Hitchman’s Corner Pioneers’ Memorial

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 297, 16 December 1939, Page 3

Hitchman’s Corner Pioneers’ Memorial

UNVEILING NEXT WEEK The Hitchman’s Corner Pioneers’ Centennial Memorial which takes the shape of a drinking trough in concrete for Jive stock is to be officially unveiled on Wednesday afternoon next. This memorial grew out of a suggestion made in “The Times” some months ago that with the demolition of the Hitchman homestead which stood on the corner of the Colyton Road turn-off, sonie effort might be added to commemorate this widely known pioneer landmark. It was at Hitchman’s corner that the old coach and wayfarers used to stop to pass the time of day, and were ever cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Hitchman and offered the friendly cup of tea. From this friendly greeting the homestead became a definite halting place for all pursuing their way into the then backblocks. It was, in its day, an outpost of civilisation, and Mr. and 1 Mrs. Hitchman enjoyed the goodwill and popularity of everyone. . They, too, were pioneers but never failed to turn from their arduous tasks to welcome every caller and to extend to all tho generous hand of hospitality. The old landmark lias now disappeared but Hitchman’s corner will ever remain and will be marked for the generations to come by the stock drinking trough which has been erected through the efforts of the Women’s Division of tho Farmers’ Union and the co-opcration of the Feilding branch of the Farmers’ Union. Invitations have been issued to local body representatives to take part in the proceedings as well as to the Hon. J. G. Oobbc, member for Manawatu, and Mr. E. B. Gordon, member for Rangitikei. After the opening ceremony afternoon tea will bo provided by Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Hocken at their well-known residence, ‘ ‘ Grassmere, ” Colyton.