Hi all. This elevator was in the headquarters of the Temperance Movement in New Zealand. More info below




"Temperance was one of the most divisive social issues in late-19th and early-20th century New Zealand. Social reformers argued that alcohol was the cause of poverty, ill health, neglect and abuse of families, immorality, and social and economic instability. They urged individuals to 'sign the pledge' and abstain from drink, and pressured Parliament to impose restrictions – or even a total prohibition – on the sale of alcohol.

The temperance movement faced stiff opposition. Critics protested that prohibition would inhibit their liberties and free will. Citizens of a democratic country, they argued, should be allowed to make up their own minds about drinking alcohol. Not surprisingly, the liquor industry fought tooth and nail to protect its lucrative business. Many others favoured some sort of compromise that would limit the harmful effects of drunkenness while respecting individual rights."

(Source: http://www.nzhisto...emperance-movement)

Today, the abandoned Otis elevator which used to ferry temperance lobbyists between floors in its New Zealand highrise headquarters is again, momentarily, at the forefront of the debate between liberty and responsibility, as urban explorers carve out the freedom to do exactly as they please above a deadly drop.