ROSS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1924, Page 1

ROSS NEWS.

(From Our Correspondent). MR AND MILS J. CHAPMAN FA RE WELLED. A very pleasing function took place in the Tolara Hall on Friday evening last, when a farewell social was tendered to Air and AT its ,T. Chapman and family. A very largo assemblage was present and dancing interspersed with songs was indulged in during the evening. At an interval the Mayor (S. F. Evans. Esq.) on behalf of the citizens took the opportunity of making several presents to the departing guests. In a eulogistic speech ATr Evans made reference to the many good qualities of both Air and All's Chapman. Air and Airs Chapman had been "osidenl.s of the town for upwards of twenty years, during which time they had proved themselves to he most estimable citizens. Air Chapman bad been mainly responsible for the establishment- of the large sawmilling works in the town, which now employed the majority of the workers in the district, lie was a most popular employer which was testified to by the large number of the firm’s employees present that evening, it ltd it was to he regretted that the town was losing such popular citizens. Air Evans asked All's Chapman to accept a handsome “Tvaiapoi” travelling rug, and to ATr Chapman he handed a pair of military hair brushes, and a AToroefo pocket wallet as a slight token to show the esteem in which they were held by the public In the wallet would bo found a substantial sum of money which it was requested should be handed to their daughter, Alias Eva, to pureha.se some suitable present for herself. He wished them the host of health and good luck in their new home. ATr AY. Under (of Rutler Pros. Ltd.) and Afr R. C'herrie (of the Ferngro.'e Sawmilling Company) also made vhorl addresses, in which many coniplimontarv references were made to the excel lent qualities of Air and Mrs Chapman.

Afr Chapman suitably replied :e----kiiowledging the kindly remarks made hv the speakers and thanking the people sincerely for the handsome gilts which they highly appreciated. Although thep were leaving the district to settle elsewhere he could assure them that they would find pleasure in visiting Ross occasionally and renewing their old acquaintances. The singing of “For lie’s a Jolly Lood Fellow” concluded this portion of the programme, when dancing was resumed. During the evening songs wcie oontiiI.ulcml ""liv Miss 1/. Tanner. Messrs B. Adam, A. AY. Pitt and J. Trippner. A very nice supper was supplied by the ladies committee and much appreciated. The gathering dispersed about 1 a.m.

'flic departure of Air .T- Chapman from Ross, breaks a link in the pioneer work of the sawmilling industry of the district. Air .T. Chapman with his partnr, Air D. P. Stuart erected a sawmill at Rimu in 1899. Three years later. AH 1). F. Stuart erected a small sawmill on the old AAaitalia Road, to cut ti in her for the llig \Yaitaha Bridge and when this work was completed ho shifted" the mill to the AYaitalia Bluff, now known as the AVaitnha Sawmill where they cut principally silver pine timber, and it is worthy of note that most of the silver pine sleepers in the Hokitika-Ross line were supplied by their mill. Mr .T. Chapman continued to manage the Rimu Sawmill until 1900 when he went down to the AA'aitaha mill and at that time the two partners anticipated that the Railway line would he pushed ahead to the AA'aitaha. but when tie line stopped at Ross they found it necessary to form a company so is to obtain additional capital to develop their proposition, anil it is due to Air .T Chapman and his partner who are the pioneers of this enterprise, that in the rear 1910, the well-known progressive‘firm of Stuart and Chapman Ltd was formed and which forms one tf the largest sawmilling propositions cr. the AA'est Coast. Air and Airs Chapman aiul family intend to settle in Nelson where Afr Chapman will follow a less strenuous business life.