Matamau

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Matamau

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| leader_name3 = {{NZ officeholder data|Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP|y}}

| utc_offset_DST = +13

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| postal_code = 4977

| postal_code_type = Postcode

| timezone_DST = NZDT

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| utc_offset = +12

| timezone = NZST

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| population_density_km2 = auto

| population_total = 144

| population_as_of = 2018

| leader_title4 =

| leader_title3 = Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP

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| image_map = {{infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|-40.141|176.159}}|zoom=8}}

| coordinates = {{coord|-40.141|176.159|display=inline,title|region:NZ_type:city}}

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| image_caption = Matamau and tree stumps in 1880s

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| image_skyline = Matamau and tree stumps.jpg

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| subdivision_type = Country

| leader_name2 = {{NZ officeholder data|Wairarapa MP|y}}

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| leader_title2 = Wairarapa MP

| leader_name1 = {{NZ officeholder data|Tararua District Mayor|y}}

| leader_title1 = Tararua Mayor

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| subdivision_name3 = North Tararua Ward

| subdivision_type3 = Ward

| subdivision_name2 = Tararua District

| subdivision_type2 = Territorial authority

| subdivision_name1 = Manawatū-Whanganui

| subdivision_type1 = Region

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}}

Matamau is a small village, on a ridge between the Matamau and Whakaruatapu Streams, tributaries of the Manawatū River,{{Cite web |title=Whakaruatapu Stream, Manawatu-Wanganui |url=https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz47735/Whakaruatapu-Stream/ |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=NZ Topo Map |language=en}} in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. State Highway 2 and the Palmerston North–Gisborne line run through the village.{{Cite web|title=Matamau, Manawatu-Wanganui|url=https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz47739/Matamau/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=NZ Topo Map|language=en}} It has a rare surviving example of a basic railway station, a cafe, developed from the former post office and store{{Cite web|title=Matamau School - Joseph Edward Day - Postmaster 1st November 1948 to 31st October 1957|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.906405509541308/1442453572603163/|access-date=2021-10-09|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} about 1969,{{Cite web|title=Maps and plans {{!}} Matamau Store - Approved Site Development|url=https://archivescentral.org.nz/tararua-dc/accession/maps-and-plans|access-date=2021-10-09|website=archivescentral.org.nz}} and a truck repair workshop.{{Cite web|title=Matamau|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Country+Cafe+(Matamau+Diner)/@-40.1418528,176.1595371,645m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x6d41f08e9f0cf5d3:0x500ef6143a32a80!2sMatamau!3b1!8m2!3d-40.1357339!4d176.1616037!3m4!1s0x6d41f1efd780ef7d:0x248e21056c9230db!8m2!3d-40.1396229!4d176.1592131|access-date=2021-10-09|website=Google Maps|language=en}} Until the 1870s it was densely forested, but most of the trees were felled and milled by 1910 and replaced by farms.

Name

The area was initially called by the name of the stream to the north, Whakaruatapu. By 1881 it was called Matamau,{{Cite web |date=23 Apr 1881 |title=DAILY TELEGRAPH |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18810423.2.20.2 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} which an 1888 newspaper report said was from a Māori legend that a chief tried to spear a kererū at Matamau, but the mata or point of his spear got caught up, mau.{{Cite web |date=15 Sep 1888 |title=MATAMAU. BUSH ADVOCATE |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA18880915.2.10 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

History

Matamau was in the {{Convert|20600|acre|abbr=on}} Te Ohu Block,{{Cite web|date=1871|title=PAPERS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF THE SEVENTY-MILE BUSH BLOCK|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1871/I/1461|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} which was part of the {{Convert|183430|acre|abbr=on}} Seventy Mile Bush, bought by Government for £17,552 on 16 August 1871,{{Cite web|date=1874|title=Statement showing area of lands purchased and leased (transactions complete and incomplete), with expenditure thereon, under the Immigration and Public Works Acts of 1870 and 1873|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1874/I/485|access-date=2021-09-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} from Hohepa Paewai, a chief of the Rangitāne iwi.{{Cite web|date=2020-02-05|title=Rangitāne historian recalls 'visionary' Tararua chief on Waitangi Day|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/119297891/rangitne-historian-recalls-visionary-tararua-chief-on-waitangi-day|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Stuff|language=en}} Research in 1991 estimated that the Government paid under 2s. per acre and sold for over £1.{{Cite web|last=Paul Goldsmith|date=Feb 1996|title=RANGAHAUA WHANUI DISTRICT llA|url=https://www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Publications/WT-District-11-Wairarapa.pdf|website=Waitangi Tribunal}} The first settler came in January 1877 and started to open a clearing in the bush.{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 1887 |title=Our Bush Settlements. WAIPAWA MAIL |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18870115.2.25 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

