Sanson

Introduction

Many a traveller has refuelled and refreshed in Sanson.  It’s an interesting small town of about 500 people, featuring many craft shops, cafes and eateries, and antique shops.

History

In 1868 a group of men got together in the Hutt Valley, near Wellington. They were eager to take advantage of Government policies aimed at getting “the small farmer” onto his own block of land.  The Hutt Small Farm Association applied for 5000 acres of land in the Township of Sandon. 

By 1871 a block had been surveyed for this purpose.   Members were entitled to a maximum of five shares in the association and could ballot for 40 acres of land per share, with part of that land to be in bush. Shareholders were also entitled to one quarter acre section per share held in the proposed central township that would be developed. 

This new settlement was named in honour of the hardworking Secretary of the Hutt Small Farm Association – whose name was Henry Sanson. 

The names Sanson and Sandon have caused confusion for over 125 years now, but of course, both have their place in the town of Sanson which formed part of the first sale of land in the township of Sandon.
Click here to read about the Foxton – Sanson tramway.

Related Pages

The Region