A story in Hawke's Bay Today about a time capsule found in the relocated Havelock North Cricket Pavilion has uncovered a family connection with Hastings District Council that spans more than 80 years.
Earlier this month builder Ernest Harding discovered a tobacco tin lodged in a kitchen wall of the historic pavilion. Inside was a piece of timber inscribed with several names including an Arthur Clapperton, dated September 1, 1938.
The story prompted Arthur's son Don to come forward with photos, and a list of family members who had worked for the council over the intervening years.
Don's dad, better known as Sam, worked as a council builder (then the Hastings Borough Council) for 19 years.
Don did not remember the pavilion job, but did recall the other builders named on the piece of wood, J A Gardner, D Joll, A Lindsay, and their families. "Alec Lindsay - we knew him well, and the Joll family - a really big Havelock North family."