TE PUKE, BAY OF PLENTY
REUNION OF OLD SETTLERS
15 NOVEMBER 1945

TE PUKE TIMES - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30, 1945

THE GREAT REUNION — AS FAR AS 85 YEARS AGO
HUGE CROWD OF OLD-TIMERS GATHERING IN CAPITOL THEATRE

An event of equal importance to the foundation of Te Puke was the recent reunion of old identities which took place in the Capitol Theatre on November 15th (1945). As far as can be gathered Te Puke came into being by accident but the reunion was brought about by the kindly thought of Messrs T E Palmer, A J Collins and H L Cashmore who came to the conclusion that a great many old-timers would love to see each other again if it was at all possible to do so. Therefore they decided, as the pioneers did, that nothing is impossible if there is a will to do it.

So a committee was formed and out of their deliberations and concerted work evolved one of the most unique events in New Zealand, a gathering of town and district old folk returned for a brief spell from far afield.

The function itself was most elaborately arranged with care and attention to all ages and tastes. The really old folk were entertained at supper on the stage and the younger old folk were regaled with all kinds of poultry in the supper room. Mrs Borrie’s premises has been hired for the occasion and set up as an extra lounge, dainty waitresses comprising a bevy of delightful daughters of old-timers. These charming girls were on the move throughout the evening and obeyed the slightest wish of the huge attendance.

The hall and annexes has been very tastefully decorated, greenery and flowers being in abundance, the supper tables being a picture. The Tauranga Pipe Band was present, which added to the thrill and colour, and Spragg’s dance band played old time tunes to old time dances.

After the arrival of the Pipers, Mr T E Palmer gave welcome to the huge attendance, stating that there was no set programme but it was just a case of moving around, intermingling with old friends and swapping yarns of the good old days. He gave thanks for the response to the invitation of the committee and he hoped one and all would make the most use of the occasions. "Make merry amongst yourselves and go right back to the old times."

Songs were given by Miss Mavis Kerr, Mrs McCrea and Mr Geo Reekie, and dances by Miss Lorna Blevie and Mr Dave Bothwell, accompanied on the pipes by Pipe-Sergeant J Graham.

Masters of Ceremony were Messrs Ed Raymond and Oc. Webber, who had a trying time in that hundreds of old friends did meet and exchange greetings. There was no saying just when someone would meet with mutual recognition — and the happy exclamations were — well, just lovely.

As far as we were able to ascertain the oldest lady present was dear old Granny Bennett of Papamoa, who is a sprightly 84 years of age. Mrs Bennett was the first white lady to come to Papamoa.

The oldest gentleman present was Mr Fred Burton of Tauranga, now in his 85th year.

Mr Fred Vercoe, 81 years of age, said it was 53 years ago that he lived in Te Puke. Both he and Mr Daniel Marungai gave a speech from the dias.

(Since the function Mr Palmer has received piles of letters thanking he and his committee for the wonderful opportunity given of meeting old friends and the magnificent manner in which the function was arranged and conducted.)

Mr Dave Veitch made a great effort to secure the signatures of those present and this book will most definitely be a museum piece. Some of the signatures are difficult to decipher but we have done our best to repeat them below for the benefit of the many that could not be present. It may not be a complete list and any names missing are deeply regretted. As mentioned, Dave did try hard to get everybody.

It is also pointed out that in many cases Mrs — was known in this district as Miss -.

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