Daniel (Hobo) Alabast

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 623, 13 February 1996, Page 6

Daniel (Hobo) Alabast

Daniel Alabaster, or Hobo, as he was known to most, was born on 22 August 1924, in a gig outside Philip Scarrow's grandfather's place. No one seems to be sure why he was called Hobo. However, he always preferred comfortable, casual dress and as a young boy he was always a little on the scruffy side, and from school days the nickname of 'Hobo' stuck with him. Hobo went to school at Horopito until 1938, finishing his education at Raetihi. He was the driving force behind the organisation of the recent Horopito School Jubilee and much of the success of that reunion was due to Hobo's input. Hobo's parents came to the district 73 years ago and settled in Middle Road, just five miles out of Raetihi. In early times the farm ran a dairy herd. The family changed to sheep and cattle at a later date. In 1956, Hobo started the Makato Stud of Angus bulls. Hobo married Val Evans, also from Raetihi, and they lived in the family homestead until 10 years ago. They then shifted one kilometre north to the Middle Road property. Hobo lo ved children and after 1 0 years of marriage, still with no family, they adopted Alfred in 1962 and Tracey in 1965. Hobo and Val travelled extensively, from North Cape to

Bluff, Australia, United Canada, Argentina and Bra; the Angus Cattle Associatii

Hobo was very much invc in the community. He was £ member of the Waimai Rodeo Association, membe the Waimarino A. Association, Federa Farmers, the Angus Associat and the Appaloosa Hor Group. In 1953 Hobo was electe the Waimarino County Co for the Maunganui Ridi

position he held for three y Hobo's other interests rugby. Heplayed for Waimai Farmers for a time. Rumoui loved going to socials anc

gooa aancer in nis time. Hobo is survived by his \ Alfred and his wife Debbi husband Chris Berry, and ^lanuvimui vn u/uua, rum/u, Kathryn, Mark and Karl.