EARLY DAYS IN METHVEN.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19611, 6 May 1929, Page 13

EARLY DAYS IN METHVEN.

TO THB EDITOR OT THB PiIESS. Sir,—The Methven Jubilee brings old associations near. My family were among the early settlers of the Methven district, and I remember many incidents oi' interest in the earlier historv of Methven. When the first water-race was put through—an occasion of importance to the place as a farming community—we made a great triumphal wreath, and with due ceremony, placed it in the race to be carried away on the long trail across country. Windstorms of great violence swept over that part of the country in those days, and extensive damage to buildings in process of erection, or even to completed ones, was a matter of sueh regular occurrence that the natives ceased to regard such happenings with any great consternation. The Church was levelled to the ground on one occasion, and the little harmonium used in church services was next day left standing, a solitary sentinel mounting guard amidst a dismal heap of ruins. Great excitement prevailed when the first concert known to the inhabitants was posted to be held in a half completed store. Seating accommodation was rigged up out of spare timber from that used for the store itself, but the force of-the storm raging outside, combined perhaps with the enthusiasm of the audience, caused the seats to collapse, adding yet another spice of novelty to the occasion. Another occasion worthy of note was Methven's introduction to New Zealand Bailways. Great excitement prevailed when a train service was started which definitely linked Methven with the metropolis. Kakaia, and placed our country township on the map. Some two or three months after the big event, however, farmers were not so sure that it was such a blessing, since sparks from the engine, which by the way was a "Rodger," travelled across the dxy tussocks, at a furious rate, gathering force from a good Old Man Nor-wester, and a serious fire resulted. People had to plough round their homesteads to ensure safety, and as this happened prior to the introduction of the race system the population had to wage war on the flames with sacks and brooms, and anything available with which to beat out the flames. . ... , These and many other incidents of an equallv interesting nature must be called to mind by the Jubilee of the past week.-Yours, etc., EQYLR Christchurch, May 4th.