The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Taumutu

Taumutu.

Taumutu is a native settlement about seven miles south-east from Southbridge. It lies along the shores of Lake Ellesmere, and adjoins Sedgemere. The native village from which the district takes its name is close to the lake, near its outlet to the sea. It has a very picturesque Maori church. The annual overflow of the lake takes place near the village about the month of July, when the level of the lake is highest owing to the heavy rains and floods. The waters submerge a considerable area of fine land, and an artificial opening has to be made through the heavy shingle which separates the lake from the sea. Portions of the land consist of comparatively poor sandy soil, but there are several extensive and prosperous farms in the district.

“Willow Glen, ” Taumutu—This property is now managed by Mr. H. E. Fincham the youngest son of the late Mr. Thomas Fincham. The land is chiefly reclaimed swamp page 705 and will grow any crop to perfection. A fine flock of Lincoln sheep is kept on the estate; the aged ewes are mated with Southdown rams, and a large number of fat lambs are annually available for the export trade. Stock belonging to “Willow Glen” has been exhibited with marked success at the agricultural shows.

Mr. Herbert Fincham was born in 1876. He is an active member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has represented his district in competing football teams. In 1898 he had the honour to represent his province in two interprovincial matches—namely, against Otago and against Southland, and played three-quarter back on both occasions.

Mr. Thomas Fincham, sometime of “Willow Glen,” Taumutu, was born in Essex, England, in 1836, and came to the Colony in the ship “Grassmere,” in 1854. At first he settled on the Ferry Road, Christchurch, and took up land in the Rangiora Bush, but subsequently disposed of it. He then bought land in the Ellesmere district, where he settled in 1864, and gradually increased his holding to 500 acres. Mr. Fincham was married, in 1858, to Miss Cooper, who came to the Colony with her parents in 1851, in the ship “Travencore.” He died in 1895, leaving a widow and four sons and one daughter. An elder daughter—wife of Mr. Daniel Cant, a prominent farmer at Lakeside—predeceased her father by fifteen months. The sons are Mr. George Fincham, farmer, Lakeside; Mr. John Fincham, farmer, Stony Gully, Southbridge; Mr. Robert Fincham, farmer, Springston; and Mr. Herbert Fincham, who manages the homestead at “Willow Glen.” The surviving daughter is the wife of Mr. Oscar Johnson, second master in the Central school, New Plymouth.