HUNTERVILLE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1088, 29 March 1911, Page 14

HUNTERVILLE.

CHIEF MAIN TRUNK LINE WOOL CENTRE. Huntervillc, named after the late Mr. Georgo Hunter, of Wellington, is a steadily progressive town on the Main Trunk line, about sixteen miles ab'ovo Mar ton and 129 miles from Wellington. The place was founded out of the bush about ISSB, and was then known by the expressive term of "Mudville."' All towns, however, go through this stage, and it is difficult to understand why Huntervillc received the doubtful honour of this spccial designation, unless it was perhaps that the mud was thicker there than anywhere else. In several ways it has been customary for some individuals to refer to Huntervillc as a slow town with no future, but the reverse is the ease. Of course, the-town and district have no boom. It experienced and survived that stage when the co-operative army was marching with spades and shovels up the Main Trunk, and also for a period when the town was a railway terminus. In those days the hopeless methods by which the.lino was being pushed oil never led anyone to the material belief that there" would ever be a Main Trunk line this side pf the year 2000, consequently the line was called the "Hunterville Branch Railway."

Evidences of Solid Prosperity. The district is large with fine fertile lands, and a very prosperous community. Its wool export, 5359 bales, wasthe largest of any town 011 the Main Trunk line for tho year ended March 31, 1910, and it also railed away more sheep than any other district 011 the line between Feilding and Hamilton, tho number being 74,781. At 0110 time Hunterville was the biggest stock sale centre 011 the line, but this position, is now held by Taihape, which holds bigger sheep sales than any other town between Feilding and Auckland. Tile growing importance of Hunterville has been indeed recognised by the New Zealand Railway Department, which lias noiv given orders that on and after April 3 the Main Trunk express will include, the town as a stopping place for passengers to and from Auckland and Taumarunui and their intermediate districts, to and from, Wellington and from, but not to, Palmerston North. Although tho Hunterville people are very glad to receivo the Railway Department's belated recognition (it was promised about a year ago when the Department ran short of Water, and had to got -a supply from Hunterville) they fail to understand the alleged Chinese method of the railway genius who drew up tho schedule, and more is likely to bo heard of this question. The main point, however, is that Hunterville has at last received its due and verv proper recognition as an important railway station centre, and "top sides" with Mangaweka and Taihape. Early Days. The early days of Hunterville were very much like the early days of any other bush town. It was mostly mud aud sandflies, and mosquitoes and calico tents: The first settlers were the sons of Mr. R. K. Simpson, himself a noble old pioneer, and then followed Mr. Dalziell, who built tho Argyll Hotel, J. Chubbin, J. and A. Duncan, T. Holder,, ajjd Mr. Aldworth, the manager of the Silvcrhope Estate. The first building was a small store, which was occupied by Stewart and Baskin, partlv on the present Bank of New Zealand'premises. Then there was a butcher's shop just opposite where Marshall's is now, and owned by Mr. Charles Dudding. Two stores were planted by Watt and Jones, where Ellis Bros.' fine business buildings now stand, and another was opened in calico by John Smith and Son. , A blacksmith's shop was opened by Mr. J. Porson, now a hotel-keeper at Palmerston North, while another butcher's shop was put up by Robb and Johnson. These happenings would bo about 1883 or 1884. Of tho two hotels, one was erected by Mr. Dalziell and the other by Hammond Bros. Bush extended all along tho road to Silverhope, one side being felled, and farmers had begun to tako up their sections.- There were two sawmills at Rata, and northwards was the great bush forest through which Rockcfort was then making his survey for the Main Trunk line.

In 1806 tho population was 546.- The town_ was constituted a Town BoardDistrict in 1905; and its population is now-between 700 and' 800.' Tho town has a water and drainage instillation which cost between £7000 and £8000, and an acetylene gas-lighting plant which cost £1000. The town has an excellent water supnly, which is of great service to tho Railway Department. A Fins Class of Sattlors. The prosperity of Huntervillo lies in tho fact that tho country possesses some fino arterial roads, settled with an admirable farming class. Of these roads, the principal are from Otiri to Pohonui, 25 miles, to tho Sandon .Block 15 and 20 miles, and up I'ahikikura near Rewa. These districts provide sonic tine sheep country. Dairying is progressing with the gradual cutting tip of the land, and the place has two creameries close to the town. Had I-lunterville look<sd at the matter, as it is looking at it now, it would liavo had tho factory (now at Rata) instead of tho creameries. The total rates of the town last year amounted to £916 15s. 9d.. The Town Board comprises the chairman, Mr. W. Meldrum, and Commissioners R. B. Cole, S. A. Mair,A Brooker, T. G. Taylor, F. C. Berry' , and W. R. Lyall. Mr. F. Marshall is clerk.

ELLIS BROS, The wants of the town district aro well caterer! for by Messrs. Ellis Bros,, who run one of the biggest general ittores outside ot tho metropolitan areas, The business premises occupy a commanding street corner position in the town, and tho very excellent manner in which tho stock is displayed inside the spacious storo should leave nothing to bo desired on the part of intending purchasers, The hrm operates on large stocks of drapery, millinery, grocery ironmongery, boms and shoes, and general goods. Jn fact, the place is a universal provider, with prices right down to city prices.

One of the most notable businesses in Mat-toil is that ot Alessra. J. Harris ami Sous, land and estate agents, Alartou and Jfarton Junction. Tills iirm has been in business in tno town lor lully :sl yearmi fitly winch time tliey Have estabushei! one of tlie widest and most influential connections in Ae\v Zealand. A leatnro of their business is the distribution of tneir Excelsior .Laud Uuide, which has now a monthly circulation of 2UOU copies The contents of the guide a re most comprehensive, and well worth a peru-al Inlanders, professional, or business men. Particulars will be lound of descriptions of all classes of property, freehold, or leasehold, businesses, partnerships, of exchanges, and the gnirle may be found on all the principal railway stations of the North and South Islands, .All properties are classified, and every attention is given to inquiries.