NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs February 2013
A breed with history
Boots which are built to last The name Lastrite footwear may be familiar to readers in the agricultural and forestry trades — they are the trusted brand ‘underfoot’ for some of the hardest working people in the North. But the name itself hides a clue as to the old-fashioned values of this successful Whangarei business. A ‘last’ is the specialist piece of equipment used by bootmakers and cobblers to ensure the perfect shape and the perfect fit for their customers. And a perfect fit is what Lastrite are all about.
Photo courtsey Arthur Beazley, Tapuwae Stud
When colonial British resident and famed historical figure James Busby (known to every New Zealand student as a key participant in the Treaty of Waitangi) chose a hardy, docile and productive breed of cattle for the Bay of Islands in 1835, the breed he selected was the Red Devon.
enthusiast, and Dr Clive Dalton, who helped standardise the characteristics of the breed. Mr Gilberd founded the first Devon Breed society in New Zealand, and continued to popularise the Red Devon as a highly productive beef cattle breed, gaining support from farmers nationwide.
Not just for their calm demeanor and their succulent meat, either — Busby envisioned the 20 heifers and a bull he ordered from England as a workforce for settlers, breaking in land and hauling Kauri from the primeval forests.
Today the Red Devon is a cattle beast with a bright future, and an increasingly investigated past. Conjecture and evidence collude to suggest that these cattle were the muscle-power for Caesar’s invasion of Britain, and may have descended from the red cattle brought to English shores by ancient Phonecian traders in the time of the Pharaohs.
In this capacity the Red Devon excelled, until the advent of the motor vehicle saw their number dwindle. For most of the 20th century the Red Devon population was small and scattered, held by dedicated breeders and farmers who could see the potential for this unique, ruby-red breed of cattle. Very different from the South Devon (with which the Red Devon is sometimes still confused), the Red Devon began to make a comeback in the 1970s, thanks to the help of Darcy Gilberd, a Whangarei
At this year’s field days the Northland Red Devon Cattle Breeders Club will showcase the mild manners and outstanding characteristics of the modern breed. With a marked resilience to heat and cold, trouble free calving and excellent condition, there’s more than one reason that today’s cattle farmers are showing a huge interest in this ancient breed!
RUST NEVER PROGRESSIVE RED DEVON SLEEPS Abrasive Blasting and Protective Coating for all types of machinery, cowsheds, caravans, chassis, fuel tanks and swimming pools etc.
Free Quotes Mobile Unit
2 Day Street, Dargaville westernblasters@vodafone.co.nz
Ph 09 439 6330
24 HRS
YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE Carl & Rose Cookson 09 401 1957 433 Wharepunga Rd, Kaikohe Lee Fulton 09 432 2724 403 O’Carroll Rd, RD8, Whangarei Jean & Alasdair McLaughlan 09 433 1170 1817 Mangakahia Rd, Titoki John Squire 03 614 3739 (S.I.) Cave, Timaru Gavin Cooper 09 422 1958 979 Run Rd, RD7, Tapora
Northland Field Days
SITE # 657
39
While Lastrite are far too busy (their boots are in demand for all kinds of projects, from hiking trips to construction sites to motion pictures) to make each pair in the style of medieval leathersmiths, their attention to detail and bespoke craftsmanship shine through from the second you lace up their creations. Customers of Lastrite are assured of a well-made set of footwear which fits snug and comfortable — unlike taking a gamble and buying boots off the shelf. Inside the workshop the highly skilled Lastrite team turn the best
quality, hard-wearing leather into rugged work boots using a range of highly specialised machines. There are no corners cut as each boot is cut, shaped, stitched and glued for a lifetime of hard labour, in a rigorous process handed down from generations of leathersmiths. Now in the same family for three generations and spanning five decades, the Lastrite name is synonymous with 100 percent Kiwi made boots tough enough to handle our way of life and our harsh outdoor environment. It would come as no surprise to find Lastrite boots made by previous generations still as ready for a day’s work as ever — each boot is fully repairable, with replaceable soles and other components. From steel-capped and hobnailed forestry safety boots to stylish dress boots for the fashion conscious, Lastrite are proud to carry on a tradition of quality and innovation which has links back to New Zealand’s colonial roots. Visit them at Field Days to see the difference for yourself — and treat your feet to the very best.
LASTRITE.CO.NZ
FOOTWEAR MANUFACTURERS KIwI MAdE FOR 3 GENERATIONS
Quality Work and Recreational Footwear Proudly Made in New Zealand
at site 207B ys a D ld e Fi d n la h rt Visit us at the No Open Weekdays 8am-5pm 48 John Street, Whangarei – Phone 0800 4BOOTS Email: lastrite@xtra.co.nz / Web: www.lastrite.co.nz
All grades of aggregate — Best quality 1039 Matakana Valley Road, Whangaripo
Call us on 09 423 7529 Mob 027 687 9821