THE TOWN

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 146, 21 June 1916, Page 11

THE TOWN

STRUGGLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

SOUND, BUT SLOW.

The settlement of Otaki began before the year 1830, and, next to Russell, in the Bay of Islands, the township is reputed to be the oldest settlement in New Zealand. But Otaki's importance is by no means commensurate with its years. A visitor is not struck with any lively bustling, nor would he believe that the townsfolk are of the go-ahead variety to be found in the Main Trunk area-. In short, Otaki is struggling under difficulties, the most pronounced of which is the curse of Native land. That subject is dealt with more fully under a separate heading. It also has more than its fair share of the Maori population— the sort of Maori, too, who is not given to hard work. Before it can progress as it should, Otaki will have to shake off this heavy yoke. As it is, the place has certainly made progress, but if facilities were granted Europeans to occupythe many areas of idle Native lands Otaki would soon be in an extremely flourishing condition. A VALUABLE ASSET. Otaki is now managed by a Town Board, the Chairman of which is Mr. F. 11. Bright, who has lived, in the district for the best part of his life. The Town Board area extends from the railway line to the sea beach, the idea being that the beach would become a popular resort, which it would be well to control. The beaches along this coast are indeed a valuable asset, and that jt Otaki is equal to the best of them. There is a large area of fine, white sand, and a safe surf. During the summer months the beach forms an attraction to the whole of the district, and even beyond. So Otaki combines sea-r-ide and country, and should be the io'fin! holiday place for city folk. It can be driven on at any tids, and was used as a highway in the coaching days. ANOTHER DRAWBACK. The township is situated at least a mile and a-quai'ter from the railway station, and that is another great draw^ back. Originally, when the lino was being surveyed, engineering difficulties prevented it being taken closer in, and so Otaki had to suffer. It is not in a position to advertise itself, in the same way, for instance, as Palmerston, Dannevirke, or Hastings. Rather the reverse. Some people think that eventually the township will spread to the railway station, and it is certainly showing signs in that direction now. There is a regular motor service between the town-, ship and the station, but still that does not relieve the position to any great extent. MUNICIPALLY SPEAKING. Mnnicipally speaking, Otaki does not show a great deal of activity. It has no

water arid no drainage, and street lights have only recently been installed. The lamps are of the acetylene type, each having its own generator: A more advanced system of lighting is needed, and it is bound to come soon. Several schemes have already been discussed, and apparently coal gas is the least favoured of all. The' resources of the Otaki River for generating electrical foree1 have not been lost sight of. Tremendous power is available up the Gorge, and it is estimated that sufficient electricity could be generated here to supply Otaki—and, in fact, the whole countryside. It is a big scheme, of course, and could not be faced in these war times. Nevertheless, the possibilities are apparent to all, especially bo now that machinery is playing such an important part in farm work. A water supply could also be obtained from the same source, but for this there is, no hurry, as the ground all round contains an ample supply of the purest water. The hotels and the bigger dwelling houses have installed their own septic tanks, HOSPITAL AND SANATORIUM. Otaki is proud of the fact that it has a sanatorium for consumptives, and regards this as a splendid advertisement for the climate of the district. The people hotly resent the recent remarks made before the Hospital Board regarding the unsuitability of the site. To a layman, at any rate, the position appears to be ideal. The swamp which was complained of is not visible anywhere about the building itself. The grounds, however, coyer a large area, and maybe some of this is of a swampy formation, but it need never be visited by the patients. The sanatorium is erected on a sandy rising, from which a beautiful landscape view is available on the one side. The other overlooks the township, and the view extends far beyond bushy Kapiti. Whenever the sun shines in Otaki—and it does that much more frequently than is the case in Wellington—it strikes on the sanatorium. A Cottage Hospital is erected on ithe same ridge, but a considerable distance away. Both these institutions are under the control of the Wellington Hospital Board, much to the regret of Otaki. For years the Horowhenua people have "kicked " against being tied up to Wellington, and com- | plaints about the ever-increasing levy are frequent. Otaki thinks it would be fairer treated if allowed to link up with Palmerston North. The services at both hospital and sanatorium are very complete. They run their own dairy cattle, their own pigs and poultry, and their own electric light plant.

Various other aspects of Otaki are referred to in the articles which follow, but to sum up it may ba said safely that, although Otaki is slow it is exceedingly sound. Enclosed in such a flourishing district no place could be otherwise, no matter what the obstacles. Otaki is never likely to go back, nor is it likely to go forward until the Native land question is settled. .