AN HISTORICAL SKETCH

Press, Volume L, Issue 14909, 6 March 1914, Page 3

AN HISTORICAL SKETCH

The following interesting particulars concerning the Hillersden Estate, Marlborough, purchased by the Government for closer settlement, and ballotted for yesterday, hare been supplied to us by Messrs Dalgety and Co.: —

The ever-increasing hunger for land in New Zealand, and the enforcement of the stringent regulations of the Graduated Land Tax, has been responsible for the acquisition by the Government of the Hillersden Estato at Marlborough, one of tho best and most favourably known sheep station., in New Zealand.

The freehold of this property, comprising some 79,000 acres, was acquired from the trustees of tho estate of the late Thomas Carter, and at the same time 88,000 acres of pastoral lease from the Crown, held by tho trustees, was surrendered. Up to 1896 the freehold of Hillersden was grid-ironed throughout the leasehold, but in that year an interchange, resulting in the freehold being made into a compact block, was effected, tho leasehold being retained by the estate.

Tbe freehold has been subdivided into 43 allotments of from 86. acres to 9900 acres, and is offered under the Land for Settlement Act on Kenewable Lease at from 6d to lis 3d per acre. The conditions of tenure are—Leasehold for 33 years, with a perpetual right of renewal for further successive term of 33 yeare, and a right to acquire the freehold. Rent is computed at 4. per cent, per annum, on the capital value, and is payable half-yearly. Tho lease provides that the lessee is to reside continuously on the land, and to pay all rates, taxes, and assessments.

The Hillersden Estate is situated in the Wairau and Waihopai Valleys, about 25 miles westward (inland) from the town of Blenheim. It extends along the valleys about 12 miles each way.

' The northern portion is accessible by the Main Tophouse road, which is level, well formed, and metalled throughout. Access to the southern portion is obtained by the Waihopai Valley road, a good serviceable trap and wagon road, which is being shortened and improved by the Road Board. The settlement lies at an altitude above sea level varying from 580 feet on tho flats to 4500 feet on the range tops, and comprises all classes of country, from good agricultural land to hiph and broken sheep country. The climate is dry and healthy. The cultivated lands are mostly in English grasses, the hills being covered with tussock and other native grasses.

The country is well adapted for sheenraising, and the wool clip has been uniformly good and realised top prices for many years. The Hillersden Merino flock was started from the famous Rutherford Amuri strain many years ago, and about 20 years ago tho acquisition of Mr Goulter's merino flock considerably strengthened it. The sheep are of the celebrated Murray strain, and are big framed with good constitution and plain bodies, and with good bold shafty staple of robust wool, medium to strong combing, and comparatively clean faces. The present flock comprise about 45,000 sheep. The leasehold portion, comprising 88.000 acres of the back country, will be opened for selection at a later date.

The Hillersden Estate was purchased by the late Mr Carter from Mr E. T>. Sweet, about 1860, and was subsequently increased by the purchase .f Wantwood, about 26,000 acres, from Mr Edwards, of Nelson. Te Arowhenua was purchased about the same time, and Stronvar was acquired from Mr G. H. Saxton, making up the compact block of Hillersden freehold as now constituted.

The late Mr Thomas Carter was the second Superintendent of the Province of Marlborough, and at the time of his death, owned the Burleigh and Wither Estates, comprising 66-50 acres, near Blenheim, which are being retained by the trustees in the estate. Mrs Carter resides at. the Burleigh Homestead. Mr James Bell, who has interests in other parts of the Dominion, is well known throughout Xew Zealand as a capable and experienced sheen farmer, and has been associated with the Cartel Estate for the past 33 years, formerly ..3 manager, and since the death of the late Mr Carter, as managing trustee. Mr E. Williams, the present manager, ha_ been connected with the estate for the past 27 years. A feature of this property is the fine plantations scattered about the front of the estate, totalling an area of 400 acres, and for his foresight in afforestation Mr Carter has earned the gratitude of the present generation. The station has been worked on thoroughly up-to-date lines, and besides tho sheep, a considerable number of cattle are grazed and fattened on the place, which carries also 150 horses. A wool scoiir has been worked on the

property, and the Hillersden Flax Mill. I which has been runing for the past ii years, turns out a first-class grade ot hemp and flax, supplied almost wholly from the estate. The fencing on the property throughout is of a substantial : nature and in good order. I The cob-house was built about tO . years ago by Dr. Wilson, who held 1 about 2COO acres where the present ; Homestead is situated, and whose name \ is perpetuated by such landmarks as Wilsons Gully, Wilson's Flat, etc On Thursday and Friday, March 13th and 14th, Messrs J>algety and Company, Limited, in conjunction with Messrs Pyne and Co., of Christchurch, and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., will hold a dieplenishing sale, at the Homestead, of the balance of' the stock, implements, and plant.