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Cyclopedia of New Zealand - Otaki section

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OTAKI - Pages 1089-1101

Left: Page 1089 (misnumbered).

Right: Page 1090 shows Railway Traffic Bridge, Otaki and Rangiuru-by-the-Sea.

OTAKI, the largest township since setting out from the Capital, is well situated, and near the sea coast, and although under Maori rule, as it were, is yet destined to become an important town, for, apart from the fact that the town and district have many elements of prosperity, there is every reason for believing that Otaki will become a resort for invalids, globe-trotters, and people seeking relaxation from the cares of city life. Down by the seaside, which is distant from the town some two miles, extensive premises have been erected for the use of those seeking retirement, and yet, large as is this building at Rangiuru-by-the-Sea, it is found to be quite inadequate.

The hotels of Otaki are capitally conducted, the table d'hote being really refreshing, and landlords spare neither pains nor expense in providing for the comforts and convenience of the visitors. The streets of Otaki are clean, but not straight. Otaki town is situate in the Otaki Riding of the Horowhenua County, in the Provincial District of Wellington. It has a population of 836, is forty-five feet above sea level, and forty-seven miles north of the Capital. Mails for Otaki close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m. and 12.45 p.m., arriving at Otaki at 9.40 a.m. and 5.10 p.m.

Mails close daily at Otaki at 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 and 10.5 p.m.

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RANGIURU-BY-THE-SEA - a watering-place situated at the mouth of the Otaki River- promises to become a seaside resort of permanent importance. Founded only in 1895, it has progressed rapidly, and already possesses some good buildings, while others are in progress.

Among its attractions may be mentioned its splendid beach extending for miles, its fresh and salt water bathing, and its fishing and boating, whilst the good roads in the district give every opportunity for riding, driving and cycling. Rangiuru House is a most comfortably appointed and well conducted establishment, where seaside visitors will find all they need. The site of the township is fraught with interesting Maori traditions, and was for generations occupied by native tribes.

The views on all sides are varied, extensive, and beautiful, and comprise the green flats, the high central ranges, snow-clad in winter, the ever-varying sea, with Kapiti, a prominent feature, in the foreground, and the South Island in the distance. The sunsets are frequently very beautiful. In very clear weather, there may be observed the Kaikoura Mountains in the south, the cone of Egmont apparently in the middle of the ocean, and the great Ruapehu to the north. The climate is particularly genial, and the air most pure and salubrious.

Mr. Henry Augustus Field, member of the House of Representatives for the electoral district of Otaki, is the eldest son of Mr. H. C. Field, well-known in Wanganui, and was born in that district in 1852. He entered the Government service as a cadet in 1868, and qualified as a surveyor in 1872. With his cousin, Mr. D. H. Monro, of Christchurch, Mr. Field undertook, on behalf of the Government, the survey of the Upper Wanganui and Taupo districts, and it was while engaged on this and more recent surveys that he gained the extensive experience which rendered him so valuable a witness before the Main Trunk Railway Commission. Further reference to Mr. Field, who is a staunch supporter of the Seddon Government, will be found on page 1085 of this volume, and his picture appears on page 1101.

Mr. James Glenny Wilson, who continuously held a seat in the House of Representatives from 1881 to 1896, is a Scotchman by birth, having been born at Hawick, in 1849. He was educated at Bruce Castle, Tottenham, and at the London and Edinburgh Universities. In 1870 Mr. Wilson came out to Victoria, and four years later crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, settling down to the life of a sheepfarmer in the Rangitikei district.

From the first he took an interest in politics, and as early as 1881, entered the political arena as a candidate for the Foxton seat in the House of Representatives. On this occasion he had five opponents, viz :-Dr. (now Sir Walter) Buller, Dr. Newman, and Messrs. Izard, G. R. Russell, and France, but notwithstanding this he was returned at the head of the poll. He represented this electorate until 1890 and at the General Elections of that year, he was elected to represent Palmerston North. In 1893 he stood for Otaki against Mr. Donald Fraser, whom he defeated by 199 votes.

At the time of writing (Nov. 1896), Mr. Wilson has intimated his intention of retiring from political life. Mr. Wilson was popular on all sides of the House and was a member of the present Opposition. The N.Z. Mail (Christmas Number, 1896), speaking about Mr. Wilson, says “As a sportsman he is very popular, and has done much to assist in popularising polo in the Rangitikei. A good settler in every way, he has taken a special interest in matters affecting the agricultural and pastoral industries, and has from time to time contributed valuable articles on the choice of grasses, insect pests, etc., to the papers in his district.

