Mr Ray Sleeman (left), the general manager of the Christchurch Town Hall, Mr Aussie Laws (centre), and Mr Smokey Marshall, a co-director of the Christchurch Old Time Country Music Association, with a stone plaque commemorating the Australasian country music performer, Tex Morton. The plaque was yesterday given to the Town Hall to be mounted in the foyer. Tex Morton, who was born Robert William Lane, in Nelson, made the first 78 r.p.m. country and western recording in Australasia. He spent his life performing in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Aussie Laws, one of the donors of the plaque, is a former New Zealander, now living in Australia. He performs in the style of Tex Morton. Other donors include the Hill Billy Association of New Zealand, which was formed two years, ago to keep Morton’s music alive, the Christchurch Old Time Country Music Association, the Canterbury Stone Company, and Decra Art, Ltd.

Press, 4 April 1989, Page 6

Mr Ray Sleeman (left), the general manager of the Christchurch Town Hall, Mr Aussie Laws (centre), and Mr Smokey Marshall, a co-director of the Christchurch Old Time Country Music Association, with a stone plaque commemorating the Australasian country music performer, Tex Morton. The plaque was yesterday given to the Town Hall to be mounted in the foyer. Tex Morton, who was born Robert William Lane, in Nelson, made the first 78 r.p.m. country and western recording in Australasia. He spent his life performing in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Aussie Laws, one of the donors of the plaque, is a former New Zealander, now living in Australia. He performs in the style of Tex Morton. Other donors include the Hill Billy Association of New Zealand, which was formed two years, ago to keep Morton’s music alive, the Christchurch Old Time Country Music Association, the Canterbury Stone Company, and Decra Art, Ltd.