Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 25, November 1981
By M. FENNELL
THE DELL is the area on the river side near the Convent. It is hard to believe now but many years ago it was a beauty spot of Paeroa. There were three residences, the first one being occupied by Mr. Coote. The extensive grounds were laid out as a beautiful park with flowering shrubs and beds of flowers. The middle house was owned by Mr. Porritt who also had lovely grounds. In front of these houses was a clear water creek and each had a rustic bridge across. Mr. Porritt had the banks of the creek covered in flowers. The third place belonged to Mr. Vincent (Senr.). Their home, too, was surrounded by many flowering shrubs.
Mr. Porritt's house was later bought and moved to a farm some short distance away. When the stopbanks were built this beauty spot was destroyed and the residents had to leave because of the floods.