THE PIONEERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 19, 23 January 1937, Page 5

THE PIONEERS

TRIBUTES PAID

WELLINGTON'S BIRTHDAY

The ninety-seventh anniversary of the landing of the first settlers on the shores of Port Nicholson was c r ' ■- brated yesterday afternoon by the lington Early Settlers' and Historical Association. In the absence of the president. Professor F. P. Wilson, the secretary, Mr. W. Toomath, presided. Mr. Toomath said that 97 years ago that day four ships lay off the Petone beach, and from those ships embarked the first settlers to make their homes on the shores of Port Nicholson. Those people had left a noble heritage, and when one thought of them one called to mind the Latin phrase, "If you are seeking their monument, look around you." New Zealand's progress had been remarkable, and it Vas to be hoped that future generations would carry on the high traditions of their sturdy forefathers. Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., who wai asked to speak in the absence of Professor Wilson, said that when the first settlers left Great Britain for New Zealand they knew nothing about th# country in which they were to make new homes. They had none of the amenities of modern life to assist them, and they had to face privations and hardships. However, they were imbued with courage, initiative, and patience, and with these attributes they laid the glorious foundations of progress which the people today enjoyed. After all, the acid test was the amount of progress that had been made, and one could say that New Zealand had made perhaps more progress than any other country. By hard work, diligence, and perseverance the pioneers had paved the way for future generations. They had built for posterity as well as for themselves. The chairman read the roll of honour of survivors of early ships and their descendants. At the head of the list was Mrs. Knell, of Greytown, who is 103 years old, and Mr. John Kilmister, of 49 Cotterville Terrace, who recently celebrated his 100 th birthday. Both came out in 1841 in the Lady Nugent. Others on the roll were Mr. G. E. Smith, who arrived in the New Era in 1845, Mr. W. B. Allen, who was born in Wellington in 1847, Mr. J. E. Jenkinson, who was born in Otago in 1848, Miss C. Allen, Mrs. E. Chisholm (nee Allen), Mr. M. Maxton, Miss E. Lloyd (nee Stratford),' and Mrs. E. Urwin. After the birthday cake had been cut afternoon tea was served, and thos« present spent a pleasant afternoon recalling other days.