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Private Horse-drawn Carts
Description
TitlePrivate Horse-drawn Carts
DescriptionThe two greatest initial problems for travel in Ellesmere were the swamps and the lack of landmarks.
Initially there were no roads but is some cases a person would plough a single furrow through the ground so that this could be followed by subsequent travellers.
After the surveyors had surveyed the land, Thomas Cass asked that people plough the sides of the road so that their location could be found. When the Roads Boards were set up in 1864 tenders were advertised for applying shingle on top of the soil from ditches on either side of the road.
Thus it was now possible for easier movement using privately owned horse drawn carts.
Early in the 1870s American Buggies, which were light and be pulled by one horse, came into use.
Spring-carts, many built in Southbridge, were unequaled for conveying the whole family. They were often covered and used by grocers and butchers to distribute produce.
Carts were used frequently to move goods such as shingle, wool, and other farm produce. They were often piled high with goods and a driver perched on-top.
Horses and carts were still being used widely in the 1920s when people were starting to “motor” around the district.
DescriptionThe two greatest initial problems for travel in Ellesmere were the swamps and the lack of landmarks.Initially there were no roads but is some cases a person would plough a single furrow through the ground so that this could be followed by subsequent travellers.
After the surveyors had surveyed the land, Thomas Cass asked that people plough the sides of the road so that their location could be found. When the Roads Boards were set up in 1864 tenders were advertised for applying shingle on top of the soil from ditches on either side of the road.
Thus it was now possible for easier movement using privately owned horse drawn carts.
Early in the 1870s American Buggies, which were light and be pulled by one horse, came into use.
Spring-carts, many built in Southbridge, were unequaled for conveying the whole family. They were often covered and used by grocers and butchers to distribute produce.
Carts were used frequently to move goods such as shingle, wool, and other farm produce. They were often piled high with goods and a driver perched on-top.
Horses and carts were still being used widely in the 1920s when people were starting to “motor” around the district.
Connections
CollectionThe Movement of People and their Goods
Attribution
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Private Horse-drawn Carts. Selwyn Stories, accessed 09/02/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6027
