Onehunga Blockhouse (Auckland) Traditional Cache
G.R.O.W.: My first cache hidden and sadly the first to go. It did enjoy 58 finds and 2 other recent visits (sorry). I'm going to archive this one so TheWonderStuff gets LTF honours [:)]. Thanks all!
Onehunga Blockhouse (Auckland)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Jellicoe Park - Historic Location
Jellicoe Park is the oldest park in Onehunga, having existed as a park for more than a century. It's location is geographically significant as it forms a natural high point with, in earlier times, views in all directions including One Tree Hill to the North and the Manukau Harbour to the South and Southwest. For this reason the site was chosen as one of a number of strategic strongholds built around Auckland in the mid 1800s by Col. R Mould of the Royal Engineers, in anticipation of the rise of the Maori King movement in the Waikato.
The 'Onehunga Blockhouse' near the centre of the park was completed in 1860 on the grassy knoll then know as 'Green Hill', previously a Maori kumara plantation. Its fortifications include almost one foot thick brick walls and heavy timber doors plated with heavy guage sheet iron. Sacks and barrels of water were stored in the ceiling as protection against fire during attack. From 1863 until 1865 the Blockhouse housed 12 militia, but it was later considered indefensible and abandoned as the population in the area grew. Since then it has served a number of purposes, including several private residences and a school, and is the only remaining defensive structure of those built in Auckland at that time.
And to add a quote from seasoned local cacher Tramper Ted's log: "Don't forget to check out the fountain, the plaque about Norman Kirk planting trees, the old cottages and interesting monuments as well as the block house".
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Yrnir guebhtu gur yrsg nepu, va ohfurf ba yrsg
Treasures
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