OLD COLONISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 229, 27 September 1930, Page 11

OLD COLONISTS.

FORTHCOMING GATHERING. IJTVALUA BLE RECORD. MORE REGISTRATIONS WANTED. Old colonists and their descendants will be celebrating in a fortnight the SSth anniversary of the arrival of the iirst immigrant ships of 1842; and the gathering—on October 10—promises to be highly successful. Thanks to the loyalty of Mr. S. Coldioutt, the secretary, the movement continues to flourish, but the help of a few enthusiasts would be welcomed at headquarters. One often hears praises of the wonderfully fine people who pioneered in this part ot' the world, and owing to the indefatigable work dene by the Old Colonists' Association an invaluable record of them has been

made out, and any descendants interested in the beginnings of their families in Auckland will find it full of information. Unfortunately it is not as complete as it should be. and the association would impress upon descendants to register their forbears, giving the name of the ship they came in, and the date of arrival. Membership of the association is open to all who have beeu 50 years in New Zealand, and as there is no entrance fee, and uo . subscription, joining need embarrass no one,, even in these times of general economy. Mr. Coldicutt will be pleased to forward information and cards on which intending members may enroll their names, and other necessary particulars. The association is financed by the generosity of its vice-presidents. In preparation for the gathering on the 10th of next month the secretary has sent out 1236 invitations to registered members, and others still to be dispatched will bring the total up to 1300. The various Governors have always taken a keen interest in the old folk, and Lord Bledisloe i.- no exception; he has just written to the association willingly agreeing to become the patron during his term as Governor-General.