John and I recently took a detour on our way home to Struan Farm from one of my local heritage fruit tree adventures. We wanted to see a swing bridge constructed by locals to allow for easier access to an historic Wesleyan Maori mission site at "Whakatumutumu." A very visible cross marks the site on the hilltop, but apparently there is also a cairn commemorating the chapel established by the Rev. Frederick Miller. Miller was sent out from London to New Zealand in 1840. He died eight years later of tuberculosis at age 32, but he and his wife lived on the remote location, ministered to local Maori, and raised three children.
We didn't have time to hike up to the top, which we'll do when some grandchildren next visit. I suspect the views will be amazing. We did see the swing bridge and an old apple tree right near the entrance to the track.
I seem to be finding old fruit trees wherever I look at the moment. This one needs some TLC, a bit of a prune. Although we've been advised it is most likely a "wild" apple grown from a seed, I can't help but wonder if it was somehow associated with the mission. Historical records note that there were apples and fig trees planted at the site.
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