Memo
To: The Generals of the Western Caching Alliance
From: Kiwicouple
Subject: The possible requisition of Clark House as Headquarters for the Western Alliance.
History: In the late 1800s the Clark family owned a brick-making business at Limeburner’s Bay in Hobsonville. In 1898 Rice Owen Clark II began experimenting with salt glazed ceramic building blocks. He hoped that the new ceramic blocks would replace some of the brick trade that was being lost to other building methods. He constructed a home ‘Ngaroma’ at the turn of the century, intending it to be a showplace for the new ceramic building blocks he had designed. The blocks did not catch on, and the house is now one of only a few surviving buildings built of salt glazed ceramic blocks.
No cost was spared on this house - some 30,000 pounds was spent. The best quality materials were used throughout, sourced from New Zealand and around the world. The overall impression is of a practical solid family home with rich embellishments.
The fireplace was made of marble. Italian tiles were used extensively, covering the huge verandah, the entrance, hallways, kitchen and bathroom. The ceilings were made from intricately patterned pressed tin. Fancy ironwork around the verandahs was imported from Sydney.
The underfloor of the house was heated by hot air piped from the brick kilns via a large brickwork tunnel through which one could walk.
In 1920 the family moved out for a year while extensive renovation and redecorating took place. Gardens were landscaped and extra tennis courts laid.
In 1925 the house was sold to the RNZ Air Force and was renamed Clark House.
Current Usage: Currently owned by the RNZAF Base Auckland and used by the Aviation Medicine Unit and the Northern Region Army Medical Centre.
The house is often used as a backdrop for wedding photos for brides getting married in the area (one of our daughters included). The large verandah is ideal for wedding group photos, and the stained glass windows and tiled floor make dramatic backgrounds for closer bridal shots.
Future Usage: It has been proposed that when the current military need for Clark House has passed it be turned into a National Ceramic Pottery Museum.
Protection: The site is well-protected by the West’s Nuclear Launch Facility at Duke Park. Clark House is also protected by a listing with the Historic Places Trust. The North would never bomb such an important building!
Merits of Clark House as HQ for the West: The house is close to the action of the war zone, but far enough removed to ensure the safety of the Generals.
The grand façade of the house should impress any Northern troops that may sight it.
The underground brick tunnel could be reopened to provide an escape route should all else fail.
Codename: We suggest the use of the codename ’Ngaroma’ in any future reference to the Headquarters as so few people know the house by that name.
Our Recommendation: That we requisition Clark House forthwith as HQ for the West.
Action: Please proceed to the above co-ordinates to check out this house for yourselves (BYO Pen), and comment on the suitability of this building as HQ for the West via the online log.
FTF Honours go to YuGeo4