It Was In The Year 1866 that the first settler took up his land at Rakahouka. This pioneer was the late Mr Thomas Fleming, whose sons are well known in Southland, and two of whom are still extensive farmers in the district. Rakahouka is in the Awarua riding of the county of Southland, and at the census of 1901, it had a population of sixty. It is reached by a good road from One Tree Point railway station, through Roslyn Bush, from which it is two miles distant. The road diverges at Rakahouka to Grove Bush, two miles in a north-westerly direction, and to Mabel Bush, about five miles in a north-easterly direction. There is no school or post office in the district, and Roslyn Bush serves the settlers in these connections. Rakahouka has a Roman Catholic church so centrally situated, that it is a landmark which is seen for many miles around. As an agricultural and pastoral district, Rakahouka is well known throughout Southland.

Fleming, James , Farmer, Rakahouka. The property owned by Mr Fleming is from 1,600 to 1,700 acres in extent, and is devoted to general farming. Mr Fleming runs crossbred sheep on his farm, and is a breeder of light horses, with which he has been successful in taking a number of prizes. He is further referred to as a member of the Southland County Council.