OLD COLONISTS JUBILEE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9027, 4 November 1892, Page 11

OLD COLONISTS JUBILEE

FIRST SCOTTISH SETTLERS. THE DUCHESS OF ARGYLE AND JANE GIFFORD. Fifty years ago—Sunday, October 9, 1842 —the Duchess of Argyle and Jane Gifford sailed up Auckland Harbour, bringing to our shores the pioneer body of Scottish settlers, numbering all told over 500, but it was nob till Monday evening, the 10th, that some of them landed, there being a strong westerly breeze, and no proper landing place. Their descendants are now to be found by hundreds throughout the length and breadth of the province, as they "came to stay." They wore the first emigrant ships that ever left Great Britain for Auckland. These settlers, bound together by a common faith (Presbyterianisin) and nationality, for the most part, have maintained their bonds of friendship to each other, and the present is the fourth reunion in which they have joined together to celebrate the historic event of their arrival in the colony—the first being the 20th anniversary (1862), the 25th (1867), the 40th (1882), and now the jubilee (1892). It is well that these historical landmarks should be remembered and observed, for a nation which has no history is in a bad way. At that 40th anniversary Mr. J. J. Craig was then, as now, the hon. secretary of the celebration, and the chairman (Mr. R. Graham) and his father (Mr. Joseph Craig) enjoined upon him, if they had passed away before the jubilee anniversary, that he would see to its being fittingly honoured. He has well fulfilled the trust reposed in him, for these old colonists have both passed away, and the mass of work, clerical and otherwise, devolving upon him has been very great, including, as it does, correspondence with hundreds of old colonists, and the compilation of a list of nearly COO of them, of over half-a-century's standing. He has been the head and hand -the heart and soul— ci the movement, and it must be gratifying to him and to the committee to find their labours rewarded with so much success. Although this celebration was pre-emi-nently that of the Scottish pioneer settlers, it was not exclusively so, but wisely put by the committee of management on a broader basis, and was a gathering of old colonists, of every creed and nationality, of 50 years' standing. This made the gathering unique and historic. The following particulars concerning tho pioneer Scottish settlers to Auckland will be of interest to our readers :— THE DUCHESS OF ARGYLE AND JANE GIFFORD EXPEDITION. The Scottish emigrant settlers for Auckland embarked at Greenock, in the ships Duchess of Argyle (Captain Tait), on the 10th, and the Jane Gifford (Captain Paul), on the 16th June, and both arrived in Auckland harbour on the 9th October, 1842. Prior to their departure from Greenock, some of the Presbyterian divines held ' services among the emigrants, and as some of them were rather home sick on leaving the land of their birth, cheered them up by assuring them that they were going to a land flowing with milk and honey. Considering that the late Mrs. James Coates had only about a year or so before imported a cow to Auckland by the Chelydra from Sydney, the ministerial statement was based upon the milk of human kind ness rather than upon anything else. \s for the bee, at that date in our history he was not much in evidence, but the emigrants found, on arrival, that the mosquito was " in it," and if anything more busy than the honey provider. There are some of our citizens who remember, as children, being taken down to Greenock, by their parents, to see the Scottish settlers off. Mr. Thorburn (Thames), who was a passenger by the Duchess of Argyle, kept a journal of the voyage, part of which he has still in his possession, and Mr. Robert Graham, a passenger by the Jane Gifford, kept a diary. Another passenger by the Jane Gifford kept a journal, which is now in the Auckland Free Public Library. The Duchess of Argyle left the Tail of the Bank of the i lyde in tow of the steamer Samson. The voyage was rather eventful. A number of the children died from measles, and a young man, one of the crew, wis lost the third night after passing the island of St. Paul, supposed to have been swept over by the jibsail, as he had some clothes drying in the heads, but he was not missed fill tho following morning. In the Jane Gifford all the passengers were Scotch save one family. The late Mr. Robert Graham (a Jane Gifford), at the 40th anniversary, told a good story about the voyage.' He said there was a couple on board blessed with one child, the infant apparently not being possessed of the most amiable temper, as night and day it kept squalling, to the annoyance of the other passengers. Tho husband said to his wife one day, " Please the bairn." A quarter of an hour afterwards it set up another unearthly howl, and he angrily said, " Peggy, how is it ye dinna please the bairn?" Peggy replied, with unanswerable Scottish logic, " Mow can I please the bairn, John, when I'm no pleased mysel'?" On the 7th October the Jane Gifford was off the coast opposite the Bay of Islands, and we give the following interesting account of the trip up the coast, the arrival in harbour, and the state of affairs in Auckland, from MR. ROBERT GRAHAM'S DIARY. Thursday, October 7. 1842. —A beautiful morning. We are opposite the Bay of Islands. Calm most of the day, but at night breeze a sprang up, carrying us along at eight knots. Saturday, October B.—We are nearly opposite Point Rodney. About one o'clock we saw ii sail ahead ; it appeared a large vessel, and the captain thinks it is the Duchess of Argyle. The breeze favouring us, we were making fast up to her when we saw a boat go alongside, which we supposed to be a pilot boat. About five o'clock the town of Auckland was in sight. At seven a boat came alongside with a pilot for us, and the captain was glad to sec him. Two Maoris were in the boat, and every eye was drawn to them. The captain asked if the Duchess of Argyle was ahead of us, and he said she was about 14 miles ahead, and on a sandbank. He informed us of the death of Governor Hobson, and of the duluess of trade and high price of provisions, which did not encourage the immigrants much. Sunday, October 9.—On Sunday morning the Duchess of Argyle got off the sandbank, and the mate came on board our vessel to get the news. Strange to say there were 17 births and eight deaths on board the Jane Gifford, and precisely the same number of each on board the Duchess. The vessels sailed slowly up harbour. We could not get ashore, as it was blowing all the morning, and there was no proper landing-place. In the evening went ashore. A number of Maoris, were standing on the beach, and welcomed us to New Zealand. They all seemed glad to see us, shaking hands, and talking in their own language. Monday, October 10.— disagreeable wet morning, and blowing. The two vessels arriving at the same time has caused a great deal of stir in the town. It is reported that Government is going to give the immigrants employment at levelling the streets in the town; that the married men are to have 23 6d a day, and the single men Is 6d; that they are to have the use of the Court-house and a large hall or printing-office until they can procure more comfortable accommodation for themselves. Empty houses are numerous, consequently rents are low. A small place can be got for 6s a week. Tuesday, October 11.—Wet morning, and blowing hard. The passengers are to be landed to-day and the goods to-morrow. The expense of landing the goods is 6s per ton, besides the risk of getting them wet. Hear that matters are better at the Bay of Islands, and have resolved to go there. Wednesday, October 12.—The town of Auckland lies in a hollow, and the houses are built close down to tho beach. Some of them are very " natty." Shortland-street appears to be the principal street. In the meantime, the first shop is a grogshop; the next is Mr. McLennan's ; the third a I shoemaker's ; the fourth a baker's ; then a grog shop; next a pork itand ; and then another grog shop. Thero seems to be a grog shop for every three of all the other trades put together. Shordand Crescent is a pretty steep hill. On th* top of it « «* church, the Custom-house, bank, and tnpublic buildings, and adjacent the: oar racks. A road leads to Manukan, a distance of 10 miles, whorei aMjpoh can run the whole way. Mr. <*°$* ana * went out this, four. "little cultk place called here town? &J&ttS»**'«* *****

dens, and two farms, ot about 10 acres, each under cultivation, in wheat and barley. There were also two herds of cattle, with bells on their necks to indicate their whereabouts when in the fern, which is everywhere around. . Observed. one plough at work, drawn by two bullocks. The Maoris to be seen about are seemingly quite happy, ifond of smoking ; and appear to have pork, fish, and potatoes in abundance. They are in* telligent-looking, have most pleasant countenances, and are all mostly tatooed, the chiefs in particular being elaborately so. Friday, October Beautiful day. Auckland looks GO per cent, better to-day. Could not before cross the street without being up to the ankles or knees in clay. Strolled about the town all day. Saturday, October 15.—Wet, with occasional sunshine. The immigrants for the ■ last three days have been employed in levelling the streets. They do not much like it.

Ihe Harbour-master and Immigration Agent (Captain Rough), in a notice'in the Government Gazette of October, 1842, gives the passenger rolls as foilow :—Duchess of Argyle:: Male adults, 90; females, 90; under 14, both sexes, 117: total, 297. Jane Giflord : Male adults, 82; female?, 81 ; under 14, both sexes, 75 : total, 238. Grand total, 535. The immigrants are described as farm servants, labourers, sawyers, gardeners, farmers, blacksmith's, carpenters, joiners, millwrights, masons, bricklayers, stonemasons, and artisans of various trades. The females were chiefly farm servants, dairymaids, and domestic servants. Parties desirous of engaging the immigrants, says Captain Rough, can apply at the office daily, which was on the site of the present Auckland police station. The immigrants did not land as a body till Tuesday morning, October 11th. European women were at a premium in those days, owing to the disproportion between the sexes, and it was customary for settlers "on the marry," when an immigrant vessel came into port, to go on board and see if any suitable single women had arrived, or if more bashful to hang about the landing on the beach at Soldiers' Point till the young women came ashore. Two pawky Scots on this occasion got the start of their fellows, for taking a dingy they pulled off to one of the ships, and clambering up the chains, reached the deck, where the single women were mustered to go ashore. One of the Caledonians jocosely tapped on the shoulder a Scottish lassie (but like Dibdin's British tar, he never laid a hand upon a woman save in kindness"), and looking to his mate, said significantly, This is mine!" His friend retorted,'"' Oh, is that your little game ? well this is mine,"tapping another Scottish maiden good-humouredly on the shoulder. Strange to say, for the story would be completely spoilt otherwise, matters were satisfactorily adjusted in both napes, for Scottish lasses are of a practical turn of mind; the two couples were married, " lived happily ever afterwards," and their descendants are in our midst today. As showing how brisk the matrimonial market was in those days, there is a tradition that some of the single women got "engaged" between the landing at Soldiers' Point and the immigrants' quarters in Mechanics' Bay, while strolling along the beach, which goes to show that they meant colonisation, and were off a Scottish courtship, which has been defined as " nippin' and skartin'." Many of the passengers by the Jane Gifford intermarried with those by the Duchess of Argyle, while the " Giffords" were always sweet on the "Duchesses."

