OLD COLONISTS REUNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11782, 11 October 1901, Page 3

OLD COLONISTS REUNION.

COMMEMORATION SERVICE IX ST. ANDREW'S.

The annual thanksgiving service held in St. Andrew's Church to commemorate the anniversary of the arrival of pioneer colonists by the ships Duchess of Argyle. Jane Gilford, Brilliant, Westminster and other pioneer vessels, took place yesterday forenoon at eleven o'clock, and the whole proceedings proved as great a success as the previous, anniversaries. The church was decorated with arum lilies and greenery. There were old settlers from the Bay of Islands, Warkworth, Whangarei and from all the settlements surrounding Auckland as far as Papakura and the Thames. The oldest settler present was Mr. Wm. Webster (of Mata, Hokianga), brother of Mr. John Webster, of Opononi, Hokianga, though Captain Daldy and Mr. George .Sibbin ran him very close. Mr. W. L. Thorburn, who has nearly 200 descendants, and the first Europeanborn male in the City of Auckland (Mr. C. B. Stone) were also present, and there were numerous inquiries for the first Europeanborn female (Mrs. J. Slator, nee Swanson). but she was too unwell to be there. The second European male born in the city, Mr. Uri; Australia Graham, was present, and he runs ji -. Stone pretty closely. Mrs. Gittos, wife it the Rev. W. Gittos, was the oldest colonist in the province present (1836, Hokianga). The band _of early pioneer settlers is rapidly thinning. Since last anniversary a number of the passengers by the Duchess of Argyle and Jane Gifford have passed away; still there weee Uroin 20 to 30 present. In one seat in the church sat Mrs. Coyle, the oldest survivor by the Brilliant, and her son, Mr. John Bain, Mrs. Peter Robertson (Duchess of Argyle), Mrs. Hendry Somervell (Jane Gifford), Mrs. Charles Knox, Mrs. T. M. Philson (Slains Castle). The Westminster aond other early ships were also represented. The whole arrangements -were conducted by the Executive Committee, constituted of descendants of old colonists, as follows:—Hon. E. Mitchelson, Messrs. Thos. Buddie, J. J. Craig, W. Culpan, D. M. Dingwall, J. M. Gcddes, W. Gorrie. J. Kirkwood, J. M. McLaehlan, J. L. Wilson, Malcolm Niccol, Frank Phillipps, W. J. W. Philson, Jas. Robertson, W. Thorne and R. Tudehope, who wore rosettes. At the appointed hour for the service (eleven o'clock) St. Andrew's Church was filled with a large congregation. The Rev. H. B. Gray, M.A. (pastor of St. Andrew's), presided, and the following clergymen were also present:—The Revs. T. Norrie, W. Beatly, C. H. Garland (president of the New "Zealand Methodist Conference), A. H. Collins (president of the New Zealand Baptist Union), J. Clark, W. S. Potter, R, Ferguson, R. F. Macnicol, G. B. Monro, R. Sommerville, W. Day, Gray Dixon, M.A., J. J. Cairney, J. T. Pinfold, Pattullo (Presbyterian Homo Missioner, Tauranga), Rabbi Goldstein and Mr. D. McPberson (Presbyterian city missionary). The Rev. Hugh Kelly, M.A., sent an apology owing to a previous engagement.

Tho opening voluntary andante (Lefebure Wely) was performed by the organist (Mr. Win. Culpan). after which Mr. J. H. Philpoti (organist of St. Paxil's Church) presided at the organ, and conducted the musical portion of the service. The choir was made up of descendants of old colonists. The congregation having sung the '' OW Hundredth Psalm," the Rev. W. Day offered up prayer; the Rev. R. Sommerville read as lesson the 72nd Psalm, and then the congregation, led by the Rev. A. H. Collins, recited the Lord's Prayer. Miss Mary Laing (by special request) rendered the solo (with quartette), "Tho Beautiful City of Rest" (.Tude). The quartette- consisted of Mrs. J. W. Stewart (soprano), Miss Laing (alto), Messrs. Clogg (from London) and H. Day (bass). The Chairman, in his address, said that the service was a commemoration service. It was an instinct of our human nature to erect visible monuments of deeds accomplished, but they not only that day commemorated a great event, but their sendee was in the nature of a thanksgiving service for mercies vouchsafed to the present. In the early days it required a great deal of courage to leave home, country, and friends and settlo in a new land, where hardship and difficulties had to bo encountered. They thanked God for the heroism o£ these dauntless pioneer men and women, who laid the foundations of the province. By their generous spirit they were bound together and helped each other. One of them had provided for the poor in what was known as the Costley Home; a second had given a handsome bell to St. Andrew's Church, which, heard all over the city, called the faithful to worship; and a third had gisicn to the city and colony Cornwall Park, so that tho people might have fresh air and recreation. Most of those old pioneer settlers had come from, a country whore there was a deep national religious feeling, and where they were accustomed to recognise Providence in their ways. Even while earning Is 6d per diem in the early days they, by their self-denial, had succeeded in building thafr church, which was a substantial and permanent memorial of their liberality. They wero fast passing away. Not long ago three had passed away Mr. Win. Aitken, of Mount Eden; Mr. Joseph Scott, of Ponsonby; and Mrs. Carruth, of I'apafcoetoe. It was well to keep these names in loving remembrance, and to follow their example, so far as they followed Christ.

