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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Clinton

Clinton.

Clinton is situated on the main south line of railway, and is seventy-four miles south-west from Dunedin, and sixty-six north-east from Invercargill. The township has a population of about 450 persons, and its affairs are managed by a Town Board. Clinton is the centre of a very extensive district devoted to agriculture and pasturage. The streams and rivers in the neighbourhood are exceptionally clear and fresh; in fact, they are ideal waters for trout, which abound especially in the Waiwera, Kuriwao, Wairuna, Waipahi, and Pomahaka. Popotunoa belongs to the Clinton district, and is now, like most of the neighbouring country, pretty closely settled by prosperous farmers and graziers, though, in the late fifties and early sixties it consisted of a sheep run, which was then owned by Mr. Henry Clapcott and his brother, Mr. Frederick Clapcott. In those days the Popotunoa hill, which rises hummock-like—almost like a Scottish ben—out of the lower country, was closely covered with native bush in its pristine beauty and vigour. Take it all in all, it was, perhaps, one of the most romantic portions of New Zealand, and, very appropriately, its chief owner was one of the most kindly and cultivated men in the country—the late Mr. Henry Clapcott. The meaning of the Maori word Popotunoa is “hill easily seen,' and from the slopes and summit of the hill itself, the climber sees one of the finest and most extensive landscapes in New Zealand. Close to the Pomahaka, about fourteen miles from Clinton, there is a flat named the Burning Plains, where a thick and extensive seam of lignite has been smouldering for nearly fifty years. The Pomahaka river is close by, and a creek runs through the centre of the flat itself; but, notwithstanding this, the lignite has burned on all these years, and apparently no one has ever thought of devising or applying means to quench the fire and save the lignite in the interest of the district.

Clinton of the present day is a country town with many conveniences and considerable prosperity. The late trains page 751
Clinton Township.

Clinton Township.

from Dunedin southwards, and from Invercargill northwards, make it their stopping place for the night. It has, therefore, an extensive railway station, with the customary sheds. The township also has a post and telegraph office, a branch bank, churches, stores, an Athenæum and public library, a public school, and a private hotel, but no public house in the ordinary sense, as it is within the no-license district of Clutha. Large fortnightly sales of stock are held in the township, which has saleyards capable of holding 14,000 sheep and 700 head of cattle. As stock are carefully bred and kept in large numbers in the district, the Clinton sales rank amongst the most important in Otago. One of the largest and finest fish hatcheries in New Zealand is maintained within two miles of Clinton, by the Otago Acclimatisation Society.

The late Mr. George Steel was the pioneer farmer of the district. Mr. Steel was a thoroughly practical colonist, yet also a man of singularly pure and high character, and it would not be too much to say that he gave a distinctive and beneficial bias to the industrial and moral life of the whole countryside. Mr. Rich—of the Riches of Waverley Abbey, in the North of England—who at one time owned the Wairuna run, almost shared with Mr. Steel the honour of starting agriculture in the district, for about 300 acres at Wairuna homestead were worked as a farm. Later on this farm was owned by the Messrs Clapcott, and it was held in the early sixties by the late Mr. John Christie, who subsequently owned land in other parts of Otago, and died at Balclutha in January, 1898. Wairuna Farm was afterwards bought by Mr. Steel, and is now (1904) held by his son.

There is much that is notable in the way of scenery in the neighbourhood of Clinton, such as the Kuriwao ranges, the Popotunoa gorge, the Merrie Creek hills, Wairuna bush, Kowai bush, Popotunoa hill; and, miles away, beyond the Pomahaka, Clydevale estate, and the romantic bush-clad slopes of the lofty Blue Mountains.

The Clinton Town Board was first constituted in 1882, and had as its first chairman Mr. Scobie. There is a population of 400 persons in the town district; ninety-five residences, and the area is 1200 acres. A rate of is in the pound produces an annual income of £102. The present (1904) Board consists of Mr. William Nelson, chairman, and Messrs R. J. Irving. F. C. Andrews, John Begg Thomson, William Boyd, George Cogger, and Peter McCraig. Mr. I. A. Finlayson is clerk.

