Waimarino writer dies
Elizabeth Allen, the 'chronicler of the Waimarino' was tragically killed in a car accident just South of Wanganui on 4 January 1987, aged 77. A well-known resident of the Raetihi area, Mrs Allen was the author of two books — 'A Farm on the Wanganui River' and 'In the Hills of the Waimarino.' She was the daughter of a Wanganui lawyer, C.C. Hutton, and grew up in Wanganui. In 1944 she married Rupert Allen and went to live on an isolated farm 5km above Pipiriki on the Wanganui River. The farm was a reverting block of Maori lease-hold land and access was very difficult. The main means of transport was the river boat which ran twice weekly. The road to the house which was formed of clay was inaccessible for six months of the year due to the weather. Mrs Allen lived on the farm for 12 years and wrote her first book 'Farm on the Wanganui River', which was published in 1980, based on her experiences in the isolated but enormously interesting region. She also submitted regular articles about her experiences to the 'Wanganui Chronicle'. The Allen's three children — Andrew, Malcolm and Penrhyn were born onto the farm which shaped the family background. Their two sons received
theireducation through correspondence but when their daughter was born the family moved to a small farm at Mangaeturoa on Pipiriki Road from where the children were able to attend school in Raetihi.
Mr Allen still lives in the house he shared with his wife for 31 years. Mrs Allen worked for some years at Reynolds Motors, first at Ohakune and later at Raetihi during which time she made many lasting friendships. She was involved with many organisations in the district, actively taking part in the workings of the Waimarino Museum Society and the Women's Division of Federated Farmers. She also acted as the commissioner of the area's Girl Guide Association for some time. Her genuine interest in local history led her to bigger and better things with
a second book published in 1984. 'In the Hills of the Waimarino' described the development of the district through sawmilling and farming and the pioneers who made it what it is today. Mrs Allen was quite an authority on the Waimarino area and was a very interesting speaker on the topic. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Her second love was her garden, Mrs Allen was often approached by other homeowners in the area for advice on landscaping and planning their gardens. Her love of gardening is carried on by her husband and children. M rs Allen's son Andrew remembers his mother's vital energy that kept her on the move. "Mum was a very energetic, very vital sort of person. She was the heart of our family — always busy and involved in a wide range of interests." "She didn't have a high level of education; nevertheless she had vast knowledge and read books on a wide range of subjects." Those who knew Mrs Allen all agree that she was a truly remarkable woman with a love of life and the Waimarino. She is remembered for her generosity and typically unselfish hospitality. Mrs Allen is survived by her husband and their three children.
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 31, 20 January 1987, Page 1
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543Waimarino writer dies Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 31, 20 January 1987, Page 1
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