George Bint (1872-1951) on the flying fox near Purangi.

Purangi, a little settlement in the heart of inland Taranaki, was always a challenge to get to.  When the first European settlers hacked their way into their pre- purchased blocks of land, they carved out an eight-foot track that was suitable for sledging and pack horses only.

But then they had the problem of crossing the deep river.

Near the new settlement at Purangi, there was a ford across one part of the river and this was marked by large willow trees growing on each side, but the bank was steep and the clay slippery. Another way to cross was to almost fly over in a special chair. The settlers made a wire rope pulley system with a seat made from boards that was pulled back and forth high above the water. A reporter visiting in 1895 recommended it for travellers.

"Unless in exceptionally fine weather, tourists had better not attempt the ford as a great risk is incurred of being detained on the other side as the river rises very rapidly when rain sets in. The better plan is to leave your horse at Purangi and walk the rest of the journey, crossing the river on what is called the chair on a rope."

The chair was fastened to a rewarewa tree on one side of the river and a post on the other. The passenger was seated on a wooden plank hung by chains, which they used to pull themselves across. It was hard work and the sensation of being 80 feet (24.4 metres) in the air was something to get used to.

"It is to be hoped that a bridge will be built before long as the present means of crossing are both dangerous and may lead to loss of life," wrote the nervous reporter.

Taranaki News 15th of May 2010

A family photo of the bridge at Purangi.

Will Bint (1880-1966) on the Zig-Zag trail near Tarata

Philip Bint with two of his sons, at their Tarata saw-pit, producing building planks

Catherine Bint (born 1892), back row, 3rd from right, at school in Tarata around 1903

Bertha (born 1885) and Kate Bint with two of the family's dairy cows

Walter Bint (1876-1955) at Tarata