The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Matakanui
Matakanui , situated on the northern, portion of the Manuherikia Plain, is in the county of Vincent, and is 130 miles from Dunedin. A tri-weekly coach service connects with Ophir the present (1904) terminus of the Otago Central railway. A large tract of good pastoral country surrounds the township, and near the northern hills some large hydraulic sluicing claims are very successfully worked. The township of Matakanui, which was formerly known as Tinkers, has a Catholic church, public school, store, and hotel.