OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS'

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11922, 21 December 1900, Page 3

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS'

ASSOCIATION. AN INTERESTING GATHERING

In the months of Miry, September. October, and IJecembei-i 1850, four ships bearing immigrants for New Zealand arrived at Port Chalmers. These were respectively the Lady Clarke, the Poictiers. the Phcebe Dunbar, and the Eden. About 100 colonists stopped at Dunedin; a larger number were distributed at other ports in the colony. The settlement at Dunedin was at that time only two years old, and, as may be imagined, Dunedin in 1850 was vastly different from what it is today. The site of the present city was then largely covered with bufih. flax, scrub, and much of it was swamp. The few houses erected were built of wattle and daub, manuka poles and fern scrub, and since every man had to be his own architect, the appearance of some of these houses, together with the wild surroundings, would no doubt have put misgivings into the minds of the immigrants if they had not been men and women of a sturdy character and not likely to be cast down at the thought of difficulties to be overcome. "I did not know one," remarked a survivor in conversation on Thursday night, "who lost heart and returned to places possessing more of the advantages of civilisation." The immigrants set themselves heartily to work,and proved themselves worthy of being associated with the noble band of pioneers who bad arrived two years earlier. Not many of the passengers by those four ships arc. now surviving. Hardy and good living as they were, the larger majority have perforce emigrated to another country. A list of those still living Ims been carefully compiled and the number is very small, only the names of some 21 persons being recorded. Their descendants, however, are very numerous, and their names include those of many who have earned distinction in the colony.

To celebrate the arrival of these ships, the Early Settlors' Association held a reunion in the Victoria Hall on November 29. The attendance was large enough to fill t!ie hall, some of those present coming from districts considerably distant to be present. More than ordinary interest was leut to the reunion by the fact that his Excellency, Lord Ranfurly, had intimated his intention of being present, and in honour of the event the committee had the-hall decorated with flags, chief amongst them being a large Union Jack, which hung on the wall behind the platform. At 8 o'clock the chairman of the association (Mr D. Re-id) went on the platform, and he was accompanied thither by Messrs G. Kenwick, G. Calder, and R. Campbell (vice-presi-

dents). The Chairman, having read apologies from Messrs Colin Allan, T. E. Steel, Dr Fulton, and Captain Styles, mentioned the reason why the reunion was held, and wont on to refer to the circumstances under which the immigrants had landed., and of the feelings these early colonists must have had when they took leave of the old country, and also when they arrived at a place practically unknown and found so many difficulties to contend with. But they were men and women of sturdy and independent character, and he needed only io mention the names of such men as Geo. Hepburn, Win. Lunglaiuls. and Mr Rennio to indicate what manner of men they were. llg might say in connection with these jubilees that they held them when 50 yenrsjiad elapsed since the arrival of the ships. Some early settlers were asking why no reunion was bring held in honour of the arrival of their ships, but the time had probably not come. An orchestra under Mr Lomas then played .1 selection of patriotic airs. This waa followed by an address from the Rev. A. B. Toilcl, who gave pome reminiscences of Ins journey to his first, charge at Milton, mentioning that it took him two days to get there, and that if variety had anything to dc with it the journey was charming, as they had to adopt no lessthan five modes of conveyance. Mr M'lndoe followed with a few words concerning certain episodes which happened in the early days. The Chairman' then announced an interval for refreshments and for general conversation. It was an interesting sight to see the " old identities" present moving about and renewing acquaintanceships which bad in some cases been interrupted for many years. The "descendants" found congenial topics of conversation, and there was a busy hum, which continued until the arrival of the Governor was announced. '

On taking his seat on the platform his Excellency was heartily applauded, and a fewwords of welcome wore spoken by the chairman, who said Lord Ranfuriy always studied how to promote the welfare of the colony and its people.—(Applause.) He was a worthy representative of the Queen and of that groat Kmpire over- which she ruled, and to which they were proud of belonging. Mr Reid then explained the objects of the association to his Excellency, and'finally called upon him to address the audience.

