T.D. Burnett (1877 - 1941) “Man from the misty gorges”
"Station owner, politician, benefactor and inspiration to many. He gave his time for the good of the community for no reward other than the satisfaction of helping others", wrote James Maxwell in 1991. Became a Member of Parliament and was responsible for a major South Canterbury, N.Z. irrigation scheme, the Downlands Water Supply.
Oh ye who enter the portals of the Mackenzie to found homes, take the word of a child of the misty
gorges and plant forest trees for your lives.
So shall your mountain facings and river flats
be preserved to your children's Children and for evermore. 1917
T.D. Burnett was born on 25 Nov. 1877 at Mount Cook Station.
He was a member of the Mackenzie County Council
1911-17 representing Tekapo Riding, first chairman Tekapo Rabbit Board, a nature
conservationist, was a moving figure in the establishment of the Tekapo Sale
with its own new yards in 1928, built St David's Pioneer Memorial Church at Cave
in 1930 at his own expense and organised, paid for and erected the memorials at
Burkes Pass, Mackenzie Pass and the
War Memorial on the Cave Hill, involved in
alleviating distress caused by the Great Depression of the 1930s. Instigator of Downlands Water Supply
Scheme, owned Mt Cook Station, he was also instrumental in getting the Land
Act altered to give security of tenure to pastoral lessees, enabling progress in
the high country and was Member of Parliament for Temuka from 1919 until his
death in 1941.
Evening Post, 1 December 1941, Page 8 OBITUARY
MR. T. D. BURNETT, M.P. WELL-KNOWN PASTORALIST
The death occurred early yesterday morning after a severe illness of Mr. Thomas
David Burnett. M.P. for Temuka, aged 64, says a Press Association message from
Timaru. Mr Burnett was first elected to the House of Representatives as member
for Temuka in 1919. He was one of the old Reform Party and had a lifelong
interest in pastoral matters. His knowledge of high-country farming was
profound. Although in recent years he was not a frequent speaker in the debates
in the House his contributions always commanded attention. For some years he had
been in indifferent health. He was one of the best-known station-owners in the
Mackenzie Country. He owned the Mount Cook Station, which was taken up by his
parents in 1864, and which today is the only property in the Mackenzie Country
still owned by the family of its original occupiers. Mr. Burnett was a strong
advocate of tree planting and co-operative farming. He planted 300,000 forest
trees on high country and made a study of erosion and rivers; Mr Burnett was
born in 1877, and was educated at the Timaru Primary School and the Timaru Boys'
High School. Immediately on leaving school he began his career as a pastoralist
on the Mount Cook Station, a property of 31,000 acres, lying between the Tasman
and Jollie Rivers in the neighbourhood of Mount Cook. He specialised in merino
sheep, and owned one of the purest flocks in Canterbury, producing a type
extremely suitable to the high country in which they are bred. He also looked
after other family properties, including Aorangi, Cave, Cox's Downs, and Tasman
Islands in the Tasman Valley. Aorangi was taken up by his parents in 1872. Mr. Burnett established the Strathona Hostel for the training of young women in
homecraft with a view to assisting on farms, this institution being the first of
its kind in the Dominion. The Burnett family has always recognised the debt
owing to the early pioneers, and their gift of St. David's Pioneer Memorial
Church at
Cave, one of the attractions in South Canterbury, is a practical
expression of that regard. Mr. Burnett was prominently associated with the Downlands water supply scheme, which ensures an adequate supply of water for an
area which had been subject to drought. Mr. Burnett is survived by his wife, one
son,
Mr. D. M. C. Burnett
[D. Mount Cook
Burnett July 21, 1915 - July 15, 2010], and a daughter, Miss Catriana Burnett.
Fire at Mt. Cook Station. The fire spread along the northern side of Lake Pukaki burning close to 1000ha, mostly mature wilding pines, larches and Douglas fir. The fire was the biggest disaster the station had ever endured in its 145-year history. The spread of wilding pines was a serious concern. Burnett said the parliamentary side of farming was more important now than ever. "And to install only five Members of Parliament out of 120 to represent the rural area of the South Island, the bread basket of New Zealand, is an affront to democracy and the sign of madness - and we (the high country people) are left in battle."
Auckland Star, 1 December 1941, Page 2
Sunday. The death has occurred of Mr. Thomas David Burnett, M.P. for Temuka,
aged 64. Born at Cave and educated at the Timaru Boys' High School, he went
to work on the station of his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Burnett,
who came from Scotland to Canterbury in 1861, and proceeded to the Mackenzie
Country. In 1864 they took up the Mount Cook run, which Mr. Burnett
inherited on the death of his father. Mr. Burnett entered politics in 1919,
when he won the Temuka seat, which he had held ever since. The Burnett
family had never forgotten the debt they owe to the hardy pioneers, and
their gift of St. David's Pioneer Memorial Church at Cave was a typical
expression of their regard. The hard life facing women on farms induced Mr.
Burnett to establish the Strathcona hostel, where young women were trained
in homecraft with a view to assisting on farms. Mr. Burnett provided a large
area of land, and made himself largely responsible for the financial upkeep
of the institution. Mr. Burnett is survived by his wife, one son and one
daughter.
