This township—which is under the authority of the Lethbridge Town Board—with its outlying districts, composes the Otakapau Riding of the Rangitikei County, and has a total population of 584. There are two railway stations, Turakina Platform (a flag station), and the station proper, the latter being a combined post, telegraph, and railway office, Turakina is distant from Wellington 127 miles, is within twenty-three miles of Wanganui, and has the school districts of Turakina and Turakina Valley, which are under the control of the educational authority at Wanganui. It is in daily mail communication by rail with both north and south. There is a local sub-post-office at Mr. Franklin's store in the centre of the township, for the convenience of the public. Turakina, which is in latitude 10° 2″ south and longitude 175° 4″ east, is about five miles from the sea-board, and occupies a site on the left bank of the Turakina River. The Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches, and an excellent ladies' school, are notable to the tourist in passing through the settlement, which extends for about a mile along the main north and south road. A large area of land in the vicinity is occupied chiefly for grazing purposes; but some of the page 1335 rich alluvial soil of the valley is in cultivation, and produces heavy root-crops. Visitors will find first-rate accommodation at the two hotels, one of which is close to the railway station, the other being in the midst of the business portion of the township. Turakina, in the coaching days, was an important and busy settlement.