George Hitchman

MR. G. HITCHMAN. One of Feilding's original settlers, Mr. George Hitchman, died yesterday at the age of 96 years. He was one of a gallant band of pioneer settlers who went to Feilding. in 1874 to lay the foundations for the subsequent development of the district. With his wife and family of seven children he journeyed to New Zealand in the ship Salisbury, and after arriving at Wellington was packed into the hold of a coastal boat with - other immigrants and taken to Foxton. Palmerston North was reached by means of the old wooden tram, and the party proceeded on to Feilding by bullock dray.. Mr. Hitchman's family has since gone to five generations, and he leaves a total of 120 descendants. Source: Evening Post (8 June 1935).