COUNTRY CALENDAR: THE MAN OF MOLESWORTH

COUNTRY CALENDAR - The Man of Molesworth
Bill Chisolm has for 37 years managed the largest high country station in New Zealand. Molesworth covers 700 square miles through central Marlborough, spreading south into Canterbury and west of the Alps. Bill Chisolm has spent his working life improving Molesworth fencing, fertilising, stock and amenities. In June he retires and this is his last muster on the half million acres. There is, however, so much more he would have liked to achieve and claims that you would need to live to about 200 years in the back county. Working 150 years and sitting back to enjoy it the other 50 years.
In 1942 Bill and his new wife arrived at “Tarndale” an outstation, 29 miles from the main homestead. Today, musterers are accommodated here during their stay at Molesworth. The ambition of many young musterers is to spend a couple seasons on Molesworth and if you’re not experienced, you won’t get an interview; it’s not a place for learners. A reference from Bill Chisolm carries a lot of weight in the High Country. Bill’s friend Wally Williams, auctioneer and stockman has never missed an annual muster on Molesworth of over 30 years.