CHANNEL ISLANDERS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 92, 16 October 1934, Page 13

CHANNEL ISLANDERS

A PLEASANT REUNION

A gathering of Channel Islanders was held in the '"Evening Post" Building last evening. Mr.- H. 1\ JMour.int presided, and there were present those who had been born in Jersey, Guernsey, nud Sark, oc of Channel Island descent. Mr. Mourant explained that the meeting was the outcome of an article that had been written for the "Evening Post" descriptive of Jersey, its people, history. CI1S" toms, industry, and scenery. This had prompted a desire among some Channel Islanders resident in New Zealand to meet in a social way and exchange reminiscences. There were present, he said, Islanders from Mastcrto.i and Levin as well as from Wellington itself and some '.if them were born and brought-up in one or other of the Islands.

The question o£ the choice <•£ the day of meeting had arisen and the • anniversary of the Battle of St. Hcliers. in the Koyal Square, when the Jerseymen had defeated and routed a superior .French force, had been suggested, but as that anniversary fell on January G it was not considered convenient. It was thought better to hold the reunion on -an even more memorable day, October 14 (this year a. Sunday) when "our Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, ■ defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings in 1006." Interest in this meeting of Channel Islanders had been displayed by Island folk resident in various parts of New Zealand, including Duncdin and Christchurch, who were unable to attend. Some of them appeared still to feel lonely and it was hoped that the meeting would result in friendships being made. The Channel Islanders were proud of their [country, and rightly so; and loyal to their Prince, the Duke of Normandy, Kin? George Vof England. Suggestions had been made for the formation of a society of Channel Islanders, but. for the present jit was thought by some of them that it would be better to meet once a year. This proposal was subsequently pi.lt to^ the meeting and carried unanimously- Airs. Bisson Church, of llasterton, a Jersey woman, gave a brief and fovcetiil" address on her native isle and exhibited many interesting relics. There were also shown some sabots worn by the Jersey folk and j llio baton of a centenaire, or parish headman, of St. Clement.

Mr. G. W. Barltrop exhibited (Mr. P. X. Denton operating the hmtevn) some of the beauties of Sark, Guernsey, and Jersey, from photographs taken by himself. His comments were listened to with interest and were delivered in an easy, fluent, and intimate style. A Jersey son;? was sung by Miss Grace Gaudin, with chorus taken lip by all present. Miss Gretta Stark also sang two songs. Supper included two favourite dishes, Jersey wonders and gache de pomme. It was unanimously resolved to send greetings by telegram to Mr. Philip Lc Giiesne, of Hamilton, Waikato, aged 08, and believed to be the oldest Channel Islander in Xew Zealand; (a lady aged 8(>, a resident of Wellington, was present at the meeting). A register of all Channel Islanders and descendants in Xew Zealand was begun at the meeting.