A THRIVING WESTERN TOWN.

Southland Times, Issue 19099, 17 November 1923, Page 15 (Supplement)

A THRIVING WESTERN TOWN.

PUBLIC SPIRIT LN OTAUTAU. STRONG A. AND P. CENTRE.

“God made the Country and Man made the place.”—Cowper.

The advantages of rural life do not appeal to the masses, with the result that the present day tendency is for the people to congregate in the cities and towns where the opportunities for obtaining a means of livelihood with a limited number of hours work each day are thought to be greater. It is for this reason and no other that the cities and towns are now becoming overcrowded whilst the country districts are in urgent need of more men to bring the bare acres into productivity. Some such scheme of settlement is urgently required in Southland and it is a regrettable fact that at the present time there are thousands and thousands of acres of first-class land awaiting the strong hand of the enterprising farmer to turn them to good account.

One of the many such districts throughout the province still capable of further expansion is that of Otautau which since it was originally founded away back in the ’sixties has made progress with sure and steady steps until to-day it is one of the most thriving of our country towns. Situated some 33 miles by railway from Invercargill and set in a broad stretch of undulating and very fertile lands across the plains from the foothills of the Longwood Range it has an irresistible charm for the beholder who stands on one of the many vantage points on the hills surrounding the township and takes in at a glance the vast expanse of country awaiting the plough and the energy of man to bring it to profit.

Originally Otautau was the camping place of the hardy pioneers who in the old days set out from Riverton, which was then the port for the small coastal steamers trading to these parts, to the Lakes District. Gradually, as the traffic increased, the necessity arose for an accommodaton house to be provided and the honour of erecting the first building in Otautau was claimed by Mr Small who is still resident in Invercargill When the building was completed it was taken over by Mr Dodds, who, having secured a license, was the first to permanently settle in Otautau. It was from such a humble beginning that the town has gradually grown and the casual observer cannot help being struck with the remarkable expansion that has taken place in the course of half a century. Unfortunately space will not permit of a detailed account of the early vicissitudes of the town being published meanwhile but it is gratifying to know that at, the present time there are two of the oldest residents of the town and district still hale and hearty in the person of Messrs William Walker, of Otautau, and John McFarlane, of Drummond, who have been associated with its progress practically from its earliest days and who remember well the times when the large estates were in vogue and also their subsequent subdivision into smaller holdings.

There are nineteen agencies of the various insurance companies represented in the town and all the large stock and station agents doing business throughout Southland have "heir own branches and representatives in he field. There are several timber companies operating in the district, the principal cnes being the Otautau Timber Company, Messrs Bird and Thomson, Messrs Williams and Birss, and Mr A. D. Macpherson. The Otautau Saleyards Company is also a rapidly growing concern and since its inception the volume of business has increased tremendously until to-day the district is one of the largest stock centres in the province. A number of threshing and

chaff-cutting plants also have their headquarters at Otautau and in the busy season employ a fair number of hands. Otautau is the headquarters of the Wallace A. and P. Association, the Otautau Progress League, the Wallace County Council and many other organisations. The chief Friendly Societies are also represented, these comprising the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Freemasons, and also the Rechabites. Since the Government’s scheme of soldier settlement came into force two of the large estates, Allenby and Strathvale have been acquired and cut up into smaller holdings and whereas each held formerly only one occupant, there are now thirteen separate holdings. Most of these are held by married men who, with their wives and families, are in occupation, and though no great results have so far eventuated it is believed that the two settlements will in the near future prove successes. The great drawback to the district at the present time, however, is the fact that the private holdings are on the large side, many of the farms within a .short, radius of the town ranging from 400 to 1000 acres in extent. Most of the farmers are engaged in mixed farming while there are several stud farms in various parts of the district, notably those of Mr W. Kennedy (Border Liecester and Romney sheep and light horses), Mr J. T. Beck (Romneys', and Mr T. Norman (Jerseysl.

