EARLY WELLINGTON

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 277, 19 August 1944, Page 6

EARLY WELLINGTON

Reminiscences At Old Settlers’ Meeting

His Excellency the Governor-General and Lady Newall were present at a bright and happv gathering organized by the Wellington Early Settlers’ and Historical Association yesterday afternoon. Speaking in the absence of the president, Mr. Justice Blair, the secretary, Mr. W. Tooinath mentioned the names of several present whose ancestors played no unimportant a part in the building up of Wellington. Among these was Mrs. Lumsden, whose ancestors had purchased sections in Adelaide Road, Revans and Cuba Streets, from a crude plan in London in 1809. There was Mr. W. B. Allen, and his two sisters, children of Mr. George Allen, who first came to Wellington in 183 a, went back to England, and came out again in 1841, and established himself on Thorndon Flat as a boat-builder. George Allen was twice mayor of Wellington, and Allen Street was named after him. There were present, too, Miss Halley spoke amusingly in the name of her 94-year-old mother), Mrs. W. J. Helyer, Mrs. Morris, a daughter of Mr. T. W.. McKenzie (father of Wellington journalism), Miss Judd, the Wrigleys, Mrs. Gonaghan, Mr. Peele, F.R.H.S., and J. Costin Webb. . Mr. Hapi Love represented the native race. He explained that he came by the name of Love from Jacky Love, who was one of those people who escaped from Scotland after the massacre at Glencoe. Jacky became a whaler, and during his voyagir.gs came to New Zealand. Here he saw some nice-looking Maori girls on the beach, and chased them. Mr. Hapi Love said he was there to prove that Jacky had caught one. Mr. Love also explained the significance of several Maori articles displayed on a table, including a carved treasure box, greenstone mere, ceremonial stone axe, aud whalebone rib-tickler. Mr. W. B. Allen, whose birthday takes place today, spoke of the early origin of cheese-making in the Wairarapa and how prosperity had only arrived with the adoption,' at his suggestion of the cooperative idea. The Governor-General said that he and Lady Newall were happy to be present, and hoped he would be. invited to all future affairs of the society. City-dwel-lers. urbanites, were all to ready to forget what the early settlers had doue. The courage, ingenuity, and determination of those brave people was something to be admired, and their deeds should never be forgotten in the country they hoped to develop and make possible the easier conditions which followed. He congratulated Mr. Allen on the occasion of his birthday, and wished him many happy returns of the day. The mayor of Wellington, Mr. Appleton. and the mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr. Andrews, also spoke briefly. Miss Rosalcen Hickmott sang “Cherry Ripe,” “Lo, Here the Gentle Lark,” and other florid 'ballads with consummate ease and grace. Afternoon tea was provided.