GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 March 1940, Page 9

GREYTOWN

OBITUARY MR WALTER MAXTON. (“Times-Age” Special.) The death occurred at the Greytown Hospital yesterday morning of Mr Walter Maxton at the age of 83 years. The late Mr Maxton, in his early years, • was a baker but in later years followed the building trade. His cheery nature made him a general favourite. He was a great reader and made a study of the Maori language. He was a life member of the South Wairarapa Working Men's Club and was a member of the committee for many years. Born in Wellington in 1857. he was the son of the late Mr Samuel Maxton, who arrived in New Zealand in the Birman, in 1842. He went to Greytown with his parents some GO years ago. In his younger days' he was a keen sportsman and volunteer soldier. He was a sergeant in the unit which was sent from Grey town under Lieutenant D. Cameron at the time of the Parihaka Maori trouble. FIRE BRIGADE BUSINESS AT MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Greytown Fire Brigade was held last evening. Superintendent J. Wood presided. Fireman W. Humphries was appointed assistant custodian in place of Mr K. Langford, who is leaving to join the j Air Force. The following officers were nominated for next year: Superintendent, J. Wood; Deputy-Superintendent, H. W. Wood; Foreman, R. Workman; Station Officer. G. Gray; First Motorman, C. Brunton; Second Motorman, W. Humphries; Third Motorman, D. Jones; Treasurer, H. W. Wood; Secretary, H. G. Carter; Auditors 11. J. Nightingale and J. F. Wallis. WEDDING NELSON—BURDEN. The marriage took place at the Greytown Presbyterian Church on Saturday evening of Elizabeth (Betty), second daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Burden, of Wood Street, and Richard, only son of Mr and Mrs R. Nelson, of Martinborough. The Rev Bloomfield performed the ceremony and Miss B-. Anker presided at the organ. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a frock of ivory satin cut on princess style and a long veil. Miss J. Siemonek was bridesmaid and was dressed in pale blue satin and silver trimmings. Mr George Burden acted as best man. After the wedding a reception was held in the Odd Fellows' Hall. Mrs Burden received her guests. She wore a navy frock and coat. The bride’s travelling .frock was green and London tan. The future home of Mr and Mrs Nelson will be at Martinborough. WELCOME HOME MEN OF THE ACHILLES. Close on 500 people were present at the Morison’s Bush Hall last evening when a welcome home was given to Messrs N. Maidment and J. Kane who are members of the crew of H.M.S. Achilles. The music for the dancing was supplied by Te Tail’s Orchestra, and Mrs R. Beu and Mr Ray Ingley played the extras. . i The hall was decorated with red, white and blue streamers and the stage was dressed with flags. Mr Harry Graham led a community sing. The supper room was filled with euchre players. Just before supper. Mr Lauri Thompson. on behalf of the Morison's Bush residents, said how proud the Bush people were of the fact that three of the crew of' the Achilles were sons ol the district. Two of them had received thc-ir education at the Kaitara School. The Mayor of Grey town, Mr A. W. Horton, extended a welcome on behalf of the residents of Greytown. He stated that the action fought at the River Plate would go down in history as a great triumph for the British Navy. The old traditions of the Navy still stood and the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations had every confidence in the gallant men of the Royal Navy. Mr Horton stated that for some time they had all heard a lot about the farmer being the backbone of the country, but this evening they had gathered together to do honour to the backbone of the Empire, the grand British Navy. Mr J. W. Barnard, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, said that the R.S.A. remembered with pride the work of the Royal Navy during the last war and in particular the gallant part they played in the landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli. He expressed the hope that good fortune would continue to guard them throughout the war. On rising to reply to the welcome the two sailors were greeted with cheers and applause and “Sons of the Seas" land “Rule Britannia" were sung by all present. Both boys expressed their pleasure at being again back at Morison’s Bush. They stated that it was due to their Commodore and Captain Parry that they were so successful and were still alive.

Messrs J. Kane and A. Maidment thanked those present for the great reception they had given to their sons. Among those present were Mr and Mrs H. Tilyard and Mr and Mrs J. R. McGarry, who came over specially from the Manawatu district.