Farming and social patterns in the Whangamomona riding of Stratford county council, Taranaki 1979

.c ~ ·ming And Social Pa t terns

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IANGAMOMONA RIDING Itford County Council

tanaki

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by D. E. Walter

Douglas A.D. 22 Stratford Stratford County Historian

Member of Stratford County Council (East Riding) July 1979

Walter D.E (1979)

Farming and social patterns in

the Whangamomona riding of Stratford

county council Taranaki 1979

CONTENTS

Preface ... . Page

2 Maps of Study Area. . . .. 3 & 4

Description of Study Area. . . 5

Short History of Study Area . . . 5

- Pre-European ... . -1890-1914 .... ... ... . -1914-45 ... ... ... . -1945-66 ... ... .... . -1966-79 ... ... . Methodology of Surveys ... . General Survey Questionnaire ... . General Survey Results ... . - Size of holdings ... . - Status of occupiers ... . - Off-farm income ... . - Age of farmers ... . - Time in control of farm ... . - Time farm in family .... ... . - Farm size increases ... . - Labour employed on farms ... . - Farm homesteads age ... . 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 - Farm homesteads condition . . . 9

- Surplus houses on farms. . . 9

- Scope for increased production. . . 1 0 - Number of children on farms ... . Postal Survey Questionnaire ... . Postal Survey Results ... ... . - Size of farms ... . - Vegetation cover of farms ... . - Topography of farms .. ... . - Stock numbers ... ... . - Permanent Labour Employed ... . - Reasons not employing labour ... . - Reasons not increasing production .. . 10 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 P"ge one - No. of trips to Stratford Page 17 - Use of N.Z. Railways. . . 18

- Views on train unit service. . . 18

- Distance from primary schools. . . 1 8 - Main problems of the area. . . 1 8 - Predictions of future for the area . . . 1 9 Social Aspects of Study Area. . . 20

- Population. . . 20

- Population Graph . . . 21

- Roading . . . 20

- Railway .... . . 22

- Education ... 23

-Villages ... 23

- Community Organisations. . . 24

- Other services (telephone, health, law and order, electricity, tradesmen etc) . . . 24

Summary and Conclusions. . . 25

Recommendations.. . . 26

References. . . 28

Acknowledgements. . . . 28 Maps Of Study Area. . . .. 3 & 4

PHOTOS

Whangamomona Village ... . Strathmore Village .... ... . Tahora ... . Whangamomona - looking down Whanga Road ... . Farmland - Tahora Saddle ... . State Highway 43 ... ... . State Highway 43

Graph of Population of Whangamomona Riding

11 11 12

12 13 14 14

21

1.0

PREFACE

To many outsiders, the popular farming image of Taranaki is that of dairying, and indeed this would be so if the Taranaki land area was restricted to the ring plain surrounding Mt Egmont.

However much of inland Taranaki comprises steep hill country, located in the eastern parts of the Clifton, Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, Hawera (District Council) and Patea Counties.

The Whangamomona Riding of the Stratford County covers almost 110,000 hectares. This represents approximately half of the county area, and nearly 14% of the Taranaki province.

The project was designed to gather up-to-date information of farming and social trends and attitudes in this isolated hill country district.

In several aspects, the farming and social trends highlighted will reflect those in similar hill country areas of New Zealand.

The conclusions and recommendations based on the findings are put forward to help assoss and formulate the place in New Zealand's economy and society of such areas as the Whangamomona Riding.

Page two

2.1

Map of Nor th Islan d showing

Whangamomona Riding

NE'W Plymouth

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Map of

Taranak i show i ng

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Whangamomona R idi~

ScalE' 1 em = 10 KilomE'tres "

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2.2

Te Wera State

AOTUHIA REGION

KEY

Railway

® Primary School

I :.;oJ

WHANGAMOMONA ^R I 01 N G

Scale 1 em = 2-5 Kilometres

Page four

3.0

DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

The Whangamomona Riding of the Stratford County was previously a separate territorial local authority, the Whangamomona County Council until merged with the Stratford County in 1955. '

The area of 108,707 hectares forms ap·

proximately half of the Stratford County area of 216,265 hectares, and nearly 14% of the total land area under the Taranaki United Council of

790,112 hectares.

Le.ss than half of the Whangamomona Riding land area IS rateable, indicating the large part still clothed in indigenous native forest, much of which is crown land unlikely to be developed for pastoral farming.

The study area is mainly steep·sided hill country with valley floors, the few areas of flat or table·land being small and widely scattered.

For the project, 83 land holdings covering 52,522 hectares, 48% of the riding land area were

studied. '

. This. number constituted the known farming units In the ndlng, almost all of which derived their income from sheep and beef cattle.

The populated districts stretch from Strathmore in the west, 30 km from the nearest service town of Stratford, to the Tangarakau Gorge in the east, 90 km from Stratford, travelling State Highway 43.

Physically the area is effectively divided into two by the Whangamomona Saddle, a sharp crested ridge line almost 60 km from Stratford on State Highway 43.

This saddle is traversed by 8 km of narrow win·

ding metal road through native forest. ' West of the Whangamomona Saddle lie the distinct districts of Strathmore·Huiakama·Te Wera

Makahu and Pohokura. '

To the east are Whangamomona, Kohuratahi·

Marco and Tahora.

4.0

SHORT HISTORY OF STUDY AREA 4.1

PRE-EUROPEAN

The pre· European Maoris used tracks through the area for some centuries prior to European surveyors entering the bush·clad land from the west in the 1870's.

There is little evidence of significant permanent Maori settlement occurring in the area compared with other regions of New Zealand.

4.2

1890-1914

Land .development for farming beqan in the early 1890s. rhls occurred as a result of price increases for primary produce, a shortage of farming land and legislative policies directed towards boosting farm settlement.

The farming frontiers consequently advanced finger·like into the eastern Taranaki hill country from the lowlands to the west.

Under Improved Farm Settlement Schemes or Special Settler Association systems, families

~ith

limited capital arrived in the district to take up small blocks averaging about 200 acres of bushland.

The men initially worked on road formation for much of their time, the income from which enabled them to develop their land.

Early farming was concentrated on the easier country, with dairy cows and creameries becoming prevalent.

