Upokongaro 1875 1937

UPOKONGARO (more correctly, Ūpokongaro) is a settlement 12km upriver from Wanganui (now Whanganui) in the Makirikiri Valley. Settled by Europeans in the 1860s, it was an important ferry crossing and riverboat stop. A spectacular discovery of moa bones was made in the area in the 1930s.

The village's name in Māori, ūpoko (head) ngaro (hidden), refers to a story of how chief's daughter Ira-nga-rangi arranged to have her head removed upon her death and hidden by relatives, who feared it might be desecrated by enemies. Supposedly the preserved head was hidden in a cave on the banks of the Ūpokongaro Stream north of the settlement, from which the village takes its name.
At the time of European contact, both Ūpokongaro and adjacent settlements Waipakura and Kukuta were home to the Ngāti Patutokotoko hapū of the iwi Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi. Ngāti Iringirangi and Nga Paerangi are also noted as being present.
The fortified hilltop pā at Ūpokongaro was called Opiu; during the tense times of the 1840s, Opiu was pulled down and abandoned.

Waipakura, south of Ūpokongaro, was one of a number of native reserves set aside in the 1848 Deed of Sale; some of it was leased to settlers in the 1860s.
Ūpokongaro was described as a "small pā" in 1865 and Māori settlement persisted until at least the 1880s.
The pā site at Opiu was used as a refuge for settlers' wives and children in 1862, when there were fears of Hau Hau war parties, and was later turned into a redoubt.

In 1866, settler John Kennedy built a hotel and a store (later the post office); during the 1870s and '80s, the local name for Ūpokongaro was "Kennedy's". A school was built in 1870, known from 1873"“1879 as the North Makirikiri or "River Bank" school.
The schoolroom functioned for Anglican services in the mid 1870s, but in 1877 St Mary's Anglican Church was built. Designed by local architect Edward Morgan and built by John Randal, St Mary's is distinctive in having a spire with a triangular cross-section, on a four-sided steeple. Its stained glass window was installed in 1879, in memory of Archibald Montgomery, a young Upokongaro man lost in the sinking of the clipper Avalanche in the English Channel just before the church was completed.
St Mary's is the oldest church in the Whanganui District on its original site.

In the 1930s, thousands of moa bones were recovered from mud springs in the Upokongaro Valley at Makirikiri by a Wanganui Museum expedition. Life-sized concrete moa sculptures commemorating this can be seen on the main road outside the Upokongaro Cafe.

Evening Post, 6 July 1878
FATAL ACCIDENT
A sad and fatal accident occurred at Upokongaro near Wanganui on Monday last, of which the following account is given by the Herald:- A shoemaker named Philip Rowland (born 1824, Marylebone, m Emma Beaumont), while crossing the yard at the back of Kennedy's Hotel, passed a horse, left standing and tied to the fence; and in passing, patted the horse's flank. The animal in kicking out struck him in the lower abdomen, inflicting terrible injuries and such suffering as could only have been relieved by instant death, The agonised groans of the unfortunate man brought assistance and the poor fellow was placed upon a couch. A messenger dispatched with all speed to town soon returned with Dr Earle, who strove ineffectually to afford even a temporary relief. Nothing could be done to save the injured man, who, in the most terrible pain, lingered for some hours and expired in paroxysms of agony.

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 Sep 1880
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT
ROAD OBSTRUCTION
A second charge was preferred against A. Georgetti, of obstructing H. J. Reid, foreman of Works to the Wangaehu Highway Board, in opening up a portion of the Upokongaro Road running through Georgetti's property. After some evidence had been taken, the case was adjourned for three week, to permit of further evidence being produced as to the road being a legal one

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 April 1881
WANGANUI COUNTY
NOTICE is hereby given that the Electoral Rolls of the above county may be seen at the office of the County Council, Rutland Chambers, Ridgway-street, Wanganui and copies of these of each riding at the following places until the 15th May 1881:-
Riding Waitotara, at Mr John Brown's, Maxwelltown
Riding Westmere, at Mr T. Root's. Springvale
Riding Warrengate, at Harvey's Store, Campbelltown
Riding Waipakuru, at Mr Kennedy's Store, Upokongaro
Riding Makirikiri, at Residence of Mr W. Strachan, No.3 Line
Mangawhere, at Residence of Mr C. Parker, Makirikiri
Brunswick, at Mr J. Walker's River Bank.
EDWARD N. LIFFITON, Clerk, Wanganui County (Edward Nolloth Liffiton 1843-1923)

Timaru Herald, 24 August 1881
WANGANUI
Judge Fenton proceeded to Upokongaro to-day. The natives are much disgusted that he did not permit them to take him up the river, 100 men in two large canoes having been sent by Kemp to bring him up to the Court. Twenty had been intended to dance a war-dance in his honor, but the natives considered themselves shabbily treated and the preparations fell through

