Manawatu District Libraries

Flood Waters in Feilding, c. 1907

On September 26, 1907, Feilding was inundated with rain for three days straight, causing floodwaters to rise in town and in surrounding rural areas. At the Beattie Street crossing, the water was right across the surface of Kimbolton Road, the Railway Yards were covered in water, and the footpath from the Council Chambers to Manchester Square was immersed. The Makino Stream reached a level not touched in ten years prior to this flood. Property was damaged, and there were several slips that came down on the railway, disrupting train services and causing general frustration amongst travellers.

Feilding Railway Station Fire, c. 1960

Firefighters control the blaze at Feilding Railway Station, 29th July, 1960. The building was badly damaged and parts were completely destroyed. A year and a half later, on the 7th of December 1961, the station was officially reopened.

The original station was constructed in 1887, at a cost of 710 pounds. Considerable improvements were made between 1897 and 1901, and this building remained with only a few modifications, until the first fire in 1960. Part of the building that stands today was demolished after a second fire in 1988.

Feilding Clock Tower, Stopped by Earthquake, c. 2016

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck near Hanmer Springs at 12.02am on Monday 14th November, 2016. The earthquake was felt in Feilding, stopping the clock.

Feilding Box Factory Fire, c. 1939

On December 12, 1939, there was a fire at the Feilding Box Factory, owned by A. Broadbelt and co. The Box Factory was located on Haybittle Street. Photographed by Hobday.

(Lydia Smith, 2022)

Oroua River Flood, c. 1882

Aorangi Bridge over the Oroua River, photographed during the 1882 flood on June 9.

York House, c. 1933

York House in 1933, after a fire damaged the building.

Dismantling Feilding Post Office Tower, c. 1942

After a major earthquake in 1942, the Feilding Post Office tower was dismantled as it had suffered substantial damage. It was decided that the clock and bell would be stored until a new clock tower could be built. Most of the work was done by Army engineers, and a fund to rebuild the clock tower was started after World War II. For more information, see Pioneering to Prosperity 1874-1974: A Centennial History of the Manchester Block.

Feilding Railway Accident, c. 1976

On Wednesday 26 Feburary, 1976, a train came off the rails in Feilding. Jack Haigh, railway fitter can be seen inspecting the engine.

Fire at Hastie's Hotel, c. 1904

In 1904, a blaze destroyed Hastie's Hotel (Feilding Hotel). Sadly, a young girl died in the fire, and her remains were discovered the next morning. Five years later, the hotel would catch fire again, and a fireman lost his life while fighting the flames.

Photographer unknown.

Feilding Flood, c. 1907

In late September of 1907, Feilding experienced three consecutive days of dismal, rainy weather. Masses of water accumulated in Feilding streets and surrounding countryside. Water came right up over the surface of Kimbolton Road, the Railway Yards were covered, as was the footpath from the Council Chambers to Manchester Square. The Oroua and Kiwitea rivers were in heavy flood, but fortunately there was no damage along the banks. The Makino Stream reached the highest level it had in ten years prior to the flood.

This photograph was taken on September 26, 1907, and is thought to be from the Feilding Star.

Dismantling Feilding Post Office Tower, c. 1942

After a major earthquake in 1942, the Feilding Post Office tower was dismantled as it had suffered substantial damage. It was decided that the clock and bell would be stored until a new clock tower could be built. Most of the work was done by Army engineers. For more information, see Pioneering to Prosperity 1874-1974: A Centennial History of the Manchester Block.

Fire at Fowler Motors Limited, c. 1942

On May 5 1942, a fire occurred at Fowler Motors Limited. The Feilding Fire Brigade attended the blaze. The site was occupied by Mark Panelbeating in 1983.

Photographer unknown.

Feilding flood, 1907

Boisterous, rainy, dsmal and unpleasant weather was experienced in Feilding for three days, causing masses of water lying in Feilding streets and paddocks. at the Beattie Street crossing the water was right across the surface of Kimbolton Road, the Railway yards were covered in water and the footpath from the Council Chambers to the Square was immersed. Although the Oroua and Kiwitea Rivers were in heavy floodthere was no damage along the banks. The Makino Stream reached a level not touched in the ten years prior to this flood.

Manawatu River flood, 1906

July 1, 1906 Heavy gales between west and south/south east with heavy rain and exeptionally cold weather brought about the rise in the Manawatu River causing it to flood.

Manchester Street School Fire, 1954

Alan Bramwell Drapery fire

Photograph showing: Keith Smith Jewellers - Barry Smith (son now 2017) Self Help (Grocery Shop)Ray Barnett (sign above his shop - a brand of cigarettes) Manufactoring & Veterinary Chemist (on corner of Goodbehere & Fergusson Streets) Photograph taken from Goodbehere Street

Feilding box factory fire - 1939

Feilding Box Factory (Broadbelts). Haybittle Street. Fire - 20/12/1939. Photographers : Hobday

Wackrill and Maguire's fire - 1937

Wackrill amd Maguire's fire, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. 12th Novemeber, 1937

Alan Bramwell Drapery fire

Alan Bramwell's drapery fire

Oroua Bridge Flood 1896

Oroua bridge, flooded 17 July, 1896

Manchester St School fire - 1954 : 27-7

Destruction of the principal block of Buildings at Manchester Street School on Sunday 5th Decemeber, 1954

Earthquakes - Feilding

1942 Earthquake damage. Farmers Freezing Co.Ltd.

Oroua River flood - 1896 23-7

The traffic and railway bridges across the Oroua River at Aorangi sufferd considerably under the heavy flood waters on April 17th, 1897. The approaches to the Railway Bridge on the Feilding side of the river went with three short spans of the bridge, the iron piers resisting the force of the current remarkably well. The only connection left between the two sides of the river were the Railway irons and sleepers, which remained swinging in the air. Two spans of the Road Bridge on the Feilding side of the river, went, leaving six standing without any apparent damage. The two spans which were washed away stranded about a quarter of a mile away down the river.

Flood - 1956 : 17-12

No 15 Denbigh Street in flood - 31st December, 1956

Kiwitea Stream flood

Kimbolton Road wash-out showing water-pipe. Kiwitea Stream.

1942 earthquake damage

1942 earthquake damage.

Train Derailed

A Powerboard ute was crossing at the old Hobson st crossing and failed to stop. Unfortunately back in 1976 there were no railway barriers. The engine was derailed along with a few wagons. The driver of the ute walked away but unfortunately died shortly after of a heart attack.

Bramwells Drapery Fire

Fire at Feilding Saleyards

Fire engulfed the Feilding Saleyards cattle rostrum back in 1998, just before the $350,000 project to renovate and install electronic selling was completed. Following this devastating event, the three co-owners William & Kettle, Wrightsons and Elders Livestock took the opportunity to remodel parts of the complex before rebuilding the cattle rostrum and administration building that stands here today

Feilding flood - 1907 : 75-3

26th September 1907. Boisterous, rainy, dismal and unpleasant weather was experienced in Feilding for three days, causing masses of water lying in Feilding streets and paddocks. At the Beattie Street crossing the water was right across the surface of Kimbolton Road, The Railway Yards were covered in water, and the foor-path from the Council Chambers to the Square was immersed. Although the Oroua and Kiwitea Rivers were in heavy flood there was no damage along the banks. The Makino Stream reached a level not touched in the ten years prior to this flood.

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