MAYOR PAINTS VERBAL PICTURE OF EARLY PALMERSTON NORTH

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7294, 2 August 1930, Page 16

MAYOR PAINTS VERBAL PICTURE OF EARLY PALMERSTON NORTH

To Optimists’ Club Dense bush, surrounding a small clearing; a mere handful of 22 persons carving out tho city-to-be with an eye to the future. The gradual but con Bistent transformation, and, finally, a busy commercial centre, surrounded by one of the most prosperous farming districts in tho Dominion. This was the verbal picture painted by the Mayor (Mr. A. J. Graham) for members of the Palmerston North Optimists’ Oluo at the weekly luncheon yesterday, when speaking of the town’s achievement,in being raised to city status. There was a largo attendance, Mr. W. H. Wilson presiding. In extending a welcome to the speaker of tho day, the chairman remarked that Mr. Graham needed no introduction, althougn it was a pleasuro to announce him as “the first Mayor of tho city of Palmerston North.” Time for Optimism “It is fitting that first of all I should express pride—a pardonable pride—in occupying the position of Mayor of this city,” replied the speaker, “and it is perhaps appropriate that my first public appearance in that capacity should be beforo members of the Optimists’ Club, in view of the fact that the country is said to be passing through troublous times.” If the present conditions prevailing in the Dominion were depressing, how ever, it was a signal for everyone to place their shoulders to tho wheel to help the country along. He was convinced that optimism encouraged progress, while pessimism retarded it, and therefore the hope could be expressed that the tendencies of the members would materially assist in making the new city even more progressive. Palmerston North Always Prosperous

Time was when it had been said that Palmerston North was not a prosperous community, but during his 37 years residence in the town he had never known it to enjoy, anything but prosperity, said his Worship, adding that the wealthy surrounding district would always lend its support. Remarkable progress had been made from a small beginning, aDd tho speaker requested his listeners to visualise the township of Palmerston North in its early stages, surrounded by virgin bu§h. There was a clearing extending from where the railway station now stands to tho Methodist Church in Broadway. “And on this site tho city-to-be was commenced,” stated Mr. Graham. “Just realise ivhat efforts, indomitable pluck and persevcranco characterised the spirit of those pioneers in their work.” Tho small band had broken through the dense bush after coming across the sea from the comforts ot home, and had arrived at a timo when towns and villages wero only just starting to spring up. Truly they were pioneers of the greatest type. Population of 22 “Sixty-two years ago the population of Palmerston North did not number as many as there aro in this room—it was a mere handful of 22 persons,” continued the speaker, “and now our city has between 20,000 and 21,000,” In 1870 the first store was erected by the lato Mr. Snelson; in 1872 tho first Town Board was formed, and in 1887 the borough was constituted with 2600 inhabitants. “The Cambridge of New Zealand” In regard to the educational side it was interesting to recall that the first school, on tho site of the Empire hotel, contained eight pupils, while" the first schoolmaster w-as the late Mr. R. N. Keeling, who subsequently became town clerk. “Even in tho past few months we arc showing progress in this direction, the Russell street and Milson schools having been opened, while it is not long sinco Massey College was established,” said Mr. Graham. I am inclined to think, too, that in years to come wo will see the Fitzhcrbert hill clustered -with a fine group of buildings -which will bring to Palmerston North the designation of ‘the Cambridge of New Zealand.’” Farmers Have Assisted In town, the prosperity in the business area was apparent, but it had to be borne in mind that this was due, iu no small measure, to the farming community. Tho conditions prevailing in tho past had not been conducive to tho farmer receiving tho best return for his toil; there was no “go-slow” policy then, and the markets wero far afield. It was true that land had been comparatively cheap in tho ’eighties at £3 10/- an acre, but it also had to be remembered that butter only brought 4d. a pound. Manawatu Railway The opening of the Manawatu Railway Company’s line from Wellington

had brought about a noticeable chango in tho conditions and towns and villages soon sprang up along the lino, speedily making Palmerston. North a commercial centre of very great importance. Even then it could have been called “the Metropolis of tho Manawatu.” At the present time all roads converged tb this city, which could .undoubtedly bo designated an emporium of progress. Tho swamp of tho past had now given way to the beauty of gardens, well laid out streets and a town designed on modern lines. The Square had once been a happy hunting ground for duck ghooters and for Maori feasts, but to-day it was ono of the most picturesque spots in the Dominion. A City of Blazes Rapidly tho older structures had been replaced with handsomo business, premises, this producing an atmosphere of strength and solidity, and the promise of a still greator future. At ono time in its history Palmerston North had been known as ”tho city of blazes,” on account x>f the largo number of fires that occurred, aud tho speaker recalled the days of the bucket brigade, which contrasted so noticeably with the modern appliances and appurtenances. “Beforo tho end of the present year I hope the city will have an adequate water supply also—hard though it may bo—and sufficient to meet requirements,” commented the Mayor amid laughter. The fact was then mentioned that the fircbells used at tho Coleman place and Cuba street stations had both in turn gone to Palmerston North churches, All Saints’ still using the older one and tho ■ Roman Catholic Church the other. Eyes to the Future In conclusion, Mr. Graham urged members of the club, as tho future citizens of Palmerston North, to emulate tho cxamplo of the pioneers. Tho early settlers had three salient characteristics which could bo summed up as (1) confidence in tlicir miniature city; (2) perseverance in tho discharge of their duties, enabling them to overcome all obstacles and to do good; and (3) visionary ideals and aspirations in laying tho foundations for succeeding generations and realising tho truth that righteousness alone could exalt a nation.