Remembering Them

The story of the returned servicemen who settled in this valley is one of trials and tribulations. Their attempt to bring the bush into farmland was an enormous challenge which they accepted eagerly.

They started families, formed a strong community and worked hard to bring in the land. Financial burdens meant that they were unable to borrow capital to buy the much needed stock to graze the land they had cleared and grassed.

Many of these hard working settlers were disheartened having spent the best years of their lives in fruitless labour. When the government of the day did not stand behind these men and closed the valley roads, they were forced to leave.