24/04/2026
As it is ANZAC Day today, we have a post recognising a former employee of Terrace Station. In 1914, Ernest Beck, a ploughman, was the first man from Hororata to go to WWI. He joined the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. Godfrey Hall gave Ernest the best horse on the station and he went to training camp in Addington. This horse “Albert” escaped and came home to the farm - a journey of about 60km. Albert had to be sent back to the barracks because he now belonged to the army.
When Ernest got over to Egypt, he was batman (personal assistant) to an officer whose horse happened to be the same Albert. While in Egypt, Ernest wrote, in January and July 1917, to the Terrace Station farm manager giving some insights to his life. These letters and other farm records are held in the Terrace Station archives.
We're pleased to report that Ernest made it back to Hororata after his time in the army, as he is recorded in the farm ledger from 26 March 1918 as a General Hand earning 35/- per week
[Image from the collection of Ellesmere Historical Society - we're pretty sure Ernest is not in the photo, but it is of a group of men in uniform on horseback from the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry]
