Page 12 - J G Book

As small clearings were grassed, a few cows made their appearance, and butter, made
and salted in kegs, was taken to the various stores and exchanged for goods in small
quantities.

The dampness proved a blessing in many respects,
for it favoured the growth of fungus on the timber
and the gathering and drying of this “Taranaki
wool” soon became quite an industry in the
district. Fungus was sold in large quantities to
Chew Chong, the Chinese gentleman who was
later responsible for the introduction of the
dairying industry on a large scale.”
Edible fungus auricularia polytricha Known locally as “Taranaki Wool”
The Chinese call it mu er (“tree ear”) Image taken from Settler Kaponga by Rollo Arnold

“Cocksfoot grass suited
the conditions of the
district and this soon
predominated on the
various clearings.
When this grass ran to
seed it provided another
industry of value, being
gathered by hand among
the logs.”

Harvesting coxhead grass
seed. Image taken from
Farming Progress in New
Zealand by Irene Waswo

“With very few markets for what the early farmers had to sell, and there being a
necessity for the seller to take goods in exchange on the barter system, the pioneers
had to seek other avenues of employment in order to obtain ready money with which
they intended to improve their properties. They found a market for their labours with
the Government, and many of them were soon engaged on making roads throughout
the district…..The Auroa district, unlike so many others, failed to benefit from a
sawmilling industry in the early days.”

Taranaki dairy factory 1902.
A meeting place for farmers.
Alexander Turnbull Library
R.E. Cleverly collection
Ref 1 / 2 -19786-F

“In the early days the
Auroa district was noted
for pheasant and pigeon
shooting…
Ducks were also
numerous and these,
together with wild
pigeons, were
slaughtered in hundreds,

8 graemekenyon@hotmail.com 4/11/16