A Portrait of a Neighbour

Te Ao Hou, October 1956, Page 64

A Portrait of a Neighbour by Mrs. J. Te Rito Each year since he was fifteen years old, Mr Jack Haeata of Oxford Street, Masterton, has arrived at Flat Point Station, on the Wairarapa East Coast, to take up his own specially reserved shearing stand. As he is now 65 years old, this demonstration of reliability can surely not be beaten in New Zealand. Is there any other Maori or pakeha shearer who can claim 50 unbroken years shearing at the same shed? A happy and crowded farewell gathering was held at Flat Point Station at the end of last shearing season. Mr Cameron, the owner, presented Jack with a cheque and paid eloquent tribute to his fine record, for Jack has now retired from shearing. He is a quiet, sober unassuming man, but very respected among us. The head of the Haeata family originating at Hiona pa, Masterton, an elder of the Church of Latter Day Saints and the father of a large family for whom he has provided a large and well kept home. Not content with providing for the present for his family, he bought a large section of more than an acre next to his home, so that his sons would not lack building sites in the future. Around this land he planted a double row of pines, which are now well grown, to give timber and shelter.