Matamau had 3 stores in 1903.{{Cite web|date=14 Apr 1903|title=A Pleasant Outing. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19030414.2.16|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} It had a creamery from at least 1903,{{Cite web|date=5 Jan 1904|title=BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19040105.2.4|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} which became a cooperative dairy in 1909{{Cite web|date=25 Feb 1909|title=THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19090225.2.16|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and was still running in 1941.{{Cite web|date=15 Mar 1941|title=FARMERS' UNION. MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19410315.2.22|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} In 1943 there was also another dairy nearby and a church and a hall just north of Pirimau Rd.{{Cite web|date=1943|title=1:63360 map Sheet: N145 Dannevirke|url=http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=13&x=1868855&y=5552314&layerid=NZMS1%201959|access-date=2021-10-10|website=www.mapspast.org.nz}} The hall opened in 1903,{{Cite web|date=21 Dec 1903|title=DANNEVIRKE. HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH19031221.2.36|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} on the site of the hotel,{{Cite web|date=13 Aug 2017|title=Matamau School - Page 27|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821131331402060/821139938067866/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} and was demolished in 1976.{{Cite web|title=Matamau School - Page 15|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821131331402060/822426394605887/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} Just to the south a Presbyterian church was built between January{{Cite web|date=17 Jan 1911|title=BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19110117.2.52|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and May 1911.{{Cite web|date=8 May 1911|title=A NEW CHURCH. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19110508.2.12|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} It closed in the 1970s.{{Cite web|date=13 Aug 2017|title=Matamau School - Page 22|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821131331402060/821267144721812/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} St Michaels and All Angels Anglican church was on the other side of the main road, on O'Kane Rd, from later in 1911{{Cite web|date=1 Oct 1911|title=Dedication of a Church at Matamau. WAIAPU CHURCH GAZETTE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/WCHG19111001.2.11|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} to 1994.{{Cite web|date=5 Jun 2018|title=Dannevirke Museum - From the Dannevirke Evening News 5/9/1994. St Michael and All Angels Matamau Church|url=https://www.facebook.com/DannevirkeMuseum/photos/a.254778584690888/935512116617528/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} Its small bell-tower remains at Weber,{{Cite web|title=3329 Weber Rd|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@-40.4016513,176.312301,3a,37.5y,197.12h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scUkPBOicsc-_0ewYjHoq-Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|access-date=2021-10-12|website=Google Maps|language=en}} where it was moved in 2003.{{Cite web|date=2 Sep 2018|title=Moving the Belfry from Matamau School to the Church at Weber. December 2003|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.1055496034632254/1057179417797249/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}File:Matamau_Viaduct_about_1887.jpg locomotive and train]]

= Population =

By 1886 Matamau had a population of 56,{{Cite web|title=RESULTS OF A CENSUS OF THE COLONY OF NEW ZEALAND taken for the night of the 28th March 1886|url=https://www3.stats.govt.nz/Historic_Publications/1886-census/Results-of-Census-1886/1886-results-census.html}} which had increased to 283 by 1916.{{Cite web|title=REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF A CENSUS OF THE POPULATION OF THE DOMINION OF NEW ZEALAND TAKEN FOR THE NIGHT OF THE 15th OCTOBER, 1916.|url=https://www3.stats.govt.nz/historic_publications/1916-census/Report%20on%20Results%20of%20Census%201916/1916-report-results-census%20.html?_ga=2.231856159.1871090326.1633716742-1553930732.1594919571|access-date=2021-10-09|website=www3.stats.govt.nz}} It had almost halved by the 2018 census to 144 (18 Māori, 117 European) in meshblock 7018799, which covers {{Convert|63.6|km2||abbr=on}} around Matamau. They had a median age of 44.9, rather older than 37.4 nationally. Their median income was $31,700, just below $31,800 nationally.{{Cite web|title=Data {{!}} SA1 {{!}} Census {{!}} 2018|url=https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/category/census/2018/sa1-dataset/sa1/?s=a|access-date=2021-10-09|website=datafinder.stats.govt.nz}}

