Station Life in New Zealand

Author: Lady Mary Anne Barker

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National Library of NZ Entry (First Edition)

National Library of NZ Entry (Edition Pictured Above)

Station Life in New Zealand, first published in 1870, is a beloved New Zealand classic penned by Lady Mary Anne Barker. This captivating memoir, written as letters to her sister in England, chronicles the three years Barker and her husband, Frederick, spent managing a sheep station in Canterbury. Their venture thrives until a devastating snowstorm decimates their livestock, prompting them to sell the station and return to England. Through Barker’s vivid prose, readers are transported to the rugged beauty of 19th-century New Zealand.

Barker, an Englishwoman of gentry status, is a remarkable figure whose life has inspired extensive biographical accounts (read more here and here). Her letters brim with rich detail, recounting their arrival, the setup of their farmhouse, the management of servants, and daily life on the station. Barker’s adventures: excursions on foot or horseback, visits to neighbours, and encounters with local wildlife, paint a vibrant picture of colonial life. Her descriptions of the ever-changing weather, lush bush, and native birds are both poetic and immersive. As a talented writer, Barker keeps readers engaged with her wit, recounting festive holidays, mishaps, and the challenges of rural living.

Though Barker and Frederick do not labour on the station themselves, Barker embraces tasks like cooking when servants are scarce and delights in tending to hens and small animals. Her adventurous spirit shines as she fearlessly explores remote shearing sheds, climbs mountains, and mingles with workmen. She observes the robust health and confidence of New Zealand’s settlers compared to their English counterparts, taking an active role in their welfare by organizing church services and a school for local children.

Above all, Barker’s love for New Zealand radiates through her letters, making her enthusiasm infectious.

The 1908 edition reviewed here, printed for a French library, includes an insightful introduction to New Zealand, black-and-white photographs, and a fold-out map that enhances the historical context. The book’s enduring popularity is evident in its multiple reprints, and it’s readily available in libraries, bookstores, or as a free public domain text on Project Gutenberg.

Why Read This Book?

While not a children’s book, Station Life in New Zealand is an excellent family read-aloud for ages 10 and up. Barker’s engaging storytelling, peppered with humour and poignant moments, offers a vivid window into the challenges and joys of colonial life. Older children with strong reading skills will enjoy it independently, while families can bond over its tales of adventure and resilience. The book serves as a living history lesson, illuminating mid-19th-century New Zealand with authenticity and charm.

Some sample pages...

Content Note for Parents: The text includes descriptions of hunting and killing animals, which may require discussion with younger readers.

Highly recommended for families, history enthusiasts, and readers seeking a firsthand account of colonial New Zealand. Whether you borrow it from a library, purchase a copy, or download it from Project Gutenberg, Barker’s memoir is a treasure worth exploring.

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