Reefton's first flush toilet, used by King Edward VIII

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DescriptionThe W.C. at the end of the corridor, upstairs in the New Masonic Hotel in Reefton, may look like a perfectly ordinary—if elderly—loo. Its history, however, is illustrious. The first flushtoilet in Reefton, it was installed for the visit of the Prince of Wales, later to become Edward VIII, in 1920. Prince Edward included the West Coast on his itinerary and spent several days touring the area. He spent one night in the New Masonic Hotel, which was then named Dawsons, and presented his coat of arms to the proprietor as a gesture of appreciation. The origin of the pedestal is uncertain but it is an unusual biscuit colour with darker flecks, almost . like earthenware. The lavatory is an unusual height, too, being set much closer to the floor than its modern counterparts. Whatever its handicaps in size or shade, the new-fangled device was certain to have been a great comfort to the Prince, at the time.Date of Photo1980Map^[1]ContributorThe Press

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EventReefton's first flush toilet, used by King Edward VIII

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Reefton's first flush toilet, used by King Edward VIII

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