Whanganui, NZ, Dec 2013: This block of land west of Wanganui was gifted to the Nukumaru Domain Board by H G Birch in the 1930’s and named William Birch Park. In 1934 a natural water sourced pool system was built (now known as William Birch Pool) fed by the Ototoka Stream. It was originally utilized as nearby Maxwell school’s pool, but later used by the more adventurous public. I’ve stopped by here many times over the years and never seen any swimmers. In recent years the reserve has suffered from vandalism and reduced maintenance, as well as being damaged in the recent floods of June 2015. A brood of orphaned roosters rule the roost at the pool now…
ferguscunningham.com 