Queen Alexandra 1901
A proposal to rename Alexandra (now Pirongia) provoked a protest in 1894, one objector saying he had lived at the other Alexandra in Otago for nearly a year and it was a horrible place.
In summer there was black dust up to the knees, with nothing but bare rocks for shelter from the intense heat. In winter rain flooded the stores up to the counters and made the dust of summer a sea of mud. Surely, he said, our pretty and picturesque township more fittingly bears the name of our future queen, than that dirty mining town in Otago.
Some excitement was caused in Te Awamutu by a runaway wagon belonging to Mr Cunningham. The loaded wagon was standing at the door of Aubin and Co’s store when the horses were startled by a cow being driven past them. The horses started off down the Kihikihi Road, past Lewis’ hotel. Mr Mackeller made a brave attempt to stop them but failed. The spooked pair then galloped up the hill and round the corner by the Rev MacDonald’s and along Brady Street to the hollow below the school. Here they swerved round and the bar came apart from the pole which ran about three feet into the ground stopping the journey. The swingletrees had also come away but the horses were found standing quietly beside the wagon when the crowd of rescuers came running up headed by Mr McKinnon, a well-known sprinter. Willing hands soon had everything put right and Mr Cunningham drove the wagon full of rescuers triumphantly back into town.
At Ōhaupō marriages were the order of the day. Several had taken place and several more were in contemplation. Sometimes, noted a correspondent, business was dull in the matrimonial market, and sometimes there was a spurt. What with marriages, christenings and deaths, the parsons seemed to have plenty to do. One parson married one man, buried another, and christened a baby all in one day.
The Mangapiko School, having lately fenced in their school reserve of five acres, spent Arbor Day planting trees and shrubs. Although the morning loomed foggy by midday old Sol shone out in all his strength, making the rest of the day most enjoyable. Trees and shrubs in considerable numbers were planted by the children, assisted by the committee, parents and visitors. The youngsters enjoyed themselves thoroughly with the good things of life which had been provided in overflowing abundance. Before breaking up lollies were scrambled for, the kind gift of Mr Price, Te Awamutu storekeeper. The children then began to wend their way homeward, well pleased with their day’s holiday and hoping that there would be another Arbor Day next year.
Kihikihi was generally not much cursed with the larrikin element, but it had been noticed of late that a most objectionable form of them was becoming somewhat prominent. The use of obscene language was heard at times on the main street at night, also issuing from beneath store and hotel verandahs in anything but subdued tones of voice.
Queen Alexandra, 1901
