Te Awamutu main street 1911
Meghan Hawkes tracks news around the year 1911 as Te Awamutu enjoys a growth spurt.
Te Awamutu flourishing in 1911
A visitor to Te Awamutu was delighted to note its rapid growth. Houses and shops were going up in all directions and before long the town would take its place as one of the most flourishing in the Waikato. But, the visitor asked, was there any local authority to look after the roads and footpaths? From the look of them they seemed to be left to look after themselves. How did residents get about in the dark? Or did they all stay home after sunset? The visitor urged upon the Te Awamutu authorities a little more speed.
The proposed new post office for Te Awamutu, however, was nearly complete. The brick building was nearly four times the size of the present “unnameable horror.” It would be a decided ornament to the town but the best of it was in the internal arrangements. The mail room alone had 250 feet more floor space than the whole of the present building. The public room had a 16-foot counter surmounted by the latest thing in brass screens. There was a postmaster’s room, a telephone exchange and a big strong room. A letter box lobby enabled residents to get their mail without going into the public office. A sound-proof room for bureau purposes would give users what they had never had in Te Awamutu – privacy.
Census returns showed that the population of the Te Awamutu Town District was now 645 – an increase of 266 on the returns of 1906. The young people of Kihikihi decided to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King George V with a riding party to Kakepuku, and by climbing to the mountain’s summit. Seldom had the little township presented a more animated appearance than when, at an early hour, the jovial party of about two dozen riders set off for the day’s pleasure. After welcome victuals at the residence of Messrs McCalium and Stanwell, the climb commenced. The mountain, though only 1800 feet in height, proved difficult to ascend, the wet and slippery fern making it hard to keep a footing.
The enthusiasts were determined though and about 20 reached the summit. From this altitude the surrounding country was very picturesque and made up for the exertion of the climb. The descent was much easier and on arriving at the tethered horses all haste was made to the residence of the genial hosts, whose hospitality was again enjoyed. As the shades of evening were drawing near, hearty cheers were given for the kindly hosts, and the homeward journey commenced. Upon reaching Kihikihi the day’s outing was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem.
The people of Pirongia were much incensed at the latest use found for the public library’s verandah. A quantity of manure had been stored under it, and the stench rising from it made it almost impossible to use the library, while passers-by were greatly inconvenienced. It was time the authorities took steps to prevent this nuisance as the public library had a much better objective if used as it should be.
Te Awamutu Tennis Courts
