1870s

1870

• George Matthew Snelson takes up residence at Papaioea (Palmerston)

1871

• Population 25

• Sawmilling industry established in Palmerston North
• First cabinetmaker, wheelwright, shoemaker, tailor & blacksmith
• George Matthew Snelson becomes the first storekeeper in Palmerston North
• The Post Office adds the word North to Palmerston to avoid confusion with a town of the same name in the South Island, debate on the naming of Palmerston continued through the 1870s

• Walter Woods Johnston elected MP for Manawatū

• Scandinavian settlements established at Awapuni and Whakarongo

• First recorded horse racing meeting held on an improvised course along Rangitīkei Line near The Square, organised by James Linton

1872

• Road through Manawatū Gorge opened
• First Policeman - Constable W C Wilson
• Petition from residents to change the name of Palmerston is accepted, residents are asked to come up with a new name

1873

• Wooden Tramway opens between Palmerston North and Foxton
• Public meeting held to debate a new name for Palmerston North, no clear decision made

• First Public School - the first school is established (later Campbell Street School)

1874

• Population 193 (excludes Māori)

1875

• The Manawatū Times is the first newspaper published in the town
• Anglican Church, construction begins
• Telegraph communications established between Palmerston North and Foxton
• Railway Line and Station laid through The Square
• Foresters' Lodge & public hall built, later the 'Theatre Royal'

1876

• Town Board formed - Palmerston North becomes a Local Board District within the Wellington Provincial Council
• Railway opened between Palmerston North and Foxton
• Robért Embroideries established by William Charles Robért, the business is still in operation in 2008 on Main Street
• The area now known as Victoria Esplanade is designated a reserve

• Subscription reading room established by local residents, service does not last the year

1877

• Population 800

• The first Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatū river is completed
• Volunteer Fire Brigade formed - it has 5 members
• Primary School opens in Longburn

• Borough of Palmerston North is officially incorporated

• George Matthew Snelson elected first Mayor of Palmerston North (unopposed)
• The first Council is composed of nine members

• Value of assessable property in the Borough is £6,452 with a rates revenue of £381
• First Presbyterian Church

1878

• Population 880 (excludes Māori)

• A gathering of principal Māori chiefs from the Manawatū bestowed the name 'Te Marae-o-Hine' or 'The Courtyard of the Daughter of Peace' on The Square in the centre of the new township of Palmerston . The name was suggested by Matene Te Whiwhi of Ngati Raukawa
• The Council raises a £10,000 loan to create proper roads, out of 28 miles of street in the town only six miles are formed and metalled
• Council purchases the Public Hall
• Manawatu Flour Mills officially opens on the corner of Albert Street and Broadway Avenue
• Primary School opens in Ashhurst

• Branch Post Office opens in Terrace End in Mr E Marsh's Store

• Railway line officially opens between Palmerston North and Wanganui

1879

• The Square is fenced with a post and chain fence
• James Linton is elected Mayor
• Council calls for tender for night soil collection, the first sewerage system, Mr Moffatt is the successful tenderer
• Robert Keeling, a part time clerk since 1877, becomes the first full-time office employee of the Council

• Public library established under the Borough Council, members must pay a yearly subscription, it is the first 'service' to be financed by the Council with the first special rate of 1/- in the £