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.

Motueka — An Archaeological Survey

by Aidan J. Challis.

This volume is the seventh New Zealand Archaeological Association Monograph. Excellent presentation by the publishers (in both hard and soft cover), with high quality maps and drawings by the author support an informative text covering a wide range of archaeological evidence.

The five chapters which discuss: (1) archaeology in general, environment and tradition; (2) settlements and structures; (3) artefacts and chronology; (4) subregional characteristics; and (5) conclusions of the study; form a coherent narrative. Dr Challis is able to demonstrate with clarity the considerable value of archaeological site surveying and surface collecting carried out in a systematic manner under the auspices of the Historic Places Trust.

The subregions of the Motueka area discussed by Dr Challis are Sandy Bay, Kaiteriteri, Riwaka, Motueka, Moutere, Mapua and the Motueka Valley. Within these areas the site types located were fortified pa, middens and ovens, cultivation sites, pits and terraces, burials and stone working areas. Artefacts are discussed under three major categories: ornaments and weapons, food producing equipment, and adzes.

The research done in order to write this book was undertaken while Dr Challis was a teacher at Motueka High School during 1974 and 1975 and a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at Auckland University in 1976. The absence of archaeological excavation in the Motueka district to support the conclusions offered in the book should provide stimulation for further archaeological research.

New Zealand archaeological publications are few in number. The people of the Nelson District and the wider New Zealand public are fortunate to have access to this work by Dr Challis. It will go some way towards fostering an informed attitude to prehistoric studies and this can only enhance the work of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in preserving New Zealand's heritage.