Record 7/29 |
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Description
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| A black and white photograph showing the original Molesworth Homestead, built about 1865, before it was restored. Around it are some large poplar trees. The painting (see catalogue record 2003.162.0015) shows the house at a similar age to this photograph. On the back is written in an unknown hand, "Original homestead Molesworth Tarndale Run (built about 1865)." There are two other copies of this photograph in the same packet. A scan of this photograph will be used in the Changing European History Gallery 3 display in commemoration of the Marlborough Provincial 150th anniversary on 1 November 2009. ................................................................................................................................................................................ Caption December 2009: The original Molesworth homestead built in 1865, 1 km away from the present house in the Awatere Valley. Constructed of clay, it was a simple affair, probably having a shingle roof originally. MOLESWORTH STATION FROM THE OLD TO THE NEW The three great sheep runs of Molesworth Station, Tarndale Station and Rainbow Station were first occupied in the 1850s. William Acton-Adams amalgamated these in 1890. In 1938, the property was first taken up by the Government, with its headquarters at Molesworth homestead. In 1949 St Helens, near Hanmer was added. The total area is now 183,000 ha (about 457,000 acres) - New Zealand's largest run property with up to 10,000 cattle pastured, mainly Hereford and Angus breeds. From the earliest years, the station flocks suffered crippling winter snow losses. It was remote, high and with limited road access. In 1938, the Government decided to sell off all the sheep. Developing cattle herds proved the right way to go. Under the management of Mr Bill Chisholm Molesworth progressed and made significant profits for the first time in its history. |
Old Molesworth Homestead
-Marlborough Photographs from 1920
-Copyright Marlborough Museum - Marlborough Historical Society Inc
When using this image please quote "Image courtesy of Marlborough Museum - Marlborough Historical Society Inc"
| 2009.067.0078 |
When using this image please quote "Image courtesy of Marlborough Museum - Marlborough Historical Society Inc"