Auckland Star, 6 December 1941, Page 5 T. D. BURNETT
A FINE PIONEER "MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER" (By J.C.) The late Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P.
for Temuka, had earned the poet's description of an outback man more truly than
any Australian ever could in this particular aspect of rough life, for he led
for many years a frequent battle against the wildest torrents in New Zealand's
Alpine regions. The pioneer sheep farmer's daily work in the Mackenzie, Tasman
and Aorangi country took in the crossing and recrossing of icy rivers close to
their sources. Pastoral work could have no more difficult scene in and part of
the world than that which the Burnett family, then employees, faced in that land
of savage waters. The life of a lord of many acres and many flocks of Merinos
was a round of great physical toil and harassing anxiety and care, though it had
its compensations There was many a peril which could not be avoided; the wool
wagons had no convenient bridge; the musterer must take the risk of avalanche
and snowdrift. There is an imperishable memorial to the truly heroic toilers and
adventurers of the Mackenzie Country in that wonderful little square-towered
church in stone, built by the Burnett family, which stands at "Aorangi" near the township of
Cave, inland from Timaru on the way to the Southern Alps. Built of the rock of
the country in the rough, it is somewhat like an ancient Norman keen It is
called St. David's, a place of worship built in memory, primarily of Andrew and
Catherine Burnett who took up the Mount Cook sheet) run in May, 1864, and, as an
inscription states, "in the wilderness founded a home." A stone of history in
the porch bears the legend: "This porch is erected to the Glory of God and in
memory of the sheepmen, shepherds, bullock drivers, shearers and station hands
who pioneered the back country of this province between the years 1855 and
1895." Another inscription is in memory of the women of the pioneer families,
"who through Arctic winters and in the wilderness maintained their homes and
kept the faith." Such a monument, honouring all hands from owner to bullock
driver, is more eloquent and durable than any book. Silently eloquent, too, are
the great plantations of hardy trees, hundreds of thousands of them, which the
public-spirited son of the, founders of the original station planted in his
efforts to temper the icy gales and the scorching summers of the plains to the
people and the flocks of the Mackenzie Country and to prevent erosion of river
banks.
Evening Post, 8 December 1941, Page 11 LATE MR.
BURNETT
MR. HAMILTON'S TRIBUTE
"His forthrightness, realism, and sincerity were tonics in these days when false
propaganda threatens to sway opinion by clouding truth and right," stated Mr.
Hamilton, member of the War Cabinet, in paying a tribute to the life and work of
the late Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P. for Temuka. Mr. Hamilton has returned to
Wellington after attending Mr. Burnett's funeral. Mr. Hamilton said he felt he
would be right in saying that no member of Parliament in New Zealand's history
ever did more for his district and for those who entrusted him with their
confidence than had Mr. Burnett for Temuka and South Canterbury. As a friend Mr.
Burnett was staunch and true, and as a colleague he was wise in counsel. In his
passing many, especially his Parliamentary associates, had lost a personal
friend, loved and respected by all sections, while New Zealand had lost a
valuable public man and South Canterbury, and specially the McKenzie Country,
had lost a notable champion. Mr. Hamilton added that Mr. Burnett could rightly
be styled a progressive Conservative; he respected the traditions and
experiences of the earlier settlers and public men, yet kept fully abreast of
the times. He was of the finest pioneering type that was fast passing, greatly
to the disadvantage of the country. His passing was a challenge to others,
inspired by his example, to take up and carry on for the country's sake the
labours in which he was engaged.
Mr. Hamilton referred to the picturesque setting in which the funeral service
was held at Cave, and said he hoped someday to make a pilgrimage to Mr.
Burnett's grave, "To his gracious and devoted wife, to his son and daughter, and
to his brother and sisters," Mr. Hamilton concluded, "we offer our sincerest
sympathy and good will, and trust that the memory of his goodness and greatness
will be to them an everlasting source of joy and comfort."
Private property with a striking entrance!
A further 400 metres along the road from the church entrance is the Burnett family's down-country home Aorangi with the name Strath Naver on the gates. This name is taken from the valley (strath) of the Naver River in the Sutherland Highlands. Strathnaver, near Cave, was run by the Burnett family and began as a lowland farm to supplement the family's Mount Cook farm that was established in 1864. Andrew Burnett purchased the 2000 acres at Cave in 1873. The Burnett Homestead Gates are registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as category 2. Do not enter. The iron gates are flanked by massive stone walls that extend 20m in each direction. Erected about the same time as the church, the gateway bears symbols of the Scottish thistle and New Zealand fern, with the legends: faith, hope, self-reliance, pioneering, toil and sweat. Printed in Gaelic are mottoes which translate as: "We keep the old ways, the good ways" and "What we have, we keep". This farm was one of four owned by the Burnett family trust that were taken over by St Andrew's College, Christchurch, for agricultural teaching purposes. Look for a Celtic cross on a peak above 'Strath Naver'. It is not uncommon for a farm in N.Z. to be named after a connection to the old country. Andrew and Catherine Burnett were from Strathnaver, in the Scottish Highlands. The current gates to the farm were built during the 1933 depression and illustrate the class structure of the time, with a main gate for the residents and separate side gates, one for English workers, the other for Irish workers. The name of the farm is "Aorangi". more photos cemetery
CMB is the Catherine Mackay Burnett pillar
AB Toil & sweat Andrew Burnett pillar
Another gateway - Pioneer Park.
