Maori adult and child cutting flax

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Two unidentified workers at Poplar Flax mill with bundles of cut flax leaves.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Unidentified flaxcutter at work amongst flax plants.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Donated by E M Grimwood of Linton and Fred Allerby.

Poplar flaxmill cutters pose in front of a stand of flax c.1919. Those in the photograph are from left to right Jack Rountree, Fred Rickerby, Fred Allerby, Charlie Morgan, George Rankin, Harry Morgan (son of Charlie), Jack Bradbury and Carl Lumquist.

2 copies

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A4 black and white photocopy.

Printed at bottom of original photograph - GREEN LEAF CUTTING. POPLAR MILL.

“Flaxies” green leaf cutters at “Poplar Mill”, c.1910. This photograph shows eight unidentified men among the flax.

A4 black and white photocopy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Inscription on reverse reads: “27 Aug. 1974. Last flax being cut.”

The last cutting of flax at the Moutoa swamp. A tractor towing a bin is being used to complete the process.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Bill Kuiti”

Bill Kuiti driving a tractor through the flax at Moutoa Estate, 1974.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “Flax Cutters, Miranui Mill, Shannon.”

Four flax cutters taking a break, Miranui Mill, Shannon. The swamp was divided into blocks which were cut once every four years by the flax cutters.

1 B&W photo print copy, mounted

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

This phot was also used in Bob Ayson's book Miranui with the following description:

Flaxcutters having a welcome rest amongst the flax. The swamp was divided into blocks which were cut once every four years by the flaxcutters who used a sharp blade shaped like a reap hook. The portions of the block allotted to each group of cutters were called "breaks". The flax was cut about one foot above the base of the plant and tied into bundles of about 25 to a ton and stacked for the "trammies" to collect. Over three acres of flax was cut daily and the average worker cut 3rh to 4 tons of flax in a 8 hour day. About 22,000 tons of leaf was cut annually.
Photo: Palmerston North Public Library.

Black and white photograph.

G Huff cutting flax at Mouota.

Black and white photograph.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”