Not all settlement was successful, and several of the smaller holdings were merged, first in the earlier years, and again after the initial decade of develop·

ment to 1902, when the agricultural expansion rate declined and population consolidated.

Difficulties of access were immense and frustrations of the settlers resulted in

th~

breaking away from the Stratford County in 1 908 to form a separate Whangamomona County.

The railway from Stratford to link with the main trunk line was started in 1901, reactled Te Wera in 1910, Whangamomona in 1914, was formed to Tahora by 1920, and eventually joined up with the main trunk in 1932.

These access problems seriously affected realisation of aqricultural potential in the area, as high freight prices and isolation deterred proqressive development and settlement.

The development of the nucleated village settlem·

ents during the period up to World War One resulted in community bases.

Small businesses were set up to serve the set·

tiers, as well as the workforces engaged in milling, roadmaking, railway formation and so on.

Population in the Whangamomona County in the period around 1910 was over 1,500, about four times the present level.

4.3 1914-45

Agriculturally, problems were created with the exodus of manpower for the 1914·19 War, and soon after, the effects of the 1921 depression.

The early fertility of the bush burns had declined lack of finance and manpower led to reversion of land, and many farmers faced serious financial problems.

During the period between the two world wars a combinat~on of these and other factors, as well 'as the drastiC effects of the 1929·35 depression saw many hundreds of acres of hill country revert to secondary growth.

In the more remote areas. cripplinq roading costs and lack of metal in some parts resulted in acute problems of access.

Coupled with the difficult farming conditions the isolation led to the eventual abandonment of ~ome properties, notably in the Aotuhia area, where over 30 crown leasehold blocks were abandoned· a total area exceeding 9,500 hectares.

This .trend of I~nd being lost to pastoral farming, farm units becoming bigger and fewer, allied with the gradual depopulation, carried through to 1945.

Population of the Whangamomona County in the 1.945 census was 851, 35% less than the 1936 figure of 1301 .

Page five

4.4 1945-66

Agriculture took a boost following the wool boom and development of aerial topdressing in the early 1950s, and gradually the dairy herds remaining disappeared as farmers concentrated on sheep and beef cattle.

The return and rehabilitation of soldiers from the 1 939-45 war also had an influence in revitalising farming and social development through this period, with population figures varying little between 1 945 and1961.

Redevelopment of reverted land in individual holdings was generally less evident between 1945 and 1960 than better utilisation of existing clear land, aided by better product prices and some im- proved mechanisation.

In 1951 an exotic State Forest was established at Te Wera of 5480 hectares, while during the same decade further acquisition of marginal private land by the crown was undertaken to form Government Land DevelopmentBlocks at Makahu (418 Ha.), Pohokura (537 Ha.), Kohuratahi (2560 Ha.) and Mt Damper (2049 Ha.).

The Te Wera forest planting covered 1551 Ha. by 1978, and major clear-felling is scheduled for 1981 or 1982.

The Kohuratahi Land Development Block was subdivided and settled into four farm units in 1975.

The Mt Damper Block is still to be settled, while it ap- pears at this stage uncertain whether the Pohokura and Makahu Blocks will be re-settled because of their contribution to farm-forestry management in the nearby Tp. Wera State Forest.

During the first half of the 1960s, stock numbers increased markedly in the Whangamomona Riding, a direct result of the favourable product prices, par- ticularly from sheep.

This increase resulted from both intensified stocking rates and activity in the redevelopment of reverted hill country, on some farms financed by Government development loans.

4.5 1966-79

The dramatic drop in wool prices in late 1966 triggered another downturn for farmers and the communities in the study area, as retrenchment took place.

Sheep numbers peaked around 1968-9. while beet cattle numbers rose gradually into the '970s Dairy herds continued to disappear, leaving only three in the Strathmore area of the riding in 1 979-80 season.

Fast Taranaki Hill Country was the subiect of sev-eral departmental reports, each in turn attempting to find reasons and solutions for the eccnomic down- turn affecting farmers and the land.

Up to the mid-1970s, the policy of a~algamat.ing

farm units was pursued. Farmers were financed Into purchasing adjacent blocks of land to improve their viability, thus further reducing the number of land holdings in the area.

This trend, along with a reduction in family sizes and declining numbers living in local villages resulted in the population of the riding being almost halved between 1961 and 1976 - from 869 to 458.

The largest drop occurred in the years 1 966 to 1971 , from 71 2 to 552, while indications from this survey are of a further drop since 1976 of over 20%.

Despite an upturn in beef prices in the early 1970s, agricultural production from the area

remained static until 1978.

Three unusually dry summers in 1970, 1973 and 1978, together with general farmer reluctance to re- stock at higher levels previously advocated and sometimes adopted, and the effects of double figure inflation during the 1970s all affected the increase of stocking and output levels.

The 1978 budget introduced by the National Government included the Land Development En- couragement Loans, which included suspensory loans to redevelop reverted land.

As well, the previously introduced Livestock In- centive Scheme which entailed cash grants to in- crease stock numbers, was available to farmers.

A return to high beef prices, following five poor years, and correspondingly strong markets for wool and sheep meats have meant much better returns to farmers in 1979.

These combined influences are starting to become evident in a recent boost in land redevelop- ment, and a commencement of production in- creases.

Meanwhile tne 1960s and 1970s saw a loss of services, halving of the population, and the near demise of the nucleated villages in the Whangamomona Riding.

5.0

METHODOLOGY OF SURVEYS

Surveys ot the stuay area were conducted in June and July, 1979, to gather information on agricultural and social patterns at that time.

Two distinct surveys were completed, each carried out within the restraints of resources, finan- ces and time.

5.1

GENERAL SURVEY

Each farm holding was individually analysed using personal and local knowledge and observations.

As well, data from the Stratford County valuation roll was used, relevant information from previous writings published on the area, together with personal background knowledge on thp. districts.

Within the General Survey, an analysis was also done on non-farming residents in the study area, and local villages, etc.

Page six

5.2

POSTAL SURVEY

A questionnaire was sent to each of the 83 far- med holdings, to be replied to on an anonymous basis and returned in an enclosed stamped en- velope.

Questionnaire forms were returned by 45 farmers before the close-off date, a number sufficient to gain worthwhile trends and attitudes of those living in the study area.

