Advance Opunake.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 34, 26 October 1894, Page 2

Advance Opunake.

Opunake, like most other New Zealand towns, has had its ups and downs. Some years ago, when it was the base of operations during the , Maori war, and there was a large detachment of the A.C. Force stationed here, everything about the place was brisk, business was flourishing, and property was at a value that astonishes the new arrival when he . hears of the fabulous prices given and refused for town sections, which for a number of years have been nothing more than waste lands. The building of the jetty and the flax boom caused a transitory revival, but the collapse of the flax trade caused a second depression, which seemed to sound the knell of doom for the town. Now the dairy business has come to the relief, and after touching bed rock, once more the sun of prosperity is commencing to shine over this naturally favoured spot, and signs of renewed vigour and confidence are being displayed by the public. This is most noticeable in the number of new buildings erected, business premises being enlarged, and ments effected to present places.. During the past nine months the carpenters’ hammers have been continuously going, and other tradesmen have been equally busy. Amongst the new erections are Messrs Newman Bros’ wholesale premises and outbuildings, which we fully described in a recent ' issue. Mr T. Knowles has made additions to his hotel, which will make it one of the handsomest and most commodious hostelries on the coast. The Catholic Church, which is a very solid structure, is on the point of completion. The Anglican Church is also , in hand, and good progress being made with it. Mr G. W. Rogers has erected a handsome dwelling house opposite the Post Office. Mr Bub Moetahuna has erected a nice sevenroomed cottage near the bay for a tenant. Mr D. McGregor has erected premises for the Opunake Times between his smithy and Middleton’s Hotel. Mr John Stewart has fitted up an aerated water manufactory in premises purchased from Mr C. Collins. Mr Macßeyuolds has erected a large wholesale store-room on the Jetty Road. Mr Christie has nearly x completed a very commodious dwelling which he is erecting for his own occupation. The Foresters’ Hall has been enlarged by the addition of supper and dressing-rooms. Mr Guy has purchased the residence lately occupied by Mr Stewart, which he is at present enlarging for occupation. Mr Prosser has made extensive additions to his residence, which now contains eight rooms, Mr Des Forges is erecting a shop for himself in Main Street. Prince Frei has erected on a peninsula, formed by a bend of the Otahi River, his castle, which he has named “ Monte Carlo.” Whether it will become as famous as its old world namesake of course rests with the provisions of the Gaming Bill, with which our legislators hamper such industries. in the colony. Absence of paint wfcs a marked feature of the township, but Mrs Ballard had her business premises painted, and it is proving to be nearly as catching as the measels, as, since she set the lead, Mr beccombe and a number of others are following suit, and the town is assuming quite a changed appearance. Several new businesses have been added to the list. Mr C. Orchard has opened a fruit and fancy goods shop. Messrs Newcomb and Massey, of Hawera, have opened a branch drapery establishment, in charge of Mr Morrisey. Mr J. F. Watson, watchmaker, has" started business in the Opunake Times buildings. Mr E. C. Raikes has taken part of Mr Pettigrew’s premises, where he will conduct his land agency business. Mr Hutchens has opened a boot and shoe business in Seccombe’s buildings. Misses Jury and Carter have established themselves as dressmakers in part of Mr Brightwell’s premises. Messrs Brightwell and Son opened a general store, but having disposed of their business, are about to auction off tha remainder of the stock, and are.retiring. Mr John Stitt has re-opened in premises adjoining Mr 0. F. McGregor’s. We think the foregoing is a creditable record for part of this year, and is good evidence of substantial progress.