EARLY COLONISTS' COMMITTEE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13596, 3 December 1909, Page 10

EARLY COLONISTS' COMMITTEE.

A meeting of tho Early Colonists' J Committee was hold yesterday, Mr W. U. Brittan presiding. A letter was received from Canon Kncwles, acceding to tho request to allow his name to remain on the list of members of the committee. A letter was read from Mr F. Hyman, forwarding somo copies of -.ie "Southern Provinces Almanacs." Mr H. C. Lane, secretary of the Board of Education, wrote stating that the Hoard had granted permission for head teachers to assist by collecting copies of records. His Lordship Bishop Grimes wrote, stating that an early history of the Catholic Church in Canterbury would appear shortly, and he would see that a copy Avas sent to tho committee. The Sub-Committee appointed to consider the question of pageants being held in connection, with tlie celebration of tho Diamond Jubilee of Canterbury in December, 1910, reported that in their opinion the matter was one which should be dealt with by any committee set up to carry out the celebration. The Sub-Committee, however, suggested that a strong recommendation should bo made from the Early Colonists' Committee to the Diamond Jubilee Com-mittee,-when appointed, that the suggestion that pageants descriptive of Historical events should, if possible, form part of the celebration, be considoreu in drawing up the programme of celebrations. The report was adopted. Jn regard to the resolution from flic Board of Governors, that the Early Colonists Committee should consider the question of appealing to the public for subscriptions in aid of the work or th-» committee, Mr Hart moved: — "That the matter be referred to a subcommittee comprising the Mayor, Messrs March, It. C. Bishop, Dr. Hight, and the mover, to report to next meeting of tho Committee. Mr Kirk seconded the motion, which w.is agreed to. Mr Mosley moved:—"That a subcommittee be appointed to enquire into tho cost of, and the possibility of collecting funds for the erection of a stone or brick addition to tho Museum, in which to display the relics and exhibits of Early Canterbury." Mr R. C. Bishop seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved to appoint the subcommittee at the next meeting. Donations were announced as follows : —Portrait of the lato Mr C. E. Focks; early railway time tables, presented by Mr J. J. Kinsey ; public documents from the Mayor. An offer was received from Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs of all their publications dealing .with tlie early history of the Dominion, and specially of Canterbury. The donations were received with thanks. Mr J. Hay reported that he had been most successful in obtaining portraits ot settlers who came here in the 'thirties and 'forties. He liad also obtained some notes from Mr Armstrong, who came out in 1846. With respect to Hempleman's diary, he knew where it was, and in all probability would bo able to secure it. This was a most interesting relic. It was resolved to adjourn till February.