Watt Fountain

The Watt Fountain is now back on its original site at the Victoria Avenue/Ridgway Street intersection but it has moved to various sites around Wanganui over the years.

Erected in 1881, the fountain is a memorial to Wanganui's first Mayor William Hogg Watt, who in 1877 donated Westmere Lake for a city water supply.

Created in white stone, water from the lake flowed continuously from pipes on each of the four sides and cast iron handleless cups attached to the fountain were provided for people who wished to quench their thirst. There were also wide basin-like compartments at ground level which held sufficient water for horses and dogs.

On its original site at the Victoria Avenue/Ridgway Street intersection, it became a favoured meeting place. In 1908 it was moved to Cooks Gardens to make way for the tram tracks in the central city. Some years later the fountain was moved again, this time to Queens Park in front of the Sarjeant Gallery.

Eventually the Watt Fountain made another move - back to the central city where it graces the Victoria Avenue/Ridgway Street roundabout.

August 28: The Music and Mirth Show
Venue: The Avenue Hotel. 7pm

August 28: Mini Market
Venue: Putiki Parish Hall, Anaua Street. 8.30am-12noon.

August 28: Saturday Dance
Venue: Gonville Town Hall, Tawa Street. 7.30-10pm.

August 28: NPC Rugby - Wanganui vs Marlborough
Venue: Spriggens Park. 1pm curtainraiser; 2.30pm main game.

August 28: Soccer -
Wanganui City vs Wanganui Athletic; Wanganui City Reserves vs Marist IPC
Venue: Wembley Park. 2.30pm.

August 28: Craft Show
Venue: Springvale Stadium. 10am-4pm.

August 28: Mini Show
Venue: Kaitoke Hall. 1.30pm.

August 28: Dance Display
Venue: Sarjeant Gallery. 1pm-4pm.

August 29: Mary's Playmates Performance
Venue: Whanganui Regional Museum. 2pm.

August 29: Mountain Biking- Wanganui Winter Downhill Champs
Venue: Lismore Forest.

August 29: Koitiata Country Music @ Turikina Beach
Venue: Koitiata Hall. 1.30pm.

August 29: Youth Olympics - UCOLympics
Venue: Wanganui Ucol Fitness Gym. 12noon-4pm.

Throughout August:
A wide range of exhibitions at the Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui Regional Museum and other galleries.

More information about things to do in the Wanganui District is available from the i-SITE Wanganui Visitor Centre, 101 Guyton Street.

Check this page to see the latest list of people who have lodged their nominations for this year's local authority election. Candidate profiles will be added after nominations have closed.

Key dates

Vacancy

Building Consent Processor, Environmental Services
Applications close: 3 September 2004

Building Support Officer (Fixed Term), Environmental Services
Applications close: 3 September 2004

Unless otherwise noted all meetings are held at 2.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.

The Council welcomes members of the public to attend its meetings.