Otaki Railway is distant one mile by good coach road from the township of Otaki. It has a railway station in charge of a station-master, and a post and telephone office, under the care of the local postmistress. The railway station, which stands at an elevation of forty-five feet above the level of the sea, on the Wellington-Manawatu railway line, is forty-seven miles distant from Wellington, and forty miles from Palmerston North. The dairy factory of the Otaki-Manukau Company adjoins the railway station, and on the other side of the line is a creamery. Accommodation is provided by a large hotel, close to the railway station, and there are several retail establishments, including a well-equipped cycle engineer's shop and workshop. Vegetables for the Wellington market are extensively grown at Otaki railway.

The Otaki Railway Post Office is conducted in part of the railway station building. Five mails are received daily, and four are despatched. All the usual postal and telegraph facilities are afforded, and the office is in charge of a postmistress.

Miss Clara Smith . Postmistress in charge of the Otaki Railway post office, was appointed in the year 1906.

Otaki Railway Station, one of the oldest on the Wellington-Manawatu line, is a wood and iron building, with a long passenger platform, refreshment rooms, and the post office. It contains the public office, ticket lobby, and a ladies' waiting room, while the goods shed is on the opposite side of the line. From this station immense quantities of vegetables and general produce are sent to Wellington. The traffic staff consists of the station-master, a clerk, and a porter.

Mr. James White, who was appointed station-master at Otaki railway station in the year 1906, joined the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company in 1902, on his arrival from England. He had had twelve years' experience on the London City underground lines before coming to New Zealand, and was coaching foreman at Wellington station for two years and a half before receiving his present appointment.

Mr. J. White

Mr. William John Row was born in Rangitikei, was brought up to farming pursuits, and spent some years in the Longburn district. He subsequently sold his farm, and established his present cycle agency in Otaki.

Bunting. photo
Mr. W. J. Row.