From a business point of view the town is absolutely sound and that this is so is proved conclusively by the substantial nature of the buildings and the high class nature of the gcods displayed for sale. Fortunately, during the boom period the town saw less fluctuations in the price of land than many others, even of Southland, but more particularly of the northern centres, and to-day there are a great many settlers who still retain their original holdings and are -independent men. The township, however, has not, perhaps, progressed to the extent that might have been expected since the outbreak of the war, but nevertheless it has gone slowly but surely ahead and to-day is one of the best centres in the whole of Southland. One regrettable happening brought about, by the war is the fact that the district was absolutely deprived of its ycung manhood and as a large percentage of the young fellows made the supreme sacrifice in the various theatres of war the district has suffered in consequence ever since. Thus the progress during the past ten years has not been anything like what it was during the ten years preceding the war but it is confidently anticipated that the next decade will to an extent make up the leeway if a satisfactory land settlement policy can be formulated.

The population of the town at the present time is roughly 746, and of the district, of which it is the centre, about 4000. The principal means of livelihood is of couge the farming interests but in addition a fairly large number of persons are employed in the sawmilling industry and in various activities connected with the town. The coal mines at Ohai and the Wairio Railway Board are also responsible for keeping a large number of men employed and the estimated wages paid out by these concerns in a month is somewhere in the vicinity of £5OOO.

Otautau was constituted a Town Board District in 1883, and continued to form part of the Wallace County until 1906, when a separation was granted and ever since the Town Board District has been an independent body. Twenty-five years ago, in 1898, the total rateable value of the

Town Board area was £13,710, and the amount raised in rates was £43 19/3. The position in 1923, however, is slightly different and the valuation to-day stands at £132,498, while ’the rates received have increased to £1042 12/5. The members of the Town Board also constitute the members of the Otautau Cemetery Trustees and the Otautau Domain Board, the personnel being Messrs W. A. E. Fraser, chairman, R. Scatter, W. J. Wesney, A. Chisholm, W. Allison, J. T. Brooker and R. Bird. Of these Mr R. Scatter has continuously occupied a seat on the board for more than 20 years, the others being comparatively new members. The Town Board owns its own Corpora- , tion offices and also a Town Hall capable of seating 750 persons, which was erected in 1912 at a cost of just under £4OOO. The Town Board has also provided a good recreation ground with a convenient and up-to-date pavilion and also a natural grand stand. Other advantages which the town has is that a sewerage system has been inaugurated for the business centre while an efficient sanitary service has been provided i for the rest of the town. A rubbish rei moval service is also in existence. The business section of the town is of a I substantial nature, the shops for the most ] part being attractive in appearance and 1 capable of catering for the varied needs of ■ a growing community. Both the National Bank of New Zealand and the Bank of New Zealand have established branches in the town and their premises are of an imposing nature and a credit to the town. The Post Office is also a large brick building where all classes of postal, telegraphic and money-order business may be transacted, while the telephone exchange with its rapidly increasing number of town and country subscribers is open from 7 a.m. till 11 p.m. WATER AND ELECTRICITY. Among the immediate improvements to be effected in the town is the provision of a high pressure water supply for which the ratepayers have already authorised the Town Board to secure the necessary loan. An ample supply is available within 2i miles of the town with a fall of 400 feet, and had it not been for the excessive cost of materials and labour during the war period the town would by now have been enjoying this convenience. However, the members of the Town Board in their wisdom decided to hold the scheme in abeyance until conditions became more settled and it is now certain that early in the New Year some definite action in regard to this matter will be taken as the board has al- I ready asked its engineer to prepare a com- ' prehensive report for consideration and ; special decision. Then in common with the rest of the province Otautau is anxious to i ! obtain electric energy from Monowai and al- i i ready a start has been made by the Pcwer I Board to reticulate the district in antici- ' pation of power being available not later than May of next year. A, AND P. SOCIETY. The nineteenth annual show of the Wallace Agricultural and Pastoral Association which is to take place at Otautau next Wednesday, the 21st instant, promises to be in every respect, a pronounced success. The long spell of fine weather which has favoured the province for some weeks past has been the means of making the country apj pear at its very best, and the prolific growth ■ of grass has is consequence enabled farmers , to get their stock into first-class condition. Considered as a whole the prospects for the I ensuing season are particularly bright, and providing the dairy produce markets maini tain their present level it is safe to assume , I that a record year will be the result and ! j that the farming community in particular i ' and the province in general will benefit ' considerably. I The Wallace A. and P. Society was ’ i founded in 1904 and its originators were i i the late Messrs Robert Cuppies, N. A. Me- j i John Carrich, William Affleck and I I Jas. 1 "an, together with Mr James King, ' j who, ' is the sole survivor of that j i origi.... nd of agricultural enthusiasts | | and stb; i./ pioneers. The society, as is usual | | with meet societies of its kind, has had its • [ successes and its reverses, but the greatest 1 reverse was experienced during the war

