The building, latterly known as Avoca House, was demolished in 1963 by the current owner, for reasons unknown but probably severe dilapidation. (Source: Fiona Kidman, and the Auckland Weekly News).
Gleeson was apparently something of a character.
He was born in Tipperary in Ireland, and emigrated to Australia at the age of 14. He worked on goldfields in Bendigo and Ballarat, and took part in the battle of the Eureka Stockade in 1854. He moved to New Zealand in the early 1860s, firstly to Napier and then to Auckland, where he became the proprietor of several hotels, including the Aurora and the Albion. He had a wooden leg, and used to ride around his hotel sites on horseback.
He died in 1916 aged 78.
Q: At Pt Erin there is a carpark for the use of park visitors and those using the pools in summer. During the Rugby World Cup this carpark was used by some campervans, which for that short period was acceptable by the community.
However, the carpark has continued to be used as a campervan park ever since then, with some virtually taking up residence there. Some weekends there are upwards of 10 campervans and always three or four during the week.
The occupiers sit there with deckchairs out, washing strung up and their rubbish fills to overflowing the bins which the ratepayers pick up the tab for.
- Helen Skelton, Auckland.
A: Auckland Council is aware of this activity and they are currently exploring several options to address overnight campervans at Pt Erin, in consultation with the local board.
The options under consideration include introducing off-peak parking restrictions and lockable gates.
Unfortunately out-of-date information was published by the NZ Motor Caravan Association, which was misleading to the campervan users.
This has now been rectified. New signage has also been installed and park rangers are making regular visits to advise any campervan users of the restrictions.
