Early Tide to Wakapuaka

By P. V. and N. L. Wastney.

This publication is particularly welcome as it is the first devoted entirely to the early history of European settlement in Wakapuaka.

Edmund Wastney came to Nelson with Captain Arthur Wakefield in 1841, and a few months later his wife, Lucy, arrived on the Lloyds. There have always been many of their descendants in Wakapuaka and it is appropriate that a husband and wife team with their name should have written this account of early days.

In a foreword Mr J. N. W. Newport explains that much background material was available from the Lyall Hodgson papers and that publication of the book was assisted by a legacy from Mr Hodgson.

The new arrivals in Wakapuaka appreciated the kindly climate and fine outlook of their new home but they had many hardships to face. There were problems of acquisition and development of the land. They faced strenuous physical tasks to provide homes, communication and essential commodities. Sawyers, carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths, flaxdressers, ropemakers and others could make use of their special skills, but some, unused to hard manual labour, faced such unfamiliar work as clearing land and fencing, with determination and persistence. How they did these tasks is told with vivid detail so that their personal hardships and progress are clearly realised.

Of special interest is the account of the progress made over many years in draining the Great Swamp, originally a wilderness of flax and rushes often covered with water. Some never recovered the cost, but future generations now own prosperous dairy farms in this area.

Flax dressing and rope making were carried on in several localities. The industry did not flourish for long but a race made by James Mackay to supply water for a flax dressing plant was used to provide water for several homes until recently.

A full account is given of the confrontation in Happy Valley with chief Paremata, and its satisfactory outcome. A happy contrast in relationships is the story of Hemi Matenga and his wife, the heroic Huria.

At the local Inn a room was made available by the landlord for public meetings: to elect representatives to the Provincial Council, page 18to decide on schools for the growing population and other district affairs. When three schools were built each became a centre for social life.

The book is amply supplied with varied photographs and two maps, one, showing the first sections allotted, being of special interest when used in connection with the text.

The history ends with the 19th century, when pioneering days were past.