THE OLDEN DAYS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 3041, 5 April 1923, Page 4

THE OLDEN DAYS

CAMBRIDGE IN 1869. INTERESTING REMINISCENCES Among the Auckland visitors taking part in the annual Easter Bowling tournament at Cambridge was Mr Harry Hemus, the popular Auckland skip. In conversation with a representative of the Waikato Independent wo learned from Mr, Hemus that he had previously visited Cambridge, hut his former visit was under totally different circumstances. On that occasion he had been sent to act as relieving postmaster at Cambridge for a few weekfß That was in December, 1869 —nearly 5* years ago. At that time, said Mr Hemus, there were over 1000 armed constabulary stationed at Cambridge, under Colonel Lyon and Major Jacksou. Cambridge was practically in a state of siege. To Kooti was then at Matainata, and had stated his determination .to attack Cambridge, consequcntly the settlers of the surrounding country were much alarmed. The women and children were brought in to Cambridge every night, and slept at a large redoubt which had been erected near the junction of the Karapiro stream with the Waikato. The armed forces which had their headquarters at Cambridge made excursions to various parts, and ultimately Te Kooti was driven back to the Urcwera country. Mr Hemus states that the, present Cambridge post office is built on the site of the office of which he had charge in 1869, and the fine National Hotel is also on the site of the National Hotel that was in existence when he visited Cambridge first. Questioned by our reporter, Mr Hemus said that he had not ' visited Cambridge between, .1869 and 1923. He was delighted with the town, which he thought the most beautiful of the smaller towns in the whole Dominion, and expressed himself specially pleased with the improvements made in the Domain and planting of the streets. Mr Hemus, who is a very keen bowling enthusiast —The team he skipped j was only beaten in the demi-semi-finals — stated also that he had spent h delightful time at the local tournament, which had been excellently managed throughout.