period when the younger and equally enthusiastic section of young members answered their country’s call and many, alas, were cut down before the German onslaughts. The gap so caused, however, is being gradually bridged and the society to-day is in a very sound position, having its own ground with up-to-date appointments in close proximity to the town and a membership exceeding 300. Since 1904 the society has, with one exception, held shows continuously each year and the support accorded these functions by exhibitors and public alike has on the whole been of a satisfactory nature.

In that connection some indication of the financial standing of the society may be gained from the following table showing the total revenue received and the total expenditure incurred for each annual show from the time of the society’s inception:—

The entries and the expenditure in prizemoney, too, have also shown some fluctuation and a return prepared for the last ten years is as follows:

The prospects for this year’s show, however, are very bright and a very compre- [ hensive schedule as well as a liberal prize- [ list has been formulated. A good many 1 extra classes have also been provided for, while an innovation which should be highly appreciated by exhibitors is the institution of amateur classes which will be confined to exhibitors who have not hitherto at any Southland Show won a first or a second prize. The idea of these classes, which incidentally will not debar junior exhibitors | from competing in the championships, is to give them some encouragement to compete against their more seasoned competitors and lo open up fresh avenus for the farmer who is breeding good stock to come forward. The society is in the fortunate position of owning its own grounds of 13j acres and it is situated on the main road within half a mile of the Post Office. During its occupancy the society has spared neither pains nor money to improve the ground and at the present time it is carrying a beautiful stretch of green turf. There is also extensive accommodation for cattle, horses and sheep and also a large dairy produce building, as well as office accommodation. The ground is also well provided with plantations of trees for shelter purposes and also good rings with elevated sides for the various competitions. The total liability of the society at the present time is £3OO, represent a loan on the property which the r . has for a ten year term with ea x yments. Thus it will be seen that the unancial standing of the society is very sound and that given a return to normal conditions within the next few years the Wallace A. and P. Society should be able to make rapid headway and so earn much greater distinction than in the past.