His Excellency, who, on rising to speak, received a very hearty reception, said he remembered very well the evening two years ago when he last addressed the pioneers of Otago. As regards the present occasion, ho would say that he had made an engagement for the night previous to receiving their invitation, but he felt that his stay in Dimediu would be incomplete if he did not come and meet the old pioneers and their descendants.—(Hear, hear.) For the Empire had been formed by pioneers.—(Applause.) In Canada, New Zealand, and other parts of the world he had mot them, and had seen that tRe result of their labours was in each case prosperous colonies.—(Applause.) Some persons might think tliafc the day of tlio pioneers was over; that they did not want in these days the same muscle, and the samo indomitable perseverance as was possessed and displayed by the pioneers in days gone by. He absolutely disagreed with them. The same opportunities offered now, and would offer for many a long day. Were there not opportunities in British Africa? That would most assuredly be peopled by pioneers from the old country, or from some of the colonies. As they knew, a lot of disaffection existed in South Africa, and it seemed to him that the best nay to put it down and prevent future diliicuHies would bo to populate it more closely with Imperial subjects, who would be ready, as their forefathers were, to hold tlio plough with one hand and the sword in the other. ' As. regards the pioneer settlers of Otago,. he felt that a. proud day lay before them when they would receive back by the Harlech Castle the first draft of the troops New Zealand had. sent to Soulh Africa, They would bo proud of them because they were from this colony, which had so nobly shown, its love to the motherland, and had made clear to all the world that its people delighted to serve under the British flag. The action of the colonies proved that the Empire was founded on the ,rock of Justice. So long as that foundation was maintained would ti'iey continue to prosper. One thing he should like to say, especially to the descendants. It might not bo very pleasant for them to hear it, but ho had noticed that many of the youth of the colony were too much inclined to live in tranquility and to take advantage of the benefits of fortunes earned by their parents. This was not.right, It was their duty to use the talents bestowed upon them, and to endeavour to use them to the very best advantage. He knew that when the services of the youths, were asked for Soulh Africa there was no difficulty in setting them; it-was rather the reverse. But ho was speaking of life in the colony. Tie wished to impress upon the youth of the colony that it was their duty to prog-reiK themselves and to make the colony progress. New Zealand ■ possessed wonderful natural advantages, but it was only as yet partly developed. After having visited'all parts of it he could only'come to the one conclusion—that a brilliant future lay before it, and it rested with the people to bring the country to a perfect state, as quickly as possible.—(Applause.) His Excellency concluded b}' expressing his pleasure at being present, and .^wishing the early settlers and the descendants all prosperity,'

