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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Gladbrook Estate
Gladbrook Estate has been owned by Messrs Murray, Roberts and Co. since 1873. It was originally held by Mr. Campbell Thompson, one of the pioneer settlers of Otago, at which time it extended from the Rock and Pillar Range to Deep Stream. The estate passed from Mr. Campbell Thompson into the hands of Messrs Gordon and Shepherd, who held it for a few years, until the Government began to cut up land for settlement. Messrs Murray, Roberts and Company then acquired the present Gladbrook estate, together with the adjoining Patearoa run, which extended over the Maniototo Plain. The lease of Patearoa expired in 1904, when the Government cut up that large property into small grazing runs. “Gladbrook” now comprises about 10,000 acres of freehold, and 45,600 acres of leasehold land. Of the freehold, 5,000 acres are first-class agricultural land, which has been improved, and is cropped chiefly for stock purposes. The average returns are forty-five bushels of wheat per acre, and seventy bushels of oats; though oats have yielded up to 110 bushels and wheat up to sixty-five bushels per acre. The leasehold portion of the property is a grazing run, extending from the agricultural tableland to the summit of the Rock and Pillar Range, and here 15,000 crossbred sheep are grued. For many years up to 42,000 sheep have been shorn annually on the combined Gladbrook and Patearoa estates. There are about 800 cattle at Gladbrook—solely of the Polled Angus breed—for the raising of which prize stock were specially imported. Clydesdale and lighter horses are also bred on the estate, which may be termed one of the best properties in Central Otago, and the numerous farm buildings are well appointed. The beautiful homestead, surrounded by its well laid out gardens, is the country residence of Mr. John Roberts, C.M.G.