His wife, who shares his popularity throughout the Rangitikei, is possessed of great literary culture. Her poems written under the nom de plume of " Austral," have been accorded high praise by the Spectator, Saturday Review, - and other literary journals of established authority ; and she has also written a novel, which has been most favourably noticed by the English papers.

The Otaki Road Board consists of seven wardens, and controls the district from the Waiatawa to the Waikanae River. There are about twenty miles of formed roads. A rate of three-fourths of a penny in the pound is levied on rateable property to the value of £204,000. The members of the board for 1896 are : Messrs. S.W. Swainson (chairman), W. Tompsitt, J. J. Booth, J. Death, H. Freeman, T. Smith, A. Drake.

Mr Henry Francis Eager, Clerk of the Otaki and Te Horo Road Boards. Mr. Eagar, who is a son of the late Mr. Richard Eagar, was born in Sydney, New South Wales in 1837, and was educated at Bradley's School, Parramatta, after which he entered into a clerkship with Messrs. Baumes and Keele, with whom he remained for nearly four years. Coming to New Zealand in 1842, he stayed a short time in Wellington, when he returned to Sydney and back again to Wellington in 1854. Mr. Eager was storekeeping from 1854 to 1862. He then tried his luck on the Oamaru diggings, and was fairly successful. He may well be considered the veritable ' Pooh-bah " of Otaki, holding the clerkships of the Otaki Road Board (for the last ten years) and the Te Horo Road Board, the secretaryship of the Otaki Maori Racing Club, and of the Otaki Library, as well as the agency for several companies, including the Northern Insurance Company. He was previously secretary to the I. O.O.F. for seven years, and now holds the office of V.G.

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Otaki Public Library, which was founded about 1872, contains 1300 or 1400 volumes of selected works. It is managed by a committee of seven, of whom two are ladies, Mr. D. M. Yeats being the chairman.

The Horowhenua County Council held its first meeting on the 24th of January, 1885. The county is divided into four ridings -Tokomaru, Wirokino, Otaki, Te Horo - which in turn contain the Otaki, Te Horo, and Wirokino Road Board districts. The given rateable value of the county, including all Native and Crown lands, is £1,059,586, on which general rates are levied up to three-farthings in the £. Some fifty miles of main roads have been formed and metalled within the district. Loans to the amount of £18,747 have been obtained under the Local Bodies Loans Acts, and a further loan of £2000 has been obtained for completing the main road and erection of a bridge over the Tokomaru stream. The townships of Otaki, Manakau, Ohau, Levin, Shannon, and Tokomaru are within the county boundaries. The offices of the County Council have hitherto been located at Otaki ; recently, however, an agitation has been set on foot to remove the headquarters to the township of Levin. The councillors for 1896 are: Messrs. J. Kebbell (chairman), G. H. Engels, F. W. Venn, J. Hurley, W. Tompsitt, T. Smith, J. Davies, H. J. Richards, and S. M. Sly; Mr. J. McCulloch being county clerk. A general election takes place for the County Council before the close of 1896.

Councillor Gerhard Hendrik Engels, Chairman of the Horowhenua County Council, in which body he represents the Riding of Tokomaru, where his principal property, the Mangore estate, adjoining the township of Shannon, is situated, was the pioneer settler of the Fitzherbert district, and represented that locality on the Manawatu Road Board, and the Oroua County Council previous to 1885. Mr. Engels was born in Holland in 1842, arriving in New Zealand per ship “ Ravenscreig," in 1864, landing in Nelson about the end of that year. He had a short experience at goldmining in Hokitika, and saw some military service during the Taranaki troubles, before he came to Manawatu in November, 1866. He was the first to take up land in Fitzherbert, where he still resides at " Kahuterewa," named after the stream running through the property. Mr. Engels was elected Chairman of the Council in November, 1896.

Mr. John McCulloch, County Clerk, Returning Officer and Rate Collector, has for nearly ten years filled these responsible offices. Born in Larne, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1835, Mr. McCulloch came to New Zealand in 1856 after having had some years experience of a seafaring life. Spending a short time in Napier, he was appointed clerk of the Manawatu County, and resided in Foxton for nine years, receiving his present appointment in 1887. In 1873 Mr. McCulloch was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Crowther, of Wainui-o-mata.

