Newspaper Article 2007 – 100 Years Ago – Waipawa Range, Shearing, Tong Wedding

100 years ago today

Range triggers enthusiasm

The Daily Telegraph
November 27, 1907

Visitors to the Waipawa range recently could not fail to be struck with the intense earnestness, and the keen enthusiasm that animated the hundred odd competitors for the shield, and Mr Coleman had good reason to be proud of the success of his endeavours to awaken a new interest in the use of the rifle.

Probably in no similar competitions in the Dominion is a more whole-hearted enthusiasm shown than in the annual “shoot” for the coveted trophy, and if the Government had in the past proceeded on the lines followed by Mr Coleman we should not now be lamenting the nation’s lack of interest in the volunteer movement. It is good, indeed, to see a man of Mrs [Mr] Coleman’s standing showing his interest in shooting in so practical a manner. He realises that although we are done with Maori wars a time may come, and no-one can tell how soon, when every New Zealander may be called upon to defend his country from invasion by a foreign Power, and the man who knows how to handle a rifle and shoot straight will be worth half a dozen “dummies”. Would that a few more men of standing were equally far-seeing.

The Hastings Standard
November 27, 1907

The shearing season being in full swing, scouring and washing have been under great discussion lately. Mr Weaver recently showed our reporter round his extensive premises and explained many things in connection with the process which cannot be published. Very little can, therefore, be said on the subject, except that it was wonderful to watch the comprehensive operations which, in a very short space of time transformed the dirty wool into the finished article. It is best to be content with stating that the process is so complete in every way that not a quarter of a pound of wool is lost in a season.

A quiet but very pretty little wedding was celebrated at St Matthew’s Church this morning, when the Rev Mr John Hobbs united in matrimony Mr George Tong, eldest son of Mr S T Tong, and Miss Edith Warren, second daughter of MR E J Warren. The bride, who was given away by her father, was dressed in a navy blue cloth travelling costume, with a white crinoline straw hat. She was attended by her sister, Miss Cassie Warren, prettily attired in Tussore silk, with white felt hat. Mr H H Tong, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. The newly-wedded couple left by the mail train this morning for Wanganui, amid the congratulations of a large number of their friends.