EARLY SETTLERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 254, 24 September 1935, Page 2

EARLY SETTLERS

WELLINGTON REUNION. WELLINGTON, Sept. 24. Reminiscences of pioneer Wellington took a practical turn at the Dominion Day reception held by the Early Settlers and Historical Association of Wellington in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Clyde Quay, yesterday, when old members told, for the benefit of a new beautification scheme, of the type of bush that used to line the harbour shores. In addresses by Professor F. P. Wilson, president, Mr W. Toomath, honorary secretary, Air Mark Maxton and Mrs Knox Gilmer, and in general conversation, iurther memories were summoned of the early days and the quality of the pioneers. The oldest settlers present were Miss C. A. Allen (aged 83 vears), of Wellington; Mrs E. Chisholm (80 years), Wellington, and Air W. B. Allen (88 years), Carterton, who are sisters and brother; Air Alark Maxton, J.P. (aged 82), Grey.town; Mrs C. Renai (aged 78). Wellington; Air J. Daysli (aged 77). Alartinborough; Mrs T. Ra'it (aged 87), Wellington; and Airs E. AI. Sangster (aged 80), AVellington. Letters to Mrs C. E. Carter (vicepresident) from Lady Alice Fergusson and Ear] Jellicoe, who each thanked the association for slices of . its birthday cake sent to them at the time of the ninety-fifth anniversary day celebrations, were read. Earl Jellicoe. writing. from his home on the Isle of Alan, gave his warmest congratulations, and remarked : “I am in hopes of some day being able to renew acquaintance with New°Zealand and he? people, for whom Lady Jellicoe and I have such great admiration.” From Ayrshire Lady Fergusson wrote that she and Sir Charles Fergusson had “thought of all the dear old people we had known during our years in New Zealand and met from time to time at the society’s annual meetings. AVe always enjoyed them so much. There was a delightful atmosphere about, them.”. Air Toomath, commenting upon the value of the work of the early settlers, referred specificially to two who were at the gathering. Air Allen and Air Alaxton. Air Allen. he said, had quietly helped to build up the destiny of the Dominion with the sheep he had bred, and from this aspect had by his own efforts given New Zealand a world-wide reputation. About Air Alaxton, lie continued, there was little he could say that was not known, but lie' mentioned the beneficent work he had been carrying on in the Order of Oddfellows for the last 63 years, .in which time he had been responsible for a great deal of relief to those in need.