5.3

Farm holdings for the purpose of the survey in- cluded some properties that farmed run-offs together with the base home unit. They also included those with managers, who themselves were questioned in the postal survey, and some absentee- owned properties with no residence.

5.4

As pointed out under the General Survey, the fin- dings were compiled and processed with limitations of resources, finance and time.

Within these confines, every attempt has been made for accuracy and authenticity of the results; if any slight error should become obvious, the effects are most unlikely to significantly alter the basis for findings from the surveys.

Copies of the General and Postal Survey questionnaires are included in subsequent pages, prior to the listed results.

6.0

GENERAL SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Size of holding (from Valuation Roll).

2. Status of occupier - whether owner, lessee, manager, absentee owner.

3. If farmer and/or spouse have a significant off/farm income - e.g. a farm outside the study area, contracting, shearing, opossums, craft,

teaching, urban job, etc.

4. Age group of farmer - under 35,35-45,45-55, over 55.

5. How long farmer has been in control of farm - under 5 years., 5-15, 15-30, over 30 years.

6. Length of time farm has been in the same family if handed down. Under 10 years, 10-20, 20- 40,40-60, over 60 years.

7. If the farm has increased significantly in size since 1945.

8. Permanent labour employed on farm.

9. Age of farm homesteads - under 20 years, 20-50, over 50 years.

1 O. Condition of farm homestead and surrounds - Attractive, neat, plain, untidy.

11. Surplus houses on farm, if occupied and by whom.

1 2. Scope for increased production on farm - significant, reasonable, very little.

13. Number of primary school, secondary school, pre-school children on holding.

14. Villages - number of families, occuoations, em- pty houses, shops, industries, etc.

7.0

GENERAL SURVEY RESULTS

7.1

SIZE OF HOLDING

OVer 600- 300- 200- 100- Under

1000 1000 600 300 200 100

Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.

14 14 26 15 11 3

17% 17% 31 % 18% 13% 4%

Overall average size of holdings - 633 Ha.

COMMENT

A fuller analysis of farm sizes, topography, land cover, stocking rates, etC. appears in the results of the postal survey.

7:2-

STATUS OF OCCUPIER

Owner-farmer Manager

Absentee-owner Total

COMMENT

7.2.1

69 4 10 83

83%

5%

12%

The owner-farmer category may include family trusts, companies, partnerships, estates, etc.

7.2.2

Of the four farm managers, three are on Gover- nment Development Blocks, one on a private farm.

7.2.3

Of the 10 absentee owners, 6 are farmers, 4 are non-farmers, one of whom employs a manager.

3 of the 6 farmers work their property from Strat- ford, while the other three hold crown grazing licen- ces on the holdings, which are previously abandoned blocks.

Absentee owned and farms not lived on are generally farmed less intenSively than other proper- ties in the area, though for various reasons.

The 'city-businessman' and 'hippie-type' land

owners at this stage are inSignificant in number - less than 5%, most of whom have bought in during the

last ten years.

Increases in fuel prices may in the future limit the number of absentee or non-residential owners and farmers; however, if numbers increase. the effect on land prices may be noticed.

7.3

OFF-FARM INCOME

Number of farm holdings with substantial off-farm income - 24. (29%)

Absentee farmers 1 0

Owning farms outside area 6

Opossums 3

Shearing, contracting etc. 4

Forestry Work 1

Tot~ 24

Page seven

COMMENT 7.3.1

A figure of approximately $3,000 per annum was set as a guide for defining substantial. Obviously this finding cannot be absolutely accurate because of in- dividual's private businesses not being investigated.

7.3.2

Little opportunity for a second family income exists in the area for farmers, farm workers, and other workers in the villages.

7.3.3

There was no evidence of any craft or cottage in- dustries, or off-farm income opportunities in any significance outside those related to the land.

7.3.4

Some of those farmers earning off-farm incomes appeared to be neglecting farm maintenance.

7.4

AGE OF FARMERS

35-45 years 45-55 years Over 55 years Total

COMMENT

27 17 19 20 83

33%

20%

23%

24%

This study takes in farm managers, and allows for the few cases of joint ownership; four properties were dually owned by unrelated people.

7.4.2

More than half of the farmers in the over 55 age group have sons either owning land in the area them- selves, or with some major decision making role in the farm enterprise.

7.4.3

The disparity in effectiveness of farmers in the over 55 age group is wide, and in fact through all the age-ranges can not be directly connected with age.

Generally speaking, the older farmers are on smaller, better developed farms, and the younger ones on blocks with more development potential and larger.

7.4.4

As some sons hold units in the area as well as their father, the possiblity of these separate holdings merging when the father sells out is a likelihood, par- ticularly as the smaller holdings would have greatly increased debt servicing burdens if taken on by in- dividuals as separate units.

7.5

LENGTH OF TIME IN CONTROL OF FARM

Under 5 years 22 27%

5-15 years 25 30%

15-30 years 24 29%

30-45 years 12 14%

T~~ 8~

COMMENT 7.5.1

There has been a Significant turnover of farms during the past five years.

7.5.2

Of the 22 farmers that have been in control under 5 years, 9 have taken over from parents.

7.5.3

From the findings, no definite link can be established between the length of tenure and the ef- fectiveness of the farmer.

7.6

LENGTH OF TIME FARMS HAVE BEEN IN FAMILY

Under 20 years 20-40 years 40-60 years Over 60 years Total

COMMENT 7.6.1

2 12 12 14 40

5%

30%

30%

35%

This survey includes only properties that have changed ownership within a family at least once. As indicated, 40 of the 83, or 48% of holdings in the study area fall into this category.

This figure may well be higher than that in other more accessible and affluent farming areas of New Zealand.

7.6.2

As with the variance of effectiveness under sec- tion 7.5.3, no meaningful relationship between the length of time a farm has been in the family and the manner in which it is farmed can be traced.

7.6.3

There is a slight link between the length of time families have lived in the various districts, and their amount of community involvement, e.g. participation on local committees, county councillors, etc.

7.7

FARMS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN SIZE SINCE 1945

Of 83 farms, 33 have increased in size notably since 1945, a total of 40%. This figure includes some properties that have been joined with more than one other block.