The immigrants as fchey came ashore on that web and stormy Tuesday morning, struggled through the mud on the beach, only to encounter the mud on shore as they straggled to Mechanics' Bay to the raupo whares assigned to them. Some of the young women sac down on what ought to have been the roadside, bub there was no road, to wipe the " glaur " off their stockings, and asked each other, with bitter cynicism, if this was the land the Greenock ministers talked about as flowing with milk and honey. Had anyone told them that half a century hence the fern-clad slopes of Auckland would carry a resident population of 50,000, with all the luxuries of civilization, and that the steam ferry, the railway, and the telegraph would be in full swing, they would have told the prophetic seer that he was a lunatic ! Two of the women got shakedowns in a printing office, near O'Connell-streeb, bub of course occasionally made " pie, " and the printers' devil's language was " frequent." A droll incident occurred to the single women. Over a dozen of them were quartered in a ! raupo hub together, and this particular evening they had been celebrating elsewhere the marriage of one of their number. They returned home late, and were sleeping the sleep of the just, on their shakedowns, about the witching hour "ayont the twal," when a real "Captain Cooker" came along, and seeing a hole in the side of the whare, concluded there was something good inside for supper, and determined to gratify his curiosity. He succeeded in getting inside through the aperture, and was just cavorting over the prostrate forms in search of grub, when an unearthly yell broke the silence of the midnight air, from the lungs of a dozen Scottish maidens. The pig was considerably more frightened than they were — in fact, completely demoralised— and instead of retreating the way he came, he simply went bang through the side of the. whare, with each particular bristle on end, and saved his bacon !

The immigrants were set to work, till general employment could be got for them, at cutting down the Crescent, &c. Mr. Thomas Finlay (now of Mauku) was foreman of a party employed on the erection of a stockade round the old gaol at the foot of Victoria-street (site of the Theatre Royal block of buildings), the work being done under Mr. (Jleghorn, architect, the father of Mr. Cleghorn, ol Epsom. The single men got Is 6d a day, and the married men 2s 6d. What would our " unemployed" of today say to that, with Government supplies of tent, tools, Labour Bureau lodging-house tickets, Government parses by steamer and railway, and co-operative works, at wages of from 8s to 12s a day ? These Scottish immigrants kept up their old friendship for each other after settling down here, or in the Tamaki, Otahuhu, and Mangare districts around Auckland. When Mr. J as. Robertson, sen., started his rope works in Mechanics' Bay, his old shipmates assisted and encouraged him in every way possible. No vehicle could reach the Bay, and the timber had to bo rafted along the beach line by Soldiers' Point and Official Bay, from Town (or Commercial) Bay. Chapman's bullock "(Jockio" did the shore rafting in the early days; and there was a tradition that on these aquatic expeditions " all that could be seen above water" (for Chapman and " Cookie" were inseparable) "were Chapman's head and 'Cockie's' horns !" The barrels of tar for tarring rope could not be rafted, and they were carried to the top of Constitution Hill and allowed to roll over the cliff into the swamp below, where they were subsequently fished out by Mr. Robertson and his men. When Mr. Henry Niccol started shipbuilding in Mechanics' Bay, his old shipmates similarly cheered him on in his new industry. The old " Duchesses " and "Giffords" would make a holiday of it at every launch, and come and greet their fellow-worker with good wishes and sympathy. As showing the state of the roads in those times, the late Mr. Joseph May once related that he well remembered when the first cart started for Onehunga, the carter getting as far as Newmarket, where the cart got bogged in a gully, and he had to return to town, the dray remaining there a week afterwards! In Auckland city proper the streets were quite as bad. Some *' Jane Giffords, living at what is now the foot of Greystreet, came down to Vulcan Lane one evening to see some friends, " Duchess ol Argylet" It came on wet and cloudy, and they had to stay all night, as they could not cross the creek (afterwards the, Ligat Canal), at the intersection of Wellesley. street with Queen-street, in the dark. ThecolSl of to-day have reason to be grateful to the pioneer settlers who endured the hardships of early colonisation, and laid deep and broad the. foundations in this fair land of a young nation in the Federation ol the Australasian Group Dr. J- Logan Campbell performed many acts of kindness to these immigrants, one of those we heard narrated only last: week by one of the " Duchesses." The immigrant hud been working at Epsom, and in some way had hurt himself internally while working there. He came home to his whare in the Kyber Pass, fell sick, and the seal of death was upon him. Dr. Campbell, though nob practising his profession in the ordinary way, went out frequently and tended to him. On the morning of her husbandV death the 'new-made widow said to the doctor, who Had called in to see her iu her affliction, that-she ' had nothing left; with which to pay him for his trouble. He not

only set her mind at rest on that score, but placed in her hands a couple of sovereigns « showing a practical sympathy with her in the loss of the breadwinner. In the early days the name of the firm of Brown and Campbell was a household word and there were few branches of trade in which they had not a share. The popular belief came out once, innocently, and in qui*e a natural bub amusing form and which ereatlv tickled Dr. Campbell when it was narrated to him. Two women— " Duchess" and a "Jane '—were going up Bhortland Crescent, when one of them saw young Owen Brown (son of Mr. Wm. Brown, of the firm of Brown and Campbell) passing up the street. The "Duchess" said, " Wha's bairn's that!" The " Jane" replied, "Div ye no ken wha's bairn's that?" "Na, 1 dinna ken." " Weel," replied the other, with an air of conscious authority, ''it's jist Broon and Cawmell's !" PREVIOUS CELEBRATIONS. The 20th anniversary of the arrival of tho Duchess of Argyle and the Jane Gifford was celebrated by a supper and ball in the Oddfellows' Hall, on the Bth October, 1862. Mr. Robert Graham presided, and the vice-chairmen were the Kev. David Bruce and the Rev. John Macky, and the sub-vice-chairmen were Messrs. James Robertson, George Webster, and Henry Niccol. Among the speakers were Captain Daldy, Messrs. Joseph Mays, James Roberteon, H. Niccol, D. H. McKenzie, Patterson, Joseph Cochrane, P. Macdonald, Andrew Beveridge, David Graham, and T. Tudehope. One of the " Giffords" present expressed the hope that the 40th anniversary would be celebrated by them, but he never lived to Bee it. One of Mr. Thorburn's daughters, with a kindly forethought and patriotism which did her infinite credit, commemorated the event by presenting her husband on the night of the reunion with a fine baby, and raising the patriarchal Thorburn to the first degree—of grandfather. Mr. Thorburn writes to the secretary (Mr. J. J. Craig), exEressing his intention to be at the jubileo. "e forwards a photo of his SOth grandchild, and 100 th descendant, the roll being 14 sons and daughters, SO grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The end is not yet, for Mr. Thorburn concludes his letter by saying that 10 had been born since December, IS9O, and then follows the oracular sentence, and '"from information received,' ' The Campbells are coming.'" On the 9th October, 1867, the 25th anniversary was honoured by holding a banquet in the Oddfellows' Hall. Mr. James Robertson presided, the vice-chairman being Mr. George Webster. Among the speakers were Captain Ashby, Captain Daldy, Messrs. D. Graham, H. Hardington, James Smart, H. Goodfellow, W. J. Hurst,Crispe, Webster, Robert Robertson. Mr. K. Graham was in Wellington at the time attending to his Parliamentary duties. The 40th anniversary took place on the 9th October, ISS2, in the Lome street Hall, Mr. Robert Graham presiding. Mr. JameS Robertson, sen., of Mangere, the chairman of the 25th anniversary, was a week or two previously looking forward with hopefulness and gladness to the approaching celebration, but he was never fated to see it, being called away by the hand of death. The principal speakers were the chairman, Captain Daldy, and Mr. Joseph May. Among those present of the survivors of the old band on the platform in a semi-circle were

Duchess of Argyle (red and white rosettes): Messrs. Henry Niceol, P. McPherson, Peter Ferguson. Donald Taylor, Robert Leslie, James Sims, John Sims, Thomas Finlay, Mr. and Mrs. Tudehope, Mr. and Mrs. Pollok, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Laurie, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Robertson, Mr. and Mrs. Darroch (Mahurangi), Mesdames Winks, McPherson, Moore, NayBmith, Hume. Hannah, Allison, T. McEwin, D. Jackson. Wisbart, Cowan, Richard Cameron, sen., W. McDonald.

Jane Gifford (blue and white rosettes) : Messrs. R. Graham. Joseph Craig, David Russell, sen., David Russell, jun., W. Miller, Robert Scott, Robert Scott (Bay of Islands), T. Wylie (Papatoitoi), Alexander Dingwall, Mr. and Mrs. W. Jamieson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Culpan, Mesdames Hendry Somervell. MoShane, Gollan, Morrison, Quinn, Wilson (Thames).

Mr. Graham read a list of passengers who had furnished the number of their descendants :—J. Allison, 102 ; J. McLellan, 58; J. Sims, 57 ; Mrs. Barry, 57: J. Craig, 52; —Alexander, 40; Mrs. Harris, 36 ; A. Smith, 29 ; J. Cromwell, 23; T. McEwin, 26 ; Henry Niccol, 26 ; J. Finlay, 25; P. Ferguson, 25 ; W. McDonald, 22; W. Jamieaoo, 21 ;J. Culpan, IS; McBrierty (Mahurangi), 15 Robert Graham, 12; T. Tudehope, 7 ; Robert Laurie, 4: total, 662. This represents but a small number of the total descendants of the immigrants by the above vessels, as only returns forwarded were read.

