MR W. B. ALLEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 August 1938, Page 7

MR W. B. ALLEN

GUEST OF HONOUR AT EARLY SETTLERS’ PARTY I A ninety-first birthday is an event worthy of celebration and yesterday afternoon the Early Settlers' and Historical Association gave a party to celebrate in fitting style the ninetyfirst birthday of Mr W. B. Alien, of Clareville, at the ‘ Oddfellows’ Hall, Wellington. The president of the association, Mr F. P. Wilson, welcomed the many people present, and congratulated Mr Allen on reaching so venerable an age. He also congratulated Mr Alien’s sisters, Miss Allen and Mrs C. E. Chisholm, who, with their brother, were the guests of the association. In his reply, Mr Allen spoke of the early days in the Wairarapa. He told of a bridge at the foot of the Rimuakas which had collapsed, and lighted candles had to be used for the rescue work. He remembered Carterton when it was a three-mile bush, and Queen Street, Masterton, when it was tree stumps, trees and a single shed. He thanked the association for the delightful party it was giving in his honour. A musical programme followed the speeches, Mrs M. Welsh sang two solos, accompanied by Mrs MOore. Mrs Sorrell, Napier, who is 80 years of age, also sang, and Mr C. Tandy recited a poem, which, he said, he used to recite at band of hope meetings 70 years ago. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies’ committee. On a table in front of Mr Allen were two beautiful birthday cakes, one the gift of the ladies’ committee and the other from relatives in the Wairarapa. On the first of these were 91 candles, which Mr Allen lighted before cutting the cake. There were a number of early settlers present, among them Mrs Manthel, who recently celebrated her ninetieth birthday, Mrs C. Morris, Miss M. Ray, Mrs W. Light, Mrs M. Blackey, Mr Allen’s daughter-in-law, Mrs T. P. Allen, was also present.