COMMENT 7.7.1

Of the 33 merged units, 3 at present employ single labour (excluding Government Land DeveloD- ment Blocks) and a further 9 have significant help from members of the family.

None of the 33 employ a married labour unit.

Page eight

7.7.2

The number of mergers since 1945 has been more pronounced west of the Whangamomona Sad- dle, with 16 of the 34 units in that area (47%) merged, compa:red with 17 from 49 (35%) east of the saddle.

This however, does not take into account multiple mergers.

7.7.3

Again, there is considerable variance in the noticeable productivity from merged farms, com- pared with previous levels and average district levels.

General observation is that while overall produc- tivity has not necessarily increased following amalgamation, the viability of the individual farmer may have improved, and with recent upward

movements in land values, equities have improved.

7.7.4

The merging of farm properties since 1945 has greatly contributed to the number of empty houses in the area, as few labour units were replaced.

This in turn has resulted in fewer permanent families in the study area.

7.8

LABOUR EMPLOYED ON FARMS

Permanent Married - 3

Permanent Single - 6

Family labour 1 5

(excluding spouse)

Managers 4

COMMENT 7.8.1

A very small number of permanent married staff and managers, most of which are employed on Government Development Blocks, is a feature.

As confirmed in the Postal Survey, this reflects the difficulty of attracting and retaining labour to the area because of remoteness, lack of dual-income family opportunities, lack of services etc.

7.8.2

Approximately 80% of farms within the study area employed no permanent labour outside the family unit, though on such units casual labour is employed on occasions, depending on development and main- tenance finance available.

7.9

FARM HOMESTEADS AGE Under 20 years

20-50 years Over 50 years Farms without homesteads Total

22 31 24

6 83

27%

37%

29%

7%

COMMENT 7.9.1

The number of houses over 50 years old was markedly higher in percentage east of the Whangamomona saddle, further from Stratford. 39%

were over 50 years old east of the saddle, compared to only 19% westwards.

This would indicate higher building costs directly related to the distance from a service centre, and to a lesser extent earlier replacement of older houses in the earlier settled area west of the saddle.

7.9.2 .

Although over 50 years old, some residences have been and are still being renovated and main- tained to provide a reasonable standard of comfort.

Almost all dwellings are of wooden construction and as there are no organised fire-fighting services withfn the riding, they are more susceptible to total fire destruction, particularly in the eastern sector.

7.10

CONDITION OF FARM HOMESTEADS AND SURROUNDS

Attractive - Neat- Plain - Untidy - Total

COMMENT 7.10.1

6 40 27 4 77

8%. 52%

35%

5%

These observations were gauged with every at- tempt to relate each homestead to similar standards, and took into account upkeep of ,the building, groun- ds, gardens, aesthetic attributes, etc.

7.10.2

The general observation was a lack of aesthetically distinctive homesteads, compared with other older established and more affluent rural areas of New Zealand.

This to some degree would reflect the more acute fluctuation of farming and social fortunes affecting the area, again compared to other districts.

7.11

SURPLUS HOMES ON FARMS Uninhabited 38.

This is made up of 27 east of the saddle and 11 west of the saddle. (Including 3 baches).

Occupied 11 (2 east, 9 west.) COMMENT

7.11.1

As evidenced by the figures above, the area east of the Whangamomona Saddle further from Stratford has a much greater proportion of habitable empty houses.

7.11.2

These ffgures do not include those houses empty in villages, which are referred to later in the section on villages.

Page nine

7.11.3

Including those empty habitable houses in the villages, figures for the portion of the study area bet- ween Whangamomona Saddle and Tangarakau Gorge indicate about 2 empty houses for eve~y

3 occupied.

7.11.4

The siting of the empty houses does not necessarily relate to those properties in need of ex- tra permanent farm labour.

7.11.5

There has been no evidence of demand for sub- division of small areas of land with empty houses with a view to sale.

7.11.6

The 11 surplus houses on farms that are oc- cupied house the following people-

2 semi-retired parents of farmers.

7 casual workers including a contractor and forestry worker.

1tarm holiday cottage.

1 mother and family.

As well, two other retired farming families still live in the district on separate small blocks of under 10 hectares.

7.11.7

As maintenance costs on houses are high, par- ticularly further east from the service town, it is likely that several of these houses will become uninhabitable through lack of care and occupation.

7.12

SCOPE FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION ON FARMS

Significant - Reasonable - Very little - Total

COMMENT 7.12.1

35 21 27 83

42%

25%

33%

Assessment of properties endeavoured to relate production potential to pastoral farming under existing technology. Production increases on in- dividual holdings would tend to come more from land development, under this mode of appraisal.

When postal survey results were assessed later, it became obvious that some properties rated as having very little scope for increased production, had relatively low stocking rates, and could well possibly increase stocking rates without seriously affecting per-stock unit production.

7.12.2

Of the 27 properties listed as having very little scope for increased production, only 2 were located west of the Whangamomona Saddle.

This would indicate much potential to be realised in the more accessible western districts, but also cognizance should be taken of the second paragraph in 7.1 2.1 .

7.12.3

If conducted on an area basis, this aspect of the survey gives a different result, as most of the proper- ties with significant development potential are large in size.

Of the 14 properties over 1000 hectares, all ex- cept the Mt Damper Government Development Block were rated as having significant scope for productior, increases.

Similarly, all the 14 properties between 600 and 1000 hectares were rated as having either significant or reasonable scope for increased production.

7.13

NUMBER OF CHILDREN LIVING IN FARM HOMESTEADS

Secondary school- 20

Primary school - 34

Pre-school - 41

Total 95

Farm holdings with children 41 (49%).

Total children per holding 1.1.

Average number of children per married family in homestead 95/64 - 1.5.

Number of unmarried farm owner/occupiers 7.

COMMENT 7.13.1

Because of difficulty obtaining an accurate count of children in the area not living on farms, these figures have not been included.

7.13.2

A far highter ratio of pre-school children lived in farm homesteads east of the Whangamomona Sad- dle compared to the west; 32 against 9.

7.13.3

Secondary school pupils were able to bus to' Stratford High School from the far western areas of Strathmore, Huiakama and Te Wera, but boarding school or correspondence were the options for others.

