Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 65, 18 March 1936, Page 9

Rongotea

Prom Our Own Correspondent. The Ueatli of Mr W. IT. Foster has removed another of the old and respected residents of this district. Born in Devonshire, England, he came with his parents to New Zealand, when nine years of age. He took up his residence in Rongotea 35 years ago and had lived here ever since. Mr Foster was for many years the proprietor of a passenger coach that ran daily between Rongotea and Palmerston North. With the advent of the motor car, horse-drawn coaches were put aside. Mr Foster then entered into the carrying business, becoming widely known . and much esteemed for his straightforward life and the integrity of his dealings. When the Rongotea Town Board was founded in 1905 deceased was elected a member and devoted a considerable amount of time and work to advancing the interests of the township. Mr Foster was a very keen cricketer, and was much In demand as umpire when the game flourished in Rongotea in the early days. He was notorious also for his very tine flower garden, being especially generous to those flower-lovers less fortunate. His familiar figure will be much missed, not only by the townspeople' but also by everyone for miles around. Deft to mourn their loss are a widow, one son, W. H. Foster (Glen Oroua), two 'daughters, Mrs G. Good (Okiawa) and Mrs N. Sarten (Waitara), four brothers, ‘Messrs G. C. Foster (Auckland), F. W. Foster (Petone), A. C. Foster (Napier) and D. L. Foster (Ohakune), four sisters, Mrs Bang (Feilding), Mrs G. Johansen (Mananul), Mrs H. Trevena and Mrs G: Wells (Feilding). Widespread sympathy Is extended to the family. The interment which was of a private nature, took place"at Feilding on Friday. Tennis. In the semi-finals of the men’s handicap competition for the More pm Cup, R. Scott (scr) beat I). Hancox (25) ■ by BO—so. As a result of ladder matches played recently Miss J. Eades beat Mrs Xf. Davison 7—2 and J, R. Keeney beat H. Eades 7—G. The match arranged for last Saturday with Rnnglotu did not take place as Rangiotu, at the last minute, I •could not muster a team. 1