The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]
Sherry
Sherry.
Sherry is a valley which is devoted to the pastoral industry, and received its name from the colour of the water of the river. It is about fourteen miles from Motupiko railway station. The land is suitable for pastoral purposes, and the soil, which consists of heavy clay loam, fully fifteen feet deep, is probably the bed of an old still water lake. The whole of the land is gold-bearing, and considerable quantities of gold have been taken out of the creek. From 13,000 to 15,000 acres are occupied by the settlers of the district. The post and telegraph office at Sherry is at the residence of Mr. Phillips, and a carrier goes twice a week to Motupiko. There is a Methodist church, at which services are held twice a month.
Kidson, George Henry, Farmer, Sherry. The property consists of 400 acres, and is all fenced and grassed, with the exception of a small piece of land left for shelter. The place carries 500 sheep of the Romney cross, and eighteen head of cattle; only a small portion of the holding is under crop.
Mr. W. H. Phillips.
Villa Farm (Joseph L. Rollet, proprietor), Sherry. This farm comprises 1200 acres at Sherry, and 200 acres at Tadmor, the whole of which is freehold, and cleared, with the exception of about 100 acres of timber, which is held in reserve. The land at Sherry is exceptionally good, equal to any in the Nelson province; between 400 and 500 acres are ploughable, capable of growing any ceroal, and cannot be excelled for hop culture. Of the Tadmor property, 120 acres are flat. The farms carry 1800 Romney Marsh sheep and 120 head of polled Angus cattle, descended from imported stock. The necessary outbuildings are complete in every respect. Mr. Rollet crops about fifty acres for cereals, and also has a portion under hops.
Mr. Joseph Leonard Rollet , Proprietor of Villa Farm, was born at Sherry in 1875, and is a son of the late Mr. B. Rollet. He was brought up on the farm, educated at the local school, and was two years at St. Patrick's College, Wellington. Twelve months after his return, he took charge of the property. Mr. Rollet is a member of the local school committee. He married a daughter of Mr. B. Harford.