OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 25

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, held in the office of the association on Monday, was attended by Mr John Duthie (in the chair), Messrs Donald Reid, Brebner, Brown, Ferens, Proudfoot (treasurer), Langiands (secretary), and Dr "Will. Votes of thanks' were passed as follows: — To Mrs John Davis, Gimmerburn, for photo of paddle steamer City of Dunedin (Captain Boyd), supposed to have foundered in Cook Strait late iv May or early in June, 1865, leayin" no trace. Mrs Davis's father was lost in her. To Mr A. F M'Donnell, "Walker street, for chronological sketch of Otago from the initiation of the settlement to the abolition of the provinces, November 1, 1876, by James M'lndoe, M.H.R., and late M.P.C.; to the Rev. William Gillies, the Manse, Tauranga, for ona of the original copie3 printed in London of "An Act to Grant a Representative Constitution to the Colony of Kew Zealand," June 30, 1852, also a pamphlet containing the addresses at the opening of the Otago University, July 6, 1871 (Hon. Major Richardson, Chancellor). The association has in its possession autograph letters from Major Richardson, acknow edging Appointment as member of council on October 21, 18G9, and as Vicechancellor on November 10, 18c9. It is pleasing to know that, although many years have elapsed since he left Otago, Mr Gillies is still interested, not only in its progress, but also in the doings of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, as evidenced by his expressed sympathy with its objects and frequent contributions to the interesting collection of records of early history in its possession. There must be many records a-nd relics yet m the possession of early settlers or later airivals, and the association makes an earnest appeal for their presentation for the purpose of classification, and to attain (hi wished-for object of making the collection complete. They wiii be gratefully acknowledged, and a. full description, with names of donors attached to them. No matter how trivia,! anything bearing on early history may appear, there may be something on the same subject on hand that will cause it io become of importance.

Perhaps it has been noticed that deep regret was expressed by . pioneers celebrating the anniversary of the founding of each of tbj other centres that steps had not been taken eailicr to secure records of their early history, which would have besn of incalculable value, but now are lost for ever, and as Otago is the on'y place that has gone about the matter in a systematic manner it is confidently hoped the efforts of the association will be aseisted by all who can add to the collection of early history. A letter was read lrom Mr J. A. Mitchell, InveTcargill, acting-secretary -of the Southland Pioneer Settlers' Association, conveying, on the part of the president and members of committee, a cordial invitation tc any member of the Otago Early Settlers' Association to be present at its annual outing, to be held at the Bluff on Wednesday, 30th inst.

It was decided to hold the annual meeting for consideration of the financial statement and annual report, and for the election of officebearers for the ensuing year, in Board Room, Agricultural Hall, on Thursday, 'he 24th May, at 8 p.m.

Several new members were enrolled,

The following deaths were recorded: — Mrs Thomas Carrodus (Jemima Stewart), aged 62, Brockvitle (Robert - Henderson, 1864) ; Mrs James F-amiltqh- (Catherine Eosb), .59, Oamaru (born in BuneVliii, 1847} j. "Charles de Longuevillo Graham, "Port 'Chalmers; - Mrs Charlotte Bramwell Hollick, 10, MiLtom(Matoaka, 1863) ; it vfa.B from' this vessel the Rev. Mr Campbell, wife, family, and other passengers were transferred to the ill-fated river 'steamer Pride of the Yarra, and drowned in the harbour on their way to Dunedin, the. Pride sinking through a. collision with the steamer Favourite ; Keith Ramsay, 62, Dunedin (Jura, 1862) ; Mrs Thomas I>ick, 75 (Bosworth, 1857) ; David JM'Gronther 71, Tokomairiro (Btarthfip'dsaye, 1858). Members are reminded that Eubscrio-

tions for year ended April 30, 1906, are overdue, and for year ending April 30, 1907, an' bow due. " '

Twenty-four cases have been set down for hearing at the next sitting oS thf Bivorce Court in Wellington.