The writer of this article was present at that anniversary, and witnessed many of the pathetic and amusing scenes which took place, for many of the old immigrant who met that night gathered from North to South—from the Bay of Islands to Waikato—had not been in Auckland for a quarter of a century, and had not seen each other since they left the ships and landed in Auckland. Some of the rencontre* between the survivors were very amusing. In one instance a couple of old fogies met, one having the advantage of his fellow in the matter of recognition, when the following colloquy took place : " Div ye no mind me?" to which the uncertain one with characteristic caution replied, "Maybe I dae, maybe I dinna." " I'm Tam ." " Losh preserve me, ye'ro nae Tam !" " Aye, it's me; it's Tam." Then, memory swiftly uniting again the bunds of friendship, came the quick and hearty response, " Eh, mon, Tam, gie's yer haun'!" and the two old cronies wrung each other's hands till the rheum coursed down their cheeks, quite forgetful of the cold calculating injunction, " Behave yoursel'afore folk." In one case an old lady of 70 " made up" to an old gentleman of over fourscore and greeted him, but he failed to remember her in the Jane Gifford! " Why," she replied, "my cabin was next to yer ain." Slowly memory reasserted itself with the octogenarian, and peering into the face of the venerable dame, he quaintly remarked as if they had parted bub a year or two ago, "Eh, Mrs. , bub ye're getting auld !" One remarkable characteristic of the gathering was the number of widows amongst the surviving passengers -of the above ships. Somehow or other, though the men and women of those early clays fought the battle of life together, and took each their fair share of work, the matrons seem to have been the best " preserved" of the two, while the ...co-worker succumbed. lb was easy to see, too, that the love of Scotland and its national customs was as strong and burned as brightly in these old settlers as when, over 40 years before, they left the "land of tho mountain and the flood" to come out to this new land to find a fresh career for themselves and openings for their children. When they heard again the old songs which they had taken in with their mother's milk—crooned by their grannies over their cradles, or warbled in the long Past at their wedding festivities—and heard again the drone of the chanter and the skirl of the bagpipos, they were visibly affected by tho reminiscences thus called up. The question uppermost in the minds of these old people, as they conversed together during the evening, was, " How many of ua will be left to see the jubilee anniversary ?" OLD COLONISTS' ROLL. The committee of the jubilee celebration sent out a circular to as many of the old settlers as they could find, of half a century's standing, containing a schedule with columns for their name, age, date of arrival, and name of ship in which they came. They also published a notice inviting old settlers generally who have been here for 50 years to furnish the same information. All the parties who have returned the schedules and furnished the required information have been placed on tho Old Colonists' roll, which will be copied on parchment and placed in the Auckland Free Public Library for reference for all time to come. Some of the old dames long past threescore and ten returned their schedules with the age column unfilled in. Apparently they thought they had a second chance yet of a draw in the matrimonial lucky-bag. 0 vanity, thy name is woman ! The following is the list of 50-year colonists and over, as compiled from the returned schedules:— 1816.-John Wheeler King (oldest male native born), born at Bay of 1, an l «„„' fember 29,1816, son of M/King m 8 onar?" who arrived with Rev. in 1814 P 1817.--Mrs. Letheridge (oldest native born female), born at Bay of Islands, Oaniury 11 1817 "'"'"' '':.:'"■''■■ ' WIS.— D*vifl (nee King).

Richard Alex. Fairburn, son of Rev. Mr. Fairburn, CM. Society, who arrived at Bay of Islands, 1818; Wm. Spence Kin*. 1820.—Mrs. Colenso (wee Fairburn). 1823.-Mr. E. M. Williams, Archdeacon Samuel Williams, Hon. H. Williams, M.L.C. 1824. — Messrs. John Fairburn Wm. Dsvies, Wm. Davis, Mrs. E. M. Williams. -Mr. W. C. T. Williams. 1827.— John Williams. 1829.— Francis Hunt. „,..'. 1830.—Messrs. John Edgerley, Kobt. Mair, Ebenezer Baker, Mrs. Wm. Gittos (net 183-I—Messrs. Win. Corbett. T. D. Cleghorn. T. Oleghorn, Mrs. Boyd Bedlincton. 1833.—Messrs. J. A. Wilson, C. J.|Wilson f Richard Hobbs. 1834.—Archdeacon Maunsell. Rev. J as. Wallis, Mr. Flatt, Mrs. Wm. Kemp. —Judge Munro, Mr. Richard Monk, Mesdames E. P. Martin (nee. White), John Phillipps (nee White), Mrs. Gunn (me Baker). IS3&— Messrs. Wm. Brown, Geo. Banks, John Landers, Mrs. Patrick Heath, Jas. A. Bedggood, John T. Bedggood, Mrs. Ander--1837.— Messrs. J. England, Elihu Shaw, John Shaw, Silas Shaw, John Rust, Samuel Marsden Baker, Mesdames Antonio Martin, Ann Murphy (nee Davis), Quigley, Bedggood, Martha E. Bedggood, Oliver (nee Shaw). 1838.—Mrs. Valentine Blagrove. 1539.-Hon. Daniel Pollen. M.L.C., Rev. I Frederick Thomas Baker, Messrs. J._ P. DuMoulin, John Callnan, A. M. hennedv, Andrew Otto, John Morris, Renncr, Alfred Smith, George Vincent, George Morris, John Adams, Peter Anderson, George Beeson, E. G. Hobbs, J. B Russell, Mesdames Cheesemau, Garty, Holmes, Landers (nee Bcrrv), A. A. Preece. E. Mills (nee Tapper), Rhodes, T. Angus White, W. J. Young, A. Webb, Robert McLenuau, Thos. Keren. 1840.— J. L. Campbell, Rev. Gideon Smales, Rev. R. Burrows, Messrs. Blagrove. Daniel Carran, Ed. Constable, P. Cooper, G. Easton, H.Edmonds, J. Gordon, C. G. Gentil, H. Goodfellow, P. Harkin, Thomas Hekford, H. C. Holman, J. Hodge, J. Hodgson, Alex. Thos. Harris, H. M. Jervis, .1. A. Langford, O. C. McGee, J. McQuoid, R. McGee, Wm. Mason (Dunedtn), Ihos. Oakes, Thos. Paton, Thos. Pollock, Quigley, J. Runciman, James Runcnnan, A. J. Smith, R. Seccombe (90), C. B. Smith, Robert Stone, Triphook. Henry. White, John Webster, William Webster, Henrv Williams. H. N. Warner. A. Wilson, John Watson, W. J. Young, William Y ouug, W. P. Brown, James McLellau,- G. S. Graham, W. Gorrie. Thos. Anderson, Joseph Cochrane, Arch. Cochrane, Wm. Grant, J. A. Grant, Jas. Harkins, M. Hay, C. H. Mackintosh, Alex. McDonald. Win. Shaw, W. Sampson Wilson, T. J. Willis, Joseph Goodbv Baker. Jas. Rippey, Robt. Rippey, John Rippev, Dugald McNaughton, Mesdames Allison, Archibald (nee Hepburn), Bregman, C. Bailey, Bums, Geo. Boyd, Carruth, Crawley, Crewe (nee Roberts), Cassidy, Christian, A. Dennett, P. Darby (net Harkin), Dixon, Geo. Edge, G. Easton, L. Edmonds, A. Edmonds, D. Gome, Haydn (nee Melville). Holman. Inkster, Keegan, Langford. J. Ltindon (nee Oakes), ' McPherson. D. McNaughton J. May, Kelson. M. Nash, Oakes, John Probert (aged 93), J. Scott. Charles Stichburv, Teaeue, G. C. Taylor, E. Wall. C. Walnislev, J. R. Wood, Wilson (Thames), A. Watson, Wing, Wilson. E. M. Williams, Hughes, Whewell, Miss Runciman, E. Bartl. W. Carter (nee Runciman), Doughty, Frouue (nee White), Carrie Wright, Arch. Cochrane, Home (nee Lodge), J. kirk (nee Philp), P. Kiu' (nee Fisk), Keane (nee Hancock), Montgomery (nee Pilkington). S. Shaw, W. Macky (nee Goodfellow). Jas. Curran (nee Rippey). Catherine Cassidy.

