It is documented that the miners' memorial hall and institute, Bowburn, was opened in 1921, given by the local colliery owners. It was also referred to as a memorial hut due to the fact that it was formerly an army hut. (1) The structure is visible on aerial photographs from the 1940's. (2) A new welfare hall was later established close by (NZ 30630 37873), which itself became a community centre (and is still used as such today) when Bowburn Colliery closed in 1967. The original hall was demolished soon after the opening of the new building. (3-4)