OLD TIMES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 96, 13 June 1911, Page 6

OLD TIMES.

OPUNAKE VETERAN REMINISCENT. An old settler supplied the lollowing information to tiic Hon. Mr. Hiul do in connection with the opening ol the Post Oflico at Rahotn ’ The progicss of the district has been seriously handicapped by Maori trouble: from time to time, and also by lack o. communication by rail and sea,, bui we have amongst ns still some oi those early settlers who braved t.ic difficulties and cawed out tor tnemselves comfortable homes, and at though they have not become wealths they "have 'laid a good foundation tor their posterity. Amongst these may l>o mentioned Messrs. Hie*mini Moiiow Richard and Michael Homing. Jesse Phillips, J.P., F. M. Chapman, J.P., and W. R. Wright. Mr. •Chapman secured for the village the cemetery and recreation reserves; also the first town hall. This hall has recently been supplanted by a more up-to-date structure. We have also amongst ns some Maoris and Europeans who may also prefer a prim claim as settlers of the district —vis., those who served in the Armed Constabulary, etc. About 137-1 a disturbance took place in Opunake between Maoris and Europeans over running ; flaxmill. Tins caused the Cov-rnmon to send an armed force to Opunake Communication was then earned 01 between Opunake and Okato by meanof mounted orderlies, reliable Maoris and Europeans performing Ibis duty. Four of those Mao; is now living amongst ns look back on those days as days of adveni.iite, but they say. “We wore well paid, getting as much as .-02 ha. per clay each.” Iho Maoris referred •to are Rangi Tariwau, I mini n, Abraham and Creed. AM communication was then by the beach track until 1831, when a start was n ado by the Armed Constabulary under Colonel Roberts, Major Take, an-.' others, to survey an 1 make the present South Road. With a detachment of about 300 of the Anne 1 Constabulary at each, end, Opunake and Okalo together with a like number oi “mi- ( niploycd,” the work was pushed on. In contradiction to a prophecy by I'c Whili tliat the road would never meet, 11io meeting tool; place between Rahotu and Pnngarchn. Wo have amongst us those who were members of the Armed Constabulary, and who ultimately settled in this district — vi/.., Messrs. Tiros. Conroy, Charles Clirisp. A. Gilhnolv, 'l'. P. Hnghson, .nl’., 15. i/avard, C. .Sole, T. Hilling, and Major E. Maxwell. The Armed Constabulary camp was on the present site of the recreation grounds, which therefore are - of historical interest. The first building in tire township. the present hotel, was erected by Mi. John Stevenson, of Pihama. Mr. Stevenson, besides conducting (liepost office, was a storekeeper. In 18112 Messrs. .Celine r and Bradley opened n i h.cksinitVs shop. This sliop is still carried on hv Mr. (oh.mu - . Mr. Mnghson, J.H., after serving five years in the- Armed Constabulary, took up a farm near Okato. Mr. Mnglison personally managed iiio farm for some years, but drifted into storekeeping, first at Okato, and later at Rahotn. Mr. Hall was the first to start coachmg on t!ie present road, carrying mails and passengers. Prior to this the mails were carried on horseback f;can Now Plymouth. It may be ment’c.netl hero that the present M.H. for New Plymouth faithfully carried out tire* contract of carting the tiinhei from the hush for the palisading round the redoubt wli-m the Armed Constabulary took up ti oir quarters at Ralotu.