Source: Heritage New Zealand
Totara Estate near Ōamaru will play a prime role in this year’s National Lamb Day celebrations on February 15.
The historic farmstead, a Tohu Whenua cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, sent the first-ever shipment of frozen export meat from New Zealand to Britain in 1882, an event that created the multi-billion dollar industry that changed New Zealand’s economy forever.
February 15 commemorates the exact day 143 years ago when the ship Dunedin left Port Chalmers for the three-month voyage to London carrying just under 5000 sheep and lamb carcasses that had been freshly processed at Totara Estate.
“This was a significant moment in New Zealand’s history and Totara Estate was at the epicentre of it. It’s very appropriate that this place is a central part of National Lamb Day celebrations,” says Totara Estate Property Lead Jacqui Allison.
Celebrations will be particularly fitting for the occasion, with New Zealand’s rich agricultural heritage featuring prominently.
“We’re looking forward to inspiring people with live demonstrations by local experts who will showcase a range of farm-related talents including knife skills, butchery, blade shearing, spinning and other wool crafts,” she says.
“Visitors will also be able to engage their minds with some captivating live readings and entertaining talks that bring history and culture to life – or just ‘chill’ to the sounds of local musicians who will create the perfect festive mood.”
And if that wasn’t enough, a range of outdoor games for kids, and older people with a finely developed inner child, promise laughter and smiles all around.
People can bring their own picnic, or support some of the local businesses who will be there on the day, including Mark from That Food Guy and Barb from Brews and Bites.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the community in what is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of a very important date in New Zealand’s history,” says Jacqui.
Totara Estate would like to acknowledge the support of Gallaway Cook Allan , the National Lamb Day team and The Better Drinks Company in putting together this event.
From minus zero to hero
It was a big gamble sending a load of frozen meat from New Zealand to London in 1882.
Besides the huge investment of actually prepping the first export shipment, the sheer size of the cargo versus the logistics of carrying coal for the long trip made a steam-powered ship impractical, and so the cargo had to travel for three months under sail. Success of the mission depended on the onboard refrigeration system running well.
Fortunately the man at the helm of the Dunedin was Captain John Whitson, who had taken the time to read up on refrigeration prior to leaving New Zealand. A good thing too. On the way, the ship was becalmed in the tropics and the crew noticed that the cold air in the hold was not circulating, endangering the meat.
Whitson crawled into the hold, sawed some extra air holes to improve the flow of cold air in order to keep the temperature low, though almost froze to death in the process. Thankfully the crew managed to haul him out of the freezer and resuscitate him.
As a result of Whitson’s determination, the ship arrived with its cargo in excellent condition. Only one carcass had to be condemned.
