MANIOTOTO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XL, Issue XL, 27 January 1911, Page 2

MANIOTOTO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee was held m the County Half on the 21st inst. Present—Messrs H. Wilson (inthe chair), J. M'Grath, W. Guffie, w. Barratt and the secretary (Mr R F Inder). * " Minutes. The minutes of previous meetings were read and confirmed. Messrs Pearson and Law arrived, and the former took the chair. , Correspondence. The secretary read the outward correspondence, including circular of which 20 copies had been issued. Invitations to the first reunion had been sent to Mr W. Burrnett and 27 others, including His Worship the Mayor and Borough Councillors of Naseby and the Chairman and Councillors of the County Council of Maniototo. A good many replies were received to the invitations. The Reunion. The Secretary reported that he had adjourned the date of the reunion, had arranged for boilers, coal and attendant, had arranged with Messrs Dawson and Jones for crockery and secured promises of seven gallons of milk, had requested Messrs L. Francis, C. Dixon and IC. Marshall and W. Eardiey toact as Sports Committee (these gentlemen submitted a programme for approval), had requested Mrs R. L. Francis, Christopher (2), Jones, Strong, Guffie! Inder, Hodgins, Dawson, Moore, Smith, Fennessy, to act aa waitresses or refreshment committee, had arranged that the swing used at the New Year sports be available for the reunion, had arranged for bunting to be flown from public buildings. Resolved—That the secretary's actions be approved of, and that the programme submitted by Sports Committee be adopted. The president stated that he had arranged for the Naseby Brass Band to be in attendance and give selections during the afternoon. The secretary reported that the Concert and Dance Committees had their arrangements well in hand, and hoped to provide good entertainment. Owing to a number of the performers being away for their holidays it was uncertain whether the Maypole Dance would be given. Itwas resolved iliatthe committee meet in the Town Hall at noon, and leave there for the Recreation Ground at 12.80 p.m.; to be accompanied by the Band, and that the Early Settlers be asked to join in the procession. It was decided that the secretary procure tea and sugar, also one ham, and have the same made into sandwiches; to see the mayor and get permission for vehicles to be taken into fhe Recreation Reserve; to write -to the Rev. M'Cosh Smith. requesting , him to speak during the course of the reunion; to write to Messrs de Lautour, of Gisborne, and Samsun, of Christchurch, "inviting them to be present; to engage Oddfellows' Hall and have seats placed in the ground. Resolved—That a-collection be msde on the ground for the purpose of defraying cost of prizes for sports, and that Messrs A. Marslin and G. Brown be asked to act as collectors. It was resolved that speeches be made during the afternoon on the ground.

THE REUNION. The first reunion of the Newly formed Maniototo Early Settlers' Association took place on the Recreation Reserve on Thursday afternoon. The weather was decidedy unpropitious in the morning, heavy rain falling at -7. About nine it cleared up and the ground dried nicely and although the sky was still overcast the day was pleasant and enjoyable. Undoubtedly the weather kept many away. Still, in spite of this drawback the crowd that was on the ground during the afternoon was large and representative of the district, and included not a few visitors. A very sociable and friendly spirit pervaded the gathering, and ail seemed to enjoy themselves. In many hearts, however, there was a note of sadness, as they thought of friends and and dear ones who walked in the pride of health and strength among the pioneers and have since gone the way of all flesh. But such feelings were soon dissipated under the influence of the prevailing spirit, and the afternoon i was passed so pleasantly that all hope to see the next reunion, _ for without a doubt the association lias received a good start on a, vigorous life. A procession was formed at the Town Hall and was led by the Brass Band to the Recreation Reserve. In the front walked Mr Hilding Anderson in the character of an early day digger of a decidedly ' broken down " appearance, a character which he very ably fills. The place of honor in the procession was occupied by Mr A. Pearson, president of the association, and Mr IT. Wilson, vice-president. Mr Pearson was on the plains in '67. He afterwards opened a blacksmith's shop in Naseby, and till he went farming in '76 owned the place now occupied by Mr J. Young. Many will have recollections of when he presided over the anvil there. Mr Wilson arrived in | the last week of '6S, and by his con- | nection with the Chronicle and Maniototo County Council has been closely identified with all the progress of the district since then. The attendance of old identities was not so numerous as might have been expected, many faces familiar in the district being absent. Among those present was Mr W. Evans, of the At'as Flour Mills, Timaru. He arrived here in June, 3563, and opened the first store in the old township up the gully. He did not remain here long, but followed up several rushes and finally settled in Timaru, where we believe he has done well, and drove over during the morning in his motor car. Our old friend Mr John Cogan was also present. He arrived in the year after Mr Evans. Mr Cogan and his two mates marked out the present cemetery. They had pegged out the old cemetery at the back of the town, in which there were two graves, and a child of Mr Peter Cain's having died they undertook to locate a new site,

