Hastings, New Zealand

History

The Maori owners leased approximately 70 square kilometres, in the Heretaunga Plains, to Thomas Tanner in 1867, Tanner had been trying to purchase the land since 1864. In 1870 12 people, called the "12 apostles", formed a syndicate to purchase the land for around 30 shillings (£1.50) an acre (£371/km²).

Related Topics:
Maori - Heretaunga Plains - 1867 - 1864 - 1870

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An early name for the town of Hastings was Hicksville, after a prominent local settler, Francis Hicks, who had purchased a 100 acre (0.4 km²) block from Tanner. Many locals also called the town Heretaunga. Tobias Hicks, Francis' nephew, opened a general store (site of the present day ANZ Bank) in 1871, and in owning the store became the town's first post master. In 1873, Tobias, to entice business, offered to give the government a section of land for a railway station, he then offered 144 sections on a 100 acres (0.4 km²) for a town site, offering to sell the lots at 56 pounds per acre (£13,800/km²). Some residents were betting on Havelock North for the town site. In keeping with other local towns (such as Napier for Charles James Napier, and Clive for Robert Clive), in what seems to have been a political move to seal the deal, Hicks put forth the name Hastings, for that of a prominent statesman or soldier from Imperial India, Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India. Hastings was chosen as the railway stop, and town, by the government.

Related Topics:
ANZ Bank - 1871 - 1873 - Charles James Napier - Robert Clive - India - Warren Hastings - Governor-General

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The first train took the twelve-mile trip from Napier to the new Hastings station in 1874.

Related Topics:
Napier - 1874

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A big jump in the local economy occurred when Edward Newbigin opened a brewery in 1881. By the next year there were 195 freeholders of land in the town.

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Vineyards and fruit growing were the first industries for Hastings. With around 600 people, the town was incorporated on 20 October 1886, as a borough.

Related Topics:
20 October - 1886

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In 1918 nearly 300 people died of a flu epidemic that swept Hawke's Bay.

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Electricity comes to Hastings in 1919.

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93 people were killed, and Hastings was badly damaged, by the 03 February 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, which destroyed or damaged almost every building in the town.

Related Topics:
03 February - 1931 - Hawke's Bay Earthquake

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During World War II allied troops billeted at the Army, Navy and Air Force (ANA) Club, and in private homes. 150 members belonging to 16 different local clubs packed supplies to be sent to the allied soldiers.

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