{{Infobox station

| name = Matamau railway station

| type =

| image = Matamau railway station in 1904.jpg

| image_caption = Matamau in 1904

| address =

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| elevation = {{convert|309|m|abbr=on}}

| owned = KiwiRail

| line = Palmerston North–Gisborne Line

| distance = Palmerston North {{convert|66.1|km|abbr=on}}

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| opened = 23 June 1884

| closed = 27 September 1981

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| services = {{s-rail|title=Historical railways}}

{{rail line

|previous=Piripiri
Line open,
station closed
{{convert|5.3|km|abbr=on}}

|next=Makotuku
Line open,
station closed
{{convert|6.75|km|abbr=on}}

|route=Palmerston North–Gisborne Line
KiwiRail

}}

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}}

= Timber mills =

J Mortensen leased the bush as far as Piripiri in 1885 and set up a sawmills at Matamau{{Cite web |date=30 Jun 1885 |title=Local and General News FEILDING STAR |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FS18850630.2.8 |access-date=2021-10-08 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} (near the station),{{Cite web |title=Matamau School - Page 12 |url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821131331402060/821133604735166/ |access-date=2021-10-12 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}} Piripiri and Mangatera, in over {{Convert|11000|acre||abbr=on}} of the Seventy Mile Bush,{{Cite web |date=23 Jul 1894 |title=WELLINGTON-MANAWATU LINE. WOODVILLE EXAMINER |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WOODEX18940723.2.6 |access-date=2021-10-09 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} to cut totara, mataī, rimu and kahikatea.{{Cite web |date=31 Mar 1894 |title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18940331.2.22.7 |access-date=2021-10-09 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} By 1888 there were sections of 1 to {{Convert|14|acre||abbr=on}} with 30 to 40 families Mortensen's Piripiri mill was sold in 1895.{{Cite web |date=28 Jan 1895 |title=DAILY TELEGRAPH |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18950128.2.16 |access-date=2021-10-09 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1885 Application by K T Mortensen for a private siding at Matamau. Tanner & Mortenson had a siding,, almost 2 miles south of the station, from 1885 for 10 years.{{Cite web |title=ANNUAL REPORT ON WORKING RAILWAYS. APPENDIX TO THE JOURNALS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1888 |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1888/I/1020 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1886 H Smith's application for an extension of his private siding. In 1898 Anderson & Jacobsen's sawmill caught fire.{{Cite web |date=8 Feb 1898 |title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. HASTINGS STANDARD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HAST18980208.2.5 |access-date=2021-10-06 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} In 1899 Bosher Bros of Feilding put a sawmill on France Rd,{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2017 |title=Matamau School - Page 12 |url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821131331402060/821133604735166/ |access-date=2021-10-12 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}} in the Te Ohu block, near Matamau, after buying Gamman and Simmond's lease of 1250 acres.{{Cite web |date=23 Mar 1899 |title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18990323.2.5 |access-date=2021-10-04 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} 1900 Feilding Sash & Door opened mill.{{Cite web |date=13 May 1937 |title=FEILDING AND DISTRICT. MANAWATU STANDARD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19370513.2.36 |access-date=2021-10-03 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Anderson & Jacobsen and Palmerston North Sash Door & Timber Co had sidings just to the north for 5 years from 1900.{{Cite web |title=RAILWAYS STATEMENT. (4th September, 1901.) BY THE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS, THE HON. SIR J.G. WARD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1901/I/2891 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Palmerston North Sash & Door Co mill burnt down in 1903.{{Cite web |date=18 Mar 1903 |title=Bush Fires. BUSH ADVOCATE |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19030318.2.22 |access-date=2021-10-03 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

= School =

Matamau School, at the south end of the village, opened on 27 July 1887.{{Cite web|date=28 Jul 1887|title="Dick Swiveller" in Reply. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18870728.2.6|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Approval to rebuild the school was given in 1936{{Cite web|date=22 Aug 1936|title=SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS. POVERTY BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PBH19360822.2.85|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and it reopened on 27 March 1937.{{Cite web|date=15 Aug 2018|title=Matamau School This is the current building (extended in 1956). In use as a School from 1937 to 2003.|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821153244733202/1041276529387538/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} It closed on 29 November 2003,{{Cite web|title=Matamau School|url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMatamauSchool%2F|access-date=2021-10-09|website=Facebook|language=en}} when it merged into Norsewood School.{{cite web|date=28 August 2003|title=Merger of Awariki School (2545), Norsewood School (2622), Ormondville School (2632) and Matamau School (2610)|url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2003-go5657|publisher=New Zealand Gazette}}