Air L. Langlands then gave a few reminiscences concerning JL'irst Churcb, and a quartet party, consisting of Messrs Wright, Blonkinsppp, Jones, and Ibbotson, ga.ve an item. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to his Excellency, who then left, and the reunion was closed with a short dance. AN INTERESTING- LIST. , In connection-*with the reunion held by the Otagp Early Settlers' Association to celebrate the' ■ jubilee of the arrival of the • nhi™ Lady Clarko, Poictiers, Phcebe Drnibav, ami Eden, the following is a 1 list of the surviving passengers and their descendant*. This has been compiled with great care, but the secretary will be triad to ba notified of any errors or omissions, so as to have correct entries in the annals of the LADY OLARKE. From Sydney, May, 1850. Survivor.—James Crane. "VVsiihola. Descendants.—James, Pig-eon Bay; Joseph, Otakia; Mrs Fluetji (AmeikO, "Woodcnd, near Kaiapoi; Thomas; William; Frederick; and Harriet, Waihola. ■ ■ ■ . POICTIEBS. Left London 7th February, arrived, via-northern ports, 4th September, 1350. j Survivors.—Mjs Arcii. Barr (Sarah Hepburn), | Dnnedin; Mrs E. A. Lawson (Jessie Hepburn), : Dunedih; Andrew Hepburn, Enfield, Oamaru; G. E. B. Berncy, Owakn ; L. A. Bernays, Brisbane; Albeit Pillans, Southsea. England. Descendants.—-Of Mrs Sarah Barr (nee Hep- . burn), Dunedin: Peter, Buncdin; Mrs Sarah; S. Houlder, Sapier; Mrs Jessie L. Eunson. I Dunedin : Mrs Dora J. Jacobs, Victoria; Mrs M Alice Coull, -Roslyn; Mrs Winifred A'Brown, Oamaru. Of Mrs Jessie Lawson (nee Hepburn), Dunedin: J. Newburgli; Eachael Ida; and Lilian, Ihinedin. Of tho late Mrs W. Downie Stewart (nee Rachel Hepburn), Dimedin: Eachelina, Hepburn and William Downie, Dunedin; George Hepburn; and Mary Downie, Westwood, Crookston. Of Andrew Hepburn, Oamaru: Mrs.Kathei-ine Porteous, f Omaliu, Thames; George, Oamaru; John, Janet, ButU, and Elizabeth, Enfield. Of G. E. B. Berney, Owaka: Charles, Katanui; George, Owaka; Richard Boehm, Ratamii; Roderick; Mrs Charlotte, Ashmore; Mrs Catherine Parker; Laura and Annie, Owaka. Of the late John Hyde Harris, Dunedin: John Edward Hyde, North Island; Mrs Annie Maria Carqill M'Master and Ella, Dunedin; William Cargill, New South Wales; Mrs Catharine Maud Mowbray, Auckland; Edmond Anthony, Southland; Henry.Temple, Algernon Gascoyne, and Arthur Yates, South Australia PHCEBE DUNBAR. Left London 4th July; arrived 21th. October, 1850. Survivors.—Mr and Mrs Wm. Dawson, Tapanni; George Gibb Fyfe, Wyndham; Mis John Porieous (Ann Eennie), CaTey's Bay, Port Chalmers- Wm. Shand, Keith Hall, Taicri; Mrs Ralph Swale (Jane Bonar Shand). Limehills, Southland; Mrs Walts (Isabella Shand). tiie Manse, Green Island; Thomas Evered Steel, Clinton. Descendants.—Of William Dawson, lapanui:'. Forbes Michie, Wsikoikoi; Mrs 'Wilhclniina, M'Kellar, Outram; William, .Fortrose; Mts Isa Muir, Quarry Hills; Mrs Mary Templeton, Waimahaka;" Mr? Sarah Piobertson, Timaru; George, Tapanui. Of Mrs Ann Eennie Porteous, Carey's Bay: Alexander Eennie, Greymouth; Jane and Annie, Carey's Bay; John and Williilra, Dunedin. Of the late Mrs Margaret Ronnie Porteous, Wintou : One son and two daughters, Winton. Of William Shand, Taieri: James and Jane, Taieri. Of Mrs Jane Bonar Swale (Shand). Limchills: Ralph S, Benmore; Barbara, William, and James, Limehills. Of Mrs Isabella Watt, Green Island manse- David, National Bank, Kelson; James, Empire upholder, fourth contingent, South Africa ; Barbara, Girls' College, Timaru; John, British Columbia; Christh-na, William, Violet, Alice. Donald, Art-bur, Michael Herbert, Mary, trnd Malcolm. Green Island. Of the late Mrs Ifiirrarpt Shand Brown. Green Island : Alfred, Pelichet Bay. Of the late-1 Jaroes Shand, Abbotsford : Alice, Elsie, Milne. EcVin. Prissy and Geor»e, Dunedin. Of the lifts John Shand, Centre Bush- James D. Mary Q■William M, Ralph ond Jolm C, Centre Bush. Of the lato George Steel/Clinton: Thos. Evored, Mrs Agues Elizabeth M'Kiraon, Mrs Annie Charlton, Harry Evered, and Edith Ann, Clinton; Walter Gerin^e, Tnchclutha; Mrs Laura, Burnett, Waitahuna Gully; Mrs Susan M'Kimion, Milton. Of the late Mrs John Stylos (nee Rachel Bentley), Wradon Valley'; Mrs Sarah Elizabeth Heenan and MrsT Mary Ann MiAlister. Pyramids; Mrs Lucy Clearwater. RiversdHe ; Henry, Wendon Valley; Mrs Alice Hurley. Wendonside; Captain Charles, .Salvation Army, Leo-ton; Arthur and George Bentlcy, Wendon Valley. ■ EDEIiT. ■ ■ . • Left London 3rd .Tune, arrived, yia,- .northern ports, 37th December, 1850.. Survivors.—Alexander -Brown. Milton; George Brown, Blenheim;, Mrs Mark Scott (nee Isabella Brown),-; Milton; Mrs John. Somerville (nee Margaret Brown), Ws«epeka;.S[rs "James Scott [we Alison'Lnnglands); Dunedin; Walter Day, —Castle, England. . . Descendants.—Of George Brown, Blenheim: Mary and Isabella, Blenheim; George, Dunpdinj.Jessie, Napier. Of Mrs Isabella.Brown Scott, ■Mi'iton: .Isabella. George. James, and Mark, Milton. Of Mrs Margaret: Brown Somerville, Waitepeka: Mrs Isabella- Morton, .Owaka; Mrs Janet *■ Jack;: Warepa; Mrs Agnes' Jane Stewart. John Aitkon, Georee Brown, and Margaret, Waitepeka. Of the late Mrs James Murdoch (nee '.Helen Brown), Milton: William, Puerua. Of Mrs Alison Langlands Scott, C-iversham: Mrs Alison Orrosby, Dunedin; Mary, Eusland; William Langlands, Waimate; James Crombie, Invercarptill; Mrs Annabella M'Donald. Dunedin; Walter, Cromwell; John Charles, Timaru; Henry. Dunedin; Mrs Emily Muir. BnJclutha. Of the late John Mollison, Dunedin: James, civil engineer, Sydney.