EARLY SETTLERS

Evening Star, Issue 19197, 13 March 1926, Page 12

EARLY SETTLERS

nZUMiQN AT BALCLUTHA The old identities of South Otago assembled at Balclutha yesterday lor the annual reunion. A largo number of early settlers from the Dunedin association made the trip, among whom were Messrs W. Nicolson (president), F. V. Knight (vice-presi-dent), and W. Paterson (secretary). Tho pioneers present were: —-Robert Shiels, Mrs C. Dallas, Mrs M. A. hi array, Mrs A. Martou, W. Paterson (all of'whom came out in the ship Lira in 1858), John Aitkenhcad (Omeo, 1882), Miss Goggie (Strathmore, 1856), C. Dallas (Storm Cloud. 1861), J. Leishman (Pladda, 1862). Mrs Leishman (Sara M., 1862), J. Allison (Aboukir, 1864), F. W. Knight (Aldiuga, 1862), Mrs J. Welch (Strathallan, 1853), J. Hislop (Palmyra, 1858), Mrs A. J. Sinclair • f'iiili, 1864), J. Murray (Caribou, 1866), Mrs F. Brad field (Pladda, 1860), J. Lees (Pladda, 1860), Mrs G. Finch (Strathfieldsaye, 1853), R. Ayson (Royal Albert, 1853), J. Frazer (Bernicia, 1848), D. Strain (Ajax, 1863), C Dabinotte (Isabella Horens, 18o6), tho Hon. D. T. Fleming (Lady Milton, 1864), D. Mnnro (Palmyra, 1858), AV. Nelson (Amelia Mitchell, 1864) 3 Mrs J. Low (Royal Albert (1853). The programme consisted of musical items from the Pipe Baud, tho Boys’ School Band, and Highland dancing. Tho Hon. A. S. Malcolm congratulated the association on the successful fathering. He said he was afraid Now Zealand did not get credit for her own people. He referred to the action ol certain English journals that had recently stated that Sir Ernest Rutherford—one of the dominion’s most illustrious sous—was an Englishman and an Australian. He said ho had been privileged to know many old settlers, and he agreed with one of the Empire Press delegates who had said that New Zealand’s pioneers must have been very carefully selected. Ho found that that was so,"and be had had many opportunities of studying them for himself. The duty of alf New Zealanders was to see that the old pioneers were not forgotten or denied any share of the honor thev had earned so well. , The Hon. D. T. Fleming expressed his pleasure at being able to be present at such a gathering. Ho missed many old f aces _tho faces of those who had passed hence—but he was sure that their momory would never die as long as the district had before it tho monuments of their public-spiritedness. Others had spoken of the stamina, grit, and courage of the early settlers, and those encomiums had come from others besides New Zealanders. People from abroad had often remarked upon the great strides made in tho dominion, and could see how much that position depended on the early efforts of tho first settlers. It was up to the rising generation to carry on the work and uphold the early traditions of those old makers of Empire. Mr W. Nicolson (president of the Otago Association) referred to the work and pluck of the earliest settlers, who had come from far countries and bad landed on wooded slopes and bushy wastes, undeterred by discouragement, to carve out for themselves and their children’s children a great and wonderful city. It was to these men and women that Dunedin and the province as a whole owed tho splendid University, colleges, churches, and public buildings which made Dunedin city what it was. Dunedin and its environs to-day would grow and increase, but would ever remain monuments to_ the far-seeing judgment and public-spirited-ness of the early settlers. Mr AV. Paterson said that gatherings of this nature brought back to him many happv memories, and in corning to an early"settlers’ picnic in Balclutha be felt he was returning homo again. The homecoming, however, was tinged with sadness as he looked around on the assembled faces and missed kindly smiles and friendly eyes that had been dear and familiar to him for many roars. They were groat characters, these old pioneers, aiid they deserved all the honor that was bestowed on them. They were gradually passing and slipping from our ken, but he hoped that the vounger people would assist the associations in perpetuating the memory and example of those who had made the province what it was to-clav. He extended a hearty welcome to all to be present at the anniversary functions to lie held in Dunedin on March 23. Mr Fred AVaite. M.P.. and Mr S. V. White (Mavor of Balclutha) also spoke,