= State Highway 2 =

Before the purchase of Seventy Mile Bush was complete, Government was advertising contracts to clear a {{Convert|66|ft|abbr=on}} wide strip through it, for what is now SH2, from Takapau to Manawatū Gorge.{{Cite web|date=11 Jan 1871|title=HAWKE'S BAY TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBT18710111.2.12.3|access-date=2021-10-08|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} The road from Piripiri, north to Whakaruatapu was metalled in 1881.{{Cite web |date=19 Jan 1881 |title=WAIPAWA MAIL |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18810119.2.12.3 |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} It was designated as a Main Highway in 1924.{{Cite web|date=8 Feb 1924|title=MAIN HIGHWAYS. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM19240208.2.15|access-date=2021-10-08|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Between 1925 and 1930 the bridge over the Mangatewainui River was sealed,{{Cite web|date=12 Oct 1929|title=MAIN HIGHWAYS. MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19291012.2.35|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} rebuilt in concrete and realigned, at a cost of about 12,000.{{Cite web|date=5 Aug 1930|title=MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19300805.2.34.1|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}{{Cite web|date=24 Dec 1925|title=POVERTY BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PBH19251224.2.17|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Sealing along the rest of the road began in 1937.{{Cite web|date=1937|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT (BY THE HON. R. SEMPLE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1937/I/1799|access-date=2021-10-09|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Part of Matamau's cemetery (opened in 1890){{Cite web|title=Matamau School - Page 14|url=https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821131331402060/822426397939220/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} was moved in 1957, when the road was realigned through a cutting.{{Cite web|last=Elizabeth Pishief|date=3 July 2006|title=Relocation of Matamau Cemetery, Hawke's Bay|url=https://dl.heritage.org.nz/greenstone3/library/sites/heritage-nz/collect/pdf-reports/index/assoc/Pishief9.dir/Pishief9.pdf}} The annual average daily traffic count of 1,100 in 1938,{{Cite web|date=1938|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT (BY THE HON. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS)|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1938/I/1524|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} rose to 4,967 by 2021.{{Cite web|title=State highway traffic monitoring – annual average daily traffic|url=https://maphub.nzta.govt.nz/public/?appid=31305d4c1c794c1188a87da0d3e85d04|access-date=2021-10-10|website=maphub.nzta.govt.nz}}

= Matamau railway station =

About a kilometre away, on the other side of the Matamau Stream valley,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Map of the village of Matamau : block X Norsewood Survey District, Waipawa County, Hawkes Bay N.Z. / surveyed by Walter Hallett; drawn by G. Duncan.|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/37102806|access-date=2021-10-04|website=National Library}} Matamau railway station opened in 1884 and closed on 27 September 1981.Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand by Juliet Scoble (2012) It is a rare surviving example of a small rural station building{{Cite web|title=Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand - Matamau Station|url=http://railheritage.org.nz/Register/Listing.aspx?c=21&r=8&l=253|access-date=2021-07-21|website=railheritage.org.nz}} and the highest station on the Palmerston North-Gisborne Line{{Cite web|last=Wheeler|first=Thomas S|date=1994|title=All Aboard the Train|url=https://knowledgebank.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/node/435393/master/WheelerT651_AllAboardTheTrain.pdf}} at {{Convert|309|m||abbr=on}}.{{cite book|title=New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas|publisher=Quail Map Co.|year=1965|edition=First|pages=3 & 4}} The climb to Matamau is on a gradient of 1 in 47.{{Cite web |title=N.Z. RAILWAY OBSERVER Winter/Spring 1972 – The Line of "Endeavour" |url=https://knowledgebank.org.nz/text/magazine-article-1972-the-line-of-endeavour/ |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=knowledgebank.org.nz |language=en-NZ}} For almost 6 months it was the southern terminus of the {{Convert|71|mi|58|ch|abbr=on}} line from Napier. When completed on 9 Mar 1891, the line extended to Palmerston North, then {{Convert|40|mi|11|ch|abbr=on}} away.

