The Barwicks Auction article in the Locally Owned and Operated feature states “previously Ormond Motors, now the site of the H.B. Williams Memorial library” — this is incorrect.
The H.B. Williams Memorial Library was officially opened in April 1967 and was built on the site of the old British Empire Hotel. Next door, on the right, was Barwicks Auction Mart Ltd, previously Ormond Motors.
After Barwicks Auction Mart Ltd moved to Grey Street, the building was demolished — with Treble Court opening there in 1986.
The “Barwicks Auctions” logo was designed by my late husband, Don Barwick. This logo was used weekly, in the Gisborne Herald classified advertisements, for their weekly Friday Auctions.
Clothing was auctioned in the morning, from 10am until lunch time, after which bric-a-brac was auctioned, from the stage, until about 3pm. The Friday Auctions were very well supported with regular attenders. Many would book their seats, which were previously Church pews with comfy cushions. Woe betide if someone sat in one of the regulars’ seats.
