wonderful page-turner. The story draws you into Parisian life, the Arts and the high-end antiquities trade, while unfurling an exceptional mystery. April Vogt, a Sotheby’s continental furniture specialist, is the central figure in this book.
Happy reading!
Do you have a great read to share? Email a review to sarah@themillwatermag.co.nz
Millwater ROMEOs
The November trip of the Millwater ROMEOs (Retired Old Men, Eating Out) was to the Warkworth Museum, situated in the Parry Kauri Park alongside great stands of native bush. Nine ROMEOs attended and enjoyed a brief tour of the various exhibits that are a credit to the many local volunteers, but further trips will be necessary to take more in. The plethora of memorabilia, photos and household items of yesteryear is well-displayed and is a must-see for everyone.
A born and bred local, Judy Walters gave us an outline of the local Warkworth history; from its founding in the 1820’s to the present day. Early settlers included Browns, Southgates, Wilsons and Pullams, who established sawmilling, boatbuilding and lime kilns.
The Browns came from Tasmania as saw-millers, to harvest kauri timber for export. Nathaniel Wilson established the production of commercial-quality cement from the lime kilns, which moved to and are still operating at Portland.
Shipping up the Mahurangi River was the main contact for transport to and from Auckland and many photos show the types of goods being transported – from cattle to roading material. Copper mining at Kawau and Great Barrier brought many workers and transients through the town.
The abundance of Kauri timber was the economic driver for the district but, with decrease in availability, general farming became the main land use. Sale yards and a dairy factory were to follow, with the local press being established in the early 1900’s and printing the Rodney & Otamatea Times. The Rodney Times is still in circulation, nowadays printed in Auckland.
We then went from the Museum to the Bridgehouse Restaurant for an excellent lunch and much conversation, with the great day-out concluding over drinks at the hospitable home of Jim Malcolm.
