(by Gerard Hindmarsh, stuff, September 04 2021)
Takaka’s old Masonic Lodge would have to be one of the most unusual buildings built anywhere in the whole Nelson province. And its history is just as unique There’s only one way to get to it, across a narrow concrete footbridge over a flood hollow, which allows access from the top of Commercial St. Its stuccoed front doesn’t look half bad. But try looking at its unpainted corrugated sides and rear; it certainly wouldn’t win any architectural awards. Nevertheless, this building has always intrigued me, knowing it used to be a picture theatre and then a Masonic Lodge. Everything from snogging shenanigans to secret handshakes has gone on within…
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