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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Mount Somers

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Mount Somers.

Mount Somers, noted for its quarries of building stone, is in the county of Ashburton, and lies at the foot of the Southern Alps, twenty-six miles inland from the town of Ashburton, with which it is connected by railway, on the Ashburton-Springburn branch line. The Mount Somers road district had a population of 928 persons, at the census taken on the 31st of March, 1901. There are coal mines a few miles from the township, and the stone quarries are kept constantly busy, as the stone is esteemed in all parts of the colony for building purposes. There is a post, telegraph, money order office, and a Post Office Savings Bank at the local railway station, and there is a daily mail service with Christchurch, distant seventy-eight miles. Mount Somers is a pastoral district, and stands at a height of 1184 feet above the level of the sea.

Mount Somers School was built in 1879, on the corner of a three-acre section of land, and consists of one room, which can accommodate fifty children. There are thirty-eight names on the roll, with an average attendance of thirty-two, and all the standards are taught. The school is in charge of Mr. Kerr.

Mr. M. J. Kerr, Headmaster, was born in 1871, at Belfast, Ireland. He was educated in his native place, and at Ashburton and Hampstead, Canterbury. In 1894, he was appointed to the charge of the Wakanui side school, and received his present position at Mount Somers in 1897. Mr. Kerr was married, in 1898, to Miss Stewart, daughter of Mr. Peter Stewart, of Seaview.

Mr. and Mrs M. J. Kerr.

Mr. and Mrs M. J. Kerr.

Mount Somers Coal Company's Mine. This mine, which is situated at Mount Somers, was first taken up by Mr. James Gibson, who leased it from Mr. McClemont, who had the freehold. After the ground had been thoroughly prospected, the company was formed, with Mr. Gibson as business manager. Work was started in 1900, and the tramway took nine months to complete. In 1901 a start was made on the coal, and the returns have proved most satisfactory. In the seam of brown coal, drives have been put in 350 feet, and the seam is seventy-five feet thick. The mine is situated nine miles from Mount Somers, and the coal is conveyed by means of the company's and the County Council's tramways a distance of ten miles, and thence by rail to Ashburton, another twenty-six miles. The coal has come into general use in Ashburton and the surrounding districts. The mine being in its infancy, the output is still limited, but there is a large quantity of coal to be worked, and drives are being put into a lower seam, where coal of a superior quality is known to exist.

Mount Somers Coal Mine. This mine was discovered by the pioneer settlers early in the fifties, but the credit of opening it up belongs to the late Mr. C. G. Tripp, who began operations in 1863. The working of the mine was, however, confined to the supply of local requirements till the railway was opened to Mount Somers. A tramway of eight miles was laid down in 1880 by the Ashburton County Council, and this gives access to the neighbouring lime and stone quarries as well as to the coal.

See page 843.Mr. D. McMillan.

See page 843.
Mr. D. McMillan.

Mr. G. T. Park, Proprietor of the Mount Somers Coal Mine, is a son of Mr. Gavin McIntyre Park, one of the pioneer settlers of Otago, who came out, in 1848, in the ship “Philip Laing.” He was born in Dunedin in 1863, and when a child removed with his parents to Westland. After leaving school, he was engaged in office and in railway work for some years, and subsequently spent some time in exploring the ranges for gold-bearing reefs. In this connection he met with some success on the banks of the river Waiau. Mr. Park has an enviable reputation as a canoeist. On one occasion he took his canoe from the Teremakau river, crossed the saddle, and launched himself on the head waters of the Hurunui; came through Lakes Taylor and Sumner; said good-bye to his brother and friends at the Hurunui township, passed the lower gorge, and arrived at Lyttelton the same evening. At another time he launched his canoe at Eketahuna on a tributary of the Manawatu river, passed Mangatainoka, joined the main stream near Woodville, came through the gorge, and arrived in good time at Palmerston, where he was cordially welcomed by his friends. Mr. Park still takes a keen interest in various kinds of sport, while duly page 843 attending to the work of his coal mine, which turns out over 3000 tons per annum. He was married, in 1893, to Miss Burroughs, a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Westland, and has two sons and one daughter.

Mount Somers Saddlery (David McMillan, proprietor), Mount Somers. This business was established in 1879 by Mr. Lavery and purchased by the present proprietor in 1879. Since then Mr. McMillan has considerably improved the business in many ways, and enlarged the circle of its customers, who include the surrounding settlers, runholders and contractors. He always has a large stock of harness and ironmongery on hand, and is able to supply any order on the shortest notice.

