Bride In Gumlboots Pictured At Portland

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1939, Page 11

Bride In Gumlboots Pictured At Portland

“It look the lorry nearly threequarters of an hour to negotiate the road between the football ground and my gate,” stated Mrs C. O’Callaghan, of Portland, in a letter received by the Whangarei County Council at the monthly meeting yesterday asking for attention to the road to McGill's farm, which she said she had recently taken over.

“My daughter walked, or rather skidded, to Portland, and got her clothes and stockings caked with mud. We had to go out, and, after a scries of floundcrings, arrived at Portland 10 minutes too late for the train. I prevailed on a taxi-driver to take us home, and he having a powerful car. I hoped might get through, but he got stuck and was still battling along backwards and forwards in a hole half an hour after we set out to walk. “Further, my youngest daughter is to be married in September, and I think most of you cannot picture a bride in gumboots. No car will be able to get in unless your council metals this road. To add to the untoward incidents already reported, the Government valuer was bogged a little way outside my gate for over an hour, and my daughter was the only one available to help him, plus a piece of rope to wrap round the tyres. Changed Circmnsta nccs.

“Mr Just and Mr McGill assure me that the metalling of this road has been promised, and I can assure you it is more than necessary. Instead of an old bachelor to get in and out, there is now an elderly lady, myself, and two daughters. Now you need progressive settlers, so please see what you can do to encourage this one. I shall show my appreciation by forwarding a cheque for my rates well in advance.”

It was decided to advise Mrs O’Callaghan that a grant would probably be available for the purpose.