Tilby, James Raymond, 1905-1990 (Person)

Born in Pukekohe, Ray moved with his parents and siblings to a 111-acre farm in Ōtūmoetai in 1914.

A mixed farm, over the years crops included carrots, cocksfoot grasses, kūmara, lucerne hay, maize, mangolds, oats, potato, and rye. Dairy herds from 1917-1961, and other livestock. Ray used a horse and wagon for farm work and trips into town.

In 1963 the family made plans to subdivide. The Tilby homestead was moved to Mātua Road and Mātua School was built on approximately five acres of the old farm. Subdivided sections were sold between 1965 and 1987. Tauranga Borough Council purchased 34 acres in 1961, establishing Fergusson Park.

Ray kept his yacht Wizard at Tilby's Point.