Coromandel Life Magaizine 2017 Winter

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FOr MOre InFOrMAtIOn...
To book Athenree for an event, wedding or special tour contact Val
Read the story of the Athenree Heritage restoration in our last two
issues of Coromandel Life.
Beryl Hughes’ biography of Adela Stewart
Butter becomes a money maker
1884 began very gaily for Hugh and me, for we drove to the eight
miles distant lovely home of friends, whose little daughter was to be
christened in the drawing-room. There was a large gathering of mutual
acquaintances for the ceremony and then a sumptuous repast of so
many courses that we were filled with admiration and astonishment.
One day’s holiday meant double work on the following day, and it being a
very hot one, I did not enjoy churning, the butter being so soft that could
do nothing with it. However, I got up next morning at 5 o’clock, found
my 3 lbs. butter quite firm, and a few hours later sold it for 10d per lb. to
holiday-makers camped on the Waihi Beach; so I began making moneyl
Home brew for the work crew
With so many young men constantly coming and going, we began to see
that it was desirable to provide them with something a little stronger than
tea, so early on, I started hop beer, and kept it up without intermission for
the next twenty-two years.
To ten gallons of coldwater add 1/2 lb. dried hops, 8 lbs. moist sugar,
and 2 lbs. maize (Indian corn). Let stand for twenty-four hours; boil
quickly for two hours; strain into a wooden tub in a warm place. When
fermentation starts (in a week or two, according to temperature), which
will demonstrate itself by small surface bubbles, strain through a canvas
bag. Bottle, let stand till loam rises, then cork, tie down tightly.
It will be fit to drink in 2-4 weeks, and prove a most wholesome, refreshing
light beer. All the cadets who desired were taught this, as well as bread
and butter making which might prove useful when they left Athenree.
We were getting such quantities of honey, for which now that everyone
kept bees there was no sale, that we gave it away to all who would take
it, and still it came; so instead of 8 lbs. sugar for 10 gallons hop beer, I
used honey, which made it much clearer, and more sparkling.
In 1906, Hugh and Adela sailed to England, having grown too old to
work the farm. There Adela started compiling her book based upon on
her original journals. The book, My Simple Life in New Zealand, was first
published in 1908. After Hugh passed away in 1909, Adela returned to
NZ with books to sell. Unfortunately she died upon her arrival in Katikati.
There were other reprints over ensuing years, until 2011, when the
Athenree Homestead Trust reprinted the book, with improved and some
new photographs as well as an index (see above).
The book can be purchased from the Homestead for only $20. Order
online at
Kitchen • homewares
Interior design pieces
Exhibitions • Lessons
Gift Vouchers • Commissions
Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 4pm
...or by appointment
LAUGHING POTTERY
Andrew Killick
18 Rosemont Road, Waihi
0277 344 548
Experience the pure
simple imperfection
of hand crafted
pottery
NEW STUDIO IN WAIHI now open
p: 07 863 5688/5689 l e:
While at the Beach, visit
the RSA on top of the hill
•GUNNERS VIEW RESTAURANT OPEN 7 DAYS-LUNCH & DINNER
•COURTESY VAN 7 DAYS • TAB, BIG SCREEN TV, SKY SPORTS
• TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT & AFFORDABLE MEMBERSHIP
Spectacular Views, Great Food, Bar & Sport Facilities
WAIHI
BEACH
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Previous
editions
of Adela’s
book
above.
The 2011
reprint at
right.