Tom Burnett by Ernie Slow
Ode to the Mount Cook Hero (In appreciation of his work with the Downlands Water
Scheme)
Beneath Aorangi's mighty crown
Where tussocks are golden brown
There lies a hero of renown
Tom Burnett.
He liked the girls who could mend and cook
And at naughty ones he'd never look
He read them like an open book
Tom Burnett.
He liked the mountains clothed in trees
To shelter stock from snow and breeze
And dogs with neither lice nor fleas
Tom Burnett.
Of mountains he was very fond
Just like a wild duck on a pond
His word, alas, it was his bond
Tom Burnett.
So let him sleep near Aorangi's crown
And when the world goes upside down
He'll enter Heaven without a frown
Tom Burnett.
Evening Post, 18 December 1919, Page 10
Mr. T. D. Burnett (Temuka) is the second son of Mr. Andrew Burnett, of
Aorangi, Cave. He was born at Cave and educated in Timaru, being an old boy
of the Timaru Boys' High School. On leaving school, Mr. Burnett- went to
work on his father's Mount Cook Station, the furthest- back station in the
Mackenzie Country. This station is now owned by him, and. he has lived there
practically all his life. Mr. Burnett is a man who has made a serious study
of the problems of this and other countries, and has very decided views on
most matters of moment. He has travelled extensively, and read widely, and
makes a success of whatever he takes in hand. When on the Mackenzie County
Council he proved a very useful member of that body. Always a staunch
advocate of anything that will add to the productivity of the Dominion, Mr.
Burnett makes production and more production the slogan, and never loses
an opportunity to advise farmers and runholders to go in for tree planting.
About a year ago he erected a monument at Burkes Pass to commemorate the
noted Mackenzie after whom The Mackenzie Country was named. He is an
advocate of cooperative farming, and on a down-country holding, in which he
has a controlling interest, he has put his ideas in this respect into
practical shape. Mr. Burnett is married, and has two children.
Poverty Bay Herald, 23 December 1919, Page 3 Members of Parliament
Mr T. D. BURNETT. Mr Thomas David Burnett (Temuka) is a native of South
Canterbury, where he has spent the whole of his life with the exception of the
time he has been engaged in travelling. The second son of Mr Andrew Burnett, of
the Mount Cook Station, Mr T. D. Burnett was born on his father's station 44
years ago, and received his education at Timaru, finishing up at the Timaru
Boys' High School. Of a studious turn of mind and devoted to literature. Mr
Burnett is a well read man, and has travelled more extensively than the average
colonial. Mr Burnett, has not been extensively associated with public life in
South Canterbury and beyond having been a member of the Mackenzie County
Council, for some years, he has not played a leading part in local government.
For some years he was a prominent member of the Canterbury Sheepowners' Union.
Otago Witness 2 December 1908, Page 39
Fairlie (South Canterbury).
November 25. The elections have of late practically left little else on the
minds of folk. What with parliamentary aspirants, County Council
representatives, and the no-license poll we certainly have had a surfeit of
ballot-box matter. In each case, too, more that ordinary interest was
manifested. Politics has been, given more attention and thought this, time than
for many years, a deckled awakening from the apparent apathy of a few previous
elections being most noticeable, with an accompanying tendency to find fault
with the present governing party, this the more particularly with the country
people. In the country election interest was lent to it in the local riding on
account of three new candidates seeking the suffrages of the ratepayers to fill
the vacancy left by Cr Black not seeking re-election. The position was secured
by Mr A. S. Smith with a record vote of 137, closely followed by the two old
members, Messrs R. Guthrie and F. R. Gillingham. The town vote was not strong
enough to place either in dangerous proximity. For the interior riding Mr Tom
Burnett came out at the eleventh hour in opposition to the old members, Messrs
Rutherford and Esclapfer, whom he found too firmly seated to replace.
by grateful ratepayers to commemorate the work of
THOMAS DAVID BURNETT
in fostering the Downlands water supply.
Here weary beasts shall drink for many a day,
Here travellers shall rest beside the way,
And think upon the man whose wise forethought
Such lasting work of loving kindness wrought.
As he once stood, his monument shall stand,
A steadfast witness in a changing Land.
--L.M. MacDonald
The highest and first law of the universe - and the other name of life, is
"help" --John Ruskin
In 2009 The Downlands Water Supply supplied 78,000 hectares within Timaru District, Waimate District and Mackenzie District. It is a restricted water supply and this means the daily allocation is supplied into a tank at a constant rate over a 24 hour period. If the tank is full, the ballcock shuts off the flow. Water is sold by the unit. Each unit allows for a supply of 1,000 litres per day, provided storage capacity is available. The allocation is based on a supply of 56 litres per hectare per day, plus 900 litres per dwelling per day where this allocation has been approved. Over recent years the subdivision of land has resulted in some reallocation of units and therefore the above formula may not strictly apply. The Timaru District Council is responsible for the management and operation of the water supply. To prevent back-flow the tank must have an overflow outlet 40mm below the ballcock inlet level in the tank. The Downlands Water Supply has five intakes. The Tengawai intake supplies the majority of the Downlands Water Supply.
The term bench mark, or benchmark, originates from the
chiseled horizontal marks that surveyors made in stone structures. The term is
generally applied to any item used to mark a point as an elevation reference.
Frequently, disks are set in stone or concrete, or on rods driven deeply into
the earth to provide a stable elevation point.