Tho Rev. Joseph Clark (of Tabernacle) thought it was fitting that they should meet and express their indebtedness to these pioneer settlers, for having come under the guidance of Providence to this fair country. Remembering the hardships they endured, the difficulties they encountered, and the energy, push, and principle they displayed, they felt proud of these Pilgrim Fathers. With seer-like vision they saw that in the time to come tho wastes of fern would one day be covered with crops, would raise countless sheep and cattle, and be tho fruit garden of the world. These pioneers were a God-guided people, and should be honoured for all their achievements in colonisation. Might those surviving, whose locks were white, and whose backs were bent, have their closing days filled with peace. As to those who had passed away, the remembrance of their dust was precious. They were thankful for what those pioneer settlers had done to stamp the character of their city, and if their successors were imbued with the same spirit, the future of the City of Auckland would be happy and prosperous.

The Rev. W. Beatty said he had no set speech, and came at the request of the committee's energetic hon. secretary (Mr. W. Culpan). He felt a delicacy in speaking before such an audience. The world was divided into workers and talkers, and the old settlers belonged to the former class. The chairman had struck the right note when he said it was a thanksgiving service. Thanksgiving for what had been done. Let their hearts go out in thankfulness that day for the mercies which had been vouchsafed to them as a people. The gathering was an illustration of unity, for though of all shades of religious belief, they could all join together in thanking God for what had been clone by these old settlers for their city and district and province.

The Rev. C. H. Garland (president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference) felt great pleasure in being present, and a* being asked to give an address to the Pilgrim Fathers of Auckland. Many years ago he hoard Sir George Grey address a meeting of young men, being desirous of seeing a young New Zealand party formed. He said, "I. am an old man, and on tho borders >f the grave. My highest pleasure, now in my old age, is the remembrance of some few good deeds I have done." That was a now idea to him (the speaker) of " laying up for old age," and, viewed in that liabt, these old pioneers must be very happy. The hymns on the programme, " Old Hundredth" and " 0 God of Bethel, by Whose Hands," were tho very hymns the pilgrims on the Mayflower delighted to sing on their vessel. The same spirit marked the people whose work and labours they had met to commemorate. He was present at (lie jubilee of the province of Canterbury. It was intended to have made thai, an Anglican settlement, but other creeds got in. and it lost its distinctive character. Bishop Julius sent an invitation to all the clergy, without; distinction, and at the gathering remarked that men had endeavoured to make the settlement Anglican, but, God had seen better, and His ways were always best. With such a spirit as that shown by Bishop Julius and the Rev. W. Beatty, they would all bo drawn neater and closer together. Nearly 60 years had passed away since one expedition of these pioneers (the Scottish) had landed. Many had fallen in the buttle of life. Might the. survivors find tho evening of their days suffused with light.

