* the Upokongaro birth, death, marriages
* the Upokongaro School
* the Upokongaro Ferry
* the UPOKONGARO HOTEL was established by William Caines in 1866. He had erected a small lean-to building near the riverbank and had furnished it with a heavy plank placed across two upright barrels upon which stood a barrel of beer. Customers were served with a tin pannikin that held a quart of beer, for which he charged a shilling per pannikin. A few months later Caines sold out to John Kennedy, who subsequently built a substantial two-storied hotel to replace it.
It was known as Kennedy's Hotel or Kennedy's Upokongaro Hotel and later just Upokongaro Hotel. There was a store attached to the side.
On 26 June 1881, in the early hours of Sunday morning, a large 6.7 earthquake struck Wanganui. The ground was in a state of violent agitation, people were thrown out of bed and 20 chimneys around the town fell. The hotel and store fared badly with bottles shaken off the shelves and cracks appeared in the ground.
On 8 Dec 1897 there was a magnitude 7 earthquake which reportedly shook houses, their occupants and contents for nearly two minutes. There was considerable damage in the borough and suburbs and water surged back and forth in the river. Heavy furniture was displaced and everywhere suffered collapsed brick walls with broken windows, while stocks of glassware, chinaware and goods in bottles and jars were thrown from shelves. Water was ejected from most water tanks, causing damage to houses.

TIMELINE for UPOKONGARO School
Wanganui Herald, 23 March 1869
RATEPAYERS MEETING MAKIRIKIRI (North) ROAD DISTRICT
The Annual Meeting of Ratepayers in the above District will be held at the Upokongaro Hotel, on Saturday, 24th April, at 3 o'clock p.m. for the purpose of fixing a rate for the ensuing year and transacting any other necessary business. JOHN KENNEDY, Chairman of Board of Wardens

Wanganui Herald, 25 June 1869
SALE AT KENNEDY'S UPOKONGARO HOTEL
GREAT LAND SALE, Thursday 1st July
Robert S. Low has been favoured with instructions from Edward Greenway, Esq., to sell by public auction, at the above sale, that very valuable freehold property being portion of the Makirikiri block, containing 720 acres, situate about 4 miles from the Wanganui River. 500 acres consist of scrub and fern land and the remaining portion magnificent bush; the whole forming one of the very finest cattle runs to be obtained.
ALSO will be offer for public competition, that valuable Lease of 1200 acres, situate in the Makirikiri Valley, now in the occupation of A. Wilford, Esq., with an unexpired term of 14½ years at a very low rental. Three and a half years at £20 per annum. Eleven years at £60 per annum. Both properties have a dray road within easy distance and bridle tracks throughout, The former property will be sold in one lot or otherwise, to suit purchasers.
Parties wishing to offer stock &c., at the above sale are requested to communicate with the Auctioneer, Arrangements have been made for crossing cattle, &c., from this side of the river and they will be taken charge of by Mr Kennedy, agent for the Auctioneer.

Wanganui Herald, 3 Aug 1874
DEATH & FUNERAL
BROWN - On the 1st August, by drowning at the Ferry, Upokongaro, John Brown, native of Pittenweem, Fifeshire, Scotland, aged 43 years. The funeral will leave Mr Kennedy's Upokongaro Hotel, to-morrow (Tuesday), at 12 o'clock and the Steam Packet Hotel, Taupo Quay, at 2.30 p.m. JOHN ANDERSON, Undertaker, Victoria Avenue

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 June 1875
LICENSING COURT
The annual meeting of the Licensing Commissioners for the Rangitikei district was held yesterday (Friday), when all the applications were granted, with the exception of that of F. Reilly, of the Shamrock Hotel, Turakina. Why could not the Upokongaro Hotel and the Red Lion be classed with the Wanganui district and thereby save the proprietors the inconvenience of travelling all the way to Marton to make fresh application for the renewal of the licenses?
The following renewals for the Wangaehu district were granted:- John Kennedy, Upokongaro; John McDonald, Bridge Hotel; John Henderson, Red Lion, Wanganui

Wanganui Herald, 5 Dec 1877
UNSUCCESSFUL FAULT FINDING
The report that was circulated last week by our contemporary with reference to the non-payment of the license fee by the proprietor of a certain Hotel, has given rise to rumours which demand contradiction. The Hotel referred to at the last meeting of the County Council as being practically unlicensed, the license fee not have been paid, was the Wangaehu Hotel, kept by Mr McDonald. The fee was duly paid at the proper time, but owing to some mistake, it was handed to the Rangitikei Council instead of to the Wanganui authorities. The matter is another of the mare's nests of the Sergeant of Police, who recently wanted to find a flaw in the license of the Upokongaro Hotel but failed

