Sutherlands is named after the first settler, Mr. Alexander Sutherland, whose farm adjoins the railway station, which is seventeen miles from Timaru on the branch line to Fairlie, and stands 349 feet above the sea. There is a local post office and a public school. The population at the last census was set down at forty-two, but that number can represent only those who live in the immediate vicinity of the railway station.

The Sutherlands Post Office has been conducted at the residence of Mrs Ann Samms for sixteen years, and the telegraph bureau was established in September, 1901. Mails are received and despatched daily. Miss Annie Samms acts as postmistress.

The Public School at Sutherlands is built of wood and iron, and contains one class room and a porch, with accommodation, for forty children. There are thirty names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-six. The playground is large, and sheltered by well grown trees, and there is a five-roomed house for the teacher.

Mr. Leonard Richmond Ellis, teacher in charge of Sutherlands School, was born at Orari, where he was educated and served his pupil-teachership. He was appointed to his present position in October, 1902.