The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
[introduction]
In many respects Pahiatua differs considerably from the other towns of the Wairarapa. Its growth has been so much more rapid that it has attained quite imposing proportions while surrounded with most unmistakable signs of newness. Even within the borough boundary there are many acres still covered with stumps and burnt logs, and only the principal streets are formed, yet the public buildings, hotels, and shops would be a credit to many a town four times as old. A dozen years ago Pahiatua was laid out, and it was the opinion of some that its development would be very slow. Its nearness to Woodville was thought to be a fatal disqualification. The accompanying pictures will show how erroneous were the views then and thus expressed.
On entering Pahiatua the stranger is surprised to find a town of such imposing proportions. The main street is three chains wide, and the shops are in fairly large blocks. Rows of trees divide the principal street into three parts, and though the traffic is thus well spread, a good deal of grass grows even in the most thickly populated page 1014 parts. There are four handsome hotels, the Commercial and the Club being the oldest established and best patronised by the travelling and resident public. Unfortunately for the appearance of the town, by far the larger proportion of the shops are of only one story. Not-withstanding this, however, many of them are much larger and more handsome than are to be found in any other town of the Wairarapa, Masterton excepted.
When Main Street was laid off, it was expected that the railway would be laid down the centre, and that all trains would thus run through the town; but, unfortunately for both Pahiatua and the railway, this very sensible proposal is not being carried out. Passengers and goods for Pahiatua will be dropped at Scarborough, or thereabouts, and all the inconveniences and expense of cabs, 'buses, expresses, drays, etc., will be ruthlessly cast upon the people, unless, indeed, they indulge in the luxury of a tram service from Scarborough to Pahiatua. This would be a bold undertaking, but the people of Pahiatua are stout-hearted, and great things may be fairly expected from them.
Pahiatua is the natural centre of a very fine stretch of country, and as such it must continue to grow in size and importance. It has already so far out-paced Eketahuna that places equidistant—and even those somewhat nearer Eketahuna—look upon Pahiatua as the town round which they group. The opening of the railway may in a measure detach some of these; but all such rising districts as Ballance, Nikau, Scarborough, Mangaone, Kaitawa, Ngaturi, Makuri, Makairo, and Tiraumea, must ever make Pahiatua their centre. And the land comprising all these is of such quality that there can be no doubt about the profitable continuance of its cultivation. Fortunately for all concerned, the holdings around Pahiatua are small enough to admit of the resources of the country being thoroughly developed, and yet large enough to admit of that development being remunerative to all engaged therein.
Wool, mutton, and dairy produce are the staple exports of the district, though the timber industry is of considerable importance. Among the sheepfarmers may be found all classes of colonists, from those born in New Zealand, who have made their wealth here, such as the Messrs. A very and others, to recent arrivals like the Messrs. Bayley and Mr. Breeds, who brought their wealth with them, and such experience of rough colonial life as was to be gained in the Colleges of Cirencester and Oxford. The attention of readers at the Antipodes is particularly called to the articles in the following pages describing the farms and farmers of this newly occupied district. What these gentlemen have done may still be done by others. Of men with fair capital, willing hands, and stout hearts, New Zealand can accommodate a practically unlimited number, and few districts offer attractions equal to those of Pahiatua.
In the opinion of shrewd investors and speculators, Pahiatua has a steady future. When such experienced capitalists and colonists as Mr. T. C. Williams take sufficient interest in a country town to erect extensive blocks of brick buildings, others of less experience may safely risk something on the stability of that town and district.
The most remarkable climatic feature of the Pahiatua county is the abundance of rain. The townspeople think they have too much rain; but the dairy-farmers and run-holders, who well know the advantages of green grass and plenty of it throughout the dryest season, are slow to condemn the abundant moisture. For some years it was thought that the denuding of the hills would diminish the quantity of rain, but the effect so far has been hardly noticeable, and there is every reason for believing that while the Tararuas exist droughts will be unknown in Pahiatua. The winds are not remarkable either for prevalence or force, and the climate generally is more equable than in many other parts of the Wairarapa.
The public hall or concert room adjoins Mr. Sullivan's Commercial Hotel, and is a part of the property. It is a comfortable, well-appointed hall, and is well patronized. The residents of Pahiatua are never so completely engrossed with politics that they cannot enjoy a good concert, and in this respect the various musical and other societies cater well for the public. The Burns Society concert, held annually in the early spring, is always most successful, and it is generally the precursor of what is known as a “long night.” The Scotsman is no stranger in Pahiatua, but he is hardly so well represented as a visitor might be led to suppose by the crowded gatherings at the Burns Festivals: for there are men of all other nationalities, who have never seen the bonny hills of Scotland, or read a page of Burns, and who yet have no objection to the somewhat peculiar manner of perpetuating the “inspired ploughman's” memory. The Burns banquet in Pahiatua is something not to be missed, though doubtless there are some who would miss the next day if they could. On the whole, however, the Pahiatua folks are sober, intelligent, and industrious; and, although there are four hotels, all well patronised, hard drinkers are reported to be few and far between.
One of the most important of the commercial institutions is the Farmers' Auctioneering Association. The title in this case is in no way misleading, for the farmers themselves not only subscribe the capital, but undertake the actual management, and prove by experience that an outside middleman is not a necessity as a medium between buyers and sellers of stock and produce. The picture of the Society's yards was taken on the opening day, and represents a busy scene. Mr. Charles Avery and his co-directors have taken a great interest in the affairs of the Farmers' Auctioneering Association, and are determined to achieve success. The sales are held on Saturdays page 1017 days so as not to interfere with those of Mr. David Crewe on Tuesdays, or those of Messrs. Abraham and Williams on Fridays. It is difficult to decide on any special market day, the market business being pretty evenly divided between Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The Press is represented in Pahiatua by an exceedingly well advertised and well conducted paper, published thrice weekly by the editor and proprietor, Mr. Alexander Baillie. The Pahiatua Herald is in its fourth volume, and has incorporated the Pahiatua Star. It consists of thirty-two columns, each about two feet long; and being connected with the Press Association, every issue contains all the latest cable and telegraphic news. Doubtless one of the early results of the increasing population of the district will be the daily issue of the Herald.
As is the case with most country towns—and especially the infant centres, which are so much in need of bridges, roads, and railways—the people of Pahiatua are all politicians; and the recent changes resulting from the addition of an electoral district have greatly increased the interest and excitement. If the Pahiatua-Woodville constituency had to supply the members for the whole Parliament, it is probable that there would be no dearth of candidates. The necessity for only one member brought nearly a dozen aspirants into the field; and the largest party meeting ever held in Pahiatua was recently called upon to select one out of seven in the interests of the Opposition. That 150 electors belonging to that party—besides scores who were known to favour the Government—could be got together in Pahiatua in the daytime to talk politics, shows how high party feeling runs; and how greatly the real interests of the people are affected by changes of policy in such departments as “Lands” and “Public Works.”
Of institutions for the improvement and assistance of the people, Pahiatua has its fair share. The library and free reading room are highly appreciated. The Debating Society flourishes, as also the chess, rifle, cricket, and football clubs, and the Masonic and Friendly Societies.
The picture above represents a meet of the Hunt Club. This club is very popular with the residents in and around Pahiatua, and great enthusiasm is shown at the meets. On some occasions every horse in the district is pressed into the service, and the whole town turns out to see the “throw off.”