OTAHUHU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 351, 8 February 1918, Page 4

OTAHUHU

THE LATE MR W. WEBB Referring to the recent death of Mr W. Webb the " Lake Wakatip Mail" contains the following : The late Mr Webb was one of the pioneer settlers of Martin's Bay, He was born at Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England, in the year 1838. As a lad in his teens he emigrated to Australia, where he followed the occupation of a miner at Ballarat, but with indifferent success. He afterwards came to New Zealand, landing at Martin's Bay about 43 years ago. In 1873 he was married there to a Miss Gaudin, also of Martin's Bay, and formerly of Jersey.

Mr Webb spent his time cattle farming, gold mining, and working on the track from Martin's Bay to Lake Wakatipu. In 1896 he decided to leave the Bay owing to the difficultits of travelling. At this time Mrs Webb had never been away from Martin's Bay for over 18 years. Though they had a large family, only two (girls) lived to leave the Bay, ote son—a boy about 14 years old—succumbing to influenza a few weeks before they left for Wellington in the Government steamer Hinemoa. After a short stay in Wellington Mr Webb finally settled with his wife and family at Otahuhu. Domiciling in such an isolated place as Martin's Bay, Mr and Mrs Webb naturally had an unusually large s-hare of the hardships of pioneer life. On one occasion two of their children, a boy and a girl, took suddenly ill. Bofore many hours the girl (a child of 4) died; the boy lingered for about a week and then passed away. On account of heavy floods at the time, Mr Webb was ucable to get the assistance of neighbours and was obliged to carry his own children to the cemetery on the shore of Lake McKerrow, five or six miles from his home, and there bury them himself. During his stay at Martin's Bay Mr Webb made frequent visits to Queenstown and will be remembered by the older inhabitants. Of a straightforward and kindly disposition, Mr Webb was well liked by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Mr E. H. MoAs, who was deputed by the Otahuhu Patriotic Committee to interview Mr A. C. Hall, the headmaster of the local public school, with a view to the school staff undertaking the counting of votes in connection with the forthcoming Carnival Baby Show, lias been successful in making arrangements for the carrying out of the scheme. It has been suggested that books of tickets should be issued to mothers and the competitors getting the most votes obtained by means of such tickets will be awarded the prize. A good deal of interest is likely to be aroused iu connection with this baby show. The General Committee of the Patriotic Carnival held a meeting on Tuesday evening last over which the Mayor (Mr McDonald) presided. The representativesof the various sections reported that their respeciiv... details for the Carnival were well in h*ud. No report can yet he made as to which band will be engaged for the fuuetiou, although it is most probable a city band will be secured. The sports for adults are likely to attract, a large nuinher of competitors las ,-ome valuable trophies are offered for the winners.

Although the plans and specifications of the new school have been passed building operations have not yet been commenced. The use of two uiarijiieos daily as a temporary school is by no means satisfactory. It is hoped some pressure will be brought upon the Education Hoard to have the school built as soon as possible. Many parents have expressed dissatisfaction at the tune ii).;M) fur commencing school. It is urged that the children should, duru.g the month of Febiuaiy, sta-t earlier so that their lessons should term nate about noon to avoid the heat prevalent at tin's season of the year. At Pukekohe and many other school? the school opens at 8 .'0 a.mar.d pupils are released at 12 noon.