Mr. David McMillan, the Proprietor, was born in 1875, in Christchurch, where he learned his trade, and worked at it for eight years. He was for seven years a member of the Canterbury Engineer Volunteer corps.

Paton, Robert, Blacksmith, Mount Somers. Mr. Paton was born in County Down, Ireland, and was educated at Lord Dufferin's private school up to the time he was apprenticed to his trade. He subsequently shod horses for Lord Dufferin, James Jameson, John Glasgow, Kennedy Brothers, and many other noted stud owners. In 1872 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Isles of the South.” He was for the first two years with Messrs P. and D. Duncan, and subsequently served with Messrs Scott Brothers. Mr. Paton was the first blacksmith to open at Mount Somers, and he built the trucks used on the tram to take the coals from the mines, the lime from the kilns, and the stone from the quarries to the railway station. Shoeing forms the chief branch of Mr. Paton's business, and horses are sent to his smithy from a distance of twenty-five miles. He also does a good business in repairing farm implements. Mr. Paton takes an active part in anything that tends to advance the district. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Savage, and he has five sons and four daughters. Two of the sons are in South Africa.

Mr. W. T. Webster's Wool Scouring Works.

Mr. W. T. Webster's Wool Scouring Works.

Mr. R. Paton's Smithy

Mr. R. Paton's Smithy

Mr. A. Clark.

Mr. A. Clark.

Hakatere Wool Scouring Works, Mount Somers. Mr. W. T. Webster, the proprietor of these works, purchased them in 1890. The building is erected on the most modern principle, and fitted up with the latest improved and best machinery, including a Williams' patent box. There is provision for rolling the bales easily on to the sorting table, at which there is room for three classers. From the table the wool passes to the warm water tanks, and the soap used is specially made in Christchurch for the purpose. From the tanks the wool passes into the Williams' patent box, with an unlimited supply of soft water. Over 1000 bales are scoured at the works between December and March, and as many as fourteen hands are employed during that time.

Mr. W. T. Webster was born in Liverpool in 1856, and came to New Zealand in the s.s. “British Queen.” On his arrival he joined his brothers, who were in the trade, and remained with them until he bought the Hakatere works at Mount Somers. Mr. Webster had a long experience in the trade in page 844 Lancashire, his native county. He was married, in 1897, to Miss Dunbar, and has one daughter.

Mount Somers Wool Scouring Works (G. Pickles, proprietor, and A. Clark, manager), Mount Somers. These works were established in 1893 on the north bank of the south branch of the Ashburton river, and fitted up with the latest and most improved machinery. The soap used is specially manufactured for the works. There is an unlimited supply of water, and from December till March over 550 bales of wool are scoured at the works.

Mr. Alfred Clark, Manager, was born in 1862, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, where his father carried on the wool stapling business for over forty years. Mr. Clark early gained experience at his father's works, and for the last twenty-three years he has been wool classing and scouring in New Zealand and the Australian colonies.

Doak, W. T., General Storekeeper, Mount Somers; branch at mayfield. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Telegraphic address, “Doak, Mount Somers.” Mr. Doak does business with the settlers, farmers, and runholders of the Ashburton Gorge, and with the local limeburners, coalminers, quarrymen and contractors. The store was established in 1890, and has been gradually extended and the building enlarged. Mr. Doak is a native of Ireland. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Dover Castle,” in 1875, and landed at Auckland, where he resided for eight years. In 1882 he came to Canterbury, and was for eight years at Methven and Sefton. He is a member of the Mount Somers school committee. Mr. Doak was married, in 1888, to Miss Carr, and has four sons and two daughters.

Mr. W. T. Doak.

Mr. W. T. Doak.

Todd, Robert, Waggoner, Mount Somers. Mr. Todd was born in 1853 in County Antrim, Ireland. On leaving school he crossed the sea to Glasgow, and was engaged in the carrying trade for a few years. He came to New Zealand in 1866, in the ship “Matoaka,” and was farming for five years at Papanui. After disposing of his interest at Papanui, he bought a farm at Mount Somers, and entered into the carrying business by carting stores and fencing material into the back country, and bringing out wool. As a matter of necessity he has had to ford the Rangitata, Ashburton, Wilberforce and Rakaia rivers for twenty years, but he has never had a single accident. Mr. Todd also went in for contract cropping, and has had as much as 500 acres in grain in one year. He takes a keen interest in educational matters, and was a member of the Mount Somers school committee for many years. Mr. Todd was married, in 1877, to Miss Armstrong, and has three sons and three daughters.

