OTAGO’S PIONEERS

Evening Star, Issue 20442, 25 March 1930, Page 3

OTAGO’S PIONEERS

ANNIVERSARY REUNION LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING The duty of honouring Otago’s early settlers is also a pleasure. Year by year these anniversary functions are growing in .mportancc and in a certain spirit of veneration which surely proves that there exists m this province a wealth of gratitude to tho pioneers tor erroat deeds accomplished. Annually the deaths of early settlers arc recorded, hut . • • Reanimate Otago’s pioneers To fame undying through tho dying years ■

Though the ranks of the real pioneers are being gradually thinned there has been no proportionate lulling off in the numbers ol those who arc interested in tho Early Settlers’ Association’s activities, a fact which indicates happily that tho descendants of the great original band are mindful of tho heritage that is theirs. Each year the gatherings ot members are attended more enthusiastically it possible than the preceding year. Surely this is due not only to tho devout promptings of duty, but also to tho undiluted joy of reunion and to tho more concrete pleasure made possible by a committee which knows how to arrange an entertainment on a large sca'e. Worship, addresses (historical, instructive, appreciative, bright, and not too long), music, song, dance, opportunity for happy conversation, and on ample supply of good things to tickle the palate —all these are invariably included in the annual programme, carried out lor two daj’s in the Early Settlers’ Hall. Both yesterday afternoon and o\ening the largo hall where tho l <-.ople "a*theied was Idled to overflowing, and Tn the afternoon the many who - were unab’o to oecure seats contented themsolves with n appreciative browse among the articles ot interest in the museum In each case the functions met with undoubted success, as witness tho cheery words that were exchanged over the afternoon tea and supper cups. To a largo extent credit tor this must no to the president of the association (Mr F. W. Knight), the secretary (Mr W. Paterson), and numerous bustling aidc-de-caraps. Mr Knight presided, and with him in the afternoon on the platform were the Rev. J. Kilpatrick, the Rev. J. Scott Allan, Messrs W. Nicolson (immediate past president), J. 13. Callan, J. W. Patton, and Mrs R. S. Black (the mayoress). The National Anthem was sung, and the gathering song, ‘ 0, God, Our Help in Ages Past.’ This was followed by a Scripture reading (72nd Psalm). Stating that he was delighted to see such a large audience, the Rev, Mr Kilpatrick said that he stood before them that day as the representative of First Church, Dunedin, which was the church in which their forefathers gathered and the minister of which attended to those who landed on these shores That was a far cry back—eighty-two’ years There were one or two present who came out in the first ships, and he was sure everyone was pleased to see them (Applause.) The Otago settlement should not bo mixed up with other settlements in other parts of the world, for tho factors that led to tho settlement of Otago were distinctly religious. No doubt tho province would have been settled otherwise in the course of time, but it was due to tho disruption of the church in Scotland—the time when nearly 500 ministers of the great Presbyterian Church of Scotland, rather than permit matters to be carried on by the civil Government, marched out of tho church. Many went into tho wilderness, without home and without the prospective comlorts that people usually desired. They went out in answer to conscience, and met with many persecutions. In order to provide a homo for tho persecuted people Otago was purchased. This was a .big land purchase. In time tho John Wicklilfc left, and then the Philip Eamg. Whole families were on board, and the ships reached Otago safely It was a spiritual movement then, not a movement of a materialistic nature, and it was as well , to remember that fact. Last year the second stage of that movement was reached, for in Edinburgh tho United Free Church, the Churcli of the Disruption, and tho Established Church ol Scotland had a procession irom their different meeting places and reunited. Now there was in Scotland one great strong spiritual church. The religious aspect ot the Otago settlement was borne out by the presence in tho party of tho Rev. Thomas Burns, alforwards l)i Burns. There was a book published by the late Rev, James Chisholm dealing with the development ol the church, and there nas the more recent hook prepared and published by Dr E. N. Mernngton. (Applause.) the speaker said he was glad to hear that applause, and he hoped his hearers would now do the next best thing and buy tho book. Another book on tho subject was that prepared by the Into Alexander Whyte, who ministered m Port Chalmers. He hoped that these hooks would he read, and that profit would bo gained from them, in conclusion, Mr Kilpatrick expressed his delight at seeing so many curly settlers and their descendants presentThe Chairman announced that bo had received a telegram from Mr J, Moslev, Balclutha, who wrote on behalf o*f Mrs Griffiths, the solo survivor of tho settlers who camo out by tho ship John Wickliffe. Tho letter stated that owing to frailty Mrs Griffiths was unable t.o bo present that day■. Howover, she would be with them in spirit, and she trusted they would have a very happy gathering. (Applause.) Mr Knight added that last month ho had tho pleasure of meeting Mrs Griffiths at Balclutha. She was well and strong, but not strong enough to attend tho gathering. Mr Knight also read telegrams of congratulations from tho Dunedin Club i Auckland, the Early Settlers’ Association in Wellington, and other bodies. He added that ho estimated tho number of people in the hall that afternoon as being about 700. (Applause.) It showed what a deep interest was taken in the affairs of the association. During flip year they had lost, among others, Mrs Wolselcy, who had arrived here in 18-10 on the Magnet; Miss Agnes Burns, daughter of tho Rev. Dr Burns; Sir George Fenwick, and Sir Thomas Mackenzie. Tho association felt those losses deeply. On the other hand it had profited by adding to its numbers 250 descendants and thirty-one pioneers. (Applause.) It was said some years ago by a number of people that interest m tho association would soon die out, but as a matter of fact tho reverse had been tho ease, and there had never been a more successful year than the Inst one. (Applause.) For this happy state ol affairs ho gave much of tho credit to the late Mr Donald Reid, who as sistecl to lay tho foundations of tho association in the strong and sturdy fashion that was characteristic of him. (Applause, > In a speech characteristically bright, yet solemnly appreciative of tho work done in Otago by tho early settlers, Mr J. 13. Callan addressed the gather-

