.jpg)
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Tokarahi Station
Tokarahi Station , Tokarahi. This property was taken up with others in 1861 by Messrs Borton and McMaster and at the dissolution of the partnership, in 1878, the part known as “Tokarahi” was taken over by the late Mr. Alex. McMaster. It consisted of 13,000 acres of freehold and 70,000 leasehold, with a carrying capacity of 42,000 sheep. The Crown leases expired in 1891. A large amount of the freehold property has been sold by Mr. A. A. McMaster to the Government for settlement purposes, and he has retained only the homestead block with 1500 acres. This land is splendidly adapted for grain and root crops and the rearing and fattening of stock. Mr. McMaster keeps a small stud of thoroughbred horses and choice lots of pure-bred Alderney, Jersey and Guernsey cattle from imported stock; but the great feature of the property is its stud flock of strong combing heavy fleeced Merinos, descended from South Australian stock imported in 1864. At the dissolution of the original partnership this flock was divided, and in the following year the late Mr. Alex. McMaster imported another twenty rams from Mr. C. B. Fisher, of South Australia. In this way he established the existing high-class Tokarahi stud, which has gained over 330 first, second and third prizes, exclusive of numerous championships.