The Railway, 1940s

The Railway, 1940s

This fascinating photo is looking west over the Railway area of Ōtaki, most likely early 1940s.

It’s a remarkable snapshot of Ōtaki at the time, notably for the clues it offers to date it.

In the middle of the photograph is the Rāhui Road/County Road intersection and railway crossing. Until The Ramp was built in 1937, traffic came along Rāhui Road and up County Road. To the left of the intersection, County Road continues south on a slip road used to access the goods sheds and railway wagons.

At the top right is the main highway intersection with Rāhui Road and Mill Road, and Dunstan Street just west of that. Note no Hariata Street (built in 1950), nor college (opened in 1959)

Middle left is the bustling milk station, with the big Arlington house opposite. The railway station has its goods sheds opposite the station, and the water tower near the Rāhui Road crossing.

Paddocks and gardens dominate the scene. There are few buildings in what is now the shopping district, but the Atlantic service station is on the Mill Road corner. Next to it is the two-storey Moutere Hospital, which closed in 1939. Southgates Engineering is on the Arthur Street corner

At top left near the station is the Railway Hotel, with the Railway Theatre opposite.

Thanks to Gavin Case for providing the photo.