Wellington Independent 3 November 1852
NOTICE.
THE Undersigned wishes to inform the Inhabitants of Wellington, that he intends to commence running his Van on SUNDAY next, the 24th October, from Wellington to the Hutt, and will continue to run every Day during the Summer Months, or longer if inducements should offer.
The Van will pass down the beach and finally leave the Royal Hotel every Morning at 1/2 past 9, returning from Whitewood”s Hotel every Evening at 5 o”clock.
Fares, 1s 6d. each way
ARTHUR HAYWARD.
October 20, 1852

Wellington Independent 3 November 1852
The Wellington Accommodation.
MR. FOWLER, of the Freemason”s Tavern, desires to inform the Inhabitants of Wellington and neighbourhood, that after the first of next month he intends to commence running a Van daily (Sundays included), for the conveyance of Passengers and Goods, between Wellington and the Hutt. The Van will leave the Freemason”s Tavern every Monday at 9, and in returning will start from Mr. G. Buck”s, the Traveller”s Rest, Taitai, at half-past 3, and Mr. Allen”s, Aglionby Arms, at half-past 4.
Fares, 1s. each way.
October 19, 1852

Wellington Independent 27 January 1866
query Buckridge

Wellington Independent 3 November 1866
A TRAMP THROUGH THE HUTT,
Your correspondent having a roving commission, has commenced a ramble up the Hutt and Wairarapa, and intends now to offer to your readers a few notes jotted down during a walk through a district, towards which, the attention of the settlers of the province has been drawn by unpleasant rumors, which, if well founded, cannot but have the most disastrous effects on the prosperity of what has hitherto been a most flourishing settlement.
A more lovely morning than that on which I started from the Empire City can scarcely be imagined. The sun was shining brightly, light clouds were lazily floating across the heavens, and a gentle breeze was blowing, just sufficiently to prevent the heat from being oppressive.
Passing by Kai Warra Warra, Ngahaurauga is quickly reached, and a few miles further on the Hutt – that garden of Wellington. Here a glass of sparkling cool ale at the old house (Whitewood”s), and a pleasant chat with its cheery proprietor, made me feel that I had just begun to get into walking trim. The Hutt reminds one of many an English country village, before the ruthless days of steam and “alarming sacrifices” There is an air of quiet, homely comfort and prosperity about it, perfectly refreshing. No bustling is to be seen in the streets – street, I should have said the noisiest thing in the neighborhood being the bubbling river, and it seemed this day infected with the almost solemn stillness round.” Three or four times a day, the peaceful Huttites allow themselves to be roused into something remotely approaching to excitement, when the coaches arrive and depart. Then may be seen mine Host at Whitewood”s, standing before his door, with a pleasant word and a genial smile for the passengers, as he “welcomes the coming, speeds the parting guest;” and the honest shopkeepers looking out, and perchance, calculating on the increase of business about to flow to them. A little higher up the road is Mr. Valentine”s new hotel, which is one of the finest in the province.
After a walk about the town, and a cosy tea with mine Host of Whitewood”s, I passed the night there. In the morning, I started on to Mungaroa, where a steady downpour of rain, which has now lasted, without intermission, for thirty-six hours, kept me a guest of Widow Collins but I could not desire a better retreat during that proverbial time of misery – a wet Sunday in the country.
I started from the Lower Hutt, or as it is called, the Bridge, on Saturday morning. The clouds were lowering, and the prospect of a wet jacket was not very cheering, but the rain held off. I passed through the Taita, where I was sorry to learn that illness is fearfully prevalent, and that some deaths had only within a few hours previously occurred from Diptheria. In this district I first met with many signs of warlike preparations; there I saw several volunteers carrying rifles and accoutrements, proceeding to drill. The volunteers, I learnt, of this district number about fifty men, and from the specimens which I saw, will doubtless give a good account of themselves, should they be called out for active service. The company some time ago numbered seventy men, but a few have retired, having served their term; others have withdrawn, I was told, not liking the new regulations. Should they be required though, the full strength, under the old roll would be sure to turn out, as Englishmen always may be trusted to do. A traveller coming up here, and being asked what were the principal products of the country, would unhesitantly reply Churches and Public Houses – a curious mixture – and might indulge in a hope that the good precepts taught in the one, would counteract the evils which otherwise might be caused by the other. Certainly the number of hotels, public houses, and accommodation houses is extraordinary, there being between Mungaroa and Wellington, a distance of twenty-five miles, no less than twelve; and it speaks volumes in favor of the way in which these are conducted, and for the sobriety of the settlers, that the whole way up I have not seen one person in the slightest degree intoxicated. After leaving the Taita, the Upper Hutt is the next township readied. The most conspicuous building here, which I noticed, is a saw mill the largest and most substantially built erection for the purpose which I have seen in this province. It is 240 feet long, and fifty feet wide, and built entirely of corrugated iron. It belongs to Messrs. Harris and Sons, who are making extensive alterations and improvements. When these are completed, the mill will be capable of turning out 30,000 feet of sawn timber a week and will contain three complete circular saw benches, one upright saw pit, a travelling bench sixty feet long, and a turning department. The whole is driven by a thirty horse power horizontal steam engine, the fly wheel of which is sixteen feet in circumference. A more complete mill I do not think there will be in the colony, than Messrs. Harris and Sons will possess when all the improvements in progress are finished.
Leaving this mill on the left, I passed several well stocked stores, at which boots, butter, crinolines, mantles, leaves, bacon, needles, and in fact almost every requisite could be obtained, and reached the “Highland Home,” an excellent specimen of a roadside inn, kept by Host Wilkin, who with a small degree of pardonable pride showed me over his house with its seventeen rooms, including one of the most comfortable sitting rooms which I have seen out of Wellington, and the Lodge Room of the Rose of Sharon Lodge of the Ancient Order of Odd Fellows” which Lodge I was told numbered fifty members.
Leaving this house behind me, I proceeded up the road, which winds along beside the Hutt River, now on a level with the bubbling water, now cut some distance up the hill side, down which an almost perpendicular bank – you can see the river flowing along. An easy walk of about a mile brought me to Host Brown”s Criterion. Here I was sorry to see that Mr. Brown is still suffering from the effects of his accident at the Hutt races last March, though he is now, I hope, in a fair way to a permanent recovery. From this, the best house I have yet met this side of the Lower Hutt, a pleasant walk of six miles through the clearing along a good road by the dusky twilight, brought me to Mungaroa. If anyone wants to understand how Gray felt when writing his elegy, let him come along that walk at eventide. A better description of that walk I cannot give than by using the following words:-
The lowing herd wind slowly o”er the lea,
The ploughman homeward plods his weary way,
And leaves the world to darkness and to me.
The “glimmering landscape” was fading from the sight, all around bore a solemn stillness, broken only by the tinkling bell which told of the herds slow wanderings, the murmering of the neighboring stream, and the occasional screech of the wood hens in the bush. Just before reaching Mrs. Collins Mungaroa Inn, I passed over a bridge thrown across the Mungaroa river, a little above where it falls into the Hutt river. The view up and down the stream is the prettiest I have seen for a long time. Millais would rejoice to paint it. Above, the stream rushing down a narrow gorge, over boulders and rocks, forms a thousand sparkling white cascades, the sides of the gorge being a mass of luxuriant vegetation, presenting a great contrast with the waters beneath. Below the bridge the scene is changed. The gorge widens and the river runs smoothly on, scarcely a ripple agitating its calm surface.
Further than Mungaroa, I have been been unable to reach, in consequence of the heavy and incessant rain. The land on each side of the road is flooded, the rivers have risen several feet, and I fear that the mails from up the road will be stopped. So far up, I have been pleased with the appearance of the country. The fields look green and fertile, while evidences are not wanting, in the shape of new houses built and fencing done, of a state of gradual but steady advancement.
Pedestrian.

