AN EARLY POSTMASTER

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 April 1930, Page 21 (Supplement)

AN EARLY POSTMASTER

WHEN HAWBBA’S POPULATION WAS 500. MB W. CHANEY, NOW OF NEW PLYMOUTH. ' H-awera and district have made wonderful strides since December 17, 1878 when Mr W. Chaney, now resident in New Plymouth, took charge of the Hawera Post and Telegraph Office, the population of the town then being in the vicinity of 500. At that time 'the Waimate Plains had not been surveyed and trouble was then simmering between Te Whiti’s and Tohu’s followers. A Constabulary camp of 50 officers and men under the command of Captain J. T. Marshall was then established at Wailii, and when tlie first volunteer rifle corps was formed about the same period, Mr Chaney, although exempt as officer in charge of the telegraph office, says that he joined np in order to get a ‘ ‘ shooter ’■’ in ease of emergency. The first drill was held on a Sunday, Air Chaney recollects, and through -an accident to his hand, necessitating his being off duties for three weeks, he spent some time at the Parihaka camp as the -guest of some of the constabulary officers, reaching the camp (known as Fort Kolleston) on the day that Tohunvas taken prisoner. The Hon. John Bryce presided at the mess table, the furnishing of

which was primitive, tin plates and pannikins being used by all. On returning to Hawera Air Chaney had some most strenuous times -in the office, working twelve to fourteen hours per day for weeks on end. The staff then comprised the postmaster, a. cadet and a linesman, with -Opunake to transmit for, and with several special reporters making things very lively with lengthy telegraphed -Press reports. Air Chaney, iwlvo is now 'dose on SO years of age, still enjoys good health and has been interested in the “Hawera Star” for many years, being personally acquainted with the founder, Air P. Galvin, the late Air J. C. Yorkc and the late Air W. A. Parkinson, who was a most esteemed friend.