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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 7 (October 1, 1937.)

Taranaki To King Country—

page 49

Taranaki To King Country—

(Continued from page 13 )

that away above the last smoke of the mighty “K” engines, there stands a secret township of modern homes.

Across the Wanganui River, too, we climbed about splendid reserves of native bush which have been wisely preserved. On this side of the river, too, there is a neat railway settlement. To the south a bridge brings us to the adjoining township of Mananui, a substantial sawmilling and industrial centre. It will be seen that the borough census figures of Taumarunui are rather misleading. They do not represent more than a third of the effective population.

Before leaving this delightful river city in miniature, I must mention the golf links. I had heard that they were among the best in New Zealand, but was not prepared for their magnificence. They belong to the municipality and the whole town plays the game.

Here again I found the factor of a long continuance of chieftainship in municipal affairs, and I found Mr. C. A. Boles a worker of, vision and untiring devotion to his adopted town. He also, by the way, gave me a demonstration of how a mayor could saddle and bridle the winner of a score of good races, the well remembered Rereatu.

It is curious how transport fashions change. Taumarunui at one time was best known as the starting place for the first stage down the Wanganui River. To-day it is the nerve centre for a dozen scenic and pleasure routes. It will be possible soon to dine in Wellington, catch the “Limited,” and be out to Taupo for breakfast. The same trip, with variations but equal speed, will be possible from Auckland or Taranaki.

I predict, too, that it will not be long before, by road and rail, there will be a continuous procession of holiday makers to see this delectable new pleasure route with its “book-ends” of handsome, truly typical and wholly likeable towns, Stratford and Taumarunui.