1841.—Hon. P. Dignan, M.L.C., Captain W. C. Daldy, Rev. Wm. Gittos. Messrs. W. S. Wilson, J. L. Wilson, P. J. T. Smith, J. Osborne, C. B. Stone. R. Smith Thomson, J. A. Wood. Henry Williams, John Webster, J. Westwood, Thomas Wylie, T. I). Cleghorn, C. F. Bell, Hopkin Clarke. Deacon. J. P.Davis, F. G. Gleeson, John Harding, F. W. Howard, Thomas Kemp. James Lye (Taranaki), Lew:, M. MoDermott. J. McKerras, B. McKerras, Robert White, Jas. Dingle, W. Edgecumbe, W. Hunter, A. Pollard, W. A. Graham, John Hart, Thos. Jackson, D. Snodgrass, Mesdame3 Outhwaite, Pettit, John Roberton, C. Robertson. James Slator, Dixon (Canterbury), R. S. Sandall, R. Smith (nee Lithgow), J. A. Wood, Joseph Crate (nee Wood). Captain Williams, John Williamson, J. \Y Testwood, Henry Giltillan, Wallis (nee Young), Daniel Coyle, Chambers, B. T. Dudley, Woodhouse, L. Derrom, J. P. Divies, Deacon, J. Gleeson, Harker, McLachlan, Jackson, Bernecker (nee Carran), G. M. Main (nee Gittos), Miss C. Robertson. IS42.—Messrs. John Andrews, H. Andrews, W. Andrews, Robert Andrews, James Andrews, J. Baber. R. K. Baber, E. Barry, William Culpan, James Crawford, Thomas Churches, G. Carson, S. Clare, Josephus Craig. J. Carradus, James Clare, J. L.Cole, E. Clarke, R. Connor, Thomas Cook, J. Caldicutt, James Derrom, James Dilworth, R. J. Duncan, G. Eliott Eliott (Dunedin), JohnEmbling Fitzpatrick, Thomas Finlay, R. S. Fielder. John Finlay, H. Gollan, Wm. Greenwood, J. G. Gibson (Nelson), Hutchinson, W. Hume, J. Hill. A. Heather, S. Joll, W. Jamieson, G. S. Kissling, A. M. Ken nedy, Ralph Keesinz. D. Lundon, P. Lambert, H. C. Lawlor, Robert Laurie, Robert Leathart, Robert McLeod, H. McKenzie, McEwen, P. McNair. P. MoArthur, J. Miller, D. Munro, A. Muir. sen., W. Miller, James Macky, A Nicholson, W. Oliver, Ailchison Oliver, J. Paterson, Paul, James Russell. Thomas Rogers. Caleb Robinson, W. M. Robinson, W. R. Robinson, D. Robertson, James Robertson, James Ross. David Russell, Joshua Robinson, F. D. Rich, V". Smith, W.J. Scott, J. C. Soall, J. Sharp, sen.. W. G. Scott, 1. Scott, Joseph Scott, George Scott, James Simms, Robert Scott, H. Stichbury, W. Smith, Stokes, W. Sharp, Jas. Symonds, J. Stickley, J. Stokes, W. L. Thorburn, Jame3 Tyler, Thomas Tudchope, N. Wilson, J. S. Williams, James Wallace, James Wilson. Thomas White, Burnand, Jas. Finlay, H. Gollan, R. A. Leathart, W. Mcßrierty, Stokes, Alex. Sims, Matthew Sims, Arch. Wallace, J. Southgate, Ed. Welch, Wm. Tidmarsh, Wm. Aickin, Asher Asher, Wm. Coldicutt, Chas. Coldicutt, W. M. Champion, G. Darrach, J. Hill, Benj. H>wkes, Jas. Hawkes, Thos. Hawkes, J. T. Henry. Home, R. P. Hodge. T. Kilgour, Arch. McNair. A. C. McLachlan, I). McNaughton, Alex. Muir, Robt. Muir, W. N. Searancke, Wm. Scott, Wm. Hearne, J. R. Wilson, T. John Wills, A. F. Wills. Wm. Wills. J. W. Wills, Mesdames Allies, W. Boyd, J. Bell. John Bell, Bell, Burke (nee Power). Broadbent, Barchard, J. Ballantyne, J. Blomfield (nee Hobbs), A. Craig {nee McPherson), Cawkwell, Cowan (nee Lochead), E. Copeland, VVm. Cooper, Carmichael, James Carradus, Cawkwell, B. Carter, M. Conway, Darling, Donald, A. Dingwall, P. Dignan, T. Dalton, Jas. England. George Edge, J. Embling, Fitzpatrick, Thomas Finlay, John Finlay, C. George, Rebecca Graham. Griffiths, Gimbel, George F. Giinbel, W. Hume, Hannah, Inkster, Jackson (nee Sims), W. Jamieson, Jarrett, Jackson, A. M. Kennedy (me Sims), Kunst, Knox, Keir, H. H. Lawrv (nee Forsaith), H. G. Lawrence, H. C. Lawlor, M. A. Lamb, Lowe (nee Craig), McLellan. R. Brierty, J. McAlpine, McQnade, Mcintosh, McLiver. N. McClusky, McLachlan, R. McLeod, J. Morrison, M. J. Marks, Mudford, E. Mills, Monaghan, Mathews (nee Watt), M. Moore, Murnford, James Moore, Marshall (nee McKenzie), John Muir (nee Flatt), A. Matthews, H. Nicol, F. Osborne, J. Oliver. Partington, Pulham, A. Pollock, Pennal, R. Quinn, P. Robertson, F. D. Rich (nee Forbes), Geo. Kells (nee. Forbes), G. H. Cheeseman (nee Forbes), E. Scott, Hendry Somervell, Simmonds. E. Shea, W.J. Sansom. Robert Scott, Stafford, E. Shipherd, Stokes, E. Sayers (nee Kennedy), Trevarthen, W. L. Thorburn, James Tyler, Thompson, Rebecca Thomson, Catherine Williamson, W. L. C. Williams, Jonathan Winks. E. Wood (nee Allen), John Wilson. West, Pennall, Robt. Craig (nee Wallace), E. Burnecke, Deason, Hutchinson, Stables (nee Wallace), M. Sims. Stelles, J. Harper (nee Jeftery), H. Hooker (nee Greenwood), Adamson (nee Anderson). Mary Gollau, Benj. Hawkes, Home, Kelly (nee Fitzpatrick), A. C. McLachlan (nee Naysmith). McLaren (nee Hawkes), J. Newman (nee Robinson), J. Scott (nee Gollan). D. Snodgrass, E. Staunton (nee Flynn), J. Westwood (nee Harp), Wills, Kenderdine (nee Preece), Misses Nelson, Andrews, and McNaughton. In the list there are 62 who arrived in the Duchess of Argyle as adults or children, and 47 by Jane Gifford, and by Brilliant 4. The others arrived in the Tyne, Louisa Campbell, Annie Watson, Chelydra, Slains' Castle, Sophia Pate, Boleno, Westminster, Bombay, Shamrock, Active, Buffalo, Brampton, Coromandel, Brazil Packet, Bellina, Rover, Martha, Nimrod, Porcupine, Lady Lilferd, Fifeshire, Osprey, Annie of Arbroath, Victoria, Fortune, James, Tryphena, Hope, Himalaya, Velocipede, Byron, Bengal, Surrey, Aurora, Amelia Thompson, Diana, Union, Earl Durham, Timemandra, Exporter, Bee, Antilla, Berman, Lloyds, Caroline, Blackbird, Frances Speight, Jupiter, Martha Ridgway, Canterbury, Indemnity, Currency Lass, St. George, Clyde, Jane, Deborah, Oriental, Harlequin, Delhi, Tuscan, Pueey Hall, Adelaide, Clifford, and William Bryant. ~.■.-. ~, The oldest colonist (native born) on the list is Mr. John Wheeler King (76), whose father was a missionary, and came with Rev. Samuel Marsden, in 1814. He was I born at the Bay of Islands, in 1816, and the oldest man, Mr. R. Seccombe, aged 90. 1 Mrs. iietheridge beads the record on the

list of New Zealand born women, having been born ab Bay of Islands 1817. Mrs. John Probert is the oldesb woman (93). Some of the old colonists on the roll came down with Governor Hobson from Sydney. One, indeed, Mr. Alexander Thomas Harris, was the first New Zealand settler to welcome Governor Hobson, as they met in Sydney; Mr. McQuade, who came down with them in the Westminster ; and Mr. John England, who was at Governor Hobson's official landing in the colony. A second, Mr. William Young (79) was with Governor Hobson at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. A fourth, Archdeacon Maunsell (82), visited Auckland shortly after the Governor and the Government officers reached Auckland. He found Governor Hobson, Felton Matthews, Surveyor-General (who laid out Auckland), Captain Symonds, and Clarke (Protector of Aborigines), in a little hut in Official Bay, and all around were native plantations. Ho held service with them and their few workmen before the Rov. J. Churton (Colonial Chaplain) came from Wellington. A fifth, Mr. H. N. Warner (73) pulled in a boat race in the first regatta held on the waters of the Waitemata (18th September, IS-10). The Annie Watson arrived three days previously, and on the ISth took possession in the name of the ! Queen, the flag being run up and a salute fired from what was afterwards known as Soldiers' Point. The regatta was in honour of the occasion, and consisted of threo events, the one in which Mr. Warner took part being a contest between the fiveoared gig of the Surveyor-General and a six-oared gig from the Annie Watson. The Annie Watson ran on a bank and stuck ; the Surveyor-General's boat grounded also, but got off first and won the race. A sixth, Mr. Wm. Mason (S3), architect of St. Paul's, and now of the firm of Mason and Wales, architects, of Dunedin, who received an invitation, was unable to be present, through age and infirmities, though he takes a keen interest in everything pertaining to Auckland. He built in 1539 a house, in sections, at tho Bay of Islands, and brought it up in the Annie Watson to Auckland, erecting it the same day he arrived in Official Bay. He and Mr. Ed. Williams, missionary, slept in it that night, and were the first two Europeans who slept in a wooden houso in Auckland. One of the Annie Watson's passengers says he we'd remembers Dr. Campbell and Mr. Wm. Brown pulling up from Brown's Island (Motu Korea) in a dug-out, and coming alongside the vessel to get the news of the out-side world. As showing the attachment to everything relating to the early settlers which is felt by those associated with them, an incident may be related. The grandfather of Mr. J. J. Craig (Mr. Joseph Craig, son.) made bricks in Auckland about halt* a century ago. A short time since tho old building in which those bricks were used was pulled down for fresh extensions, Mr. Craig went to the contractor, and bought the bricks from him.

