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1:17:38 This film contains a reconstruction of the lives of the first pastoralists in the South Canterbury area: George Rhodes who later founded Timaru, and Elizabeth Rhodes his English wife. The couple formed a bond with the local Maori population which started with the swapping of vital materials such as flax mats, and lasted a lifetime. The couple’s 100 year old homestead has been preserved by the South Canterbury Historical society . Goes on to tell the story of James Mackenzie (after whom the Mackenzie Basin is named) who took to sheep stealing sheep so he could lay claim to the area. A monument reads, “IN THIS SPOT JAMES MACKENZIE THE freebooter WAS CAPTURED BY JOHN SIDEBOTTOM AND THE MAORIS TAIKO AND “SEVENTEEN” AND ESCAPED FROM THEM THE SAME NIGHT - 4TH. MARCH 1855”. James Mackenzie was finally pardoned and deported to Queensland.
The film then goes on to demonstrate the importance of the wool industry to the area: with existing high quality raw material, high class secondary industry was required in the area. The Carpet Manufacturing Company has 350 workers employed to make carpet. A carpet begins in the art department then moves onto the Dye Department for colour. The dyed wool is spun into a two ply yarn to give it strength. The dyed yarn is then ready for the setting frame where the pattern is matched with yarn of the exact colour. The spools of yarn are fitted into an endless chain.
In 100 years South Canterbury has progressed from the simple Maori mat to the most elaborate floor covering that can be imagined. “The farmer and manufacturer going forward together have made it possible to establish at Christchurch a great enterprise, creating the most beautiful and enduring product that can be made from WOOL”. [quote from film voice-over]
1:34:16 end