Evening Post, 6 July 1878
FATAL ACCIDENT
A sad and fatal accident occurred at Upokongaro near Wanganui on Monday last, of which the following account is given by the Herald:- A shoemaker named Philip Rowland, while crossing the yard at the back of Kennedy's Hotel, passed a horse, left standing and tied to the fence; and in passing, patted the horse's flank. The animal in kicking out struck him in the lower abdomen, inflicting terrible injuries and such suffering as could only have been relieved by instant death, The agonised groans of the unfortunate man brought assistance and the poor fellow was placed upon a couch. A messenger dispatched with all speed to town soon returned with Dr Earle, who strove ineffectually to afford even a temporary relief. Nothing could be done to save the injured man, who, in the most terrible pain, lingered for some hours and expired in paroxysms of agony.
* Philip was born 1824 in Marylebone, he married Emma Beaumont

Wanganui Herald, 3 June 1885
THE LICENSING ACT AT WORK
From what we can learn there is likely to be some opposition to both the Aramoho Hotel and Mr Gibson's application at the Upokongaro licensing meeting on Tuesday next. Memorials against both licenses have been drawn up and duly lodged with the clerk of the Licensing Committee

Wanganui Herald, 30 March 1886
Mr KENNEDY'S MARRIAGE
We have to congratulate one of our oldest and most respected settlers on the auspicious occasion of his marriage. We allude to Mr John Kennedy, the kindly and genial proprietor of the Upokongaro Hotel and store, who was married this morning to Miss Ewing. The happy couple left by this afternoon's train for Palmerston North on their honeymoon trip. We wish them every happiness and a long life of connubial felicity.
* John married Evie Ewing (1862-1943)

Marlborough Express, 4 Feb 1887
"Tommy Rowe" NEW MINE HOST
On Tuesday next (says the Wanganui Herald) Mr T. Rowe, the well known C.T., will take over the Upokongaro Hotel. The Tuhua will run an excursion for the house-warming on Tuesday night

Wanganui Herald, 16 Feb 1887
The CHANGE OVER
The Upokongaro Hotel and store have changed hands. For twenty years Mr John Kennedy filled the position of "mine host" at Upokongaro and made unto himself a name for genial hospitality and straightforward dealing, which will stick to him as long as he lives, which we hope will be for many years to come. He made hosts of friends and no enemies and now retires to enjoy a well earned leisure with the good wishes of all who have had dealing with him. Mr Kennedy is succeeded by Mr Thomas Rowe, who, as a C.T., has been a well-known and greatly liked visitor to this part of the colony for some years. Mr Rowe possesses all the qualities that go to make up a successful hotel and storekeeper and will, we have no doubt, prove a most eligible successor to Mr Kennedy. With Mr Rowe's many friends, we wish him every success and hope he will find in his present venture all that he can desire.

Evening Post, 19 March 1887
GOODBYE JOHN
The Wanganui Herald of the 16th instant contains a long report of a complimentary banquet given to Mr John Kennedy, the late host of the Upokongaro Hotel and one of the oldest and best known settlers in the district. A large number of leading men and old residents were present and Captain Montgomery occupied the chair. The speeches made testified to the great regard entertained for Mr Kennedy by his neighbours and a feature of the evening was a speech made by a Maori, who spoke of the great respect the natives had for him. A complimentary address, numerously and influentially signed; was presented to Mr Kennedy, who is about to visit the old country with his wife. Mrs Kennedy was formerly well known in Wellington as Miss Ewing, who, with her mother, formerly kept the Criterion and City Hotels here. Mr and Mrs Kennedy, on their return to the colony, will probably settle in Wellington

Wanganui Herald, 25 April 1887
The BOYS BANQUET A NIGHT OFF THE ROAD WITH THE BOYS ON THE ROAD
* Although a brilliant read, it is too long to add here. Go to the link for some great info. Some of the names in the article are: Anderson, Browne, Chamberlain, Clark, Coares, Davies, Dunk, Edwards, Engel, Gunn, Horton, Johns, Johnston, Lange, Long, Low, Meek, McDonald, Mitchell, Pearce, Pirie, Ramson, Rankin, Ross, Rowe, Skelton, Southern, Taplin, Thoneman, Walters, Watt, Young

