EARLY SETTLERS' PICNIC.

Evening Star, Issue 11663, 23 January 1902, Page 6

EARLY SETTLERS' PICNIC.

A reunion of the early settlers was held on the reserve, Balclutha, yesterday in the form of a picnic, to which had been cordially invited all those hardy pioneers who arrived in the eatery in 1862 end prior to that date, alaog with descendants. The weather in the morning was very promising, though rather dull, and there was a large attendance ft those who have helped, by their earnest, hard-working labors to make the colon/ what it is, several having come from DoOedin, Taieri, and Bruce to renew old acquaintances and to talk over what they fondly term the " good old days " —although we rather think that they would prefer the present mode of travelling compared with that of those halcyon times. The storekeepers of Balclutha went to great pains with decorations in honor of this first reunion in the county, and to show that they were willing to do honor to the occasion.

The early settlers of Clutha and their descendants met at the County Chambers, and, headed by several members of the Balclutha Brass Band and pipers, formed a procession to the railway station to meet those • coming from a distance Amongst the arrivals we noted the presence of Messrs T. Mackenzie and Jas. Allen, M.H.R.S, Mr Langlands (secretary Otago Early Settlers' Association), and Mr C. R. Chapman. After the arrival of the train the procession was re-formed, and the old identities conveyed in drags and buggies to the rendezvous on the reserve. Arrived there, luncheon was served on the ground by the local residents, who were indefatigable in their attendance on the wants of the " inner man." After luncheon the time was most pleasantly spent by the settlers in chatting with theii - shipmates and others -who had arrived in the fifties, and going amongst them one could often hear such questions as "What boat did you come out in?" and also reminiscences of the days when there were no roads or railways and very few houses where now are situated large and flourishing townships. After a programme of boys' and girls' races had been run, the chief interest centred in the speechifying. An apology with kind wishes was read from Mr Donald Reid, who regretted his inability to be present. Mr J W. Wilson (the chairman of the local Committee) then called upon Mr J. W. Thomson, M.H.R., who said he was pleased to see such a large gathering. He would not address them as ladies and gentlemen, but as fellow-settlers, who had borne the heat and burden of the day. It was fifty-four years next March since the first of the pioneers had landed hi Otago, and he considered that the dividing line between pioneers and others was when the diggings started. Before then people did not know what they were coming to, but were strong in their faith and their capabilities for development. After gold was discovered New Zealand was known as a country of importance. In OTnclasion, he desired all the best wishes for their future success, happiness, and prosperity, and stated that he would like to see a day set apart, to be called "Pioneer Day," on which there should be celebrated these reunions in a certain township. People would then have a chance of meeting others whom they bad not seen for maybe twenty or thirty years.—(Cheers.) Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., was received with loud cheering, and in the course of his speech claimed to be an old identity, as he landed in the ship Robert Henderson forty-four years ago—though, like the Irishman, he had a grievance, as his parents never asked his permission to come to the colony, as he was too young. — (Laughter.) He said there was no place I in New Zealand he liked tetter than Clutha, I because in that district he had always received best wishes and encouragement. Scotland had always sent out her best, as was proved by what he saw around him. They (the pioneers) did not see any good prospect of advancement at Home, so broke off old associations for the benefit of their young families, and came out to a young and unknown colony. They had progressed in New Zealand, and had also produced a race who were willing to fight shoulder to shoulder with the sons of Great Britain. He thought the present occasion an opportunity to express confidence in Mr Chamberlain in his whole conduct of the war, and called for three cheers for him, which were heartily given. He (the speaker) was glad to see that the colonies were showing a bold front in connection with the Empire's need, and that they were willing to stand by the Mother Country to the last. The consequences of the ' colony's actions could hardly be realise!, but it showed to other countries that they were steadfast, to Great Britain.—(Loud cheers.) Mr Jas. Allen, M.H.R., who was also cordially received, said that all the colonists must feel proud to belong to a race of Britishers. As a matter of fact, Britain was the greatest coloniser the world had ever produced. The early settlers of New Zealand had had a hard struggle to fight, but they had done it, like true men and women, with untold endurance. Great Britain had caused the sneers and jibes of Germany, but they could stand secure in the knowledge that the sons and duaghters glowing up were worthy representatives of their fathers and mothers. They had proved to the world that they were willing to go anywhere to fight the Empire's battles. He concluded with best wishes I for the health and prosperity of old and yonng.—(Cheers.) Mr John M'Neil, ex-Mayor of Baldutba, spoke of hoiw of his experiences in the early days*, and stated that he was the first white lad to cross the Molyneux. Wlien he. arrived here the Clutha, Valley was covered with cabbage trees. He had to walk from Dunedin, carrying a. 501b bag of flour and a, ploughshare on bis back, and covered the distance in two days, and thought nothing of it. Mr Wni. Hay said he was the oldest resident in Clutha County, as h<> arrived with his parents in Port Molyneux, Bay in 1849. and was then a boy of nine years. At that time there were very few settlers smith of Saddle Hill, and of those who arrived in the same boat there were only the speaker's mother, brother, and himself living. At about two o'clock slight showers fell, which later in the afternoon turned to a heavy downpour, but before the rain descended the picnic was practically over, all having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The usual votes of thanks concluded a pleasant gathering.