Regulatory Committee Agenda - Waipa District Council

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Historical: "The extent to which the place reflects importance or is representative of Waipa, the
Waikato, or New Zealand's history."
Early representative example of regional and district farming history:
The land at 50-61 Alpha Street was purchased by the Cambridge Farmers' Club (CFC} In the mid-
1870's. The CFC erected a building on the sjte In 1877.
The focus of the CFC was on farm Improvement, both land and livestock. The CFC membership
included the most influential families In the district or what Is referred to as the founding
families of Cambridge. The CFC was both a club al'ld an educational institution focused on
farming. A feature of the CFC building was a reading room, albeit it's full use many not have
been realized. The CFC provided educational lectures and members shared information about
farming methods.
The Cambridge Farmers' Club sponsored all annual livestock shows on the grounds surrounding
the building. They also collectively negotiated favourable commercial prices for transport and
goods, as well as lobbying local and regional government for farm related benefits. The CFC laid
the foundation for the later Farmers Union, now Federated Farmers.
Association with an important person:
1877-1881 Associated with owners of local estates, farms, and agricultural merchants, e.g.
James Runciman (Marshmeadows), Henry Reynolds (Piako Estate & Woodlands), RHO
Fergusson (Gorton Estate), Mr AA Fantham (Gwynn lands), GE Clarke, Thomas Wells, etc.
1881-1932 Wells Family, e.g. purchased and converted to a house by Thomas Wells in 1881.
Thomas Wells was a local businessman of note and a Cambridge mayor.
Associated with an important group:
1877-1881 Cambridge Farmers' Clubi a forerunner to the Farmers Union and later Federated
Farmers.
1942-2004 Cambridge Returned Services Association
Community Association; "The community association with or public esteem for the plac.e."
Community ossotiation with the plote:
18n-1881 Cambridge Farmers' Club (CFC). (Note: CFC association substantially less known
than the RSA).
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