Star, 7 March 1888
DROWNED
A young woman named Julia Collins employed at the Upokongaro Hotel, was drowned this afternoon while bathing in the river
* Julia was (reportedly) 21

Hawera & Normanby Star, 17 March 1888
KILLED BY LIGHTNING
The body of a man named Bolton (I kid you not) was found near Upokongaro Hotel this morning. He had been about the hotel yesterday but left about tea time to get his clothes from the washerwoman. It is supposed that in returning he was struck by lightning
* this was Albert Richard Bolton aged 42

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 June 1888
FOUND DEAD
Mr Thomas Rowe, host of the Upokongaro Hotel, reported to the police yesterday that some Maori had informed him that there was the body of a white man lying on the track to Parakino. It is supposed that he was a recent arrival from Parapara. Constable Crozier was despatched at once to the spot. About four miles beyond Upokongaro he found the body in a bush on the side of the road. He recognised it to be that of a man named James Barry, a bushman, about 65 years of age, who had for a number of years been residing with the natives at Parapara. On the track near the body were found a hat, some biscuits and an empty beer bottle. Deceased had his breakfast at the Upokongaro Hotel on the 24th and then left, saying that he was going to Parakino to get a horse to ride to Parapara, half way between town and Karioio, on Field's Track. He was last seen by a man named Bartlett on the 24th about a mile beyond Upokongaro, where the body lies. Deceased is said to have served in the American army and in the British and American navies

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1888
JAMES BARRY
An inquest was held at the Upokongaro Hotel yesterday on the body of James Barry. A post mortem examination had been made by Dr Earle, who certified that the cause of death was apoplexy, accelerated by drink and exposure. The unfortunate man was supposed to have died on the Sunday, but the supposition was incorrect, inasmuch as he was seen on the Monday sitting on a log, in a half stupid condition. A beer bottle, containing rim, was found on his person. A verdict was returned in accordance with the facts
* James was about 65

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 Sep 1888
INQUEST
There will be an inquest held at noon to-day at the Upokongaro Hotel, on the body of George Alfred Caines, who met his death by a fall from a horse on Thursday night
* George was 21

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 April 1891
THEFT FROM THE HOTEL
Harry Laing and William Noble were arrested yesterday at Kauangaroa, at the instance of Mr Joseph Abbot, who charges them with robbing him of the sum of £280. The arrest was effected by Constable Bell, who brought his men to town last night and lodged them in gaol. They will be brought up this morning at the Police Court and charged with the offence. Mr Abbot's statement is that he was staying at the Upokongaro Hotel on Sunday night last, when he had the money in question in his possession. He was taking it up the country to pay some Maori for a number of sheep he had purchased from them. He discovered his loss on Sunday night and his suspicions fell on the prisoners, for reasons which will probably be disclosed when the case is heard this morning.
* £280 in 1891 is equivalent in 2012 to $52,580. I think there may have been a misprint? Can't imagine anyone would carry that much cash or pay that much for a few sheep

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 Dec 1892
PROHIBITION ORDER
A prohibition order was issued yesterday against Gilbert Dunlop Kiriwood, to apply to all hotels in Wanganui, Fordell, Castlecliff, Kai Iwi and Upokongaro

Dunstan Times, 11 Jan 1895
PROHIBITION
The Wanganui Herald:- Practically speaking, prohibition reigns supreme throughout the up-river district from Upokongaro right on to Karioi. This is to say, there is not one single licensed house between the two places named and yet the consumption of liquor on a very large scale goes on unchecked and sly grog selling proves a decided all-round curse to those residing in the up-river settlements and indeed to many whose business or pleasure it is to travel backward and forwards. Fifteen shilling is the modest price asked for a bottle of whisky to the Maori and 10s to Europeans and the vile stuff known by that name, even at these extortionate rates, finds ready consumers. Whatever the state of the liquor is before it reaches the hands of the up-river dispenser is not known, but it has been an open secret that in "doctoring" one bottle it is very easily made into three and at 15s per bottle too!