THE CHURCHES. The Church of England and the Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Methodist denominations are all represented in the district and have substantial buildings erected on conveniently situated properties. Early in the New Year the Presbyterian Church intends to erect a new brick church of an imposing design at the corner of Main and Chester Streets in the centre of the town. The cost will probably run into £3OOO. The minister at present in charge of the Presbyterian Church is the Rev. A. MacDonald, who has occupied that position for the last 30 years and who has the distinction of holding the longest period of continuous service in one place of any minister in Southland. The Church of England has entrusted the Rev. Geo. Dawson to minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation, whilst the Rev. R. Richards is in charge of the Methodist circuit As regards the Roman Catholic Church, Otautau forms part of the Riverton parish and the Rev. Father Buckley, who is in charge, conducts fortnightly services at Otautau. DAIRY FACTORIES. Dairying forms one of the principal means of livelihood for a large section of the population throughout the district and the steady progress which has been made is shown by the increased number of dairy herds and the outputs from the various factories. Altogether there are five factories situated throughout, the district, the largest of which Is at Otautau. while there are smaller ones at Drummond, Fairfax. Merrivale and Birchwood. All of the factories are co-operative concerns and are doing remarkably well. The Otautau Factory was formed in 1906 with about twelve suppliers and an output for the seasen of approximately 50 tons of cheese. To-day, however, the position is slightly different, there being some 55 suppliers while the output, is close on 400 tons. It is estimated that during the present season no less a sum than £25,000 will be paid out to suppliers and no better indication than this could be obtained as to the stability of the concern or of the financial returns to the suppliers for their unremitting toil and energy. The factory at Drummond made a commencement in 1908, when the output was in the vicinity of 35 tons of cheese annually, but the turnover has grown tremendously year by year until to-day it reaches over 160 tons. Last year the directors of this factory expended £4OOO on extensions and new plant, in consequence of which the factory is now one of the most up-to-date in the province. The Merrivale factory was established in 1904 when its output was 30 tons of cheese for the season, but it is expected that during the present season over 110 tons will be sent away. The Fairfax factory made a commencement in 1912 with 17 suppliers and an output of 62 tons but like the other factories in the district it has grown considerably and this year its output will reach approximately 150 tons. The Birchwood Factory which came into being in 1911 has not made much progress for the reason that the settlers in the district have largely turned over their attention to sheep for which the district is better suited at the present time. SPORTS BODIES. In the matter of sports and pastimes Otautau is well provided for, and the oft’ repeated remark that a resident in a country district has not the same facilities for recreation as a city dweller is entirely wrong. For instance, at Otautau all the various branches of sport are well represented, comprising as they do, tennis, bowling, croquet, hockey, football and several others, while the Otautau Racing Club, Otautau Trotting Club, the Birchwood Hunt Club, and the Clifden Racing Club have their headquarters in the town. The Otautau Racing Club has been in existence for over 40 years and in July, 1919, it received its first totalisator permit which was used in January, 1920. Four years ago the club purchased a property of 325 acres about half a mile away from the town where a fine course has been laid out over an area of 129 acres and the balance is being used for agricultural purposes. The present membership of 400 is the largest of any club in the South Island. As showing the enthusiasm of the members and the district generally it is interesting to recall the fact that when the purchase of a new property was contemplated a personal canvass by a small committee realised £2500, and with this amount the present property was acquired. The appointments of the club have in the last few years been gradually extended and an up-to-date course, 9 furlongs in length and 14 chains wide at all parts has been laid out and properly railed with hardwood timber, whilst a training track has been provided on the inside. A fine totalisator house on modern lines has also been constructed and though no other buildings have yet been constructed the club hopes in the near future to be able to put Some further works in hand. The club is in every way a progressive one and much of its activity is due to its president, Mr M. O’Brien, who has been a tower of strength in placing its finances and general position on a firm footing. The O?TTitau Trotting Club which was formed some four years ago, holds an annual fixture cn the Racing Club’s course. The membership at the present time is approximately 150 and the rapid advance which the sport of trotting is making in the district and the province is sure to see that number largely increased before very long. Mr W. Fraser at present occupies the position of president and he has associated with him an enthusiastic band of officials. The Birchwood Hunt Club of which Mr A. A. Liddell is at present president, has been located at Otautau for about 38 years past, and with some exceptions has raced continuously at Otautau during the whole of that time. The present membership stands at 300 and as regards finances the club is now in a sound position. WALLACE COUNTY COUNCIL. The Wallace County Council is in the unique position of having no loan indebtedness, its only liability being a sum of £7500 in the Antecedent Liability Account, while the total rates outstanding two years ago were only £3O, the greater portion of which was in respect to Native lands. Thus the county can congratulate itself on being in a very sound position, and the rates levied being comparatively light the 2300 ratepayers are much more favourably situated than those in many other counties. The rateable capital value of the county at the present time is £3,491,335 and the total rates collected last year amounted to £18,994 2/3, being raised by means of a general rate of lsd. in the £l, together with a hospital and charitable aid rate of jd. in the £l. The total length of roads under the control of the county is 5794 miles, whilst unmetalled roads give an additional total of 170 miles. There are also some 50 miles of bridle tracks, 500 miles of unformed roads, and three bridges with a total length of 350 feet under the council’s control. The present -members are: Messrs F J. Linscott, chairman, (Waimatuku); H. Garden (Orepuki); H. Crawford (Pourakino); T. A. Buckingham (Otautau); W. T. James (Aparima); S. Fowle (Waiau); W. J. A. McGregor (Wairaki); L. Cody (Wairio); and F. J. Dyer (Mararoa) The county has in its employment an administrative staff of four officers with an outside staff of 15 surfacemen and six casual labourers. OHAI RAILWAY BOARD. One of the greatest advances made in the district during recent years and,indeed in the history of the Province was the work entrusted to the Ohai Railway Board for providing a railway line from Wairio into the Ohai Valley to serve the various