Matamau Hotel opened in October 1881.{{Cite web|date=4 Oct 1881|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18811004.2.11.7|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} From February 1885, due to loss of its license, it was moved to Mangatera,{{Cite web |date=2 Jan 1885 |title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18850102.2.8 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} opening there in May 1885.{{Cite web |date=26 May 1885 |title=DANEVIRKE. WAIPAWA MAIL |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18850526.2.9 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

Matamau Post Office opened in 1883,{{Cite web |date=10 Apr 1883 |title=WAIPAWA MAIL |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18830410.2.4 |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} closed in March 1885, and from 1886 to 1909 was at the station, staffed by a ganger.File:1884_Matamau_timetable.jpgPlans for the station were drawn up in 1883 and for an engine shed in 1884. The 1884 shelter shed has a corrugated-iron roof, board-and-batten cladding, and a central entrance. It is one of three Vogel class 7 stations remaining,{{Cite web |title=Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand - Matamau Station |url=http://railheritage.org.nz/Register/Listing.aspx?c=21&r=8&l=253 |access-date=2021-07-21 |website=railheritage.org.nz}} the others being at Ruru and Otikerama.{{Cite web |title=Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand - STATIONS & ASSOCIATED BUILDINGS |url=http://railheritage.org.nz/Register/Category.aspx?c=21 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=railheritage.org.nz}} By 1896 there was also a platform, urinals and a 22 wagon passing loop, extended for 80 wagons in 1940. Later additions were a tablet office, between 1911 and 1914, a ticket office in it in 1915, railway houses in 1920, a loading bank in 1927 and, in 1949, a parcels shed, formerly the Makotuku lamp room.

In 1887{{Cite web |date=14 Jun 1887 |title=Accident on Napier Woodville Railway FEILDING STAR |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FS18870614.2.9 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and 1896 trains were derailed by bullocks.{{Cite web|date=17 Apr 1896|title=Railway Accident. WOODVILLE EXAMINER|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WOODEX18960417.2.13|access-date=2021-10-03|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} A collision between Matamau and Piripiri in 1906 derailed both engines.{{Cite web|date=3 Jan 1906|title=Serious Railway Smash. WOODVILLE EXAMINER|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WOODEX19060103.2.9|access-date=2021-10-03|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

On 8 February 1985 a train derailed, causing much damage to the track, after which the station siding was removed.

In 1967, Matamau was converted to a switch-out tablet station and its staff reduced from 3 to one. About 1988 the platform was removed.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Station Archive|url=http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Station_Archive_4web.xls|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=10 August 2020|website=NZR Rolling Stock Lists|language=en}} Ormondville Rail Preservation Group has restored the station. A single track runs by the station.

== Opening to Matamau ==

By 1879 Kopua and Makatoko viaducts had been completed, except for ballasting and Ormondville Viaduct had been begun. {{Convert|3|mi||abbr=on}} of the line through Matamau was surveyed, ready for felling of the dense bush, and south to Oringi, another {{Convert|10|mi||abbr=on}} was being surveyed. Beyond Oringi the line was being explored and contoured.{{Cite web |title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT, BY THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. JAMES MACANDREW, THURSDAY, 7TH AUGUST, 1879 |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1879/I/377 |access-date=2021-09-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

