“FATHER OF HASTINGS.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 203, 7 December 1920, Page 5

“FATHER OF HASTINGS.”

[to the editor.] Sir, —Anaroa is right in his statement regarding the “father” of Hastings in so far that there is no doubt that the late Air. Thomas Tanner was the “father” of the Heretaunga plains He leased the greatest part of the plains from the natives in the sixties and afterwards acquired the freehold. Now for the wrong side of Anaroa’s statement. Neither the late Mr. Tanner nor myself was the “father” of Hastings, the honour belongs to the late Mr. F. Hicks who bought 100 acres on the north side of what is now known as Heretaunga street. (The 100 acres on the south side were bought by the late Air. James Boyle). Air. Hicks soon after cut his lot up for a township, giving it the name of Hastings—l presume after the renowned Warren Hastings. 1 take it that the man who owned the land and formed the township and gave it a name was the “lather” of Hastings. I suppose 1 must be the “godfather” having been the first Mayor. However, I will leave that question to Anaroa to solve. AH Anaroa said about the late Air. Thomas Tanner that gentleman deserved. He was generous and sympathetic to a fault, which he afterwards suffered for.—l am. etc.. R. WELLWOOD. Hastings, Dec. 7th., 1920.