Mr. Frederick Charles Andrews , A member of the Clinton Town Board, is a son of Mr. Henry Andrews, of Athleborough, Norfolk, England, and was born in 1870. He learned his trade in Norwich, and was subsequently in the employment of Messrs Thorn and Son, the leading saddlers of Norwich; he also followed his trade at Kings Lynn and in London. In 1901 he came to New Zealand, and worked at his trade for nine months in Dunedin. Mr. Andrews then removed to Clinton, and bought his present business, which has been a great success since he took possession of it. Mr. Andrews, since his arrival at Clinton, has taken a keen interest in local affairs, and, in contesting a seat on the Clinton Town Board, was returned at the head of the poll in 1903, and again secured election in 1904. He is an artist of some promise, and his sketches, in black and white, are especially creditable. Mr. Andrews is sergeant in the Popotunoa Rifles. He is also president of the Clinton Football Club, and vice-president of the Cricket Club, a member of the Bowling Club, and a prominent Oddfellow. Mr. Andrews is married, and has a family of two children. His business is noticed in another article.

The Otago Acclimatisation Society's Fish Hatcheries , Clinton. These hatcheries, which are the largest in New Zealand, if not in the Australasian colonies, lie within two miles of Clinton. The grounds are forty acres in extent, and the ponds and hatcheries occupy a large portion of the area. There are two hatcheries, and the latest, erected in 1903, is built on the most approved plan, with a fine concrete floor, and an unlimited supply of pure water. It contains fifty-six boxes, each six feet long, one foot broad, and six inches deep. These are filled in the season with thousands of ova in various stages of advancement from the freshly fertilised ova, to the young fish ready for distribution in streams and rivers. During the season over 1,250,000 ova are hatched, and owing to the perfect system pursued by the curator 95 per cent, become fry. There are many varieties of trout in the hatcheries, including Loch Leven, Scotch burn, rainbow, American brook, and salmon. There is a considerable foreign demand for the ova, and the Society, from time to time, sends consignments to Tasmania and Australia, and as far as India. The best results are obtained from trout caught in the large streams and rivers, as their eggs yield as much as 95 per cent., and the young fry are strong; while the yield from the stock fish in the ponds does not exceed 85 per cent.; but it is estimated that as a result of fish spawning in their natural state in the rivers, only five per cent, of the fry attain maturity, 95 per cent, being destroyed by their natural page 752 enemies in their early stages. The timber used in the breeding boxes is charred beforehand to prevent the growth of fungus, a deadly enemy to the ova.

Mr. James Stevens , Curator of the Clinton Hatcheries, was born in Caithnessshire, Scotland, and during his earlier years gained an extensive experience of the habits of fish. For fourteen years he was manager of the Cumster estate, and was presented with a valuable gold watch when he resigned his position. Mr. Stevens came to New
Mr. And Mrs. J. Stevens And Infant.

Mr. And Mrs. J. Stevens And Infant.

Zealand in 1902, to look after some landed interests at Oamaru, and received his present appointment in the same year. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows; is married, and has a family of five children.

The Popotunoa Rifle Volunteer Corps was formed in 1902. Its first captain was Mr. William Mackie, who still holds that position, assisted by Lieutenants John Garden and James Begg. The present strength of the corps is sixty-three.

Captain William Mackie , of the Popotunoa Rifle Volunteers, joined the corps on its formation in 1902, and was at once elected captain. He is referred to in another article as headmaster of the Clinton school

Capt. W. Mackie.

Capt. W. Mackie.

Senior Lieutenant John Robert Garden , of the Popotunoa Rifles, was born at Milton, where he also received part of his education. He joined the Popotunoa Rifles on their formation in 1902, and was elected lieutenant in the same year. Mr. Garden takes a keen interest in local sports; he is a well known shot, and was a member of the Rifle Club for years. He has always taken a prominent part in the success of the Clinton Library and Mechanics' Institute; which was founded in December, 1881, and now contains
Lieut. J. R. Garden.

Lieut. J. R. Garden.

over 700 volumes. Mr. Garden is married, and has one child.

The Clinton Public School is a fine wooden building with three class rooms, surrounded by spacious playgrounds. There is an average attendance of forty-eight boys and forty-five girls, and the total number on the roll is 114.