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 May 1901
DEATH of THOMAS ROWE
It is with regret that we have to announce the death of Mr Thos. Rowe, of Upokongaro, which took place at his residence at one o'clock yesterday morning. The cause of death was hear disease. Deceased had not been in good health for some time, but serious results were not anticipated. On Wednesday night, however, he was taken suddenly ill and, as previously stated, passed away a few hours afterwards. The late Mr Rowe for many years represented Messrs Sargood and Son on this coast and on retiring purchased the Upokongaro Hotel and Store from the late Mr John Kennedy. During his residence there Mr Rowe made many friends, who, with those up and down the coast, will greatly regret to hear of his demise. Deceased leaves a wife and a young family to mourn their loss and to them we tender our sympathy. The funeral will leave St Mary's, Upokongaro on Saturday, at 11 a.m., arriving at the Town Bridge at 2 o'clock
* Thomas was 53. He married Celia Barr (1856-1936) 10 Sep 1889 and had 7 children:
1891 -1957 Thomas Northcott Rowe
1892 - 1957 Mary Somerville Rowe
1893 - 1974 John Barr Rowe
1895 - 1969 Elizabeth Grace Rowe
1896 - 1908 Hilda Margaret Rowe
1899 - 1964 William Herbert Rowe
1900 - 1982 Donald Rowe

Wanganui Herald, 28 Dec , 1901
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
It is generally recognised that one of the prettiest and most convenient places to visit from Wanganui by road or river is Upokongaro - for it is very easy of access, being only seven miles from town. From and after New Year's Day the hotel there will be under the management of Mr and Mrs J. T. Hodder, well and favourably known throughout the Wairarapa. It will be the aim and object of the new proprietary to cater in an up-to-date manner for the general convenience of the travelling public and for visitors, picnicing parties, etc. Towards that end the hotel is undergoing a thorough process of renovation and patrons may be assured that nothing will be left undone that should be done to assist in general enjoyment. One of the specialties of the establishment will be the catering for visitors from Wanganui - it does not matter in what quantity they may chance to make a call and when once they have paid a visit to such a hospitable roof there can be no doubt that they will make more than one return. Mr and Mrs Hodder have made special provision for the holiday on New Year's Day and extend to one and all a hearty welcome
* John Thomas Hodder (1860-1942) was born in Featherston. He married Charlotte Elizabeth Haybittle (1860-1936) in 1881 & had 7 children.

Wanganui Herald, 30 Jan 1902
HELP WANTED
A man as a generally useful, for Upokongaro Hotel. Wages, 15s per week

Wanganui Herald, 8 Feb 1902
SUNDAY DINNER
Those who spend their Sunday hour upon the river may be glad to know that under the new management a most recherche dinner is provided at the Upokongaro Hotel on Sundays at one o'clock (and also on week days) so that it is quite unnecessary for boating parties to return hungry, or to laden their ships with provinder. The afternoon tea at 4 o'clock is a distinguishing feature of the above hotel

Wanganui Herald, 5 Sep 1902
WANGANUI LICENSING COMMITTEE
UPOKONGARO HOTEL
On the application of Mr Marshall, a renewal was granted to J. T. Hodder. The chairman mentioned that the application had been adjourned in consequence of the insanitary condition of the back part of the hotel. The requirements of the health officer had now been complied with.

Wanganui Herald, 25 May 1904
STATE OF THE ROADS
WANGANUI-RAETIHI ROAD
... a halt was made for breakfast supplied bu Host Hodder, of the Upokongaro Hotel. Here the party were accosted by one of the inland settlers who had lost all hope of ever seeing, in his lifetime, the completion of the through road to Raetihi ...

Wanganui Chronicle, 16 June 1904
MANGAWHERO ROAD BOARD
The usual monthly meeting of the Mangawhero Road Board was held at the office of the clerk (Mr Morton Jones) yesterday. Present - Messrs D. Mason (chairman), A. Caines and H. Speed
FOOTPATH - Mr Hodder wrote asking the Council to make a sidewalk and waterway in front of the Upokongaro Hotel from the store to the pound - Resolved that the Chairman inspect the locality and see what can be done.
UPOKONGARO STREAM - Mr Chamberlain waited on the Board with reference to deviation being made in the road instead of erecting a bridge over the Upokongaro Stream and that a special rate be made therefor - Resolved that the Clerk write to the Government for load proposal forms and that the Chairman and Mr Caines meet the applicant on the ground on the 29th instant to decide what steps to take

Wanganui Herald, 22 Feb 1906
ADDING ON
TENDERS are invited until noon on Wednesday 28th inst., for additions to the Upokongaro Hotel. Plans, etc., at my office. A. ATKINS, F.R.I.B.A., Architect

Wanganui Herald, 9 Sep 1907
LICENSE RENEWAL
At the quarterly meeting of the Rangitikei Licensing Committee held on Saturday at Hunterville, the application of Mr Hodder for renewal of the license of the Upokongaro Hotel was granted

