The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]
Poerua Settlement
Poerua Settlement.
Poerua was thrown open as a settlement by the Government in the year 1896. It consists of an area of over 3000 acres of very fair bush and swamp land, and is in the Hohonu riding of the county of Grey, in the electorate of Grey, and in the provincial district of Westland. The railway station which serves the settlement is known as Roto Mana, and is situated on the Grey-Christchurch line; it is twenty-two miles from Otira, twenty from Stillwater, and twenty-nine from Greymouth. Good metalled roads have been made through the settlement, in which there is a creamery owned by the Fresh Food and Ice Company of Greymouth. Dairying and grazing are the chief industries in the district. The business of the post and telephone bureau is conducted by Mrs Woods near the railway station at Roto Mana, near which there is a flaxmill. There is a public school at Poerua, near the creamery, and services in connection with the Anglican Church are held once a month in the school house. Several small lakes add to the beauty and attractiveness of the district, and provide fishing and shooting for sportsmen. At the census of 1901 the population was returned as being thirty-four at Poerua, and nineteen at Poerua Lake.
Ring, photo. Mr. T. Feary.
Haste, James, Farmer, Mount Howe Farm, Poerua Settlement; Postal address Roto Mana. Mr. Haste was one of the original selectors in the Poerua Settlement when thrown open, and secured a good section near Mount Howe, from which his place derives its name. His farm consists of 226 acres of freehold land, and dairying and grazing are carried on. Mr. Haste was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, in the year 1853. He was educated at East Keswick College, and afterwards learned farming and malting. In 1880, Mr. Haste came to New Zealand, landed at the Bluff, and engaged for some years in farm work, contract ploughing and carting in Otago and Canterbury. He was afterwards engaged for some time in contract work, bridge building, etc., on the Midland railway. Mr. Haste was for some time a member of the local school committee. He is married, and has eight children.