PIONEER SETTLERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22084, 13 April 1935, Page 19

PIONEER SETTLERS

GATHERING AT WHANGAREI OFFICERS OF ASSOCIATION [from our own correspondent] WHANGAREI, Friday The first annual meeting of the Whangarei Early Settlers' Association was held on Wednesday, the president, Mr. J. R. Reyburn, presiding over an attendance of 70. The meeting was the outcome of a gathering of pioneer settlers held last year. Among the oldest settlers present at the function were Mr. Alex. McLeod, aged 87 years, Mr. W. Hawken, 86 years, Mr. N. A. Campbell, 84 years, Mr. Malcolm McDonald, 83 years, Messrs. J. Jackson, T. Lowe and E. Clifford, each 82 years, Mr. R. Cleary, 81 years, and Mr. C. Grant, 80 years. Those who had the longest period of residence in Whangarei were Mr. A. M. Rust, aged 76, who was born in Whangarei; Mr, W. Hawken and Mr. Alex. McLeod, who arrived 76 years ago; Mr. G. North and Mr. Malcolm McDonald, 74 years; Mr. A. C. McKinnon, 71 years, and Mr. T. Nobes, 70 years. In adopting a constitution and rules it was decided to iiame the association the "Whangarei Early Settlers' Association." A nikau tree was adopted as the badge of the association. It was with the leaves of this palm that the pioneer settlers thatched their first dwellings. The following officers were elected:President, Mr. J. R. Reyburn; vicepresidents, Messrs. A. M. Rust and F. Cutforth; committee, Messrs. T. O'Carroll, R. Hodge, D. X. McLeod, J. I. Wilson and S. Mclnnes; auditor, Mr. R. C. M. Harington; secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. M. Fraserj registrar, Mr. A. M. Rust. In proposing the toast of the pioneers, Mr. J. A. Finlayson, chairman of the Whangarei Harbour Board, congratulated the pioneers on forming such a successful association, which he hoped would each year become stronger. He felt certain an association such as this would help to preserve history.