The {{Convert|4|mi|22|ch|abbr=on}} extension south, from Makotuku to Matamau, took 5 years to build. In 1879 the line was surveyed to {{Convert|7|mi||abbr=on}} south of Kopua.{{Cite web|date=5 Apr 1879|title=KOPUA. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18790405.2.6|access-date=2021-09-23|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} That was followed by bush felling south of Makotuku.{{Cite web|date=24 Sep 1879|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18790924.2.7|access-date=2021-09-23|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Construction stopped shortly after the line reached Makotuku, in August 1880, due to the depression. Work resumed in late 1881,{{Cite web |title=Matamau Station |url=https://ormondvillerail.weebly.com/matamau-station.html |access-date=2021-07-21 |website=Ormondville Rail Preservation Group |language=en}} but there were deep cuttings and a large viaduct to build.{{Cite web|date=27 Jun 1884|title=EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18840627.2.6|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} In 1882 a road was cut through the bush to link the railway station to the main road.{{Cite web|date=26 Apr 1882|title=WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18820426.2.14.2|access-date=2021-10-06|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} The final {{Convert|1|mi|22|ch|abbr=on}} to Matamau was divided into 9 contracts in 1883 to allow local settlers to tender for the work of forming the railway.{{Cite web|date=6 Feb 1883|title=DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18830206.2.17.3|access-date=2021-10-06|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} In February 1884, after a public meeting protested at the slow progress,{{Cite web |date=5 Feb 1884 |title=THE RAILWAY SURVEYS. WOODVILLE EXAMINER |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WOODEX18840205.2.16 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} the Minister of Public Works promised the local MP, William Cowper Smith, that a daily train would run to Matamau, as soon as the tracks and station were built,{{Cite web|date=11 Feb 1884|title=WAIPAWA. HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18840211.2.15|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} which was on Monday, 23 June 1884,{{Cite web|date=23 Jun 1884|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18840623.2.8|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}{{Cite web|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT BY THE HON. W. HALL-JONES, MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS 27th SEPTEMBER, 1898|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1898/I/1614|access-date=2021-10-07|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} though it wasn't taken over by the Railways Department until Tuesday, 9 September 1884.

== Extension south ==

On 8 June 1883 Jay and Haynes took on a £13,615 contract to build the {{Convert|8+1/4|mi|abbr=on}} extension south from Matamau to Tahoraite (or Tahoraiti, later renamed Tapuata). When they went bankrupt, the work was taken on by the Public Works Department.{{Cite web|date=16 Sep 1884|title=IN BANKRUPTCY. WOODVILLE EXAMINER|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WOODEX18840916.2.15|access-date=2021-09-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} On 1 December 1884 the {{Convert|7|mi|43|ch|abbr=on}} Matamau to Tahoraiti section opened for traffic and Matamau was no longer the southern terminus of the line. However, it wasn't until 16 December that the line was opened with a special excursion train.{{Infobox bridge|bridge_name=Matamau viaduct|image=Matamau Viaducts 1910.jpg|caption=In 1910 the new steel viaduct was being tested by 3 locomotives at speed. The old, lower, timber viaduct is behind|coordinates=|carries=|crosses=Mangatewainui River|locale=|official_name=|also_known_as=Mangatewainui viaduct|owner=KiwiRail|design=|material=steel|length={{convert|111|m|ft}}|width=|height={{convert|30|m|ft}}|mainspan=|spans=7|piers_in_water=|load=|clearance=|below=|engineering=|builder=Massey Bros|built=1884|begin=|complete=|open=|rebuilt=1910|traffic=}}

== Matamau Viaduct ==

There are 6 large viaducts on the {{Convert|24.57|km||abbr=on}} between Kopua and Dannevirke, including Matamau Viaduct.{{Cite web|date=Nov 2018|title=KiwiRail Network Map|url=https://kiwirail.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=556c4a9c73914fe1983529ddf9ae5099|access-date=27 September 2021|website=kiwirail.maps.arcgis.com}} Mangatewainui, Mangate Wainui, or Matamau Viaduct, over the Mangatewainui River, is {{Convert|111|m||abbr=on}} long and up to {{Convert|30|m||abbr=on}} high. It is now Bridge 151, about {{Convert|3|km||abbr=on}} east of Matamau station.{{Cite web|date=Nov 2018|title=KiwiRail Network Map|url=https://kiwirail.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=556c4a9c73914fe1983529ddf9ae5099|access-date=2021-10-03|website=kiwirail.maps.arcgis.com}} The original timber viaduct cost about £8,000{{Cite web |date=16 Dec 1884 |title=OPENING OF THE RAILWAY TO TAHORAITE. DAILY TELEGRAPH |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18841216.2.8 |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and 3 workers died during its construction.{{Cite web |date=11 Jan 1883 |title=TELEGRAMS. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) EVENING POST |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18830111.2.17 |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