Feilding Star, 23 November 1918, Page 2
ACRES AND WOMEN. There are thousands of acres of the best land in New Zealand
and thousands of the best homes not being properly developed at present, because
the owners are not prepared to take just any kind of outside labour inside their
homes," said Mr T. D. Burnett, chairman of the Canterbury Sheepowners' Union.
"Yet there are now thousands of women roaming about New Zealand drawing
soldiers' pay and living a life of idleness. There is something wrong with our
social system when that state of affairs can exist."
Evening Post, 12 November 1919, Page 9
TEMUKA. Timaru, 11th November. Mr. T. D. Burnett, owner of Mount Cook station
and farm at Cave, opened his campaign for the Temuka seat at Cave. While
preferring unity of the parties, he would follow Mr Massey for the sake of
strong government, independents being useless. His main plank-was progress and
well-being, founded on land administration and a fair incidence of taxation. The
aim should be an occupying ownership, with leasehold as the stepping stone to
the freehold, and the multiplication of small holdings. The wheat districts
should grow the Dominion's bread, farmers to be encouraged to do so by assured
prices. As to the railways, the South Island, trunk line should be finished and
motor trollies run on both roads and branch railways by a change o£ wheels. He
was against nationalisation, as self-interest made men do their best. Education
needed improvement and more liberal provision.
Evening Post, 23 December 1919, Page 5 Temuka
Timaru, 22nd December. Additional absentee votes have reduced Mr. T. D.
Burnett's (Reform) majority over Mr. C. J. Talbot (L.) far the Temuka seat from
35 to 29. An official count is now in progress.
Colonist, 18 December 1919, Page 5
TIMARU. J. Craigie (I.) 4561 P. C. Vinnell (Lab.) 3106
TEMUKA. T. D. Burnett (B.) 3200. C. J. Talbot (L.) 3170
Poverty Bay Herald, 18 December 1919, Page 6
Mr. T. D. Burnett (Temuka) is the second son of Mr. Andrew Burnett, of
"Aorangi," Cave. He was born at Cave and educated in Timaru, being an old boy of
the Timaru Boys' High School. On leaving school Mr. Burnett went to work on his
father's Mount Cook station the furthest back station in the Mackenzie Country.
This station is now owned by him and he has lived there practically all his
life. Mr. Burnett is a man who has made a serious study of the problems of this
and other countries, and has very decided views of most matters of moment. He
has travelled extensively, and read widely, and makes a success of whatever he
takes in hand. When on the Mackenzie County Council he proved a very useful
member of that body. Always a staunch advocate of anything that add to the
productivity of the Dominion. Mr. Burnett makes "production and more production"
his slogan, and never loses an opportunity to advise farmers and runholder's to
go in for tree planting. About a year ago he erected a monument at Burkes Pass
to commemorate the noted Mackenzie after whom the Mackenzie County was named. He
is an advocate of co-operative farming, and on a down-country holding, in which
he has a controlling interest, he has put his ideas in this respect into
practical shape. Mr. Burnett is married, and has two children.
Auckland Star, 17 September 1921, Page 12 DAIRYING IN CANTERBURY.
SIGNS OF INCREASE. Timaru, Friday. A tour of South Canterbury dairy factories
was made to-day by Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P. He learned that in the aggregate they
distributed to suppliers well over £200,000 yearly. Dairying was only beginning
in this district. Helped by the slump in meat and wool, it is expected to
increase considerably.
Evening Post, 14 July 1922, Page 7 THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT
There were some, good speeches in the Address-in-reply debate in the House of
Representatives yesterday. Mr. T. D. Burnett gave a contribution characterised
by much thought. He prefers to speak of subjects he has studied.
Evening Post, 2 September 1922, Page 7
That two of the nineteen dairy instructors in the North Island should be
transferred to the South Island, where there are none, was a request made by Mr.
T. D. Burnett (Temuka) to the Minister of Agriculture in the House of
Representatives yesterday.
Evening Post, 10 August 1922, Page 7 CHILDREN'S RAILWAY FARES.
Large numbers of country school children are attending dental clinics. in,
towns, but railway concessions of half fares for children apply only children
under twelve. Mr. T. D. Burnett (Temuka) yesterday asked the Minister of
Education if, in view of these facts the Education Department in the interests
of public health and national efficiency would favourably consider extending the
half fares to children over twelve. The Hon. C. J. Parr said that there seemed
to be no reason for differentiation. He would see if anything could be done.
Auckland Star, 7 October 1922, Page 11
Mr. T.D. Burnett (Temuka) congratulated the Government in having had the courage
to lease the Hermitage, which had been a white elephant; a sink for public
money.
Evening Post, 14 October 1922, Page 7 INLAND WEATHER STATIONS.
Suggestions that the Marine Department should establish- more inland
meteorological stations so that information of value to farmers might be secured
were made in the House of Representatives by Mr. T. D. Burnett (Temuka)
yesterday. Mr. Burnett mentioned the need for a station in Central Otago,
another at the Mount Cook Hermitage, and a third at Lake Coleridge. The Hon. G.
J. Anderson replied that the needs of the Marine Department were met by the
stations on the coast, but he could quite see the value of inland stations to
the farmer. He suggested that Mr. Burnett should collaborate with, other members
interested, and then put before him the positions at which it was thought
desirable to establish stations. He would have to have an assurance, too, that
there were people willing to attend to the instruments daily.