The addresses were interspersed with a programme of selections of music :Church ■liymnary, " How are Thy Servants Blest, 0 Lord;" voluntary, adagio from Mozart's "Symphony in C minor," Mr. Philpofct; solos from "The Messiah," "How Beautiful are the Feet," Miss Violet Mount: " Ho Shall Feed His Flock." Miss Mary Laing; "Come Unto Him," Mrs. J. W. Stewart; "If With all Your Hearts" ("Elijah"), Mr. Olegg: hymn, "O God of Bethel;" and closing voluntary, " Festival March" (Batiste), Miss Linda Cnlpan. The Benediction by (lie Rev. R. F. Macnicol brought an interacting meeting to a close. Among those present not mentioned above were tho following, but in the crowd many names wjere not obtainable: —His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd) and Miss KkM,

ex-Native Land Court Judge Munro, Captain Daldy, Captain Leßoy, Messrs. William. Webster (Hokianga), J. H. Greenway, Mark Somerville, C. B. Stone, W. A. Graham, W. Thorne, son., W. H. Ne&le, .Tas. Lye, D. Fronde, Enoch Wood, O. McGee, W. L. Thorburn (Thames), J. Lylc, R. Carnitli, P. Ferguson, James Culpan. sen., A. Camerj on, W. Graham. W. L»iug, James Muir, i T. Bott, James Wallace (Papatoetoe), G. J. | Garland, H. Hunter, J. R. Walters, May (Mount Roskill), J. Henderson, G. A. Buttle, W. K. Carson, S. Vaile, W. F. Porter, D. Farrell, Thos. Booth, B. Gilmer, H. N. Warner, 8. Rout, G. W. Binney, R. R. Hunt, Alex. Sinclair, F. Gittos. John Gittos, G. R. MacCrae (Mangere), Jas. Robertson (Mangere), Swain, Edwin Cox, Alex. Thome, Alder Fisher. Wilsons (3) (Warkworth), W. Greenshield?, S. W. Miller, Thos. Peacock, J. Caldieott, .las. Horn.-, G. Richard, D. Taylor, J. F. Leighton, Jas. Baber, John Gordon, J. S. Paterson, J. R. Limdon, F. W. Howard, Geo. Howard, A. Sims, J. Stickler. Jas. Burtt, G. Sibbin. H. i M. Shepherd, W. S. Jones, J. Reid, W. J. | Rocs, Robt. Carruth, W. Cottingham, F. Pope, H. Barton. A. Reynolds. Garton. J. ' Andrew, G. M. Main. W. E. Moreton, Jas. j Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Samson. Mr. and Mrs. ! Robt. Lester. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Strong, Mr. and Mr?. IP. Crowe, Mr. and Mrs. E. Wayte, I Mr. and Mrs. M. Casey, Mr. and Mrs. S. Bright, Mr. and Mrs. X. Copeland, Mr. ami Mrs. Jonathan Winks, Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Whyte (Onehunga), Mr. and Mrs. J. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Howden, Mr. and Mrs. Gaze, Mr. and Mrs. E. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Culpan, MesdameForbes, Lake, Dalton, W. Berry, Esam, F. Andrew, Coxhead, S. Edwards", Lee, Jeffrey. Renner (Bay of Hands), Barchard, Bailey, Wall, (',. Chapman. E. Baker, Cardiner, Cawkwell (Tamaki), W. 11. Smith, T. Craig, Corlett, McFadyen, Harvey, J. J. Holland, Carter, Spargo, Nealey, W. Gittos, Flowers, Edge, I>aHon, R. Sonimerville, Hooper, Sehnackenberg, Robt. Laurie, Trevarthen, Gartin. Gray, I). Jackson, R. Hay (Dunedin), Leek (sister to Messrs. John and W. Webster), Tucker, Rowe. Nazer. W. Thome, Wright, H. Marks, Misses Philson, Jessie Craig, A. McNaughton, Daldy, Gittos. An adjournment was then made to the Choral Hall, where light refreshments were dispensed. MEETING IX THE CHORAL HALL.

At two o'clock the old colonists assembled in the Choral Hall, the chair being taken

by the Hon. E. Mitchelson, who road apologies from a number of old identities, who wore unable to be present. The Chairman, in a few opening remarks, said that as he had been bom in Auckland in 1846, he also claimed to be an old colonist. He, said that those of the younger generation had reason to be proud of the work done by their fathers. He had known many of the passengers of the ships Duchess of Argyle and Jane Gifford, and he could but express his admiration for them for the manner in which they had fulfilled their duties as colonists. If it were not for the energy and endurance of the early settlers New Zealand would not have been what it is today, and we must feel very proud of the work done by those who came before us. There was at present in Auckland an old man, well advanced in years, and of him and others of a like nature, we had great reason to bo proud. Although the gentleman referred to was verging on 85 years of ago now, he was hale, hearty, and vigorous, and it was only the other day when opening the Cornwall links he challenged all the young men present to walk with him round the links, and not one of them was game enough to accept the challenge. It was pleasing to see so many old colonists present, and he (the speaker) was sure that many more would have been present if it wore not for their ago and infirmity. It gave him the greatest pleasure to present the annual cheque, donated by Mr. .T. M. McLaohlan, to Mrs. Coyle, as he (Mr. Mitchelson) had, known thai lady from his infancy. Concluding, Mr. Mitchelson moved the following resolution : — "That this meeting of old colonists tenders Its sincere and heartfelt thanks to their venerable and esteemed friend, Dr. J. Logan Campbell, for his generous and munificent gift of Cornwall Park to the colonists of New Zea-

