PIONEER RESIDENTS FAREWELLED AT MOTU

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23271, 5 June 1950, Page 4

PIONEER RESIDENTS FAREWELLED AT MOTU

(Herald Correaijondent.)

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Fisher and Miss Mary Fisher gathered in the Motu Hall on Thursday night to bid them farewell prior to their leaving the district to reside in Gisborne. Mr. F. Read, on behalf of the Motu people, in presenting Mr. and Mrs. Fisher with a chiming clock, said how much they would be missed. They had always taken a prominent part in all community activities and were always willing to lend a helping hand. Mr. Fisher, and his two brothers, Messrs. E. P. and F. L. Fisher, who still reside in the district, are the last of the pioneering families who originally came to Motu.

Mr. Read, on behalf of the Motu people, wished Mr. and Mrs. Fisher a long and happy retirement in Gisborne.

Mr. N. G. Nisbett then, on behalf of her many friends, presented Miss Mary Fisher with a pair of crystal candlesticks, wishing her every success in the future.

Mr. Fisher, on behalf of his wife, daughter and himself, thanked the people for the gifts ants said that to be leaving Motu after 56 years was a wrench. He had come here with his parents in 1894. There was very little land in grass then, not more than 300 to 400 acres, the rest being dense bush for many miles around. It was a sportsman’s paradise in those early days, with pigeons, ducks and pigs. Everything came by pack-horse from Puha over the hills, the tracks being almost impassable during the winter. For many years there were only five families in the district, Messrs. E.'Hansen, E. Richardson, L. and W. Carron, O. and 11. Richmond and themselves. The first school was built bv Mr. C. Hansen, the Hansen. Richardson and Fisher children being taught there and well caned with one of the supplejacks out of the bush.

Music was supplied by Mr. H. Lcnnane and extras played by Mr. R. J. Peddle. Supper was served by the ladies of the district.