Maunu Farewells Distinguished Pioneer

Northern Advocate, 19 August 1944, Page 3

Maunu Farewells Distinguished Pioneer

The early days of Maunu wefe re* Called by Colonel J. N. McCarroll in a speech of farewell to the district residents on Thursday night. It was 38 years last May since he arrived, with a string of pack-horses, an unheard of mode of transport today, but very necessary at the turn of the century, when all roads were of clay. His first assignment was bringing in, on horseback, of a load of young trees in connection with a School of Forestry then situated where. Dr. Walker’s hospital now stands. Many of those treec are still standing, but the majority were felled to provide road-blocks when the enemy was at our gates a few years ago. Revealing this, in the course of an interesting . resume, Colonel McCarroll said there was no doubt that Maunu would soon become a populous residential suburb, with its quiet beauty and healthy situation. In view of the inevitable expansion of Whangarei, he prophesied a big influx of people as soon as regular transport was provided. The Maunu hall was filled to capacity by the many friends who wished to bid God-speed to this pioneer of the district who, with his daughter, Mrs. A. Wilson, .is taking up residence elsewhere. , Service In War, Peace On behalf of the Maunu settlers, a presentation was made by Colonel H. G. Carruth, and both he and Mr. R. Feaver paid tribute to Colonel Me* Carroll’s long record of work well done, to his qualities as a gooct neighbour, to his constant service on public bodies and last, but not least, to his meritorious service in the Great War He enlisted soon after the outbreak and saw service with Auckland Mouned Rifles at Gallipoli, in Palestine, and in many other theatres. His decorations included the D.S.O. and bar, and he was awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George. After returning to civilian life he had served for 10 years as a director of the Whangarei Dairy Company, five years as chairman of the Hospital Board, and had been an active member of the Racing Club and the A. & P. Association, and many other local organisations. He is the present chairman of the North Auckland Power Board. Dancing occupied the greater part of the evening, vocal items being given by Miss G. Seed and Colonel H. G. Carruth. Mr. H. T. Snell was M.C.