Robert Stanley Young 1893-1962

He volunteered for active service in World War I, entering Trentham Military Camp on 30-6-1916 (No 29896 14th platoon D Comp 18th Reinforcements). After further training at Burford Military Camp in Southern England, saw action in Belgium and France. In 1918 he was invalided back to England, during which time and after the War had finished, spent some time visiting relatives in Lesmahagow, Scotland and a cousin, Dr Brown in London. He returned home on the troopship 'Tahiti'.

The home farm had been subdivided between two of the older brothers, and a property of 102 acres nearer to Orepuki, which had been bought, was transferred to Stanley on 1 August 1919. The property was mostly cleared and grassed, but had no buildings, so first priority was to build a house and cow-shed, and later other farm buildings.

On 27 August 1919 at St Pauls Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Stanley married Louise Gertrude Shirley, to whom he had been engaged before going to war. Robert and Louise had 5 children : James Owen was born on 9 December 1920 (where ?), Nancy Gertrude was born on 4 August 1922 (where ?), Harold Stanley was born on 19 September 1924 (where ?), Gwen was born on 6 February 1927 (where ?) and William Stuart was born on 3 March 1931 (where ?).

He put in a lot of hard work over the years, continuing the development of the farm, as well as g a herd of cows and carting the milk to the Orepuki Dairy Factory for cheese production, 2 1/2 miles away by horse and cart. When the farm was finally developed he purchased another block of mostly undeveloped land, in the Waimeamea area, 2-3 miles away.

A keen sportsman, competing in athletics and jumping events. Stanley was the proud owner of 1 gold and 1 silver medal. He played rugby for the Orepuki Club and son Owen can remember him being picked to play for the club at Ohai, in a competition game in the 1930s.

One of the first Directors of the Orepuki Co-op Dairy Company, he also served on the Committees of the Orepuki School, Federated Farmer's, R.S.A. and other community affairs, as well as becoming a Past Member of the Orepuki Masonic Lodge.

In 1949 his wife and partner for 29 years Louise died after a short illness. She had been a great support to him and a wonderful mother to their five children, and gran to 2 grandchildren. Outdoors she milked cows and helped with other farm jobs. Being very musical Lou and Stan encouraged the family to have lots of music. Lou played the piano and daughter Gwen had very happy memories of standing around the piano on a Sunday night, everyone singing their hearts out.

She was an excellent cook, known as 'Auntie Lou' and turned out the most delicious scones and pikelets. These were very popular with the many visiting relatives and friends who would call in any time when passing and be made most welcome.

They also took their family on many joy-rides, on the back of a truck, usually on Sundays, for picnics to the beach or around to Blue Cliffs toheroaing.

Stan continued farming with the help of his two youngest children, daughter Gwen and son Stuart, until selling the farm to be split among neighbours, and moving to Otautau. He married his second wife Violet Brown, the widow of another Waihoaka farmer, Len Brown.

After working as a travelling salesman for Chas Begg & Co. (Musical and Electrical) in Otautau, he became Store Manager for the NZ Loan and Mercantile Co. He took an active interest in Otautau affairs and became a keen player of lawn bowls, and golf until his sudden death on 5 August 1962 (where ?). Violet died in Otautau on 18 October 1980.

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