Gapes Valley
Gapes Valley is a valley in the Canterbury Region on the South Island of New Zealand. It is about 6 km west of Geraldine and located on the Geraldine Fairlie Highway. The valley is nestled between the Waitohi Hill and the Rocky Ridges[1] and is described as being 4 miles long with the flat land of exceptional quality.[2] Today Gapes Valley consists of a sparse grouping of houses, the hall and a recently established brewery.
History
The Valley was named after William Gapes (born in Essex, England), whom after working throughout the region settled on an 123-acre farm in the valley.[3] The valley was once home to a small Post Office. The Gapes Valley School was opened in 1882[4] though would later close with students moving to the nearby Hilton School.[3]
Many roads in the area bear the names of pioneer families some of which have remained in the region e.g. Halls, Loves, Patricks, Slacks and Wells.[1]
References
- 1 2 "Gapes Valley, Canterbury - NZ Topo Map". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
- ↑ "'Cyclopedia of New Zealand' Gapes Valley". www.rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
- 1 2 Geraldine: The First 150 Years. Geraldine 150 Committee. 2006-01-01. ISBN 9780473110925.
- ↑ Journals [and Appendices]. 1882-01-01. p. 75.