OPOURIAO PIONEERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 16, 19 October 1943, Page 5

OPOURIAO PIONEERS

RECENT REUNION

GATHERING AT Mil AX!) MRS AMcGOUG AN'S HOME

Stories and anecdotes of the early days when the Opouriao estate was first settled 17H years ago were the highlights of a gathering of the remnants of the original settlers, which took place at the residence of Mr and Mrs A. McGougan, last Monday afternoon. ThoscS' present apart from the host and hostess, included Mr and, Mrs J. Moody. Mr and Mrs A. Murray, Mrs James Snr., Mrs L. Richardson, Mrs (Grannie) Peebles and Messrs Jim Davie-s and R. Ruddick. After a short period of silence to mark the recent passing of the late Mr Torn Davies, the gathering look on a happier social aspect, the main theme being the "swopping' 7 of years of the early days and the recalling of humorous and happy incidents. Afternoon tea was served after which Mr J. Moody made a small jjresentation to flftr and Mrs Murray who are shortly retiring to live in Wliakatane. The whole atmosphere was reminiscent of the days when the pioneers of the Opouriao block ventured out to fell the bush, drain, plough and sow and from' the conversation one could recapture, something of the trials of the earlier days when despite the struggle for existence the simpler things of life provided ample reward in entertainment and a friendly social spirit second to none.