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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Stuckey, James
Stuckey, James, Farmer and Stock Breeder, To Rangitumau, Opaki. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Stuckey is a native of Somersetshire, and reached New Zealand in 1870. He was for about seven years sheep-farming in Canterbury. page 987 About 1877 Mr. Stuckey decided to settle in the Wairarapa because he considered the inducements more suited for sheep and cattle farming. He purchased the present station of 3600 acres—then in its natural condition. By energy and enterprise he has succeeded in grassing about 3000 acres, which are now under English grasses, while an additional 100 are used for cropping. The balance of 500 are covered with native bush, which is useful for supplying fencing, and is excellent shelter for stock. Mr. Stuckey's farm has long been noted for the grand cattle of which he has been so successful a breeder. His specialty is the Hereford breed, of which he has about 300 females on the farm. Several of the animals are imported, and all the others are from stock imported by the Auckland Stud Company, Colonel Whitmore, or the owner. Mr. Stuckey is a regular importer of Herefords. A large number of these celebrated cattle have been sold in the Colony, and about fifty head have been exported to Australia, where they are deservedly popular. They are very hardy and will thrive in rough upland country with no other shelter than the bush. They fatten well, weighing about 900lbs, at three years, when they are suitable for the butcher. The whole of the champion prizes taken by Herefords lately have been won by cattle of Mr. Stuckey's breeding. In choice sheep Mr. Stuckey is a noted breeder. His flock of Lincolns number 500, all from imported stock. He is able to market 200 rams of this strain annually. Mr. Stuckey has 200 fine southdowns, among which are three imported sheep. He has been a successful settler, and though so busily engaged, he finds time for local politics. Mr. Stuckey is a popular member of the Wairarapa North County Council and the Masterton Road Board, and is in every way a worthy colonist.