The Wonder of the Waikato

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 270, 4 February 1928, Page 17

The Wonder of the Waikato

A HALF CENTURY OF PROGRESS

Fifty years ago next week Hamilton was gazetted a Borough, inaugurating an era of prosperous development for an historic district, now one of the most fertile in the Dominion, and worth £50,000,000 to Mr Coates for taxation purposes.

Written for THE SUN by

ERIC RAMSDEN).

4 r iver knows the way to the sea: blessing all lanjs with its charity. * * * —Emerson. OMB day, perchance, a sweetvoiced poet imbued with the true New Zealand spirit will arise and sing of the wonder of the Waikato. fb nnti! now we have been more interested, and quite rightly so, in the animal butter-fat returns from this fertile district, than in the romance at a mighty river. So leisurely it moves across the very bosom of the North Island, blessing the lands on either side, with that charity of which Emerson speaks, until it embraces the sea at: Port Waikato. Yet New Zealanders, brown and white, certainly have an ear for the old story of their beautiful laud. Time was when the waters of the Waikato ran red with blood. Old Taupiri, the sacred repository of the bones of the Maori kings, though nowadays he seems but to slumber in the heat of day, knew a different Waikato. He could tell of raids from, the North; of war parties that set out and never returned; of raids from the South; of toas triumphant in war; and the feasting that ensued. Now Taupiri sleeps, content with his secrets, serene in his tapu. And the lands about him, stretching as far as the eye can see, are worth £50,000,000 to Mr. Coates for taxation purposes.

The Sacred Mountain “Potatau is the King. Taupirl is his mountain." Taupirl had even seen a king arise in the land. The king and his successor passed, too, just as the Te Heu Heu who said Tongariro was mountain, even as Potata j who claimed Taupirl for his mountain. Potatau crossed the golden path of Te Relgna into the very heart of the sinking sun . . . Te Rata, King of the Waikato, his lineal descendant and successor, now sit:, beside the river which flows at the base of Taupiri. The mountain saw the rise of the House of Te Where Whero, and Taupiri saw its tall. . . . The kings sleep, and Taupiri, uncompromising sentinel, sees a new order of things. It was thus that it came to pass. • • *, Sixty years ago Maori traders, following an urge as old as man him«elf, carried wheat in their canoes over the magnificent waterway. A

hundred miles or more they paddled, “°wn the Waipa, into the Waikato wd until the Otautau Creek was reached.

The portage was at Waiuku, where 'be grain was carried until the shore bf the Manukau was reached. Thence Jbe wheat was taken across the harbour to Onehunga, and finally landed 'b the infant settlement of Auckland. was the hunger of the breadeating pakeha appeased. These Maoris were but the advance Ward.

Many brown-skinned natives followed them until the chuck-chuck of first paddle-st€;amer burst upon 'beir ears. Inland, right into the ,eart of the island they chug-chugged 'beir inquiring wav, a hundred miles and more. To Pir’ongia they came, *bd to Cambridge, and they passed be bush-clad slopes where the neat ‘"Ue city of Hamilton now so proudly stands.

To many stout hearts for years the cheery whistle of the river steamers *as the connecting link between civil-

isation and—the wilderness of the pioneer. So it came to pass that these toilers on the breast of the mighty river which gives the district its name, built and developed the flax industry.

To the settlers at Auckland town the steamers returned with the butter and the general produce of the farmers of the interior.

