OLD COLONISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20074, 11 October 1928, Page 13

OLD COLONISTS.

THE ANNUAL, REUNION. ARRIVAL OF FIRST SHfiPS. CAUSES FOR THANKSGIVING. A large number of people welcomed tho opportunity of taking part in the >old colonists' reunion, organised by the feld Colonists' Association in the Town HSU yesterday afternoon. The ground fltor was nearly filled, and thore were many jn tho gallery. The occasion was the eightysixth anniversary of the arrival in the Waitemata Harbour of the first two innmigrant ships, the Duchess of Argyle and. the Jane Gifford. Tho celebrations took the form of a religious service, followed by a conceit, after which the old colonists were entertained with refreshments in the supperroom, where (here was opportunity for social intercourse and the renewing of old friendships and memories. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, who is vice-patron of the association, presided, and was accompanied on the platform by Archbishop and Mrs. Averill, tho Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, the Rev. E. R. Harries, and Mr James Carlaw, chairman of the committee.

Speaking as "one of the younger citizens of this no mean city" Archbishop Averill welcomed the old colonists present at the gathering. He looked upon this reunion day as one of the greatest days of the year. He likened the early colonists to a river feeding and improving tho countryside, and being fed from many tributaries. Their association was like the banks that held the river together. He was looking forward to the time when ho would be qualified to be an "old colonist." " This Wonderful Age." He congratulated the pioneers on the way in which they had turned out in spite of tho unpleasant weather. He paid a tribute to the work of the late Mr. William Culpan, who did much for the progress and success of the association. They were there to thank God for the many blessings received during the years in which they had been sojourners in this land.' They were tremendously privileged to havo lived in this particular ■ age, when developments bad been more rapid than at any other period in tho world's history. What would they have thought of anyone who had told them when they came out that in their lifetime people would fly here in a few hours from Australia ? Anyone who talked like that would have been considered fit for a mental hospital. They had lived in a wonderful age and seen many wonderful changes. That day the younger people wanted to thank God for tho work and lives and inspiration of the pioneers who had laid the foundations of the province. . The best asset of a country was tho character of its people, and they wero proud when they thought of what thi> pioneers were. They had exemplified in their lives the great truth that righteousness exalteth a Tho old colonists had given to New Zealand things that they needed most, grifc, the spirit of determination, and, more important still, they had reminded them of the need for the fear of God. Might this present generation do its work as woithilv and well as those that had gone beforo them.

Appropriate Programme. All joined in singing the Hundredth Psalm and (lie hymn "Lead Kindly LHit." Prayer of thanksgiving was offered by the Rev. E. R. Harries, and two solos, "How Lovely are Thy Dwellings" and "llie Beautiful City of Rest, contributed by Miss Edna Peace, were •greatly appreciated. The Mayor, who presided over the concert. also, expressed his pleasure at being able to welcome so many of the old colonists. He read a number of apologies, including ones from the Governor-Gen-eral, Sir Charles Fergusson, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Coates. Mr. J. Maughan Barnett opened the programme by playing a number of favourite national airs on the organ. Miss Edna Peace sang "Land of Hope and Glcry," and (ho old colonists' choir rendered "Bonnie Lnddic, Hicland Laddie," and "The Bells of Aber f dovey." Humorous) songs and recitals were contributed by Mr. Alan McElwain, and the gathering concluded with ths singing of "Auld Lang Syne."