Wanganui Herald, 3 Jan 1908
BLACKSMITH SHOP
The application by Mr H. L. Abbott for permission to erect a blacksmith shop on a section opposite the Upokongaro Hotel was granted, on the recommendation of the Chairman and Cr Caines, the rent to be fixed at £5 per annum

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 Feb 1908
NEW OWNER
Mr Harry Tyson, of Napier, took over the Upokongaro hotel yesterday
* Charles Henry 'Harry' Tyson married Elizabeth Rose Moran in 1898

Wanganui Herald, 19 March 1908
UPOKONGARO HOTEL Under New Management
C. H. TYSON - Proprietor, late of Napier, offers excellent accommodation, first-class meals and the best brands of ales, wines and spirits
The above well-known hotel has just been taken over by Mr C. H. Tyson, of Napier, who will do his utmost to make the house a comfortable and homely home for all visitors, The bedrooms and dining room will be under Mrs Tyson's supervision and only the very best of meals will be served. By having the highest quality of draught and bottled ale and wines and spirits always in stock Mr Tyson aims at having one of the most up-to-date bars in any hotel in the Dominion. Morning and afternoon tea will be served in a cosily furnished parlour any time during the morning or afternoon, for the convenience of daily visitors and in fact everything will be done to make the house one of the most up-to-date hotels on the coast

Wanganui Herald, 15 April 1908
Mrs KENNEDY
Mrs John Kennedy, well known locally in connection with the Upokongaro Hotel and more recently proprietress of the Inglewood Hotel has taken over Hastie's Hotel, Feilding and intends to run the house on the same lines which made her Inglewood establishment known as the model hotel on this coast

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 April 1908
MEETING TO DISCUSS THE FERRY
A meeting of ratepayers of the Upokongaro district was held last evening at the Upokongaro Hotel to discuss the action of the Wanganui County COuncil in closing the Upokongaro ferry. A large number of representative people of the district were present and Mr Hammond was elected chairman. Those present were, Donald Ross, H. Montgomery, Anderson, Harper, Roscoe, Campbell ... more here.

Manawatu Standard, 17 Dec 1908
MAN FOUND DEAD
While patrolling the Upokongaro side of the Wanganui river, on the occasion of the sculling race on Tuesday, Constable Fitzpatrick was informed that a man had been found lying on the side of the road about one mile above the Upokongaro Hotel. On making investigation the Constable found that the man was dead and as the result of inquiry, ascertained that deceased, whose name was James Ford, had been employed as a labourer by Mr H. M. Speed, farmer, of Makirikiri. It appears that deceased went up the river to view the boat race from the starting point on horseback, accompanied by Mr Thomas Kennedy, farmer of Waverley. After the start of the race, Mr Kennedy missed him and at the conclusion of the race deceased was found on the side of the road near the winning post by Messrs G. Shepherd and E. Ferry. He was still living and the riderless horse was found further down the road. The ground where deceased was found is very rough, large lumps of rushes growing there and apparently the horse stumbled and deceased was thrown. Mr Kennedy state that Ford was perfectly sober at the time of his death and his employer, Mr Speed, state that deceased was a total abstainer. Deceased is said to have a brother residing in Auckland and another up the Main Trunk line, but their addresses are not known
* BDM has his name as Thomas Ford aged 40. Possibly a son of John Ford & Eliza Dowen

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 July 1909
SWEARING & VANDALISM
The hearing of the charge against H. L. Abbott of using obscene language at the Upokongaro Hotel and of breaking a window at the same place was concluded on Saturday morning. After Chas, Henry Tyson had corroborated the evidence of the last witness the police declared their case closed. Mr Mackay then opened his case after which he put the defendant in the witness box ...
Harold Abbott, a blacksmith was up on the charges ... the names in this case include:
* Mrs Tyson tending the bar who jumped over the bar with a revolver, said she used her maiden name (Moran) when her husband was in Wellington. Abbott had not kept company with her but they had walked together once or twice
* Abbott said that's not the first time she had jumped the bar with a revolver saying she was a crack shot and would blow us over
* Mr Hogg who was sitting on the table when the window was broken, rushed outside, got some stones and rushed back
* a Maori named Hawera
* Mrs Lena Kerr the waitress, called Abbott 'Bunny'
* Mrs Peko, who was smoking a cigarette in her room and writing a letter. A Maori girl named Betty, her neice, was with her and said she knew Ned the blacksmith
* Edward Charles 'Ted' Bruntlett the blacksmith, went to Mrs Peko's room to ask her to put a candle in his room
* Mr Borlase who was secured to act as interpreter
The Magistrate said it was most shocking that any man should use such language to any woman, more especially to a respectable woman ...good read