One of the oldest colonists at the Old Colonists' Jubilee Demonstration was Mr. E. M. Williams who has been in New Zealand since 1823. He translated the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, at the Bay of Islands, and was present when it was signed in February, 1840. In April, 1840, he was appointed by Governor Hobson to accompany Major Bunbury, in H.M.s. Herald, among the several islands, to obtain the signatures of natives to the Treaty. The mission occupied three months. Mr. Williams has in his possession the Blue Book, with facsimiles of the draft treaty, and documents. In September, 1840, he accompanied the first Government party to Auckland, and was appointed by the Governor interpreter, clerk of court, postmaster, and assistant to the manager of Public Works, Mr. William Mason, taking up their abode in what is known as Official Bay. The next to live in Official Bay was Captain I). Rough, harbourmaster; Mr. Felton Matthews, Surveyor-General ; and Dr. Johnson, Colonial Surgeon—hence the name Official Bay—Mechanics' Bay, from the workmen being quartered there : and Commercial (or Town) Bay, as being the place whore the stores were put; George's Bay and Freeman's Bay were so called after Mr. George Cooper, sen., and Mr. Freeman, who pitched their tents there. Mr. Williams was one of the crow who pulled in the Surveyor General's gig at the regatta of Sept. 18, 1840, commemorative of the founding of Auckland. The Maoris at that time had plantations of potatoes on the present site of Government House and grounds, and Mr. Williams purchased the crops on behalf of the Government, in case some of the Europeans might make free with the potatoes, and thus bring on strife between the two races. Government House was brought out from England in sections, and the timber stacked on the bank about where the N.Z. Insurance Buildings now stand. A lire broke out in the vicinity, and extended to the stack of timber, but by great exertions, carrying buckets of water from the sea, the progress of the fire was arrested, and only the ends of the timbers were scorched or charred. Mr. Williams went to Akaroa, and when there went ashore with Major Bunbury to call a meeting of the natives, but they were jealous and suspicious. They could make out Mr. Bush, who wanted some of the chiefs to come aboard H.M.s. Herald. The cause of their suspicions was that the brig Elizabeth, Captain Stewart, had visited Akaroa three years before to procure flax and pigs, when Rauparaha's people, who were on board, massacred all who visited the ship. The natives in consequence of this tragedy, refused to go aboard of H. M.s. Herald. Major Bunbury wanted to create confidence in the native mind, and Mr. Williams offered to remain as a hostage while a chief went aboard. The natives agreed, the chief went aboard and was well treated, and shortly afterwards they all went, getting plenty of flour and sugar, which they voted to be kajmi!

AN INTERESTING RE-UNION. On October 10, the jubilee of the arrival of the Scottish pioneer settlers for Auckland by the ships Duchess of Argylo and Jane Gifford (October 9, 1812) was celebrated with great enthusiasm, not only by the settlers concerned, but old settlers generally, as the occasion was observed for a reunionofallcolonistsof half-a-century'a standing and their relatives and friends. The" old identities" had a big innings and were very much in evidence, and were so satisfied of their importance for that day that they would scarcely speak to anybody who was not a jubilee colonist. It was "a prood day" for tho Duchess of Argylcs and Jane Giffords, and the crowds followed them about as if they were the Pilgrim Fathers, which indeed they are. The jubilee celebration was in every way a magnifi cent success. There was not a single hitch, nor a single " incident" to mar the pleasant recollections of the historic scene, thank? to the forethought and organising capacity of the lion, secretary, Mr. J. J. Craig. Nature, which had been profuse of her tears on Sunday, dried them up on Monday, and gave the jubilee colonists "Queen's weather," in order that the photographic groups taken by Mr. Hanna might prove the complete success they are. A word of praise is duo to Mr. Adam Brock, convener of the decoration committee, for his unique floral designs, and he spent two days at the Choral Hall on his labour of love. PHOTOGRAPHING THE SURVIVORS BY THE TWO SHIPS. At half-past three o'clock in the afternoon a gathering of the survivors by the Duchess of Argyle and Jane Gifford, and also of old colonists of 50 years' standing and over, took place at the Choral Hall, it having been arranged by the committee that Mr. J. R. Hanna, the well-known photographer, should photograph the assemblage as a group in the first instance, and the survivors by the two ships, in another group, afterwards. Long before the hour appointed knots of aged men and women might be seen wending their way to the trysting-place, and a crowd of nearly a thousand people gathered to witness the photographing operations. As soon as possible the old colonists were arranged in a group of about 300 to 250, and Mr. Hanna took two or three plates, and got a capital photograph. In this great group are the Hon. H. Williams, M.L.C., 1823 ; and the oldest native-born European male in the city of Auckland, Mr. 0. B. Stone. Another gentleman disputed the pride of place, but Mr. Stone was able to show that he was born on March 25, 1841. and his rival in December. Furthermore, when he proved that Dr. J. Logan Campbell had been present professionally at his birth, and knew all about it, the other man threw up

I the sponge. The oldest native-born woman i in the city of Auckland was also present, ! Mrs. J. Slater (nee Swanson), daughter of Mr. John Swanson, builder, born March 11, 1841. The oldest woman in the group was Mrs. McLachlan (87), but Mrs. Donald McNaughton, of Mount Eden, was the oldest woman on the ground (90), being driven down in a carriage in which she remained, to witness the scene. She has five children living. 25 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. Some of the settlers who had known Governor Hobson were there. Mr. Alex. Thomas Harris, who met him in Sydney, and Mr. McQuade who came down with him in the Westminsbsr to Auckland. Williams, who pulled alongside of H. N. Warner in the gig race at the first regatta (18th September, 1840) was to the foro. " Tarn," of the Duchess of Argylo, came up as blooming as on the fortieth anniversary ; and another Duchess who mob him (an undertaker) asked him if he " wasna' gaun to dee ?" Ho replied that ho wanted to have as little to do with him as possible on business matters, and quite right too. " Peggy," of the Jane Giftord, was there, who "couldna' please the bairn, as she wasna' pleased hersol' ;" and so was Mrs. Kells (nee Forbes), who nursed young Owen Brown (son of Mr. William Brown, of the firm of Brown and Campbell)—the historic child, whom a Jane Gifford woman, in her simplo fashion, confounding the name of the firm with the parentage, called "Brown and Cawmell'a bairn." Many hearty handshakings took place between the old immigrants, many of whom had not seen each other since the 40th anniversary, ten years ago. An old lady was present at the gathering who had come by one of the ships, but who since lias been absent from Auckland. She recognised Dr. Campbell, went up and shook hands with him, and said, " Eli, Dr. Cawmell, I have nae seen ye for fifty years !" Much has come and gone in that time, but the fine Lowland Scotch tongue was as fresh as ever. After the chat was over, Mr. Uanna made up a group of the survivors of the two ships, who had formed the respective flanking parties of the larger group. Tho following were in tho party : —

Jane Gifford :—Messrs. J. McLellan. David Russell, Joseph Scott, Win. Scott, Wishart, W. Oliver, Joseph Craig, W. Miller, Robert Scott, Trevarthen, W. Jamicson, Thomas Wylie, Wilson (Thames) Mesdames MeLellan, Scott, Hill, Morrison, Griffiths, Hendry, Somervell, J. Carradus, MoClusky, J. Cnlpan, Carmichael, Pulham, Kennedy, A. Gillan (Thames), Jamieson, Pollok, Caradus, Cooper.

Duchess of Atgyle :—Messrs. Jas Wallace, Robert Laurie, W. L. Thorburn, H. Andrews, H Gollau, .Jas. Robertson, Thos. Fin lay. W. Andrews, Ed. Clare, J. A. Wood, Jas. Clare, P. MeNair, J. Caradus; Mcsdames Donald, Jackson, J. Winks, A. Craig, Bell, T. Wylie, Robert Laurie, Scott, Lamb, Jas. Moore, Cameron, A. Pollock, Wishart, P. Robertson, Hannah, .J. McEwin, Robert Lang, W. Hume, Mcßrierty.

Mr. and Mrs. James Armstrong Wood (of Christchurch), 79 and 81 respectively, who came up from Canterbury to attend the jubilee, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Thorburn, and J. Sims represented four generations. There are several others who can do so.' Mrs. Brierty (Mahurangi Heads) represented five generations, having six children, 26 grand-children, 44 great-grand-children, and two great-great-grand-children. There was an amusing scene at the photographing of this group through the dodges of some rfeoplo to get into the historic assemblage and be photographed. Two women were requested to retire from the Jane Gifford section. They had come in the Fifeshire, and thought it was all in the family. A man got in among the Duchess of Argyle section, and an old identity was just explaining that he was an old Kawau miner at the copper mine, and had no business there, when, before they could get him out of tho sacred circle, Mr. Hanna took his " shot" and made the " worker in brass" immortal as a " Duchess." The group does not by any moans represent all the survivors by the ship as a number were unable to be present. A third photographic group was taken of descendants of colonists of 50 years' standing, four generations being shown. THE GATHERING IN THE CHORAL HALL. The Choral Hall wa's beautifully decorated for the occasion. Along the walls were arches of nikau, alternate'! with stars of cabbage tree, and surmounted by lilies. The platform front and back had Hanking arches, and festoons composed of karaka and pine leaves, lilies, and red and white camellias. On the proper right of platform was I lie legend " Duchess of Argyle," and on the left "Jane Gifford," while in an elegant device in centre overhead was the word " Welcome " The bunting of the ships Forfarshire (Captain Colling wood), Timaru (Captain Fullarlon), and Yolands (Captain McDonald), added greatly to the appearance of the hall. A Kanpapa canoe, with paddle, the Waioino, the name of the first canoe used by Dr. Campbell, was exhibited on the platform by Mr. James Clare. It contained a specimen of nikau berries in the bush, and after flowering, when the seed is ripe. A bunch of native flowers was in the prow of tho canoe, and the exhibit attracted great interest. A number of views of old Auckland were shown. The Town Clerk (Mr. P. A. Philips), Mr. G. M. Main, and Mr. G.Wilson showed views or sketches of Auckland in 1842 ; the Town Clerk, of Auckland in 1849, by W. Peebles, artist; Mr. James Edmiston, views of Auckland from sketches by Major Heaphy; Mr. Geo. Leaning, an original sketch by Mr. Hogan, artist ; There were also views of Fort-street and St. Paul's Church, by Mrs. K. Burcher, from sketches by Major Heaphy; and a favourite series, Commercial Bay, the Crescent, and St. Paul's ; also, of the celebrated " Intake," were exhibited by Mr. W. S. Grahame. Bromide enlargements of Hopjan's "Auckland in 1853" were shown by Mr. Theo. Fairs. Among the portraits shown were those of Mr. Andrew Sinclair, first Colonial Secretary ; Rev. J. Churton, first Colonial Chaplain (shown by his son, Mr. W. 11. Churton) ; and of Messrs. G. Graham, and G. S. Graham, Robert' . raham (a "Jane Gifford" and chairman of the 40 anniversary), David Graham, and Joseph Craig, long associated with Auckland. Captain Cook's chart of New Zealand, made in H.M.s Endeavour (dated 1816), was exhibited by Mr. M. 11. Wynyard, solicitor.

