Secret drinking in Martinborough

While Martinborough has long been recognised as a wine industry pioneer, early last century the Catholic and Presbyterian churches were pressed into service - in a covert fashion - as bring-your-own pubs.

The Grey River Argus, of 28 September 1908, reports:

Several merry souls of Martinborough, who love nothing better than drinking deeply and long, have chosen most unlikely places for their bouts. For instance, on Saturday night the Martinborough night-watchman discovered a brace of drinkers in the Catholic Church. They had provided themselves with a reasonable store of liquor. 

The Presbyterian Church at Martinborough has been similarly utilised as a soakers' retreat, according to the Wairarapa Daily News.