OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13207, 14 February 1905, Page 6

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

A committee meeting, held in the registered office of tlio association last evening, was attouded by Mr Donald Heid (in tho chair), and Messrs John Reid, Chas. Duke, Robert Jock, William Martin, G. C. Proudfoot (treasurer), L." Langlands (secretary), and Dγ Will, A vote of thanks was passed to Mr.E. C. Hazlett for presentation of the following directories:—Harnett and Co., Duncdin, 1863; Stevens .and Bartholomew's, with list of runholders, New Zealand, 1867-68; Wise's, Dunodin, 1868 and 1870-71; Mills, ,Dick, and Co.'s Otago Almanac and Directory, 1874.

It was resolved that Mr Adam Oliver and Mrs Oliver (nee Allan), two very early settlers, Mosgiel, be congratulated on having ■ celebrated their golden wedding, coupled with tho hope that they may yet enjoy many happy years of health and happiness together. Tho Secretary reported that the Taieri settlers' annual picnic, under the auspices of the association, was held on the Wingatui Racecourse (the use of which was kindly granted, for the occasion) on tho 2nd February, and, , the day being fine, was well attended. Very complete arrangements tending to tho comfort nnd enjoyment of visitors had been made by the committee (all Taieri residents, except Mr Lnnglands). Members of the-Re-ception Committee met the special train on arrival from Duncdin, and escorted its pas. songers to the grounds, where tho material for the inevitable cup of tea were found to be ready, and the (probably) mo3t important business of tho day was at onco in full swing, to the very evident satisfaction' of the partakers. Members of the committee kept the supply going, and the attentions of Mts Andrew Aitken, Mrs William Shand, and other ladies cannot be too highly commended, as they were most assiduous in seeing al> were provided for. In the course of the day Mr Donald Eoid (president of tho association) gave a short address of welcome. Also, that tho combined Balclutha-Milton picnic was held on the groimds of Mrs James Elder Brown. Elderlee, Milton, on tho Bth February, and was undoubtedly as successful as any of the series that have yet been given. A triumph can be recorded as far as numbers were concerned, careful computation making about HOO present in the afternoon. Milton certainly has the advantage as far as ground is concerned, the place selected being a combination of shade, stream, and sward. The names of members of the committee having already. been published, it is only necessary to say their arrangements were perfect, and ampin provision had been made for all, although the numbers exceeded expectations. General re»Tet was expressed at the absence of Mr William ■ Moore (Mayor and chairman of committee), ho being at present in the North The committee, with commendable forethought and as an antidote to dreariness, had secured the services of the Milton Band, also of four pioers, and the proceedings were enlivened by their alternate playing. The distinctive features of tho ground . made diversity of ways of enjoyment possible. Groups could be' seen strolling by the river, others engaged in sports, some dancing on the green, and many engaged in earnest "cracks of old times," and some found pleasure in listening to the strains of music while sitting under the ample and delightful shade of the splendid plantation. As a copious report of the whole proceedings has already been published, nothing more need 1» naid; and this aho applies to Mrs Brown's hospitality, which is proverbial, but very diffident to publicity. . Sevontccn new members were enrolled.

The following deaths were recorded:—Alex. Stuart (75), Oliftou, Highcliff. Wave Qneen, 1863; Thomas Pryde (83), Waikaka (formerly Beaconsfield), 1863; Mrs J. P. Dundas (88), Kivcrton (formerly Oteramika), Bombay, 18G2; Mrs James Brown (Janet Crawford, 73), Arklcston, East Taiori, City of Dunedin, 1863; Mrs William Sineal (Jessie Kerr, 58), Dunedin, Pladda, 1861; John William l'.oberts (65), North-East Valley, I860; John Ross (61), Moutecillo, Kcsolute, 1664; John M'Neil (60). Ealclutha, Mooltau, 1849; John William Barnicoat (91), Nels6n (on first survey. Otago), Deborah, 1841; David Dunn (74), Romabapa, Kijnh, 1853; George Price (75), Blackstone Hill, 1863. Arrivals during the year 1853 are requested to forward their names to the secretary.