Id the evening the Choral liall was densely crowded, over twelve hundred ladies and gentlemen being present. On the platform were seated those of the old settlers who are still amongst us, with their descendants even unto the fourth generation, and a most interesting spectacle they presented. We shall never see such a gathering of old pioneer colonists again, and in that respect it is historic. The passengers by the Duchess of Argyle wore red and w lite rosettes (their old colours) and the Jane Gilford similarly those hitherto worn by them (blue and white rosettes). Old colonists generally, rosettes of red, white, and blue. The venerable pioneers in many instances showed all too plainly the traces that time had left behind, but in every face there beamed the happiness begotten of old memories revived, and the joy of beholding so* groat and brilliant an assemblage to do them every possible homage and honour. One can understand the fooling of those old settlers as they met on October 10 and shook each other's hands, some for the first time for a quarter of a century, and even a longer period. It is the feeling of vete-. rana after a long campaign. Those men (and women) had lived together, suffered together, and some of their band had died together ; and imbued with such a feeling, one can understand how Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Wood— 79 and 81 years of age respectively —came 600 miles (from Christchurch) to be present on the gladsome occasion, with the old "Duchesses" and "Jane Gitfords." It is scarely to bo wondered at that the " auld bodies" on the platform, when they looked on the maze of floral decorations, with the gaslight Streaming on them— bit of fairy land— and then thought of the little raupo whares in Mechanics' Bay at the foot of the hill, which were their homes fifty years ago, that they began to hum " This is no My Ain Hoose, I Ken by the Biggin o'b !" The Maori canoe in front (Waiomo), must have carried their memories back to the time when the tide laved the strand of that Bay (Waipapa) —when the bay was lined with canoes from end to end—their owners trading from their tent.", and kept jocund with song and jest and dance. Change is written upon all. The native hostelry is silent, dingy, deserted, and no more will be seen there the " lords of the soil," or heard the sound of native bymn, song, or dance, for the children of Nature have faded away before

the hardier colonist. At every turn at that Jubilee gathering one was brought face to face with tokens of the Olden Time. In that hall were men who had had nob grasped each other's hands for 40 years. Three of those present, some of them grandfathers, had been Sunday - school scholars in the class of our first Colonial Treasurer (Mr. Alexander Shepherd), while one grandmother had been a Sundayschool scholar of old St. Paul's, and taught by Lady Grey. Nothing struck one so much as the halesomo look of tho old Scottish matrons, " Duchesses" and " Giffords," and their faces were —large-framed, broad - chested, fresh - coloured, muscular women, fitting nursing mothers of a young nation. The body of the hall and the gallery were packed in every available comer, and yet throughout tho entire proceedings the most admirable order was maintained. As soon as the audience had got fairly settled, Dr. J. Logan Campbell ascended the platform, his advent being preceded by Piper Macrae playing " Tho Campbells are Comin'," and after making obeisance to the congregated multitude opened the evening's proceedings.

The Chairman began by reading the following telegrams of congratulation :— From Sir George Grey and Mr. W. L. Ree«, M.H.R. : "Send you best wishes and join in thanksgivings. Happiness attend you and your children in the colony you have founded." From Sir George Grey, Dr. Pollen, Hon. P. Dignan, Hon. W. Swanson, Mr. Thos. Thompson, M.H.R , Mr. E. Hamlin. M.H.R., Hon. E. Mitcholson, and Mr. W. F. Buckland, M.H.R. : " Regret our inability to be present at the jubilee of old colonists. Although we cannot be with you in person, we shall be in spirit. We congratulate tho promoters and wish the meoting every success" From tho Hon. R. J. Seddon : " On behalf of the Government I desire to extend best wishes for the success of the old colonists' gathering, and have to express regret that Parliamentary duties precluded tho possibility of any Minister being present to say a kindly word in recognition of tho great services rendored to the colony by the grand old pioneers of fifty years ago." The following letter from the Governor's private secretary was read:—"l am directed by His Excellency the Governor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 19th September, enclosing tickets for the gathering of old colonists. Ho begs to thank you, and regrets that he will not be in Auckland on the 10thOctober." From Sir Walter Buller (Wellington): " As a New Zealander (Hokianga) over 50 years of age, I desire to offer congratulations to your jubilee celebrations." From Mr. Wm. Mason (Dunedin): "Thanks for invitation. I regret much not being present at your re-union, being one of Auckland's first) settlers. Accept my congratulations. I rejoice to see Auckland maintaining her position as a leading commercial centre." The Chairman stated that Father Walter McDonald had also expressed regret ab not being able to be present that evening, and letters to tho same effect were received on behalf of Mrs. Frank Lawry, Messrs. F. G. Gleeson, and J. Forsyth (of Greymouth), the Hon., Mr. Cadman, Mr. Heywood Crispe (Mauku), and Mrs. Ford (82 years of age. and the widow of the late Dr. Ford, Russell).

The CHAIRMAN then delivered his opening address. He said : —We have assembled here to-night to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the first immigrants who landed on the shores of the Waitemata in October, 1842, from the good ships the Jane Gif Ford and Duchess of Argyle. I have been asked to preside as being a pioneer of a still earlier date, and who witnessed the birth of Auckland in 1840. It was ray lot to be living on tho little island of Motu Korea, now known under the less euphonious name of Brown's Island, tor some months previous to the Government arriving and founding the infant capital of New Zealand. 1 have, therefore, been an eye-witness to its birth, seen it arise from out the fern wilderness, and have lived to see the changes which two-and-fifty years have brought about. How great those changes have been can only be realised by those who remember the fern-clad waste which then spread far and wide around the spot where we are now assembled, and which has since been converted into the well paved and gas-lighted streets of this city. How different indeed to the day when the pioneer settlers from the Clyde sailed into Auckland Harbour. Then hor shores boasted neither charming villa nor smiling farm homestead. Beautiful were her shores then, when robed in only Nature's vesture, and beautiful through all time her shores will ever be. At u.at long-ago date, high-water tide rippled on the beach where now stands the Post Office. Some parts of Queen-street still presented patches of luxuriant flax swamps, and Shortland Crescent was the groat thoroughfare. It was a thoroughfare winding along a narrow path through high fern and tea-tree away up a then very steep lull, passing the late site of St. Paul's Church, and leading away down the bay to tho Government offices and dwellings of tho officials. When the two vessels arrived from the Clyde Auckland was still in a very primitive slate. Wo had not quito discarded the tents and raupo huts in which we first lived, ami we were quite proud of the few scattered weather-boarded houses which began to mark out the lines of the streets. As for the streets, these were literally in a state of nature, and that state of nature in wet weather was ankle deep at least in mud. Pedestrians in those days—and pedestrians we were all obliged to be—had to be very wary how they bent their steps, or they might come to grief. There was a well-known figure amongst us then ; in point of age he was the father of the settlement, and had grown to be somewhat shaky in the knees. The poor old fellow every now and then did come to grief, and we had on these occasions to give him a helping hand to extricate him from the mud holes in which he got bogged. Hence, in course of time he became known amongst us by the appropriate soubriquet of .Stick in the Mud." i can recall an incident, seeing a lady and hor daughter who wanted to cross Shortland Crescent, standing critically scrutinising the treacherous-looking mud, where safest to make the venture. The old lady proved the bolder of tho two, and made a dash at it—alas! when she got across she was minus a shoe! I cannot commend the young lady's conduct on seein" the plight of her respected parent, for she stood convulsed with laughter. It was all very well for her, for she was still on her own side cf the street with both her shoes on ! As illustrating the vicissitudes of this life to which we are subject, I may tell you that worthy lady within a short period previously drove in her own carriage in Liverpool, her husband a merchint prince of that great city. Sudden and overwhelming losses overtook him, making it too painful to live in the scene of his oarlieii' prosperity. Like a brave old man he tool heart of grace,»and faced a new life in a now land, and arriving amongst us, with an admirable resignation accepted the privations of those early days. I doubt not that some of the grandchildren of my old friend, now lontr passed away, are listening to mo to-night. They have every reason to hold his memory in proud remembrance. I alluded to the loss of the shoe as proving how much we required to mend our ways, and it so happened that it was the landing on our shores of the immigrants from the Clyde that first enabled us to be ( 'in. The simultaneous arrival of two shfp loads of settlers of course glutted our limited capacity to employ labour, so we awoke to the first cry of " the unemployed." Then, as now, an appeal was made to the Government to find work ; the appeal was responded to, and picks and shovels were served out from the Government store, and a road party was set to work. I dare say you would like to know the value of a day's labour at that epoch. The motto of the working man of to-day of eight hours work, eight hours play, eight hours sleep, eight shillings a day, was then still far in tho futurethese were not eight-shilling days ; no, it was only the modest sum of half-a-crovvn ! Times are indeed changed. It was only lately that I read of a meeting of the unemployed at Christchurch. The spokesman indignantly upbraided the Government for only offering, as he pub it, the miserable pittance of six shillings. I see by my journal ib was just a week after the arrival of the vessels, on the 17th of October, and I well remember the morning when the road party first commenced operations in Shortland Crescent, just opposite my firm's premises. What with levelling down the opposite side, | which was away twenty feet up in the air,

