ANNIVERSARY

Evening Star, Issue 25440, 22 March 1945, Page 4

ANNIVERSARY

*- FOUNDING OF OTAGO PROVINCE CELEBRATIONS TO-MORROW Ninety-seven years ago to-morrow the pioneer settlers arrived to found the province of Otago under the auspices of lay members of the Free Church of Scotland, in conjunction with the New Zealand Company. The difficulties and hardships endured by the pioneers paved the way for the success of the settlement, and their memory will be honoured to-morrow by meetings of their descendants who are members of the Otago Early Settlers' Association.

On November 27, 1847, the pioneers of the settlement left the shores of Great Britain in two bands, one on board the ship Philip Laing, from Greenock, headed by the Rev. Thomas Burns, and consisting of 97 married persons, 40 single men, 15 single women, 41 boys, and 55 girls—in all 248; the other on board the ship John Wickliffe, from London, headed by Captain Cargill, and consisting of 25 married persons, 19 single men, 8 single women, 10 boys, and 14 girls—in all 76; making the total number of the pioneers of the settlement 324 ; . Both ships arrived without accident in the harbour of Otago, the John Wickliffe on March 23, 1848, and the Philip Laing on April 15. " The pioneer settlers forthwith proceeded," says an early record, "amid many difficulties peculiar to their situation, but with dauntless hearts, to the business of locating themselves, not forgetting while erecting houses for_ their own shelter to rear also a fabric for the worship of God, humble indeed in its materials and architecture, but such nevertheless as showed their desire that they should prove to be a church-, going, a religious community." Only one of the pioneers who arrived in 1848 is still alive. She is Mrs Ann Eraser, of Timaru (nee Black), who reached Dunedin by the ship Blundell. Arriving here as an infant in arms. Mrs Black is now: in her ninety-eighth year. The earliest settler who will attend the anniversary celebrations to-morrow, will be Mr George Dabinett, of Milton, aged ninety-eight, who was a passenger by the ship Isabella Hercus, which arrived in 1856. The deep interest shown in the celebrations is indicated by the fact that a member and his wife who have come all the way from Whangarei will be among those present to-mor-row.

In the Pioneers' Hall to-morrow afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the first anniversary celebration will take place. Mr W. R. Brugh will act as chairman, and fitting reference will be made to Mr J. W? Patton, president, who died a fortnight ago. An address will be given by Archdeacon A. C. H. Button, and there will be a programme olf songs and recitations. Prayer and a short address will be given by the Rev. W'. A. Stevely. To-morrow evening there willbe another anniversary gathering in the Pioneers' Hall. Mr Brugh will preside, and the main address will be given by the Rev. E. C. Walsh. Several items will be given by choir, and songs, violin solos, and recitations will also have a place on the programme. On Saturday afternoon there will be an anniversary reunion of old people, and the address on this occasion will be given by Major Angus Ross, who has recently returned from, service abroad with the New Zealand forces. On Saturday night there will be an anniversary dance. On Sunday special anniversary services will be held at First Church in the morning and in the evening.