OPOURIAO SETTLEMENT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 52, 15 March 1946, Page 3

OPOURIAO SETTLEMENT

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT TANEATUA ! It was disappointing that the long awaited rain should fall in torrents on Taneatua’s Red Letter Day, namely the celebration to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the cutting up of the Opouriao Estate which fell on Monday last, March 11.

Plans had been made for a picnic in the Taneatua Domain with a parade of vehicles carrying their families as they did in days gone by. Although Mr A. McGougan’s gig did arrive at the hall the parade had to be abandoned. However plans were adjusted and a great day and even-* ing was spent by some hundreds of adults and children. The school children were assembled in the hall at 11 a.m. and from then until noon played organised games under the supervision of their school teachers.

The Original Settlers

At noon the old settlers were taken to the Sports Pavilion where a delicious luncheon, was. set out, pride of place on the table being given to a large cake iced and adorned with fifty candles. The following were entertained :

Mr and M/s J. Moody (Taneatua); Mr and Mrs A. McGougan (Taneatua); Mr 4nd Mrs G. Lord (Taneatua); Mrs Wardlaw Senr. (Auckland); Mrs Withy (Matata); Mr. J. Davies (Taneatua); Mr R. Ruddick (Taneatua); Mr and Mrs L. Sisam (Whakatane); Mr A. Sutherland (Whakatane); Takarua Tamar au (Ruatoki); Mrs J. Hayward (Taneatua); Mr S. Parkinson (Auckland); Mrs W. Capper (Matata); Mrs G. Merrie (Auckland); Mrs G. Hewitt (Waimana); Mr and Mrs J. Mitchell (Waimana); Mrs A. Martin (Taneatua); Mrs E. Hill (Taneatua); Mr T. Garlick (Taneatua). When luncheon had been disposed of speeches were made, and letters of apology read. The candles on the cake were lit by Mrs Moody and the cake was cut by Mrs Wardlaw Snr. The party then returned to the hall where in the interval all the children and adults present had been served with lunch.

Unique Parade

Mr and Mrs Moody headed a parade and were followed by those of the original settlers who were present and following them were those who were dressed in old-fashioned costume.

The balance of the afternoon was spent in reminiscences for the elders and more games for the children

ending with the serving of afternoon tea.

Old-time Dance

In the evening the hall was packed to capacity for the dance which as was usual in the “good old days” was to wind up the day. The atmosphere of the late nineties was captured to an amazing degree. Many of the dancers wore their grandmother’s or perhaps their great grandmother’s frocks and very charming they looked. The excellent accordion music provided by Mr A. Eagle of Waimana, contributed much to the spirit of the evening and was enjoyed by young and old alike, whilst the finishing touch was provided by that “Bright Young Thing” in the straw boater who had brought her baby in the dress basket and kept it “parked” under the seat.

A further parade was held at the dance, Mr and Mrs Moody again leading the early settlers, those in old-time costume followed and then came the descendants of the early settlers.

After 10 p.m. the Premier Dance Band took over from Mr Eagle and the young ones had their turn. During the evening, Mr Denham charmed those present with his rendition of several solos particularly suited to the occasion.

After supper had been served, Mr Moody on behalf of the old settlers, thanked all those who had worked so hard to make the day such a memorable one for all those who had participated in it. The whole celebrations were a really outstanding effort and concrete proof of what co-operation and enthusiasm can accomplish. Everything was free to all and the huge task of providing lunch, afternoon tea and supper for the large numbers present was carried out like clock work, a tribute to the efficiency of those responsible for the arrangements.