Dreamtown of the South
February 21, 2008
Jackson Bay, situated as it is in a spot south of Haast in South Westland, New Zealand, is about as isolated as any of the early settlements in early New Zealand ever were. So it is little surprise that the settlement only lasted for three years from 1875 to 1878.
Early Grave - Jackson Bay
Dreams for a thriving farming district were dashed on the rocks of a harsh and unforgiving landscape and climate. The early settlers arriving under an assisted immigrant program knew little about farming, and even less about clearing land. Especially land as rugged as this. Above average rainfall in the first two years rotted crops in the ground, and caused all manner of sickness and flooding. Land allocations were messy, with many blocks too small to farm, and no wharf was built for supplies to be landed, the government of the day ignoring the settlers pleas for one to be built. The town plan was hopelessly optimistic, with many streets impossible to lay out according to plan due to the terrain and so only a few were laid. However, in spite of all the harshness, there are descendants of some of those original families still living in the area, and a wharf now stands in the bay.
End of the Road? - Jackson Bay
For Sale - Jackson Bay
Bleak, isolated, yet starkly beautiful on a sunny calm day, Jackson Bay appears largely for sale at the moment. The only real industry now is tied to the sea, and that of course, is fishing. And even that is threatened these days.
The Cray Pot - Jackson Bay
Jackson Bay from the wharf
Jackson Bay from the shore
The Wharf - Jackson Bay