HistoryChaslands, 80kms south-east of Balclutha, was named for aborignal whaler Tommy Chaslands. Originally settled as a small farming area the town consisted of small clearings surrounded by bush. Most farmers worked their land while also working part time in sawmilling, roading etc. These farms supplied the Heathfield Cheese Factory (1898-1921), however sawmilling increasingly became the main source of employment. The sawmills introduced a population large enough to support the Chaslands School (1895-1921 and 1923-1972), and a post office (1894-1927). In the early 1970s the community had a population large enough for the Ministry of Education to build a brand new school. However, in 1973, two years after the closure of the railway at Maclennan, Hogg's sawmill closed and the population rapidly declined. The school closed shortly after this and students had to attend Tahakopa School. Today Chaslands is a small farming community with the Whistling Frog Holiday Park and Café located at the entrance to Macleans Falls. The historic Heathfield Cemetery has also recently opened to the public.