Honouring Age Day Lunch At Paparoa

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1948, Page 6

Honouring Age Day Lunch At Paparoa

PAPAROA, Wed. (0.C.). —Memories of early pioneering days of the Kaipara were deeply stirred at'an “Honouring Age Day” function organised by the Paparoa sub-branch of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmer's. Over 40 old identities of Paparoa

and the surrounding districts were entertained at a complimentary luncheon tendered in the Jubilee Hall.

All over GO years of age and coming from old pioneering forebears, the guests of honour were welcomed by the president of the Western Otamatea sub-branch of the WDFF. Mrs A. McConaughy (Pahi), who, in expressing pleasure that so many old people had been able to accept the invitation, commented that the occasion was the first upon which old inhabitants of the district had mustered for a reunion at Paparoa.

Among the guests were two of tho original settlers who, as small children travelling with their parents, arrived in New Zealand in IGG2 in the lirst group of immigrant ships which brought the early “Albertlandcrs.” Eoth now in their 90th year, these two hardy pioneers, Mr Josiah Hames. of Paparoa Railway, and Mr George New of Pahi, came to New Zealand in the ships “Ironsides" and "Victoria” respectively.

Miss Ada Coates, of Malakohc, produced two old dresses which hud once belonged to >hcr great-great-grand-mother and her grandmother respectively. Their old-world charm and graceful beauty evoked gasps of delight and admiration (and maybe envy) when they were donned by Mrs Brodrick and Miss Una Lindgrist. Much interest was shown in the original copy of the first inspector's report upon the Paparoa school. Dated 1870, it was brought by Mr Thcs. Wilson, a son of Paparoa's first schoolteacher.

Among other items of interest were a brown crock tea-pot brought to New Zealand by an early settler in 1862, a patchwork quilt made by Mrs Darby's mother, and a felt mat made by Mr Hcnton Tibbits’ mother many years ago.

An early photo of Pahi, taken when that township was an important centre supporting many business houses, and a large population, displayed an unmistakable air of busy prosperity.

When the time came for the roll call, “The Place Where I Was Born,” it was discovered that three guests— Miss Ada Coates (Matakohe), Mrs W. Criffen (Paparoa Railway), and Mr Henton Tibbits (Paparoa), were stilL living in the same houses in which they were born. Ladies born in the district and having lived there continuously for the greatest length of time, were Mrs C. Lamont (Mareretu) who was Paparoa’s first postmistress, and Mrs M. Massey of Wairere. Mr George Smith, of Matakohe, and Mr W. Plook, of Paparoa, were men with a similar period of continuous residence. Ladies wh Q had lived longest in the district were Mrs Ernest Evans (Paparoa) and Mrs David Sterling (Ararua). Mrs Sterling was also the lady who could boast the greatest number of descendants, her total being 41. Mr Chas. Jenkins (Paparoa) gained similar distinction among the men, with a total of 34 descendants. Mrs J. J. Darby (Fahi) was found to be the oldest WDFF member present. Mr Thos. Wilson entertained with a most interesting account of early pioneering days in the Paparoa district.