Raetihi's first settlers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 238, 5 April 1988, Page 8

Raetihi's first settlers

by

Dennis

Beytagh

At this distance, some 80 years later, there is probably no better or reliable way of recapturing the pioneer spirit and early history of the Waimarino than glancing back at the newspapers of the time. In future editions of the Bulletin we will bring you an interest-

ing selection of topical reports and news items of daily events which shaped the lives of the early settlers as recorded in the local press at the tum of the century. Here is the first in the series: Raetihi's Early Settlers "It is less than 20 years ago since the area on which Raetihi now stands consisted of

dense country untouched by axe and saw, unroaded and uninhabited by Europeans. Some 18 years back the Main Trunk route was in course of survey through the Waimarino, the surveyor in charge being Mr Rochfort, since deceased, and a large carnp was fixed on the present site of Ohakune. A year or so later several areas of Raetihi were thrown open and among the pioneers were Messrs P.G. Smith, P. Brass, Alloway, Prentice, Coote, Woolmer, McLaren, Cowie, Ashwell, Voelkering and Myers, the last-named taking up land at Orautoha. An area of about 300 acres had been laid off for the township site and a sale of town sections took place in February 1892. The first residents were Messrs A.S. Bennett and John Punch who erected a sawmill near the centre of the

future town and part of the dwelling occupied by Mr Punch and his family may yet be seen at the rear of the Wanganui Supply Co's store in Seddon Street. Others who settled in

the new township within a short time afterwards and who also may be termed its founders were: Mr G.E. Pike, who had a butchery business; Messrs Merson, Wyche, Manson, J. Fletcher and Mrs C. Punch all of whom set up in various businesses. At those times all stores, mails etc had to

come up the river via Pipiriki and cartage - especially in winter - at times went up to enormous prices which, of course, made living expensive. It is also stated that the nearest telegraph office was 60 miles distant - almost down to Wanganui. In fact, all the early settlers had to facc the

trials which their isolated positions beset them. Facilities however, such as postal, telegraph and roading, came with progress of the infant town there being then, as now, no lack of progressive members of the community." Waimarino Gounty Call, January 6, 1908