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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Waitotara

page 1465

Waitotara.

This township, which is situated 39° 50” south latitude and 174° 40” east longitude, is 170 miles north-west of Wellington, twenty-five miles from Wanganui, and eighty-two miles from New Plymouth. It is a part of the Waverley Riding of the Patea County, and is in the electoral district of Patea. The post-office, which is also a telephone bureau, issues money orders and postal notes, transacting also savings bank business; mails arrive and depart twice each day. The population of the township at the 1896 census was 207, the vicinity having an additional forty-nine. Waitotara, which is only thirty feet above sea-level, lies in a deep valley on the picturesque river of the same name, the railway to Wanganui ascending a steep gradient in the neighbourhood. There is a vast extent of splendid forest country, which is rapidly giving way before the march of settlement.

Waitotara.

Waitotara.

page 1466

The Waitotara–Momahaki Road Board has jurisdiction over an area extending from the village of Waitotara to Momahaki. The rates from all sources in 1896 amounted to £1110 14s. 4d., whilst the expenditure totalled £971 4s. 5d. The assets in connection with the Board amount to £1208 4s. 6d, the liabilities, including loans, being £3482 7s. 10d. Mr. F. R. Field, surveyor, is clerk to the Board; the offices are situated at Waitotara.

Mr. T. W. Fisher, J.P., Chairman of the Waitotara-Momahaki Road Board, whose portrait is given below, though still a young man, was one of the earliest settlers in the Waitotara district; and it is not too much to say that in a variety of capacities he has done more for the building up of the township and district than any resident. More than twenty years ago Mr. Fisher was the purchaser of the first story established in Waitotara—that which is now the property of Mr. A. W. Curry. After conducting this store for many years with considerable success, he went into his present business of land, commission, and native agent. He is a fluent Maori linquist, and is well acquainted with all the Maoris in the Kai-Iwi-Waitotara and Patea districts, having collected the census for native population in these districts on the last two occasions, being alike highly respected by the European and native population. It was the writer's fortune to visit Waitotara on the half-yearly rent day—the day on which the Maoris receive their rents, in proportion according to their interest in the property leased to the pakehas; and he had an opportunity of seeing Mr. Fisher paying away these sums amidst a swarm of Maoris, who buzzed and hovered round him like a hive of swarming bees. The interests of the natives are well looked after by Mr. Fisher, and the offices which he holds, which are in the gift of the white population, show the equity of his business transactions. Mr. Fisher is chairman of the Waitotara-Momohaki Road Board, a member of the Patea County Council, a member of the Wellington District Land Mr. T. W. Fisher board, a member of the Diocesan Synod for Wellington Diocese, and also a Justice of the Peace for the Colony. For a considerable time he was chairman of the local school committee, and a member of the Patea Harbour Board. As chairman of the Waitotara-Momohaki Road Board, Mr. Fisher, assisted by Mr. Field, the popular engineer of the district, has been the main mover for the construction of the roads and bridges surrounding the district, and the efforts of these two gentlemen have resulted in a very great advancement in this direction. Mr. Fisher was born at King's Lynn, Norfolk, and was educated at the National School, Folkestone, Kent. After leaving school he entered the establishment of Mr. John Sherwood, provision merchant, of Folkestone. In 1864 he arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Indian Empire,” and came on to Wanganui and began his colonial life by working for a year on a farm. He then went into the employ of Messrs. Hurley and Cunnabell, general storekeepers, of Wanganui, and after this had further experience with Mr. Edward Lewis, of Turakina. Mr. Fisher has had a good deal of bush life, and is no stranger even to the occupation of bullock-driving. During the time of the war in 1865 he was in this way employed assisting the commissariat transport corps in the conveying of provisions to the scene of action. Mr. Fisher is ever to the fore in all philanthropie and charitable institutions, and may be very properly styled the father of his district. [Since the above was in type, Mr. Fisher has removed from Waitotara to Taranaki, and has consequently retired from the local offices held by him as above.]

Waitotara Post and Telegraph Office (Mrs. Webb, post-mistress). This office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is a source of great convenience to the settlers in Waitotara. The office is conducted by Mrs. C. J. Webb in a businesslike manner, and mails are sorted immediately on arrival with care and speed. Mrs. Webb was educated in Paris, and came out to the colonies some years ago.

Constable Patrick Quinn, in charge of the Waitotara district, was born and educated in Ireland, and arrived in this Colony, in Port Chalmers, in the early days of the goldfields. Soon after his arrival he entered the police in Dunedin, and was for several years stationed in the goldfields of Otago. He was then removed to Hokitika, and thence to Greymouth, where he passed a dozen years or more. Since being in the North Island, constable Quinn has been located at Palmerston North, and from thence he was removed to Waitotara. He is attentive to his charge, and universally respected.