Otaki Post Office, a wooden building, containing public lobby, post and telegraph office, and postmaster's residence, is situated on the road leading from the township to the Otaki Beach. It is over twenty-five years since a post-office was first established in Otaki. The office is connected by telephone with Manakau, Ohau, Levin, and Shannon, and two mails daily are received and despatched north and south. There is a postal delivery by letter carrier daily, receiving boxes being fixed at Mr. Dunn's chemist shop, on River Bank Road, and at the railway station.

Mr. Alfred Clark, the Postmaster, has been in charge of the district since May, 1894. Born in Surrey, England, in 1851, Mr. Clark came to the Colony by the ship “Mystery" eight years later, receiving his education in New Zealand. Joining the post-office at Kaiapoi in 1871, as messenger, he has seen service in Wellington, Napier, Taupo, Waiuku, and at other places in the North Island, and at Rakaia in Canterbury. Mr. Clark was married in 1875 to a daughter of Mr. W. H. Bernard, of Carterton, and has four sons and two daughters.

Otaki Railway Station, on the Wellington Manawatu Company's line, is forty-seven miles from the Empire City, thirty-eight miles from Longburn, and forty-three miles from Palmerston North. The buildings, which are of wood, include stationmaster's and booking office, refreshment-room, ladies' waiting-room and ticket lobby: there is also a goods shed and engine house, the residence of the officer in charge being situated conveniently near. Ten minutes are allowed passengers at Otaki to partake of refreshments.

Mr. Mark Henry Ayre, the Stationmaster at Otaki, was born in 1857 in Tasmania, and came to New Zealand per ship “Titania" at the age of six years. He was educated at Tokomairo (Milton) Grammar School, and on completion of his educational career entered the service of a local auctioneering firm, with whom he remained for seven years, gaining much valuable mercantile experience. Subsequently Mr. Ayre was accountant to Messrs. McKenzie and Co., of Balclutha, whom he left to join the Railway Department of the General Government.

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As assistant stationmaster he was at Wyndham, and afterwards at Burnside in Otago. Under the Waimea Plains Railway Company Mr. Ayre was agent at Lumsden, and when the Colony acquired the Company's line he was transferred to Christchurch as clerk in the Goods Department. 1886 he removed to Wellington and was appointed to the position he now holds. Mr. Ayre is one of the oldest officers now in the employ of the Company. As a member of the Oddfellows' Society he is attached to the Otaki Lodge, in which he holds office as N.G,and has passed through all the chairs. He has long taken an interest in sporting matters, and has been fortunate as a winner of prizes. In athletics Mr. Ayre still delights, and fills the position of handicapper to the Shannon, Levin, and Otaki Athletic Clubs. He was married in 1888 to a daughter of the late Mr. Donnelly, of Christchurch, and has three sons and a daughter.

Otaki Public School-a convenient wooden building- is situated in Mill Road. The old schoolhouse was destroyed by fire in 1894, the present building, which contains three rooms and has seating accommodation for 200 children, being erected soon afterwards. The Otaki School was established in 1878, the headmaster's residence being erected in Post-office Road four years later. There are 115 pupils on the school roll, the average attendance being under 100. One certificated and one pupil teacher find employment in addition to the headmaster.

Mr. Duncan Mearns Yeats, who is in charge of the Otaki Public School, was born in 1848 in Aberdeen, and was educated at the Grammar School and the University in that place. Coming out to Melbourne in 1871, Mr. Yeats took up the profession of teaching. Six years later he crossed over to New Zealand, and after about three years in a private school he secured employment in the public schools of the Colony. Mr. Yeats was successively at Kilinchy and Makikihi, in Canterbury, and at Tinui and Pahiatua, in the Wellington district, before being appointed to Otaki in January, 1890.

Native College (Mrs. Frances Emma Jennings, principal), Otaki. This institution was established in the early days, shortly after the fine church was erected. It is endowed by a grant of 600 acres of fertile land, close to the township. The building contains eleven fine apartments, in addition to a very large schoolroom. As many as one hundred boarders have been accommodated in past years. At the time of writing (July, 1896) there are forty pupils on the roll, the average attendance being twenty-eight. The principal, Mrs. Jennings, is unassisted. The college is inspected periodically by the Native School Inspector.

