AN OLD RESIDENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2798, 16 October 1924, Page 2

AN OLD RESIDENT.

Perhaps one of the best known and gonial settlers in these parts is \fr T. Rowe, dairy farmer, of Aloutoa. and erstwhile ferryman-at Foxton, Whirokino and Monica. Out old friend, despite a spinal trouble, i a used through an accident some five years ago (while dancing a hornpipe) is just as cheerful, it not as active as of yore, despite bis 78 years—lie will reach the. 79th milestone of life's journey (D.Y.) noxl April. ‘‘Tom," as he is familiarly called, retains a delightful brogue, although he bade farewell to the Emerald Isle sixty odd years ago. ITis hearty laugh, ready wit, and genial manner radiate joy to those with whom lie comes into contact. The pressman occupied the chair in Ihe operating theatre of Afattar’s lonsorial saloon when “Tom" blew in for a slmve a few days ago. “Sure, that’s a line crop of hair you have,” said Tom. “f noticed you pulling awnv at your pipe along the street and have been reading about toasted tobacco. I suppose you smoke il ? But how a him I (misled cheese?" Then Tom. in answer to a qnestion. became reminiscent. At the age ~f lb years, lie left Ireland to join an uncle in America. At eighteen lie was shanghai aboard *;t Yankee uhabr bound for the South Pacific, llis experiences off this consl what time the big lisli were plentiful, was lull of excitement. On one occasion ihe w hole boat was upset and fora Milan tec red to go to iho rescue of his shipmates and assisted in saving fmir oj' ihe six -—I wo men were drow tied. On coming' alongside the

•-.hip the Yankee skipper’s first qyesliuti was whether they had secured the whale! Sm-h enlloii-; indul'erenea-> to the faie of Hie nnfortunate men draw md compelled Tom to say and think things, and on* the first importunity, he hade a sudden fare well to ship and crew, lie tried his hand ai milling in Australia and ,-mbsesiicnily came hack to tins cast. Hi took unto himself a wife in I'Vvlon bit years ago —who is -till hi-- companion. “Tom"’ worked the ferries across the Manawatu for many years and as n side line hist money in salving operations on the ill mated •ITvdrabad" and the “City of Auckland'’ wrecked oil’ this cast. Anyhow railway and bridges i hanged the mode of travel and our old friend settled on the land and Togolher with his family owns one of the most prosperous dairy farms in the district, and may he long he spared to enjoy the fruits of his labour. s •