‘Longbeach’ land basis for scores of small, later farms

Press, 14 August 1976, Page 13

‘Longbeach’ land basis for scores of small, later farms

The death of John Grigg in 1901 saw the end of a farming era unique in the history of New Zealand. Intensive farming of small areas was coming into vogue, brought about by the break-up of large runs throughout the province. The future owners of “Longbeach” were to continue to farm in the traditions set by the founder, but they were to adjust their methods to the times. The secret of the popularity of “Longbeach” as an exhibition farm over the years would be twofold. The Griggs have always been popular and unassuming hosts and hostesses; and they have had, at their back door, a farm of quite exceptional diversification. The eldest son, John Charles Nattle Grigg, took over “Longbeach” in 1901. He was educated at Christ’s College and Jesus College. Cambridge. He was a fine sportsman and rider — a runner of more than average ability. J. C. N. Grigg married Alice, eldest daughter of Captain F. W. Hutton, curator of the Canterbury Museum, and they had three sons and two daughters. John Charles Nattle Grigg was one of the first members of the New Zealand Meat Board, a representative of the Wheat Committee, and a member of the Board of Agriculture.

In the early 1900 s his stud sheep flocks were some of the finest in the Dominion, and he took awards for Southdown, Lincoln, Shropshire and English and Border Leicesters. His famous Friesian herd was known throughout the country. Over the years he sold portions of the land until in 1926 “Longbeach” consisted of 6462 acres. It was in that year also that his eldest son, John Hutton Grigg, took over control of “Longbeach”. During his stewardship the run was again to be reduced in size, but the old traditions were maintained and the farm continued to produce quality stock. The year he took over J. H. Grigg won most prizes at agricultural shows for Southdown, Romney and Merino sheep; in that year he founded the “Longbeach” Corriedale stud. He bred thoroughbreds, and in 1950 he won the New Zealand Derby and other races with Unicom. Streamline, Young Prince and Magic Carpet’s progeny, Magic Flute, Flying Saucer, and others, were bred on the farm. He was greatly assisted by his wife. As a daughter of Thomas John Teschemaker of Otaio Station, Waimate, she had a lifetime association with country life and was an excellent horse-woman. One of her most famous mounts was Monksgate, several times Royal Show champion hack. Monksgate was ridden by Queen Elizabeth

during her visit to “Longbeach” in 1954. John Grigg and his two brothers, Gilbert and Arthur Nattle Grigg, served during the 1914-18 War with British regiments. In 1938 Arthur Grigg was elected to Parliament for the Mid-Canterbury electorate. He was killed in the Western Desert in November, 1941. For some time after his death his widow represented the seat. In 1972, 46 years after taking over “Longbeach,” Mr and Mrs J. H. Grigg retired to a small holding at Halswell. Mr Grigg died in 1974, Mrs Grigg continuing her occupation of the home at Halswell in company with her daughter Janet. An only son, John, died as a boy after a brief illness. The younger daughter, Virginia, lives with her husband and family of two sons and two daughters at “Longbeach.” Virginia’s marriage to David Trevor Thomas, of Ashburton, saw, in 1972, the managership of “Longbeach” pass to a son-in-law. David Thomas comes from a family whose associations with Ashburton go back many decades. He was, for some years, chief grain buyer for the National Mortgage Agency, Ltd, after that firm purchased his father’s grain and seed business. Today “Longbeach” is one-tenth of its original size — the exact area is 3320 acres, and its workforce is less than onetwentieth the number em-

ployed in the heyday of the farm. The lovely homestead remains — peaceful and serene on 20 acres of gardens and spreading lawns, overlooking the lake with its backdrop of English trees. Australian gums and vast firs. In one corner of the garden stands an old sod hut, reputedly built in 1866, and several times since reconditioned. It has served many purposes over the years, and saw service as a schoolroom for past Grigg children. In another corner is the family church, the same one that so many years ago survived a long journey, including hazardous river crossings, pulled by a team of bullocks, to its present position. The heavy wind of last August caused havoc among the old trees. The church only just escaped when some of these crashed. Mrs Thomas has subsequently spent a lot of hard work and careful planning to create a feature garden which will cover the scars of that storm. Most of the original farm buildings still stand, although often not used for their original purpose. Today they serve mainly as garages for farm implements and tractors, and for hay storage. As one walks along the line of stables, and past the cookhouse, and the sheds used by many a tradesman, one must rely on imagination to recreate those early scenes of hustle and bustle, when up to 180

men would be given their working orders for t.ie day. The staff today numbers eight. Three are married men. Three of the staff are shepherds, three tractor drivers, one a gardener, and the last the staff •cook. Quite untraditionally the cook is a woman, accommodated in her own self-contained flat. The last three >ears have been kind to “Longbeach.” The rainfall has been greatly in excess of average, and consequently there is no feed shortage. Last year the farm produced 22,000 bales of lucerne hay and 5000 bales of meadow hay. Cropping this season will see 300 acres of lucerne. 300 acres in wheat. 275 in barley, and 50 in oats. The balance — some 2395 acres — is in grass. As well as the Corriedale stud of some 450 ewes, ewe lambs and rams, the farm runs 8000 breeding ewes and 1500 ewe hoggets — all Corriedale. Some .Angus Hereford cross cattle are kept, and both Mr and Mrs Thomas have a minor interest in some thoroughbred stock. The Friesian milking herd has gone — it was sold in 1973.

Today it is a large farm by any means, worked by a small capable force, professionably led. “I.ongbearh" is experimenting with methods of cropping, feeding and farm management unthought of in the dim and distant days.