WAITARA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143452, 24 March 1911, Page 7

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) March 22.—The remains of the late Mr. G. H. Sampson who died, in tho Now Plymouth Hospital on Friday last, were interred in tho Waitara cemetery on Sunday, tho burial service being read by tho Rev. W. Wills. A very largo and representative gathering assembled to pay their tribute of respect to an old settler, amongst whom wore about a dozen veterans who had borne arms with the deceased in the troublous days, that are now happily passed. After tho remains wore committed to tho earth, the “Last Post’’ was sounded impressively by Veteran Bugler Walker. From an old comrade I gathered the following details of the lato Mr. Sampson’s carrer. He was first sworn in for service in March, 1860, and his first experience was being sent to Waitara from New Plymouth in charge of one of the big gun teams. For a period of six months he held a responsible position, and was often under severe fire. He was then for a time carting for the commissariat, but ho preferred a more exciting duty, and joined the mounted troopers under Captain Mace. He acted as despatch bearer for some time, during which ho had many narrow escapes. Ho was also in tho bushrangers under the late Captain M, Jonas, and in 1860 he was one of those chosen to go to the White Cliffs after tho massacre. The deceased was born in Taranaki in 1844, his parents arriving by the ship Timandra, one of the first boats. Mr. Sampson leaves a widow (neo Miss Allen) and six sons and four daughters, who have received many tokens of sympathy in their bereavement. The Orari is at present loading frozen produce in the Waitara roadstead. Tho condition of tho Waihi School is causing great indignation amongst residents in that district. The need of a new building has been strongly urged for some time past by tho Waihi Committee, but so far without any definite results. In a recent letter to tho chairman of the Education Board, the building is referred to as a hovel and an invitation is extended to the chairman to visit the school, and sample the atmosphere during, school hours. The business of numbering the people has fairly commenced in this district, and the enumerators are now busy delivering the schedules, which have to be filled in for the night of Sunday, April 2. I have boon asked to state that the papers must bo ready for delivery to tho enumerator when ho calls on April 3. The Waitara Municipal Band has been engaged to play at tho Toko Sports on April 6. The Band will also hold a picnic in the “Rec” on Easter Monday. Tho Waitara cemetery is looking rather overgrown at present, paths and numerous grasses suffering from tho prolific summer growth. Of course the whole trouble is inadequate finance, still some effort might bo made to improve matters. A now pair of gates, and a little motnnry chapel would also he very advantageous. Another matter the authorities should insist upon is, that all headstones erected should face tho path, thus securing uniformity. The Pitoitoi has arrived from Onehungn after the alterations to her propellor shall, which have effected a considerable increase in speed. Captain Robertson is in charge.