The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
Whananaki
Whananaki.
Whananaki. It is a relief after riding through miles of uninteresting country to come suddenly upon the pretty little settlement of Whananaki, which is one of the most flourishing in the north. The land is of excellent quality, and work in the locality being constant, the settlers have succeeded in creating comfortable homes with well grassed and securely fenced properties. Mr. J. C. Johnson, who arrived just before the village settlement was formed, has done a great deal to secure its prosperity, as Messrs Galbraith and Johnson's mill provides regular employment. That gentleman's own homestead has a pretty English appearance, surrounded by shelter trees which with orchard and flower garden together make a very pleasing rural picture. His farm consists of some 900 acres, carrying splendid stocks of sheep or cattle. The township has stores, a comfortable boarding-house and a public hall. The school, with teacher's residence attached, occupies a prominent position, and is used for divine service when opportunity offers. Monthly communication is provided by steamer with Auckland, and there is a good summer buggy road via Whangarei and Opuawhanga.
Mr. T. H. W. Morris.
Palmer, John, Farmer, Whananaki, Mr. Palmer was born on the Great Barrier in 1843 and is a son of late Mr. James Palmer, the well-known ship builder of that island. On his mother's side the family inherited several large blocks of land, which are now supervised by Mr. Palmer. He removed to Whananaki in 1890 to manage a fine property there of 400 acres. Besides that, Mr. Palmer has a considerable interest in other blocks containing valuable growths of the finest kauri timber, and runs a large number of cattle both at the Barrier and Whananaki. Mr. Palmer is married and has three sons and five daughters.
Willowbank, Whananaki, is considered to be the finest block of land in the district, and contains an area of 900 acres. It is well-watered undulating country, sub-divided throughout, and grazes some 700 sheep and a small herd of cattle. Mr. John on has expended a considerable sum in bringing his farm into a high state of cultivation, whilst his homestead and grounds are exceedingly fine, the former being a handsome building of fourteen rooms.
Mr. John Charles Johnson, J.P., Proprietor of “Willowbank,” was born in the Isle of Wight in 1851, and educated at the Bedford Grammar School. He came to New Zealand per ship “Edinburgh Castle” in 1870, landing in Wellington, where he afterwards served two years in the Armed Constabulary. In 1871 he engaged in contracting in the Waikato, After a visit to England in 1884, Mr. Johnson, on his return to New Zealand the following year, settled in Whananaki, where he conducted large sawmill for some time in partnership with Mr. C. Galbraith. Mr. Johnson has the welfare of the whole district at heart and is ever ready to forward its interests. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1891.
Mr. J. C. Johnson's Homestead.