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 Oct 1909
SALE BY AUCTION of the UPOKONGARO HOTEL
On Wednesday, October 13th at 12 noon, J. H. Keesing will sell at his Mart in Wanganui, the Freehold of the UPOKONGARO HOTEL, with about 17 acres of land attached thereto ... TITLE - LAND TRANSFER. This is a splendid investment. The hotel is situated only a few miles from the prosperous and rising town of Wanganui. It is exceedingly popular and being the only hotel outside town in that direction supplies the district for scores of miles around. A good legitimate investment, J. H. KEESING, Auctioneer

Marlborough Express, 3 March 1910
BLOWING UP THE HOTEL
An attempt was made to destroy the Upokongaro Hotel last night, gelignite being exploded on the roadway in front. Every window was smashed but otherwise no damage was done. The explosion was heard a mile away. The police are investigating

Hastings Standard, 2 March 1910
OUTRAGE SUSPECTED In connection with an explosion at the Upokongaro Hotel, the police suspect an outrage has been committed by a Mexican named Laurent who is supposed to have committed suicide in the river, his coat and vest being found near the ferry boat on the river bank opposite the hotel. The police are now dragging for the body
EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR AT UPOKONGARO Detective Siddells went up to Upokongaro this morning to investigate the affair and was not long in finding a clue to his hand. Strong suspicion attached to a man named Laurent, a Mexican half-caste and the suspicion was strengthened by the finding of his coat and vest, the pockets containing correspondence, on the Upokongaro ferry boat. This appeared to point to the suicide of the supposed perpetrator and the police went up this afternoon to drag in the river where they believe Laurent ended his days

Hawera & Normanby, Star 4 March 1910
SUPPOSED SUICIDE
UPOKONGARO SENSATION - So far no trace has been found of the man Laurent, who it is stated, attempted to blow up the Upokongaro Hotel. He is supposed to have committed suicide by drowning, but dragging operations have had no result

New Zealand Herald, 7 March 1910
FOUND DROWNED
The body of George Laurent, a Mexican half-caste, who is alleged to have attempted to blow up the Upokongaro with dynamite on Wednesday morning last, was found in the river on about a mile below Upokongaro yesterday morning. From clues left behind him the police have all along been strongly of the opinion that he committed suicide by drowning and have been dragging the river constantly ever since

Wanganui Herald, 11 Nov 1910
COOK WANTED
Wanted immediately, a female cook for Upokongaro. Apply J. Hodder what happened to Tyson?

Wanganui Herald, 30 Dec 1910
SCULLING by "Victor"
W. Fogwell left for Auckland to-day to catch the boat leaving for Sydney on Monday. Prior to leaving he desired me to return the heartfelt thanks of Pearce and himself for the many kindnesses shown to them in Wanganui, particularly to Mr and Mrs Tucker of the Federal Hotel, Mr and Mrs Hodder of the Upokongaro Hotel and the members of the Wanganui Rowing Club, all of whom he says, treated him and his party in the most generous manner. He intends to compete in the big handicap on the Parramatta in February after which he hopes to meet George Whelch

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 Feb 1914
TRAGEDY AT KAIWHAIKI SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE
MAN CAUSED HIS OWN DEATH
An inquest touching the circumstances surrounding the death of a roadman named Bert Jones, who was frowned in the river at Kaiwaiki Pah on Tuesday, Feb 10th, was held before the District Coroner, Mr W. Kerr, yesterday afternoon.
Evidence was tendered by Timothy Hogan to the effect that deceased was employed by Mr McCullam, road contractor. At 9 a.m. of the 10th inst., witness and the deceased walked to the Upokongaro Hotel. There they stayed till noon and had four or five long beers. When they left they took three bottles of beer and a bottle of whisky. They had some of this on the way to their camp. They reached a point opposite to their camp at about 4.45 p.m. and deceased called across the river to a boy named Stanley McCullam and asked him to bring a canoe to convey witness and deceased across. When the boy and the canoe arrived, witness said he would not fo across in it for he thought it was unsafe. When deceased got in he commenced rocking the canoe and the boy told him to stop. Witness then went away to get some Maori to pull him across.
The boy referred to, Stanley McCullum, gave evidence corroborating that of the previous witness up to the point when Hogan said he went away. Then, the boy said, Jones commenced to rock the canoe and it sank. The canoe came up upside down and Jones held on to it. Witness swam ashore and ran for help. When he came back in a Maori canoe with some natives, the deceased had sunk.
The camp cook, Joseph Smith, said he was standing on the camp side of the river and witnessed the whole incident. In addition to the previous given, he said that deceased hung on to the canoe till it had floated for two chains down the river.
Constable Barry gave evidence as to finding the body about a mile above the Aramoho bridge on Sunday. He said he had made inquiries at the Upokongaro Hotel and he was quite satisfied that the men left there sober. A half-filled bottle of whisky was found on the body when it was picked up.
The Coroner returned the following verdict "Accidentally drowned, through his own recklessness while under the influence of drink"
* Bert was 27

