RIMU JUBILEE

Grey River Argus, 5 May 1932, Page 2

RIMU JUBILEE

LARGE ASSEMBLAGE A Scene of' Gaiety Amid the beautiful setting of mountain and bush, Rimu yesterday celebrated its Golden Jubilee as a goldfield. From early morning people began to congregate, and by the time the procession began to move off every vantage point had been taken to view its progress. The town of Rimu presented a gay appearance, bedecked with bunting and greenery, and the four arches erected were much admired. The private residences, too. displayed decorations, and a very jovial spirit prevailed.

The Jubilee had its religious aspect in that at St. Mary’s Church, Rimu, at 8.30 a.m., a Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father O’Doherty, and he referred to the significance of the occasion. The children of the School sang beautifully the “Requiem Hymn” for the repose of the souls of the deceased miners, who were associated with Rimu’s early days. At St. John’s Church also an appropriate service was conducted by the Rev. H. J. W. Knights, of Hokitika, who gave a stirring address to the young people, and urged them to emulate the spirit of the early pioneers.

The procession moved off from Woodstock at 10.30 a.m., and what a scene of enthusiasm it created! Headed by the Hokitika Municipal Band, led by Drum Major Hutchison, the procession moved slowly up the Rimu Hill. In the procession the following tableaux were represented: “Pioneers of Rimu,” led by Messrs A. Dchn (Harihari), Neddy Ryan, W. Shannon, J. Stoop, H. Bauke and others; “May Queen” (Miss Dorrie Inwood) and her attendants; Modern Wedding; Representatives of Ross Pioneers, led by Mr Andy Sharkey; Parade of Old Time and Modern Costumes (ladies); Miners ’ Tableaux; Old Lady and Gent (Mr and Mrs Woolhouse); “Miss 1882,” Grandma and Daughter (Mrs T. McIntosh, Mrs R. Furness and Mrs W. Knowles); Jockeys; Lady on Horseback (Mrs Cropp); Gold Diggers’ Van; “Old Time Wedding”; “Early Settlers Arrive”; “Perambulator Parade” (Mrs Kelly and party); Lan dau; Maori Tableaux; Para’s Foal; and the Kokatahi Band.

There were large numbers of children in fancy costume which helped to add to the gaiety of the scene. As the procession passed the large assemblage followed to the Rimu Domain, where festivities of all kinds were indulged in. On arrival at the Domain speeches were delivered, the following gentlemen addressing the people:— Mr J. A. Murdoch, og Hokitika, was the first speaker. He referred to the importance of the occasion and gave a brief resume of early Rimu history. He recalled in detail early settlers and their occupations, and said that wherever one went an old Rimuite could be found. All honour to those worthy men, the pioneers of the Coast. New Zealand would be better off to-day if that same pioneer spirit prevailed. He urged the younger generation to emulate the spirit of their forebears, and congratulated Rimu and Woodstock on the line spirit they were showing on the occasion of the Jubilee. He concluded by wishing all a happy time.

The Mayor of Hokitika, Mr G. A. Perry, was the next speaker, who referred in laudatory terms to the preparations made for th© Jubilee. He paid a tribute to the old pioneers of the district, some of whom had long since passed away, but there still were some left of that sterling band. He referred to the old miners as the most hopeful of men, and if only another “find” would occur what a benefit it would be to all. Mr 11. M. Coulson said it was an honour for him to be present on such an auspicious occasion. The people gathered for the Jubilee still possessed the spirit that actuated the pioneer, and throughout all Westland that same spirit prevailed. The residents of Rimu and Woodstock had risen to the occasion and were to be congratulated on their excellent work.

Mr John Murdoch, Mayor of Ross, read a telegram from Mr James O’Brien, M.P., in which he stated his inability to attend the celebrations owing to the press of Parliamentary duties. He asked that the County Chairman, Mr M. Keenan, act in his stead.

Mr M. Keenan (County Chairman of Westland), addressing the gathering, stated that as an old Rimu boy himself, he was very proud to be present on this occasion. He was very pleased also at the fact that in this Jubilee year, ho, as a Rimuite, occupied the position of County Chairman.

Much enthusiasm was aroused when Mr H. A. Baucke, an old pioneer, spoke, and recalled his long and active association with the Rimu goldfields and Rimu miners.

Mr F. L. Turley, on behalf of the Cobden Town Board, voiced his congratulations and paid a tribute to the way the celebrations had been arranged, and extended his best wishes for successful results. On behalf of the Maori representatives, Mr Tainui spoke words of congratulation, and wished the gathering success.

An inspiring Maori song of welcome concluded the speech of Mr Tainui. A nice interlude during the speeches was the singing of the May Queen and her attendants. The children were taught by the Sisters of the Rimu School, who deserve every credit for the way in which the children performed. At the conclusion of the addresses, the vast assemblage were treated to refreshments, and the way in which the Ladies’ Committees and their attendants looked to the wants of all is deserving of the highest praise. From all sides have come the warmest of thanks for the hospitality extended.

A novel touch was added during the course of the procession and demonstrations by the appearance overhead of an aeroplane doing various stunts. The crowd were thrilled by its evolutions.

A round of sports were held tor the cl ildren, the results of which will be published later. Various side shows were also in evidence and were freely patronised. Last night old time dances were held in Rimu and Woodstock Halls, and were largely attended. It may be **kid: Bravo Rimu! for your grand display yesterday. You have carried out the celebrations excellently, and may the same spirit prevail when Rimu celebrates its diamond jubilee. The Rimu goldfield, it may be recalled, was first known as Upper Woodstock, and was discovered early in 1883. By the middle of that year there was a large population in the vicinity, and a township sprang up on both sides of the road to Ross. A series of corduroyed tracks were soon made down The Lead, the main one being named after Mr William Adair, a former roadman for the Westland County Council, whose name is perpetuated in Adair’s Road.

Miners flocked from all parts of New Zealand to take part in the rush. The field was fairly shallow, the bottom ranging from 40 to 90 feet. The sinking was fairly easy. At times water was a trouble, but usually sinking was in dry, solid ground. The wash was on a sandstone bottom, and its depth ranged from two tu four feet. The wash dirt was hauled to the top of the shaft by means of a whim (horse drawn ihi most cases) and placed in a paddock which was washed by means of water supplied from raoes which covered the field. The returns varied largely.

The field was one which was able to be worked with parties of three or four, and there was no great outlay involved in carrying out the search for the yellow metal. The rush that ensued after the discovery of the field had a very beneficial effect on Hokitika and the district, which at the time had been suffering from a dis tinct slump, when the new discovery of gold of a valuable nature gave an impetus to trade, which lasted several years.

In those days horse draw'n traffic was the vogue, and the coach drivers called up their patrons -with bugles, it being a regular thing to hear the calls sounding before 7 o’clock in the morning as the coaches passed up the town street collecting their passengers. The township of Rimu grew rapidly,

and soon had its busy rows of shops, hanks, churches, and several hotels. Gradually the amount of gold produced became less, and though there were other discoveries at Seddon Terrace, in 1890, and Back Creek, the claims there were of a different nature, mainly sluicing and tunnelling from the terrace front. The scenes of th ‘ old field are now a deserted area, overgrownwith ferns and rushes, the bushmen having completed the devastation of what was once a fine, virgin forest, in order to provide raw material for the sawmilling industry.