WALK OF NEARLY 160 MILES
North Auckland Woman And Ten Children DESIRE TO FIND NEW FARM HOME Dominion Special Service. Auckland, March 22. A journey of nearly 160 miles on foot from the Rangiawhia Peninsula, Doubtless Bay, to Wliangarei, was the arduous first stage in a journey which a mother and her 10 children are making to Wellington. They travelled by train from Wliangarei to Auckland, and intend to go on to Wellington. How they Will make the trip is not yet decided, but, if there is no alternative, they are prepared to walk. The members of the family are Mrs. F. Wilkin, and her childi'en, who range iu age from 23 to 11 years.
The purpose of her long journey. Mrs. Wilkin explained, i.s to discover whether their farm may be exchanged for one In a more suitable locality. "Food supplies nt Whatuwhiwhi, where we live, tire irregular,” she said, “there are no white neighbours near by, and the life is not suitable for the children.” The house was locked up and. with as much as they could Carry on their backs, the family left their home at midnight on .March 8. At. night they camped on the roadside, and alter eight days reached Wliangarei. The children wore boots on the first few days, but, finding them uncomfortable, they finished the journey barefooted. With them they had a dog', and a small bird, a pet of one Of the children, which was carried in a box. Free train transport to Auckland was provided for them by Mr. W. Jones, mavor of Wliangarei, and when they arrived on Friday, further assistance obtained for them a house which they are at present occupying. "The kindness of everyone on all stages of the journey has been overwhelming, Mrs. Wilkin said. “We have been assisted in many difficulties and would not have reached Auckland yet but for the help of many .people.” Originally a freehold grant to Colonel Brodie, an English soldier who was stationed in New Zealand before 1850, the farm passed through many hands before Mr. Wilkin bought it in 1926.
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Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 151, 23 March 1938, Page 6
Word Count
350WALK OF NEARLY 160 MILES Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 151, 23 March 1938, Page 6
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