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Settlers and Pioneers

[3]

In the North Island much of the story of exploring survey is involved with Maori agrarian politics, page 62especially in connection with the pioneering of the Central railway line.

John Rochfort, the man who made the first reconnaissance survey, was sometimes turned back and threatened with death. Volleys were fired over him—and it was not blank cartridge. In 1883 two Government surveyors—the veteran Hursthouse and his assistant—were imprisoned and chained up in a hut by fanatic Maoris near the site of the town of Te Kuiti. Between truculent native patriots, whose ideal was the Maori land for the Maori people, and the natural obstacles of a new land of bush, swamp, and creek, and range after range of steep mountains, the pioneer surveyor of the North met much trouble in the day's work. His toils and achievements, like those of his South Island fellows, should receive a thought to-day from those who speed in comfort through these scenes of ever-changing interest and beauty.

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Charles Wilson Hursthouse Pioneer Surveyors

Charles Wilson Hursthouse
Pioneer Surveyors