Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Utakura Valley

page break

Utakura Valley.

Utakura Valley, which is 184 miles from Auckland, is situated to the west of Okaihau on the main Kawakawa and Horeke road. As far back as 1883 a block of land was opened in the valley for settlement on the system of deferred payments. To reach the valley three-quarters of a mile of steep hill has to be descended—so steep that, in some places, the descent is one foot in seven; but a new grade, now (early in 1901) in course of formation, will afford an outlet to the westward of Okaihau. The valley contains good agricultural and pastoral land, of fine sandstone formation, and has been proved to be well adapted to the growth of grapes and sub-tropical fruits. Utakura has a post office and a weekly mail, and there is a telegraph office at Okaihau, four miles away. A general store is kept by Mr. Joseph Gower. There is a public hall, which was built by the settlers for school purposes. Much of the land is still in the possession of the natives, who make a living by growing kumeras and corn—two crops that return an extra good profit.

Gower, Joseph, Farmer and Storekeeper, Utakura. Mr. Gower was born in Kent, England, in 1840. He was brought up to a mercantile life, and was for four years in a large London house. In 1863 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Telegraph,” and landed at Auckland. The Waikato war was then on foot, and martial law being in force. Mr. Gower was sworn into the militia, and served through the Waikato and Taranaki campaigns. On the forces being disbanded Mr. Gower went to farm on military land at Kihikihi. A roving disposition and some reverses of fortune led him ere long to enter the Armed Constabulary and he was present at Ngutu-o-te-Manu, where Major Von Temp-sky, two other officers, and several comrades were killed. After that campaign Mr. Gower went gold seeking, and followed the life with varying success for seventeen years, during which he worked at the Thames and in Otago and Queensland. In 1883 he bought 233 acres at Utakura. At that time the greater part of the land was covered with bush, but after the bush was felled and the land cleared and sown in mixed grasses, it proved to be one of the richest pastoral farms in the district. Mr. Gower thinks the success of his farm is largely due to the fact that he left several clumps of bush standing for shelter. Mr. Gower has always taken a prominent part in all local projects connected with the good, of the district in which he has his home.

Mr. J. Gower.

Mr. J. Gower.