DescriptionStillwater on the West Coast was earlier named Richardson.
Information from Mary Moffitt
Yes, it was called Richardson because of a politician. It was Richardson for a couple of periods of time. But when the politician fell out of favour over the construction of the Midland Railway, locals decided on a better name. There's probably more to it than this, but I would need to check. Anyway the name Stillwater comes from the locals at the time feeling cut off by river overflows on both sides. The Arnold River cut off the road to the north and the Stillwater Creek cut off the southern road. It happened often because both rivers were tidal (amazing at nine/ten miles from the coast.) The water remained STILL for hours till the tide went out again. It was worse when heavy rain fell and the water was not able to drain away as usual.
I need to check the politician's role. He was probably Minister of Public Works or something.
I remember something about the line being built too close to the northern side of the Stillwater terrace, making the turn out of the station too sharp. The whole embankment had to be moved out to its present position. It's where you have to go under an embankment north of the village, eg the northern underpass of the road. I presume the locals were embittered about Richardson's role in it all.
West Coast New Zealand History (9th Oct 2018). Stillwater was once called Richardson. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 25th Mar 2026 12:01, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/24075
