Ready, aim....

New Zealand Historic Places Trust information release
28 December 2003

Visitors to Pompallier in Russell are sometimes a little taken aback when they see what appears to be a small cannon pointed directly at them.

They needn't fear, however - this gun's firing days are well nigh over.

That wasn't always the case though. Former Harbour Master, Henry Stephenson, acquired Pompallier in 1904 and worked to make it the 'show place of Russell'. Along with erecting his own flagpole, establishing a new tennis court and the now famously mis-spelt 'Pompalier' name plaque, Stephenson also introduced a brass signal gun, which he fired on special occasions.

And not so special occasions, too, if family records are anything to go by. It was not unknown for Stephenson to use his ceremonial signal gun to fire a salvo of lemons when the mood took him.

"Pompallier is known primarily as the headquarters of the French Catholic Mission to Western Oceania established by Bishop Pompallier in 1839. Years later, the Stephensons made a significant contribution towards making it the beautiful place it is today - most notably its lovely colonial garden and hillside walks," says the Historic Places Trust's manager at Pompallier, Kate Martin.

"The Stephensons' involvement with Pompallier is an important part of this place's long and colourful history."

Pompallier is a 'must see' for people visiting Russell and the Bay of Islands, according to Kate.

"It is not only one of our oldest buildings, its design, rammed earth construction and purpose make it unique in Australasia. Visitor experiences of the beautiful colonial garden and of the earlier pioneer mission technology in the printery, make for an unforgettable visit," she says.

Enjoy your heritage - visit Pompallier.

For more information:

Contact: Kate Martin, Property Manager