ALL ABOUT WAIUKU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 207, 26 June 1914, Page 1

ALL ABOUT WAIUKU

An Historical Review Past, Present and Future In recent issues the Waiuku " Advocate", iu a review of its town and district, says:— There is considerable subject of interest dealing with the early days of settlement and leading up to"the present period in regard to Waiuku and district, and the ap pended remarks may do little more than touch the fringe of it; but the series of articles we intend to publish from time to time will be of a comprehensive nature, and will supply the various connecting links in as clear and concise a form as they are obtainable. The Waiuku district is now ■< thriving and populous farming area. On every hand are signs of tremendous agricultural resources and possibilities. The landscape presents a beautiful and impressive picture. Magnificent dairying and farming country is met with all around. Sleek and wellbred stock are grazing in the meadows and oji the hillsides in great contentment; for the farmer hereabouts knows how to carry on his business, and the result is a plentiful supply <>f luxuriant, herbage. Looking towards the Aka Aka plains brings a splendid agricultural panorama into prominence, but the delightful and impressive picture is not confined to this alone —other localities claim assets just as valuable. From every vantage point smiling and numerous homesteads are seen dotted over the verdant pasture lands. But settlement is yd far from its zenith, for many of these holdings are capable of far more intense farming than at present carried on, and instead of accommodating one family will, in the not distant future, provide ample employment for several families. To the pioneer settlers, a number of whom are still amongst us, the present development must show a striking contrast in comparison with the scene that was before them in the locality a few decades ago. It is these hardy toilers of the early days whom we rely on for information regardiug Waiuku's early history, and we have to express our appreciation of their kindness in assisting to procure the subject matter for nublication. PIONEER SETTLERS The pioneer settlers found Waiuku, in common with other localities, all bush and scrub country. Names given to us as some of the earliest are lid. Constable, W. Girlie, R. Grade, John lluli, Caleb Hosking, and the Barriball family ; others mentioned as arriving later are A. May, Oregunui, Jiishoff, Philip King, and-John McNaughten. Quite a number of these early pioneers have been laid to rest, but for the most part their families still remain in the district. In a subsequent issue we shall have an article m reference to these early settlers with lullcr information. SOME WAR ECHOES. As soon as war broke out there was a hurried mustering of settlers, who were located in a stockade where 1 the Courthouse now stand*. Captain Lloyd was in charge of the band of defenders, but there was practically no fighting in the immediate district. One native was killed near Ilosking's farm. After the war a corps of volunteer cavalry was formed, being one of the earliest to be established in the country. Its title was the Waiuku Royal Cavalry Volunteer Corps, and the officers were Captain Harris, Lieuts. K. Hamlin and Mellsop. This company was one of the finest bodies of men in the country, and iu military sports competitions at Auckland achieved some notable successes. I'URA PUBA. The old township al Pura Pura lOlaua). which is said to be laid off iu about 000 sections, was entirely doomed when (lie river traffic cca>ed consequent on the opening ~f the (Jicat South Road. sections were eagerly bought under the impression that a town would spring inl " existence thereabouts, lull the speculators have failed (o find their hopes realised. Apari from the old hotel where I he Kentish Hotel now stands, and a general store opposite the present bank, there were few buildings about Waiuku al Unit time. Another hotel was started along Rowen Street, called The Rising Sun. but this did not last long after the military forces left the district. .Meanwhile (he settlers proceeded w i(]i the cultivation of their lands, and bacon, fruit, etc.. «;i- sent away In markets. As indicative ol iheii enterprise, as far back as the sixtie-, an agricultural show was held, al w Inch llicre was a good display of IriiiK etc. A mail service, wceklv. \ ia Drury, and later twice a week, w.i- carried by Jack Kavanagh. on horseback. The opening l; | | he Main Ti link railwa\ line was followed by a Waiuku coach service to I'ukekohe, and I he mails were aflei waul- hi ought out in Ihis liiallliel . OLD TIME TRAFFIC. I'mml |<i Ihc opening ol I he I'llkc | i,||, mail ovei i lie Waiuku creek all inland iiallir H ''(l lo pa- ovei (he foil mad neai the ceiiieti ry.

! The old hotel, owned and occupied I by the late Mr. I). Campbell, still 'stands on the corner of the Olaua j road, but was found to be quite misplaced when traffic was diverted lo the lower end of the township. ' to whore the saleyards were also removed. Mr. Campbell then arranged to take over the late E. Constable's hotel, near the wharf, and the other license was allowed to lapse. THE FORT OF WAIUKF.