The Church of England in Otaki was founded as a mission to the Maoris under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society of London in 1839 by the late Rev. Henry Williams, afterwards Archdeacon of Waimate.It isnow nearly fifty years since the interesting old church, one of the sights of Otaki, was erected. At that time there were no roads and no means of transit other than that available by Maori labour. The roof of the building is supported by three solid totara trunks each about two feet thick and forty or fifty feet in height. It is a mystery how the natives succeeded in bringing these a distance of some twelve miles to the site of the building, and more wonderful still to imagine how they were placed in position. The walls of the Church are adorned with native mats alternating with fine stained slabs, each about thirty feet by three feet. The communion rail is beautifully carved by the Maoris, and presents a handsome appearance.

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There are six latticed windows on two sides and four at one end of the building. The Church is partially seated, so as to be available for European services. As many as 1000 natives have frequently been accommodated within the building. Adjoining the Church is the Mission House, occupied by the clergyman who has charge of the district. The land connected with the Church is about eight acres in extent. Adjoining this there is a fine block of 600 acres set apart for Maori educational work, on which a native college has been conducted for many years.

Rev.James McWilliam, the Clergyman in charge of the Maori Mission under the Church Missionary Society of England, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1842. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Agra” in 1853, Mr. McWilliam received instructions from Bishop Abraham, the first Bishop of Wellington, by whom he was ordained as deacon in 1867. Four years later the reverend gentleman was ordained priest by the now venerable Bishop Hadfield, whom he succeeded in the charge of the Maori Mission at Otaki. For some years before this Mr. McWilliam occupied the position of schoolmaster at the Native College, assisting meanwhile in the conduct of the Maori and European services in connection with the church. Mr. McWilliam was married in 1873 to Miss Emily Nevill, and has four surviving children-one son and three daughters.

Roman Catholic Presbytery, Otaki. This Church was opened as a Maori mission in 1844 by Father Comte, who still lives at the ripe age of eighty-five. At present Father Melu is in charge, and is assisted by Father De Lach. In connection with the Church there are a convent and school, where standards from I. to VII. are taught, as well as needlework, music and painting.In 1894 the jubilee of the Church was celebrated, when a large cross and a Maori house, with beautiful carvings, were erected to commemorate the event.

The Rev. Father Francis Joseph Melu, who is in charge of the Roman Catholic Presbytery at Otaki was born in 1855, and came to New Zealand in the beginning of 1884. He spent a short time at Jerusalem, on the Wanganui River, in missionary work among the Maoris, and was also in the Hawkes Bay district in the same cause for a brief period. Towards the end of 1885 he received the appointment at Otaki, which he still holds as above.

Otaki Wesleyan Church is situated on a corner section in River Bank Road. It is a wooden building consisting of church and vestry, the measurement being forty by twenty feet, and the seating accommodation for 120 people. The first services in connection with the Wesleyan Church were commenced by Mr. W. McCulloch - the present circuit steward - in March, 1887, and were held at the residence of the late Mr. F. H. Cockrell. In the following year, a home missionary was appointed to Otaki, but the first quarterly meeting was not held till October, 1889. The church was completed in April, 1891, at a cost, including the land, of £220. At the Conference of 1896, Otaki was constituted the head of a new circuit, to extend from Paraparaumu to Kereru, a distance of some forty miles.

Rev. William Dawson, the Wesleyan Minister in charge of the Otaki circuit, was born in Northumberland, England, and received his primary education in the “Old Land." Arriving in Auckland in 1886 by the ship "Northumberland," Mr. Dawson went through his college course of study in Dunedin, and at the Three Kings College, Auckland. He was accepted as a probationer at the Wesleyan Conference of 1894. During his first year, Mr. Dawson supplied for the Rev. Mr. Rishworth, of Richmond, Nelson, for eight months, and ministered at Feilding during the remainder of the year. In 1895 he was appointed to Inglewood, Taranaki, being transferred to the charge of Otaki circuit, in April, 1896.

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Otaki Maori Corps of the Salvation Army was established in 1891, the barracks being erected two years later. The building, which is situated on Mill Road, measures fifty by twenty feet, and is seated for 150. There are over twenty soldiers and recruits, including Maoris, half-castes and Europeans. The officers in charge are Captain Maggie Wells and Lieutenants Kate Gillies and Hera Stirling.

Otaki Lodge, No. 72, N.Z.C., which was founded in 1891, has a membership of twenty-six. The officers (1896) are:-

Messrs. W. H. Simcox (W.M.), J. W. Swainson (S.W.),C. W. Swabey (J.W.), and A. Clark (secretary).