Mr. William Mackie , Head Teacher of the Clinton public school, is a son of Mr. John Mackie, an old colonist of the Tapanui district. Mr. Mackie, senior, arrived in New Zealand in the late fifties, and married Miss White, daughter of Mr. William White, of Waihola. Milton, and Tapanui, who arrived by the ship “Ajax” in 1849. Mr. W. Mackie studied at the Normal School, Dunedin, in 1884 and 1885, and was subsequently appointed teacher to the Lowburn school, whence, three years afterwards, he removed to Kakapuaka school. Five years later he filled the position of assistant master at the Port Chalmers school, and while so engaged he kept terms at the Mental Science, Chemistry, and Higher English Classes at the University of Otago. Mr. Mackie was for five years in charge of the Waikoikoi school, and received his present appointment in 1901. He has always taken a great interest in athletic sports and volunteering.

The Bank Of New Zealand at Clinton was originally a sub-office connected with Balclutha. and, as such, was opened once a week. It afterwards became an agency, and was made a branch in 1882. Mr. Douglas, the present officer in charge, entered on the management in 1887, and owing to the progress of the district, the branch is now a very important one.

Mr. Alexander Douglas , Manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Clinton, was born in England, and accompanied his late father to Port Chalmers by the ship “Esmok” in the early sixties. After attending school at Dunedin, he there entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand in the seventies. Mr Douglas was transferred to the Milton and Balclutha offices successively, and was appointed to his present position in 1887.
Mr. A. Douglas.

Mr. A. Douglas.

page 753 Mr. Douglas has always taken a leading part in the social and other activities of the district. He is treasurer of the English church, of the Library and the Public Hall Company, a member of the Bowling Club and of various committees. Mr. Douglas is married, and has a family of one. His mother, who is now eighty-six years of age, resides with him at Clinton.

Andrews, Frederick Charles , Saddler and Harness Maker, Clinton. Mr. Andrews' shop is a neat new building, and is stocked with a complete assortment of all kinds of harness, from that required for the ordinary cart to the silver-plated equipment for a stylish buggy. Mr. Andrews has imported new sewing machines of the latest pattern, and makes a specialty of horse covers. He has largely increased his business since his arrival at Clinton, and his connection extends from Balclutha to Gore. Mr. Andrews is personally referred to in another article as a member of the Clinton Town Board.

The New Zealand Loan And Mercantile Agency Company , Clinton. Mr. R. I. Irving, agent. The Clinton branch of the Company's business was established in 1889, and the present agent, Mr. Irving, took charge of the business five years later. Its connection extends from Kaihiku to Waipahi at Arthurton. For years the history of the business has been one of success and expansion, and under its present management it has increased over 50 per cent, since 1899. The premises occupy one of the finest sites in the town, and everything requisite for the use of farmers is kept in stock. Sales are held fortnightly at Clinton, and are sometimes attended by buyers even from Christchurch and the Bluff. The most important are the September sales, when over 20,000 sheep are yarded, and are sold chiefly by the Loan and Mercantile. A large trade is done with the farmers in Malden Island guano, as this particular manure specially suits the soil of the district.

Mr. R. I. Irving , Manager for the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company at Clinton, was born at Dumfries, Scotland, and arrived in Otago with his parents by the ship “Pladda,” in 1861. His father, Mr. Richard Irving, lived on the Peninsula for many years, but now lives in retirement at Clinton. Mr. Irving was educated at Mr Bell's school on the Otago Peninsula, at the Dunedin High School, and the University of Otago, where he had a distinguished career as a student in mineralogy. He subsequently visited Australia, and worked underground at Newcastle and at Broken Hill. Mr. Irving returned to New Zealand in 1895, when he entered the employment of the Loan and Mercantile at Clinton, where he has helped to make the business a success. Mr. Irving takes a keen interest in all local matters and sports, and was returned in 1904 at the head of the poll at the election for members of the Clinton Town Board, of which he had at one time been clerk. While he was at college he won the Fives Championship in 1887, was in the Lawn Tennis Championship, and played half-back in the football team. Mr. Irving has been captain of the Clinton Cricket Club since 1899. He is a member of the Bowling Club, and vice-president of the football club. Mr. Irving was lieutenant of the Sandymount Cadets in 1879, and afterwards a member of the Portobello Rifles. He is well known as a contributor to various newspapers, including the Sydney “Bulletin.” Mr Irving married Miss Mitchell, a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers at Blue Spur, near Lawrence.

