The settlement at Backwater
The release in late 1872 of the site and plans for a bridge over the Ruamahanga river resulted in the beginning of a settlement at Backwater. There was general agreement with the Provincial engineer, J.D. Beard, that the site of the existing crossing at Waihinga Farm, and current site of the Waihinga Hotel, was the best place for the bridge. There were better approach banks on either side and the river course had not changed in fourteen years.
The new road would conveniently go past George Pain’s new store opened the previous September in the settlement of Waihinga. There was also a fork in the road to take it past the Wharekaka Hotel.
The western side of the bridge site was soon a centre of activity with bridging material arriving and the construction of dwellings for the construction workers, barn stores, stables, a forge and a toll house.
The growing settlement was called Backwater. This became the new hub for the district. While at first due the bridge construction activity other commercial and recreational building soon followed. With a new hotel ‘The Waihenga Hotel’ with J Barber as proprietor, stock sales yards, a race course and a forge, auction rooms and regular cricket matches and ploughing contests being held.
The downside was the everybody east of the bridge had to pay the tollkeeper, Mr T Laurie, a toll to cross. Other hotels in the district also lost trade and went out of business, or mysteriously burnt down – with subsequent court cases. J Barber’s 1877 plan for a Grand Hotel in Waihinga settlement was also cancelled, with his purchasing of the Tauherenikau Hotel instead.
A major Backwater project was the construction of the Tawaha Dairy Factory and worker’s houses in 1907. A major flood in November 1928 washed out what was known as The Little Bridge which crossed what is now Jenkin’s Dip. The settlement, sale yards, race course and commercial businesses all gradually disappeared.
However production at the Dairy Factory continued through until 1947 when it suffered fire damage. This was repaired and the factory continued until a total fire two years later. This was so fierce that it could be seen from Martinborough. All that is left to remember Backwater is the name of the road south off the main highway.
Mate Higginson
Photo caption: The butcher and a dairy factory worker at the Tawaha Dairy Factory
Highlight: The growing settlement was called Backwater. This became the new hub for the district
