"The early settlement in the Aviemore and Otematata areas which have become well known through the establishment of the hydro electricity schemes is recalled by the recent death in Timaru of Mr John Vass Shirres.

The original sheep station at Aviemore - Otematata was established by Mr Shirres' father, Mr William Shirres, who came to New Zealand from Scotland. Aviemore was in fact the name of a small town out of Aberdeen.

Mr John Shirres was born up the Waitaki and following his marriage moved to Sherwood Downs at the back of Fairlie. Later he farmed for close to 40 years at Pleasant Point.

Mr John Shirres' wife was also of pioneering stock. Her maiden name was Pethrick and her mother was a member of the Pauletich family, early Dunedin settlers and one of the first Dalmatian families to come to New Zealand. Before her marriage Mrs Shirres lived at station peak at Hakataramea.

The requiem for Mr John Shirres was held in the Pleasant Point church and it was attended by many clergy and religious. Mass was celebrated by Mr Shirres son, Fr Michael Shirres, OP, of Aquinas Hall, Dunedin assisted by Fr Jackson, O.P. and O'Connor. Representatives from the Maori community and students of Aquinas sung at the mass.

Mr John Shirres was a convert to Catholicism as were one of his brothers and a sister. Mr Shirres is survived by his wife, Fr Shirres and John (Melbourne)."

John Shirres states that his father, John Vass, sold sheep farm at Farlie when wool prices dropped and bought Pleasant Point about 1902.