Post
by eNZedFred » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:39 am
G'day there, If you handed me that bit of paper, I would say Whangamomona without a doubt. Had lunch there last week-end, and yep, it was at the pub. It's the only thing left there now that opens with any regularity. We call it by the shortened slang name of Whanga, pronounced Wong-ga. But that's not too respectful of its proper name.
There is a sportsground down the Whanga Road and I'm pretty sure that the gate posts have a list of the locals that served in WWI, but perhaps just the ones that never made it home. There is a cemetery down there too. There will be an Honour Roll somewhere too, either of the two churches or the Hall, or in the pub.
The next settlement further out is Kohuratai (my uncle had a farm out back of there) and they have a district War Memorial across the road from the hall. (and that's all that is there) The area is a bit tourist now, with the State Highway 43 being re-named the Forgotten Highway. Runs from Stratford to Taumarunui. (Railway line has just closed too) I think it is the only State Highway in NZ that remains gravel for a portion.
I love the place and visit often, so anyone wanting some general pictures or whatever, give me a message.
Whangamomona used to be part of Taranaki Provence, but the local government boundaries were realligned to correspond with catchments of rivers. The Whangamomona River eventually flows into the Wanganui River (Whanganui) so Whanga found itself cut-off from Taranaki, the only road link to the nearest 24/7 town. To protest, Whanga declared itself to be a republic and elected a President. They close the town one day a year and you need a passport to enter. They have events like a wild pig hunt, possum skinning, a hill race, sheep shearing, and other rural events. The election of the President is hotly contested. For a few years the position was held by a goat used to keep the weeds down on the bank over the road from the pub. After that I think it was the Publican's wife's black poodle. Some bloke dressed in drag was a recent holder.
I'm picking that if you google Forgotten Highway Stratford you will get a hit, and likewise try Whangamomona Republic.
I'm new to this place, so give me the message if this is the sort of stuff not wanted in here.
Cheers, Fred.
