THE LATE MRS HASTIE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12084, 22 June 1920, Page 8

THE LATE MRS HASTIE

The old identities of Feilding are growing fewer and fewer year by year. This week saw the close of the life of one of the earließt and most respceted of Feilding's settlers. We refeo to the death of Mrs Martha Hastie, relict of Mr James William Alexander Hastie. Mrs Hastie was born at Blazey, Oorwuall, and was a cousin of Sir William Sargent, of St. Bernard's Abbey, Blazey. While still a child she emigrated with her parents to Adelaide, South Australia, where she remained for the greater part of her 'teens. In 1875 the late Mrs Ha-tie, then Miss Moon, joined the late Mr Hastie at Napier and was married in St. Paul's Church. From Napier the couple proceeded to Tokaanu, on the shores of Lake Taupo, where Mr Hastie carried on trading witJi the few white settlers who comprised the settlement. At that time Mrs Hastie was the only white woman at the settlement and 16 was here that the eldest child was born. After a stay of something over ii year at —a time that was not without hardships and privations—Mr and Mrs Hastie moved to Halcombe. Here they remained for about two years, after which they returned to Australia. However, Australia did not hold them long, and, after a stay of two yoarß Mr and Mrs Hastie in IS4O again turned towards New Zealand, this time to take up a permanent residence in Feilding. After nine years had passed Mr Hastie crossed the Greaat Divide and Mrs Hastie was left a widow with four young children. Years of hard and constant attention to business followed, aud it was not till 1004 that Mrs Hastie retired tq take a well-earned rest at her residence "Folsue," Awahuri Road. During her many years of residence in Feilding Mrs Hastie was associated with most public movements and was always keenlv interested in the advancement of the affairs of the borough. Site was one of tbe first members of the Feilding Jockey Club, donated trophies to the Bowling and Golf Clubs during their infancies, and wa?fa member for many years of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. In 1901 Mrs Hastie presented to the burgesses of Feild ng tne magnificent site on which the Post Office now stands. The late Mrs Hastie leaves a family of four—two eons and ■wo daughters, and nine grandchildren, two of whom served at the front, to mourn the loss of a good, self-sacrificing ani patient mother.