Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

This important borough occupies a natural clearing in the midst of what was originally a dense bush. Since its establishment rather more than a quarter of a century ago, settlement has progressed by leaps and bounds, every year witnessing substantial progress in the work of subduing the wilderness. Palmerston North is the largest, as also the most important, inland town in the North Island. It is a junction of three main lines of railway—the Wanganui-New Plymouth, Wellington-Manawatu, and Napier-Woodville—besides the short line to Foxton, which place may be said to be the port of Palmerston North. From Wellington it is distant eighty-eight miles, from Napier 114 miles, from Wanganui sixty-three miles and from New Plymouth 164 miles, the latitude being 40° 21' south, longitude 175° 38' east, and the height above sea level 103 feet.

The town is well laid out, one of its striking features being the fine square—planted with ornamental

The Square, Palmerston North.

page 1140 trees and shrubs—which occupies the centre of the Borough. Round the Square are ranged many of the principal shops, offices, and hotels, and the whole of the banks. The streets, which open out on each side, are all wide, several being two chains in width. The railway line passes right through the middle of the Square, in the centre of which the station was originally located. This has, however, been removed a short distance away, to the manifest advantage of the town and the travelling public.

The borough is lighted by gas supplied by the local company, which has a steadily-increasing number of consumers. A

Palmerston North Courthouse.

capital water supply has been brought in from the Tiritea Stream, and is available in case of fire under the local brigade. There is a splendidly equipped Hospital, which is controlled by a representative committee, chosen from the various districts benefitted by it.

Palmerston North is sometimes spoken of as the “Chicago of New Zealand” and its large weekly sales of live stock, and its annual show under the auspices of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which has already become a notable New Zealand event, tend to justify the cognomen. The post and telegraph office and telephone bureau—situate in the Square—are important institutions in the township. A handsome new courthouse has recently been erected to provide for the sittings of the District and Magistrate's Courts.

Hotel accommodation is abundant in Palmerston North, the wants of travellers and tourists being well supplied. Besides private schools, there are three fine public schools, viz., Campbell Street, College Street, and Terrace End, which are well attended. Among the public halls may be noted the Masonic, Oddfellows' and Foresters' Halls, the Theatre Royal and the Drill Shed. The usual Friendly Societies and a considerable number of clubs are among the institutions of the borough, which may fairly be classed as a progressive town. There are two daily papers published within the Square—the Manawatu Times and the Manawatu Standard. Churches are represented by the Anglican, Presbyterian, Wesleyan and Roman Catholic.

Palmerston North, which returns a member to the page 1141

Church of England, Palmerston North.

The Square, Palmerston North.

page 1142

The Square, Palmerston North.

House of Representatives—the sitting member, Mr. F. Pirani, having been re-elected in December, 1896 is the centre of an essentially agricultural and pastoral district, which contains a large area of land of a very fertile description. It is a pleasant place of residence and so centrally situated that most parts of the North Island can be reached by a few hours travel. The roads in the borough, as well as those communicating with the outlying districts, are well maintained, and are generally suitable for pedestrian, equestrian, vehicular, and cycle traffic. In addition to the usual retail and industrial pursuits, there is a large steam roller flour mill and a sash and door factory.

Some of the residences of the local mercantile and professional men are particularly choice, both in location, finish and surroundings. A perusal of the articles which follow on its public men, its institutions, and its local governing bodies, will afford a good idea of this highly interesting town.