SIXTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 42, 20 February 1939, Page 10

SIXTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

LATE RANGITIKEI RESIDENT’S MEMIORS. Last Thursday brought to a close tiie life of an early Rangitikei settlor, Mis. W. Lewis, who had recently celebrated her 93rd birthday. The late Mrs. Lewis, wi' her husband and three children, left Gravesend, England, in the sailing ship Wennington on January 25, and arrived in Wellington on May 25, 1874. Four months of ocean travel was rather long for even those days of 65 years ago. The journey would nave finished sooner had it not been for an argument between the captain and the pilot off Wellington Heads. The fee demanded for safe conduct into the harbour was considered excessive. The captain's independence and refusal to pay had an unpleasant sequel—bad weather was experienced, the ship was driven out to sea and another five weeks elapsed before the journey’s end was happily accomplished. The ship's provisions in the interval were completely exhausted. The party were housed in barracks for several days after arrival, and they then proceeded by coastal boat to Rangitikei where they made their permanent home. Mrs. Lewis brought up a family ol nine. There are 34 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand-daughter.