Waitara was not Always as Peaceful as it is To-day

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1940, Page 31 (Supplement)

Waitara was not Always as Peaceful as it is To-day

Originally known as Raleigh, the township of Waitara became the focus of interest throughout New Zealand on account of the outbreak of Maori hcstilities in 1860. The war was fought on the question of the right of Ihe pakeha settlers to land at Waitara and the scene of the major operations ranged from Mahoetahi across what are now highly productive farms towards the Waitara River. The first shot in the campaign was fired from a point mid-way along the brick fence that fronts the farm on the main highway known as "Mount Pleasant." Then, as now, the Waitara district supported a considerable Maori population, and the Maoris of that district in the very early days of Taranaki settlement and prior to the first war were successfully developing their lands by European methods. The historical Manukorihi Pa, picturesquely and commandingly situated high above the Waitara River and looking out over the intervening country to Mt. Egmont in the distance, is recognised as one of the oldest Maori pas in northern Taranaki, well and strongly fortified. There is no record in Maori tradition that it was ever taken by any taua or invading party. In the year 1841, when it was surveyed by Mr. Carrington, its earthworks were extensive and its . defences immensely strong. Town Linked by Railway. Dashing a bottle of champagne suspended on a string of blue and white ribbons against the froiit of the engine, Miss Carrington, daughter of the then superintendent of the Taranaki province, declared; "I name this engine the 'Fox'." Thus, on October 14, 1875, was marked the completion of the railway connection between New Plymouth and Waitaia, the first sod of which was tumed in August two years earlier. Everybody at New Plymouth was given a holiday for the occasion. At 9 a.m. an engine decorated with flowers, fronds of nikua palms, tree fern and flags. was connected with three carriages midway between the Huatoki and the New ' Plymouth station. ' The carriages having beeri filled by a select party, the 'train started out, arriving at Waitara 43 minutes later. Before reaching the station the company left the train and proceeded to the platform, opposite which a silk cord was drawn across the line. The engine moved forward, breaking the cord, and the de-puty-superintendent declared the New Plymouth-Waitara railway open for traffic Champagne in abundance was provided and a toast list honoured. The Government had granted pei-mission for free rides on the openir.g day, and the news having been conveyed to the people by placards and the town-crier four trains were run during the day. This important event concluded with a brillianf ball - given by the contractors tMessrs. Brogden and Sons) in the Masonic hall, New Plymouth.-