EARLY HISTORY OF OTAKI

Chronicle (Levin), 9 March 1946, Page 2

EARLY HISTORY OF OTAKI

5^ (Continued) (By F. J. Ryder) In checking over my notes I found that I had omitted some of our earliest settlers, among whom were some of my best friends. Five of the earliest settlers were Messrs. Jeff Cootes and family of eleven. I believe Mr. Cootes, now long dead, was Otaki's first constable. Next came the Bevan family, who had a family of seven. Then the Ransneid family, Thomas and Robert living at Manakau, while Jim and Simon lived at Otaki. Next came j Mr. Tommy Roach, who had once had an hotel at Ohau. Following were Mr. Skipworth and family, Mr. James Wallace and family, and Mr. McCullough, the first county clerk; then Mr. John Anderson, tailor, the little Frenchman, Harry Mavis, painter and paperhanger, who was quite an identity. I also omitted to mention Harry and Jeff Eagar. Harry was clerk of the Otaki Old Road Board and Town Board, while Jeff became | blind. A noted character was poor old "Blind Billy," who usually cari ried a whip to keep his tormentors l away. Three -other families I omitted were the Atkins, Staples and Houghtons. Messrs. Atkins and Staples settled at Manakau, and well remembered the opening of the railway line. Another well- ! know-n settler was Mr. Thompson.