Garden, James , Storekeeper, Clinton. Mr. Garden was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and landed in Auckland in 1859, by the ship “Shalimar.” He had, in the first instance, left Aberdeen for Newcastle in 1853, Newcastle for New York in 1855, and New York for the Old Country in 1857. Not being
Mr. J. Garden.

Mr. J. Garden.

satisfied with the prospects at Auckland he removed to Otago, and on the discovery of the goldfields at Gabriel's Gully, tried his luck there, and subsequently went to the Dunstan. In 1883 he gave up gold digging for farming, and settled at Clinton in 1874, when he entered business as a storekeeper in the upper township. In 1894 he removed to the lower portion of the town, and ten years later erected his present fine new and well stocked premises, where he carries on an extensive business as a general storekeeper. Mr Garden was a member of the Clinton school committee for several years, and chairman for one year, and a member of the Town Board for some years, and chairman for one year. He was a deacon of the Presbyterian church, and a member of the Bowling Club, of which he was president for two years. In 1901. during the Coronation celebrations, he took a trip to the Old Country, where he spent a considerable time. Mr. Garden is married, and has a family of fourteen children.
Hamilton, Alexander , “The Gorge,” Clinton. Mr. Hamilton was born in Lanarkshire.
The Late Mr. T. Hamilton. Mr. A. Hamilton. The Late Mr. D. Hamilton.

The Late Mr. T. Hamilton. Mr. A. Hamilton. The Late Mr. D. Hamilton.

Scotland, in 1839, and landed in Auckland by the ship “Northern Bride,” in 1860. His first employment was with the late Mr.
Mrs. A. Hamilton.

Mrs. A. Hamilton.

John Grigg, of Longbeach, who then resided at Otahuhu, Auckland, where Mr. Hamilton page 754 remained two years. Not being satisfied with his prospects in Auckland, Mr. Hamilton removed to Otago, shortly after the gold discoveries. He was first employed in carting between Switzers and Waitahuna for about two years; and then, having bought a horse, he started carrying on his own account, and subsequently took contracts, chiefly for ploughing. He afterwards traded between Warepa and Duns tan, and carried on a lucrative business for two years. About 1870 Mr. Hamilton started carrying on a larger scale between Dunstan and various inland places, and did a prosperous business until about 1883, when the advent of the railway system caused him to give up his vocation. In that year he settled at Clinton, where he had bought his fine farm of about 1000 acres, where success still continued to reward his labours. In 1903 Mr. Hamilton took a trip to the Old Country, and revisited the scenes of his early youth. During his residence at Clinton he has taken much interest in local affairs; he was a member of the Clinton Town Board for many years, but resigned his seat in 1904. Mr. Hamilton married Miss Lamb, daughter of Mr. Robert Lamb, an old settler of Wairuna, who arrived in Otago by the “Robert Henderson” in 1857.

Kuriwao Station (Andrew Gardner Copland, proprietor), Clinton. This property was one of the first pastoral selections in the Popotunoa district, and was originally taken up by Mr. W. H. S. Roberts. After passing through the hands of various owners it was bought by Mr. Copland in 1904. The property consists of 6,803 acres of freehold and 1,700 acres of leasehold. About 1,200 acres have been broken up and laid down in English grasses, and 200 acres are devoted to turnips and oats. The station at present carries about 5000 sheep, and is subdivided by wire fences into convenient paddocks. Mr. Copland has been carrying out large improvements, including stockyards, and a handsome new residence. In addition to the sheep, there are about thirty head of cattle on Kuriwao, and in working the land Mr. Copland employs four men and uses ten draught horses and five hacks.

Mr. Andrew Gardner Copland , Proprietor of Kuriwao estate, is the second son of Mr James Copland, of Chertsey, Canterbury, and was born in 1881. He was educated at the Chertsey school, and was engaged in the working of his father's farm until he bought “Kuriwao” in 1904. Mr. Copland has taken a great interest in sports; while in Canterbury he was a member of the Rakaia Football Club, and he is at present (1904), a member of the Clinton Cricket Club.