Massey Bros (Auckland engineers from 1901{{Cite web|date=1 Nov 1901|title=AUCKLAND STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19011101.2.41|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} to 1913{{Cite web|date=24 Apr 1936|title=MR. WALLACE J. MASSEY. AUCKLAND STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19360424.2.112|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and sons of an engineer){{Cite web|date=13 Mar 1919|title=SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. DOMINION|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19190313.2.4.1|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} won a £5,692 contract for the steelwork for a replacement viaduct in 1908.{{Cite web|date=14 Aug 1908|title=EVENING POST|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19080814.2.30|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Under the management of M Forsyth,{{Cite web|date=19 Nov 1909|title=Local and General. KAWHIA SETTLER AND RAGLAN ADVERTISER|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/KSRA19091119.2.9|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}{{Cite web|date=22 Nov 1909|title=DISTRICT PARS. KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/KCC19091122.2.9|access-date=2021-10-12|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} the work was completed in July 1910.{{Cite web|date=20 Jun 1910|title=COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19100620.2.11|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}{{Cite web|date=1911|title=RAILWAYS STATEMENT. BY THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS. THE HON. J. A. MILLAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1911-I.2.3.2.2|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

== Te Ohu ==

Te Ohu, 62 ch (1.2 km) east of Matamau, had a 13-wagon siding for the Sash & Door Co sawmill. There was a fire at the mill in 1903.{{Cite web|date=18 Mar 1903|title=MANAWATU TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MT19030318.2.5|access-date=2021-10-05|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Sash & Door built a tramway in 1904.{{Cite web|date=23 Aug 1904|title=Tenders Close. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19040823.2.7|access-date=2021-10-04|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} The siding was renamed Te Ohu from 23 May 1905. The siding was reported as taken up in 1911,{{Cite web|date=25 Jan 1911|title=COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19110125.2.50|access-date=2021-10-11|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} but that may have been just for reconstruction of the viaduct, as the sawmill's tramway horses weren't sold until 1921.{{Cite web|date=20 Jan 1921|title=MANAWATU TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MT19210120.2.54.2|access-date=2021-10-05|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}

== Rakaiatai Siding ==

Rakaiatai Siding was {{Convert|1|mi|69|ch|abbr=on}} east of Te Ohu and {{Convert|1|mi|45|ch|abbr=on}} west of Makotuku. It was used for taking timber out of the bush from about November 1904. It was Scholes & Wright's Siding until 1905. By 1906 it had a loop for 10 wagons, extended to 45 by 1911. On 13 January 1908 the siding, a wagon and Gamman's mill and houses burnt down.{{Cite web|date=18 Jan 1908|title=THE CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY. MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19080118.2.37|access-date=2021-10-07|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Waikopiro Timber Company took over the siding{{Cite web|date=25 Aug 1908|title=ITEMS OF INTEREST. BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19080825.2.13|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} and laid a tramway.{{Cite web|date=6 Oct 1908|title=BUSH ADVOCATE|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BA19081006.2.2.5|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} Mr Scholes was still using a tramway to the siding in early 1914,{{Cite web|date=10 Feb 1914|title=MOKOTUKU. HASTINGS STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HAST19140210.2.14|access-date=2021-10-10|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}} but the siding had been taken up by 8 July 1914.

References

External links

Photos -

[https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22515717 1880s forest clearance], [https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=839611922874215&set=pcb.839612806207460 train at the station] and a [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22781991 cutting north of the viaduct]
[https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23048180 Railway foreman on totara log over stream about 1888]
1896 derailment [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/115238] [https://collection.mtghawkesbay.com/objects/94178/railway-accident-nzr-matamau-hawkes-bay]
[https://www.feildingheritage.nz/item/2ca73fde-297d-4f06-ae7e-d3450bf86b75 Bartholomews No. 2 sawmill]
Matamau Viaduct in [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/178688 1903], [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/176237 1904], [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/151246 1910], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/rails988/34325216180 2017]
[https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/183580 1904 Sash & Door bush tramway] and [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/176271 bush-fellers]
[https://m.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.1055496034632254/955333437981848/?type=3 1950s trains passing at the station]
[https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.821153244733202/1041276529387538 1958 school]
[https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.1055496034632254/829772803871246 Presbyterian Church]
[https://www.facebook.com/MatamauSchool/photos/a.1055496034632254/829773317204528 St. Michael and All Angel's Anglican Church]
[https://www.google.com/maps/@-40.1417386,176.1680114,3a,30y,153.6h,87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfXsx3fpWP3Uergav-WGDtg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 2015 Google street view of railway station]
[https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/waipukurau-wanderer/palmerston-north 2019 station and train]