OTAGO & SOUTHLAND ASSN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 March 1929, Page 7

OTAGO & SOUTHLAND ASSN.

ANNIVERSARY BANQUET.

About forty members of the Otago and Southland, Football Association gathered at the Druids’ Hall on Saturday evening to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the first official landing of settlers in Otago. The banquet proved enjoyable, many interesting facts relative to the old days of Otago, Southland and Westland being brought to light. The Chairman (Mr F. Stent) arranged an impromptu programme of toasts well, while a number of musical and elocutionary items were enjoyed. Mr W. Cowan officiated at the piano. An important decision was made at the function, when, on the motion of Mr E. L. Kehoe (seconded by Mr A. Eaton) an item in Maori given by Mr C. Kahu, was unanimously adopted as the Association’s closing 'ode. The words of the little song are: Aroha Nui, Aroha Nui; Kia Ko to ra, E tenei wa, Until we meet again. After members honouring the toast “The King,” the Chairman read apologies from Messrs J. O’Brien, M.P., the Mayor (Mr J .W. Greenslade) and T. E. Y. Seddon. Mr R. J. Williams represented the Mayor. In proposing the toast “Westland,” Mr E. L. Kehoe referred to the affinity between the pioneers of Otago and Southland and those of the Coast, the latter district’s first settlers coming from the Southern districts, in the great quest for gold. Since then there had been a strong feeling of good fellowship between the two peoples. The speaker referred to a pending further link in the districts, through' the Otago Expansion League’s project to open up the Westland-OtagQ Haast Pass route. ' Just 91 years ago, Mr Kehoe pointed out, the pass was used by a hostile party of Maoris to effect a raid on a settlement of natives where Gore now stands. The attacking party were repulsed, and it is told that only one of them escaped back into Westland’s wooded fastness. He hoped the next organised party over the Pass would not have such disastrous results, or travel with suclr a motive. The toast was duly honoured, coupled with the name of Mr Williams. .

Mr Wjlliams, replying to the toast, referred‘interestingly to days gone by in the district, and the wonderful progress made here in recent years. People capable of forming an opinion had said that Westland had nothing to be ashamed of in its progress during the past 20 years. Its beauties were unexcelled, in any part of the world, but they were poorly advertised by the Tourist Department, and by Coasters too.

Mr Kay proposed the toast “Dr J. W. Mcßrearty,” the Association’s patron,” referring in eulogistic terms to that gentleman. The toast was replied to by Mr Rogers, who apologised for their patron's absence at the function.

The toast, “Otago and Southland Association,” was proposed by Mr Frederic, who took his listeners back to the old days of coaches and horse trams. Mr G. McQueen replied to the toast.

. Other toasts honoured were: “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr L. F. Casey and replied to by Mr Keddie. “Anniversary of Otago,” proposed by Mr Rogers, who referred to the pioneers who laid the foundations of the Otago and Southland of to-day. Mr Torrance fittingly replied, pointing out the business growth of Otago. “The health of Messrs R. J. Williams and Smith, the only nonOtagoites present, was proposed by Mr Kehoe, and responded to by both gentlemen. “Absent Members,” proposed by Mr Kear; replied to by Mr Eaton. The toast of “The President, Mr Stent,” was enthusiastically honoured. During the function concert items were given by Messrs . Williams (humorous anecdotes) ; Kehoe (song). Turner (elocutionary items); J. Smith (humorous items) ; Bruce and Milne (piaiio duet and song); Kahu (songs and “Aroha • Nui”), J. Faulkner (“Wreck of the Wairarapa,” composed by John Faulkner, of Southland) ; A. McGregor (song). Every item was heartily applauded. A community sing was also indulged in.

nister won by about a second. Time 24 3-5. ’ ' '

Ladies’ and men’s double-handed saw, 15in., log, prizes; £1 10/-, 10/and 5/-.—-Miss Thorn and F. Thorn, 2sec., 1; Mrs Bowman and S. Bowman, 2sec., 2; Mrs Methven • and J. Tibbles, 4sec., 3. Also competed: Miss Hill- and F. Revelry Gsec., Mrs Mattson and. F. Mattson 4sec., Miss Jackson and Phillipson 2sec., Miss L. Cooper and J.. Higgins, scr., and Mrs Jack and Geo. Jack scr. This was quite a good event, and as it aroused keen interest it should be encouraged. The winning pair ’ did remarkably well and won with about two seconds to spare. Time, 13sec.

. Nail-driving for, ladies. —Mrs Norton. Many competed and there were some amusing attempts made by some of the competitors, although generally good skill was displayed with the hammer. . . -i

Married ladies’ race. —Mrs Ealern 1, Mrs O’Leary 2. Seven started. Single ladies’ race< —Miss Watson 1, Miss Dense 2. A good field. Won by a yard.

Married ladies’ race, local. —Mrs Dalziell 1, Mrs Wilmott 2. Single men’s race. —R. Kay 1, C. Kennedy 2. Married men’s race. —F. Thomas 1; M. Crimmins 2.

Married men’s race, local. —T, Jones 1, M. Crimmins 2. /

Girls’ race, local, under 16 years.— I. Dense 1. Boys’ race, local, under 16 years.— M. Butcher 1.