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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

[Greendale] — Greendale

Greendale is a rich agricultural and pastoral district in the county of Selwyn. It is situated to the west of, and adjoins Dunsandel, at a distance of about thirty-three miles by rail and road from Christchurch. There is neither railway nor coach communication through the district, but a short drive of eight or nine miles along excellent roads will carry one to either the southern or western railway line, the Norwood station on the southern line being the one most frequently used by the residents. Greendale is abundantly watered by the Hawkins, Waireka, Upper Selwyn, and Hororata, which unite, before leaving the district, to from the Selwyn river. Like many other districts in Canterbury, Greendale abounds in evidences of Maori habitation. Many valuable relics have been discovered in the district, and Mr. T. W. Adams, one of the earliest settlers, is in possession of some interesting specimens. Messrs Hill and Broom were the earliest runholders at Greendale, and held property in the district as early as the fifties. The permanent settlement, however, did not take place till about 1865, and the pioneers were Messrs T. W. Adams, H. McCrostie, Charles Adams, senior, Mangin and Rudd; the three first-named are still (1903) residents of the district. The population is about 370, and the chief occupations of the settlers are sheep grazing and grain growing. Wheat and oats thrive well in the district. The village of Greendale has a public school, a hall, two or three churches—used by the Baptist, Primitive Methodist, and Presbyterian bodies —a general store and a blacksmith's shop, together with a number of farm dwellings. There is a post and telegraph office at the local store, and the district has a daily mail service with Christchurch, via Darfield.