SOUTH CANTERBURY MARKS CENTENARY OF SETTLEMENT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28792, 13 January 1959, Page 15

SOUTH CANTERBURY MARKS CENTENARY OF SETTLEMENT

(From Our Own Reporter)

TIMARU, January 12. Transformed to depict the beach of 100 years ago, with cabbage trees, native tussock, a try-pot and anchor used by the whalers, dumps of flax and veronica, and knife-edge boulders, the area in front of the Caroline Bay Sound Shell (decorated to represent a Maori whare) was today overlooked by thousands of persons who attended the Anniversary Day commemorative function in the morning, the re-enactment of the landing of the first settlers in the afternoon, and the oldtime concert in the evening. The principal speaker at the official function was the Chief Justice (Sir Harold Barrowdough). Other speakers were the Mayor of Timaru (Mr R. E. White), Mr R. M. Macfarlane, member of Parliament for Christchurch Central, Mr T. Hayman, member of Parliament for Waitaki, Mr R. Gerard, member of Parliament for Ashburton, Mr G. A. Harris (Mayor of Temuka), representing the Boroughs of South Canterbury, and Major N A. Rattray (chairman of the Waimate County Council), representing the Counties of South burySir Harold and Lady Barrowdough each planted a Norfolk Island pine in front of the Sound Shell. The Timaru Municipal Band played a selection of items. It was a day of rejoicing, and, for the young people, the celebrations were imbued with a picnic atmosphere. Descendants of the early settlers occupied a space in front of Ute crowded stadium seating. The skies were cloudy, but the weather remained fine throughout the day. Vessels in port were dressed for the occasion, while flags throughout the city were flown in observance of the public holiday. Port and Settlement Sir Harold Barrowclough, who was welcomed by the Mayor, said that in studying the history of South Canterbury he had been impressed by the inter-relation between the development and settlement of the district and the establishment of the port of Timaru. He paid a tribute to the courage, enterprise and tenacity of purpose of the early pioneers. “There were five houses in sight when the Strathallan dropped anchor, and she brought 120 immigrants. What is very significant and pertinent is that she brought moorings to be dropped in the roadstead for ships that visited the port. That was the real beginning of the port, and probably why you have thought it advisable to celebrate your Centenary as the one hundredth anniversary of what is the founding of European population direct by sea, and not by overland route,” Sir Harold Barrowclough added. Sir Harold Barrowclough said his second impression was that the port presented an almost insuperable difficulty. There was no natural harbour, and the extrordinary thing about it was that the problem was solved by the people of South Canterbury themselves “If you seek a monument to their judgment and tenacity of purpose, you have only to look around you,” Sir Harold Barrowclough said, it was proper to think of other things, cultural as well as material, which the pioneers brought to the country. They brought a history of which all could be really proud, a way of life, and a way of government. What had been called British “colonialism” had developed to the stage of self-governing colonies and Dominions, and that great collection of nations which some called the British Empire and some, who were a bit touchy on this matter, the British Commonwealth of Nations. “We take these things for granted, but they are a heritage for which we should be forever grateful, and for which we owe our thanks to the men and women who came here and settled. It is a time for looking back as well as forward.. We see a period of struggle and endeavour, hard work and enterprise, a history of triumph over nature,” Sir Harold Barrowclough said. Moral As a moral, Sir Harold Barrowclough suggested that the progress which was being celebrated had come as the result only of courage, determination and infinite labour. That progress might be maintained and continued only by the exertion and exercise of a like courage and determination in the future There was nothing worth while that could be achieved without enduring the dust of the arena; nothing which was good, was free in the sense that it could be obtained for nothing and by doing nothing, Sir Harold Barrowclough concluded. Mr Hayman proposed a vote of thanks which was seconded by Mr Gerard. The Mayor of Timaru, apologising for the absence of the Member of Parliament for the district (Mr C. L. Carr) who is recovering from influenza, extended a warm welcome to the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning, and the town clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) and Mrs Feast. He also welcomed visitors from all parts of New Zealand, many of whom were descendants of pioneer families. ■Mr White said he had ascertained that on January 14, 1859,1

the. population of Timaru was 16, while the population of the South Canterbury district—to the Rakaia river—was, in 1856, 130 persons. He read a letter from the New Zealand manager of the Shaw Savill Company, which chartered the Strathallan, congratulating the district on its centennial. Shipping had always been the cornerstone of the economic system, the Maydr said. Material Advances Major Rattray referred to the material advances which had been made, but doubted whether the district had advanced to the same degree in cultural and ethical values and had not become too dependent on others and lost its self-reliance. It was necessary to re-inculcate that spirit of self-reliance and independence which had inspired those who arrived 100 years ago, and to dedicate ourselves, not only as individuals, but also in local government

Mr Harris referred to the rich and skilful management of farm lands, the ordered loveliness of the countryside, pleasant boroughs and towns, and the air of culture and contentment. In particular, he referred to the dauntless courage and plaih hard work of the pioneers. Mr Macfarlane, himself a member of a Canterbury pioneer family, said he had first-hand knowledge of the great pride people took in such an occasion. He had received wonderful support from the people during the Canterbury celebrations, he said. On behalf of the Government, Mr Macfarlane paid a tribute to the great progress made in South Canterbury. Many difficulties had been overcome, and great sacrifices made in order that the development of the district might take place.