"A waste, unoccupied country," was the description of the lower Waikato, when seen by two Anglican missionaries in 1834. Venturesome spirits, they explored the district and the river, following the fierce tribal wars of a few years previously. Their mission was, of course, to evangelise the Maoris, and a site at Mangapouri, on the Waipa, was selected for their headquarters. During the bloody strife between Waharoa, of Matamata, and the Rotoruas, the

FORTY YEARS AGO. —A glimpse of th This photograph was taken from “t Waikato mission was not disturbed. The Maori attitude changed, however, in the 60’s, following the trouble in Taranaki over the Waitara lands purchase. The so-called “rebellion” spread rapidly. On July 11, 1863, a Waikato force was dispatched to invade the capital city of Auckland, and to fulfil the proud boast of “driving the'pakeha into the sea!” Set'tlers were assuredly driven away. Their unprotected property was plundered. But nothing could stop the advance of the pakeha. Alfred Dommett, the poet-politician, later in the month, in no uncertain terms, commanded the Maori population to remain in their villages, a direction which, in the main, went unheeded. July 17 saw the natives suffer their first defeat. But it was not until November that the Government repeated the success, and it was only gained with severe British losses. The famous Orakau pa was captured in April in spite of the gallant cry, which will ever echo through New Zealand

history, of Rewi Maniapoto, who would “fight on for ever and for ever!” “Ka Whawhai tonu matou ake ake ake! ” Rewi’s words live unto to-day for they were carried on the colours of the Waikato regiment which foug’- f for a united New Zealand at Gallipoli. The colours may be seen in the Hamilton library. With the close of the V aikato War, the all powerful pakeha naturally claimed his privilege as conqueror. The threatened occupation of Maori lands was carried out, and seeds of bitterness to last for the next half century and more, were firmly planted. The Maori zealously tended their growth. The Maori, in his own peculiar way, is just as much a man of the land, as is the average European “cockatoo.” To see the acres of his fathers settled by pakeha immigrants nearly broke his heart. Canute-like, the Kingites thought they could command the wave of

civilisation to recede. Yet nothing could prevent the European march of progress. The Military Settlers In order to give the settlers of the Waikato some security, settlements of naval, military and militia men were systematically founded. Hamilton was thus founded in 1864

e Hamilton that the early settlers knew, he east side” 6 y Major Reid in 1887. as a volunteer settlement. A “Gazette” notice for that year declared that the militia men who desired grants should “not be above 40 years of age.” Certificates of good character, of health, and general fitness, were demanded. Each military settler was to be at the command of the Government if his services were required in the field against the Maoris. Each settlement was to be of not less than 100 town allotments, with the 100 acre farm sections adjacent. Stockades and military outposts were established, for “the peaceable occupation of the whole country.” Sir George Grey insisted upon the occupation jot the lower Waikato first as a base for expansion. It was decided that the only practical scheme for protecting the already settled districts was a line of military posts from Raglan to Tauranga. The First, Second and Third Waikato Regiments were enlisted in 1863 almost entirely from Australia. Colonel Pitt went to

Melbourne for volunteers. Captain William Steele, the founder of Hamilton, subsequently visited Sydney and recruited the Fourth Waikatos. The majority of the men—incidentally, most of them were married—were landed at Onehunga. The First Waikatos:, under Colonel Harrington, were sent to Tauranga. The Second, commanded by Colonel Haultain, were placed around Pirongia and Te Awamutu. Colonel Lyon's Third were at Cambridge, though one company was placed near Te Kowhai and another across the Waipa River near Ngaruawahia.

In addition, there were two companies of the Forest Rangers. One commanded by the ill-fated Major von Tempsky, was at Harapepe. The other, under the direction of Major Jackson, was at Te Awamutu and Te Rohu.

Hamilton was named after a verygallant gentleman. Captain John Fane Charles Hamil-

ton, of her Majesty’s Navy, die d fighting for a vain hope, but for the glory of his Queen, at the Gate Pa on April 29, 1864. He headed a hopeless charge by the Naval Brigade, calling: “Follow me, men!”

