Historic Manaia.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 June 1925, Page 18

Historic Manaia.

Alanaia is an old-established town in one ,of.tlie richest centres in the Dominion. Its history is closely assoiated with the aftermath of' the Alaori. war, arid for a long time, it ivas -the-outpost oil the, western frontier of settlement, a force of'-armed constabulary beirig stationed there •for some years under the late Colonel (then Alajor) Gudgeon. The constabulary built the redoubt, tlie' old watc-h-towev and the ; two blockhouses which still stand, as originally erected at the east 'arid' west corners of the redoubt. This force was- also responsible for sonic of the roads that were pushed out for military use, and •afterwards formed the main highway do the then unsettled western territory. Some particulars 'of Alanaia’s constitution, its attractions and. institu- x tions, are here given:— Constituted, 1882. ' Population, 750. ' .“Rateable value (capital), £106,212. Area, 510 acres.' There are 7-1 miles of Streets and one

An Outpost of the Wars. J; *•• -t v - t.

mile of footpaths in the town district. Rates:-4 11-32(1 in £'andi struck over whole district. Recreation reserves: Tlie Alanaia Domain ' comprises Rugby, soccer arid hockey grounds, and' also a first-class golf fmks; also a park, beautiful gardens and the armed constabulary tower and. two original blockhouses.-. Electric light: The town, and streets are lit by •electric light, the power being supplied by the ITawera Electric Light Co. , , . ’ * ■. Water supply: A system of water supply lias been instaHed: at A cost of £17.o00; -Supply was obtained direct from the Kapuiii river, a distance of 54 miles from tlie town. Every ratepayer and resident has 1 or can obtain an ' adequate,’ supply of water, jand' the pressure averages ..UOlbs per square inch.'..' ■..“ : : \ . / \ ’’ ' Sewerage system: A sewerage scheme ■is being iiist,filed at a ebst ofiflEOQO. At present oyer three miles of sewers have been laid. 'The business'! portion

of.the to^vri-will'be able to connect-up Within- a'•.week 1 or , so. ■ . ‘ Fire prevention: There is. a volunteer municipal fire brigade. .Municipal music: A brass hand gives 12 public performances a year. It is supported by public contribution and Town Board’s subsidy. Air. J. A. G. Cosgrove is bandmaster. Library: There is a public library, the annual'subscription being 15s. Town Hall: There is an up-to-date Town Hall with a seating capacity of 600. Pictures are shown three nights per week in same. The Town Hall is; also used for concert , parties and. dances. i: Representation of Alanaia Town Board on other losal bodies: The board: has one representative on the Hawerai Hospital Board and one on the ’newlyformed South Taranaki Electric Power Board. Statutory half-holiday: Wednesday. Sports'bodies: Rugby, soccer, hockey, tennis, croquet, bowling, golf, rifle, athletic sports and seaside clubs. Schools:-' ! Technical High School. State school and Convent School. Banks: Brink of- New Zealand and Batik of Australasia. Members of Town Board: Chairman, Mr. 1 L. ‘ G. Nielson; Commissioners; Messrs. .T.‘ A. G. * Cosgrove. S. H: Greaves, .T. Hickey, V. H. Hobday, N. C. Innes, and-C. T. W. Jones. Officers:: Town Clerk. Air. W. ,T. Badley; 1 consulting engineer, Mr. J. Sfufroek.