7.14 VILLAGES

Findings from the General Survey are tabulated in the later section on Social Aspects of the study areas.

Page ten

Whangamomona Village - 1979

Strathmore Village - 1979 Page eleven

Tahora - 1979

Whangamomona - Looking down Whangamomona Road - Stratford County Oepot

in foreground - 1979 Page twelve

Whangamomona School - Temporarily closed May 1979

Farmland in the study area - Looking from Tahora Saddle towards

Mt Ruapehu

Page thirteen

State Highway 43 - Whangamomona Saddle

State Highway 43 - Between Te Wera and Pohokura

Page fourteen

POSTAL SURVEY

EAST TARANAKI SURVEY - 1979

(Relating to farms in Whangamomona Riding, Stratford County.)

1. Size of farm (or farms) in area.

- State road distance apart in miles if farms are separated.

- area of crown lease (don't include L.I.P.) - land farmed by owner, manager, absentee owner, leased -

2. Area in - (approx.) native bush scrub grass

3. Area of - (approx.) steep hills

easier hills rolling flat

4. Stock numbers wintered. Beef cows

Beef weaners Dairy Cows Other beef cattle Replacemer's Ewes

Hoggets Other sheep.

5. Permanent labour employed- (State if member of family)

6. If no permallent labour employed, tick the reason( e,~ why not-

a) No need for extra labour.

b) Accommodation too expensive to provide.

c) Labour hard to get and retain.

d) Cannot afford labour.

e) Extra cost and supervision not worthwhile.

f) Labour won't stay in the area because of - remoteness

- lack of services - no income for wife.

7. Main reasons for not increasing production - if applicable.

a) Labour shortage.

b) Shortage of development finance.

c) Taxation system.

d) Uncertain future of returns.

e) Other reasons (state).

8. Approximate number of trips to Stratford and further afield by family car per month.

9. Use of local store - frequently - occasionally - never.

10. Use of the railway-

a) Livestock - frequently - occasionally - never b) Fertiliser - frequently

- occasionally - never c) Freight - frequently

- occasionally - never d) Passenger

travel - frequently - occasionally - never.

11. If you use the railways infrequently, tick the reason(s) below-

a) Inconvenience b) Cost

c) Unreliable service d) Others (state).

12. Would you use the train unit more or less if it travelled the opposite way - towards N. P. in the morning and Taumarunui in evening -

- more suitable - less suitable - don't care.

1 3. Distance in miles from nearest primary school.

14. Any further comments on the main problems of your area, if they exist, affecting farm produc- tion and social conditions.

15. Any predictions of farming and social trends in your district in the next twenty years?

9.0

POSTAL SURVEY RESULTS

(Based on replies from 45 of 83 farms -54%)

9.1

SIZE OF FARM

Over 600- 300- 200- 100- Under

1000 1000 600 300 200 100

Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.

6 11 14 8 4 2

13% 24% 32% 18% 9% 4%

(Total area covered by postal survey was 27203 Ha.)

COMMENT 9.1.1

The spread of farm sizes in the postal shows similarity to that of the general survey see page 20.

Most response to the postal survey came from farms in the 600-1000 Ha. range, and least from those ranging from 100-200 Ha., and those over 1000 Ha.

9.1.2

Average farm size in the postal survey is 605 Ha., compared with 633 Ha. in the general survey figures taken from the Valuation Rolls.

Page fifteen

9.1.3

10 of the 45 farms had run-offs or adjacent units.

2 farms had more than 1 run-off.

1 farm had another unit 10 miles distant, and 2 farms one 5 miles from the base farm. The other 7 varied between % and 5 miles.

4 of the 45 farms reported farming crown land, or areas of crown land, disregarding L.I.P.

9.1.4

Replies to the postal survey included- 39 owner-farmers

3 farm managers 3 absentee owners

This represents representative responses from owner-farmers and farm managers, but a poor

response from absentee owners. (See Page 7)

9.2

VEGETATION COVER

Area in scrub - Area in grass -

COMMENT 9.2.1

4898 Ha.

5905 Ha.

16441 Ha.

18%

22%

60%

Total farm area covered by the postal survey was 27254 Ha., 52% of that included in the general sur- vey, and almost exactly one quarter the land area of the whole Whangamomona Riding.

On this basis, approximately 29% of the study area is in grass; this area estimated at 31680 Ha., would carry around 280,000 stock units if the average stocking rate in the postal survey of 8.9 I.s.U. per hectare is used as guide. (See 9.4).

9.2.2

Based on the postal survey, the total area of reverted scrub on all occupied holdings in the riding would be approximately 11 400 Ha.

This figure does not include other areas of rever- ted scrubland in the total study area.

9.3

TOPOGRAPHY

COMMENT 9.3.1

16058 Ha.

7789 Ha.

2549 Ha. 910 Ha.

59%

29%

9%

3%

Stocking rates on properties with higher propor- tions of flat and rolling hills were generally slightly higher, but not significantly so.

This is partly explained by stock not being run on some areas of the steep hills covered with bush or scrub.

9.3.2

The small total percentage of flat and rolling land limits the diversification of land use possible, and the ability of farmers to finish off stock to any marked degree.

9.4

STOCK NUMBERS

Sheep livestock units - 89430 (61 %) Cattle livestock units - 57145 (39%) Total livestock units -146575

Average I.s.u./ Ha. grass - 8.9 (3.6/acre)

9.4.1

A breakdown of livestock numbers carried on far- ms in groups is as follows-

Under 1500

6 13%

1500- 3000 16 36%

COMMENT 9.4.2

3000- 4500

14 31%

4500- 6000

6 13%

Over 6000

3 7%

The average farm carried 3260 stock units, com- prising 1988 sheep units and 1272 cattle units.

This farm of 605 Ha. had 365 Ha. of grass, 133 in scrub and 109 Ha. in bush.

9.4.3

The average farm size and stocking rate will be altered slightly if the Mt Damper Government Land Development Block is excluded, as the area is larger than average. and stocking rate higher.

9.4.4

There is no distinct pattern of stocking rate bet- ween farms of differing total numbers carried. However a relationship exists between smaller properties and a higher stocking rate.