Farmers.

Clent Hills Station. This is the property of Mr. James Harrison, and was origin ally taken up by Messrs Tooth and Rowley in 1859. After changing owners several times it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1885. “Clent Hills” comprises 52,000 acres leasehold and 1500 acres of freehold, and carries a well-bred flock of Merino sheep and a good herd of Shorthorn cattle. The homestead is situated on the north bank of the south branch of the Ashburton river, and the grounds, lawns and gardens are tastefully laid off, and planted with many choice trees and shrubs.

Mr. James Harrison, the Proprietor, was born in North Lancashire, England, in 1856, and studied engineering as a profession. He came to New Zealand in 1885, in the s.s. “Tainui,” and joined his brother in the ownership of “Clent Hills.” After a time he bought his brother's interest in the property and is now sole owner. Mr. Harrison served on the local road board for six years, and has always taken an active part in church affairs. He was married, in 1888, to Miss Williams, and has five sons and two daughters.

Harvey, Alexander, Farmer and Butcher, Mount Somers. Mr. Harvey was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1864 in the ship “William Miles,” Captain Rabb. On the passage out the ship got into such cold quarters that the passengers had snow-balling matches on board. Where they reached Lyttelton and disembarked, Piper Sinclair played them over the hills to Christchurch; the marching party consisting of seventy-five young men, fourteen single women, and fourteen married couples. Mr. Harvey settled first at Kaiapoi Island, but subsequently visited the Westland goldfields. He, however, returned to Canterbury and helped to make the West Coast Road. While at work on the Cloudy Ranges he was for a whole month in wet clothes. Mr. Harvey then began farming at Leeston, where he remained till 1868, and was then at Hororata till 1875, when he moved to Mount Somers, where he was the first butcher. Mr. Harvey has a farm of 210 acres, on which he fattens a considerable portion of the mutton used in his business. Mr. Harvey has been a member of the school committee for twenty years, and its chairman for eighteen years. He is also a member of the Cemetery and Domain Boards, and takes an active part in church affairs. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Corbett, and has three sons and four daughters.

Hitchell, William, Farmer, Mount Somers. Mr. Hitchell was born in Kirkeud-brightshire, Scotland, in 1842, and followed farming during his earlier years. In 1863 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Huntress.” He did contract work on the Prebbleton road, and bought land at Leeston. He soon disposed of that, however, and took up 400 acres on the Hororata Downs. In 1870 he disposed
Mr. W. Hitchell's Residence.

Mr. W. Hitchell's Residence.

of that also, and entered the service of Mr. Gerard, of Snowdon, as manager of the agricultural land and teams. He remained in that position twelve years, and in 1883 he entered into store-keeping at Glentunnel, where he remained till 1894, when he purchased his present property of 500 acres. The land was part of the Buccleugh estate, and was then in its natural condition. It has, however, in its natural condition. It has, however, undergone great improvements during Mr. Hitchell's ownership. A good new dwelling page 845 house has been erected, and extensive grounds, gardens and lawns have been tastefully laid out by the proprietor, who is his own architect and landscape gardener. There are many varieties of ornamental, quick-growing and hard wood trees, and many choice shrubs in the plantations and grounds. There are over nine miles of wire fencing, and a mile and a half of gorse fencing on the property. Good grain and root crops are raised on the land, and a large number of sheep are annually sent to the freezing works. Mr. Hitchell has served on the road board and domain board, the school, library and sports' committees, and he is one of the trustees of the manse at Waddington and Glentunnel. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Napier, and has two daughters. Mrs Hitchell came to New Zealand in 1864 with her parents in the ship “Indian Empire.”

Hood, John, Farmer, Mount Somers. Mr. Hood was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 1851, and came to New Zealand in 1862. He went to Mount Somers in 1866, took up land, and built and opened the Mount Somers Hotel in 1872, but afterwards gave up the hotel and took to farming. He has 1600 acres of land, which is chiefly devoted to the production of wool and mutton and fat lambs for the export trade. For the purpose of breeding fat lambs Mr. Hood prefers halfbred ewes and Leicester rams. Mr. Hood takes an active interest in local affairs, and is chairman of the road board, and the domain and cemetery boards, and a member of the library committee. He was married, in 1877, to Miss Johnston, and has four sons and three daughters.

