Conditions of the Scheme
Families were provided with free passage, two nights’ accommodation on arrival and an acre of land, which had a small (3.5x7.3m) two roomed, rough slab hut, with a door, two windows and a fireplace. They paid 7s 6d per week for three years when the property became theirs. In 1875, a number of German and Danish families arrived in Halcombe, who proceeded to occupy some of these empty huts. On April 8th, 1876, the first English families arrived under the Corporation scheme to find some of their huts had already been occupied for a year. However, it was not long before the groups merged into one well-knit community. "I notice great activity in the neighbourhood of the rising township of Halcombe in buildings and roadmaking; and notwithstanding the large number of two-roomed cottages built there by the E. and C. Aid Corporation, there are a considerable number of working men living in tents." Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 25, 13 January 1877, Page 3 |
Clearing the Land
The area around Halcombe township was covered in dense scrubby native bush, predominately manuka, tawa and ferns, which created isolation for the new comers. There were also majestic stands of matai and rimu with totara groves in abundance. Pockets of these survive and are well managed, some with protected status. In this environment sawmills flourished in the district with a number dotted around the district. At one time four mills were operating up Te Rue Rue valley, processing kahikatea, prized for its qualities for packaging, such as butter boxes. Bullock teams were used to pull large drays that carried the milled timber. The children looked forward to when a bullock driver would use the wooden dray to take them to picnics. |
Hazards
There were many hardships and drawbacks of early pioneering life, with the ever present risk of accidents – a number fatal. With the wholesale burn-offs on the land, fire was always a threat to the wooden buildings in the area. It has been estimated that at least 80 commercial buildings were destroyed by fire. Many of the early huts with their open fireplaces were also susceptible. The Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886 which destroyed the Pink and White Terraces, was heard as distant booming with flashes of flame, causing bewilderment to residents. 1897 Easter floods which caused all rivers in the district to rise, and destroying bridges. The Rangitikei River itself sustained major damage, changing its path and the bridge at Kakariki was swept away. Silt and other debris, including dead stock, was strewn over hundreds of acres of river flats. March 19, 1918 there was a major bush fire at Raetihi. Recounts describe a pink coloured haze, followed by ash and smoke laden air which reduced visibility for some hours. 1918 Influenza epidemic. A temporary hospital was opened at the Tokorangi Marae. Luckily deaths were minimal. 1902, 14 June another major flood – which continues to happen to this day. 1938 Heavy earthquake, bringing down many chimneys in the area. |
Growth of Halcombe Township
The first store to be opened in the late1870s was operated from a tent, before moving into a permanent building. As more settlers arrived, businesses and services also increased. The advent of the Main Trunk Railway through the township in 1877 led to rapid development. By the 1880’s Halcombe was a thriving town, with over 60 establishments providing for the population. These included general stores, hotel, restaurant, baker, news agency, as well as those catering for the farming sector - a blacksmith, wheelwright, farrier and coach builder. There were churches, schools and halls. There was also a bank, a brick kiln, a ‘boiling down’ works and a creamery. Halcombe also had its own midwife, undertaker, sale yards and Town Board. The railway station included a post office, bar and refreshment room. More on Halcombe's Rail History... |
A familiar sight in Halcombe was Mr James Keen, the Town Cryer, who would ring his bell until a crowd had gathered, when announcements regarding coming entertainments and other items of news would be made. |