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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Hamua

Hamua. is the first calling-place for the coaches between Eketahuna and Woodville. It is about seven miles from the former town. There is a fairly commodious hotel, a store, and a blacksmith's shop. In the daytime the public school affords almost the only sign of life; but when the curtain of night is drawn over the settlement, the neighbourhood of the hotel often presents a busy scene. The Maoris from a contiguous pah are frequently assembled there in strong force, and the bushmen and sawmill hands find congenial excitement and companionship.

A good deal of the land around Hamua is Maori property let to the white population on long leases. The population of the neighbourhood may be imagined from the fact that about eighty scholars attend the public school.

Until quite recently Hamua was known as Hawera, but the name was wisely changed to avoid confusion with the well-known town of that name in the Taranaki province.