NINE-MILE WALK

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3255, 21 April 1943, Page 2

NINE-MILE WALK

CHURCH TO NEW HOME EARLY DAYS RECALLED PIONEER BRIDE’S HONEYMOON A nine-mile walk from New Plymouth to Hillsborough was the honeymoon experience of Mrs Mary Ann Stanley, of Frankleigh Park, New Plymouth, who celebrated her 90th birthday recently. Mrs Stanley, who is the only original pioneer of Hillsborough living today, is an excellent example of the women who endured so many hardships and difficulties in the early days of Taranaki.

When still a young girl Mrs Stanley left her home in Kent, England, and came to New Zealand on the sailing ship Mataura. -She landed at Nelson and travelled from there to New (Plymouth on the coastal steamer Taranaki.

Soon after landing Mrs Stanley was married to the late Mr Walter Stanley, of Hillsborough. After the ceremony the couple walked to Hillsborough, a distance of nine miles, preceded by a swaying bullock-dray carrying all of the bride’s worldly goods. Mr and Mrs Stanley worked a 180acre farm which was cut from the native bush. Not long after their arrival the homestead was destroyed by fire and had to be entirely rebuilt. Interest In Life Despite her great age, Mrs Stanley still likes to go to town on Fridays. She says she enjoys the bustle and movement. She can read the smallest type in the newspaper without spectacles and is an alert and bright speaker. Asked what she thought of the modern girl, Mrs Stanley smiled and said, “They’re O.K. in their own way, but they’ve changed a lot.” On Sunday afternoon a family gathering will be held at her daughter’s residence in Frankleigh Park. Mrs Stanley has been the recipient of many congratulations, including letters and a cable from her two grandsons overseas.

She has five sons, Messrs P. Stanley (Auckland), F. W. and W. C. Stanley (Hillsborough), E. C. Stanley (Hawera), and G. T. W. Stanley (Inaha), and her daughter is Mrs R. M. Corney (Frankleigh Park). There are 15 grand-children and 14 greatgrandchildren.