Click on the map to enlargen.
This is a Norman Willis subdivision plan for the Hine Road and Sunny Grove area in 1948.
This map shows Hine Road extending into what is now the Gums Loop area. The plan highlights a number of interesting things. Here are the top 10:
- Hine Road extends into the Waterworks Valley / Sinclair Valley where the Gums Loop Walk is today.
- The Wainuiomata River split into two streams east of what is now Richard Prouse Park and then reconnected. We know that the developer changed the course of river and creeks to suit his plan. Today, the closer stream to the properties is now a walking track that connects Richard Prouse Park and Hine Road.
- The reserve where Richard Prouse Park is located, would have extended along the Wainuiomata river bank right through to the end of the extended version of Hine Road deep into Sinclair Valley.
- The old road leading to Cullens Bridge and beyond is outlined. This gave Cephas John (Jack) Cullen (1891 – 1981) a way to cross the Wainuiomata River and access to his home.
- A rectangular shape next to Sunny Grove and Hine Road was the home leased by Cullen. The outline probably represents trees, and indeed, there are mature trees at this site today (2023). A creek also passes through the middle of the property. This was the original homestead of the Sinclair Family who owned a sawmill and logged the surrounding area.
- The upper road / track above what is now Reservoir road is outlined.
- The path of the water race is outlined. It appears to mostly follow the upper track / road. It also appears to have an outlet into the Wainuiomata River near the tributary of Skerretts Creek.
- Skerretts Creek meanders down both sides of Sunny Grove (odd and even numbers). The course of the creek was changed by the land developer, to flow solely through the properties on the odd numbered side of the street.
- Nikau Stream would have flowed pass four properties in the extended version of Hine Road with two other streams doing the same thing further up the extended street.
- According to an accompanying map, the Boys Brigade Camp is located above Sunny Grove. In fact, the Boys Brigade still own some land above Sunny Grove between houses at the end of the street. The land fans out as you head up and is in the general direction of the current Boys Brigade area accessed from the Coast Road.
Special thanks to Jeremy Foster for sourcing this plan and associated documents.
