Drove Coach From Little River

Press, Volume C, Issue 29599, 23 August 1961, Page 2

Drove Coach From Little River

Mr E. W. Hammond, who believes he is the only surviving coach driver of those who travelled the Akaroa-Little River route early this century, is celebrating his golden wedding today.

Mr Hammond married the former Miss Adelaide Le Lievre at St. Patrick’s Church, Akaroa, «n August 23, 1911. The Rev. Father Bonetto officiated.

The wedding party travelled from the church in a buggy that was used for all weddings in Akaroa. Just as much part of this tradition was the pair of greys drawing the buggy. Before they called for the bride, the horses were washed in blued water so that their coats gleamed and their hooves were blacked to a glossy shine. The driver’s whip was decorated with a white satin bow. The buggy was used also on occasions other than weddings—to bring the Magistrate from Ljttle River to Akaroa —and occasionally to transport passengers when the coaches were full.

Mr Hammond began driving the Akaroa coach in 1905 at the age of 18. He made the return trip once each day, six days a week, and sometimes in the evenings to meet a late train. He was the youngest driver when he started.

Competition “Competition was keen among the drivers as there were two companies doing the same run," he said. “At one stage it was sufficient to reduce the return fare for one passenger from 15s to 10s.’’ One of the problems both Companies shared was in maintaining the brake linings on the coaches. The soles of Old boots served this purpose and one sole would last for a one-way trip only. Great pride in the appearance of the coaches was taken by the owners and the stable boys cleaned the harness almost as often as the horses were groomed.

The eoach drivers always rode up in front with no protection from the weather. Mrs Hammond remembered occasions when her husband had driven through snow and ice all the way. “But the horses were good,” he remarked. “They were better horses than you would get today.” Carrying passengers and the mail, the coaches would carry from 12 to 19 travellers. There was also an open «>ach that would seat 16 and a driver. Mr Hammond usually drove with a team of five horses. Coaches Replaced In 1914 the coaches were replaced by motor buses and Mr and Mrs Hammond turned to dairy farming which has been their occupation ever since.

They had three daughters, Mrs Sylvene Stewart, of Barry’s Bay, Mrs Avis Craw, of Lincoln, and the late Mrs Doreen Breitmeyer, of Little River. There are 15 grandchildren.

Mrs Hammond, whose parents were French settlers in Akaroa. was one of the first members of the Country Women’s Institute on the Peninsula. She is also a member of the Catholic Women’s League in Akaroa. and of the Akaroa Croquet Club. For years an interest Mr Hammond enjoyed outside his work was in showing horses in the agricultural and pastoral show. A hobby the couple share is gardening.

They will celebrate their anniversary with a family party.