MATAWAI NEWS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20619, 21 November 1941, Page 8

MATAWAI NEWS

SETTLERS FAREWELLED CHANGES IN DISTRICT (Herald Correspondent.) On Wednesday evening friends from Rakauroa, Koranga, Motu and .Matawai assembled in record numbers in Matawai to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. R. Fleming and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Tucker. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming came to the district 26 years ago, farming first at Burn Brae,” then at Mr. A. Mortleman’s homestead, and latterly on an area adjoining Mr. H. Davenport’s near the township. Mrs. Tucker is their elder daughter, and, with Mrs. C. Squires and Mr. K. Fleming, Tolaga Bay, was educated at the Matawai School. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker came from Opotiki in recent years, when Mrs. Fleming went to live in Gisborne. Mr. G. Tucker has been engaged in farm work in the district and now has accepted a position in Gisborne with the Gisborne Sheepfarmers Frozen Meat and Mercantile Company. His parents lived in the Matawai district for many years. Mrs, Tucker is a very popular member of St. Mary’s Ladies’ Guild and the Matawai Women’s Institute, following her mother, who served for many years in both organisations and her place will be hard to fill. The entertainment took the font of an old-time dance, Mr. C. W, Korte being responsible for the earlj part of the programme and acting as M.C. until the arrival of Mr. A Marshall. Miss Una Reed was the musician, playing both piano anc piano-accordion. Mr. U. Clark assisted with extras on the accordion. Welfare of the District During the evening, Mr. Johr Hope, acting for Major H. expressed the deep regret of the early residents at the departure o: Mr. and Mrs. Fleming. He eulogisec the spade work done by the earlj settlers in connection with loca affairs, dealing mainly with Mr Fleming’s association with the Mata wai Settlers’ Association, the Matawai Saleyards Association and tin Matawai School Committee, in eacl of which he had acted either a: chairman or vice-president. Mr. Hope stressed the fact tha the older men were all still in harness and working hard lor tin general welfare ot the district, anc made a special appeal to the younge: men to interest themselves in then district. Great changes had taker place since the elder settlers tool up their holdings. The bad road: and the lack of communication made their beginnings very hard; and Mr Hope exressed pleasure at seeing sc many of these men and womer present to do honour to Mr. anc Mrs. Fleming. He also referred to the splendic position of the Matawai Saieyard: Company, which had made so mucl progress within recent years, with out asking aid from anyone, unde: the capabie chairmanship of Mr Fleming. Mr. Hope then asked Mr and Mrs. Fleming to accept a cheque from their friends throughout the district. Mr. Fleming briefly replied, thank ing Mr. Hope and their friends fo; me gift. Mr. Hope in addressing Mr. anc Mrs. Tucker referred to Mr. Tucker': lather, who also had taken greal interest in education while in Matawai, and presented them with f cheque. Mr. Tucker expressed hi: thanks. Both recipients were accorded musical honours. Auer supper, which was providec by the local ladies, dancing was continued. On Thursday afternoon, the Rev J. D. Hodgson held a christening ceremony in St. Mary’s Church, where six children were presented There was a large attendance oi mothers, children and friends. At the beginning oi the service, the Sunday school children sang "When Mothers of Salem,” and at the conclusion Mesdames G. Tucker, C. Hustler, F. Thomas and W. L. Fletcher entertained the vicar and friends to aiternoon tea in the Women’s Institute room, which had been beautifully decorated with Russell lupins and iceiand poppies.