CASTOR REVIEW Friday, October 20,1978 Page9 Imagine this "Welcome to Russell" tropical resort on Bay of Islands in the Pacific; serene retirement location; yacht facil- ities; excellent fishing; gourmet seafood restaurants and tea houses. I'm speaking of Russell, New Zealand, a small town visited this summer by Metcalfe Public School teacher Anne Sterling. Anne brought back a copy of the 'Russell Review' a non-politi- cal quarterly dedicated to the preservation of Russell's natural beauty. The Russell paints a contemp- orary as well as_ historical picture of this well-known tourist town. Without going there one can experience the exciting historical events which are immortalized in the Tradition column. One of the best known local legends tells of Maori chieftan, Hone Heke who had a strong disliking for the British flagstaff on Flafstaff Hill overlooking the town. On January nineteen, 1845, Heke and his followers cut down the flagstaff for the third time. Three weeks later the H.MS. Hazard arrived from Auckland with orders to put up a fourth Scrapbook, By Suzanne Schroeter staff, sheath it with iron to a height of 10 feet, build a block house around it and dig a trench around that. Signalman Tapper and detachment of the 96th Regiment of Foot were instruc- ted to take up their quarters there to guard it. Most old timers in Russell can recount the story of the fall of the fourth flagstaff and the destruc- tion of the town on the eleventh of March. The Maori war divided into three groups. Heke took the blockhouse without much troub- le in the early hours of the morning. The town's refugees, including Tapper and his family were forced to board ships in the bay. As the entire town lay burning, they departed for Auckland. Many years later Tapper's granddaughter returned to Rus- sell with a walking stick which her grandfather had made from the first flagstaff and dated 1844. Today it is in the Russell museum. Flagstaff Hill, renamed Tap- per's mount burst upon the public notice again in 1908. Sparetime prospecters had dis- covered managanese antimony and mercury within miles of Welcome to Russell, New Zealand Russell, and a promising find of gold had been struck on Tapp- er's Mount. After the assayer's verdict that gold was present in payable quantities the Mount was in peace. Subsequent owners of the Mount, however have exploited it for gravel for road-making, and have scored it with roads and paths. Protesting residents were told they could not stand in the path of progress. What is to become of historic Tapper's Mount? Russellites don't know the answer to that question, but as one recounts, 'When I hear the word 'progress' I reach for my 'harpoon."' Once a busy whaling and trading centre (Captain Cook landed there) Russell has now adopted a tranquil and relaxed pace-perfect for tourists, vacat- ioners and retired citizens. I'm really not hinting that some of our own _ Russell residents should go 'down under", but if your interest has been aroused subscription rates for the Russell Review are $4.50 per year. Inquiries may be sent to R. Nightingale, Subscription Mgr. Wellington St., Russell, New Zealand. I'm staying. i, Top Soil Landscaping Sand Septic Tanks Gravel Bulldozing Cartage & Excavating Ltd. Truck, Loader & Backhoe Rentals 445-5685 ( a Halloween Dance Dr. F. Kinnaird Com. Centre Russell Lion's Club Friday, October 27 Music by Pandimonium TICKETS $2.00 with costume $3.00 without Witches and Goblins welcome Prizes Galore Refreshments 445-2048 RON VEH BUILDER & DESIGNER Renovations ® Additons Custom Kitchens @ Bathrooms Free Estimates RUSSELL WARNER FUNERAL HOME Funeral Director: Danny Lafleur 445-2830 132 Castor Street HELENE COOPER 445-2898 BONNIE LANGILL 445-2932 COUNTRY CATERERS Available Award winner Mr. and Mrs. Russell Phair attended an awards presentation earlier this month at the Ontario Agriculture College, University of Guelph, in honour of their granddaughter, Susan Emond, of Mississauga. Mrs. Emond won the Robert Thompson and Gen- star Scholarships and the Ontario Scholarship for high marks. She is entering a two-year agriculture program at Guelph before going on to veterinary college. -- other Business approve: RUSSELL RECREATION ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING November 20, 1978 8:00 p.m. Dr. F. Kinnaird Com. Centre The purpose of the meeting is to consider: -- The Chairperson's Report -- The Treasurer's Report -- The Minutes of the last Annual General Membership Meeting of November 29, 1977, as published and hold the election of officers. Nominations are requested for the following positions: Chairman; Vice-Chairman; Treasurer; Secretary; Directors, 4 Please contact one of the members of the Nominating Committee to record your nomination. Peter Romme, Nominating Committee Chairman, 443-5547; Keith Boothe, 445-2009; Antje Loucks, 445-5411. CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS HOT AND COLD BUFFET RUSSELL ROGER'S PRINTING TICKETS ® CRESTS FLYERS ® T-SHIRTS RUSSELL 445-5409 Guy Brasseur Ltd. Flooring Contractor Ceramics, Carpets Corlon, Drapes FREE ESTIMATES 584 Notre Dame St. Box 278, Embrun 443-2155 CONTINENTAL MUSHROOM FARM GROWERS OF SOME OF THE FINEST WA, MUSHROOMS IN THE WORLD is happy to be part of the team that will help make Eastern Ontario prosperous by working hard and working together we will succeed