and levelling up tho lower side, our promises got buried, so we had to put up a second storey and enter at the old roof level. I am glad to say that ib was for a very short time that our improvements were carried on at the two-and-sixpenco a day rate. The new-comers soon found profitable employment at their respective handicrafts, and began to flourish. Of course they had their struggles, their ups and downs in life, but they faced these like hard-headed Scotchmen which they were, and ultimately reaped their reward. As a body they had little cause ever to regret they had left behind them " Caledonia stern and wild," and pitched their camp in this brighter and happier land, and they and their descendants have reaped a material prosperity which the old world would have failed to bring them. That land— land of the mountain and the flood"—dear as ib is in old associations, has its sombre side ; the sun shines but in fitful rays at fitful times, ever struggling to dispel the ploom. Here wo have a bright and beautiful sky ; here we have a genial and inspiriting climate which makes life an over-existing pleasure. Surely I may congratulate you, the children and children's children represented here tonight, even to the fourth generation, that your forefathers bade a last and long farewell to their native land, thus changing your destiny to this much brighter country, and that your lot has been cast in pleasanter places. The danger that lies in your path is, that you may too easily acquire and indulge in those comforts and luxuries which lead to enervated lives and ultimately to deterioration of character. Be but true to yourselves, and to the ancient traditions of the land of your forefathers, and a happy future is in store for you. How different are these days in which you live compared to those of half a century now buried in the past, which we are commemorating ! Many of U3 survivors may say that in those old bygone days we enjoyed a peaceful and quiet life you in vain may seek. The marvellous inventions of the telegraph and telephone, which almost annihilate time and space, have changed all things. We used to receive news from the mother country sometimes nearly a year old ; now you have the news of the world given to you only twelve hours old, in tho morning papers. Methinks the race of life has become too keen —we are no longer content to say, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Wo aim at discounting the future, we want to live to-morrow be fore to-morrow comes, and who shall say that we are any the happier ? Great indeed are the changes which we old identities have witnessed during the passing away of the last half-century— changes of a kind ib is not likely it will ever bo your lot to look upon. For we have seen a handful of the Saxon race land upon a savage shore, have seen that shore reclaimed from the wilderness, and slowly advance in civilisation until we have transplanted almost every institution from the mother country to the land of our adoption. Indeed, without vain boast we may ask, "Where, for a young city of the same population as ours, can be seen what we can show in the advanced civilisation of the day ?" Witness our Free Library—no mean building truly—our Elara Free School of Art, our Art Gallertfes, and the wonderful treasures there deposited; our Museum; this Choral Hall, and other kindred societies devoted to Apollo ; Masonic Lodges grandly housed, Oddfellows' Halls, Opera Houses, Working Men's Clubs, Homes for the Destitute, proclaiming a Costley's munificence, who was one of us in the early days. The blind, deaf, and dumb cared for, places of worship of every denomination ; and last and most significant, and coming to what is more intimately associated with ourselves, look at the palatial structure of the Auckland Savings Bank, a monument of our industrial savings, and where lies half a million of money, the earnings of the working classes, a fruitful store against the proverbial rainy day, proving how generous has been to them their new mother country. And here, close at hand, sits the manager of that institution, the son of a Duchess of Argyle colonist, born in Auckland. We have amongst us here to-night age venerable in the lengthened span of over 90 years. Let some young person half a century old—just look forward to forty more years of life, and tell us what are the strange feelings such a prospect engenders. I thought 1 had some claim to be considered somewhat of a venerable personage, but I feel dwarfed into a com paratively juvenile insignificance, and pale before the living record of five generations. Truly we live in a prolific and marvellous country whose kindly climate enables us to chronicle this night the fact that we can in our own day look upon the living representatives of five generations. You will have seen in this day's Herald the startling announcement that one lady in the ripeness of her years can count her six children, twenty-six grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Why, one feels lost in a labyrinth of generations. After such a record who shall say we cannot hold our own in this direction ? 1 think wo may challenge the world. We have at this jubilee gathering to-night, in the full blush of life, the living representatives of four generations. I can see an old friend who landed from the Duchess of Argyle, and who, like myself, is now in the " sere and yellow leaf" of old age, and I can see his great-grandchild and many fellow great grandchildren, with young and happy faces, the world all before them—to us it is all in the past. And now that the snow of age has gathered on our heads, we may be well content to take our last long rest when the appointed day—now soon at hand—shall come. The departed spirits of our old fellow-workers who have already joined the great majority, are beckoning us from the other side of the great river to follow. Truly all that we have gone through since 1840 appears like a strange dream, but a dream which has,the fascination of reality, for have we pilgrim fathers not lived through all the vicissitudes incident to the first settlement of a new colony, watched over its birth and foundation, stood by it during all its early struggles and varying fortunes, and taken our part in developing the resources of the land of our adoption ? And we, whom it has pleased God. to spare to this year of grace, are proud to compare our city of today with what it was in October, 1842. We have lived to see the great fern wilderness reclaimed, to have seen the infant settlement ' unrobe itself of its first primitive garments of brushwood and breakwind huts and tents in which we were dwellers, and outliving its bush mask and wild appearance, enter on the path of progress. And we have our reward, that to-day we see that infant settlement, grown ! into a city, proudly advancing along the | broadway of civilisation—a city yet des- I tined to be one of the fairesb in the world, and to whose shores will be attracted denizens from many and far distant lands.

But time, tho" old is strong in flight, and years wend swiftly by ; And autumn's falling leaf proclaims, we old men soon must die. We'll lay us down and tranquilly give up life's latest sigh, Our work is done— we've had our day, you need not pipe the eye For the last poor old identities, all of the olden tune. —(Long and continued cheering.)

The verses with which Dr. Campbell concluded his speech are an adaptation of the well-known song, " The Fine Old Eng lish Gentleman,'' the air of which was played during their recitation by Mr. A. Towsey.

The first musical item was a duet by Mr. and Mrs. Archdale Tayler, who sang, " Ye Banks and Braes" in capital style. Mrs. Cooper followed with " Kathleen Mavourneen," and in her rendering thereof maintained her high reputation as a vocalist. In the fine baritone song, " The Bugler," by Pinsuti, Mr. W. H. George's voice was heard to great advantage, and then came a charming item— amusing recitation by a young girl. The uarae of the piece was " A Modern Sermon," and in her rendering of it Miss Pollock displayed such genuine elocutionary talent that the encore with which her efforts were rewarded was richly deserved. At the close of the recitation the Chairman paid: "I told you in my address that we could hold our own, and this grandchild of one of the passengers by the Duchess of Argyle proves it." Mrs. H. F. Edger olosed the first part of the programme with Hadyn's My Mother Bids Me," which was sung with pleasing effect. An interval of fifteen minutes then took place, during which musical selections were played by the band, ander the leadership of Mr. J. H. Phillpot, and refreshments were served in an

anteroom to the old settlers, who occupied seats on the platform. This interesting and important function having been duly performed, the second part of the concert opened with the song, "The Irish Emigrant," sung in excellent style, and Mrs. Cooper again appeared, and won the hearty appreciation of the audience by an expressive rendering of " Comin' Thro' the Rye."

Captain Daldy then addressed the meeting. He said that the many warm handshakings he had received that day from his old friendsnot only his old friends of the Duchess of Argyle and the Jane Gifford, but all his old friends—had left his brain in a whirl, and he was afraid he would make a mess of his address. He would, however, try to say a few words, and to express the hope that they would all enjoy themselves. To. the young people who had sprung from the old stock he would also say a few words. In the first place, he asked his hearers to remember those who had gone to the great majority— to think not only of those they met that night, but of the many they missed. He had tried to remember those who came with him in July, 1841—twenty-nine in number. He only knew of one of those originals now living in this colony, although there might be one or two in distant countries. And when they thought of those who bad gone they must also think of their past deedsdeeds that set an example for those who came after. It was to the old colonists that the work was given— the work of laying the foundation of this province ; and he thought the verdict that night would be that they had done it well. They had been assisted by the younger generation, and were rejoiced that they had built up a fair and flourishing portion of New Zealand, a portion that could be compared with any other without being called upon to blush. Let them think, again, of those who had gone forth from amongst them, of the young men who had gone to the old country. How were they bearing their part ? They were not disgracing their New Zealand friends; they were caking University honours, honours in medicine, in fact in everything they had taken up, they had been a credit to the colony. In his address, Dr. Campbell had mentioned several old institutions, but there was one which he (Captain Daldy) would like the young people to know of. When the early settlers came here, they brought with them the old English notions, one of which was that they must have stocks. They were set up in Queen-street, and he had actually seen a man sitting in them. But he felt that if he was to begin to yarn about old times and things, with so many old faces around him, one night would not suffice him. He could not help the mournful reflection that there would be no more jubilees for the great majority of them. He exhorted the young to remember their forefathers, and they would not go far wrong. The old settlers had made mistakes, and been guilty of follies, but after all they had built a part of a nation of which they need never be ashamed. (Applause.) In science, in art, in literature, in religion—most important of alland in productive labour they had accomplished good work, and that great meeting gave them credit for it. He hoped the young people would try to learn more of the history of old doings. If he were to tell them of all the heroic deeds of the old colonists he would speak for a long time—as an instance he mentioned that one of the lady passengers by the Duchess of Argyle had been with her family three days on a raft in the harbour. If the younger folks knew what their fathers and mothers had gone through to found the province, it would invigorate them and stimulate them to fresh exertions. He was glad to think that the young men were doing their best to develop the natural resources of the colony and push it ahead. He wished them Godspeed, and hoped they would stick to the country. If they did so they would grow up men of good physique, men capable of enduring, and men who, like their fathers, would be able to stand forward for their country if ever the occasion should arise. He wished them God-speed with all his heart, and his heart had been refreshed that day by seeing them all there, and being with them. (Applause.) The concert was continued by Miss M. Chapman, who played a pianoforte fantasia on Scotch airs admirably. An extremely humorous reading from " The Bailie," entitled " Jeemes Kay's Visit to Balmoral," was given by Mr. Edmiston in such a manner as to provoke uproarious merriment. Another interval for refreshments followed, the band again enlivening the pause with lively strains. The simple, yet pathetic and tender, song " Auld Grannie" was splendidly sung by Mr. D. Menzies, whose clear and powerful voice was much admired.

