CARTERTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1940, Page 7

CARTERTON

EARLY PIONEER MR J. FEN SHAM CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY. (“Times-Age” Special.) Surrounded by his family of grown up daughters and some friends, Mr John Fensham, of Richmond Road. Carterton, celebrated his 89th birthday last evening. Born in Epson. Surrey, England, on July 31, 1851, Mr Fensham, at. the age of 7 years left his birth place with his- parents for New Zealand in the sailing ship Oliver Lang, in June, 1858. On October 9 the same year he set out with his parents to cross the Rimutaka ranges for the Wairarapa. The journey across the hill occupied four days. The surroundings in Carterton in those early days were not very bright, the countryside being skirted with heavy bush. Trees had been, felled for the formation of roads, but the latter were not formed for several years afterwards and were in reality only bush tracks. Many holdings in what was called the Three Mile Eush were cleared and whares erected. Mr Fensham remained in Carterton for five years and when about 13 years of age returned to the Hutt district. He was there for 3 years before returning again to Morison’s Bush. At 16 years of age he received 8s per week for his labour. He remained in this employment for a time and later returned to the Hutt to work for 12s per week, that was in 1868. In 1871 he left the Hutt for Brancepeth and remained there for 5 years. Afterwards he came back to Carterton and was employed in sawmilling work for years and eventually took up farming on his own account. Mr Fensham, who has a very clear memory as to dates and occurrences, related many incidents of early Wairarapa life. The first post office business was transacted in the late Mr Richard Fairbrother’s store at Soutfi Carterton. and later at Thos. Moores oL cto’-e further north, after which the mJ's were attended to by Mr Carnngtohin an old cottage at the north end of "Carterton near Plimsoll Street He related the names of many old settlers who have long since passed on in the persons of Messrs Wiltshire, Tom Ray Sent-., J. Challis, R. Kemble Senr., Geo. Ea CT le. W. Francis, Geo. King, H. Clay, W°Parker and many others. Mr Fensham well remembers the first burial made in the present Clareville Cemetery, a Mrs Stenson in 1861. The casket vzas carried on the shoulders of hearers from Carterton to the burial ground, across country from the old Taratahi Hotel to the cemetery as a Sh ßush U felling in the early days was carried out for £4 an acre. Grain was grown on virgin ground round the stumps, without the soil being ploughed and it grew very well, but there was a pest to contend with. Flocks of parrakeets picked the gram heads from the straw. There was only one pound for stock and that was at Featherston and on many occasions settlers would have to walk to Featheiston to release their milking cows. One incident well remembered by Mi Fensham was of a startling nature. Two or three young men, including himself, had gathered to kill a pig. The water had been heated and the pig. when being brought from its pen got away. The owner in his desperation said he would get the animal and went into the house for his gun and when c °mm® out he slipped and the contents of the firearm were discharged into his wite s bobbed hair. Dr. Hilderbrant was called and the woman’s hair was cut off and although her head was bleeding it was found that only a few pellets had grazed the scalp. It was a lucky escape. The pig was not killed that day. . , . , Mr Fensham received many t e - e " grams and letters wishing him ' ManyHappy Returns.” He is hale and hearty despite his ripe old age and can still-work around his farm. He is quite confident he will see his 90th birthday. During his life he spent two of his birthdays on the high seas one when he was 7 years of age and the othe when he was 52 years, when he took a trip back to England to visit ffie town of his birth. Among those who were his shipmates in 1858 were Messrs George Andrews W. Andrews. C. Worsley, Dick lield and Mis W. Field.

Sharp Earthquake. A sharp earthquake shock preceded bv a loud rumble was felt in Carterton at about 12 minutes past nine last nigljt. It was of a short jolting moveyrwg'.t • .1 Religious Service. The Methodist Church was well filled last evening when the weekly prayer service of the Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army was held. " The service was sincere and thoughtful throughout.

Home & School Association. A most enjoyable time was spent by ihe many players who were present on Tuesday evening at the fortnightly 500 c-ird 'tournament, which was held in the band room under the auspices of the Home and School Association. Prizes were won by Mesdames K. Hodder Steffert. McGuinness and Collerton. At the conclusion of the evening supper was served.

Boy Scouts. The weekly card evening held under the control of the Boy Scout committee was held in the band room last eveninf There was a good attendance. The ’ rize-winners were: Ladies Mesdames r K. Goodin 1 and K. Hodder 2; merit Messrs W. Morris 1, and K. Hodder 2.

Weddings. Three weddings will be solemnised in Carterton on Saturday.

Parcel Evening. A parcel evening, euchre tourney anddance will be held in the Parkvale Ha on Friday evening. The function will be in honour of the approaching n 2d'' riage of Miss Winnie Carter. The usual hospitality will be shown by the Parkvale residents and the hall is sure t0 ‘ b C well filled on the occasion.