AFTER FIFTY YEARS AT APITI

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 208, 30 May 1936, Page 16

AFTER FIFTY YEARS AT APITI

Honouring the Pioneers SETTLEMENT CELEBRATES ITS JUBILEE Dominion Special Service. Apiti, May 29. Fifty years ago, on May 29, ISS6, a land ballot for the Feilding Small Farm Settlement Association took place at Wellington, and the lucky (-'electors began to penetrate the bush wilderness now known as Apiti, which in brilliant weather to-day celebrated its golden jubilee. Over 200 pioneers and present settlers attended, this number including eight of the original settlers of the district, these being Messrs. E. 11. Cummerficld, E. Nix, S. Roberts, H. Osborne, E Miller, C. Bennett, R. Taylor and U. Miller. Apiti is a Maori word meaning “narrows'” or “gorges,” and the district was well named, lor each ot its four entrances are over rivers and through steep gorges. . , Mention was made to-day of the trims and tribulations undergone by those hardy pioneers, who could now look back with great pride on their work, which was directly responsible for the growth and prosperity of the district. Proceedings opened with prayer and grace, after which all present sat down to the jubilee dinner. The president of the jubilee committee. Mr. R. V. Stewart, briefly welcomed those present to the celebrations. The “The Pioneers” was proposed by Mr. W. McKay, who said it was gratifying to see some of that old band of pioneers present and “all going strongly.” They had laid the corner stone of the Apiti district well. Mr. McKay claimed that for a country site 1600 or 1700 feet above sea level Apiti was one of the finest stretches in the Dominion. The farmers of to-day had continued the good work of those pioneers, and good progress was being maintained. Mr. McKay said that Mr. E. Goodbehere was the man who had nt one time held the valley of Apiti in his hand. He had controlled the ballot when this block of land was opened up. Mr. McKay paid a tribute to the integrity and ability of the pioneers. Mrs. Hugh Osborne, sen., cut the twotier jubilee cake, which was made by Mrs. T. K. McLean. John Ballance’s Ideal. Mr. E. H. Cummerfield was the first to reply to the toast. He said that on February 13, ISSS, the Feilding Small Farm Association was formed by authority from the late Hon. John Ballance for buying blocks of land for special settlement. Fifty years ago dense native bush covered the site of the present township. In ISSS the Feilding association set up a committee to select a block of land. The assistance of Mr. Charles Mountford. Government surveyor, was obtained, and finally it was decided to apply for the block now known as the Apiti district. The block of approximately 10.000 acres was obtained at a price of £1 per acre. Of this 91 sections comprised rural area, each section being approximately 100 acres. In the township the price of land was £2 for acre sections, and £1 for half-acre sections. Purchasers had the right of only one section with a proviso of compulsory improvement, if not compulsory settlement. As a result a tremendous amount of improvement took place, and late in 1886 the majority of the purchasers had taken up residence on their sections. From then onward the district progressed rapidly. Mr. Cummcrfield said that the late Mr. R. Stewart brought the first vehicle wagon to Apiti. Mr. H. Osborne said he was very pleased to see such a lot of old faces present. 311*. E. Miller stated that, he commenced the first Sunday School in the district. He referred to its growth and the growth of the township generally, after which he called the names of the original members of the association present. Mr. E. Nix said that the Feilding association was the first small farm association to get under weigh, despite all the hardships. Mr. S. Roberts recalled experiencing 21 frosts in succession at Apiti in the early days. Mr. F. S. Guy said ho came to Apiti in 1892 and set up the first store to supply the needs of the settlers, and also the first post office. Mr. E. Goodbehere congratulated the committee on the fine assembly. In 1885 there was considerable hunger of land .among the ■neoplc. He dealt with the formation of the Land Settlement Association for the district, adding that about five others were formed pt the same time. The policy of the then Government had been very wise. A Critic of Parliament. Mr. Cummcrfield toasted "Present Settlers.” to which Mr. IV. J. Viles and Mr. C. Spence replied. “Parliament” 'was toasted by Mr. G. Cowan, who referred to the splendid work of the early members for the district, and criticised the modern Parliament for its excessive taxation. Otherwise he was in agreement with the principles of Parliament. In reply the Hon. J. G. Cobbe outlined the working of Parliament to those present. He said that Mr. Speaker prayed for the Government party, then for ( the Opposition, and then for the country. (Laughter.) He also complimented the early settlers on their pluck in overcoming all hardships to form this prosperous centre. He did not wish to make a political speech, but in connection with recent legislation he felt that the people of New Zealand would stand up for their independence. They would let things go so far and then say “Stop.” They would not let them go any further. Mr. H. Osborne, sen., toasted “Local Bodies,” referring to the splendid work done in the district by the Pohangina County Council, the Mannwatu-Oroua Electric Power Board, and the Makerua Drainage Board, to whom all settlers wore grateful. Mr. S. J. Strahan replied on behalf of the first body. Mr. W. McKay for the second, and Mr. A. McNae for the third. “Snor.ts Bodies” were toasted by Mr. W. Duncan and replied to by Mr SV. McKenzie, inn.. Mr. W. J. Osborne, and Mr. .7. D. Kilgour. The toast of "The Ladies” was proposed by Mr. N. Viles and replied to by Mrs. Stanley, on behalf of the Apiti Women’s Institute, and Mrs.’ A. McNae, on behalf of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Members then stood in silence in respect for the memory of “Absent Pioneers.” Colourful Procession. Considerable amusement was caused by the procession ns it marched round the township, led by Mr. E. IT. Cummcrfield. Mr. IT. Osborne. Mr. E. Miller, and Mr. E. Nix. The original settlers’ procession wa.s as follows: Mr. IT. Viles, with packhorse, carrying flour and stores; Mr. F. S. Guy. ns a sheriff: a bullock-drawn wagon led hv Mr. C. Duffey and decornt'ed by the Women’s Institute; a horsei drawn dray of old times; children's deco- [ rated ponies; "Gua.arnfccd Price” van : ton which a poster read: "Guaranteed : price; 40-hour wook; no wages; every--1 one happy”) : M.U.T.0.0.F. Lodge: a lorry decorated as a model farm; another as "Miss England,” 1936”; decorated enr.s and motor-cycles; three girls as “Three Old Maids Alee”; and then a large number of adults and children in fancy dress.