A leisurely walk into Howick's past

BY MATT BOWEN

History buff Alan La Roche still finds new material for his annual walking tour after more than 30 years.

"I can’t quite remember when I started doing them," says the Howick resident.

But they’re as popular as ever.

Last year about 20 curious residents arrived at All Saints Church for the two- hour walk and they were all new settlers.

"About a third of them were from Great Britain and the others were from Asia," he says.

"They were eager to learn a bit about Howick’s history and background. I think that’s great – it makes it all worthwhile."

Some years up to 70 people witness the "best" of the village’s past.

The talk covers both the old buildings and the characters who lived and patronised them.

Indeed, the first European settlers, the Fencibles, were a "pretty lonely" lot, Mr La Roche says.

"They often came out with friends from their own village or regiment.

"They were lonely and the only entertainment was drinking, he says, "and they drank quite a lot".

Because the area had no trees one of the first things the Fencibles did was plant some to "recreate Britain of the south as they used to call it – a little bit of old England".

The walk starts at 1.30pm tomorrow.

Meet outside the church on the corner of Cook St and Selwyn Rd with $5 to take part.

Revenue is put toward advertising the event. Any leftover funds go to the Howick Historical Society.

It’s a leisurely stroll suitable for the whole family and participants are free to leave at any time.

Mr La Roche varies the route each time and promises at least some new material.

- © Fairfax NZ News