100 YEARS AGO.

Auckland Star, Issue 18, 22 January 1940, Page 3

100 YEARS AGO.

FIRST SETTLERS.

ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON.

MEMORIAL DEDICATED.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

About 5000 people assembled on the esplanade on the Petoue foreshore this morning for the dedication and unveiling of the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial at the approximate spot where the Aurora arrived with the first settlers 100 years ago. The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, presided. The ceremony commenced with the National Anthem, played by a band, and followed by all joining in "'God Defend New Zealand." A party of 28 warriors from Taranaki and Maori girls chanted a welcome, after which the warriors liled before the official dais and presented a spirited haka and welcome. The dedication service was in accord with the first pioneer service conducted by the Rev. J. Macfarlane on Pitoone Beach in 1840. The "Old Hundredth" and Psalm 23 were sung, also the hymn, "O God of Bethel." The Rev. Brian Kilroy, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Wellington, read appropriate scripture and offered a prayer. Speeches were then delivered by Mr. Hislop, the Mayor of Petone, Mr. G. London, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, who is member for Hutt, the representative of the United Kingdom Government, Lord Willingdon, and the representative of the Commonwealth of Australia at the Centennial, Senator P. A. M. Mcßride. Wreath on Chief's Grave. Before the dedication ceremony a wreath bearing the inscription "In ■grateful remembrance. From the Government of New Zealand" was laid by Mr. Nash at the grave of Te Puni, a chief of the Ngatiawa, who died on Decemiber 5, 1870. This ceremony was attended by Maori representatives from Taranaki, Patea and Te Aro pa, as well as descendants of Te Puni fron; the Hutt Valley. The arrival of tlie official party was greeted with Maori lamsnts. The ceremony was proceeded oy a procession depicting 100 years of progress and was followed by a historic pageant on the Petone recreation ground, where the official party was entertained at luncheon. The first scene of the pageant was on the siyvey ship Tory in 1839, depicting the sale of Whanga-nui-a-tara. The second scene was the hoisting of the flag at Petone on September 30, 1839. The third scene showed the arrival of early settlers from the Aurora and the cementing of friendship between Maori and white man. A dieplay of historic documents wae on view on the ground, where a sports gathering is being held this afternoon.

A feature of the memorial is a hall of memories.