EARLY RECOLLECTIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 13 October 1931, Page 8

EARLY RECOLLECTIONS

Hawera Resident’s Memories

Some interesting reminiscences ol Patea fifty years ago were recalled by Mr. L. S. Barraclough, of Hawera, who at that time was in business in the seaport town.

The railway was then through only to Ivai Iwi, and he had, as was usual in those early days, come through by coach and well remembers the men who were in charge of the Royal Mail coaches and their line horses which carried out that important service. The contractors lor the railway construction were at work and had camps at various points, which Mr. Barradough supplied. Always keen on a good horse, Mr. Barraclough took part- in the shows of that day, and on one occasion rode through on a horse, “Butcher Boy,” to contest at Hawera. “But there were many fine horses then on the coast and competition was’ keen,” said Nlr. Barraclough. “I did not win.” Fie was for some years Captain of the Patea fire brigade and recalls a number of big fires that occurred while he was iu charge. With him also in the brigade was- Air. A. H. Arthur, of Hawera .

The water supply, he remembered, was a series of 400-gallon tanks at different parts of the town, and the equipment an old manual engine, which, however, did excellent work. Referring to farming matters, lie said the fat cattle of those days were great animals and were much sought after. They were mostly Shorthorns, and at one period when there was a severe drought in Australia large shipments of live cattle were sent across by \steamer to Sydney and arrived there in excellent condition. This trade was carried on for some time. An interesting incident recalled by Mr. Barraclough was the “state”_ visit paid by the old Maori Chief Titokowaru to Patea, with a large number of followers. This was, of course, years after the termination of the war and when Tito had been pardoned and was free to travel. The big party was given an enthusiastic reception and entertained royally and the chief was the recipient of several presents. “They were good old days,” said Mr. Barraclough, “and I shall be keen I v interested to attend tlie jubilee, where I look forward to meeting some of the men and women who were residents of Patea fifty years ago.”