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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Poplar Grove Estate
Poplar Grove Estate (William Kirkland, proprietor), Middlemarch. When the Strath-Taieri was first thrown open for settlement the late Mr. John Kirkland acquired two one-hundred-acre blocks, the nucleus of the present estate. Six months later he visited his property for the first time, and finding that the adjoining blocks had not been taken up, he applied for them and secured them. Other small properties have been added by his son, Mr. William Kirkland, who is now proprietor of the estate, in addition to his large farm on the Taieri Plain. “Poplar Grove,” which now comprises 1714 acres, may be termed the “pick” of the Strath-Taieri. The whole property is of first-class arable land, and has been improved, fenced, and sub-divided into nineteen paddocks, with a running stream of water in each. Wheat grown on the estate averages forty-five bushels per acre, and oats fifty-five bushels, while turnips, potatoes, and other root crops are raised with exceptional success. There is a fine herd of cattle at “Poplar Grove,” and the milk of about fifty cows is sent to the Middlemarch creamery. About 1000 crossbred sheep are also grazed, and the farm outbuildings, which are scrupulously clean, reflect much credit upon the management.