9.4.5

The variance of sheep/cattle stocking ratios ranged from 85% sheep / 15% cattle through to 39% sheep / 61 % cattle.

5 of the 45 surveyed farms had higher cattle to sheep stock unit numbers, including one dairy farm and a small unit running some dairy beef bulls.

Most of those farms with a higher percentage aT beef stock units carried beef cattle herds. The great majority of farms had breeding herds and flocks.

Page sixteen

PERMANENT LABOUR EMPLOYED

Rep;:>ondents listing permanent labour were-

<! Land and Survey Blocks - 4 and 2 units

2 farms with permanent single employees.

3 farms employing sons full time.

1 farmer employing other family labour.

3 farmers listed wives as permanent employees.

COMMENT 9.5.1

From the small number of farms listed employing outside permanent labour, it is clear that the vast majority of farms rely on the farmer and his family for permanent labour.

9.5.2

The figures tend to support comments from respondents that stable permanent farm labour is dif- ficult to attract and retain in the area.

REASONS FOR NOT EMPLOYING

PERMANENT LABOUR

36 of the 45 respondents replied to this question, a number similar to those not employing labour.

11 of the 36 recorded no need for extra labour.

The remaining 25 listed their reasons as follows - some indicated more than one reason.

b) Accommodation too expensive to provide - 4 c) Labour hard to get and retain - 9 d) Cannot afford extra labour - 1 1 e) Extra cost and supervision not worthwhile - 9 f) Labour won't stay in area because of remoteness

lack of services, no income for wife - 1

:2

COMMENT 9.6.1

25 of 45 in the postal surJey suggested that they could well need more permanent labour, but because of various factors did not or would not em- ploy extra staff.

This tends to suggest that successful em- ployment of permanent labour could help realise higher farm production and development.

However because of other points brought out by the surveys, it appears that farm ownership is a strong motivating factor in holding and attracting families to this area, and that without this inducement it may still be difficult to solve the permanent labour problems.

9.7

MAIN REASONS FOR NOT INCREASING PRODUCTION

20 of 45 answered this question, aimed towards those not increasing production.

It is also quite likely that several of the remaining 25 farms have scope for a greater rate of production increase than taking place currently.

Reasons listed for not increasing production were as follows: - some farmers listed more than one-

a) Labour shortage - 5

b) Shortage of development finance - 3

c) Taxation system - 13

d) Uncertain future of returns - 5

e) Other reasons - none given.

COMMENT 9.7.1

65% of those answering this question regarded the taxation system their main reason for not in- creasing production.

Though no more specific aspect of the taxation system was questioned, general comment in some of the postal surveys suggested a diminishing net unit return to farmers for increased production.

9.8

NUMBER OF TRIPS TO STRATFORD AND FURTHER AFIELD BY FAMILY CAR PER MONTH

The average from 45 replies was 3% per month.

The replies varied from 1 trip every two months (1), 1 trip a month (8) and through to 1 5 trips per month, with 3 over 1 0 per month.

COMMENT 9.8.1

Though it was not possible to relate replies to their distance from Stratford, comments pointed towards fewer trips for those living east in the riding.

Further comments in the survey suggested that some families are being compelled to reduce these outings as car running costs soar.

9.9

USE OF LOCAL STORE

Occasionally Never

COMMENT 9.9.1

27 11

7

60%

24%

16%

Some of those in the study area have no local store, including the Makahu and Whangamomona districts.

9.9.2

The stores at Te Wera, Kohuratahi and Tahora all are connected with delivery of mail, or sorting of mail, milk, bread, newspaper and school bus runs in varying degrees. At least one store has been kept open by local financial backing.

Page seventeen

9.10

USE OF N.Z.R

a) Livestock

Frequently Nil

Occasionally 5 11 %

Never 40 89%

Comments from farmers indicated that there were little if any remaining livestock facilities for transport of stock by rail.

b) Fertiliser

Frequently 1 9

Occasionally 1 2

Never 14

Some farmers on papa country said they used little fertiliser.

42%

27%

31%

or reverted land Road transport restrictions may also have some influence on the amount of fertiliser carried by rail.

c) Freight

Frequently 3 7%

Occasionally 27 60%

Never 15 33%

It was not possible to gauge the full extend to which farmers used railways for freight cartage, but comments under Q. 11 suggest there is more scope for use of this service.

d) Passenger Travel

Frequently 1 2 %

Occasionally 29 65%

Never 15 33%

Results confirm the reliance families farming in the study area place on private road transport for travel.

Comments on Q. 12 give some indication on why the passenger service is not used frequently.

9.11

REASONS FOR USING RAILWAYS INFREQUENTL Y

33 of the 45 replied, suggesting that the other 12 used the facilities frequently, or perhaps lived in the Makahu or Strathmore districts, further from a railhead.

Replies were: (some listed more than one reason)

a) Inconvenience 19

b) Cost 3

c) Unreliable Service 20

d) Others None stated.

COMMENT 9.11.1

Some of those respondents listing inconvenience did so in comparison with their own private transport.

9.11.2

As unreliable service was rated by 61 % of those replying as being a reason for using the railways in- frequently, it is obviously a far greater factor than cost, which rated only in 9% of answers.

(See also comments on Railway under Social sec- tion - i 0.3 - Page 22).

9.12

VIEWS ON TRAIN UNIT SERVICE BETWEEN NEW PLYMOUTH AND TAUMARUNUI

All 45 replied to this question, asking whether the respondent would use the train unit more if it travelled the opposite way - i.e. towards New Plymouth in the morning and Taumerunui in the evening.

Answers were:-

Taumarunui - New Plymouth suitable 28 -

New Plymouth - Taumarunui suitable (present service) 5 -

Don't care 1 2 -

COMMENT 9.12.1

in morning more 62%.

in morning more 11 %.

27%.

A number of those replying 'don't care' stated they lived away from a handy railway station presumably in Makahu or Strathmore district.

9.12.2

Of those stating a preference, 85% said they would use the train unit more if it ran the opposite direction, while 15% favoured the present timetable.

9.13

DISTANCE IN MILES FROM NEAREST PRIMARY SCHOOL

The average from 45 replies was 5 miles, or 8 km.

Longest distance was 15 miles, ,with six replies over ten miles.