Wanganui Herald, 30 Sep 1914
REFUSING TO FEED TRAVELLERS
At the Magistrate's Court this morning, John Thomas Hodder was charged by the police with a breach of the Licensing Act, in that he did, without any valid reason, refuse to supply a meal to two travellers, Patrick Pullen and James Blythe.
Mr Cohen appeared for defendant and pleaded not guilty.
Patrick Pullen, a bushman, said that he had been working at Parahauhau about 28 or 29 miles from Wanganui. On the 22nd of this month, James Blythe and witness had a light breakfast at six o'clock. They left O'Neil's at 2 o'clock and met Hatcher at five o'clock. They arrived at Upokongaro Hotel for something to eat. Hatcher, the driver of the dray, knocked at the hotel door. No one came to the door, but Mrs Hodder appeared at an upstairs window. Hatcher asked for a drink and meals for witness and his mate, who had nothing to eat since six o'clock in the morning. She replied that they could get nothing there as it was after ten o'clock. Witness also asked her for something, but she gave a similar reply. Witness had money in his possession and he was prepared to pay for his meal.
James Blythe gave corroborative evidence.
James Hatcher said that he picked up the two men about five o'clock. A little after ten o'clock they arrived at the Upokongaro Hotel, when witness asked for a drink. He was refused. He then asked for something to eat and was again refused. Pullen also asked for something to eat but he also was refused. The luncheon adjournment was then taken
The outcome

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 Nov 1914
UPOKONGARO HOTEL UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Having purchased Mr Hodder's interests of the Upokongaro Hotel, Makirikiri, I the undersigned, offer good accommodation to travellers and settlers of surrounding districts. Only the best of ales, wines and spirits stocked. retail at town prices. A. G. NEWMAN

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 Oct 1914
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Having purchased Mr Hodder's interests of the Upokongaro Hotel, Makirikiri, I, the undersigned, offer good accommodation to travellers and settlers of surrounding districts. Only the best of ales, wines and spirits stocked. Retail at town prices. A. G. NEWMAN

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 Sep 1916
WANGANUI COUNTY COUNCIL
UPOKONGARO ROAD - The licensee of the Upokongaro Hotel wrote drawing attention to the state of the road in front of his hotel - Left in the hands of the engineer.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 Oct 1917
FATAL ACCIDENT A man named Joseph Weston, a laborer, aged about 54, was found lying dead at the nine-mile peg on the Makirikiri road, early on Monday morning. The police were communicate with and the body was brought into Wanganui. It appears that the deceased, who worked for Messrs Fernie Bros., came into Upokongaro on Saturday and stayed at the hotel, sleeping in a whare alongside the stable. On Sunday evening he set out for Fernie's Station. He was seen by two horsemen within a short distance of where he was ultimately found dead. He was then apparently in an inebriated state and it is presumed he fell over the bank, his neck being broken. An inquest is to be held.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 20 Feb 1918
BREACHES OF THE LAW
At the magistrate's Court at Wanganui on Tuesday (reports the Chronicle) A. G. Newman, licensee of the Upokongaro hotel, pleaded guilty to twelve breaches of the law and was fined £20 and £11 9s costs for selling liquor to an intoxicated person at the Wangaehu Hotel. A. Barnes, barman, was fined £10 and A. McDonald, licensee £1. The evidence showed that the licensee was ill in bed at the time

Wanganui Herald, 23 Nov 1918
ESTATE OF THOMAS ROWE (deceased)
The Public Trustee invites alternative for the purchase or lease in one lot or separately of the following properties, all situate at Upokongaro, 7 miles from Wanganui, Waimarino electorate:-
LOT 1 - Dwelling of 7 rooms and store and stables with ½ acre land
LOT 2 - Freehold of Upokongaro Hotel, containing 22 rooms and other buildings with about 1 acre land, together with Publican's License in respect thereof
LOT 3 - 16½ acres rich flat land with 2 cottages thereon, suitable as a holding or accommodation paddock
Sealed tenders will be received at the Public Trust Office, Wanganui, up till 2 p.m. on Wednesday 11th December 1918

