Matawai a Small Settlement North Island 1900
After you drive thro Opotiki and heading for Gisborne you climb the
Gorge and there it is . A nearly forgotten small town setled in 1900 .Henry Korte, Chris Korte and Fred Korte were among the first settlers in the Matawai district. The township presently has about 30 residences, a hotel, garage, police station, a store, tearooms, fire station, primary school, public hall, Marae and two churches. Robb Bros Ltd operate a road transport company from Matawai.
I have done business with this trucking family . They seem to employ all their relatives and have done so for years
The township of Matawai came into existence in 1912 as the railway from Gisborne to Motu was being constructed. The route of the railway and land for the Matawai railway station had been selected.
Sections for the Matawai township were surveyed and made available for sale in 1912. The Poverty Bay Herald reported the planned auction of sections on 21 June 1912
I believe the huge trees ( mostly Kauri , Totara , Kaihikotea , and Rimu grew from the Motu forest all the way to the Gisborne east coast and the vast timber forests in the locality, must come to Matawai as its outlet. .
In January 1913 the township was starting to develop. Four railway cottages had been built and excavation of the railway yard was completed. Matawai was on the fringe of the remaining timber country and sawmills were operating (F, Halls, Drummond Brothers., Sloan Brothers) or preparing to open (McLeod Brother). A further three mills were planned. It was estimated that 25,000 feet of timber per day would be produced from the first four mills (approx 60 cubic meters of sawn timber per day)
After the timber ran out , Sheep and beef cattle farming became the main type of agriculture in the Matawai district. The volcanic soils of the district require regular application of fertilisers to maintain pasture and livestock production. Numerous airstrips were established in the district during 1950-1960 for aerial application of fertilisers.
Next time you drive thro Matawai in NZ instead of going straight on. Stop for a breathier and visulize what was all around you and now gone If we can we should try and pass on some of the past - The future just seems to keep pushing the thought out into oblivion
Till we meet again -Regards - edmondsallan
it
Hi Edmond
My uncle by marriage John McKenize called Jack, grew up in Matawai, His family came to New Zealand from Scotland via Nova Scotia.
They may have had a short stay in Australia, but I'm not sure now.
His father meet and married Miss Liverton of the Wairarapa. Her father was the owner of a large block of land.
Mr. Liverton married three times and raised a family with each wife the property was eventualy divided into three farms, each was still large holdings.
Ian
thats great . I have been into the motu bush / forest with some friends several times . Hunting. Some of the best wild pork in nz are in them thar hills - The history of the area is fascinating . thanks for letting me know - Kind Regards
The Matawai pub the only water hole for miles it's more then just a pub,or it was in the late 1970's/ early 1980's.
Inside hanging and leaning upon the walls, are many of the things the old timers of the past had used to make life a plusher.
Some of the things I rember were horse collars,Cross Cut saw blades,Old Pictures of that area,including Motu Hora,and the Pakahi Station.
A two headed lamb and multiple hove deer's feet were used to hold things upon the walls.
Panting of area's down the old main road from Matawai to Lower Waiawa,on the East Coast 5 minters drive East of Opotiki.
(This is one of the most beautifulest 6 hour drives in as close as one can expect to get to the out backs in N.Z.
During the roar one should be able to hear the roar of the wild stags deep in the bush or see the odd rear N.Z.Weka darting across the road in front.
This is a great place for the Artest of a cameraman.
When traveling this road drive with care as there are fewer cars,homes and people on this road,but a visitor to the area will be rewarded with some of the nicest wild steep bush clad places in the country.
In the area one of two area rafters have access to one of N.Z
wildest rivers if in flood at the time of entry.
The Motu over the years has taken many lives to them whom are ill prepared.)
State Forest 125 is but a jump away from an out doors man play ground.
Cheers
that pub is a real watering hole .great memories !!! The whole Matawai community get together their , and if you think you're above them , they'll soon cut you back to size.
together their. It certainly has its dangers in that forest . Go in ill prepared and nature will teach you a real life's lesson Sometimes a wipeout . regards