COMMENT 9.13.1

The efficient running of a school bus service is essential to the area, and will become more so if some of the more remote parts of the riding are developed into productivity and settled - for instan- ce the Aotuhia district.

9.14

COMMENTS ON THE MAIN PROBLEMS OF THE AREA, IF THEY EXIST,

AFFECTING FARM PRODUCTION AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS

34 of the 45 replies to the postal survey respon- ded to this Question 14, and Question 15, dealing with the future.

Some replies listed more than one factor. The tabulated list of problems reported is as follows -

Roading was by far the most common answer

listed by 26. '

Lack of people was suggested by 1 5, some of whom listed such reasons as -

- lack of services - no income for wives - land aggregation

- no intellectual stimulation Page eighteen

9.10

USE OF N.Z.R

a) Livestock

Frequently Nil

Occasionally 5 11 %

Never 40 89%

Comments from farmers indicated that there were little if any remaining livestock facilities for transport of stock by rail.

b) Fertiliser

Frequently 1 9

Occasionally 1 2

Never 14

Some farmers on papa country said they used little fertiliser.

42% 27%

31 % or reverted land Road transport restrictions may also have some influence on the amount of fertiliser carried by rail.

c) Freight

Frequently 3 7%

Occasionally 27 60%

Never 15 33%

It was not possible to gauge the full extend to which farmers used railways for freight cartage, but comments under Q. 11 suggest there is more scope for use of this service.

d) Passenger Travel

Frequently 1 2%

Occasionally 29 65%

Never 15 33%

Results confirm the reliance families farming in the study area place on private road transport for travel.

Comments on Q. 12 give some indication on why the passenger service is not used frequently.

9.11

REASONS FOR USING RAILWAYS INFREQUENTL Y

33 of the 45 replied, suggesting that the other 1 2 used the facilities frequently, or perhaps lived in the Makahu or Strathmore districts, further from a railhead.

Replies were: (some listed more than one reason) a) Inconvenience 1 9

b) Cost 3

c) Unreliable Service 20

d) Others None stated.

COMMENT 9.11.1

Some of those respondents listing inconvenience did so in comparison with their own private transport.

9.11.2

As unreliable service was rated by 61 % of those replying as being a reason for using the railways in- frequently, it is obviously a far greater factor than cost, which rated only in 9% of answers.

(See also comments on Railway under Social sec- tion - 10.3 - Page 22).

9.12

VIEWS ON TRAIN UNIT SERVICE BETWEEN NEW PLYMOUTH AND TAUMARUNUI

All 45 replied to this question, asking whether the respondent would use the train unit more if it travelled the opposite way - i.e. towards New Plymouth in the morning and Taum?runui in the evening.

Answers were:-

Taumarunui - New Plymouth suitable 28 -

New Plymouth - Taumarunui suitable (present service) 5 -

Don't care 1 2 -

COMMENT 9.12.1

in morning more 62%.

in morning more 11 %. 27%.

A number of those replying 'don't care' stated they lived away from a handy railway station presumably in Makahu or Strathmore district.

9.12.2

Of those stating a preference, 85% said they would use the train unit more if it ran the opposite direction, while 15% favoured the present timetable.

9.13

DISTANCE IN MILES FROM NEAREST PRIMARY SCHOOL

The average from 45 replies was 5 miles, or 8 km.

Longest distance was 15 miles, -with six replies over ten miles.

COMMENT 9.13.1

The efficient running of a school bus service is essential to the area, and will become more so if some of the more remote parts of the riding are developed into productivity and settled - for instan- ce the Aotuhia district.

9.14

COMMENTS ON THE MAIN PROBLEMS OF THE AREA, IF THEY EXIST,

AFFECTING FARM PRODUCTION AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS

34 of the 45 replies to the postal survey respon- ded to this Question 14, and Question 15, dealing with the future.

Some replies listed more than one factor. The tabulated list of problems reported is as follows -

Roading was by far the most common answer

listed by 26. '

Lack of people was suggested by 1 5, some of whom listed such reasons as -

- lack of services - no income for wives - land aggregation

- no intellectual stimulation Page eighteen

Under this mention of Lack of People, suggestions were made recommending prompt re- settlement of the Mt Damper Government Develop- ment Block, the re-development and eventual set- tlement of Aotuhia district -(some felt Aotuhia should be serviced through the Whangamomona district;

another comment urged that private interests be allowed to develop Aotuhia if the Government did not do so.)

Other factors listed included tax structure (L), and more specifically in relation to farm production, the high level of freight and general farming costs (10) and lack of casual labour (1).

COMMENT 9.14.1

Above all, poor roading was rated as the major factor in affecting farm production and social con- ditions.

9.15

PREDICTIONS OF FARMING AND SOCIAL TRENDS IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS

Although naturally a range of predictions came forward, more farm mergers were named by 70%

of those replying to this section.

Most of the comments on farm mergers hinted at condemnation of this trend. Some of these commen- ts are listed on the following pages.

Next most consistent forecast was that of the in- creasing effect of oil price hikes, affecting farming and living costs, but possibly fostering more social life within districts.

Other comments on the future included - -social life nil

-further depopuiation -orcharding on flat valleys -the whole area will be six farms Some optimism came forth, however, as indicated-

-farming in the area will improve

-a reversal of present social trends, hopefully -a local revival of communities

-farming will become more viable.

Population must decline as a result of above, reducing social standards even further.

Production must fall off because of bigger areas and fewer workers. To provide education and a decent standard of family life, farmers will move to town and thus further aggravate the position by far- ming from a distance .. "

3) "The main problem facing increased farm production is that the land is being farmed more ex- tensively. It is cheaper to buyout the neighbour and run things a little easier than try and farm the original block more intensively ...

9.15.1

Excerpts from replies to Question 1 4 with reference to roading conditions appear under the Social section - 10.2 on Page 20.

9.15.2

The following are some of the individual replies to the Question 15, dealing with the future of the area.

1) "Isolation becomes more and more of a problem as the economics of farming tend to drive more properties into amalgamation. It is a trend that cannot help the country in the long term as in the main, production per acre falls when larger proper- ties are farmed. The oil crisis will ultimately help to accelerate this by increasing costs in the back coun- try to the stage that presumably in time Whangamomona will be farmed not very efficiently by half a dozen or so graziers."