Wanganui Herald, 31 Oct 1881
SUPREME COURT (Before His Honor the Chief Justice)
The hearing of the case of Georgetti v The Wangaehi Highway Board was resumed at 10 o'clock this morning, the following additional witnesses for the defendants being called:
Arthur Filmer (1856-1920, Land Agent, m Henrietta Green (1859-1906). They had 10 children, 7 born in Wanganui, the others in USA. They died in California), a resident in the Upokongaro valley from 1877 to the present time, gave evidence as to the existence of a gate across "Barton's line" place there by Mr Georgetti. On each side of the Matatara branch line there were some poplar posts recently put in, but whether as trees or as a protection for the fence witness could not say. The paddock adjoining this branch line was never used as a garden and the pure-bred bull alluded to by previous witnesses was now grazing in it. The nearest Maori settlement was an old pah, about a mile and a half up the Valley, but this was the other side of the creek from the road.
By Mr Fitzherbert - Mr Georgetti's place had been rather overstocked of late and he could manage his cattle just as well after as before the road was laid off. The damage done to the Matatara branch line in April last, so far as the gaps are concerned, would be covered by 20s. The gap in the thorn fence was made before April.
Re-examined by Mr Hutchison - Witness was not particularly interested in Mr Barton's line, but merely wanted a road up the valley.
Roland Garrett, engineer and surveyor, formerly acting for the Board, deposed that he had at different times found some of the pegs of Barton's line. The gaps made in Mr Georgetti's fences were on the Matatara branch line. Mr Georgetti was well aware of the direction this line was to take. The land along Barton's line and its branches had never been occupied by native buildings or cultivations.
J. I. Gerse (Sheep Inspector) (John Ivo Gerse 1822-1899, native of Belgium) stated that in April last, the day after the alleged breaking down of fences, Mr Georgetti mustered his sheep without difficulty and returned the numbers at 1,800. On the 31st May he made a formal return of 1,700.
William Patrick Campbell, manager for three years past of Dr Grace's property in the Upokongaro Valley, stated that in April last he went with Mr Reid and Mr Cullinane to open up Barton 's line. They broke through two fences only, one on the main road and the other on the Matarata branch. There was an imperfect thorn fence diagonally across the branch line, but there was no occasion to break it down, as there were gaps in it. No other damage, beyond cutting down the two fences, was done to Mr Georgetti or his son, that the pure-bred bull (alleged to have escaped through the opening up of the line) had been in the habit of breaking out of the paddock. When witness was on the property in April last it had a board over its eyes to prevent its breaking out. Witness had since seen the bull in the same paddock it occupied in April last.
Cross-examined by Mr Fitzherbert - The stoppage of the culverts through cutting down fences might have caused Georgetti's land to be flooded and the gaps in the fence might have enabled cattle to escape on to the general run/ Witness's employer (Dr Grace) ws anxious that the Mangaone branch should be opened up, but as to Barton's line as a whole, he did not care which direction the road went. provided that one was made.
John Cullinane, a settler in the Matatara Valley (and the defendant in the second action brought by Mr Georgetti) corroborated the last witness as to the thorn fence being full of gaps when Mr Read and the others (including witness) went up in April last to open Barton's line. Mr Georgetti had since mended the fence, all but one gap.
Cross-examined by Mr Fitzherbert; Witness had done some work on the cutting across the creek since the alleged trespass and expected the Board to pay for it.
The mid-day adjournment then took place. The case will last until a late hour to-day, if not to-morrow.

Otago Daily Times, 11 Jan 1883
NATIVE AFFAIRS
WELLINGTON. The Hon, Mr Bryce (Hon. john Bryce) received a few days ago, a communication from Tapatahi, a chief in the King country, in which he stated that he had seen Mr Bryce's letter to Wahanui. Tapatahi says that it was Tawhiao who with held his consent to the proposals embodied in the letter. In his opinion the arrangements with regard to roads and railways and other matters were in a satisfactory position. Tapatahi further asks that fair and liberal compensation should be given to Natives. He though that people who had committed crimes in that district should be allowed to go at large and an amnesty granted them. Tawhiao should be taken in charge and treated as one would a loving child. In conclusion, the chief mentions that the Natives are favourable to a Lands Court at Mokau and to the survey of land between Paraninihi and Mokau.
In replying to the chief, Mr Bryce says that his last words to Tawhio had gone to Wahanui and they had been rejected. The construction of roads and railways through the Maori county would be of immense benefit alike to Natives and Europeans. As regarded the reference to an amnesty being granted, it was a question as to whether those who had committed crimes were now acting properly and if they are or are not likely to commit crimes in future. The proposal for the survey was a good one and it was hoped that before any lengthened period the roads and railways would be gone on with. It is understood that Mr Bryce will leave for Kawhia forwards the end of the month, for the purpose of arranging for the opening of that port.
WANGANUI - Tawhiao, with nearly 200 King Natives and accompanied by Topia, the great Taupo chief, reached Upokongaro, seven miles from here, this morning. The whole party is expected in Wanganui to-morrow. The Natives of this district have made great preparations and are very enthusiastic. No preparations for reception have been arranged by Europeans