Evening Post 30 November 1868
G. HOBBS”
TELEGRAPH LINE OF COACHES,
Running between the
UPPER HUTT AND WELLINGTON
DAILY,
Passing through Taita
The Hutt,
Ngahuranga,
Kaiwarra, and
Wellington.
Leave T. Waldin”s, Upper Hutt, at 7 a.m.
Leave LOwer Hutt, at 8.30 a.m.
RETURN COACH
Leaves A. J. Whyte”s Coach and Horses Hotel, Manners-street, Wellington, at 3.15 p.m.
Leaves Hadfield”s Royal Hotel, at 3.45 p.m.
GEORGE HOBBS,
Sole Proprietor

Wellington Independent 19 January 1869
OPPOSITION BUSSES.- On Saturday last a collision occurred between the rival busses on the Hutt road between the Hutt and Taita; the coach driven by Mr Hobbs came against that of Messrs Brown and Ross, and was capsized. Mr J. Wallace of the Upper Hutt had his collar bone broken, and injuries were sustained by other persons. The forecarriage of the vehicle, which was smashed, was taken on over three miles by the horses. We merely state the facts, as we have heard them, without seeking to impute any blame to either party.

Evening Post 25 January 1871
PROSSER”S ROYAL MAIL COACH,
Running between
WELLINGTON & THE HUTT (DAILY)
–
TIME TABLE
From New Zealander 9.15 a.m.
Crown and Anchor 9.20 a.m.
Royal Hotel 9.30 a.m.
–
FARES
From Wellington to Kaiwarra 1s 0d
From Wellington to Ngahauranga 1s 0d
From Wellington to the Hutt 2s 0d
From Wellington to the Taita 2s 6d
Arriving in town at 5 p.m.
N.B. – On Sundays leaving Royal at 10 a.m.
S. PROSSER.

