The Paterangi residence known as ‘Swancote’ once resounded to the hustle and bustle of the large Sing family. Named after Frederick Sing’s hometown of Swancote, England, the farm would become home to the 13 children of Frederick and Margaret.
But by 1908 Margaret, 57, had become unwell. For the previous two years she had suffered much through the loss of eyesight before becoming totally blind. Despite this she was seldom missing from her place in church or from social gatherings.
The Sings family headstone at Paterangi cemetery
Eventually though, rheumatism and other ailments prevented her from leaving home, and she spent much of her time in bed. Although she received the most loving attention and nursing from her affectionate family she gradually sank and died. Mary had been a good neighbour, a kind friend and a loving wife and mother. Her sons were all prominent footballers, and her daughters noted for their faithful training in the home circle.
Margaret and Frederick had come to Paterangi in the early 1870s, Frederick having arrived in New Zealand in 1864, initially spending six years in the South Island. Margaret had come from Scotland in the early 1860s as a young child with her family who settled at Raglan. Margaret and Frederick married in 1871 when she was 18 and he 31. At Paterangi they took up an area of militia land, experiencing all the hardships of the early pioneers, and although not in active service, Frederick was called out on many occasions when trouble arose.
Margaret, too, had much to contend with in the early days. She took part in all district events whether it was church, school, or social gatherings and gave her services cheerfully and willingly.
In 1895 one of the small Sing daughters was playing with others in the yard near a fire when her clothes accidentally ignited. One of her sisters ran to help, enveloping her in her dress but this did not extinguish the flames. Her mother’s help was also unsuccessful, and then another sister came on the scene with a bucket of water and subdued the flames. Dr Pairman was at once sent for and in the meantime Vaseline and afterwards olive oil and lime water were applied to the child’s burns. Dr Pairman who was away from home nevertheless heard of the accident and at once came over 12 miles. On examination he pronounced the patient to be in no immediate danger, although she had sustained a severe shock.
Six years later, Willie, the eldest son, 24, became so seriously ill that his life was despaired of. Eventually, with careful nursing, he began to recover. It was a terrible trial for the whole family, and the greatest sympathy of the entire district was with them.
In 1914 Frederick, 73, was helping one of his sons cart material on the farm. A portion of the load shifted, and Frederick was thrown heavily to the ground. His condition was not considered serious, and doctors Hall and Henderson anticipated a full recovery. For two weeks he improved until he showed signs of collapse and died very suddenly. Frederick had been a member of the first district school committee. It was only the year before due to his advancing age that he retired. He was a highly respected settler, and his death very deeply regretted by all.
Inconceivably, on the first anniversary of Frederick’s death and on her 20th birthday, Vera Sing died at a private hospital in Auckland after an appendicitis operation. Vera with her kindly nature had endeared herself to many, and the utmost sorrow was expressed at her early death.
Four months later a social was held in the Paterangi Hall to farewell to the Sing family. There was a large gathering of friends from local and surrounding districts.
After the musical part of the programme Mr Ryburn presented to each of the Misses Sing a suitably inscribed serviette ring, and to Miss E Sing a number of music volumes as a special token for services rendered to the church. Mr Ryburn having known the family for forty-four years was indeed very sorry to lose them as neighbours and wished them all happiness and prosperity in their new home. Rev McKenzie endorsed the remarks of the former speaker and regarded their departure a distinct loss. James Sing thanked them for the presents and also the appreciation shown to the family. Miss G Sing feelingly expressed thanks for the good wishes of the gathering and said they would always look upon Paterangi as their home, wherever they may be.
