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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Hyde
Hyde lies at the northern end of the Strath Taieri plain, where the boundary ranges converge. The modern Hyde, which came into existence with the opening up of the Otago Central railway, is sixty-four miles north-west from Dunedin, and has a railway station—with a post and telegraph office—a hotel, store, and public hall. A refreshment room has been established, and both up and down trains stop twenty minutes for passengers to have luncheon. The old Hyde township is a mile further on, where there is a flag station, at which all trains stop. This township, which is named after the late Mr. John Hyde Harris, at one time Superintendent of Otago, was the scene of much mining activity in the early days. It has an old-established hotel, a public school, two stores, and a blacksmith's shop. A handsome Catholic church has also been erected, and services of other denominations are held in the schoolhouse. Hyde township is 1103 feet above the sea, and so possesses an invigorating and bracing climate; hares and rabbits abound on the surrounding hills. The district is devoted chiefly to pastoral purposes, but some small areas have been brought under cultivation.