William McLeod Part D Pahaua and Whakapuni

Pahaua

A letter from William McLeod at Pahaua to his uncle Alexander Sutherland described well the conditions he was working in and difficulties he was dealing with.

Pahoa

August 16, 1858

Dear Uncle,

Having recently got notice from you to take charge of Mr Wilson’s sheep, and to look after them where they are running now, accordingly I have gone to see them as often as the weather would permit. There is a number of wild dogs (not less than eight we have seen) going about, and doing a great deal of mischief to his sheep, and to ours, also especially, those that are through the river. I caught three half grown ones, dogs, on Takapou hills with the dogs. We have had very rough weather this winter up to this date, especially when the ewes were lambing. I believe most half of the lambs perished in the wet and cold weather; besides, we have caught the pigs killing several of them. We did all in our power to save them. We had the houses full of ewes and lambs for two or three days during that time, but any that was dropped out was dead in a few hours, as we did not cut them. I am unable to give you the exact number, but I know they are under the last years mark.

Page 1 of William's letter

If I was aware, you were to shear them in Wairarapa (as would be the best place to shear them all) I would put all the wedders over, as they are continually molested with wild dogs here. We have neither gun nor ammunition to kill them, although we should meet them in the door. I have no doubt that your loss in lambs and sheep will naturally lead you to think we have not been doing our duty (but I state you facts) and if you are inclined to think so you had better give timely notice.

I have been up today at Mr Wilson’s sheep. We could not get before for ten days with floods. The wild dogs have killed several, and out of the three hundred he brought from Tuatarata, there is not six lambs. The rough weather and pigs killed - I may say killed – them all. The rest of them do not lamb until October, which is a better season

As Jack is going to Wairarapa tomorrow for some cattle, I will send Wilson a line about his sheep, and I think it is better for him to send a man to the warrie. It is impossible for us to keep dogs from them at such a distance from them. We will find enough to do to keep them off should they stop there, and I will send him word to that effect. As we cannot do them justice, it is better not to have the responsibility.

Your Nephew Wm McLeod

Whakapuni

Alexander Sutherland had made a promise to William McLeod on his arrival in New Zealand that he would eventually settle his nephew on some ground of his own. Some time after the McLeods arrived in Pahaua from Akitio, William reminded his uncle of the promise. His uncle said he remembered it, and that he had 1000 acres over the hills that William could have if he wished. A little later, uncle and nephew walked over the hills from Pahaua, about 10 miles away, and looked down of the Whakapuni flats. The land was pointed out to William, who looked for a long time into the valley filled with high manuka, light bush and fern, with flax growing on most of the flats. At last he remarked, “But Uncle, people will never follow settlement into a place as rough as this.” His uncle’s reply was that he was just as afraid that they would.

Source: Sutherlands of Ngaipu, Pgs 34-36

Its not clear exactly when William McLeod took Whakapuni over. He left Pahaua for there in 1859, but probably as manager and part owner until 1866.

Whakapuni

William McLeod moved to Whakapuni and farmed there on his own account. He lived in a mud hut until a house was built there ten years later.

According to Gene Shaw:

William, a somewhat serious man, wrote home to his father (John) stating that he was unable to find a wife in New Zealand. Back came the reply: Barbara Mackay of Tongue, North Scotland, was now living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay.
 William duly rode there and returned two weeks later married (in 1868) aboard his steed ‘The Parson.’ William and Barbara lived happily and produced eight children. Barbara was held in high esteem by all who knew her.

Barbara Mackay

Mr William McLeod.. was the means of starting our church here. In1871 he was the leader of a deputation to the Hon. Mr Waterhouse to procure land for the church and manse site…that same year the church was built. Through all these years Mr McLeod was an Elder and took the deepest interest and most active part in the work of the church .. almost until the time of his death.

William McLeod (with walking stick) and other McLeod family

On a trip with his horse Lochie, the Reverent John Ross visited the McLeod brothers William and James.

“Lochie was magnificent assisting me negotiating the narrow and often dangerous track which threaded its way through the steep wooded hills and along sharp ridges, and so it was late when I arrived at Whakapuni. Nevertheless, Mr and Mrs William McLeod accorded me the hospitality so characteristic of the hardy pioneers. They were anxious for news of Masterton and the settlers there. Together we gave thanks to God for bringing us to this land and this day.

Next morning Mr McLeod advised me to rest Lochie, saddle up one of his horses, and proceed forthwith to White Rock. Should the weather close in and a storm develop in the rugged terrain it would be disastrous. I knew I could fend for myself and that I was not unaccustomed to sleeping in the open, but I perceived Mr McLeod’s advice should not be disregarded.

As I wended my way along the river, bush and terraces clothed in virgin grass I marvelled at the stark contrast with my native Scotland.

Habitation was indeed sparse. Along the coast station holders and station hands alike spoke of the hardships, the loneliness, and the work that sapped their energy but not their spirit of adventure and freedom present in this new country.

Source: Celebrating 135 years Presbyterian Church in this area in 1871. Martinborough 2006

William and Barbara McLeod raised their family of six sons and two daughters at Whakapuni. 

Whakapuni house

In 1888 they purchased the Hillside property near Martinborough built a house and moved there.

To be continued.