DAYS OF HARD WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1921, Page 5

DAYS OF HARD WORK.

THE SETTLEMENT OF OAKURA PROMINENT RESIDENTS FAREWELLED. One of the original European Gettlea of the Oakura district, Mr. G. A. Ad lam, is leaving there for New Plymoirf |to live in retirement, and a social hel I at Oakura laut night to farewell Mr. an i Mrs. Adlam was attended by a larg i gathering. A present of a handsome sil ■ ver tea tray, suitably inscribed, wai I made to the guests during the evening, i Captain F. J. Mace, who voiced the • good wishes of the settlers, to Mr. and I Mrs. Adlam, remarked that personally I he had lived 54 years in Oakura out ol I his residence of fl 9 years in New Ze<- • land. He related the history of the I settlement, stating that the block had ; been confiscated by the Government and i that he was delegated to go to Otago | to bring up a party of military men to ; settle it. A band of 250 solders was ianded at Oakura and two companies of ! these were settled on the land. Those ■ were days of&hard work. Spades, axes | and shovels were practically the only ' implements and much manual labor was involved. They could only dispose of their produce by a barter arrangement, j receiving groceries in return for butter I and eggs. Mr. Adlam had been a hard ; worker through it all. The settlera | spared two days in the year for amuse- , ments, and these were devoted to a general picnic and to a sportfl meeting. In j the social gatherings their guest had taken an active part, having piayed the fiddle at most of the old-time gatherings. As the block progressed a number of organisations sprang up. and in the school committees and other bodice Xr. Adlam had always been willing to take a part. After a residence of 51) years Mr. and .Mrs. Adlam were now retiring, and they were a very lucky couple. They had brought up a large family who were now all comfortably settled in homes of their own. As a recognition from the district the residents desired them to accept the presentation and wished that Mr. and Mrs. Adlam would have a long and happy life in New Plymouth.

The presentation ceremony was accompanied by musical honors and cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Adlam.

I In the course of his reply, Mr. Adlam 1 referred to his experiences in the dis- ' trict, and remarked that when he startI ed on his farm he had only £o in cash, j In spite of the - hard work involved in I breaking in the new country they had many jolly times which would be rememI bered through life. A man Was willing i to work hard and was contented as long las he got the necessaries of life. Mr. | Adlam expressed lus thanks to the peo--1 pie for their kindly expressions and said ' that he and Mrs. Adlam would be pleaaied to receive all old frienda in their home in New Plymouth. I The earlier part of th evening was occupied syith an enjoyable concert programme provided by visitors from New Plymouth. Those who contributed were: Mrs. Avery, Miss Hasluck, Messrs. W. G. Holder, A. North, G. Goldsworthy, A. E. Howlett, and C. Andrews. Cello obligatos were rendered by Mr. 8. Cottier, and accompaniments were played by Mra. Andrews, Miss Mace and Mr. N.

Bellringer. At the conclusion of the concert cheers were given for the vocalists on the call of the chairman (Mr, Bell).