Waitotara Railway Station, which is twenty-six miles from Wanganui, is a wooden building of four compartments, and there is also a goods-shed. The morning trains from north and south cross at this station.

Mr. John Llewellyn Morgan, the Sationmaster at Waitotara, was born in 1870 at Lyttelton, and was educated in Christchurch. He joined the Railway Department as cadet in 1884, afterwards becoming clerk in the booking-office. He was appointed stationmaster at Waitotara in 1896.

The Waitotara Public School consists of two large rooms, and is in charge of the head master, Mr. W. Arthur Worsop. It is situated about 200 yards from the centre of the township, and excellent play-grounds are provided. The accommodation is sufficient for about 130 scholars, and the number at present page 1467 on the roll is 120, the average attendance being about ninety. Though there are a good many Maoris in the district, only six children avail themselves of the advantages of the public school. Mr. Worsop's experience confirm his opinion that the progress made by the Maori children will compare very favourably with that of the Europeans. The writer visited the Waitotara school during school hours, and was very pleased with the appearance of the scholars and the condition of their work. The staff includes the head master pupil teacher, and a cadet.

Mr. Arthur Worsop, the Headmaster of the Waitotara Public School, was born in Yorkshire, England, and received his education at one of the London schools, finishing at Oberstein, in Germany. He came to the colonies per ship “Achilles,” in 1870, and took up his abode in Otago, where he was engaged in teaching in Dunedin and other parts of the province for a period of eighteen years. Prior to coming to the North Island, Mr. Worsop had charge of the public school at Naseby, a school with a roll number of 200 children, and after holding this position for eight years, he was obliged to resign on account of his health, which had become very delicate. Consequently he left the outh Island in 1888, and took charge of the rising generation at Waitotara, where he is much respected.

The Rev. Hugh Corrie Frere, Minister in charge of the Waitotara Parochial District, was born in 1857 in Cape Colony. He is a son of Mr. George Frere, H.B.M. Commissioner at Capetown. Educated at Westminster, he came to New Zealand in 1879 per ship “Poonah,” and settled on the Canterbury Plains for five years. Mr. Frere was ordained in 1887 by the Bishop of Dunedin, and prior to coming to Waitotara in 1895 had charge of the Waitaki and Waikouaiti churches, in conjunction with the Palmerston South District.

Railway Hotel (John McDuff, proprietor), Waitotara. Mr. McDuff, the genial host of the Railway Hotel, was for many years in business in Wanganui as a coachbuilder, prior to taking over the above hostelry. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, he was apprenticed to the trade with Mr. Perrott, of Geelong. Mr. McDuff had a business experience in Ballarat, Sandhurst, and Castlemaine. After spending a short time in Melbourne he came to New Zealand, and was in business in Masterton, but settled in Wanganni about 1880. Since starting in his new sphere Mr. McDuff is being well patronisal.

Waitotara Hotel (E. J. Wilson, proprietor), Waitotara. Telegraphic address, “Wilson, Waitotara.” P.O. Box 2 Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Waitotara Hotel was established over twenty years ago, and was formerly the property of Mrs. Ormsbee, who owned the freehold and conducted the business for a considerable time. Mrs. Ormsbee is at present in occupation of the Oriental Hotel, Wellington, and is alluded to elsewhere in the Cyclopedia. The hotel came into the hands of the present proprietor in 1894, and is doing a good business. It consists of drawing-room, sitting-rooms, parlours, a good dining-room, and ten bedrooms. Good stabling is attached to the hotel, and capital paddocks rank among its conveniences. The building is of wood, and consists of two stories. Mr. Wilson, the proprietor, is a native of Belfast, Ireland. He left the Old Country for New Zealand in 1875, per ship “Cartvale,” Wellington being his destination. Mr. Wilson is a most agreeable host, and studies the comforts of his visitors to the best of his ability. He takes an interest in the district, and is a member of the Waitotara School Committee.

Curry, A. W., General Storekeeper, Insurance and Commission Agent, etc., Waitotara Store, Waitotara. Branch, Marohema. Telegraphic address, “Curry, Waitotara” P.O. Box 1. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, adjoining business premises. This business was established in 1867 by Mr. Gibson, and was sold to Mr. T. W. Fisher in 1875. Some twelve years later Mr. Fisher in turn sold to Mr. Curry. The buildings are of wood and iron, two stories high, and are all freehold. The lines imported embrace drapery and oilmen's stores, and Mr. Curry, while recently in the Old Country, made arrangements to import everything in his various lines of business. The agencies held by Mr. Curry include the New Zealand Insurance Company (Fire and Marine), Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Association, Wanganui Chronicle, Herald and Yeoman, Auckland Weekly News, Canterbury Times and Press, the New Zealand Times and Mail (Wellington), and George Bryer, boatman, Waitotara River. Mr. Curry is also contractor for the Upper Waitotara mails, and until recently was secretary to the Waitotara Public Hall Company. The branch at Marohema, or Upper Waitotara, is twenty-eight miles further up the river, communication being by canoe. As an exporter, Mr. Curry deals largely in wool, butter, and fungus. Mr. Curry is a native of Yorkshire, and was educted in Ireland, where he also learned his business with Mr. J. Smallman, of Port Arlington, Queen's County. He left for Wellington per ship “John Gambles” in 1881, and was for several years engaged in mercantile pursuits in the country.

