LOOKING BACK

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4108, 4 March 1949, Page 9

LOOKING BACK

OHINEMURI IN 1899 WAIHI BEACH POPULAR PAEROA ESCAPES FLOOD “ The Brighton of Ohinemuri ”— that is how Waihi beach was known in 1899. On March 1 a report in the Ohinemuri Gazette stated that a party of 24 had left for a week’s camping there. “ With the present fine weather a most enjoyable time should be spent at this ideal camping ground,” stated the article. The weather then was apparently as changeable as today for on March 27 Paeroa had a narrow escape from a serious flood. Heavy rain had fallen on the three previous days and the river rose rapidly to within a couple of feet of the railway bridge. “ Mail coaches were unable to cross Doherty’s creek and had to go over the old Rahu road,” stated the report in the Gazette. “Mr R. Jones, in attempting to cross the creek on horseback, was swept away into the river but was recovered unhurt.” Te Aroha was likened to a “ Modern Bethesda ” in a poem by “ Clematis.” Poetry played a large part in the news

side of the Ohinemuri Gazette. Scarcely an issue went to print without some scribe’s trying his hand at it. Even Robbis Burne was emulated: “ O wad some power The giftie gie us, To see the bailiff Before he sees us. ”

Short stories too, played an important part, especially those by an author known as E.E., who was alsc something of a poet.

People then, as now, were complaining of large hats in theatres. “ Some people go to a theatre for the purpose of seeing the play; others, apparently with the object of showing off their millinery,” wrote an injured victim. “ On Saturday evening I had the misfortune to secure a seat behind a lady who had a hat of Brobdingnagian proportions and my efforts to secure a view of the stage during the first act were entirely futile. All I could see was that hat—or its trimmings—an immense aigrette of ribbon, feathers, flowers and things.”

Millers of Auckland were selling ladies* glace walking shoes in 1899 for 2s lid a pair, superior qualities ranging from 4s to 9s 6d a pair. Ladies’ slippers fetched 7id a pair and men’s boots from 6s lid to 16s.

“ A reminder to those who require spectacles: We import large quantities of spectacles to suit almost any sight. Good specs, and case for 6d; superior ditto Is; crystal ditto 2s 6d; real English pebbles 3s 9d.” Ladies’ roll gold watches cost 37s 6d and men’s watches £4 4s at Millers.