Local History: Ira Street former brickworks wall
An unassuming low brick wall at the foot of the hill alongside Ira Street is the only physical remnant of Miramar’s brick-making heyday.
Firstly Gasco, and later Amalgamated Brick and Pipe Co., the brickworks was a significant local industrial plant that produced bricks, pipes, and chimney pots, provided employment for many local people and produced materials for Wellington’s construction and drain laying industries; notably the 1937-built Wellington Railway Station.
Although a very visible industry in the suburb, with the brickworks’ tall and imposing chimney a landmark, Wellington City Council’s land re-zoning from industrial to residential meant the plant was forced to close in 1968, with buildings demolished between 1969-70, although that chimney ‘did not go easily’.
Constructed of fired clay bricks 10 courses high, with two rows of bull-nosed corner bricks on top, this brick wall, the only survivor of the demolition, is laid in ‘English Garden Wall bond’, with a course of ‘headers’ (bricks laid end on to the face of the wall) laid between every three courses of ‘stretchers’ (bricks laid side on). and is now the only tangible reminder of the brickworks existence.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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41.2% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.3% No, I enjoy it
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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41.1% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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32% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.5% I didn’t know online booking was available
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