Format: Place

Linked To

Image

Place (28)

Publication (PDF)

Place (3)

Narrative

Place (2)

Collection

Place

Person

Place

Map

Recollections

Add

no stories yet

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License

This licence lets you remix, tweak, and build upon our work noncommercially and although your new works must also acknowledge us and be noncommercial, you do not have to license the derivative works on the same terms.

Tools

Download Add to Collection Contact us about this Citation for this item

Okakea West Melton

Description

NameWest MeltonOkakeaDescriptionOkakea West Melton was established as a farming district in 1863, and was farmed for sheep, grain and potatoes. Since the 1970s, its closeness to Christchurch has seen the creation of small rural blocks of land and a diversification into olives, vineyards, and nut orchards. The area has also has a long association with the horse-racing industry.

Although there was no natural water-supply, stock were provided for by an extensive water-race system built in the 1880s. In 1872 a general store was opened which meant that locals didn’t have to get all of their supplies from Christchurch. A Post office was added to the shop in 1872.

In the early 1900s, West Melton became an abundant producer of oats, wheat and turnips.

Two of the earliest roads through West Melton were The Coal Track, where coal was transported from Malvern to Christchurch (now Old West Coast Road) and Bealey Track (now State Highway 73). Samuel Bealey, who this road was named after, was a notable local who farmed in Hororata, and was an early Superintendent of Canterbury.

The first school in West Melton was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, in 1871. Later that year, a school opened on land donated by J. Franks. There was a roll of 41 students in its first year. This school was later replaced in 1963, and the old building was used as a storage shed on the Pearce Brothers’ farm.

Since the Canterbury earthquakes, West Melton’s population has increased and subdivisions are being developed to cater for this growth.

Geolocation^[1]

Image

Publication (PDF)

Narrative

Collection

Person

Start typing here to find a location	Latitude	Longitude	Zoom	Actions

loading google map....

Save Cancel

Menu

Okakea West Melton