Whakatane & District Historical Society Event
Report on Field Trip to Waimana and Taneatua
Above is the headstone of Emily Savage, wife of Charles and sister-in-law of Frederick Savage – first person buried in Waimana cemetery. They were some of the first settlers.
The initial burials were made in four family groups with relations of the initial settlers: Savage, Bell, Wardlaw and Robinson.
Robert gave a brief account of the confiscation of land as a result of the deaths of Carl Volkner and James Fulloon and development of the Waimana Estate and its ballot for small farms. Robert commented on some of the graves.
A descendent of William Wardlaw came along and was able to share some family history. His home was used during the Influenza epidemic as an emergency hospital.
Only Frederick Savage’s brother-in-law, Arnold John Ridley, died among the pakeha population and is buried next to Emily.
The Bells came as storekeepers from Opotiki and the sister of a daughter-in-law was the first school teacher.
After an initial explanation of the Opouriao Estate and ballot for settlers a few graves of interest were pointed out at Taneatua. Most of the early graves were children.