In the early days of settlement of the country south of Auckland the port of Waiuku was a most important means of communication between Auckland and the Waikafo. If was largely availed of by the Waikato natives to carry their produce to Auckland, which was brought across overland from Awaroa creek (along the route of the proposed canal). The settlers throughout the district and around Pukekohe were also dependent on Waiuku port to supply their requirements and enable them to get produce to a market. The cutters then employed carried on what Mas considered'a big trade between Waiuku and Onehunga. Rut when the time taken, sometimes three days, is contrasted with the time now occupied of a few hours, the improvement in shipping is verv evident. The chief local industry at that time was flax-mill-ing, and the number* of flaxmills around provided work for settlers, the wages thus obtained enabling them to develop their farm lauds. When the war occurred, however, in 180:5, and the Great South Road was opened for traffic, this stopped a lot of business from the Waiuku shipping. The advent of war naturally cut off the maize, flour, kumeras, and pofatoe exports through Waiuku, and this traffic did not reach its former dimensions until many years later. A BRIDGE RENEWED. Amongst the recent improvements at Waiuku was the erection of a large concrete culvert to replace the much-condemned old post office bridge. The bridge was built about 1870, by Messrs. Cordon and Blake, and it speaks highly for our New Zealand timbers, in view of the heavy traffic that passed over the structure, that it stood so long. During the past few years the appearance of this bridge was certainly no asset to the township, and some people regarded it as really dangerous; but when dismantled many of the original piles were found to be in a good state of preservation. Some of the kauri timber, even after 44 years of exposure, was in splendid condition. Owing to the large stock tiatlic to and from the saleyards it was deemed advisable some years ago to add a footbridge, a feature which was much appreciated. The old bridge, however, has now given way to the march of modern science, and a ferro-concrete culvert erected by -the Public Works Department now bridges the tidal waterway ami provides a good crossing for traffic. There is need, however, for a bit of fiiii-li-ing-off work to be done, and the crossing could, with advantage, be extended a few feet wider. At the present time it is unfenced. and the filling has cut up somewhat by reason of bad weather. The experience of pedestrians who have to pass over is somewhat unenviable at present, as (he depth and sticky qualities of the mud are somewhat remarkable. The recent removal of the post office business has, fortunately, relieved a number of people of the necessity for frequent use of this bog as a footway. WHEN THE RAILWAY COMES Unlike those districts touched by the railway Waiuku had nothing to give a spur to progress, its only asset for transit facilities being the tidal creek—when all conditions were favourable. Jt has, therefore, grown but slowly, being entirely dependent upon its own resources, but is nevertheless a sound and prosperous district, and will doubtless spurt along when ils branch railway is available. Till: WAIFKF RAILWAY. For a good many years past the Waiuku district has felt somewhat handicapped by reason of its geographical situation, and there has been an almost continuous agitation for an improved means of communication with it- provincial capital. Auckland. As far back as 1880 a proposed branch railway, Pukekohe to Waiuku. was recommended by a Railway Commission as one of the branch lines thai should be constructed as soon as funds were available. Three vears later, as the result of the activity of Major Hamlin, then district member of Parliament, a trial survev was taken, and an estimate given H't out Hie cost al fc'oO.OOO. Despite. nian\ efforts to bring about something substantial, and notwithstanding promises made by various Ooverinnelits and Cabinet Ministers in the interim, nothing further was realh accomplished until (he yeai P»|'J, when the line was included iu Hie Railways Authorisation Bill, and a new siirve\ 1,, ascertain the bes| mule was the mil,•nine. Mil ihe Public Work-K-limale- fin Pip! a vote ol L'IU.IHM) appealed lo provide |oi prelimiuai,\ con-li ltd ion work. ,\ very impoi hint and iinfewm ih\ happening took pi.ice nil f'cblllal V ■JDtli. PUT when the district Par-

liamentarv member and Prime Minister (Right lion. W. F. Masse.V) turned the Hist sod of the proposed line at Ilosking's farm, neai Waiuku. Since then construction work ha- been actually commenced, a number of men now being employed. It is also expected that various contracts for the completion of sections of the hue will shortly be proceeded with. THE PRESENT WAIUKF.

In the vicinity of Waiuku's wharf. has grow n a bright market town for the convenience and trade of the settlers around. It has never boomed or outgrown itseli. and met with reverses such as many districts have experienced, but has shown a continuous steady growth throughout. Practically all the old building- i with about one exception. Mr. Blight's old place opposite the present Rank) have given place lo modern and improved buildings. The Kentish Hotel stands on the site occupied by the hotel in the early days, but replaced the former building many years ago. The district's great need has undoubtedly been for improved shipping facilities or the advent of a branch railway. Roth now seeiL' likely of realisation. The railway has been started, whilst the Commission to inquire into the question of connecting the Waikalo River with Manukau Harbour through Waiuku has commenced its preliminary inquiries. The advantages of constructing a lock at The Needles to make the Wauku creek navigable at all times have long been advocated, but the practical realisation of this scheme is still a matter for the future to determine. If this were made a national work, in connection with the canal scheme generally, all would be well.

Despite the handicap above mentioned in reference to the means of communication with its provincial capital Waiuku has continued to forge ahead. The town now has numerous up-to-date business firms, comprising grocers, general stores, drapers, bootmakers, coach factories, bakers and confectioners, chemist, hairdresser, solicitors, and all the usual businesses that denote a thriving township. A new' Courthouse was built not long ago. an up-to-date Post Office has just been completed, and a splendid building was recently finished for the National Rank of New Zealand. [Continued on Page 1.