The former Bank of New Zealand at Waikouaiti looks much as it did when the doors opened in 1869. Photos by Craig Baxter/supplied. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

The building, photographed about 1880, was a symbol of reassurance for the local population. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

The 1927 additions included a first-floor balcony. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

Bill Lang at the 6m-long counter made from rimu, kauri and totara and the grille which was restored in his garage. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

When plans for the bank were revealed, The Southland Times described it as a ''substantial building … : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

... without much pretension to architectural effect'' but to be built from ''the beautiful light-brown Pleasant Valley stone''. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

The museum's 9000 artefacts, collected in an area stretching from Evansdale to Goodwood, include a Cobb and Co leather gold bag... : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

…. and a baby's feeding bottle. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

A pair of leg irons made in the United States in the mid-19th century were worn either by prisoners doing forced labour or by patients in mental institutions who were thought to be an escape risk. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

A cake made in 1988 for a local anniversary is preserved under glass. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

The re-created kitchen is popular with the estimated 1000 people who visit the museum each year. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti

In the former banking chamber, oars from a whaleboat are mounted on the wall and display cases hold all sorts of items related to the local area. : Precious deposits in Waikouaiti