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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Riverhead

Riverhead is situated on one of the tidal rivers of the Waitemata, fifteen miles from Auckland by steamer, and twenty-four miles by road. It is within three miles of Kumeu, the nearest railway station on the Auckland and Helensville line, and is in the Waitemata County. There is a population of about 120 persons, who are engaged chiefly in gum digging, but the systematic cultivation of strawberries is becoming general as a local industry, which promises to assume large proportions. The soil, of which considerable areas are still in their virgin state, is similar to that of Birkenhead, whence Auckland has hitherto received the greater portion of the strawberries for which there is a large demand in the city. At Riverhead, in midwinter, 1901, magnificent ripe strawberries were growing luxuriantly in the open in several favoured spots, sheltered from the cold westerly winds, and there is no doubt that, with an increase of population, the comparatively barren country will be covered with flourishing orchards, vineyards, and strawberry plantations. Riverhead, about the sixties, was of some importance as the landing place between Auckland and the Kaipara, where a large timber and gum trade was carried page 645 on, but the advent of the railway diverted the traffic from the district, and diminished its prosperity. In the summer months a daily steam service is maintained, and there are numerous excursions to Riverhead, which is a charming place to spend a holiday in. Though laid out as a township, little has been done in the way of building. There is a public school, with an average attendance of about twenty-eight scholars, and a paper mill, and Riverhead also possesses a hotel which would do credit to places of greater pretentions.