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Picton - History
Problems with The Beaver
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Picton's development is
inextricably interwoven with that of Blenheim, the continued rivalry between
the two settlements dividing the province of Marlborough and for years
dominating the considerations of administrators to the detriment of the
district.
Whereas Blenheim evolved from an economic base as the distribution centre
for the Wairau, the site of Picton was carefully chosen by Nelson settlers
for purchase by the New Zealand Company so that they might receive some
measure of justice from the Company in the way of land grants. The committee
of settlers opted for Picton on the score of its harbour and densely wooded
forests.
The initial obstacle was a reluctance to sell on the part of the local Maori
of Te Ati Awa, who established an important pa here after Te Rauparaha had
conquered the region. But once the Maori owners were satisfied in 1850 and
had moved to neighbouring Waikawa, the new landowners experienced
frustration at the lack of any road and the rapid rise of The Beaver
(Blenheim). The tiny village of Picton, largely a resort of timberworkers,
vainly petitioned the Nelson Provincial Council for action, in 1856 adding
to their complaints a lack of protection: 'Robberies and Burglaries are
becoming a daily occurrence and we are afraid to leave our homes by night or
day.'
Neglect on a wider scale led to the separation of the province of
Marlborough from that of Nelson. For several tumultuous years Picton was the
new province's capital (see Blenheim). If it ultimately lost that role to
its bitter rival Blenheim, Picton almost landed an even bigger prize when it
was seriously considered as a site for the country's capital. A quaint
reminder of the time when Picton was robbed of the title of provincial
capital is to be found in the grounds of Holy Trinity Anglican Church. After
the clock from the provincial council building had been removed to Blenheim,
a sundial was sent for from England and was safely placed in the churchyard
(1871) so that no future political powers could interfere with it. To make
somewhat belated amends, the Blenheim Borough Council in 1976 gave Picton a
small mantle clock as a centenary present. |
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