THE TAUPO DISTRICT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 382, 7 May 1908, Page 4

THE TAUPO DISTRICT.

Mr F. Hadfield, who for a number ofj'ears was managing one of Mr Jupp’s local flax mills, returned from the Taupo district on Thursday, Mr Hadfield was engaged last year by the leading Taupo chief, Te Heu Heu Tukino, to put down three flaxmills and also to instruct the Maoris in the hemp industry. The scene of Mr Hadfield’s operations was at Tokaanu, Pukiti and Waimanu. The locality is 27 miles east of the Main Trunk Tine. The means of access to the mills at present is via the Main Trunk Eine, thence by bullock track. This track is closed from May Ist to November Ist. Auckland can be reached via Lake Taupo, thence from Rotorua by road, and rail from Rotorua to Auckland. Mr Hadfield says there are thousands of acres of flax ready for milling, the only difficulty at present being getting the finished article out. The laud is owned by the natives, and some of the country, Mr Hadfield says, is first-class for agricultural and pastoral purposes. The Maoris, Mr Hadfield informs us, soon became apt pupils and experts at fibre - dressing. The Tougario Fibre Co. has leased about 28,000 acres of flax in the Taupo district which they intend to work as soon as they get an outlet, which is promised by the Taupo Totara Timber Co. This company has the timbercutting rights over an area approximately 20 by 30 miles. Mr Hadfield said the company had commenced constructing the railway into the bush and flax laud. This railway will ultimately connect Tokaanu with the Main Trunk Line, and prove a boon to flaxmillers and others. At present Tokaanu is served by a tedious coach journey from the Main Trunk Eine. Mr Hadfield says Tokaanu is a wonderful place with its hot springs, mountains, and scenery, and is the haunt of tourists from all parts of the world, “ but,” he concluded, “ it’s one of the coming districts in the north.” He said the flax grew in large patches, not as it does in this district, covering one continuous stretch of country. Tokaanu is an ideal spot for fishing and shooting. Mr Hadfield does not know definitely whether he will return to take charge of the mills after the winter.