Hawke's Bay Herald, 2 May 1884
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE
Am extensive fire occurred last night at Upokongaro, about seven miles from Wanganui, the residence of Mr Spencer Peel (Spencer William 1858-1913) being burnt to the ground. Nothing was saved except a valuable diamond in a gold bracelet, which was afterwards recovered from the debris and a gun which cost 60 guineas at Home. The origin of the fire is not known as Mr and Mrs Peel (Adelaide Cowper 1862-1955) were absent for the evening, having taken every precaution against fire before leaving. The insurance is £700 in the Colonial office, £200 being on the house, £200 on the furniture and £200 on the other contents. The house was an old one and the insurance about covers its value but the loss on the contents is estimated to be much above the insurances, as Mr Peel had a large amount of jewellery and other valuable property in the place

Wanganui Herald, 24 Aug 1889
CHURCH SERVICES
11th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY - PAROCHIAL DISTRICT
Aramoho - 11am Rev T. L. Tudor (Thomas Lloyd Tudor 1821-1900 first vicar of Motueka)
- his son, Edmund Lichmore Tudor, starved to death in 1905
Brunswick - 11 am Rev P. L. Cameron
Wangaehu - 11am Mr Baker
Maxwelltown - 2.30pm Mr Menzies
Waitotara - 3pm Mr Cox
Opokongaro - 3pm Rev T. L. Tudor
Churton College - 7pm Rev J. W. Chapman

Poverty Bay Herald, 18 April 1890
SPORTING
On Wednesday the Ministerial party returned by the Wanganui river from a trip along the Main Trunk line. The Hons. Fergus and Captain Russell landed at Upokongaro and took horse to catch the midday train at Aramoho for Wellington. All speak highly of the magnificent country and Mr Christie Murray declares the Wanganui river to be the most beautiful of any he has yet seen in the world.

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 Nov 1891
SICK
We regret to hear that Mr Charles Smith of Upokongaro is in a low and dangerous state of health after a severe attack of the prevailing complaint. Mr J. Bain too, who had rallied considerably, has we regret to hear, had another bad turn of his complaint.

Wanganui Herald, 30 Dec 1891
TO BUILDERS
TENDERS are invited until 2pm on Wednesday, 6th January 1892, for additions to St Mary's Church, Upokongaro. Plans, &c, to be seen at my office. A. ATKINS, F.R.I.B.A., Architect

Wanganui Herald, 5 Sep 1893
LAND TO LEASE
TENDERS will be received by the undersigned to 30th September, 1892, on behalf of Mrs Willis, for the lease for a term of 5 or 10 years of 85 ½ acres of land at Upokongaro, as a whole or in eight sections as at present occupied. The land is situated close to the Upokongaro Township and has a frontage to the River Bank and Mangawhero Roads. A plan showing the different lots and condition of lease, can be seen at my office. H. E. DYMOCK, Agent, Ridgway Street, Wanganui

Wanganui Herald, 4 Nov 1893
BREEDING
To travel this season in the following districts, the Clydesdal Stallion KING OF THE CLANS.
Mondays - Upokongaro
Tuesdays - Brunswick to Kai Iwi
Wednesdays - Kai Iwi to Nukumaru
Thursdays - Nukumaru to Waitotara
RENDELL, WATSON & CO., Proprietors

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 Sep 1894
PUBLIC NOTICES
WANTED Known - The party who took or removed the perforated zinc from Mrs Dickson's at Upokongaro, after Mr Barn's sale, between Saturday and Monday, will oblige by leaving their names either with Mr Barns or returning the same to Mrs Dickson. Otherwise, if not returned immediately, a prosecution will follow

Wanganui Herald, 15 Jan 1897
MAGICAL MEDICINE Ad
UPOKONGARO, April 1894, Mr Nosworthy Herbalist, Wanganui - Dear Sir, I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the wonderful efficacy of you "Triumph Cough Mixture" as the four bottles I purchased from you cured me of a very troublesome cough that I had suffered from for over twenty years - yours truly, William Caines

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 Sep 1904
WANTED KNOWN
A Drag will leave Jefferson's at 7pm for Upokongaro Dance on the 23rd