L) "Areas must be bigger to absorb increased costs due to inflation etc ...

e.g. 1950 economic unit - 600 ewes (rehab) 1979 economic unit -?

1 990 economic unit - ! ! !

If some way could be found to make 500 acres produce a comfortable living without ever having to own more land, then eventually the trend may rever- se itself and farm acreages will begin to decrease, with the resulting increase in population.

At the moment I can't see any reason why the trend will not continue as it has, with larger farms, fewer people and a further erosion of social life and services ... "

4) "If present trends continue, all land will be far- med by absentee owners ... "

5) "Amalgamation of farms is the worst possible thing to happen in a small country area ... "

6) "Open up Aotuhia and settle Mt Damper . . . Settling young people onto the land is the best incen- tive for the back country ... "

7) "There could possibly be a great deal of land amalgamation by local farmers -socially detrimental - decline in productivity as one man can only manage a certain amount of land successfully.

We believe the area has a terrific potential for in- creased production (primary) if only the right people (with ability and sound farming knowledge) are ~

couraged.

There are a great many acres that are just being grazed not farmed but how that problem is overcome we do not know. One cannot force a farmer to give up his land.

Perhaps the goverment could involve itself in more land development - not so intensive as the Mangawhata and Mangapapa (Kohuratahi and Mt Damper) blocks . . . Maybe decent boundary and some internal fences, good buildings and access.

With this, plus money for further development, an energetic young farmer should progress."

8) "If the governments keep making bigger farms to be economic, there will be that few people left, what few services are left will disappear, then the last farmers will leave for the cities, and the government can then plant it in trees, and the land will be back where it was 1 00 years ago."

9) "Cost of land, cost of development, discouraging people from settling in the back coun- try, will have serious consequences.

One can envisage more schools, stores etc., closing -a major disincentive for farming families.

Page nineteen

Expect to see more takeovers and farms run by bachelors or managers."

1 0) "Farms may well improve, but probably get bigger, run by managers or owners from town.

Socially most clubs etc., will die out, and those who require social activities will have to travel to town.

Or maybe, within twenty years the potential of hill country will be recognised and the rebuilding and expansion will requir.e people and the good country life will start all over again."

COMMENT ON Q.15 9.15.3

From the replies to this question on future trends, it is obvious that many farmers at present in the study area are concerned about the social and agricultural future of the riding.

Above all, future mergers of farming units were singled out as having possible adverse effects on both facets - socially and farming.

10.0

SOCIAL ASPECTS OF STUDY AREA 10.1

POPULATION

Census population figures for the Whangamomona Riding since merger with the Strat- ford County in 1955 are as follows - (also refer to graph)

Census Year Total Population

1956 845

1961 869

1966 712

1971 552

1976 458

An estimate for 1979 based on these surveys is 380.

The following are the comparable figures for the Stratford County during the same period, and figures for the area of the Stratford County outside the Whangamomona Riding.

Census Year Total Stratford Stfd County County less Whanga.

1956 6216 5374

1961 6027 5158

1966 5655 4943

1971 5298 4746

1976 5084 4626

Note - July 1979 Government provisional population figures for Stratford County were 4850, a further drop of 234.

As can be seen, the population decline in the Whangamomona Riding from 1961 to 1976 has been at a far greater rate than that of the remainder of the Stratford County; a 47% decline in the Whangamomona Riding compared to 10% for the remainder of the Stratford County.

It is quite likely that if figures from the other 'back country' ridings of the Stratford County, Ngatimaru and Mangaehu, were taken account of, the population losses during this period would vO,ry even more between the eastern hill country, and the western flatter land.

Peak population recorded in the study area was in 1 911 , the first census year after the formation of the Whangamomona County, when the figure was 1615.

This included 82 for the township of Strathmore, and while Whangamomona village was not listed, estimates of its population are from 100 to 200.

This figure of 161 5 would have been lower than that during the first decade of the 1900s. It is also possible a higher figure would have been recorded in 1931 had a census been taken when the railway town of Tangarakau was thriving.

From the graph it can be clearly seen that there are two distinct periods of a noticeable decline in population - 1936 to 1945, and more recently 1966 to 1979.

As mentioned, a decline also took place from 1 901 to 1 91 6.

Main reasons for the three periods of decline are-

a) 1901 to 1 91 6 - This period saw the decrease in workforce numbers in the area associated with sawmilling, road and railways development, land development, and later the exodus of men to World War One.

b) 1936 to 1945 - The sharp 35% decline in population during these nine years reflected the ef- fects of the 1929-35 depression, after wilich land was abandoned. Manpower loss to World War Two also contributed to some extent.

c) 1966 to 1979 - This slide in numbers coin- cided with economic farming difficulties due to the 1966 drop in wool prices, which led to merging of some farm units.

Other factors included a tendency towards smaller families, a loss of people associated with services - policeman, district nurse, etc., - and less non-farming workforces due to mechanisation and centralisation.

Since 1960, N.l.E.D. employees have left the area, workforce numbers for the Stratford County and N.l. Railways have decreased, and the N.l.

Forest Service Camp at Te Wera has closed, as the main body of workers travel daily from Stratford.

10.2 ROADING

The study area is serviced by State Highway 43 which runs for approximately 60 km from Strathmore on the western border of the riding to the Tangarakau Gorge, and then on to link with Ohura, about 30 km from the gorge, and Taumarunui, about 65 km distant. (See map Page 4).

In turn the highway is fed by either loop or no-exit roads servicing farmed areas.

S.H. 43 through the study area is generally narrow, winding and slow travelling, crOSSing four saddles.

The lengths from Strathmore to the western foot of the Whangamomona Saddle, and from Whangamomona village to just west of the Tahora Saddle have been sealed over the last 25 years, though little of this was done during the last decade.

Page twenty

10.1.1

1800

1500

P 1300

0 P U L A T

I 1000

0 N

800

500

300

POPULATION OF WHANGAMOMONA RIDING

Merger of Stratford

and Whangamomona Counties (1955)

1911 1916 1921 1926. 1936 1945 1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1976

CENSUS YEARS

Page twenty-one

1979 est.