SURVIVING PIONEERS

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1933, Page 12

SURVIVING PIONEERS

14 FIRST SETTLERS REMAIN. RESIDENTS FOR. 52 YEARS. Of the first settlers at Okaiawa only 14 are still surviving or living in the district. Of those who settled in the district when the land was first taken up Mr. J. S. Oughton and Mr. Ben Phillips are the two with longest residence. Both have resided continuously in Okai* awa for 52 years. Mr. J. Joll, who first came to the district 52 years ago, but spent a few years in Hawke’s Bay, lives in Hawera. Mr. W. Johnston, who also came to Okaiawa 52 years ago but was absent for a time, lives on his Okaiawa farm. Mr. H. Thomson, who metalled the first roads, is living on Hastings Road. Although absent around the coast many years he has been working, for- the Hawera county for the past 25 years. Mr. Pat Harris is a settler living on the same holding that he took up half a century ago. w Mr. Jim Bailey has been associated with the district for a similar period. Mr. H. Betts has also been on his “Holly Bank” property since he took it up in the rough 50 years ago. Mrs. Henry, Duthie Road, whose children were among the first pupils, is living on the farm taken up as a bush section 50 years ago. Mrs. Edward Collins, now of Hawera, was one of the first white women to live at Okaiawa. Mrs. Jane Bremer, another pioneer, resides at New Plymouth. Mrs. George Muir, whose sons were pupils the day the school opened, lives at New Plymouth. Mr. P. W.Espiner, who bached with Mr. F. Lowick in the first cottage at Okaiawa, lives at Inaha. Mr. F. Lowick resides at Kaponga. The youngest of these pioneers is about 70 years of age, while one, Mr. H. Betts, is close on. 97. AU are possessed of remarkable vigour, typical of the founders of the district