Hawera & Normanby Star, 5 December 1922, Page 5 THE EARLY CANDIDATE
Candidates have to speak early and late in country electorates in order to cover
the whole of their district in the time they have at their disposal. Mr T. D.
Burnett was advertised to address five meetings in one day recently in the
Temuka district. The first of them was at 7.30 a.m.! So far, the only candidates
who have followed the example of Mr H. E. Holland in holding political meetings
on Sundays have been members of Mr Holland's party.
Evening Post, 17 January 1923, Page 5
The Hon. W. Downie Stewart (Minister of Internal Affairs) left for the South
last night. To-night the Minister will attend a banquet at Fairlie to Mr. T. D.
Burnett, M.P. He will return to Wellington about the end of next week.
Evening Post 3 August 1923, Page 7 FUR PER ACRE.
Apparently there are those in New Zealand who have hopes of the fur trade
becoming one of the principal industries of the country. Speaking in the House
of Representatives last evening, Mr. T. D. Burnett (Temuka) asked how it was
expected to exterminate the rabbit pest when some people held the idea that fur
would give a greater return per acre than wheat and other agricultural produce.
Evening Post, 18 September 1924, Page 5
Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P for Temuka, is mow making steady progress towards
recovery from his recent serious illness. Since returning from hospital in
Dunedin, Mr. Burnett had made his home in Timaru. He is at present at Mount Cook
to see what a change of atmosphere in the higher altitude would do for him.
Evening Post, 8 July 1925, Page 5 UNTO THIS LAST
There is a growing tendency in New Zealand to depend on the Government from the
time you are born until the time you are put under the ground," remarked Mr. T.
D. Burnett (Temuka) in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. "It is
a wonder someone has not advocated that the Government, should take a hand in
the undertaking business, and provide cheaper coffins for the people as a
whole."
Evening Post, 14 November 1925, Page 8 AMENDED RETURNS
ELECTORAL AND LICENSING.
Further amended electoral returns are:—
Timaru F. J. Rolleston (R.) 6140 P. C. Vinnell (Lab.) 3654 Informal 81 Majority for Rolleston 2486 TEMUKA. T. D. Burnett (R.) 3883 C. J. Talbot (Nat.) 3348 Informal 38 Majority for Burnett 535
Wanted - Youth of 17 to 18 years for Mt Cook Station.
Must hate town life,
Must weigh not less than eleven stone-
Must stand cold like an arctic hero,
Must have plenty of common sense - brains not necessary,
Must be medically fit.
Undersigned will be on deck 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday 13th June 1928
T.D. Burnett
Perth Street
Timaru
Evening Post, 16 October 1928, Page 10
Temuka, 15th October. Mr. T. D. Burnett, Reform candidate for the Temuka
electorate, addressed the first meeting of his campaign at Temuka to-night. He
condemned triennial Parliaments as too short, and advocated four-year
Parliaments. The salary of £450 to members, he said, was too small for other
than members who were financially independent. He admitted that mistakes had
been made in connection with the purchase of land for soldiers, but denied that
any Government could have done better under the circumstances which prevailed
following the war. Mr. Burnett advocated more science in farming, to secure the
maximum production from the land; to secure this, only men and women of the
right temperament should be put on the land. He condemned too much dependence on
the Government, saying if too many gathered round the old milch [sic.] cow she would go
dry. The candidate was accorded a vote of thanks.
Evening Post, 20 October 1928, Page 11 LIKES THE QUICK DECISION.
"Mr. Coates is a cool calm Englishman. I am a Highlander, and I like the quick
decision, and have a row afterwards if necessary," said Mr. T. D. Burnett in the
course of his address at Temuka on Monday night when he was advocating a change
in the arbitration system. The present system was the fruit of the brain of the
Hon. W. Pember Reeves twenty-five years ago, he said, and while it might have
suited that period, they needed a change to-day.
Evening Post, 8 October 1930, Page 8 ALARM ABOUT KEAS
COMPLAINT OF LOSSES
Alarm at the depredations of the kea in the high country in Canterbury and Otago
was expressed in the House of Representatives last night by Mr. T. D. Burnett
(Reform, Temuka), who deplored the fact that the amount to be paid on bonuses
for the destruction, of the bird had been reduced in the Department of
Agriculture Estimates. Mr. Burnett said that in his own flock of 6000 merinos
the annual loss was between 500 and 600, per annum. He asked the Minister to pay
a bonus of Is per head to keep the lambs alive. This would go a long way to keep
the confidence of the Crown land settlers. The local bodies in the high country
were so keen on keeping down the kea that they subsidised the Government grant.
The depredations of the keas had cost the sheepfarmers hundreds of thousands of
pounds.
Northern Advocate 25 November 1921, Page 5
The old question of whether or not the kea kills sheep was before the House of
Representatives yesterday Mr R. McCallum (Wairau) asked why the Government was
wasting money in buying kea's heads at 5s each when really this New Zealand
eagle did no harm at all. The Minister of Agriculture retorted that the alleged
eagle was a mountain parrot and that his own experience as a Canterbury farmer
had proved to him that the kea did kill sheep. Mr T. D. Burnett (Temuka) assured
the House that his flock of 6000 sheep was reduced by 500 yearly by keas. He had
seen snowfields stained with blood in the country owing to attacks by these
birds.
