Bush road photograph by James Bragge

James Bragge, Five Mile Ave, 40 Mile Bush, c. 1875.

In the late 19th century photography was being used to document the topography of newly explored lands, most notably the western United States. Wellington photographer James Bragge was one of those doing similar work here.

This image of Five Mile Ave, 40 Mile Bush, near present-day Carterton, was taken by Bragge on one of his forays from Wellington into Wairarapa and Manawatū. At the time the bush would have been seen as a hindrance and something that must be tamed. Today we can appreciate its beauty and thank Bragge for capturing it.