THE PIONEER SPIRIT

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28679, 1 September 1958, Page 2

THE PIONEER SPIRIT

Mrs J. L. Bowman, Of Waotu

"The Frees" Special Service AUCKLAND, August 30. In the historical settlement of Waotu, between Putaruru and Arapuni, women still work with the spirit of pioneers. One of them is Mrs J. L. Bowman, formerly of North Canterbury, who has for the last 12 years toiled side by side with her husband in. establishing their model small holding of 18 acres. The Bowmans have farmed the property for only 12 years. For nine of those years they and their daughter, Gaye, lived in two rooms on a barren paddock with no electric power or mail delivery. Washing was done outside in the style of early pioneers. Now they have an attractive homestead with up-to-date equipment and furniture built in by Mr Bowman. The property is mainly a chicken farm founded from 50 fowls given to Mrs Bowman by her mother as a wedding present. Now there are 1400 birds, including 300 chickens. The eggs are sold in Putaruru, with a surplus going to Hamilton. On the farm are also 13 cows milked for the cream supply and a number of pigs. The garden is as much part of the scene as the house, with daffodils lining the grass driveway and sweeping lawns. Behind the fowl run is another garden where Mrs Bowman tends 4000 daffodils and 1500 polyanthus plants. There is also a .thriving vegetable garden with about a Suarter acre down in carrots for le fowls.