and pegged it out one Sunday ing. The names of the others were Ryan and Ward, and they - occupied plots in different cemeifflks. Mr Cogan also levelled the Undaunted race. Mr Guffie, a resident since August, '63, is well known all over Maniototo. He worked here for 3ix yeara and then purchased Alfred Barbara's claim two miles beyond Clarke's. He, too, has been cloßely associated with the progress of the district. There were others on the ground during the day—Messrs J. A. j^ lDe ' Young, M. Young, A. and Mrs Beer— who have celebrated their golden wedding—J. M'Grath, James Hore, L. Hore, John Dougherty, George Provan, J. Mitchell, Cleugh and others, and Mrs J C. Young, who a lady informed us wore her weddihg dress of 40 years ago. Races were indulged in, various games played, a swing amused the youngsters, and refreshments wer« provided • in abundance, the Band played selections, Mr Morrison, an old Seathforth Highland piper, played occasionally, and a novelty in the shape of a lady piper, Miss Ross, of Maungatui, was a decided attraction. Amongst the visitors were:—Mr W. Evans, Timaru; J. Wood, secretary of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, Dunedin; Thomas Allcock, secretary of the Waikouati Early Settlers' Association; J. Wilson, Becretarv of | the Clutha Pioneers' Association; and Somerville, president of the lastnamed body. The officials worked very hard during the day to make the gathering a success. Mr Pearson as president was indefatigable, and did a lot of work before the eventful day came off. Naturally, in these affairs the greatest amount of the work falls on the secretary, and Mr R. Inder proved himself the right man in the right place. He devoted a good many days to working up interest in the society, and his arrangements for the picnic were complete. He has given the association a I good start on a sound footing. The various committees carried out their duties in a way that left nothing to be desired. THE SPEECHES. The president, Mr A. Pearson, expressed his regret that the number of apologies was so large, but no doubt the inclemency of the weather was to some extent responsible. Thehon. sec., Mr R. F. Inder, read notes accepting invitations to be present, apologies for absence, and expressions of good-wishes from— Lieut.-col R. Logan, Messrs F. W. Inder, town clerk, L. L. Langlands, Wm. Burnett, Donald Reid, Thomas Allcock, L. Maclean, Farmers' Co-op-erative, J. G. Bremner, W. Fraser, J: Wilson of the Clutha Pioneers' Association, J. H. Preston, John Duthie, Rev. H. J. Davis, Jas. Duthie, Hon. T. Mackenzie, John Ewing, John Wood of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, A G. Crerar, Alex. Petrie—who drove "the first bullock dray up to Puketoi Station —S. J. Evans, C. A. de Lautour, S." W. Geddes, J. J. Ramsay, TB. McNeil, D. Barron, Sim. Inder, Kirk, the Hon. T. Fergus, and Mrs W. Hall, sen. Mr Pearson then said: Ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased this day to see such a representative gathering