Lodge Otaki, No. 50, I.O.O F. The members meet every alternate Wednesday. Mr. H. F. Eagar is secretary.

Otaki Lodge of Druids, of which Mr. W. Lee is secretary, holds its meetings every alternate Wednesday.

Otaki Athletic Club, which was founded in 1886, holds its annual meeting on St. Patrick's Day. The sports are well patronised, some 700 paying for admission at the gathering of 1896, when £70 was distributed in prizes. The officers for the year named are: Messrs. W. H. Simcox, J.P. (president), G. McBeath (treasurer), and B. Brown (secretary).

Otaki Maori Racing Club, whose officers for 1896 are:-Messrs. W. H. Simcox (patron), Ropata Te Ao (president), and H.F. Eager (secretary), holds meetings on Queen's and Prince of Wales‘ Birthdays each year, the prize money in the spring and autumn of 1895-6 having been respectively £250 and £450. This Club boasts of having a record as regards the number of nominations for a hack race meeting in New Zealand,which totalled nearly 170. It also claims to have never made a loss at any meeting held. The racecourse was formed at a cost of £250, and £170 has since been spent on the stewards’ stand and grandstand.

The Maori Meeting House_, situated in Mill Road Otaki, which, according to native custom, bears a name – Raukawa -is a large building which displays a good deal of carving. It is used for tribal meetings, for the practice of the local Maori band and for entertaining native visitors, who use the building for sleeping and general purposes.

Otaki Mail (Frederick Unwin, Henry A. Solomon, and Frank Penn, proprietors), Mill Road, Otaki. This journal, which was started about 1892, under the name of the West Coast Mail, was acquired in 1895 by, the present firm, who have changed the name as above. The paper, which is issued on Tuesday and Friday every week, is of four pages of twenty-two inches deep containing each seven columns of thirteen "ems" wide. In politics, the Otaki Mail claims to be independent, local and general news being its special features. It has a considerable circulation in the Horowhenua county and on the West Coast generally, and it is not surprising that it should be well supported as an advertising medium. The proprietors have a first-class jobbing plant, and can undertake general commercial printing. The building occupied, which adjoins the Bank of Australasia, is a single-storey wooden structure.

Otaki Magistrate's Court is a neat wooden building, which serves the purposes of the Native Lands Court, as well as of the civil and police sittings of the local court, under the visiting magistrate, Mr. R. L. Stanford, S.M., of Palmerston North, who holds a court for civil business twice a month. A large staff of Justices, residing within a radius of some nine miles, are available for the sittings of the Police Court, which are held as required.

Mr. Timothy O'Rourke, the Police Constable in charge of the district, also acts as Clerk of the Court, and fills several other official positions. Born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1859, for a time he followed farming pursuits. Coming to Wellington some fifteen years ago, by the s.s. “Ionic" on her first trip to the Colony, Mr. O'Rourke joined the Police Force under Inspector Shearman, and after about seven years service he was appointed to Otaki, where he has remained in charge, with the exception of a short term at Ross, Westland. Mr. O'Rourke is a married man, and has five children.

Kirk, Atkinson and Wilson (Richard Clement Kirk, Edmond Tudor Atkinson and James Wilson), Barristers and Solicitors. Otaki branch, Mill Road, Otaki. Head office, Wellington. Mr. E. T. Atkinson, who resides at Rangiuru-by-the-sea, is the resident partner. Further particulars respecting this firm appear on pages 475-6.

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Mason, James Malcolm, M.D., F.C.S., D.P.H.,( Camb.), Otaki. Born at Arbroath, Scotland, in 1864, Dr. Mason studied at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cambridge, and on the Continent. He practised in Portsmouth, and subsequently for eight years in Northumberland. He studied for the English Bar, and is a member of the honourable Society of Gray's Inn, London. As an author, he wrote "Counsels, Civil and Moral, from My Lord Bacon," “The last of the Delavals" and other works. Coming to the Colony in 1895, Dr. Mason was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1896. In local politics, he occupies a seat on the Otaki Licensing Bench.

Bank of Australasia, corner of Mill and River Bank Roads, Otaki, was opened as an agency in December, 1892, and as a branch in April, 1894. Prior to these dates, since about 1884 there had been a receiving house of the Bank, which was attended weekly. The single storey wooden building now occupied was erected when the agency was opened. A receiving house at Levin is worked from the Otaki branch.

