Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 4, September 1965
MRS. JAMES SILCOCK
(nee Ray Edwards) is one of Paeroa's oldest residents, and a sister of Constance (Mrs. Hobart), the late Edwin (Mayor), the late Parry, and Cedric (Auckland). Their father, a talented man from England, attracted here in the early days by mining activities, married Miss Emily Parry, their first home being in Wharf St. Mr. Edwards who took a prominent part in public affairs, established a Newspaper Office, and published the first issue of the Ohinemuri Gazette in 1891. His manuscripts include many once topical poems which are now of legendary interest, and we gratefully acknowledge permission to use them from tine to time.
The family moved to a two-storeyed house in Rye Lane (now Towers St.) in 1897, and Mr. Edwards (Sen.) died there in 1909. Mr. & Mrs. Silcock married in 1910 their four children being Jim (Waihi), Jack (Cambridge), Constance (Mrs. Broadmore, Wellington) and Sheila (Australia). They have been most active in the life of Paeroa, and we deeply regret that lately they have both suffered ill health. We wish them a speedy return to well-being and to our midst.
MR. JOHN JENSEN B.A., DIP. ED.
was born in Denmark, and came to N.Z. at the age of 7. He attended Thames High School, Auckland Teachers' Training College, and Auck. University, later teaching in N. Auck., Auck. and Taranaki, before marrying and settling in Paeroa 27 years ago. Mr. Jensen served with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in North Africa, Italy and England, returning to teach English. French and Biology at Paeroa College from which he retired in 1964. He is an acknowledged authority on trees and all forms of life, and had a great deal in common with his close friend, the late Courtenay Kenny of whom we shall write later.
We are fortunate that Mr. & Mrs. Jensen have made their home here, for they both take a deep interest in Paeroa affairs.
MR. MAURICE BEATTIE
is the youngest son of the late Mr. Fred Beattie who (with his wife and family of 5) arrived in Paeroa in 1894 on transfer from Port Chalmers to take up his duties as Constable in charge of the Paeroa Police Station, in Willoughby St. (The house now occupied by Constable Wyllie is the 3rd one to be built on the site.) He learned to speak Maori fluently and made many friends among the Maoris to whom he was known as "Pete". Five more children were born in Paeroa but now of the ten there remain only Gerald (Auckland), Felix (Silverdale), Nellie (Hamilton) and Maurice (Paeroa). On retiring from the Police Force at a fairly early age Constable Beattie took a temporary position with the O.C.Council later qualifying as a Govt. Meat Inspector a position he held till his death in 1914. Mrs. Beattie and family then moved to the house opposite the Convent living there for 26 years.
Maurice Beattie (now a Borough Councillor) was with the firm of Vercoe for many years, but more recently he and his wife entered into Business on their own account at the "Step in Shoe Store" and they both have the good of Paeroa at heart.
MR. I. D. PARLANE, A.R.A.N.Z.
Paeroa is fortunate in its Town Clerk, Mr. Ian Parlane, who took office in 1955 and has given excellent service to the Borough for ten years. Born and educated in Palmerston North. his first position was with the Audit Dept. in Wellington from 1942-48. This was interrupted by service with the Air Force from 1944-47, when he was released from the Meteorological Staff in the Pacific. In 1946 Mr. Parlane was appointed Assistant Town Clerk at Hawera, a position he held till 1953 when he became Town Clerk at Foxton. He has identified himself with Paeroa, being an active member of the Lions Club and a Bowling enthusiast. His scholarly thoroughness is evidenced by the research he put into compiling his article concerning the proceedings of the Borough Council during its span of 50 years.
EXTRACT FROM LETTER
Again I was very interested in the Ohinemuri Journal and am pleased to see an article by Bob Murdock. I hope he continues to contribute for he has plenty of material dealing with the exploratory work of his father who has done so much on ancient Maori Workshops. I have several more articles in mind for you myself whenever you can use them.
My 96th Birthday passed off as any other day, my health and eyesight remaining fairly good. I still write without the aid of glasses but in reading printed, matter must use them. We are fortunate in having Eva to take us for a drive every Thursday and sometimes we do quite an. extended trip. Yesterday we went to Otahuhu and back in the afternoon, about 150 miles. At Pokeno a friend showed us his collection of N.Z. polished gem-stones which interested me very much.
With kind regards, Wm. HAMMOND, Thornton's Bay.