coal mines operating there and to bring their respective outputs to the main line at a minimum of expense. The board which owes its origin to the foresight and executive ability of Mr A W. Rcdger, has already expended no less a sum than £lOO,OOO in opening up communication with the nine mines operating around Ohai and since the board first started in 1917 the quantity of coal handled in a twelve month has more than quadrupled and is still on the increase. It is anticipated that during the current year the board will have an income cf approximately £25,000 and after meeting working expenses the surplus will be expended in an extension of the railway line further up the valley. It is anticipated that the line which is now under construction will be completed as far as Ohai within the next four months. The constructional gangs will then work on towards Birchwood so that the whole valley may confidently look forward to having railway facilities provided before another twelve months have elapsed. RIVER IMPROVEMENTS. As a result of the activities of the Otautau River Board the town has been freed of the dangers of flood to which it was frequently subjected in earlier years. This has been accomplished by the erection of embankments alcng the banks of the Aparima, and by widening and deepening the channels and cutting fresh ones. At the present moment there is a petition being signed by the ratepayers of the area adjoining the present river district, asking to be included in the Otautau Board’s district and when that has been accomplished it is proposed to expend several thousands of pounds in affording better drainage facilities for the Waihoura and Scott’s Gap districts. The Waimatuku River Board has also a big scheme under weigh just now involving the expenditure of ' something like £lO,OOO for drainage works from the mouths of the Waimatuku to its source. This work has been entrusted to Mr A. Guise, who has come down specially from the North Auckland district, where he has carried out similar schemes in connecticn with the drainage of the gum lands there. Mr Guise is at present engaged in assembling the requisite plant and operations are likely to be well in hand at the beginning of the year. The projected scheme is said to be the largest river improvement scheme yet attempted by a Southland River Board and when completed will confer many benefits on (he holders of the lands now affected.

Year. Revenue Expenditure. 1905 .. £. .. .. 476 £. • 364 1908 .. .. .. 379 600 1907 .. .. .. 419 420 1908 .. .. .. 431 378 1909 .. .. .. 450 491 1910 .. .. .. 493 492 1911 .. .. .. 520 400 1912- .. .. .. 605 538 1913 .. .. .. 610 647 1914 .. .. .. 532 539 1915 .. .. .. 495 593 1916 .. .. .. 511 451 1917 .. .. .. 695 783 1918 .. .. .. 119 45 1919 .. .. .. 411 540 1920 .. ,. .. 567 687 1921 .. .. .. 519 548 1922 .. .. .. 524 547 1923 .. .. .. 470 444

PrizeYear. Entries. Money 1914 .. .. .. 474 281 1915 .'. .. .. 416 175 1916 .. .... 609 199 1917 .. .. .. 468 400 1918 .. .. .. No 1919 .. .. .. 519 244 1920 .. .... 369 380 1921 .. .. .. 514 248 1922 .. .... 430 261 1923 .. 172