Mesopotamia Station. This station is the property of Mr. George Allan McMillan, and was originally taken up by Mr. Butler in 1860. After passing through various hands it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1885. It comprises 2070 acres of freehold, 38,000 acres of Canterbury Agricultural College Reserve, and 27,000 acres of Crown Land, and is stocked with Merino sheep and cattle. In 1896 Mr. McMillan purchased the homestead block of Cracroft station, consisting of 5000 acres of freehold, and this he uses for the purpose of raising the fat lambs which are now so much in demand for the export trade

Mr. George Allan McMillan, the Proprietor, was born at Contin, Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1832. He came out to New Zealand in 1859 in the ship “Zealandia,” and went almost directly to Cheviot, where he became successively head shepherd and manager. Mr. McMillan held this position till 1879, when he purchased Lake Sumner station, which he sold again in 1883. Mr. McMillan served his district on the local road board for a number of years.

Mr. G. A. McMillan's Residence.

Mr. G. A. McMillan's Residence.

Mount Possession. This is the property of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. It was originally taken up on a pastoral lease in 1858 by Messrs Tripp and Acland, and consisted at that time of 56,000 acres of Crown land. Now it comprises 9000 acres of freehold, and 47,000 acres of leasehold land. “Mount Possession” is worked in conjunction with “Hakatere,” which is also now the property of the Loan and Mercantile Company. “Hakatere” was originally taken up by Mr. T. H. Potts, in 1858. It has an area of 86,000 acres, and was originally stocked with cattle, which were afterwards superseded by Merino sheep.

Mr. T. S. Johnston, Manager of “Mount Possession” and “Hakatere,” was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1854. He came to the Colony with his parents in 1863, in the ship “Brother's Pride,” and entered upon station life at an early age. He was first with his father at Lake Heron, and was subsequently at “Clent Hills” for fourteen years, and has, therefor, been among sheep in the Upper Ashburton county from boyhood. Soon after entering the service of Mr. Potts he was appointed manager of “Hakatere,” and in 1888, he was appointed manger of “Mount Possession” by the Loan and Mercantile Company, which now owns both runs. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1878, to Miss Lambie, second daughter of Mr. George Lambie, and he has six sons and two daughters.

The late Mr. J. M. Furze.

The late Mr. J. M. Furze.

Old Colonists.

Mr. J. M. Furze, sometime of Gift Farm, Dunsandel, and Bucclench Estate, Mount Somers, was born at Wellington, Somersetshire, England, and descended from a very old farming family. He came to New Zealand page 846 in 1871, and bought Gift Farm in 1890 from the late Mr. John Dilloway. It contained 886 acres, and Mr. Furze owned several other farms, amounting in all to 3,000 acres. He resided at Gift Farm, and devoted most of his time to breeding and rearing first-class English Leicesters, with which he secured many prizes. Within about seven years from 1892 he won fifty first, thirty second, and fifty third, and minor prizes, ten special prizes, three silver cups, and one medal. In 1895 he gained eighteen first prizes, two cups, and one medal. Mr. Furze bought his stud flock, in the first instance, from Mr. John Dilloway, in 1890, and the sheep were reputed to be purebred twenty years prior to that date. None but purebred rams were used by him for stud purposes, and sires were from time to time obtained from such breeders as Messrs E. Mitchell, the Hon. Every McLean, and the Hon. Ernest Gray. Mr. Furze had also a small flock of Shropshire sheep, which he purchased in 1894 from Mr. Restall, of Ashburton, and with which he in the course of the three or four years, won fifteen first, seven second, and eleven third prizes. Mr. Furze took a liberal interest in local matters, and was a member of the local saleyards committee, school committee, library committee, and domain board, and president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, while he lived at Gift Farm. In the early part of 1899 he sold his various properties in the county of Selwyn, and bought the homestead and 6,500 acres of the early selected and well known Buccleugh sheep station in the county of Ashburton. To that valuable property he transferred his old established and extensive flock of English Leicester sheep, and built a new residence, suitable to the estate. He had nearly completed the re-arrangement of the working of the property, to suit his own ideas, when, on the 8th of March, 1901, he died almost suddenly at the early age of forty-nine, leaving a wife, three sons, and two daughters to mourn his untimely death. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Russell.

Residence of the late Mr. J. M. Furze.

Residence of the late Mr. J. M. Furze.