Auckland Star, 24 May 1930, Page 20 "SPARE THAT TREE!"
MR. FORBES' REPORT. OPPONENT'S CONGRATULATIONS. Among the many telegrams of
congratulation received by the Hon. G. W. Forbes following his selection by the
United party conference as leader and successor to Sir Joseph Ward, was a
message from Mr. T. D. Burnett, Reform member for Temuka, who, although in
opposition to the Prime Minister-elect, is an old and close personal friend of
Mr. Forbes. The message was couched in the following terms: —"Heartiest
congratulations on having reached the top of the tree. Of course, I shall take
the first opportunity of breaking the branch below you, but in the meantime the
best of good luck." The reply of the Prime Minister elect was typical of a man
who is noted for his sense of humour and ready wit: "Many thanks for your
message of congratulation. Woodman, spare that tree!"
Evening Post, 23 July 1931, Page 16 FARMERS IN PROTEST.
It was only by the grace of God, the stock and station agents, and the
Government that some farmers were carrying on, said Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P. for
Temuka, at a recent conference held at Timaru. Twenty to thirty million pounds
less was coining into the country for produce and the primary producer was the
lock, stock and barrel, of the whole community. He thought it a good idea that
farmers should get together—the men refuse to pay more than £5 for a suit, the
women less for materials in accordance with lower produce prices; and both
should refuse to take the car out of the shed unless they could get petrol for
Is 6d a gallon. They should refuse to support agricultural and pastoral
associations and other organisations unless they made the farmer's cause their
business.
Evening Post, 4 May 1933, Page 12
At the 1931 election, Mr. T. D. Burnett polled 4737 votes, and Mr. T. H.
Langford (storekeeper at Winchester) (Union Party) 3500.
Evening Post, 29 August 1935, Page 10 MR. T. D. BURNETT RETIRING
Timaru, August 28. Mr. T. D. Burnett, who has been member of Parliament for
Temuka since 1919, has definitely decided not to contest his seat at
the-forthcoming election on account of health reasons.
Evening Post 10 September 1935, Page 10 MR. BURNETT TO STAND
Timaru, September 9, Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P., has reconsidered his decision to
retire from politics, and will again contest the Temuka seat.
Auckland Star, 28 September 1933, Page 5 COUNTRY STOREKEEPER.
RELIEF MEASURES URGED. WELLINGTON, this day. Many classes in the community have
been given legislative shelter from the results of the economic depression, and
it is the opinion of Mr. T. D. Burnett (Coalition Reform, Temuka) that the turn
of the country storekeeper has arrived. He asked the Minister of Finance in the
House yesterday to consider measures for the relief of the country storekeeper,
who, during the crisis, had performed splendid national service in feeding, and
ill many instances clothing, many thousands of down-and-out settlers, without a
vestige of security. "It is an absolute certainty," added Mr. Burnett, "that if,
it were not for the line disinterested actions of the country storekeeper the
demands on the funds of the Employment Board and Charitable Aid Boards would
have been much greater."
Evening Post, 4 October 1935, Page 9 EXPEDITIONARY FORCE?
QUESTION IN HOUSE Information as to whether New Zealand possessed material
sufficient to fit out an expeditionary force to back up the League of Nations
Covenant was sought by Mr. T. D. Burnett (Government, Temuka) in the House of
Representatives last night, when the Defence Estimates were under discussion.
Mr. Burnett said that if a force could be fitted out, it would show the
generalship of the Department. The answer of the Minister of Defence (the Hon.
J. G. Cobbe) was brief. "That is a matter which up to the present the Department
has not considered," he said.
Evening Post 14 February 1936, Page 6 South Canterbury
WATER FOR BIG AREA TIMARU, February 13. The Minister of Public Works, the Hon.
R. Semple, made a short visit to Timaru today for the purpose of investigating a
pressure water supply scheme for the down lands of South Canterbury. The scheme
is sponsored by Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P. for Temuka, who arranged a public
meeting at which the Minister was present. Mr. T. G. Beck, Resident Public Works
Engineer, outlined the proposals, which aim at supplying water to an area of
123,000 acres. The estimated cost of the scheme is £179,000, of which £48,000 is
for the labour, the balance being for materials and transport of materials. The
meeting passed a motion impressing on the Government the urgent need of a water
supply, and the Minister promised to give the scheme sympathetic consideration.
Evening Post, 29 September 1938, Page 8 IN EVENT OF WAR
NEW ZEALAND'S PART
ASHBURTON, This Day, Reference to the international crisis was made by Mr. T. D.
Burnett in an address at Tinwald last night. He said that in the event of war
New Zealand would not be asked to send an expeditionary force to Europe, but to
join Australia in sending a land force to guard Singapore. He urged people to
make rifle shooting as much a national pastime as football, and pointed out the
necessity of training women and girls in nursing.
Auckland Star, 16 November 1939, Page 14 NAILED TO MAST.
FARMERS' COLOURS. SOCIALISATION OPPOSED. MR. T. D. BURNETT SPEAKS OUT.
