Wharerata Pioneers

Memories of pioneer farming days 1700 feet up on the Wharerata ranges 30 miles south of Gisborne were recalled by the celebration recently of the golden wedding of Mr and Mrs O. Swarbrick, of Queen's Road. Mr and Mrs Swarbrick have experienced the trials of isolation, gales, snow, bushfires, and the satisfactions and disappointments that go to make a pioneer farming existence so memorable.

Their home, Te Piki, at the top of Tawera Hill, was a refuge on many occasions for stranded travellers .The old highway became a sea of mud in winter, and stores had to be brought in in March sufficient to last until the following November. The original family home was destroyed by bushfires, and on a later occasion the woolshed was demolished by a cyclonic gale.

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Mr and Mrs Swarbrick cutting the cake at their celebration party. Their daughter, Miss Patricia Swarbrick, returned from England for the occasion. (Picture by K.K.K. )

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A portrait from the past--the Swarbricks as handsome young newly-weds fifty years ago.

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The original homestead was built of split rimu slabs. The fire which destroyed it was on New Year's Day, 1900.

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Te Piki under heavy snow in July, 1919.

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The big gale in 1936 wrecked the woolshed, scattering roofing Iron far and wide.

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Another snow scene showing the woolshed and hills blanketed in white.