Farming Development

At this point it might be well to consider the important part played by working farmers in developing the area. A news item in March 1849 stated, 'Harvest Home. The small farmers and cottiers in the district of Wakapuaka, having safely got in the whole of their crops, met together on Tuesday last, at the house of Mr. Attwood, near the Black Bull public house, Suburban North, to celebrate this happy event. A substantial dinner was provided of which a large number partook, embracing nearly every family in the neighbourhood…..'

Dairying was carried on from quite early days and a ready market was found for salted butter during the goldfield era. Later, when W. R. May set up a dairy factory at Richmond a local creamery was set up to cater for the supply to the butter factory. Whitwell's at Woodvale Farm, were the first people to go in for home separation, driving their separator with a steam engine. As the town population increased milk walks, later known as milk runs, became the usual outlet to dispose of a great deal of the milk produced. This meant long hours, getting the cows milked before daylight and then transporting the milk into town. The full cans were taken round the streets and the milk was measured out with a dipper into whatever containers the householders kept for the purpose.

It is now over thirty years since pasteurised milk came into use and many people have forgotten, or may not even have known, the days when raw milk was sold direct to the consumer.

In a short review of this kind it is not possible to trace all the settlers and all the changes of ownership, which have taken place since, therefore I have concentrated on the earliest settlers and overall developments. However, it will provide a basis for future historians. Every endeavour has been made to be accurate, but the v/riter would welcome further information or corrections which readers can supply

P.S.: While this article is in print more information has already come to hand and this will be the basis of a future article.