OLD SETTLERS' REUNION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 19, 23 January 1943, Page 6

OLD SETTLERS' REUNION

There was a large attendance of early settlers at the annual reunion of their association in the English-speaking Union's rooms yesterday afternoon. Professor Wilson presided. Amongst the guests were Mrs. P. Fraser, Mrs. Tui Love, and three officers of the United States Marine Corps, including Major J. Griggs. The roll-call of those who were in Wellington in the 40's was answered by Mr. W. B. Allen, Miss C. A. Allen, Mrs. vE. Chisholm, Mr. M. Maxton, J.P., and Mr. J.Fenshaw. Leading the oldest members was Mr. W. B. Allen, in,his ninety-sixth year. Others were his sister, Miss Allen. 92; Mrs. Moynihan, 93; and Mrs. E. Halley, 93.

The hymns of the pioneers on the beach at Petone were sung wholeheartedly by the gathering, and with the arrival of afternoon tea a pleasantly informal reunion merged into chatty groups, looking back into their youthful days, one reminiscence bringing another to memory, until the flow of conversation was general. There Were present several old settlers from the South Island, including Miss Richardson, of Waiho.

A feature of the afternoon was a hymn solo, with piano accompaniment, by Mr. Allen, who sang verse after verse with scarcely a quaver.