Oliver Old made his way to Tokirima on horseback in 1902. He travelled from Wanganui, via Raurimu, Kaitieke and up the Ohura River. On his arrival he found roadmen constructing cart tracks (unmetalled) to service the new block.

He found the land covered with high fern, scrub and a few pockets of bush. The river was clean and no willows grew along its banks. Each section had been marked by the surveyors with poles and flags. So impressed was he that on his return home, he entered for sections 18 and 19 and his wife Elizabeth, for section 17. These sections they won when the ballot was drawn New Plymouth on 15/3/04, and they took up residence on 1/7/04.

First priority for the men when they arrived was a roof to keep away the midwinter
weather. Most had all their worldly possessions with them, their many horses, furniture, pans, books and all, and were camping in tents while they set to with pitsaws and hammers to construct their first little whare.

Once that first winter was over and the whare built, the women and children arrived and life began to revolve around the family and their needs. It was essentially a simple life. Isolation encouraged the commu7nity to become close knit and dependent on one another.

The first route to Aukopae landing was down the Tokirima Valley, over the Ohura River at Old's Bluff, then up the east side of the river to Craigs, over the tunnel hill.

Horses and stock were taken across the ford just up stream from the present swing bridge. Most of the supplies were carried by Hatrick's steamer service to Aukopae landing.

Wagons pulled by six or eight bullocks would bring supplies in twice a year via Ohura. The drover could be heard cracking his whip and yelling at his team miles away. The coming of the wagon was always an exciting time for the family as there was invariably gifts for all, and a change of diet.

Later, as the roads improved, the summer trip could be made by coach.

Compiled by Pat Old in Roll Back the Years.

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