FIFTY YEARS SYNE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 46, 17 January 1913, Page 5

FIFTY YEARS SYNE.

HONOURING OLD PIONEERS,

AT WAREPA.

Boisterous gales and clouds of dust chasing each other along the roads were the principal factors in preventing many people from attending the Clutha Pioneer Association's annual picnic on the Warepa school grounds on Wednesday; the Greenfield picnic was also responsible to a certain extont for keeping some away. It must bo admitted that the attendance was much below that of previous years; several of the old familiar faces were missing—a few, alas! never more to be seen —while there could, or rather, should, have been more young people there. There were enough cheery remarks, genial intercourses and genuine greetings, not to mention all the handshakes, however, between never-to-be-forgotten comrades of 50 years ago to make the reunion of 19115 a happy ouo. The plantation of pino trees at the school afforded good shelter from the wind, and children whiled away the afternoon in games, young grown-ups lolled lazily on the grass, and their ciders, mellowed to the silver age, chatted and recalled reminiscences. Early in the afternoon tea, cakes and sandwiches were handed round, ami before dispersing there were the parting cups of the popular beverage. The committee had arranged for tea, milk and sugar, and a bevy of ladies saw that each basket went the rounds. One thing which aroused much interest was a representation of the old bark hut, recalling memories of happy and strenuous days to the men and women, now throe score years and ten, who were in their pioneering days proud of their unpretentious abodes, in the clearings won from 'the bush wilderness, and who could sing with perhaps more fervour than their descendants in milled timber, brick and stone, that "be it ever so humble there is no place like home." This hut, made almost entirely of totara bark, with a strip of calico serving for a glass window, was built by a few members of the committee. In the school there was a comprehensive collection of photos of early settlers and their families, and original homes, churches, etc. Among those present was Mr John Wilson, secretary of the association, now of Kgmont Village, Taranaki. He made his holidays in the south synchronise with the Warepa picnic, in which he took a leading part during his sojourn in these parts. Mr John Wood and Mr Charles Duke,-secretary and vice-presi-dent respectively of the Otago Kariy Sottlers' Association, were also present from Dunedin.

The committee, which carried out all the arrangements perfectly, was composed of Messrs J. A. Somerville (president), John Crawford (vice-president), P. Robertson (vice-president and actingsecretary), John Wilson (secretary), G. B. Somerville, R. Somerville, Robert Ayson, William Ross and James Robertson.

On the book which is kept as a record of those attending this annual gathering there were the following names: — 184S—Mrs Robert Law, "Bhindell" (o); Robert Somerville, "Bhindell" (.1). 1849—A. A. George, "Mary" (d). 1852—Mrs Christina Ayson (uec Robsou), "Columbus" (o); Mrs J. Low, "Royal Albert" (o). 1853—"Robert Ayson, "Royal Albert" (o); Mrs Ann Watt, "Royal Albert" (o); James F. Ayson, "Royal Albert" (o); Mrs E. Anscombc (nee Watt), "Roval Albert" (d); Elspetli Mary Watt, "Royal Albert" (d). 185G —M rs Agnes Lamond (nee Geggie), "Strathmore" (o); John Geggie, "Strathmore" (d); Mrs Ayson Robertson (d). 1857—Mrs J. McFarlaue (nee Christie), Dunedin, "Nourmahad" (d). 1858—Charles Duke, Dunedin, "Palmyra" (o); Elsie G. Miller, "Jura" (d); Thomas Aitken, Mosgiel, "Strathallau" (o); John Crawford, "Robert Henderson" (o); James Lamond, "Robert Henderson" (o). IK6o—lohn Wood, Dunedin, "Gala" (o); John Ramagc, "Storm Cloud" (o); G. W. Wood, "Silestria" (d). 1862—P. G. Algie, "Wave Queen" (.1). 3863—Sarah Robertson (nee MeOloskie), (d); James McLav, "Arima" (d). The letter "o" signifies original settlor, and " d " descendant. About three o'clock a halt was called for speech-making. With one exception all the speeches were short and to the point. The exception was Mr John Wood, secretary of the Dunedin Association, and his remarks were full of humour, and characterised by a good deal of Scotch dialogue Mr J. A. Somerville regretted that the weatbor had kept sonic away, but he was ploased to sec so many present, considering the circumstances, Their gatherings had always been a success, but the committee took no credit for that fact, recognising that it was the people who came to tho picnics that made them a success. On behalf of the association he thanked all who had helped it in any way in the past. During the past year they had published the book for which they had been collecting information for a long time, but they felt some disappointment that the copies were not being sold more rapidly. They had received 1000 copies from the printer, but had only sold some 600. Even if the whole of the 1000 copies were sold the association would only make a profit of about £lO. In conclusion, he would remind them that the association was not in a particularly strong financial position, and any donations towards that day's expenses would be gratefully received. Mr A. S. Malcolm, M.P., expressed his great pleasure at being present, if only to congratulate those who had borne the heat and burden of the day t .upon the success of their settlement and their efforts generally. He' had heard it claimed that tie pfeeent getieration was is every way as good as the past generfe-

tion. Well, he wanted to remind the rising generation that it owed everything to its forebears, and they had evidence in that day's proceedings as to the stamp of men their forebears were. The past generation had been a grand one, and now all it could do was to sit still and see their work progressing in the hands of their descendants. On this account it behoved the presont generation to recognise its responsibilities and to take up the work of its foreboars with energy and enthusiasm. He wished the pioneors all happiness and prosperity, and may they have the pleasure of seeing their ehildron following in their footsteps building up the most noble country in New Zealand. — (Applause.) Mr John Wilson said the Warepa picnics had always been a source of great pleasure to him, and as ho had travelled about 700 miles (from Taranaki) to be presont on that occasion, it showed he was still interested in their gatherings. It was a cause for regret that since their last annual picnic several of the old residents had passed away, and he missed the familiar faces of Mr Matthew Marshall, Mrs Robert .Sutherland and Mrs Grigor. Speaking of the association's book, he said one thing that grieved him was the incredulity of the young people as to what their forefathers had endured, and also the irreverence with which they treated the older generation. But if some of those incredulous young fellows got stuck in a nasty hole in a bad road they would scratch their heads anfl wisli their fathers were there to show them how to get out. In conclusion, he moved a very hearty vote of thanks to all those who assisted in any way towards making the picnic a success. — (Applause.)

Messrs Charles Duke and John Wood (Dunedin) also spoke at some length in a reminiscent vein.

On the motion of Mr G. W". Wood a hearty vote of thauks to the committee of management was carried.