GROWTH OF OHAKUNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14924, 23 February 1912, Page 4

GROWTH OF OHAKUNE.

A TYPICAL TIMBER TOWN. A King CorxTRY correspondent writes: — " With the completion of the Main Trunk railway speculation became rife as to winch district would be responsible for the establishment of the largest and most important, town, and a large number of the passengers who travelled on the trains toon after the completion of the various sections were on the look-out for the most suitable localities in which to settle. These comprised men of all grades— looking for work, some seeking a good business stand, and professional men on tin look-out for a good practice. Nearly every business and profession were represented amongst the early passengers over the line, and all were putting their powers of deduction to the test. At this early stage, i of course, the extent of the timber industry in each locality was the only indication of future greatness, and on their ability to judge how long the industrywould last, and the suitability of the soil for farming, a large number of businessmen, workmen, and others staked their all. In one or two cases, of which I'liku is the most lamentable instance, their judgment was sadly at fault. With the decline of Uliku, the Ohakune district was talked of as one which would rival Dannevirke as a timber district, and the growth of a substantial town was predicted. This was a topic ol conversation rive years ago, at which time Ohakune was m a very primitive state. From the bush which then existed, has sprung up a town which has reached the status of a borough, and those who staked their capital on their powers of discernment are now congratulating themselves on the fact. Ohakune to-day is a town winch has grown too quickly to allow of time being found to clean up the debris of fallen bush which surrounds it. Trunks of fallen giants are scattered ir. profusion on all sides, and a sanded footpath and metalled road wind tortuously among the logs and stumps which line the way torn the township to the railway station. In fact, Ohakune may be described as a town with a sufficiency of firewood in its backyard to keep it warm tor several winters. The hum of circular saw is still the most familiar sound, and the litter of logs and waste bush is being continually added to ; but. clay in and day out. the valuable product is being carted in large; quantities to the railway station, and necessitates the employment of a large number of men. Ohakune is, perhaps, the most typical sawmill town in the King Country," as it has attained to a fair size without losing much of the primitive nature of its surroundings. There are other towns in the King Country which owe their present prosperity to the progress of the timber industry, but Ohakune heads the list as regards timber output."