THE MEETING OF THE OLD IDENTITIES.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9993, 24 March 1898, Page 5

THE MEETING OF THE OLD IDENTITIES.

Mr Rolleeton received quite an. ovation to-night at the old identity meeting, the cheering lasting for several seconds. He spoke of the healthy rivalry which existed between Otago and Canterbury, a rivalry which had conduced to the material advance of both. He congratulated the old settlers of Otago present on the splendid achieve* ments, worthily sustaining the traditions handed down to them by the pioneere who had left their country to found a new home for the sake of conscience. The magnificent sight of that day had proved the solidity of the progress made, and though since the time he camped on the bills near Port Chalmers, the natural beauties of scenery had vanished, all that had been replaced by human industry and evidences of human progress. Loud cheers greeted the speaker when he urged that what the colony wanted was a form of Government instituted by the early settlers, devoid of pomp, arid only looking to the greatest good for the greatest number. Mr Rolleston was most beartity and enthusiastically cheered on resuming bis seat. •.■•.. '. . . " '~.:.. ■'■,'■ .■

The exhibition was crowded to excels to-night, but the electric lighting inside was very unsuccessful, the only places lighted up at all being those ueing incandescent gaa lights. ■ :.■■■■, The fireworks were a great success and the evening's rejoicings generally were alia successful. '