Wanganui Herald, 5 Oct 1920
OBSCENE LANGUAGE & WINDOW BREAKING (again)
At the Police Court this morning before Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., Francis Henry was charged with being drunk at Makirikiri yesterday with breaking six panes of glass value £2, the property of R. L. Avery and with using obscene language in the bar of the Upokongaro Hotel. Charles Henry was also charged with drunkenness and obscene language.
Senior-Sergt Bourke stated that the two accused called at the hotel on Sunday last and asked for drink and were refused. In the meantime they came to Wanganui and last evening returned by coach in a drunken state. When the hotelkeeper tried to get them off the premises they used obscene language and Francis Henry also broke the glass and one of the accused struck Mr Avery.
R. L. Avery stated that when he refused drinks to the two accused, Francis Henry promised to give him the biggest hiding he ever had in his life. After a good deal of trouble witness managed to get the accused out of the hotel.
Reginald C. Dunlop, farmer, Makirikiri, stated that Francis Henry appeared to be the most aggressive of the two and the other accused tried to get him from breaking the window.
The charge of using obscene language against Charles Henry was dismissed and he was fined 5/- for drunkenness. Francis Henry was convicted for obscene language and sentenced to one month's imprisonment and ordered to pay £2, the amount of damage to the window. He was also fined 5/- for drunkenness

Evening Post, 18 Oct 1922
LICENSEE FINED
At the Magistrate's Court to-day, Percy Lumsden, licensee of the Upokongaro Hotel, was fined £3 and £9 costs for supplying liquor to two Europeans and two maori on a recent Sunday. The defendant admitted that liquor had been supplied, but stated that one of the Europeans had entered his name on the book as a lodger for the night and was subsequently entitled to liquor for himself and his friend. The magistrate, after hearing evidence, decided that the man was not a bona fide lodger. On a further similar charge, a daughter of the defendant was fine 1 and 7s costs
* in 1922 that was a lot of money. In Oct 2012 the equivalent was £3=$281 & £9=$845, a total fine of $1126!!. In 1920-1922 the average wage was £210 a YEAR (inclusive of bonuses and overtime)

Evening Post, 22 Oct 1929
RIVER HOTELS DESTROYED
WANGANUI, This Day. The old Upokongaro Hotel on the Wanganui River, about seven miles from the city and a new hotel alongside, not quite completed, were swept by fire yesterday afternoon. The old building, which was a tow-story, wooden structure and recently condemned, made ready fuel and burned fiercely before a south-east wind which carried the flames across the intervening space of 50ft to the new single-story structure, the roof and other wooden portions of which were burned. The insurances on the building are not available, but the new building was not insured and the contractors, Messrs Walpole and patterson, are losers to the extent of about £2000

Auckland Star, 24 Oct 1929
OLD & NEW HOTEL DAMAGED BY FIRE
A fire which broke out at the Upokongaro Hotel last Monday destroyed the old building and seriously damaged the new one which was nearly completed

New Zealand Herald, 26 Oct 1931
ASSAULT ON CONSTABLE SEVEN DAYS IMPRISONMENT
George Thomas McGovern, licensee of the Upokongaro Hotel, was to-day fined £20 for being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor-car. He was sentenced to seven days imprisonment for assaulting Constable Hollinshead by kicking him on the face while being placed in a taxi. For obscene language he was fine £5, in default one month in gaol. Mr J. H. Salmon, S.M., refused to alter his decision in regard to imprisonment
* George (1900-1976) was aged 31 at the time

Auckland Star, 26 Aug 1936
INDECENCY CHARGE
MAN BEFORE COURT, Wanganui, Tuesday
On the night of January 4, Joyce(possibly John) Edward Symonds, with a party which included two girls, motored to the Upokongaro Hotel in the early hours of January 5 and obtained liquor. One of the girls was intoxicated and was later charged. Symonds was charged this morning with committing a grossly indecent act, with procuring liquor during the currency of a prohibition order and with negligent driving. Due to appear on summons he disappeared but gave himself up. This morning he pleaded guilty to all charges. On the indecency charge he was sentenced to two months imprisonment and was convicted and ordered to pay costs on the other charges.
Mr J. H. Salmon, S.M., in referring to the girls having been given liquor said he considered such conduct disgraceful and any young fellow who would take out girls in this way and give them drink was a young blackguard

PHOTO
UPOKONGARO HOTEL 1860s
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