Wallace, David , Farmer, “Wattle Bank,” Clinton. Mr. Wallace was born in 1866, at “Cliffeton Park,” Clinton, and is the youngest son of the late Mr. David Wallace, an old settler in the district. He received
Mr. D. Wallace.

Mr. D. Wallace.

his education at the Clinton and Waiwera public schools, and took his first lessons in agriculture under his father's tuition on the home farm. On the death of his father, Mr. Wallace inherited his present property, which he improved by building a substantial house, erecting barns, and other outbuildings, and putting up a quantity of fencing. “Wattle Bank” is a freehold property of 333 acres, on which mixed farming is carried on with considerable success. Oats thresh out about fifty bushels to the acre, but as most of the land is undulating sheepfarming is the principal industry. Mr. Wallace keeps 400 Romney crossbreds, and five purebred Romney rams, and has a thorough knowledge of stock and their values, of crops and their rotation, and of all classes of farm work. Since 1901 he has been secretary of the Clinton branch of the Farmers' Union, and is also a member of the Waiwera library committee. He was at one time appointed by the Magistrate's Court at Clinton to arbitrate in a fencing dispute, which he settled with satisfaction to all concerned; and at another time was appointed valuer of the Clinton Town Board leases. Mr. Wallace is vice-president of the Clinton Bowling Club, and an active playing member. He has had a good education, and is a shrewd business man, possessing energy, tact and integrity.
Wallace, John Buchanan , Farmer, “Cliffeton Park,” Clinton. Mr. Wallace was born in October, 1864, in the first dwelling
Mr. And Mrs. J. B. Wallace.

Mr. And Mrs. J. B. Wallace.

built on his present property. He was educated at the Clinton and Waiwera public schools, and then joined his father in the management of the home farm. When his father died the property was divided between Mr. Wallace and his two brothers, and he chose the original homestead as his share. The farm is a freehold property of 400 acres, of which a good deal is fairly flat and suitable for cropping. Mr. Wallace's crop averages fifty bushels of oats per acre, but he has threshed as high as seventy bushels per acre. He carries on sheepfarming as well, and keeps about 600 Romney crossbreds. Mr. Wallace is a member of the Farmers' Union, and chairman and trustee of the Waiwera public library. He takes little part in public affairs, but is a capable farmer and an authority upon all matters connected with agriculture. Mr. Wallace was married in June, 1900, to a daughter of the late Mr. James McMaster, an old colonist, of Dunedin, and has one son and two daughters.
page 755
Wallace, Jamees Ure , Farmer, “Athelstane,” Clinton. Mr. Wallace was born in 1859 in the North East Valley, Dunedin, and is the son of the late Mr. David Wallace, of “Cliffeton Park,” Clinton. He received his education at the Waiwera public school, and afterwards lived with his father on the home farm, until 1886, when he took up, on his own account, part of Mr. John Gibson's Ashley Downs estate, and farmed it for eight years. He then joined his father and brothers, when the Popotunoa estate was cut up, and the firm acquired part of that property. When his father died, the estate was divided amongst the three sons, and Mr J. U. Wallace inherited “Athelstane,” where he then took up his residence. “Athelstane” is a freehold property of 394 acres', and most of the land is undulating and suitable for sheep. About 500 Border Leicester crossbreds are depastured, but that number is increased at certain seasons of the year. Cropping is also carried on to some extent, and the average yield of oats is about forty bushels to
Mr. And Mrs J. U. Wallace.

Mr. And Mrs J. U. Wallace.

the acre. Mr. Wallace is an excellent judge of horses, and takes great pride in breeding Clydesdales for use on the farm. He is a member of the Farmers' Union, but otherwise his time is fully occupied with his farm. Mr. Wallace was married, in 1899, to a daughter of Mr. William T. Wright, of Roslyn, Dunedin, and has one daughter.

