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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Oroua Downs

Oroua Downs.

This small place is distant by rail some 101 miles from Wellington and two miles from Foxton. Sheep and cattle farming and flax milling are the principal means of employment to those who reside in the vicinity.

Mails close at Wellington on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 a.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays at 12.45 p.m. Mails close at Oroua Downs for Wellington daily at 8.30 a.m.

page 1127

Robinson, Francis, Sheepfarmer, Tunstall, Oroua Downs. Mr. Robinson was born at Foxton in 1816. He received his earlier education locally, and subsequently was for some time a student at Christ's College, Christchurch. After leaving school Mr. Robinson was brought up to station life, to which he has devoted his attention ever since. His farm consists of 950 acres, which is all securely fenced and in good cultivation. He runs about 2000 sheep, principally of the Romney breed, in addition to 200 head of cattle. Mr. Robinson has proved from his experience that the Romneys are best suited to the district which he occupies. He has had the farm for about seventeen years. When originally purchased it was covered with manuka and flax, a good portion being swampy. A considerable expenditure has been necessary to reclaim the land by draining and fencing. There is a large and convenient family residence, which is charmingly surrounded by trees and the beauty of which is greatly enhanced by a lovely little lake of some acres in extent. Mr. Robinson has for a long time been a prominent member of the Manawatu County Council. He is the son of the late Captain Francis Robinson.

Rowland, David, Farmer, “Abbotswood Farm,” Manawatu. Born in Worcestershire, England, in 1843. Mr. Rowland followed agricultural pursuits until 1864, when he left, England for New Zealand in the ship “British Empire.” Arriving in the Colony he turned his attention to the West Coast diggings, and worked there and on the Wakamarina field with varying success. Tired of the goldfields he betook himself to the occupation of his earlier days, buying his first land in the North Island in 1867. He has made several purchases since then, and his farm now consists of 400 acres. Mr. Rowland married Miss Corinedia, of Ohau, and has five sons and three daughters.

Mr. D. Rowland.

Mr. D. Rowland.