PIONEERS' REUNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18218, 11 October 1922, Page 10

PIONEERS' REUNION.

A MEMORABLE GATHERING.

MANY NOTABLE HERITAGES. CHARGE TO THIS GENERATION. Old colonists assembled in full force at the Town Hall yesterday, when the eightieth anniversay of the arrival of the ships Jano Gifford and Duchess of Argyle ut Auckland was celebrated in hearty manner. As the years go by, and the ranks of the early pioneers are thinned, those who are left cling all the moro closely to the old associations, the old friendships, and there is not a little pathos in the eager camaraderie that prevails when the formal r» rt of the "union programme is over, and the old - folk can mingle and talk freely among themselves. The serving of afternoon tea yesterday was a very welcome innovation, giving the assemblage more of a social aspect than has been the case for many a year. The honour and high esteem in which the pioneers hold these annual reunions is shown by the fact that they will make an effort to attend when nothing else w 11 draw them from their homes. Particularly was this the case yesterday, when Mr. William Hanson, of Grey Lynn, now 97 years old, took his seat once more on the platform, although Mrs. Hanson had stated very definitely the preceding day that t would be quite impossible for him to attend. He lias not been outside his home since last year's reunion, so that his appearance yesterday was an foment tribute to the drawing-power of these pioneer catlieringsi. , , Another very old colonist present yesterday was Mr/ Ann Watson, 96 years o ago; while another notable guest was Mr. Hanson's son-in-law, Mr. T. Anderson, who is 90. , . . As usual, the reunion took the form of a service, with hymns and address, followed by' a concert. The speakers yesterday were the Mayor Mr. J. H Gunson, who presided, Bishop Averill and Mr GeorwAldridgc. The Rev. J Pa Uson offered the opening prayer the benediction being pronounced by Bishop Avcrill. Worthy Foundations. . Bishop Averill very cordially congratulated those present upon being able.to attend so memorable andmteresting a gathering. In paying a high twjateg all who had worked so nobly to build up tho Auckland of to-day, he *ud: - P I think it is right and fitting that we should say first ol all to-day Oprd, :remember ttfose who endured hardships, who bore the heat and burden, of the day, and have passed on to their rest Help ns to build worthily on the foundations they have left.' Then again, our second thought should be for those who, on account of infirmity and weakness, are no Eer able to be present at these spiend& 8 gatherings. .We know. we arejn their Thoughts, as they are in . ours and wo can send them a telepathic message of love and sympathy." The yearly reunions, continued the bishop, sWid also be an occasion <* praMe and thanksgiving to Almighty God for all the blessinfs of health and strength for the great mercies vouchsafed through ail the ups and downs of. life for the part | which the early colonists had played in building up the' fair city and P™<* Auckland, and for the way in which the people of to-day had been, able to build on their foundations. The speaker struck a happy and cheering note in a reminder of the many compensations which old age brought, of the joy of old acquaintances, old associations, old memories, and the peace and serenity, gained in the retrospect of a long life well spent in the service of God and man. The noblest and best heritage of all was that which the pioneers had bequeathed to the people of to-day, traditions of honour, of loyalty and unswerving trust in God. Now' Zealand had already demonstratid that her sons were just as willing to fig tit and die for these things as their ancestcrs had been, and while thist spirit elated, there could he no. fear that the deeds ol the pioneers would pass from the memory of the people of the Dominion. The Causa ol Empire. Hearty congratulations were also offered the old folk by the Mayor, who read a list of apologies from those unable to be S resent, including one from the Governoreneral, and also a message of congratulation from the Wellington Early Settlers* Association. There were no gatherings held in Auckland of greater interest or lmportance than those of the old colonists, said tho Mayor. The only gathering of equal importance connected with civic and national life was the Anzac Day service, which commemorated very much the same spirit of heroism, of loyalty, and willingness to endure greatly for the cause of Empire. "We are proud to receive from you today the oharge which year by year yon commit to us in these gatherings," continued Mr. Gunson. " The charge to build well on the foundations you nave laid. Nothing is more important than that we should carry on that work, and prove ourselves worthy of the hardships yon endured and the sacrifices you made for the present generation. We feel the inspiration of your example in our civio and national life today, and under God's good guidance hopo to be able to finish the work so well begun." Principles of Good Living. Mr. George Aldridge also spoke of the good work accomplished by the pioneers, who brought into their home life the principles of Christian faith and good living, that alone coujld support a young country in times of trial and adversity. An enjoyable concert programme followed tho opening service, those taking part being the Old Colonists' Choir, under the direction of Mr. J. H. Philpot, Misses J. Bartlett, L. Evans, Messrs. A. McElwain. Ripley, Colledge, and Master vSkeels. Several organ solos were also given by the city organist. The programme concluded with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and the serving of refreshments.