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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Parengarenga

Parengarenga is the most northerly settlement in the Colony of New Zealand, with the village of Kapo Wairua in the shadow of Maungapiko at the eastern extremity of Spirit's Bay. Almost all the country north of Tekao was controlled or owned by Mr. Samuel Yates (“King of the North”) whose sheep and cattle ran over about 150,000 acres of land. Mr. Yates died on the 14th of September, 1900, and his property is now owned and controlled by his widow, Mrs. Samuel Yates. Cape Maria Van Diemen lighthouse is situated on an island twenty miles distant of about seventy acres in extent, which was presented to the Government by Mr. Yates. The district produces the very best mutton and beef, fish, oysters, game of many sorts, excellent pork, and the choicest fruits, to say nothing of about a hundred cases of gum per week. There are also some valuable mineral resources. In fact Parengarenga is a little kingdom in itself. The population consists of about 150 natives and about 200 Europeans, 150 of whom are Austrian gum-diggers. The first settler was Mr. James Busby, who was sent from Sydney on behalf of His Majesty, William IV., to represent British interest in then little known New Zealand. He bore the title of British Resident, equivalent in these days to that of colonial governor. He was succeeded in 1840 by the late Mr. Owen who in conjunction with Mr. Graham was the first gum-buyer in the Colony. The country when it was first visited by Mr. Samuel Yates in 1853 consisted mostly of titri fern, and scrub, but no grass; now, however, there is no scarcity of excellent feeding and grazing ground. The estate includes 68,000 acres at the North Cape station, stocked with sheep and cattle, and is, geographically speaking, bounded by three oceans. On the West Coast for sixty miles there is a succession
Mr. G. Yates.

Mr. G. Yates.

of grand hills, at back of which is a well watered district of over 10,000 acres of level pasture relieved by undulating country. In sheltered values and stretches of flats. In the immediate vicinity of the head station sowing and ploughing have been carried on with the most gratifying results. There is
Mr. Yates' Homestead, North Cape.

Mr. Yates' Homestead, North Cape.

page 608 a leasehold of about 82,000 acres, the whole of which is an extensive gum county, which, it is estimated, cannot be worked out for many years. For nearly forty years now it has yielded on an average 400 tons of gum annually and shows no signs of exhaustion. The gum passes through the hands of Mrs Samuel Yates. On the run there are about 2000 head of cattle, mostly Herefords, and over 8000 sheep, including Shropshires and half and full bred Merinos. These produce on an average 600 calves and three thousand lambs annually, and by careful weeding out and judicious sales and importations
Mr. L. Yates.

Mr. L. Yates.

the breed is being gradually improved. The Herefords find the best market, and used to be driven overland to Whangarei, Kamo, Kaitohe, Oruru, and so on to Auckland, but stock can now be shipped direct by the s.s. “Glenelg.” Some 2000 acres of the land have been ring fenced. During the busy season there is always a small army of station hands and shearers. The homestead station, “Paki,” is the residence of Mrs. Yates' manager, and is eight miles from Parengarenga; the soil here is best suited for the growth of rattail and poa brownie grasses. A good deal of sandy and swampy land has been reclaimed in this vicinity. The celebrated Maori Chief, Hongi Keepa, was killed on this station about sixty years ago, and from the number of skulls and variety of bones found on the west coast, it is evident that the country round about was the scene of many a hard fought battle. The southern boundary of the property is the old native track, which has never been surveyed, and runs for about forty or fifty miles to the harbour. In addition to the traces of gold and silver, coal, iron, copper, and manganese are also found. There is a nice little church in the district capable of holding 150 persons, which was built by Messrs. Bell and Sons, and paid for by the natives; a Maori minister has officiated since 1871. Steam communication is maintained direct weekly with Auckland, by the steamer “Glenelg,” and there is also a telephone and post office station.
Cattle Mustering, North Cape Station.

Cattle Mustering, North Cape Station.

Te Reinga.

Te Reinga.