land, and that it prays that his life may long bo spared to witness the enjoyment and pleasure that his noble gift will give to the people he loved so well." Mr. William Webster, a settler of nearly 60 years' standing, said that it gave him great pleasure to second the motion before the meeting. Dr. Campbell had in the early days acquired that beautiful spot now known as Cornwall Park, and had retained it all these years instead of selling it. Ho had kept it for the people of Auckland, and their children and children's children. Dr. Campbell v/as one of the pioneers of the right sort, and they might well feel proud of him. The motion was then put to the meeting, and carried by acclamation, and this was followed by three hearty cheers being given for Dr. Campbell. In response to the call of the chairman. Mr. .7. J. Craig then briefly responded on behalf of Dr. Campbell, who had not then arrived.

Rabbi Goldstein then made a few remarks. Ho said it gave him extreme pleasure to be present to add a. few words of admiration of those old colonists who had done their duty so well and who had changed desolate tracts of country into smiling fields. The younger portion of the community could form no conception of the yeoman service done by those that were here before them, and it was only fitting that an annual reunion should be held if only to impress on the younger colonists what was due to those who made the colony what it now was. They were under a lasting debt of gratitude to the old colonists, which could not possibly be repaid, and he trusted that those younger ones present would make as good, righteous, and honourable citizens as their forefathers had made before them.

At this stage Dr. Campbell entered on the platform, and was enthusiastically cheered. -. After the chairman had presented Mr. MoLachlan's cheque to Mrs. Coyle, Dr. Campbell thanked the meeting for the resolution passed, a copy of which had been handed to him.

Mr. Adams, of Duncdin, and a member of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, then addressed tho meeting. He said that at the jubilee of the Southern province, the Otago Early Settlers' Association had been formed, and now had a membership of close on 500. Their annual reunion had its religious feature also, as Dunedin's first church, claimed that its anniversary fell on the same day, and the two anniversaries were now combined. Such meetings established old ties, and brought about meetings between old friends, who might have passed away without having met again on earth. Mr. Adams concluded by extending an invitation to all old settlers who might visit Dunedin to call at the office of the Old Setters' Association, in the Agricultural Hall Buildings.

Before the meeting dispersed Mr. P. R. Hunt mentioned that it was proposed by the citizens to re-erect, by subscription, the Churlon memorial on the triangle reserve on the site of old St. Paul's Church, and that the local authorities had promised to retain and keep it for all time. For the information of those who were not aware of the late Mr. Churton's identity, he read the inscription that was engraved on the base of the old memorial. He added that it was proposed to erect a drinking fountain to Mr. Churton's memory, and asked the co-opera-tion of the old colonists in furthering the object.

During the intervals a musical programme was carried out, as follows:—Songs, " Auld Robin Gray" and " Coming Thro' the Rye," Mrs. J. W. Stewart; song, "My Sweetheart When a Boy," Mr. Clegg: song, "Three Fishers Went a-Sailing." Miss Mary Laing; organ solo, Mr. Philpott. Before dispersing Dr. Campbell presented each of the lady vocalists with a sprig of heather grown on his native heath. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr. McLachlan, and seconded by .1. MeK. Geddes, waft carried, and the National An'them was then sung.

Mr. J. J. Craig has received the following telegrams from Wellington : —From the Hon. W. Jennings, M.L.C. : "Just got back to Wellington, and found invitation attend annual reunion old colonists; kindly convey to committee my thanks and also best wishes to the pioneers of Akarana." From Mr. Monk, M.H.R. : "Please give my good wishes to your gathering of old colonists. May they have only aspiration worthy of the shores they are dwelling in—the home of the moa."