TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 205, 2 September 1935, Page 3

TAIHAPE

LATE MR MARTIN SWENSON. The death of Mr. Martin Swenson of Ngawaka, at the advanced age of 94 years, removes from the Taihape district one of its original pioneers. Mr. Swenson first settled in the district to years ago, and was the first to carve out a home amidst the dense bush al Ngawaka. The difficulties confronting the settlers in tihe early days cau bet ter be imagined, than described, bin with the courage and endurance char acleristic of the early pioneers. Air. Swenson never despaired, and by hard work and long hours be brought what was a wilderness into a state of pioduction and became a very successful farmer. There were only three shops in Taihape when Mr. Swenson first ar rived in the district. Deceased was born in Palsham, Sweden, in .1841. and went to sea at the early age. of J2 years. His seafaring days extended over a period of 11 years during whieh time no twice visited New Zealand. His first visit was in 1859 and his second in 1864. Hi? was involved in shipwrecks in the Bay of Biscay and near Cape Horn, but was amongst the fortunate survivors. In 1864 he deserted his ship when it reached Wellington and spent the next 30 years of his life in various ways including prospecting, and working on the construction of the Wairurapa railway line and the Main Trunk Line from Hunterville to Taurangarere. In 1896 he came to the Taihape district and soiled at Ngawaka as already mentioned. His wife was a great help ami comfort to him and bore her share of the difficulties besetting the early pioneers in a manner worthy of the utmost praise. There was a large family of nine sons and three daughters. Mr. Swenson was well known aud highly respected throughout the district and was undoubtedly a pioneer of the very finest type. His wife passed away about six years ago. One son, Atr. Jack Swenson made the supreme sacrifice during the Great War. One daughter, Mrs. Elsie Bery (Waihi) also passed away. The surviving members of the family are as follows; —Air. Al. Swenson (Foxton), Air. Edgar Swenson (Christchurch), Air. Arthur Swenson (Waihi), Messrs. Len, Albert and Allan Swenson (Ngawaka), Air. W. J. Winter (stepson), Airs. S. Davis (Waihi), Airs. Andrew Miller (Christchurch). The pall-bearers at the funeral were Mr. W. J. Winter, Air. M. Alulcahy, Air. Arthur Swenson, Mr. Allan Swen son.

Many beautiful wreaths were placed at the graveside and provided a silent but eloquent tribute to the high esteem in which deceased was held. GENERAL NEWS, The Taihape Boxing Association is indebted to the following for donating trophies fur the tourney last Wednesday: Alesrs. J. T. Duiicau, J. Quirk, R. C. Ougley, R. McLennan, J. E. .Hamill, H. D. Bond. J. Eteveneaux, .1. K. Corston, B. Somerville, Airs. E. Al. Forsyth, Bev. Father Duolaglily. 'flic trophies were presented to the winners at the end cf each bout by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. L. B. 11. de Lautour). "THE GIRL IN RED.” On September 12, Miss Nita Rosslyn, popularly known as “The Girl in Red” will be the principal performed at a variety entertainment and con. munity sing to be held in the Town Hall, Taihape, under the auspices of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Miss Kosslyn is lu-uming the world on a red <•;.<• Ic and wears a costume oi the same shade hence the sobriquet o. “him Girl in Red.” She is a variety artist of outstanding ability and singami pin)' her banjoiele m a manner that ii.i- <-o>iß( J her audiences in various | hi . of New Zealand to go into raptu;e>. Particulars regarding her further in ing performance in Taihape will be ad MAJESTIC CINEMA. “FASHION GAIETIES. ” One of the most elaborate fashion displays ever presented on the screen is shown in the First National picture, “Fashion Gaieties,” which comes to the Majestic Theatre to-morrow, wi.h William Powell in the stellar role The latest, and most exclusive Parisian and Hollywood styles are presented nt the show, including evening gowns am] wraps, sports suits, negligees, daily lingci ie. uniting am] riding nine*. I hey air displayed In- more than a