It’s 1912, and the news in Waipa is about buildings – and four motor cars. Meghan Hawkes looks through the old files.
The Bank of New Zealand building – sold to the highest bidder after three decades’ service.
The old Bank of New Zealand at Te Awamutu was sold by auction for £200, Mr Wheeler, a local builder, being the purchaser. The contractor for the new bank was to commence work immediately. In the meantime the bank officials secured temporary offices in Beckett’s Buildings. It was wryly observed that this was the first day the bank had shown any signs of activity since its establishment some 33 years before.
Pirongia had also been getting a move on – the old creamery building was pulled down and a new up to date one built. The Alexandra Hotel was undergoing repairs and additional rooms, kitchen and outbuildings were being erected. A neat cottage had also been built for Miss Miller.
A cold snap caused a good deal of sickness at Pirongia, mumps being especially prevalent, even among adults, and the doctors were said to be having a “good time of it.”
Paterangi School’s annual picnic was held at Mr Ryburn’s homestead. Although the attendance was not a record one, there was a good number present, including friends from neighbouring districts. After lunch, Mr Webb, school committee chairman, presented the children with their books, and the afternoon was spent very pleasantly with games of tennis and rounders. Races were also held. The last and most amusing race of the day was the chase after the lolly man which the children enjoyed best of all. After 6 o’clock tea hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Ryburn for their kindness. In the evening an enjoyable dance was held in the hall.
It was feared the sanitary arrangements at Ōhaupō would not stand close inspection by the Health Officer. A large amount of sickness had occurred in the district which should have acted as an incentive to the residents to endeavour to secure a doctor. They could combine, as was done in other districts, to form a medical club. Such an arrangement made it possible for an individual to get medical attention at a moderate cost, so that when a run of sickness attacked a family the medical expenses would not be the heavy burden they now were.
Kihikihi was suddenly captivated by the speedy and luxurious mode of travel presented by the motor car. Four residents became possessed of cars, all four vehicles being for the convenience and pleasure of private families.
Evidence of the benefits of the motor car as a means of transit was shown when the Chamber of Commerce delegates in Mr Lawson’s car made the return journey from Puketarata to Te Awamutu (16 miles) in 45 minutes. The road for many miles ran through hilly country with many heavy grades having to be traversed. With a horse-drawn vehicle the journey would have occupied at least two hours, and the deputation couldn’t thank Mr Lawson enough for getting them home in such good time.
