1993 - Warepa

The 2nd March 1993 marked 140 years since Peter, Douglas and family,  and James Ayson landed in New Zealand.  To mark this occasion a Pot Luck lunch was held at the Warepa Hall, fifty five adults and children attending.

 

The afternoon was spent out of doors with a visit to the Warepa Cemetery to pay tribute to past relatives interred there, and to view  progress  on restoring the Cemetery.   Permanent floral arrangements were placed on the graves of Peter and Douglas Ayson, Margaret and James Robertson.  

 

The other two pioneers were not forgotten and the graves of Alexander Ayson, Wyndham and James Ayson, Balclutha received similar Tributes.

 

Fresh flowers were placed on Peter and Douglas's son 's graves - Peter, William, Hugh and Robert.

 

Corydon farm 1 km away was the next place to view - the site of the original homestead.   Jim and Natalie Gunn (who managed the old farm for the Gunn family) were welcome guests for the day.    Due to their thoughtfulness in leaving gates open for easy access, and mowing a  track through the paddocks, everyone was able to drive up to the site.  The area is quite elevated, with an excellent northerly view.   What a trek to do the washing down at the creek in the gully.

 

Jim Gunn also marked out the site of the original cottage further up the hill.

 

Afternoon tea and farewells at the hall , thanks to Newton and Joy Dodds ( 1-1-1) for their work towards the afternoon - one with a difference and thoroughly enjoyed .