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Gebbie’s Valley. Thence he took it on a sledge over the hill to Teddington, and from Teddington took it, again by boat, to Lyttelton. At that time the lake was controlled by the Maoris, who would only let it out (i.e., drain it) once every three years in order to secure a good haul of eels. Sometimes, however, when the lake was high, and a nor’-wester prevailed, it burst out of itself into the sea. Mr. Price, who had a large family, died at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
William Birdling, Mrs. Birdling, 1840-50, William, Junr., Frederick, Emma (now Mrs. Rule), George, Robert, Arthur, Frank, Albert. Mr. Birdling arrived in Akaroa in 1842. Mr. Birdling assisted Messrs. W. B. and G. Rhodes by taking charge of their cattle at the red house and Flea Bay. When Messrs. Rhodes bought Purau from the Greenwoods in 1847, Mr. Birdling went there with them. After some years’ residence at Purau he bought land on Lake Ellesmere, now known as Birdling’s Valley. Birdling’s Flat also takes its name from him. Mr. Birdling was a very successful farmer. Like Mr. Price, he boated his cheese to Gebbie’s Valley, and sledged thence over Gebbie’s
