FOXTON JUBILEE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 121, 22 April 1938, Page 8

FOXTON JUBILEE

OLD IDENTITIES’ DAY. (From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, April 22. One hundred and fourteen old identities assembled at the Town Hall supper room yesterday to participate in tho old identities’ luncheon which officially opened the jubilee celebrations in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of the declaration of Foxton as a borough. The Mayor (Mr M. K. Porreau) presided and Mr J. A. Nash, of Palmerston "Norli, was toastmaster. As the old peoplo entered the reception room each was made tho recipient of a floral token. A long list of congratulations and apologies was read by the Mayor, who proposed tho toast “Absent Friends,” which was honoured in silence. Mr Pcn'cau also proposed the toast “Old Identities,” and in doing so referred to the sterling work carried out by tho pioneers in the formation of Foxton. He traced the history of the town from earliest times and referred to tho work of tho first municipal body in Foxton, comprising Messrs Ernest E. Thynne (first Mayor) J. W. Loudon, Dr Rockstrow, Messrs A. J. Whyte, F. Loudon and T. U. Cook, in the days when tho population of Foxton was 291. Messrs T. P. Williams, Geo. Nye. J. R. McMillan, F. E. Jenks, C. P. Fume, J. R. Russell, and J. F. Gibson wore all names of promi•nent men in the early days referred to by Mr Porreau, who said that they, with others, had carried out an important pioneering work which was ably sustained by those who followed, headed by tho following past Mayors: Messrs J. R. Gower, T. Wilson, J. R. Stansell, A. Fraser, W. B. Rhodes, P. J. Hennessy, G. Simpson, B. G. Gower, G. H. Stiles and J. Clirystall. Many relatives of these men were present that day and the Mayor accorded them a hearty welcome, together with all old identities. Ho mado special reference to the assistance and co-operation of tho Maori people, and said he was pleased to have them represented that day in Messrs J. McDonald and J. McGregor. Tho efforts of Captain Francis Robinson in colonisation and Rev. James Duncan in missionary work was also touched on, and Mrs Seabury was welcomed as “the mother of Foxton.” Mr Porreau said that he was pleased to acknowledge congratulations from Miss R. Duncan, a daughter of tho late Rev. Mr Duncan, who was Foxton’s oldest, living resident, aged 94. Mr J. A. Nash responded to tho toast and acknowledged the kindly reference of the Mayor. The men of the early days had been imbued with tho idea of making Foxton an important place; lie said. Ho gave a number of interesting side-lights on the experiences of the pioneers, and spoke of the coach service, the old wooden tram to Palmerston North, and early days at Manawatu Heads. He wa= particularly pleased to see present Mr Goo.. Hughes, who used to drive tho first train to Foxton. Mr Nash also instanced the loyalty and friendship of the early Maori people, and said Foxton could not be better served Foxton progress. He congratulated the Mayor and councillors on the anniversary. Mr' Geo. Stiles also spoke, and predicted a bright future for Foxton by reason of the woolpack factory. He said flax depressions had come and gone in the past, and the indications were bright for the future. He congratulated Mr Porroau on his record of service of 13 years as Mayor, and said Foxton could nt bo better served in that respect. " Mr J. Linklater proposed the toast of kindred bodies and congratulated the borough on its celebration and Mr Pcr-l-eau on his service to the community, in particular in regard to the port a»d_ tho flax industry. He referred to Mr P. W. Goldsmith as the veteran Mayor of Levin, and eulogised the work of Mr G. A. Monk (chairman of the Horowhonua County Council) in connection with that body's tar-scaling programme. Messrs J. A. Nash and W. E. Barber (chairman of the Manawatu County Council) also came in for a measure of praise for local body activities. The response was in the hands of Gr J. R. Middleton (dcputy-Mayor) and Messrs Goldsmith, Barber and Monk. Mr Barber expressed, pleasure at finding Mrs Bo wo present, and referred to her sterling qualities as a pioneer. He also touched on the activities at Ohakca in tho establishment of an aerodrome and said tho Manawatu County Council was still a very active local body. Mr Monk referred to tho excellent work being carried out at Whirokino to provide a safe and floodproof highway, which would bo a great asset to Foxton. Mr \V. Trueman proposed the toast of tho present generation, which was replied to by Messrs \V, R. McKenzie and R. 0. Hornblow. The toast of the ladies was left to Rev. Grice and responded to by Mrs C. Easton (Shannon). The gathering was a particularly happy one and many old acquaintanceships were renewed.. A splendid ladies’ committee rendered excellent service and provided the whole luncheon which was of a sumptuous nature. Vocal numbers were rendered by Mrs S. W. Barber and Misses J. Barron and U. Thomson. Mrs Chittenden contributed a recitation. The accompaniments were played by Mrs M. Bowe. At the conclusion the old identities were shown over the woolpack factory.