Harvest Home to Honour the Working Horse

New Zealand Historic Places Trust information release
1 March 2005

Following last year's highly successful celebration, Totara Estate is again reviving an age-old tradition of 'welcoming in' the harvest, with a grand 'live day' planned for Sunday 3rd April.

The Estate, just south of historic Oamaru, is famous as the birthplace of New Zealand's frozen meat industry. Last year's 'recreation' of the Harvest Home* was the first to be held on the Estate in 100 years! The most significant occurred in 1896, when over 300 guests from afar away as Dunedin arrived, requiring the west wall of the Barn to be removed before festivities could begin!

The 2005 version promises its own special pageantry and colour. Centre stage will be the 'working horse', in a celebration of their contribution to New Zealand life. Clydesdale handling demonstrations, harnessing and shoeing displays will culminate in a grand parade and judging competition (what to look for in a prize Clydesdale!). Totara's famous 'Swaggers' will once again descend on the Estate, set up camp and tell 'tall tales' as they await the start of their annual 'Race to the Brydone Monument'. Lunchtime 'hawkers' will prepare and sell traditional farm fare - lamb shanks, blackened corn and more - while skilled trades such as blacksmith, blade shearers, saddlers and woodworkers will demonstrate their craft. Young Victorian 'peddlers' will test their entrepreneurial spirit by selling their wares, be it boiled sweets or peg dolls.

The day will commence with a traditional Thanksgiving service at the Estate Granary at 10.30am and continue late into the afternoon. There will be plenty to keep visitors entertained including penny-farthing and horse and wagon rides, traditional children's games, storytellers, bush bands and roving minstrels.

It is planned for the Steam Train to make an historic trip from Dunedin to the former Totara rail siding, recreating a journey that the first shipment of meat to leave this country undertook over 120 years ago

Estate Manager Scott Elliffe is thrilled to once again host a Harvest Home. "It is hard for us today to realise just how important a successful grain harvest was, but in fact, the prosperity of the whole town depended upon it. Little wonder then that when the last sheaves were safely stowed, it was time to party! It's great that once again we can come together as a community to celebrate the harvest home".

For more information:

Scott Elliffe, Property Manager
Totara Estate
03 434 7169
Email: totaraestate@historic.org.nz

* A ritual of 19th century farming, the Harvest Home was celebrated when the last sheaf of wheat was stored, signifying that food (and profits!) was safely gathered for another year. This event would be cause for great rejoicing accompanied by feasting, music and dancing.

Note: Totara Estate's Harvest Home has been made possible with the generous assistance of principal sponsors DB Mainland Breweries, Brackens Print and the High Country Herald.