EARLY SETTLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20495, 21 February 1930, Page 15

EARLY SETTLERS.

THE SHIP BRITISH EMPIRE*

REUNION OF PASSENGERS, ,/ - A jubilee reunion of passengers who arrived in -Auckland by the ship British: Empire in February, 1880, was held yesterday, 51 of the original 350 passengers being present. The surviving passengers assembled at 2 p.m., and after being photographed, were entertained at after- r noon tea and a drive round the city, a visit being made to the top of Mounlj Eden. During the motor drive the opportunity was taken of visiting two of tha survivors who are inmates of the Epsom Infirmary and of presenting them with flowers and fruit. Bouquets were presented to the two eldest women survivors of the passengers. . - ' Of the 350 passengers on the British Empire there are not more than about 60 surviving, according to the secretary, Mrj F. Souster. Some travelled from W,ha«. ngarei and others from the King Country, to attend the gathering. An enjoyable programme of musical and other items, interspersed with toasts, was held in the evening. Mr. A. J. Entrican, the deputy mayor, proposed tha toast of "The Survivors," other toasts being "The Visitors," "Absent Shipmates," "Pioneers of Auckland," and "The Prosperity of Auckland." Vocal numbers were given by Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Cartar, and Mr. F. Sutherland, while Mrs. Hurley and Miss Gunman played pianoforte solos. Mr. S. T. Carter gave a recitation and Mr. F. Souster, played a series of selections on the handbells. At the conclusion of the gathering, which was presided over by the Rev! T. A. Joughin, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the secretary, Mr. Souster, for his work in connection with the re* union.