At this juncture Mr. T. Cotter announced, on behalf of the committee, that the photograph taken in the afternoon of the old colonists was an excellent one, and he requested all who were in it to give in their names with the name of the ship they arrived in for a skeleton card to accompany the picture. He also stated that it was intended to form an association limited to all persons who have been in the colony for at least twenty years, and those intending to join would oblige by handing in their names and addresses.? to the secretary, Mr. J. J. Craig. The remaining items on the programme were speedily gob through, but proved as interesting and enjoyable as those which preceded them. Three young ladies and six gentlemen, adorned in Highland raiment, and all representatives of the Caledonian Society, danced the ancient Reel of Nine with such effect that they were rapturously encored, and responded with the Star Reel. The music for these dances was stirringly rendered by Piper Macrae.

Mr. T. Cotter said he had to announce that the next item promised by the programme, an address by Sir G. Maurice O'Rorko, would have to be omitted. Unfortunately Sir Maurice was too ill to be present. The song " Oh how Delightful," by Miss Wilson, followed, the vocalist earning the most hearty applause, a compliment that was also bestowed upon Mr. Archdale Tayler for his excellent singing of " The Valiant Knight." A mirth-provoking recitation, entitled " Pastor McKnock's Address on Temperance," was given by Mr. A. Smith, and it so highly delighted the audience that he had to respond to > an encore and give a second taste of his quality in the piece known as " Pat's Love Letter." The concert concluded with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne," Mr. D. Menzies and Mr. A. Tait singing albernabe verses, while the whole audience joined in the refrain. The whole of the musical part of the programme was under the able direction of Mr. A. Towsey. Mr. J. H. Phillpobt was the efficient leader of an excellent band, and the accompaniments were played by Mrs. Tayler and Mr. Towsey. The refreshments which were so liberally supplied during the evening did infinite credit to the caterer, Mr. C. Canning, and all minor arrangements were as perfect as the crowded nature of the hall would permit. Half an hour having been spent in clearing the hall, a start was made with the dancing, a large number of young people and many of maturer years joining heartily in the sport. As a preliminary Messrs. Johnson and Simpson danced a sailor's hornpipe, and then to the capital music of the band the dance went merrily on. The programme consisted of about a dozen items, and thanks to the efforts of the courteous M.C.'a— Messrs. M. Niccol, W. J. Rees, and T. Cotter—enjoyment and , harmony reigned supreme. At an interval in the dances a pleasing and unexpected incident occurred. Mr. W. H. Jude, organist and composer, after his recital ab St. Patrick's Cathedral, expressed a wish to see the gathering of old colonists, and accompanied by Mr. William Wildman and several friends, he went to the Choral Hall. Mr. Jude was soon introduced, and was quietly watching the lively proceedings on the floor when he was suddenly met with a request to sing. Mr. Malcolm Niccol, to the surprise of the audience, announced that Mr. Jude was present in the gathering, and he was so pleased that he had consented to sing one of his own songs " Home, Boys, Home." After a few preliminary remarks Mr. Jude sab down to the piano, and with great heartiness and artistic skill, sang and played the composition Mr. Niccol had named. His courtesy was highly appreciated, and he was greeted with the heartiest of applause. The dancing ceased ab an early hour, and the many smiling faces showed how thoroughly ib had been enjoyed. Thus fittingly and happily was brought to a

close a most brilliant and successful gathering, the celebration of an important event in colonial history, and a demonstration which must vividly live in the memory of evary participant. Among those present at the gathering not otherwise mentioned, most of whom were jubilee colonists, were His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. Crowther), P. £ Phillips (Town Clerk), Judge Munro, Judge Wilson, Judge Smith, Monsignor McDonald, Rev. Gideon Smales, Rev. R. Sommerville, Drs. Purcha«, King, and Kenderdine, Captain Runciman, Captain Farquhar, Capt. J. Geddes, Messrs. James Coates, W. S. Wilson, J. L. Wilson, J. A. Langford, David Robertson, R. Hobbs* Hume, F. D. Rich, James Wallace (Papatoetoe), Ralph Keesing, T. Tudehope R. Monk, J. Phillipps, F. Howard, E. m! Williams, F. D. Cleghorn, H. White Jas. Westwood, J. R. Woods, T. J. Sansom' James Dingle, Wm. Edgecumbe, Arch! Cochrane, John Landers, Jas. Archibald George Banks, Jo?. Greenwood, H. N.' Warner, C. G. Gen til, James Speare, Martin McDermott, William Kemp, Thomas Churches, W. Culpan, James Finlay, P. Cooper, E. Constable, J, Coldicutt, J. Callnan, John Harding, W. Greenwood, James Baber, 0. McGee. R. McGee, James Hamilton, J. M. McLachlan, Joshua Robinson, J. Gordon, J. Lye, Aitcheson Oliver, W. Miller, William Oliver, George Cole W. H. Neale, H. C. Holman, C. J. Wilson, D. Lundon, H. M. Jervis, G. 8. Kissling, Arch. Campbell, J. McQuade. V. Blagrove' J. W. Carr, J. M. Brigliam, P. Robertson, J. Wilson (Newmarket), J. Bain, W. Colman, Murchie. Grainger. J. Ogilvie, J. Halyday, J. Stichbury, James Burtt, J. Menzies, W. Sloane, W. Thorne, Alex. Thorno, W. R. Robinson, George Lang, George Frazer, J. Frater, W. "Graham, Thomas Pollock, J. Andrews, M. Casey, C. J. Hill, Ernest Hill, Robt. Frater. sen., Robt. Frai;er, jun., H. King, P. L. Dignan, W. Philcox, J. A. Duncan, E. Waters, J. Henderson, G. A. Buttle. C. Dacre, J. A. Cooper, J. Culpan, John Harding, l! i Ehrenfried, W. Gome, P. Darby, Thop.' I Wylie, J. Winks. J. Wiseman, S. Joll, h! Culpan, Motion, Leslie, W. Winstone', g! Winstone, J. Lye, F. Howard, H. Stichbury, T. Cole. Thos. Craig. The following were the committee of management who carried the affair through to a successful termination Dr. J. L. Campbell, president; Mr. J. J. Craig, hon. sec j Messrs. R. Cameron and W. Culpan, hon. treasurers ; committee, J. D. Culpan, •A. Brock, J. H. D. Coates, T. Cotter, Thomas Hen*, derson, M. Niccol, Wilson, W. Jennings, J. Callnan, Joseph Craig, Andrews, Donald, James Edmiston, A? Smith, Jame3 Carradus, James Clare, W. J. Rees,' John Wilson, . C. Finlay, W. Craio-', Menzies. Patterson, J. Pollock, W. S. Wilson, J. L. Wilson, W. Laurie, W. Scott, J. Scott, J. Patterson, G. S. Graham, 'R. Keesing, J. Jamieson, J. B. Russell R Hellaby, W. Hellaby, E. W. Allison, J. H. Witheford, H. Brett, H. Parker, J. Dacre, J. Bain, W. Miller, J. S. l>aurie, J. Bain) J. Murchie, J. McLachlan, Frank Phillipps J. Gordon, C. Hesketh, E. Hesketh, P. A. Philips, J. A. Lyle, C. S. George, W. Coleman, A. Allison, W. H. Veale, J. M. Brighara, A. Christian, J. M. Geddes, L. Fleming, J. Robinson, Jas. Russell, D. Robertson, J. C. Webster, A. Smith, A. J. Sims, Theo. Cooper, W. S. Lyell, M. Murchie, W. S. Cochrane, P. Robertson. D. W. Dingwall, G. Cole, R. Lester, Ward Baker, Jas. Craig, C. Buddie, C. B. Stone, J. B. Graham, H. Parker, R. Potter, Dr. Purchas, Dr. King, Capt. W. C. Daldy, Capt. Hunt. r

permanent; memorial of the JUBILEE GATHERING. Thetfoll of old colonists of over 50 years' standing having been completed, the Government have communicated with Mr. J. J. Craig, hon. sec, applying that they may have a copy of the names and particulars on the parchment roll to be deposited in the Free Public Library, air. Craig has expressed his willingness to comply with the request, and has suggested that a similar roll of old colonists should be compiled in the other three principal settlements—Wellington, Canterbury, andOtago, as being of historic value and interest. It has been decided that a memorial of some kind or other shall be erected to commemorate the late Jubilee gathering. Probably it will take the form of an obelisk, with the names of the ships which brought the pioneer settlers inscribed thereon, and the permission of the city authorities solicited to erect it in the Albert Park. Sir George Grey has expressed his regret that his Parliamentary duties prevented his being present at the jubilee gathering. He is in entire sympathy with the movement to erect a memorial of some kind to perpetuate the memory of the early settlers, and has, unsought, forwarded a cheque for £10 to Mr. Craig, to be used in any way the committee may think best. Other contributions are also forthcoming. Sir George also entirely approves of the movement to found an Early Colonists' and Natives' Association, towards which some 200 names have been already forwarded. A supplementary shield is being prepared by Mr. Hanna, photographer, of old colonists who were unablo to be present and photographed on the jubilee day, and it is intended that Sir George Grey's portrait shall form the central one of the shield.