Town of Okarito.1875.

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DescriptionVictoria Street, Albert Street, Palmer Street,Albion Street, Russell Street, Camp Street,Queen Street, Arthur Street, Wharf Street, The Strand.

In the spring of 1865 miners flocked to Ōkārito in search of gold.
By Christmas 1865, Ōkārito was a township of 800 people. Three months later, the population was 1500. The town supported one of the busiest ports on the West Coast, boasted 33 stores, considerably more pubs and it contemplated building a University. Another 2500 people sought their fortunes just south, at Three Mile and Five Mile beaches, both of which had their own stores and hotels.

Eighteen months later Okarito and the Three and Five Mile Towns were virtually deserted. By the end of 1867, the miners had worked out the black sands. Those who stayed moved back from the beaches and built massive waters races to aid sluicing and later to run dredges.

Little remains now. If you take the track to Three Mile Lagoon or the beach to Five Mile, you may see some relics of the gold days – reminders of the human industry once here.

Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZ Map 6517Date of Photo1875Map^[1]External LinkAuckland City LibraryContributorHeather Newby

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Location (city or town)OkaritoLandmark (Place)Town of Okarito.1875.EventTown of Okarito.1875.

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Date Created11th November 2019CommentsPam Englefield-Absolum Don’t think Okarito got that big!

Heather Newby yes.. but not for long

Heather Newby By Christmas 1865, Ōkārito was a township of 800 people. Three months later, the population was 1500. The town supported one of the busiest ports on the West Coast, boasted 33 store.

John Rosanowski
Phil May reports that in 1868 a reserve was gazetted for a "Colonial University" at Okarito. Wonder if the land set aside is still available for a uni.

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Town of Okarito.1875.

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