Author(s): Lake Coleridge Tourism Group

New Zealand

After World War II the Lake Coleridge Basin received an influx of new 'settlers'. The new arrivals were servicement returning from the war who had been balloted to recently subdivided farming units. These units had been created from the large pastoral runs which had dominated the basin from the 1850s. The new families faced many years of struggle as they sought to tame the elements, settle their homes and establish their farming careers. In the face of adversity a resourceful, strong kindred spirit developed forging many lifelong friendships. These are previously unpublished intergenerational stories from soldier settlers and current and former owners, managers and staff of Mt. Algius, Glenthorne, Acheron Bank, Lake Coleridge, High Peak, Snowdon, The Point Stations and the 20 properties that were split from them. From Mount Algidus to the Rakaia Gorge this is a comprehansive account of this well-known community as told by the people who have lived and worked in the area.