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In our Esol class we studied how the early settlers in 1910 Stratford live and feel and how this compared to the locals' experience. We went to the Pioneer Village and found these answers:
Stratford Patea river was cleared on the north bank in 1877. The European settlers named it Stratford-on-Patea, after Stratford-on-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace. The town of Stratford has a Shakespearean theme naming streets after characters. The population grew and reached 6,000 by 1906. The early European settler would have lived in Stratford, Midhurst and outer areas where they established farming. Travel was difficult in these times. Their living conditions meant that they were cold and couldn't afford heating. Conditions were very tough in the earlier times but with new services coming this situation improved by 1910.
Flour bags were used to make bloomers, shirts, trousers and dress linings, socks and stockings were knitted and darned at home with the wool sometimes coming from the family sheep, shorn and spun at home. Clothes were often too big and whoever got up first got dressed the best. Women wore blouses and long skirts, long dresses with a pinifore overtop, cloaks hats and long coats. Two sets of clothing were used Sunday best and another set for home and working. Hair was generally kept up if long and handbags were homemade. Men wore trousers with braces, vests, fob watches, jackets and hats.
Childhood was short, children started work at age 12-13. Also children younger than this had to work before and after school. Some examples of work are: labourers, farmers hand, sawmillers hand, dairy workers. Students even bunked school to go to work for their family. The settlers felt tired and lonely and the weekly visit to the market was about the only time they saw other people. Life was precious because death was common and not much medical treatment was available. In January 1886 fire west of Stratford destroyed the Stratford and Midurst townships. Accidents happened like drowning or being hit by falling trees. Women and children would also get lost in the bush. Children in these times were seen and not heard. They were physically punished so generally behaved themselves. Most families went to church every Sunday.
The first settlers in Stratford were the Maori villagers who lived in the hills. They settled there in AD1300 and usually lived on the coast. In AD1800 there were 100,000 Maori in New Zealand. Maoris usually lived on the coast. In 1910 typhoid broke out and spread through the Taranaki tribes. Life was also hard for them and when they were introduced to European diseases because they found it difficult to fight them. The population decreased because of war and disease. The clothing of the maori and the europeans was very different but helped keep them warm. Their food was similar but the way they prepare and cooked it was different.
In conclusion life in 1910 Stratford was hard for both the maori and the european. The maori would have probably felt angry that their territory was being invaded. The europeans would have probably felt excited about their new home. Now both races live together mostly in harmony. We enjoyed learning more about NZ history and our heritage.
Eka & Jasmine Yr 9
