Hale Mauka

Statement of Significance

Hale Mauka is significant for its unusual architecture and construction, and its close association with prominent orchardist Augustus ‘Gus’ Sharp, who designed and built it as his family home. He was Chairman of Preston Producers’ Co-operative Co. for 30 years (1918-1948), a long term member of the Roads Board, and supervised the building of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall at Donnybrook after a side wall collapsed during construction.

Physical Description

Hale Mauka is a single storey hipped roof house constructed out of in-situ rubble concrete using a similar technique as pise (rammed earth) construction with the forming rising up with the wall. The feature of the house is a circular domed section built of concrete blocks.

History

This is a unique home set on a hill overlooking one of the most historically successful orchards in the district. The house was designed and built by its original owner, Augustus ‘Gus’ Sharp, who was the first settler to pump water from the Preston River for irrigation. He was one of the foremost fruit growers in the district, and played a prominent role in the formation of the Preston Producers’ Co-operative Co. in 1918, and inaugural chairman of directors, 1918 to 1948. Gus Sharp was a long serving member of Preston Roads Board, which recognised his building skills and experience when he was appoint to take over supervision of erection of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall (built 1919-21) after a side wall collapsed during construction.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modified

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.