Mayor first in line for pissoir

Masterton mayor Garry Daniell was the first person to use the historic pissoir in Queen Elizabeth Park when it was officially opened to public on Friday afternoon.

A small group of Masterton District Councillors and officers attended the opening of the historic urinal, which is thought to be the only one of its kind still working in the country.

The new Exeloo toilet unit was also opened.

Council estimated the pissoir would cost about $48,500 but it came in about 20 per cent under budget with help from the community.

Councillor Graham McClymont, of GT Environmental Services, donated labour for the pissoir, while Hynds Pipes Masterton donated pipes and fittings.

The two single-toilet Exeloo units cost approximately $176,000 for site works and installation.

One unit was installed at the park next to the pissoir, and the other was already in use at Kuripuni.

Mayor Garry Daniell said it was great to finally see the historic cast-iron pissoir open.

He said it fitted well in its location near a historic lamp post, the fountain and Hoskings Garden, which all had a "Edwardian" feel.

He was satisfied the area had a good coverage of public toilet facilities.

Mr Daniell said the toilets had been a point of controversy for some time. "It's really good to see them finished."

Assets and operations manager David Hopman said the old toilet block would be closed permanently next week, and eventually demolished to allow more access to the park.