Jago, Joseph, Carpenter and Builder, Kaipo Street, Waitotara. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1872.

Clark, Thomas, Butcher and Baker, Waitotara Butchery, Kaipo Street, Waitotara. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1880.

Cohen, Mrs. M., General Storekeeper, Waitotara. Established 1886.

Train, Frederick, General Storekeeper, Waitotara. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1875 and conducted by present proprietor since 1899.

page 1468

Brewer, William, J.P., Sheepfarmer, “Waihau,” Waitotara. This farm, which is well fenced and well watered by the Waihau Lake, consists of 3000 acres of freehold and leasehold, and carries 6000 sheep, 500 head of cattle, and twenty-five horses. Mr. Brewer was born in 1845 in Birmingham, and came to New Zealand at ten years of age in the ship “Merchantman,” with Governor Browne, his father afterwards holding a position in the Auckland Customs. Joining the Government survey staff for a time, Mr. Brewer came to Waitotara in the early days of settlement and took up land. In 1870 he was married to a daughter of Major Durie, of Wanganui, and has six children. As a member of the Wanganui Cavalry he saw active service under Captain Cameron during the Maori war. He was afterwards, with Mr. Charles Durie, a contractor for meat supplies to the troops. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Waitotara-Whenuakura Road Board, and was a member of the Patea County Council for many years. He has acted as judge for the Hawera Racing Club for a number of years, and is a steward of the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, and a member of the Hawera Hunt and Waverley Tennis clubs.

M. W. Brewer.

M. W. Brewer.

Mackenzie, John, Settler, “Woodlands,” Waitotara. Born in 1828 in Rosshire, Scotland, where he was educated Mr. Mackenzie landed in Victoria in August, 1853, from the ship “Earl of Eglinton,” and for two years engaged in goldmining. He afterwards started a line of 'busses in Melbourne, which he ran for ten years. In 1863 he came to New Zealand, and took part in the famous rush at Gabriel's Gully in Otago. Leaving the diggings he became a coachdriver for Cobb and Co., being six years on the road between Foxton and Wanganui, and three years between Wanganui and New Plymouth. Mr. McKenzie is one of the few surviving drivers of the old school left in New Zealand. Since his retirement to “Woodlands,” where he has 200 acres overlooking Waitotara, he has engaged in local affairs, having been a member of the Waitotara John Mackenzie Road Board, and also of the school committee. Mr. Mackenzie is married, and has three sons and four daughters.

Peat, James, Farmer, “Belmont,” Waitotara. Mr. Peat was born in 1840 in Kincardineshire, Scotland, where his father was a farmer. Educated at the parish school, he went to Aberdeen, and eventually found his way to Auckland in 1860. For some years he worked in the district, and was also on the Otago goldfields. During the Maori war of 1865 Mr. Peat served in the transport corps, under Colonel McDonnell, and had charge of the commissariat on the field. On the conclusion of the war, Mr. Peat turned his attention to farming, going into partnership with his brother David and Mr. Alexander, at Wanganui, and finally taking up his present holding of 620 acres. There is a handsome homestead at “Belmont,” standing in well laid-out grounds. Mr. Peat was a member of the first road board on the West Coast of the North Island, and still sits on the Whenuakura Road Board. In 1871 he married Miss Hughes, and has three children.

Mr. Jas. Peat

Mr. Jas. Peat

Van Ash, William, Farmer, Kapara, Upper Waitotara. Mr. Van Ash was born in Manchester, England, came to the Colony in 1880, and was educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. In April, 1894, after having learned the profession of a farmer in the South Island with his father, he removed to Kapara, a district some thirty miles north of Waitotara by road, and fifty by river. Here he purchased 1886 acres of land, all dense forest. So thoroughly did Mr. Van Ash enter into his work, that within twelve months 1050 acres was felled and burned. To sow this, £600 worth of grass-seed was purchased, and Mr. Van Ash having had considerable experience in sheep-farming, it may be of interest to many to know the kind of grass-seeds used. They include rye, cowgrass, white clover, alsyke, trefoil, hard-fesque, meadow-fesque, meadow foxtail, crested dogs tail, ribgrass, yarrow, cocksfoot, poa pratensis, rape, and mustard.