Captain Hamilton fell with a bullet through his brain. His heroic attempt to prevent a threatened disaster was fruitless. Yet he performed one of those deeds that won the Em-

pire, and his name lives after him. Earl Jellicoe, when Governor-Gene-ral of the Dominion, related that he knew a Major A. C. Hamilton, whose father commanded H.M.S. Esk in those troublesome times. The Major proved to be the only surviving son of the officer after whom Hamilton was .named, and showed his practical interest in this association by presenting a photograph of Captain Hamilton to the citizens. The portrait hangs in the public library, and shows a typically square-jawed British sea dog, with his sword at his side. Mercer, another important centre of the Waikato, was named in honour of Captain Mercer, a brave naval officer, who died as the result of gunshot wounds in the face, received at the battle of Rangiriri. MSS In the days of Hamilton’s early settlement a trip to Auckland was something to think over very seriously. By road it occupied three days. It was not until 1867 that the

service of stage coaches reduced it considerably. Then came the iron trail. The train at first only touched Mercer. An interval passed before it reached historic Ngaruawahia, the home of the Tribe-Royal, the NgatiMahutas. Frankton and subsequently Hamilton, were not connected for some years. Another event of outstanding importance to the Waikato town was the opening of the first bridge on November 27, 1879. Responsible local government was granted the settlement on February 7, 1878. So next week Hamilton

Borough will celebrate the 50th anniversary of that occasion. The first town clerk was Mr. J. M. Gelling. For the mayoralty there were three candidates. Great excitement prevailed. Mr. , J. R. Vialou, with 90 votes, won the proud distinction of being Hamilton’s first mayor. Mr. A. Potter, next on the list, obtained 72. Mr. W. Cumming was forced to content himself with eight votes. The leading candidates were both builders. The third was a brewer. Despite his non-success, however, a barrel of beer was broached in the street, opposite the Hamilton Hotel, and the health of the new Mayor was accordingly honoured. There were 18 candidates for the nine seats at Hamilton’s first council table. In the first year of its existence the borough collected £145 9s 5d in rates. Other revenue totalled £340 11s Bd.

The modest sum of £B2 15s was paid in salaries, and on roads a meagre £lB5 16s was expended. The year closed with a deficit of £46 13s 6d. Hamilton did not make the pro gress in the early years of establishment, that followed the beginning of the present century. For instance, in 1886 a census revealed 1,201 inhabitants as against 1,361 in 1881. Claudelands was amalgamated with the borough in 1912, and Frankton Junction five years later. The borough now covers an area of considerably over 3,000 acres. The population has reached the 16,000 m^rk. Hamilton takes pride of place as the second inland borough of importance in the North Island.

Hamilton of To-day Mr. J. R. Fow, who seems to possess the confidence of Hamilton ratepayers to such a degree that he goes back to the Mayoral chair year after year, will be presented with a special chain of office to mark this important anniversary in the history of the borough. The Mayor was first elected in 1916, when Hamilton's progress, as was the case with every other New Zealand town, was considerably retarded by the war then in progress. He served one term, and then Mr. J. W. Ellis occupied the chief magistracy. Mr. Fow was returned again in 191 S, however, only to make Vay for Mr. P. H. Watts in 1920. Since then, though, he has held the Mayoralty against all-comers, and is now in his eighth consecutive year of office. The councillors elected for the present term of the council included:

Messrs. C. J. W. Barton, J. Denz, O. R. Farrer, J. Gilbert, C. Lafferty, B. C. Lowry, F. W. Luxford, W. F. Mason, F. D. Pinfold, S. B. Sims, F. A. Snell, and J. E. Tidd. Mr. W. L. Waddel is town clerk. The treasurer is Mr. S. H. Boneham. Mr. R. Worley is borough and waterworks engineer. Mr. L. Blackman is the gasworks engineer, and Mr. I. Webster acts in a similar capacity for the electric light department. Hamilton is progressive. There is no mistaking that fact. One of the first towns to emerge from the financial shackles imposed by the necessities for war, the civic leaders were anxious that Hamilton should make up lost time without undue delay.

