A CANTERBURY REUNION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVI, Issue 2364, 21 November 1894, Page 3

A CANTERBURY REUNION.

Just a dozen persona assembled last night in Thomas’Hall in response, to tho advertisement calling a mooting of those interested in colobrating tho anniversary of Canterbury province. As tho Otago Dounion so successfully carried out somo timo since took its rise from a similar small boginning there is no ruason to doubt that this movement also will bo carried to the desired result. Mr A. C. Fyfe was voted to tho chair.

Mr Thoo. H. Ritchey read letters of apology for unavoidable absence from tho Hon W. I‘. Hooves and Mr T. W. Rowe, public librarian. Mr Hooves expressed deop sympathy with thomovornont and promised to do all that was in his power to forward it. Mr Rowe wrote that as tho whole of his life, with tho exception of tho last 10 months, had boonspeutin Canterbury, and that ho had a very strong affection for his mother province, ho hoped tho meeting ■would resolve to honour lier in a fitting mannoi.

Mr C. E. Briggs explained tho origin of tho movement. .Some months ago, shortly after ho arrived in Wellington, ho mot Inspector render and one or two other old Canterbury residents in tho street. While conversing together they wore joined by somo others, and it was laughingly suggested that it was a pity it was not tho Kith December, os otherwise they could have a Canterbury anniversary celebration. Tho idea was taken up at once, That was before tho Otago reunion was even mooted. The proposal was to hove a conversazione or ” social,” so that tho wives and families of those taking part might participate and make it a regular' Can torbury gathering. After somo desultory discussion Mr Thoo. H. Ritchey was prevailed upon to accept tho secretaryship,- and it was formally resolved upon tho motion of Mr Briggs, seconded by Mr W. G. Foster, ” That it is desirable to take stops to celebrate tho 4-UU anniversary of tho province of Canterbury.'' Tho following committee was appointed with power to add to its number :—lnspector Ponder, Messrs J. C. Martin, S.M., W. G. Foster, C. E, Briggs, A. C. Fyfo, C. T, Jones, H. Fielder, C. F. Corlett, E. Thornton, It. W. Turnbull, A. Forsyth, J. G. Kolly'and T. 11. Ritchey. Tho mooting then adjourned till Taos, day next, circulars of invitation in the meantime to be issued to all former residents of Canterbury. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed tho meeting.