ing. Ho said that,' although ho had no claim himself to being an early settler, b 3 represented the younger settlers the younger and more comfortable generation. If they could not aspire to an imitation of the older folk they could always admire them and let them know that they did admire them. They could also let them know that the great debt of gratitude owing to Otago’s early settlors was realised. They realised the pluck and perseverance which accompanied the blazing of the trail in this province, the hardships that had been suffered, and the obstacles that had been overcome. All of the younger generation, oven they did belong to an ago of greater ease and comfort, understood the hardship that must have been part of tho experiences of settlors on the land. A wonderful heritage had been earned by those efforts t Applause.) What had been accomplished was seen by visualising tho contrast that lay between tho state of New Zealand ns it was .n tho days of carl) colonisation and as it was in tho easy life they lived to-day. After referring to incidents relating to the old days, the speaker said that the early settlers had laid tho foundation of ri marvellous transformation. (Applause.! There was no country in the world where wealth was so evenly distributed as in New Zealand, and they happened to live in a country where more people had reason for contentment with their lot than had people in any other part of the world. (Applause.) Speaking from a reference to his trip abroad, Mr Cnllan assured his audience that New Zealand was very well liked by Britain. (Applause.) The Mayoress (Mrs 11. S. Black), who was present in tho unavoidable absence of tho mayor, made a neat speech, in which she expressed her pleasure in being able to join those present in their anniversary celebrations. She stated that they of the present generation had a great admiration for that worthy band of Christians who carao across the sea from the Old Land to blaze tho trail here for those who were now enjoying tho fruits of their labours. In these days of comfort it was hard to realise tho dangers the early settlers had to face, Tho speaker said she thought that tho greatest admiration was due to tho women. (Applause.) Without any homo comforts they brought up families. It was the noblest work of all. (Applause.) Thinking back on what she had road of those days, she often wondered if the women of to-day realised how well off they were. The early settlors had taught tho people of to-day how to bear hardships cheerfully and courageously. It was true that times were difficult at present, but surely they were better than the times of the early settlement. Viewing matters in this light, wore they not filled with hope for the future, 'and would they not go forward with a steadfast determination to overcome difficulties in the spirit which the early settlers had overcome oven greater difficulties? < Applause.) She hoped that there were still many years ahead of her audience, oven tho oldest members of it.

