Hastings War Memorial Library 50th Anniversary

"The first Hastings Library, situated in Market Street South, was completely destroyed by the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake [see timeline].

A temporary library was established in the municipal building, Heretaunga Street [now occupied by Hutchinson's Furniture].  [Not surprisingly after the earthquake] it was extremely deficient in stock, being little more than a source of cheap fiction that competed with commercial book clubs.  By 31 March 1936 the library had 1320 subscribers (823 adults and 497 children), 6497 books and two staff, but little was done to further the long term objective of a new library on Civic Square.

After WW2 the Hastings community, particularly the older generation and the RSA, wanted a war memorial that was both symbolic and utilitarian, and centred around the cenotaph which had become the local shrine for the commemoration of ANZAC day. A Hastings District War Memorial Committee was set up at a public meeting.  The committee originally decided on a cultural centre on Civic Square block, consisting of a memorial hall with wings for an art gallery and museum, and a forecourt to where the cenotaph would be moved.  [However this decision would later be changed.]

The Council already had long term plans to erect a new library on Civic Square and develop it for cultural and recreational purposes.  From 1946 - 54 they worked on acquiring the land for this purpose.

The appeal for war memorial funds languished until 1952 and much debate and controversy ensued over the form the war memorial would take.  At this stage the funds for the war memorial were handed over to the Borough Council so it could obtain a government subsidy on offer by the required date. A proposed change of site was put forward due to increased costs involved in acquiring the necessary land on Civic Square, first to Queen's Square, then to Cornwall Park.  A public outcry ensued as, for amongst other reasons, Civic Square had been regarded as the "memorial square" for over 30 years.

Finally at a public meeting of contributors to the fund, a resolutions was reached by an overwhelming majority, for a War Memorial Library to be built on Civic Square.  The idea of moving the cenotaph was ruled out. 

Council set about securing the final parts of land and money required, and liaised with representatives from the Library Association regarding library design.  [The building was designed by architects Davies, Phillips and Chapman.] War Artist Peter McIntyre was commissioned to submit designs for a combined entrance and Hall of Memories.

The estimated cost of the building including the mezzanine floor was £78,000, but as a library was an acknowledged civic responsibility, the extra could be met from rates.  A tender was accepted from J.C. Mackersey Ltd., a young local builder.

[The foundation stone for the new Library was laid during the year Hastings became a city, on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1956, by the commanding officer of the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Major-General Sir Andrew Russell K.C.B, K.C.M.G.   Also taking part were the Mayor of Hastings, Mr W.E. Bate; the Member for Hastings, Mr E.J. Keating; the President of the Hastings RSA, Mr R.V. Giorgi; and Canon K.F. Button representing the Hastings Ministers' Association. More than 100 returned servicemen and 200 residents attended the ceremony.]

The Hastings War Memorial Library was officially opened by the Dominion Vice-President of the RSA, Hamilton Mitchell, on 18 October 1959.  Peter MacIntyre's mural and designs for brass plaques and sandblasted glass doors ensured it was symbolic as well as utilitarian.  After years of controversy it proved an acceptable compromise because it provided for the whole community. "

[The Hastings War Memorial Library has gone from strength to strength over the last 50 years and prides itself in providing a library service that helps meet people's informational, recreational and cultural needs. ]

Text quoted from Mary Boyd's History of Hastings.

Above: Peter McIntyre designed the etched glass panels and marble stone in the Hall of Memories. The words on the stone are, "Our freedom is bought with a price that others paid.  As you pass through here, remember."