What Lies Beneath? The History of Underground Public Conveniences in Dunedin 1910-1929

Abstract

Turn-of-the-century public conveniences are more than just reminders of a now common public service. The early twentieth century saw enormous transformation in the approach to public conveniences in New Zealand, evident in the changing architectural approaches in their design, construction and visibility. They brought challenges to Dunedin and its local authority, Dunedin City Council. Tasked with their supply, the Council was required to not only invest heavily but also commit to this public provision. This article looks at the establishment and the reasons for the decline of the popularity and use of the underground conveniences.