SOUTHLAND PIONEERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14457, 25 February 1909, Page 7

SOUTHLAND PIONEERS.

ANNUAL PICNIC. (From Orr. Ovra Cohresfo.vdsst.) ' INVEKCAItGILL, February 24. animal Milling in collection with the Southland l'ioncei- Seniors' Association was held al liivcrton to-day, over 200 members and friends being present. Ideal wviitlier, perfect, arrangements, and a beautilul picnic spot overlooking the Estuary and lowa oil contributed towards making the function one of the best Hie association hits ye! enjoyed, By comparison with similar gathering held near the same spot some years ago, Ilia remarks of (he Into -Mr Thos. Doimistoii that (he society was of necessity a. rapidiy-dimimshiug quantity was strikingly proved. The hand of Timo has done its work in greatly thinning tho ranks of the original members. Since then, however, the rules of the association havo been altered lo enable families of pioneers to become members, and thus perpetuate the memories of I how who bore the heat and burden of the days away buck in tho sixties, To-day Ihe younger generation was much in evidence, but nevertheless it was pleasant to observe that hero still remained a good percentage of those who mau-gur.itcd (he association. Foremost amongst thess were the late president (Mi- J. W.'Mitchell) and the energetic secretary (Mr Thomas J'lemnig), and lliese gentlemen, together with a hard-working commillee, wora largely responsible for (he successful gathering, the only regret being that the time available at the popular western district holiday resort was too short. On the arrival of the picnickers at the grounds,preceded by pipers, luncheon ami refresh-: nients were quickly provided. Tho President, in his usual happy manner, briefly welcomed Iho members and friends, and Air Aliteliell, in a. characteristic, aneoeli, proposed the toast of " The Pioneers." Me Andrew Kinross recited some verses of his own composition, embodying tho history, of tho pioneer movement. Messrs W. Reandrott. \V. Ilallidav, 11. Cameron, D, M'Farlano, W. Ronald, and M. Alair replied. Oilier toasts were honoured, and one of the s]ieakers mentioned that after providing for any necessitous member it) would be worthy of the association to consider the_ matter of obtaining a sito and building in Inveroargill for the purpose off mowings and indoor gatherings. A fow; of the country members relumed to town: by special, but the majority waited for the ordinary train, one and all being welt satisfied with tho pleasant, outing.