–

Wellington Independent various papers
COBB & CO”s TELEGRAPH LINE
of ROYAL MAIL COACHES
…

Wellington Independent 20 February 1872
CHEAP FARES. CHEAP FARES. CHEAP FARES.
TO THE HUTT AND TAITA FOR ONE SHILLING!!
E. IKE, late Wairarapa coachman for Mr Hastwell, has for the last five years seen a great want of a Bus which is suited for the comfort of travellers to and from the above named places but he is now glad to say that he has imported one of the most handsome and convenient busses that has ever been in this province, and that every care and attention will be given to the comfort of those who will favor him with their support. –
The Bus will leave Mr Churcher”s Travellers” Rest Hotel, Taita, at 8.15 a.m., leaving New Zealander Hotel, Wellington, 3.15. p.m.
FARE— ONE SHILLING EACH WAY.

Evening Post 21 April 1874
DUKE OF EDINBURGH BUSS (sic)
THE above Buss (sic) leaves Upper Hutt every Sunday morning in time to catch first train to Wellington, running to Upper Hutt and Taita on arrival of first train from Wellington, and returning in time for last train to Wellington, and back to Upper Hutt
P. COCKREY,
Proprietor.

Evening Post 6 October 1874
NOTICE
Having made arrangements with Mr E. Morgan for the continuance of the running of the break three times weekly to the undernoted places, the undersigned is now in a position to deliver all goods purchased at his stores free of charges:- Taita,

Mungaroa, Stokes” Valley, Kaitoki, Upper Hutt, Pakaratahi.
THOMAS MULLINS,
Hutt Bridge and Upper Hutt

Evening Post 30 November 1878
On reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that Mr. Somerville”s large bus Empire with four horses will leave the stables, Abel Smith street, for the Lower Hutt and Taita every Sunday at 2 o”clock calling at the New Zealander, Empire, and Royal Hotels, at cheap fares.

Evening Post 7 January 1907
HUTT MOTOR BUS SYNDICATE.
A SYNDICATE is now being formed to PURCHASE TWO THORNEYCROFT MOTOR OMNIBUSES, 24-30- horse power, capacity carrying 40 passengers each.
The above omnibuses have only just been landed, and are now being put together, and can be inspected by intending share- holders. The purchasing price of the Buses is ����1200 each.
It is hereby intended to float a Syndicate to purchase the two Buses for £2400, which price is considerably under the landed cost in Wellington.
The Syndicate is to be divided into 10 Shares of £240 each.
A license has been granted by the Hutt Borough for the plying of the above Buses between the Lower Hutt and Taita.
Immediate application is necessary, as six shares have been subscribed.
It is believed that the running of these Buses will be a great boon to the Hutt people, as a great saving of time will be effected, and owners of property in the Hutt Borough will no doubt benefit to a large extent.
The Company should pay fair dividends on the capital invested, as on account of the saving of time the service will be well patronised.
Applications will be received for half and quarter shares. For further particulars apply to the Secretary,
H FRANKS,
7a, The King”s Chambers,
Harbour-street.

Evening Post 10 January 1907
The two Thorneycroft motor omnibuses that are destined to run between the Lower Hutt and Taita are almost ready for their work. They are said to be the largest vehicles of their kind ever imported into Now Zealand. Each is 27ft in length over all, and weighs between six and seven tons. With engines of thirty horse-power, the buses will be able to travel up to sixteen miles an hour. Each car is a double-decker, capable of accommodating about forty passengers. The vehicles are well lighted and upholstered, and otherwise generally well equipped for comfortable travelling. They are fitted with very powerful brakes.

Evening Post 2 May 1930
NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS
ROAD MOTO SERVICES
WELLINGTON-UPPER HUTT-BROWN OWL.
–
oN and after SUNDAY, 4th May, the following Additions will be made to the Wellington – Upper Hutt – Brown Owl Sunday Time-table:-
WELLINGTON DEPART – 9.15 a.m., Petone Station 9.35 a.m., Lower Hutt Post Office 9.40 a.m., Manor Park Bridge 10 a.m., Heretaunga Post Office 10.10 a.m., Trentham 10.12 a.m., Upper Hutt arrive 10.20 a.m., Brown Owl arrive 10.30 a.m.
–
UPPER HUTT DEPART – 8.45 a.m., Trentham 8.50 a.m., Manor Park Bridge 9 a.m., Avalon Tea Rooms 9.8 (sic) a.m., Lower Hutt Town Hall 9.20 a.m., Wellington arrive 9.50 a.m.
–
UPPER HUTT DEPART – 10.30 a.m., Trentham 10.35 a.m., Heretaunga Post Office 10.37 a.m., Manor Park Bridge 10.45 a.m., Avalon Tea Rooms 10.53 a.m., Lower Hutt Town Hall 11.5 (sic) a.m., Wellington arrive 11.35 a.m.