The Willow Burn Station , Clinton. This well-known station comprises 8000 acres of freehold and 28,000 acres of leasehold, and extends from Catlin's river on the north-east to the main south road between Dunedin and Invercargill. The station carries 14,000 crossbred sheep, and a herd of 200 Hereford cattle; and 300 acres are under cultivation for oats and turnips. There are two stud flocks of Romney Marsh and Corriedale sheep. The shearing sheds are at the Cairns, six miles from the homestead. A considerable portion of the run is surrounded by a rabbit-proof fence, and subdivided into paddocks by wire fencing. The homestead residence is very pleasantly situated near the main south road, eight miles to the southward of Clinton, and is surrounded by large plantations of well grown trees.

Mr. James Begg , Manager of the Willow Burn Station, is the eldest son of Mr. A. C. Begg, of Dunedin. He was born in Dunedin, educated at the Dunedin High School, and has had charge of “Willow Burn” since 1889. Mr. Begg joined the Popotunoa Rifles on the formation of the corps as corporal, and was elected lieutenant in 1903.

Willow Burn Homestead.

Willow Burn Homestead.

Mr. Richard Irving was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand, in 1861, by the ship “Pladda,” accompanied by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. For some time after his arrival he was
Mr. R. Irving And Grandson.

Mr. R. Irving And Grandson.

Mrs R. Irving And Grandchild.

Mrs R. Irving And Grandchild.

engaged in felling bush and at other pioneer work incidental to a new country. For three years subsequently he managed the farm of his brother-in-law, Mr. John Matheson, of High Cliff, on the Otago Peninsula. After that he started on a farm named. “Johnston Lea,” which he had previously bought. After working this farm for many years, and spending a great deal on its improvement, Mr. Irving sold it to the late Mr. W. J. M. Larnach. On leaving the Peninsula, in 1886, Mr. Irving bought a farm at Waiwera, on which he lived until he sold it in 1902. page 756 Since then Mr. and Mrs Irving have been living in retirement at Clinton. Of a family of three sons and three daughters, the eldest son, the Rev. Thomas Irving, is minister of the Free Church at Naples; the second son, Mr. Robert Irving, is the agent for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company at Clinton; and the third son, Mr Ricnard Irving, is at present (1904) on a visit to the Home Country. The eldest daughter, Mrs Smaill, lives at Gore; the second, Mrs Edward, at Waiwera; and the third daughter, who is married to Dr. Stephen, is at present (1904) residing in America.
Mr. David Wallace, J.P. , sometime of “Cliffeton Park.” Clinton, was born in Dundee, Scotland, on the 8th of June. 1828. and after his education was completed, served an apprenticeship to the upholstery business, with his uncle, Mr. Wilson, in Dundee. In 1852 he sailed for Victoria, Australia, where he followed gold-mining with varying success until 1858. In that year he and his partner,
The Late Mr. D. Wallace.

The Late Mr. D. Wallace.

Mr. John Buchanan, F.R.S., who became betanical collector and draughtsman for Sir James Hector, came over to Otago. The partners left Melbourne with 550 ewes picked from a noted Victoria Merino flock. Their intention was to go sheepfarming. but unfortunately they landed with only fifty of their sheep alive. These they placed on thirds with the late Mr. John Anderson, of Blueskin and Wyndham, and they thus became the nucleus of his subsequently celebrated Merino flock. Messrs Wallace and Buchanan then settled down for a time on a ten-acre section in the North East Valley, Dunedin, where they were engaged in sawing timber in partnership with Mr. John Reid. In 1858 Mr. Wallace left for the Old Country, and returned with his young wife in the following year. In 1864 he purchased the “Cliffeton Park” property of 400 acres, where he resided almost uninterruptedly till the time of his death, and where most of the family were born. In 1894, three of Mr Wallace's sons joined him in partnership under the style of D. Wallace and Sons, and in the same year the partners purchased over 700 acres of the Logan Estate adjoining “Cliffeton Park.” Mr. Wallace always took an active and intelligent part in public affairs, and was a member for many years of the local school committee and road board, and of the Clutha County Council. Straightforward and honourable in all things, an obliging and agreeable neighbour, a wise and valued counsellor, Mr. Wallace was uniyersally respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He died at “Cliffeton Park,” Clinton, on the 12th of May, 1898, leaving a family of four sons and one daughter. His wife predeceased him by eleven years.