ROBYN PARKES
One hundred years ago, Golden Bay began the year with a mix of celebration, tragedy and drama.
In early January, there were calls to officially rename Tākaka Hill Road as Pikikiruna Pass. Supporters argued the scenic drive from Riwaka to Tākaka would attract more tourists if it had a distinctive name rather than the colloquial “Tar-kicker Hill”.
The community mourned the death of May Ann Langford, a respected resident who had lived in the district for 64 years.
Late January brought one of the worst floods in 40 years. The river destroyed protection works and inundated low-lying land. Telephone poles were swept away and fencing ruined for miles.
Despite the devastation, the 33rd A & P Show went ahead at the Tākaka Recreation Grounds, attracting record attendance and entries since the war years.
In February, Collingwood’s Anglican Church held a gala that drew good crowds. One of the most popular exhibits was a decorated Emms car carrying four young women representing Britannia, Royal Mail and White Star Line of Motors.
From flood to fire – late February saw a blaze rip through Takaka in the early hours, destroying several premises. It started in Manner’s drapery store and spread quickly to Emms’ stables, recently purchased by Newmans, then to the billiard saloon, butcher’s shop and courthouse.
The Fire Station was next in line, but with limited equipment the brigade was powerless to stop the flames. The station was demolished to create a firebreak, and its roof placed against Beattie’s tobacconist shop to halt the spread. The Junction Hotel was saved but left charred. Shops owned by Edgar and Daisy Goodwin were damaged by heat, and the New Zealand Farmers Co-op building lost most of its fresh paint. The tar-sealed road burned, and N. Emms lost furniture stored in the stables. Damages were estimated at £6000 to £7000.
Elsewhere, in Collingwood, R. J. Dillon was appointed heavy traffic inspector under the Motor Vehicles Act 1924. In Motueka, New Year’s Day saw the second gathering of the clan at the Domain grounds. Young Lionel Vernon Clark, 19, appeared in court for forging a cheque. The sanitary inspector visited butchers, bakers, restaurants and ice cream shops, closing one and addressing several nuisances.
Motueka Borough Council clashed with Waimea County Council over a decision to charge Motueka four shillings for every motor driver licensed there, despite drivers applying to Waimea.
In early February, the Motueka Harbour Board planted pines on unused port land and opened the area for campers and picnickers.
Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the amenities during the holidays.
New years roll around, but life continues with its mix of the mundane, tragedies and excitement.