of miners, settKcgMfnd others intereslecHirgQJdsc]£2 - industries, and in the name of the promoters of this assembly I extend to all a hearty and warm welcome. Tho reason why this meeting was called was owing to a conversation which some of the old settlers had a few months back about the early days on the goldfields, and it was then suggested that it would be an admirable thing if we could get as many of the pioneers as possible to assemble for the sake of Auld Lang Syne to a social gathering. The original goldseekera are becoming few and far between, *nd every year will doubtless see a diminution in the numbers, and it was felt that there were some traditional stories and experiences which might well be recounted and if possible emblamed in a report to be handed down to those who may come after us. It is singular that while other parts of the Province of Otago have had their chronicles pretty well attended; to, Central Otago seems to have made no special effort to reduce the experiences of the past to a historical and connected narrative. Mr James M'lndoe and the Rev. Mr Chisholm and others have written about the early historv of Otago, and their reminiscences are worth reading and deserving of commendation; and to an old and genial friend, the late Mr Vincent Pyke, the writer of the early history of the discovery of gold in Otago and the exploration and exploitation of the Tuapeka field, we owe oar thanks, as he i 3 a capable delineator. A. very distinct effort to collect data which might be of use after in writiDg mnals of the goldfields was made at ihe Jubilee of the Province in 1898, ind there was a register of the early settlers with their relations and families taken at that time, and is is complete as could be obtained. Since then the Early Settlers' Associa;ion, under the capable presidency of Mr Donald Reid and an earnest band >f collaborators, have done all thsy can ;o collect mementos of the past and o embalm the experiences and tradiions of early settlers, so that an adeluate idea could be had of the diffiulties and uphill fights which, our lioneers had in subduing the wilds nd making homes in our southern and. 1 have not the slightest doubt hat our present meeting will not be lehindhand in the interests which it las aroused and the effects which will low from this our reunion. It is pleastig to know that so many of our old riends still remain hale and hearty, hough somewhat bent withthe weight f years; and although goldmining is ot the sole or even main industry in ur community, and many of the liners have exchanged thepick for the lough, the nozzle for the reaper, and re spending their time in the happy nd contented cultivation of the elds, we have no reason to be shamed of the success which has ttended the efforts of our pioneers j make the wilderness blossom like

I trust that to-day's meet-■-wiil be one of jov to us all, and S&ynißcenflpsof. the past will be exchanged kindly spirit, and that the histafy of our meeting may be chronicled so that itmay become available to those who come after us to stimlare their energy, and encourage them in their further efforts for the good of our community. Mr H. Wilson gave a lengthy speech dealing with the early history of the district, but as it would occupy about two columns, and it would be a pity to mutilate it by condensing it, we are compelled to hold it over. Mr W. Evans expressed his thanks , for the invitation. His first visit to the Hogburn was a few days after the rush took place. He came from Man□herikia with a number of others to have a look at the place. The snow was on the ground about a foot deep. The prospectors considered the diggings would become permanent and advised him to put up a store. He returned to Blacks to make arrangements. When be arrived there he found it pretty well deserted, the residents having gone to the new rush. Some carriers who had brought along flour did not know what to do with it. He advised them to bring it on here. He sent Mr O'Donnell with them. At Woodney's he could have got £9O a ton, but thought he would get £IOO on the new field. But other teams had arrived, and when he (Mr Evans) got back he had to take £25 a ton. Referring to Mr Stockings he said he was addicted drink, and one morning he was found in a hole in the street frozen. It wsb just about the same time that Sergeant Garvey was frozen while returning from Clarke's to the town. In July or August in 1863 he saw seven or eight suspicious looking men in the Btore one morning. His storeman was cleaning gold at the time to be taken on to Manuherikia. Mr Evans bought gold for the Union Bank, and was going take it away that morning. A few minutes later , Mr Shaw, manager of the Bank of ' New South Wales in Manuherikia came in and asked him when he was going to start. He replied that he did not like the look of some of the characters j about the place and said he did not , think he would go. Mr Shaw replied , that he thought he could get another , lot and would not go that day either. J Their horses were then turned ■ out. , The seven or eight men mentioned nut j knowing of the altered plan, took a | short cut to Woodney's and arrived ( there about 9.30. They stuck up the ( people there, saying they need not j be alarmed as they had other fish to ( fry. They kept their captives till 2 , o'clock, and getting suspicious that j something had gone wrong with their ] intended victims, took what they could get and made off. They threatened t to "shoot them if they were followed. They all wore crape masks. A barber * named John Peters managed to get his hands free and the alarm was given. Sergeant Ryan and the poeple who £ joined in the pursuit overtook them. * They had removed the masks and separated. A number of the men were taken to the Dunstan, butas noth ing could be proved against them ' they got off. They were of the same class as the Burgess and Kelly gang. Garret was not amongst them. He was in gaol in 1863. Mr Evans related A a few other interesting reminiscences. ] Mr Wood, secretary of the Otago $ Association, expressed the great plea- ( sure it gave him to be present on the ( occasion. It was a greater pleasure = to see that the district saw the neces- 1 aity of preserving the early records £ eo that they would ultimately become « the history of the district. It depended upon everyone to see that au- ( ten tic stories were put into print. , The Clutha Pioneers Association did £ good work in its district. The parent 1 association could not get all the in- 1 formation of the district. Not being 1 able to buy many articles, the ingenu- < ity and perseverenee of early settlers \ was often displayed in the way they j manufactured these articles There must j be many of them in the district, and , they would be interesting relics to ( preserve. .

