Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Fortrose

Fortrose was originally an old whaling station, and so, naturally, it became in the early days a port for the surrounding district; but since the opening of the railway line to Waimahaka, six miles distant, it has become mainly dependent upon road and railway for its communication with other places. The Mataura river empties itself into Toetoes harbour, a short distance to the westward of the township of Fortrose, and the Waimahaka rivet also enters the harbour about midway between Mataura and the township. In the early days boats ran from Fortrose to Dunedin and the Bluff, and a wharf was constructed for the convenience of settlers and traders. The township and surrounding district are in the Toetoes riding of the county of Southland, and in the electoral district of Mataura. At the census of 1901 there was a population of 131 in the township, with eighty-six other residents in the neighbourhood. The flax industry flourishes in the district, and there are six mills within fifteen miles of the township. Fortrose has a store, a butcher's shop, a boot-and-shoemaker's shop, a blacksmith's shop and a private hotel; the hotel had a license up to the 30th of June, 1903, when prohibition came into force. It has, also, an Anglican and a Presbyterian church, a public hall and a public school. At one time the Bank of New Zealand had a branch at Fortrose, but it was closed in 1900. Formerly Fortrose had three hotels, but two of them were destroyed by fire. Very good agricultural and pastoral country surrounds Fortrose, and in the summer season the township is a popular resort with tourists and visitors. Very fine ocean views are obtainable from many points of the road in the neighbourhood. There is a telephone bureau at the local post office.

Fortrose In 1898.

Fortrose In 1898.