THEN AND NOW

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3532, 2 September 1926, Page 2

THEN AND NOW

A LINK WITH THE EARLY ’SEVENTIES.

SIR JAMES WILSON’S REAHNISCENSES.

The local Chamber of Commerce recently entertained at a so'cial function representatives of neighbouring Chambers of Commerce and local governing bodies. Among those invited was Sir .T. G. Wilson, of Bulls, who for many years represented this constituency in Parliament. In those days the electoral district of Alanawatu comprised an area which now sends, three representatives to Parliament. Sir James was for many years, and until recently, when he resigned, chairman of the Alanawatu County Council. He is ’chairman of the Palmerston N. Hospital Board, Member of the Board of Health, and is connected with other national and district bodies. Sir James was unable to be present at the function, but appreciative references were made to his long and honourable services to the district and Dominion.

In acknowledging the Chamber’s well-merited eulogy, voiced by Air J. A. Nash, ALP., Sir James writes as follows to the President of the local Chamber under date August 28th: —

In thanking you for the kind expressions conveyed to me by your secretary of the Chamber, I wish to say how much I appreciate the good will of your members. Especially the words of Air J. A. Nash (as reported in the “Herald”) when apologising for my absence at your late successful function. I have often felt a sense of failure during the little work I have been privileged to do for the public. It is, hbwever, encouraging to have the good will so expressed by your Chamber.

I first knew Foxton in January 1873,"and when I visit it now, with its first class a'ccommodation for the travelling public, its fine buildings in Alain Street, and the surrounding comfortable villas, with their well-kept grounds, the contrast shows what an advance has been made.

The town is an old one—if that term can be used for any town in New Zealand —and was called after the fine old fighting statesman, Sir William Fox. Three statesmen with names beginning with the letter “F” have their names recorded hereabouts, i.e. Fox, Featherston, and Fitzherbert,

Sir William Fox, besides being a great statesmen, was of great assistance to the district ill the early times/ in settling the quarrels between the Maori® owners of the Rangitikei-Ala-nawatu Block and himself stood between the two contending parties, which threatened to war with each other, and so calmed their fighting instinVis. i

Foxton, when I knew it, at that date, was a very different place from what it is now. Passengers came by coach from Wellington and stayed the night at the town, starting next morning about three or four o’clock for Wanganui. The only other alternative was to go by sea in the “Storm Bird.”

The. public men of the day were Dr. Ro'ekstrow, his brother-in-law, John Gower, E. S. Thynne, T. U. Cook, Liddell, Gray, and others. Mr J. T. Stewart represented the Government, as surveyor of the district; an engineer in the Public Works Department, Air Nye, was his assistant. Capt. Robinson, an early pioneer, lived close by, John Davis on the other side of the river. Walter 'Simpson managed for Jacob Joseph, who owned what is now Oroua Downs. The Barbers had a run in the neighbourhood also.

It was not until the flax trade wes rejuvenated (led by 'Sir Ernest Rutherford’s father and the late Robert Gardner) that Foxlon became a borough and made steady progress.

Some day, I have no doubt, it will follow the lead of Wanganui, and have the wharf for larger vessels at the Heads where there promises to be a very large seaside resort.

An old friend, Mr Alec. McDonald, who has long gone to his rest, used to- say over forty years ago: “If I were a millionaire, I would cut a channel from Oroua bridge (as it was then called —Rangiotu) to the sea and reclaim, all the lands from Hoods.” To-day Moutoa is carrying large herds and flocks and the project is before the public to 'cut. a channel much as my old friend dreamed of. 7

All around the district dairy factories have sprung up and population has 'correspondingly increased. We still live in hopes that Foxton will yet be served by the proper route by the railway from Wellington to Auckland. It is pleasant to revive memories of the old friends and events of .bygone time's, and to know that after all these years I have the good will of my neighbours. In their kindness they exaggerate any small service I have rendered to the public. The benefit, however, is rather to myself for my neighbours have given me the opportunity of that service, which everyone should give in whatever capacity lie is 'called on to occupy for the general welfare. I appreciate, too, that expression used. Which means “that there is life in the old dog yet.” With best wishes for the sue'cess of you Chamber. —(Sgned) James G. Wilson.