After the battle, Europeans stayed away, trade died off almost completely and Russell languished. The town was rebuilt however and continued to serve shipping. Manganese was discovered at nearby Tikitikioure (above Orongo Bay) and mining was established. A fish canning factory was built at the northern end of Russell beach. Coal mining up-river at Kawakawa brought steady trade. Europeans began to come back to settle, fish and farm. Slowly prosperity returned. From the 1920s Russell was discovered as an idyllic … Continue reading Tranquil Times