Christchurch, this day. "While war continues, I, and those for whom I speak, are
willing to work from daylight to dark, 40 or even 80 hours a week, to maintain
production at its highest possible peak. But once peace is concluded we will
fight tooth and nail to the bitter end to prevent the nationalisation and
socialisation of our properties." Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P., himself in these
terms to a Christchurch interviewer. "Our colours are nailed to the mast, right
to the top of the pole," he said. He explored that he was expressing the views
of a group of runholders in the Mackenzie Country, who were almost a
co-operative community. "I want to make it clear what a typical group of
high-country farmers think of the matter." he added. "While the war is is on we
are only too willing, in fact, delighted, to bend all our efforts to increasing
production in the country's interests, but we stand four-square against the
socialisation of our produce. I am sure that these are the views of 90 per cent
of the men on the land in New Zealand. Rallying Point. "When the war is over I
am making this a rallying point for every man on the land. Why should a man who
was a book agent a few years ago (the Hon. Walter Nash) have full control of the
primary produce of the Dominion? He was not appointed to that position by the
producers. It was only a political accident that he assumed control." The
question of nationalisation of production and farm lands should be decided by a
vote of the producers themselves. "Directry peace is restored, and those for
whom I speak, will assume complete control of the sale and disposal of our
primary produce," Mr. Burnett concluded.
Evening Post, 14 March 1941, Page 4
PRICE OF SHEEP UNDER 2D A HEAD
QUESTION IN THE HOUSE
The low price obtained for sheep in the Mackenzie County, Canterbury, was the
subject of a notice of question given by Mr. T. D. Burnett (National, Temuka) to
the Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) in the House of Representatives yesterday
afternoon. Mr. Burnett asked whether the Minister had seen an account of the
Mackenzie County annual sheep sale held on March 1 at Lake Tekapo, where a
certain line of 460 sheep were sold for £3 10s for the mob, which was slightly
under 2d per head, and whether the Minister could advise the Crown tenants of
the back country how to meet their Crown rents, rates, taxes, and wages on such
a basis. Mr. Burnett added that a few years ago this particular class of sheep
was selling from 15s to 20s a head.
Evening Post, 26 March 1941, Page 13
THE MEAT CRISIS (Continued from page 12.)
purchaser, and farmers must realise that they must change their methods so as to
produce what that only purchaser required. A strong plea for consideration for the high-country farmer was made by Mr. T.
D. Burnett (National, Temuka), who explained that owing to the inequality of
climatic conditions the killing of sheep commenced much later in the South
Island than it did in the North Island. Of the 31,000,000 sheep in New Zealand
17,000,000 were in the North Island and 14,000,000 in the South Island. Today,
under normal conditions, the killing season in the South Island did not cease
until well into June, so that the killing restrictions that had been imposed
would bear much more harshly on the South Island producer than on the northern
farmer. Several other speakers took part, and after the Minister had made a
brief reply, the House rose at 11.50 p.m.
Auckland Star, 28 November 1941, Page 8 M.P. GRAVELY ILL
Timaru, Thursday. Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P. for Temuka, is seriously ill. He
underwent an operation in Timaru last night. It was reported this evening that
his condition was critical.
Auckland Star, 22 January 1942, Page 10 TWO NOMINATIONS VACANT
TEMUKA SEAT
O.C. Christchurch, Wednesday. Nominations for the Temuka seat, rendered vacant
by the death of Mr. T. D. Burnett, closed to-day. There are two candidates, Mr.
J. Acland (National party) and Mr. D. C. Davie (Independent). The by-election
will be held on February 7. Arrangements have been made for the Leader of the
Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, to address meetings at Temuka next Thursday and
at Geraldine on Friday. Mr. Acland, who is a son of Sir Hugh Acland, of
Christchurch, is a member of several local bodies and other organisations, and
as a farmer, he manages the Mt. Peel station. The Temuka seat, it has been
announced, will not be contested by the Labour Party.
Evening Post, 11 February 1942, Page 4
Mr. H. J. D. Acland, has been elected Member of Parliament for Temuka in
succession to the late Mr. T. D. Burnett.
Evening Post, 3 December 1941, Page 14 LATE MR. BURNETT
FUNERAL SERVICES Timaru, December 2,
With full Scottish honours, the funeral of the late Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P.,
took place today. It was attended by representatives of every important
organisation in the district, and by Parliamentary leaders. The funeral left Mr.
Burnett's residence, Timaru, after a short service at the house, conducted by
the Rev. J. Baird, of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. The funeral then proceeded
to St. David's Church, Cave, which was erected by the Burnett family in memory
of pioneers. Here, in the district where Mr. Burnett was born; the main service
was held, the officiating minister being the Rev. F. H. Wilkinson, Trinity
Presbyterian Church. The funeral then went to Mount Cook Station, where the
burial took glace, the minister being the Rev. Malcolm Wilson. The Government
was represented by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr. Sullivan) and
the Opposition by Messrs. S. G. Holland, Adam Hamilton, H. S. S. Kyle, and D. C.
Kidd. Included among the mourners were representatives of every local body in
the district, leading business and professional men, and representatives of
various organisations with which Mr. Burnett was associated.
Auckland Star, 3 December 1941, Page 4 Timaru, Tuesday
The funeral of the late Mr. T. D. Burnett, M.P., to-day was attended by
representatives of every important organisation in the district. After a short
service at the house the funeral proceeded to St. David's Church, Cave, which
was erected by the Burnett family in memory of pioneers of the district. The
burial took place at the Mount Cook station. The Government was represented by
the Hon. D. G. Sullivan and the Opposition by Mr. S. G. Holland, the Hno. Adam
Hamilton, Mr. H. S. S. Kyle and Mr. C. Kidd.