Mr. Edmond T. Costello, Manager of the Otaki Branch of the Bank of Australasia, was born near Belfast, Ireland.Educated at the Royal Academical Institute in Belfast, he came to Wellington per s.s. "Ruapehu " in 1886. He entered the service of the Bank as a junior in Napier soon after landing, and became teller at Palmerston North in 1888, being promoted to the position of agent at Otaki in 1892, and as manager two years later.

PROFESSIONAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL.

Brown,Byron, Auctioneer and Commission Agent, Mill Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Jubilee Road. Mr. Brown established himself in this business in 1893, and is the only resident auctioneer in Otaki. His rooms, which are centrally situated, contain the usual assortment of goods ordinarily seen in auction rooms.

Cook, Samuel, Licensed Native Interpreter, Mill Road, Otaki. Mr. Cook was born in Foxton, where his father, Mr. T. N. Cook, still resides. Educated at Mr. Finnimoor's School in Wellington, and at Foxton under the Rev. Mr. Duncan, the subject of this notice lived for some years at Waotu, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Having diligently studied the Maori language, he passed the prescribed examinations in Wellington, and became enrolled as a licensed native interpreter in November, 1891, when he established himself in business in Otaki. Mr. Cook undertakes commissions for either Europeans or Maoris, and has already carried through many negotiations for the sale and lease of considerable areas of native land. He often has to travel in the interests of his clients, and has visited the Waikato on several occasions.

Knocks, Alfred, Licensed Native Interpreter and Licensed Native Agent, Jubilee Road, Otaki. Mr. Knocks is a son of the late Mr. J. A. Knocks - an old settler who arrived in Port Nicholson, per ship "Minerva," in 1826, soon afterwards settling in Otaki. Born in the district in 1852, the subject of this sketch was educated in Wellington. After many years spent in farming pursuits, in the course of which he was brought into close contact with the Maoris, Mr. Knocks passed the prescribed examinations as a native interpreter, obtaining his licence in 1890, when he established himself in business. Two years later he became a licensed native agent. Mr. Knocks takes a prominent part as an interpreter and native agent in Otaki, acting for Europeans and Maoris. He has already had a great many transactions touching the sale or lease of native lands. His residence on Jubilee Road is picturesquely situated on the borders of a pretty bush, part of which is on the twenty acres Mr. Knocks owns and farms. He has served as a member of the Otaki Road Board for two years, for the latter half of which he occupied the position of chairman.

Carkeek, Morgan, J.P., Authorised Surveyor, Otaki. This gentleman, who is well known throughout New Zealand, was born in 1846 in Nelson, and educated at the local college. He qualified as a surveyor under the Wellington Provincial Government, and has worked for many years as a trigonometrical surveyor in various parts of the Colony. He has also been engaged in the survey of many of the townships in the Provincial District of Wellington.

Bennett, Francis, J.P., Surveyor, Otaki.

Gordon and Sons (John Benjamin Gordon, George Gordon and Thomas Gordon), Carpenters and Builders, River Bank Road, Otaki. Mr.John Gordon, the founder of the firm, has resided in Otaki for over forty years, many of the public and private buildings having been erected by him. Born near Chester, England, he came to Auckland in 1852 per ship “Cashmere," and two years later settled in the district.

Warn, William John, Carpenter, Builder, and Undertaker, Mill Road, Otaki. Established 1889.

Freeman, Herbert, Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, and General Blacksmith, Otaki Coach Factory, Otaki. Mr. Freeman was born in Norwich, England, and served his apprenticeship in

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Placton-on-Sea, in Essex. He came to New Zealand in 1873, per ship "La Hague." Being a competent workman, he readily obtained employment on landing, having no less than six offers of work before leaving the ship. Mr. Freeman has been a very busy man ever since his arrival in the Colony, and on no occasion has he been without employment. The Otaki Coach Factory, which was established in 1879, has turned out a great number of vehicles of all descriptions. Mr. Freeman, having had a large experience in connection with the trade, purchased the business in 1880, and under his energetic guidance a considerable trade is done. The factory is a building of wood and iron, which contains some 2000 square feet of floorage space. A staff of skilled workmen assist in the work. The trade extends throughout the large district ofwhich Otaki is the centre.

