Foxton 1888-1988 - Other Industry

[NZBC]

In 1930 Mr D. Christie suggested that individual gardeners might unite to provide produce for the Wellington market. He noted the in­creasing number of Chinese who were operating market gardens in the area. The easily worked soil and mild climate proved to be ideal for the production of vegetables. The first of the Chinese market gardeners appears to have been Chung Wah who was in business in the town early this century. The Chinese brought their own culture with them and in the early years naturally kept themselves somewhat apart. In 1908 the Herald reported that a raid to check for opium at the Chinese gardens in Avenue Road had been made . Many others have joined Chung Wah in the local area including the Youngs, Young Toos, Wahs and Soos. Euro­peans have also produced vegetables and/or flowers for the markets particularly Royce Evans, Fred Hayes, Terry Smith, Alan Kluit, and Arie Jongenell who took over the gardens established by John Madder­on. In 1952 the numbers of producers was such that a Commercial Growers Association was formed. Royce Evans decided to do his own marketing in Wellington during the fifties and set up an Open Market. At this Royce and other producers were able to sell directly, and conse­quently cheaper, to the housewives. There have many small, commer­cial orchards in the district with George Nyes in Newth Road probably the most noteworthy. He had several glasshouse with many varieties of grapes from which he made wine. He also sold walnuts and for many years the trees were all that remained of his activities. Mr Thompson of Baker Street grew beautiful apples and was known locally as "Apple Thompson". Mr Bullard's orchard in Avenue Road was a favourite with the school children - at the 1954 School Reunion Dinner Mr Bullard invited all those who had ever raided the orchard to stand up - half of the men present stood!! Others to have orchards were Bakers, Grays, Ingrams, Hughes and Spiers and in more recent years Soos and van Tyl. The kiwifruit expansion has also reached the town with a number of orchards beginning to yield. horowhenua.kete.net.nz/en/site/topics/2377-foxton-1888-1988-other-industry