Life on a Sheep-Station

Probably the only sheep station left in New Zealand where the wool mast be carried out on horseback is the Hore Hore Station, 30 miles in from Ruatoria, in the shadow of Mount Hikurangi.

The station's only link with the road is by a tortuous track leading five miles up the Mata River through a precipitous gorge.

All supplies are brought in by packhorses, and the wool is brought out in the same way.

Hore Hore runs Romney sheep and Hereford cattle. It is situated in the Waitahaia River country west of Ruatoria. Only occasional patches of bush are to be found in this country, which is typical of most of the East Coast.

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A shearing muster on the tops.

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Shepherd helps unwilling sheep across mountain torrent.

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Away on the job, a musterer scans the high country.

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Pictures on these pages were taken by Jim Phillips (seen with dog) who worked on the station for a time.

More than on most stations, the horse is an indispensable unit in the scheme of things.

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Winter conditions on Hore Hore can be tough, as this picture shows.

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Cattle strung out on a long ridge overlooking river—a mid—summer photograph.

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Pack horses bringing wool out through the gorge. In one place the track clings to a sheer cliff, runs through a waterfall.

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Shoeing a horse on the station.

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Pack horses loaded with stores arrive at the station after arduous journey.