Station Amusements in New Zealand is a delightful and insightful exploration of life on a New Zealand sheep station in the late 1800s. Mary Anne Barker's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling bring the reader into the everyday experiences and challenges faced by the residents of the station.
From sheep shearing competitions to Maori cultural events, Barker paints a rich and detailed picture of the diverse activities that take place on the station. Her love for the land and its people shines through in her writing, making the reader feel a true sense of connection to the community she describes.
One of the most captivating aspects of Station Amusements in New Zealand is Barker's ability to convey the beauty and harshness of the New Zealand landscape. The stunning scenery and unpredictable weather play a central role in the lives of the station residents, shaping their daily routines and interactions.
Overall, Station Amusements in New Zealand is a charming and engrossing read that offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Barker's passion for her subject matter is evident on every page, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of New Zealand.
Book Description:
Station Amusements in New Zealand is a collection of vignettes about life on a sheep station in colonial New Zealand during the 1860s and is a further embellishment of events presented in Mary Anne Barker’s first book "Station Life in New Zealand". Mary Anne Barker and her husband Frederick Broomie lived at their sheep station “Broomielaw” under the foothills of the Southern Alps of Canterbury, New Zealand for three years from 1865 – 1868. Mary Anne Barker wrote in Chapter I: “I purpose therefore in these sketches to describe some of the pursuits which afforded us a keen enjoyment at the time, --an enjoyment arising from perfect health, simple tastes, and an exquisite climate.”