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Historic Gaol being restored John Bougen, right, and Philip Burdley who are engaged in restoring Reefton’s historic gaol.
by Trevor Johns
N
ot many people can say they have a gaol in their backyard. However Reefton man John Bougen can make claim to that fact. The historic Reefton gaol, is now in the backyard of his Reefton home, on its way to being restored to original condition. The building was built as a police lockup in 1871 when it
stood adjacent to the then police station. A newspaper report from the time states, “In one small cell male and female prisoners, lunatics, drunkards, casual offenders, rogues and vagabonds of every degree are huddled indiscriminately together.” The addition of an office, making it a two roomed structure led, in May 1872, to it being gazetted as a gaol. Following the closure of the
Reefton Courthouse in 1972 the building was moved to a residence at the corner of Ranft and Main streets where it was used as a garage until about 25 years ago. It was then gifted by Pat and Dave Russell to the Reefton Historical Society. It remained at the rear of the historic courthouse until recently when John Bougen, who had financed the re-painting of the courthouse, was given the old gaol.
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It was in a serious state of disrepair. Since then, John and builder Philip Burdley have been working hard and the old goal is well on the way to being restored to its original condition. “It has been re-piled and deteriorated weatherboards are being replaced. In fact, we will be replacing everything that needs to be,” Mr Bougen said. This included replacing matai floorboards, re-painting and,
replication of the original doors. “One of these is in Blacks Point Museum and we will use that as a model for the new doors.” Along with being an example of Reefton’s intriguing history, the gaol, when restored, will, among other uses, accommodate artists in residence, Mr Bougen said. “I’m just happy to have been given the opportunity to ensure that the re-building and restoration of the historic gaol will be complete.”
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