Mr Somerville, of the Clutha Pioneers' Association, also returned thanks. His visit was the more interesting as it was his first to a diggings.Referring to Mr A. Petrie, he said that gentleman was the first man to drive a team across the Maniototo Plains. He came up by Shag River and crossed by Taieri Lake. On the first trip, after doing 30 miles, they lost a bullock and spent three weeks looking for it.

Mr Wilson, expressed his pleasure with the trip and the treatment accotded them, and hoped to come again. The r.ecerds of the early pioneers should be preserved. Many of the young people of the present day were inclined to be ashamed of the fact that their fathers had done pick and shovel work or that their mcthers had worked in the bush. The women deserved a very prominent place in these recollections. The speaker gave instances of heroic and benevolent deeds j done by women. Mr All cock; secretary of the Waikouaiti Association, was here in 1863 carting to Duristan. There was only a bit of a track and ' they had to get through the swamps the best way they could. He often crossed the Raggedy Range and came over to the Hogburn. He made, a very strong appeal ' to the young people to carry on the work of the association. • THE RACES. Following is the list of races and names of winner's Boys under 14 years—Alfred Jacob Ist, E. Marslin 2nd. under 14 years—Keiller Be«s ten and under—Harry Reed lßt,'<Alick Graham 2nd. Gffls -ten and under —Eileen Dugan lst,JSara-Beck 2nd. Old Identities' Stepping Competition —J. C. Young Ist. Single Men's Race—David Inder. Single Ladies' Race—Maggie Smith Ist, Mina Ross 2nd Boys eight and under—H. Graham Ist, Graham M'Leod 2nd.

. Married Men's Race—J. Blyth. Girls eight and under—Patty O'Mailey Ist, Lily Jones 2nd. Married Ladies' Race—Mrs Graham Ist, Mrs Hewitt 2nd. . . Girls six and under—Ruby Moore Ist, Pearl Paisley 2nd, Maggie Fennessy 3rd. Bovs six and under—Stewart Graham Ist, Oswald Johnston 2nd, John Fennessy 3rd. Double Harness Race—David Inder and Violet Inder. Old Ladies' Race—Mrs J. O'Neil. Early Settlers Provan Ist, Jas. Dawson 2. Tug-of-war between tie Band and Fire Brigade— iVon by the brigade after an exciting contest. THE CONCERT. The concert in the evening was patronised by a large crowd, the hall being patiked to the door. The audience was in a good humour, and some of the older men were evidently having agood time, especially when the bagpipes played. Several gave a little performance on their own at the back I of the hall, stepping to the music as i lively as two-year-olds, much to the enjoyment of the audience who turned round to see the fun. Mr H. Wilson discharged the duties of chairman. The.progamme was as follows: —Miss F. Smith, pianoforte overture; Trio, vocal. Misses Florrie, Annie and Kitty Moore; song, Mr E. Brown; song. Miss L. Christopher; comic song, Mr P. Christopher: song, Mr Bunn (encored); song, Mr A, Ball; recitation, Mr Wood; solo on bagpipes, Miss Ross (encored). duet, M isses A. and K. Moore; Mr A. Ball, a song; comic song, Mr F. Christopher' (encored) ; bagpipes solo Mr Morrison, (encored); comic sketch, Mr Hitding Anderson (encored); song, Mr Bunn ((ncored); trio, Misseß Storrie, A. and K. Moore. Accompanists, Misses F. Smith, M. and F. Moore, A. Smith, Monk and Messrs R. Moore and Deehan.

During the evening Mr Scott, M.P.

spoke. He said that as an old settler of 50 years' standing it gave him pleasure tobe present at tne inauguration of the Maniototo Old Settlers' Association. It was an association which should have been started years ago. It had a social side and a historical side, and that side would be of great value in years to come. In the speeches that day there was one dominant note, and that was you must keep it going. Keep it going with a swing. It was upon the young people that the work would devolve. It was the class of men that came here in the early days who made the British Empire, who made Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The young people were now reaping the benefit of the heritage that had been left them; itwas for them to carry out the best traditions of those yho built up the country's prosperity in the past and make it one of the shining spots of the British Empire. Mr Inder gave a short address, and thanked the visitors and committees and assistants, and the chairman also added a few words.