Local family reunited

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 372, 5 February 1991, Page 8

Local family reunited

Ninety descendants of the late Robert and Agnes Hammond gathered at the Hammond Homestead on Raetihi Road on Auckland anniversary weekend. A tent city was set up to accommodate the family in the paddock behind the hornestead and "glorious weather" blessed the celebrations at the house which is now the residence of grandson John and his wife Helen and their children. A highlight of the first day was the arrival of Robert Hammond's second car, a 1939 Chevrolet, driven by its present owner Richard Lockyer. Robert Hammond owned just two cars during his life, so the Chev was a familiar sight to many. A banquet was held in the calf shed on the Saturday night which was decorated with enlargements of treasured old family photographs. Also on display were many of the colourful ribbons won by prize Ruaview pedigree Friesian Stud which was founded by Robert and Agnes Hammond. Balloons and greenery and coloured lights

completed the decorations for the meal prepared by Johnny Nation . and his family. _ A photograph aTbum containing 150 pictures covering 200 years of family history was presented to the sons and daughters of thexoouple and to the family of the late Gwen Hislop th& only one of the couple's _ children not present.

A video of the photos set to music by a grandson was played. On Sunday a picnic styled on the Young " Farmers picnics of 50

years ago was held, complete with sheep riding, sack races and ball throwing. The celebrations were completed with a garden

party with old family \ friends on the lawns of the homestead . After an early lunch on Monday the families said fairwell and departed

:or their homes, many to Auckland. "A dream come true" was one comment written in the visitor's book of the weekend.