No other inland town could possess a more delightful situation. The slowly-moving Waikato River., with its innumerable historical associations for the whole district, winds its way to the sea through the centre of the city. Every possible advantage has been taken of the natural situation. The parks and gardens on either side are a tribute to the enthusiasm of the Beautifying Society to whose tender

care they are entrusted by the council. For this service the borough pays the society £ 1,200 annually. The annual revenue tor beautifying purposes, however, is substantially increased by free-will offerings from citizens. Hamilton citizens, it is plain to see, take a pride in the beauty of their town. Neither does this enthusiasm stop at | the entrances to their own charming ! homes. There is a genuine interest in the city itself. Areas that were formerly wastes are now attractive gardens, free for the people at large to

share in their beauty and colour. In the Soldiers' Memorial Park ttiere is a tree for every Hamilton soldier who gave his life for his country.

Each tree is carefully (ended, and in the years to come will preach a silent sermon of sacrifice anc. duty fulfilled. In the centre stands the cenotaph—a replica in concrete of that which stands at Whitehall. Hamilton has shown a genuine and practical method in thus keeping for ever greeu the memory of her loved ones.

In another corner of the well-ap pointed park, a decade ago nothin; but a wilderness, is a small portioi fenced off for the breeding of ducks pheasants and other birds. It is Ham ilton's embryonic zoo.

-Hamilton as a city is particularly fortunate in regard to these open spaces. There are recreation grounds in almost every direction. No New Zealand city has a finer asset than, for instance. Lake Hamilton. This glorious expanse of water, fringed to the edge by giant wattles — these stuidy Australians seem to thrive throughout the Waikato —is a positive boon to Hamilton citizens these; warm days. Any afternoon the youth of the town, and not a few adult.s, can be seen sporting in the cool waters of the lake.

The borough council, as elsewhere, has pursued a progressive policy in regard to the lake. The next move will be to increase the sand slong part of the foreshore, so that Waikato children, who come in cars with their parents from the parched pastures of the interior, will have no reason to feel disappointed with the Hamilton “seaside.” The sand, of course, has to be carted to the lake. Here again, the park is well equipped. An up-to-date kiosk caters for the requirements of visitors.

The A. and P. Association has set a praiseworthy example by presenting 21 acres of bush, near its modern

grounds, to the borough. This area, another splendid asset for yet unborn Hamiltonians, will appropriately be known to future generations a 3 Jubilee Park. Within easy walking distance of the "ity, it will be a delightful retreat in the years to come. Jubilee Park to-day stands in its virgin state. But it is the intention of the borougn council to create paths through it, and generally make this new pleasure ground as popular a reserve as the areas along the river bank. Steele Park, named in honour of the soldier settler who played such a part in Hamilton's early history, and formerly known as Sydney Square, supplies the open space requirements for Hamilton East, with its commodious sports ground. New Loan Proposals j Hamilton ratepayers will oe asked | to support certain loan proposals considered by the borough council, approximately totalling £153,ue0. (Continued on following page).

Hamilton Mayors eluded: — have inI. R. Vialou .. .. 1S78 J. B. Whyte .. .. 1S78-79 Thos. Dawson .... 1S79-S0 B. C. Beale 1880 John Knox .. .. 1S80-83 R. Peat 1SS3-S5 W. A. Graham .... 1885-87 C. J. W. Barton .. 1S87-8S I. Coates 1S88-S9 W. Jones 1S89 I. Coates 18S9-92 John Parr .. .. 1S92-93 Wm. Dey 1S93-99 G. Edgecumbe 1S99-01 R. W. Dyer 1901-03 C. J. W. Barton .. 1903 Wm. Dey 1903-05 J. S. Bond 1905-09 J. A. Young .. .. 1909-12 A. E. Manning .. 1912-15 J. E. Hammond .. 1915-16 J. R. Fow 1916-17 J. W. Ellis 1917-18 J. R. Fow 1918-19 P. H. Watts .. .. 1920 J. R. Fow 1920-28