PIONEER SETTLERS.

Wairarapa Age, 4 July 1936, Page 5

PIONEER SETTLERS.

MR. ft MRS. T. CRIPPS FARE WELLED. PARTY AT AWATOITOI. A very pleasant afternoon was spent yesterday at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Morrison, Awatoitoi, the occasion being a farewell party to Mr. and Mrs. T. Cripps, the oldest settlers of the Whareama district, who have left to take up their residence in Masterton. There was a very large attendance of old friends. During the afternoon reference was made by Mr. Morrison to the pioneering days and to the splendid service which Mr. and Mrs. Cripps had rendered to the district for well over half a century. He specially mentioned the work of the Cripps, Bennett and Donald families, who were among the very early pioneers. On behalf of the settlers, Mr. Morrison presented Mrs. Cripps with two handsome easy ehairs and conveyed the best wishes of all present for their future health ana nappiness. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. Cripps, who was slightly indisposed, Mr. W. Bennett, of Sydney, a brother of Mrs. Cripps, acknowledged Mr. Morrison’s remarks and expressed thanks for the presentation. Mrs. Cripps was accorded musical honours and interesting and amusing competitions were won by Miss Bennett, Masterton, Mrs. W. Scott -and Mr. C. S. Hay. A ranch appreciated afternoon tea was provided by Mrs. Morrison and the other ladies present.