Ormondville Rail Preservation Group Inc.

A Pleasant Outing

An article from the Dannevirke Advocate of 14 April 1903. Note that present day descriptions are shown in "[]"... (By One of the Party)

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That it is not necessary to journey many miles from Dannevirke to spend an enjoyable holiday was proved by some local residents, who, during Easter, were taken for a delightful drive by Mr A. Hagenson, in order to "see the country." The route traversed was through the Piripiri, Matamau, Makotuku, Ormondville and Norsewood districts, and a more enjoyable drive in fine weather it would be hard to obtain. The party left town [Dannevirke] at 9:30 a.m., glorious weather prevailing, which continued until their return to Dannevirke. Their journey through Otanga was not without interest, as the sawmills of that locality owned by Messrs Gamman & Co and Mr Holt [near the Piripiri overbridge, SH 2] are conspicuous for their size and importance, giving a good indication of the extent to which the sawmilling industry is carried on in this district. The sudden rise from Mangatera to Otanga brings one to a tableland, where, in addition to the milling previously referred to, cropping is carried on to some extent.

On leaving Otanga, the traveller soon reaches the little village of Matamau, where sawmilling is also an important industry. The public school is a noticeable landmark, while the three general stores indicate that some people have great faith in the future of the township. In continuing the journey the traveller, if at all observant, cannot fail to notice that he [or she] is approaching older and more settled districts.

The intention being, when the party left town, to proceed direct to Ormondville, that route was adhered to. This necessitated a drive through Makotuku [via Garfield Road, formerly called Friberg Road], and as Mr Hagenson resided there for a brief period some eighteen years ago he was able to point out many old landmarks. Mr Hagenson is a good conversationalist and his description of the Makotuku district, the stirring scenes enacted there during early times when "canvas residences" were far more numerous than wooden structures; when hotels were carried on unrestricted by present legislation; and when the early settlers pinned their faith to the township believing that it would be the principal inland district in Hawkes Bay, were indeed interesting, furnishing a history of the past which, together with that of other portions of this Province might with advantage be preserved for the information of future generations.

One homestead in close proximity to the main road was on special interest, for it is the home of Mrs Friberg, relict of the late Mr [Bror Eric] Friberg [died 3/2/1878], who played such an important part in the settlement of southern Hawkes Bay. The first Scandinavian emigrants for Norsewood and Dannevirke were brought to New Zealand by Mr Friberg [mostly aboard the Norwegian ship Høvding], and thorough good settlers they proved, so that the former gentleman's work has had a beneficial effect in assisting the prosperity of Hawkes Bay Province. Readers of these notes will be interested to learn that [a number of] the above-mentioned emigrants came to New Zealand 31 years ago in the barque Ballarat, the first officer of which was Mr James W. Douglas, who now resides at Mangatera. [Interestingly, perhaps the same James W. Douglas who was stationmaster at Ormondville between 9/8/1880 and c1880.] Mr N. Friberg, second master of the College Street School in Palmerston North, is a son of the late Mr Friberg.

Makotuku is essentially a farming district, but although it has been settled a great number of years, the township has not made much headway, which may be in a great measure attributed to its near approach to Ormondville, the latter being only two miles distant. Makotuku possesses two hotels and several business establishments, all of which appear to do satisfactory business. The drive between Makotuku and Ormondville proved to be equally as enjoyable as other parts of the journey, and as the latter place was reached at about 12 o'clock, the party decided to drive as far as the Manawatu River, where a little time was spent admiring the scenery. A substantial traffic bridge, erected by the County Council, attracted attention, also a swing bridge, which did duty in early times before the former structure was built. On returning to the township, the party repaired to Host Bennett's Settler's Arms Hotel, where they partook of an excellent dinner.

A stay of about an hour was made in Ormondville, during which various parts of the township were visited. The new buildings lately erected there [included the newly enlarged railway station complex no doubt] were commented upon as evidence of progress, but the fact did not escape notice that the township would have a vastly improved appearance if the settlers formed a working bee and cleared and burnt some of the  logs lying about the streets.

Leaving Ormondville, about two o'clock the party proceeded to Norsewood, the journey being made via the Danish Line [now Norsewood-Ormondville Road]. Some neat residences were passed on the outskirts of Ormondville, the most picturesque being the vicarage, where, indeed a good man dwells [Rev. A.S. Webb], and whose ministrations are always welcome because of his undoubted sincerity. Some old-fashioned residences are to be found on the Danish Line, while an interesting spot is the site of a brewery, which business was conducted years ago by the late Mr Gattsche of Palmerston North [Note: The brewery was in fact established by Mr J. Khutze, who ran it for some years], and the non-existence of  which probably causes many a sigh to escape from weary travellers.

On leaving the Danish line the journey into Norsewood was made via the German Line [now Te Whiti Road], on either side of which are small farms, where dairying is carried on under satisfactory conditions. As the traveller approaches Norsewood he is impressed by the splendid fertility of the soil  and its suitability  for dairying, and therein lies the secret of Norsewood's prosperity. The large valley on the north-western side of the township is subdivided into magnificent dairy farms of suitable areas, while the country in the other direction is similarly dealt with. A prominent building in Norsewood is the new post office - a handsome structure, which is presided over by Miss Learmonth, the capable postmistress. Half-a-mile separates Norsewood from Norsewood South, while mid-way is the large butter factory which has proved such a splendid asset for the district. There is an air of prosperity about Norsewood which augurs well for its future. The settlers are enterprising, and their success is therefore deserved.

The journey through Norsewood was thoroughly appreciated by the party, who left on the return journey about four o'clock. Dannevirke was reached at 5 o'clock, the outing having been a most enjoyable one, while Mr Hagenson was heartedly thanked for his kindness in providing it. [No doubt the horse that enabled it also received a hearty vote of appreciation!]