Story: Canterbury region

Sheep shearing

Sheep shearing

After settlers arrived, sheep farming was soon the most important economic activity, and large leasehold runs were established by 1860. These employed agricultural labourers such as shepherds and shearers, and often generated enormous wealth for the runholders. These men at the Horsley Down run in North Canterbury are classing and packing fleeces.

Using this item

Canterbury Museum, J. D. Lance Collection
Reference: 1987.152.4
Photograph by E. Wheeler and Son

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'Canterbury region - Agriculture before 1900', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10319/sheep-shearing (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by John Wilson, reviewed & revised 6 Jul 2015