PIONEERING DAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19456, 12 October 1926, Page 8

PIONEERING DAYS.

Many anniversaries are observed, many events are commemorated in Auckland year by year, but there is no gathering which goes nearer to the heart of its being than the reunion of old colonists who meet to recall the days when Auckland was in swaddling clothes. A city, a country, any corporate institution, however complete its written history, misses something which can mean much if it has not its traditions too. Gatherings such as that held yesterday help to preserve, to vitalise, the tradition of Auckland, city and province, as the scene of pioneering, enterprise, vicissitudes and triumphs. Thus the veterans who meet each year not only renew, to their own delight, memories of the day when youth and vigour, with the dreams of youth, were theirs, they also do service to those who follow after, by making visible the link between Auckland as it is to-day and Auckland when those historic ships first dropped anchor in the port. The celebration is first and most fittingly a service of praise. The elders of the community give thanks for a full life and a tranquil old age. It is next a renewal of old associations. Thus it has its tinge of sadness, for it recalls how many of the brotherhood have reached the end of the road since last they gathered together. But there is good cause for it to have its note of triumph, the satisfaction felt by a strong race in a task well and faithfully done. In these days it should bring to everyone, whether of the select company of the pioneering people or not, a lesson of high value. It should teach that great difficulties overcome are a joy to recollect, that life brings no satisfaction to equal the victory over adverse times and cir-cumr stances. For that reason the busy community should spare a thought for the pioneers, should forget for a moment the problems of to-day, and join in rejoicing at the triumph over those of long ago.