Tho speaker was heartily applauded In the course of the afternoon items of entertainment were given by the following;—Mr F Tuohy (song) • Miss Anita Winkel (recitation), the Misses Druinm and A 1 iss Ushorwood unstrumental trio) ; Miss Kathleen Geerin (song), and Messrs Gordon and Death (violin and piano duet). The accompanist was Mr T Kirk-Burnnand. The performers wore aIJ encored. After the set programme had been carried out afternoon tea was distributed. CALL TO DESCENDANTS. XEED FOR ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP Outstanding, perhaps, among many wise and significant remarks made by tho speakers who addressed the evening’s vast audience were those which formed themselves into a message for descendants ol the early settlers—a message which revealed 'to them the necessity for rallying round tho association and by way of active membership giving it their hearty support. The Chairman said, th; he was delighted to see such a large crowd on so unfavourable a night. Greater interest than ever was being taken in the association, and it was pleasing to be able to announce that 250 new members had joined during the year. Still there were hundreds of descendants who should be members; they should realise that they wore missing a great privilege in not being members. The chairman referred with appreciation to the people who had been gohd to tho association in leaving bequests. The association was c ’oavouring, ho added, to encourage research work into the early history of tho province, and to make it known. At this stage the speaker paid a tribute to Dr Merrington and Dr Elder, who had published interesting books on the subject. Having congratulated the gathering on leaching its eighty-second birthday, the Hon. W. 13. Taverner (Minister of Railways) said he was pleased the affairs of the association , had ' een prospering so well. It said a great deal for the activity of the committee. Ho thought that the chairman's message not only to pioneers but also to descendants was a very important one, and ho trusted that his words would bo carried through Otago and that the association would get more members. 'The work of the association was a valuable link with the past, and it was good to see young people coming forward and carrying on the work of their forefathers. In his journeying throughout New Zealand ho often met Otago people, and they frequently sought him out and tales were told of long ago. It was remarkable how tho people .of Otago had spread throughout the land, and they often found them heads of departments in other provinces. Ho presumed that as time went on they would find it desirable to extend the early settler period from 1868. If they coiild sec the;, way clear to do that he thought, they would not only keep the association alive, but also add to tho membership list considerably Quoting from remarks made by Sir Charles Fergusson, tho speaker said it was right that they should be reminded of tho spirit that must have animated tho pmneeii. That spirit had not departed from tho people, but he suggested that in these times when they were all more or less specialists, it was well to look back on the old days when there was singlemindedness to a greater degree than there was to-day. He hoped the day would come when they wou’.l discard distinctions in class and other artificialities, and recognise that they wore all “John Tamson’s” bairns. (Applause.) While this was not an occasion to weary them with figures, there were some statistics which wore very interesting, and, under tho circumstances, he thought it right that he should deal in a little quotation. Many people were not aware, for instance, of the amount of gold that came out of the rivers and gullies of the province. According to the latest figures which he had tho production of gold in Otago amounted to 7.749.0000 z. This had laid the foundation of wealth in the province. In 1881 tho population of Otago was 134,000; in 11)29 it was 217,000. The capital value of tho province in 1929 was £73,000.000. while the unimproved value was £37,000,000 —a record

that, any people might be proud of accomplishing in eighty-two years. In 1881 Otago had 43,000 horses, and today, notwithstanding the advent oi the motors, it had 56,000. With regard to sheep, Otago had just utidei 4,000,000 in 1831, and last year it possessed 6,178,000. The occupied holdings numbered 13,680, winch gave a lair distribution ol the wealtn represented by sheep, in that they were not ju tho Hands ol the tew. The figures tor the production ol grain suowoo a tailing oil winch was not a uealtiiy sign. In 1881 tlie nuiuuei ol vessels tfiat entered oi ciearon the port ol Otago was 091, with a tonnage oi 260,000, out in 1029, wfien vessels were large, the number was 660, witli a tonnage ol 1,U4i,000. Truly, the people oi to-day could say that the homage Telt to tfiem fiy ttiose who created me settlement Had ueeu laitluuliy saxeguardeu. Hie spirit the pioneers had pul into their work was by no means dead. What was wanted Lo-aay was possibly sometfiiiig diilerent irom wiiat the early settlers had put into then work. The early settlers were bunding, and now it was a matter largely ol administering wfiat had been produced. In a few closing words, Mi Taverner expressed ms sorrow on learning ot the death ol l\lrs Woolsey, and his regret that Airs unlliths was not with them that mgm. in a bnei speech the Alayoi (Air It. a. Black; said tnat the large attendance was evidence ot the appreciation with which cue people regarded the worn, or me pioneers. air k-rosuy atoms spuae oi the value ol tne museum to we association, and uigeu descendants to see that the pnotos ul parents were included in me associations collection. He stated also mat articles ol historical interest should be sent in to the museum. Mr morns supported ihe speakers wiio urged descendants to enrol as members.

As in the afternoon so jn tho evening tho items of entertainment wore thoroughly enjoyable, and all the performers were recalled. The programme was: Song, ■The Carnival,’ Air F. H. Jones; song, ‘ln Late September,’ Aliss Helen Roy; song, ‘ King of tho Air,’ Mr H. M’Allum; song, ‘ Dawn,’ Afiss Olga Wynne; duet, ‘O, Wert Thou iu tho Cauld Blast? ' Aliases O. Wynne and H. Roy; song, ‘Fisher Lad,’ Mr CociJ Hawes; cornet solo, Mr G. Christie; recitation, Aliss Alice Campbell; and items by tho Orpheus AlaJe Four. All the performers wore recalled. Aliss J. Cubitt was the accompanist. Votes of thanks were accorded Air Taverner, Air Black, tho performers, tho secretary (Air J. Paterson), and others.