Kelston Estate (Tauranga)
After holding the estate for nearly four decades, Ley sold it in 1904 to Mr F. H. Wood. Wood invested heavily in improvements, building a long drive from the Cambridge Road to the homestead, renovating and extending the residence, and adding stables, implement sheds, and a large corn crib. He also developed extensive cropping and grazing, with turnips, maize, oats, and cattle providing substantial output.
In 1906 Wood purchased “Woodhill” at Ōtūmoetai and transferred Kelston to Mr Yerex. From 1909 Yerex began advertising portions of the property for sale. In 1913 he sold a section to Mr J. S. Milson, who intended to build a residence opposite “Gardenhurst.” The following year, in 1914, another part of Kelston was sold to Edmond R. Walker, a recent migrant from Tahiti, who planned to establish a dairy farm.
In 1915 Yerex disposed of the remainder of the estate to Mr Christie. The property later passed from Christie to the Fletcher family.Main Body
Some references to Kelston Estate in the Bay of Plenty Times
"It will be seen by our advertising columns that the Kelston property, also known as Colonel Harington's farm, is advertised to be sold by auction on November Ist in Auckland by Messrs Samuel Cochrane and Son. As there is a 'large house and a good orchard on a spur overlooking the Wairoa Valley, and commanding a delightful view, a keen competition for the property may be looked for."
Bay of Plenty Times, 14 October 1886, Page 2
" It is currently reported that Mr W. Neville Ley has purchased the Kelston Estate, the property of Colonel Harington situated about five miles from Tauranga. "
Bay of Plenty Times, 18 November 1886, Page 2
"Kelston"
"Recently a representative of this journal rode out as far as "Kelston." The property, which fronts the main Tauranga–Cambridge road, was acquired last October by Mr F. H. Wood from Mr W. N. Ley. Since entering into possession, Mr Wood has effected considerable improvements, first of which may be mentioned the drive from the Cambridge road to the homestead, three-quarters of a mile in length, which is now in excellent order.
A number of alterations have also been made to the residence, which has been painted and re-papered throughout, whilst an artistically-designed porch has been erected, adding considerably to the homestead's appearance. New stables, implement sheds, and a corn crib (the last-mentioned being probably the largest of its kind in the district) have also been built.
Currently growing on the farm are sixty acres of turnips—a particularly good crop—and twenty acres of maize on the river flats, appearing likely to yield one hundred bushels of grain per acre. During the season, two stacks of Algerian oats and one of clover hay have been harvested, with one of the oat stacks already converted into chaff of first-class quality.
About two hundred head of cattle have been grazing on the property for some time, and the owner expects to fatten a considerable number on the turnips during winter. Thirty acres of oats have just been sown, and Mr Wood intends to immediately plough up another sixty-five-acre paddock, as he believes in cultivating as much of the land as possible. Next year should see even greater improvements carried out on this property."
Bay of Plenty Times, 30 May 1906, Page 2
"We understand that Mr F.H. Wood has purchased Mr M. McCallum's property, "Woodhill." Ōtūmoetai, and purposes taking up his residence there when Mr Yerex takes possession of "Kelston."
Bay of Plenty Times, 22 August 1906, Page 2
"The latest addition to the settlers on the progressive Cambridge Road is Mr. Edmond R. Walker, who arrived recently from far away Tahiti. Mr. Walker believes that for a young man with energy and ambition, New Zealand is a far better place to reside in and grow up with the country than are the Islands. Mr. Walker has purchased a part of the well-known "Kelston" estate and will build thereon shortly and engage in the ever-popular dairy industry."
Bay of Plenty Times, 17 April 1914, Page 4
