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The beginnings of Denniston
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DescriptionRobert Denniston was not forgotten for his efforts to sell the idea of bringing coal down from the clouds. The burgeoning township was named in his honour.
It all began in 1871 when the first survey camp was established and a few workers pitched, or rather perched, a tent on a narrow cliff top flat which would forever after be known as the Camp. This was a full 2 years before the first coal was brought down to Westport by pack horse.
Until 1880 there was no township as such. When development of the colliery was almost complete the Westport Coal Company diverted labour from its works to start an extensive building programme. As late as early 1882 the living conditions were still described as appalling. There were 8 houses and a number of huts, unlined and draughty. There was no running water, no sanitation, no roads or social life.
In the same year rapid changes took place with the building of a school, library, hotel, post master's office and the establishment of medical services through bi-weekly visits of a Westport medical practitioner. By 1886, 485 people lived at the hill top settlement. Cottages straggled along the Tramline at the Camp, around the ridge and to the more recently developed centre of the settlement. It was also in the school rooms at the Camp that the first religious services were conducted by the Salvation Army.
It all began in 1871 when the first survey camp was established and a few workers pitched, or rather perched, a tent on a narrow cliff top flat which would forever after be known as the Camp. This was a full 2 years before the first coal was brought down to Westport by pack horse.
Until 1880 there was no township as such. When development of the colliery was almost complete the Westport Coal Company diverted labour from its works to start an extensive building programme. As late as early 1882 the living conditions were still described as appalling. There were 8 houses and a number of huts, unlined and draughty. There was no running water, no sanitation, no roads or social life.
In the same year rapid changes took place with the building of a school, library, hotel, post master's office and the establishment of medical services through bi-weekly visits of a Westport medical practitioner. By 1886, 485 people lived at the hill top settlement. Cottages straggled along the Tramline at the Camp, around the ridge and to the more recently developed centre of the settlement. It was also in the school rooms at the Camp that the first religious services were conducted by the Salvation Army.
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West Coast New Zealand History (28th Apr 2015). The beginnings of Denniston. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 4th Apr 2026 19:41, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/953