Stitchers: Jean Baxter, Mary Farrell, Barbara McAuley, Doreen Gaille, Robyn Moffitt, Dorothy Leandwer-Johna, Pam McKenzie & Diana Morgan – Waipu
Cook’s expeditions had opened up New Zealand as a land of new opportunities. In 1809 William W Stewart charted the island of Rakiura, also known as Stewart Island, whilst on a sealing expedition. Many Scots were involved in whaling. Robert Fyffe from Perthshire worked from the Marlborough Sounds until he established the new Waiopuka whaling station at Kaikoura in 1842. He later turned to farming, keeping large flocks. His cousin George built Fyffe House, now in the care of the Historic Places Trust. Other important Scots whalers included John “Scotch Jock” Nicol, and Hector and Agnes McDonald on Kapiti Island.
NZ02 Luchd nam Mucan-mara
Bha mòr-thursan Cook air Sealain Nuadh fhosgladh a-mach mar dhùthaich làn chothroman. Ann an 1809 chlàr Uilleam W Stiùbhart eilean Rakiura, cuideachd aithnichte mar Eilean an Stiúbhartaich, fhad ‘s a bha e air mòr-thuras a’ sealg ròn. Bha mòran Albannach an sàs ann an sealg mhucan-mara. Bha Raibeart Fyffe à Siorrachd Pheairt ag obair ann an Caoil Mharlborough gus an do stèidhich e stèisean ùr mhucan-mara Waiopuka ann an Kaikoura ann an 1842. Thionndaidh e às dèidh sin gu tuathanachas, a’cumail treudan mòra de chaorach. Thog Seòras a cho-ogha, Taigh Fyffe, a-nis ann an cùram Urras Àiteachan Eachdraidheil. Am measg luchd ainmeil nam mucan-mara, bha Iain “Seoc Albannach” MacNeacail, agus Eachann is Agnes Dhòmhnallach air Eilean Kapiti.