Thompson, Lewis and Co. (Alexander Thompson and Alfred Maurice Lewis), Aerated Water, Cordial, and Golden Ale, Manufacturers, Otaki Branch, off Mill Road. (H. Knox, manager). District head office and factory, the Crystal Springs Mineral Water Works, corner of Lorne and Argyle Streets, Wellington, with factories at Dunedin and at Wanganui. The Otaki branch of this large business was established in 1893: the works are situated in a building of wood and iron, containing about 2000 square feet of floorage space. A three-horse-power steam-engine drives the machinery, which is of latest pattern, several hands being employed in the business.

Mr. Henry Knox, Manager of Messrs. Thompson, Lewis and Co.'s Otaki Factory, was born in Kent, England, and arrived in New Zealand per ship. "Zealandia," in 1871. For three years he was employed in the large confectionery works of Mr. R. R. Murray in Dunedin, gaining a thorough knowledge of the various departments of the business. Mr. Knot was appointed manager of the Otaki Cordial Factory on its establishment in 1893.

Central Hotel (Hakaraia Te Whena, proprietor), Mill Road, Otaki. This hotel, which is of modern construction, was built in 1893. There are seventeen rooms in this house without the bar, five being sitting-rooms, one of which is specially set apart as a ladies' private sitting-room. There is a balcony, which adds greatly to the appearance of the hostelry. A large dining-room, as well as a billiard-room with a full size table, deserve special mention. Stables which consist of six loose-boxes and eight stalls, are situated at the rear. Mr. Hakaraia Te Whena, who was born in Otaki in 1852, was brought up as a farmer. He is a member of the Foresters’ Order and holds the office of judge of the Otaki Maori Racing Club events. He is popular among those he comes in touch with in the district.

Family Hotel (J. E. McDermott, proprietor), Mill Road, Otaki. This fine hostelry was established in 1883, the present landlord having acquired the premises early in 1896 . Situated in the centre of the township, the Family Hotel is a prominent object. The house contains twenty-eight rooms, all told, including nineteen bedrooms, which are completely furnished, five sitting-rooms, two of which are set apart for the use of ladies and families. There are two dining-rooms, which together afford seating accommodation for fifty guests. The building, which is constructed of wood, is a handsome two-story structure, finished excellent style. Each bedroom is supplied with a strong rope as a means of escape in the event of fire; and, in addition to this precaution, a wooden staircase outside the building affords a means of exit from the upper floor to the ground. There is a fine piano in one of the sitting-rooms upstairs, and another is placed in one of the parlours below. For travellers there is a good commercial-room and a large sample-room. At the back of the hotel there are large stables, comprising ten stalls and nine loose-boxes. These have been specially constructed for the us of the racing fraternity, who frequent this house in large numbers at the time of the several race meetings. Mr. McDermott, the host, was born in Wellington, and after some years, during which be was engaged in farming pursuits, he settled in Halcombe, where be was a wood merchant for about ten years before taking up his abode in Otaki.

Jubilee Hotel (George McBeath, proprietor), Jubilee Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established in 1890 by the late Mr. James Thomas, whose widow Mr. McBeath, married in 1894, the Jubilee Hotel is the leading hostelry in the district. Erected on a freehold section of five acres, it is a two-story wooden building having a verandah and balcony, containing fifteen bedrooms, six sitting-rooms, commercial-room, and a good dining-room that will seat thirty guests. The stabling accommodation comprises four stalls and eight loose-boxes, with two good paddocks adjoining. There are also two large tennis courts, which are leased to the local tennis club. The Otaki Club has for four years past had its club-room in the Jubilee Hotel. As the conveniences were inadequate, the proprietor has recently erected a handsome two-story club-house with balcony and verandah. This fine building, which is detached, will provide a club

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Giles, John, Farrier and General Blacksmith, near Railway Hotel and Railway Station, Otaki. This business was established early in 1896 by the present owner, who served his apprenticeship with Mr. W. T. Wood, blacksmith, of Palmerston North. Completing his term in 1893, Mr. Giles continued in the same establishment, gaining valuable experience, until deciding to commence on his own account in Otaki. His smithy, one of the finest in the district, is equipped with all the latest appliances. Mr. Giles is an expert tradesman, and bestows personal attention on the conduct of his business. He has already considerably extended his trade, having established a branch shop at Te Horo, where he attends one day in each week.

Lorigan, John Patrick, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Otaki. Mr. Lorigan was born in Hawkes Bay, served his apprenticeship with Mr. Lawton, of Taradale, and was for ten years in business on his own account in Napier. The present business was established in 1888. The wood and iron building occupied