Burke Manuscript

Burke Manuscript: Page 247

Transcript

A big undertaking in the fifties was the big drain through the Ohoka and Rangiora Swamps. It was a tough job, not only on account of the water but the underground timber. Tom Hughes a contractor did it. Another big affair in the draining way was when Mr R.H. Rhodes (Bobby) the sire of the Rhodes, Elmwood family, put the big drain through his Styx property, now known as Marshlands. That also was a tough job. Then men gave up the contract as a losing job, work suspended. Mr Rhodes obstinate. Men ditto. Mr Rhodes, in his way, tramping and spitting. But good man at bottom. “You won’t work! Finish your contract”. “No.” “I’ll make you! Phsh phsh!” and off he would ride. “Well men, how are you all getting on?” on returning. “Can’t do it, Mr Rhodes, lose money”, said the men, covered with swamp slush and surrounded by underground roots. “It must be done. You must do it. Go on with your work. Tell me what it will cost” and off. “Very well, Mr Rhodes.” It was done and he paid them. It cost money. Often Mr Rhodes would come across in his whaleboat from Purau before others were about, get on his chestnut nag in Port, ride over the Hill, canter to Christchurch, on to Kaiapoi. He was the sort of stuff pioneers ought to be made of. As to his business qualifications the fortune he left behind him tells its own tale. They were a wonderful money making family, all the four brothers succeeded. “Barney”, as he was called of Wellington on his first trips in a small craft from Sydney used to buy pieces of country as big as Canterbury for a few odds and ends. Then he would take off his hat and proclaim “In the name of God and of Messrs. Sydney and myself, I take possession of this land” and he would wave his hand, ah, away to the South Pole.