ANNIVERSARY DAY

Evening Star, Issue 17927, 24 March 1922, Page 2

ANNIVERSARY DAY

EARLY SETTLERS’ FUNCTION. Tho Early Settlers’ Hall was packed to tho doors last evening, when a, suitable musical programme was given and several short addresses wore delivered. Tho President of the society (Mr Geo. Colder) was in tho chair. The Chairman, in a happy speech, welcomed all present. They would all bo pleased, he said, to see such a grand memorial as .they had to tho early settlors, and the association w r as collecting many things which would bo of interest to those who followed them. Ho referred to the late Air Donald lleid, who had had a great deal _to do with tho association, and in his goodness left them a ‘substantial sum, which enabled the association to build a now wing which would be immccl the “Donald Reid Wing.” This wing would bo completed in three or four months’ time. The association had another gift which was insured for £3,000, and was to bo housed in this now wing. He referred to tho “Thompson Collection.” To finish this wing tho association wanted about £3OO, and ho was sure tlig early settlors of Otago would not allow tho association to open tho building in debt.

Sir liobcrt Stout said that on the question of early settlers all the people throughout the Dominion had much to bo thankful for to the pioneers who led the Otago Settlement. Olio loaders wore Scotsmen—John M’Glashan, Dr Burns, and Captain Cargill. Otago also had a number of pioneers who wore not Scotchmen, but who had helped forward the province in various ways. Mr Kettle, an Englishman, had planned the town of Dunedin. A number of able men had founded the province, and they were largely responsible for its subsequent history. The early settlers were very anxious to work, and they had to rough it. Coming up from the Bluff in the ship he himself and a number of passengers had to sleep in tlio hold. Sometimes on tiro immigrant ships the passengers set to and gave a hand in the working of the ship. Tho early pioneers were only too willing to work and learn. Several of tho early pioneers formed a small society to help now immigrants, but not one. of tho newcomers over asked for money. Ail they wanted was work. That was a lesson for to-day. Tho solution of tho world’s troubles was work. Wo spent ten millions on liquor and tobacco, and yet we said we had no money. Tho behaviour of tho New Zealand soldiers while away at tho war was unexcelled, and vats that not something for tho early settlors to bo proud of. Now Zealand bad a history behind it. The men who sowed seeds of discontent were doing tho devil’s work, not God’s work. They should keep in remembrance what had been accomplished and not forget their native land, Tho responsibility rested upon them to make a greater race than tho race in tho past, and it rested with tho young men that tho good name they had earned abroad should bo heard of again in fighting tho evils which wore, inflicting humanity. Tho Chairman intimated that during tho last eleven months eighty _ early settlors and 120 descendants had joined tho association. Fifty-one had died and nine had resigned. Dr Fulton said lie was pleased to sec on tho platform Mrs Taylor, the first woman born in Otago, and associated with' her Mrs Alacassoy, the first woman born in Dunedin. Tho society was delighted to have them with them there that evening. Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., moved a veto of thanks to all thoso who had boon responsible in making the anniversary meeting a success, which on being put to the" mooting was carried by acclamation. Mr Sidey also referred to the excellent services given to the association by Mr W. Paterson, th? secretary. Mr W. Love, president of the Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association, thanked the association for its. kind invitation to bo present, and Mr Paterson thanked Mr Sidey for his remarks. Tho musical programme given during the evening was contributed to by Mr W. Strang'(song), Miss J. Baird (violin ado), Mr G. Dunn (song), and Miss B. Baird (song), Miss Paterson acting os accompanist. : After refreshments had been handed round tho hall was cleared for dancUXC3L,