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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]

Kumara Junction

Kumara Junction.

Kumara Junction is the nearest railway station to Kumara, from which it is four miles and a half distant, on the Greymouth-Hokitika line of railway. It is in the Arahura riding of the county of Westland, and in the electorate and provincial district of Westland. Kumara Junction is eleven miles from Greymouth, and thirteen from Hokitika, and is two miles to the south of the bridge over the Teremakau river. Postal business is conducted at the local railway station, and is in charge of the stationmaster. The district is well timbered, and two large sawmills are at work in the vicinity. There is also a public school. Coaches from Kumara meet every train. No separate return of the population was given at the census of 1901, but it is reported that there were fifty-seven persons then in residence at Kumara Beach.

The Kumara Junction Rallway Station and Post Office is a serviceable building with a large vestibule; a waiting room, and stationmaster's office; there is also a large goods shed, and a residence for the officer in charge. The business of the postal department and telephone bureau is conducted in the building, and mails are received and despatched daily. The stationmaster is assistby a cadet and a porter.

Mr. Eli Greatbatch , Stationmaster and Postmaster at Kumara Junction, was born in Featherston, Wellington, in the year 1871. After leaving school, he entered the Postal Department, where he remained for three years, and was subsequently transferred to the railway department. Mr. Greatbatch served for ten years, and occupied the position of stationmaster at Granity for one year, before receiving his present appointment in August, 1902.

The Kumara Junction School is situated within a short distance of the railway station. It is built of wood and iron, has one classroom, and was opened in 1902. There is accommodation for forty pupils. There are thirty names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-six.

Mr. Robert Harrison , Headmaster of the Kumara Junction School, holds an E4 certificate. He was born at Kumara in the year 1885, and educated in the local school. Mr. Harrison was appointed a pupil teacher in 1899, and served for four years in the Kumara school. After teach-
Ring, photo. Mr. R. Harrison.

Ring, photo. Mr. R. Harrison.

ing for a short period in the Rangiriri school he was, in April, 1903, appointed headmaster at Kumara Junction.

Beach Road Sawmill (William Morris, J.P., proprietor), Kumara Junction. This mill was erected by Mr. Morris in the year 1894, and has been working continuously since that time. The plant is up-to-date, and includes a twenty-five horse-power engine built by the Despatch Foundry in Greymouth, a Bullock's patent bench, a fifteen feet boiler, and all necessary appliances. The output is about 15,000 feet per month, and the owner holds control over good timber country. A private siding conneets the mill with the railway line. About fourteen persons are employed.

Mr. George Morris , Manager of the Beach Road Sawmill, is a brother of the proprietor; and is also part owner, with his brother and Mr. Roberts, of a mill on Mahinapua Creek. Mr. Morris was born in the year 1862 in Herefordshire, England. He afterwards came to New Zealand, and landed on the West Coast in 1878, but soon went to Canterbury, where he worked for three or four years. Mr. Morris then returned to the West Coast, and was engaged in mining for some years. He was manager of the Waiwhero sluicing claim at Barrytown, and of the Pactolus claim for some page 538 years. Mr. Morris resides in Greymouth. He is married, and has eight children.