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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 61

Patea

page 21

Patea.

The most southern town of the Province. Patea, after three separate times changing its locality, has at last taken root on an elevated flat, commencing about a quarter of a mile from the bridge that crosses the Patea river. From this position, the dull monotony of the continuous plain is somewhat broken, by the ubiquitous Egmont, the cone of which is in a direct line, about forty or fifty miles distant. The Town itself bears evidence of considerable constructive talent in the first projectors, as there are, in the well formed streets, many neat and respectable buildings. Almost every ordinary trade has its representative; whilst Places of Worship, Public Hall, ample Hotel accommodation, with Government Buildings, Railway Station, Telegraph Office, attract the eye of the stranger.

The river Patea adds greatly to the importance of the town. The Shipping Wharves, 1000 feet in length, are in the hands of the Railway department. Patea is a port of entry, being worked in connection with the goods department of the railway.

Patea, the county town, is the meeting place of the various boards, Saturday being considered as the market day. The Patea river is a compact and steady 5flowing stream, branching at about thirty miles from its embouchure, one branch originating in Mount Egmont; the other, and reputedly the wider, rising from the interior. The river, with the exception of occasional shallows, will comfortably carry canoes for thirty miles. The tide flows upwards, for a distance of fifteen miles, and ordinary rowing boats, and punts for snagging, can with care, be taken twelve miles to the first shallows.

In July, 1877, a Harbour Board was formed, and proposals made for river improvements. The tortuous state of the channel at the entrance of the river, rendered the navigation, even for small craft, a matter of difficulty, and shipping casualties were far from in- page 22 frequent, The construction of a training wall, commencing within the eastern head of the river, and extending 1,200 feet seaward, fixed the channel, and by narrowing the entrance, increased the tidal scour, and depth of water over the bar. The Harbour Board spent £2000 on new wharves, erected a light house and continued the work of snagging, as required.

In connection with other parts of the Province. Patea will eventually take its position as a manufacturing centre. The abundance of excellent brick making material, will always be a source of wealth; and until lately, meat preserving formed an industry of importance, but, unhappily, the buildings and appliances have recently been destroyed by fire.

The chief exports are, wool, tallow, and hides, with some grain. Root crops thrive and fruit is plentiful, and will, ultimately, form a marketable commodity Grazing is the chief pursuit of the district; the abut, dance of grass-yielding lands, coupled with yet us developed industries, offers a bright future for this pa: of the country.