Auckland Star, 16 December 1941, Page 4
The estate of Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P. for Temuka, has been sworn at under
£53,000. To the
Burnett Valley trustees he bequeathed St. David's Pioneer
Memorial Church property as a permanent memorial to his parents, together with
£500 as a trust fund, the income to be used to maintain the church property and
the Burnett private burial ground. To the trustees he also bequeathed the Strathcona domestic training centre at Pleasant Point and school. From the
residue of the estate, income not exceeding £200 annually is to be devoted to Strathcona, with the balance to St. Andrew's Presbyterian College, Christchurch.
Mr. Burnett also bequeathed two properties in Timaru to the borough for a
pioneer hall.
Evening Post, 9 February 1942, Page 6
NATIONAL WINS BY-ELECTION - TEMUKA
National Party candidate was returned at the by-election held on Saturday in the
Temuka electorates to fill the vacancy in the House of Representatives caused by
the death of Mr. T. D. Burnett. The seat was not contested by the Labour Party.
Results of the voting are as follows: Temuka.
J. Acland (National) 4142
D. C. Davie (Independent Monetary Reform) 1516
Majority for Acland 2626
Mr. Burnett (National), who had been member for Temuka since 1919, held a
majority over J. A. Kearton (Labour) of 1269 votes, the voting being: Burnett
5204, Kearton 3935.
He used to send out a printed
Christmas card from Mr and Mrs T.D. Burnett of Mount Cook and the Snowy
Mountains with a verse of poetry.
By and Large
"For those in trouble on the land" T.D.B. with apologies to Rudyard
Kipling.
When the snow is lying on your window sill
And double inches on the flat
When all your working capital
And more beside
Is 'rounded" in the snow camp on the range,
When the firm is asking awkward questions
when the drought is shaping for a record
And day by day the sun is a ball of brass;
When the grass is but a memory
And the sheep are in the wheat.
When people think you're on the wrong track
And the wife begins to say "they may be right."
When, having no more quarrel,
Cheque-signer and toiler lie down side by side.
When the firms and houses with their record years
Colonial old; firms and houses with their record grew up
Among the tussock and the flax,
When the forms and the house are deep in thinking
While the flax and tussock are growing free.
BUT REMEMBER:
That there's still a moonlight beauty in the mountains,
That the springs are bubbling free,
That the grass is green and lushy,
And the :billy still is boiling:
And the tucker bag will stand another shake.
While there are sunrises on Aorangi
Glory promises still maintained,
And the camp fire beckons brightly
In the darkness just before the dawn.
Otago Witness 3 September 1902, Page 32 Burkes Pass
August 27. With the advent of spring we are experiencing a general move in
things pastoral. Several station properties have lately, I understand, changed
hands. Rumour has it that Mr Donald Burnett, who recently relinquished charge of
his father's Mount Cook station in favour of his younger brother Tom, has
bought the well-known Grampians run from Mr Wm. Grant, the widely-known wool
king, who in turn has purchased Mr Wm. Saunders's interest as sole proprietor of
the Wolds and Creek runs. The late owner of these somewhat extensive runs has
resided on the former for the last 35 years. About the year 1868, in conjunction
with the late A. B Smith, Mr Saunders bought the former run off the late Mr T.
H. Hall, and has practically resided thereon ever since. Needless to say, his
departure will leave a blank hard to fill, for, though somewhat of a
disposition, his assistance was willing sought and freely given in every cause
that that appeal to a natural generous disposition. It will be many long year,
no matter what changes eventuate, ere his good name is forgotten, and on his
departure he will take with him a widespread feeling of goodwill and hope for a
strengthening of the robust constitution that of late has not been very
satisfactory. As before recorded, Mr Saunders has long been a resident of
Mackenzie, and his departure leaves but one of the old identities, viz. Mr
Andrew Burnett, of Mount Cook station, who, I believe, invaded this territory
some seven years earlier, but latterly has relinquished actual charge in favour
of his sons. He is at present residing in the more congenial climate of "down
country." I have also to record the departure of Mrs J. H. Preston from Black
Forest, where she had resided with her family for several years. They have built
a very fine residence near Palmerston South, from whence Mr Preston can the
better overlook the extensive and far spread pastoral interest he holds. He has
removed his family to his new residence, where no doubt many friends can, as of
yore, ever depend on that characteristic warm welcome, whether the call be
business or friendly.
The tenure review map
of the 2463 hectare Mt Cook Station pastoral lease, at the head of Lake Pukaki,
will result in 1612 hectares or 65 percent of the property becoming public
conservation land next to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Many of the peaks,
streams and other landmarks on the property were named after Burnett family
members, neighbours, shepherds and farm dogs, and remain as an historic record
of early settlement. Vehicle access to the property is from the Braemar/Mt Cook
Station road along the eastern shore of Lake Pukaki. Public walking access up
the Jollie River will be by way of an easement through existing freehold land
held by Mt Cook Station. This access was offered by Mr Burnett, although
strictly speaking it was outside the scope of the tenure review.
"A son of pioneer parents and a true lover of the great open spaces."
South Canterbury, New ZealandGenWeb Project
Photos Nov. 2009.