CLUTHA EARLY SETTLERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17884, 15 March 1920, Page 8

CLUTHA EARLY SETTLERS

ANNUAL GATHERING.. • The annual ■ gathering 1 o£ the Clutha branch of-the Jiarly Settlers' Association' was hold last Wednesday, a large number of- the Dancdjn Association travelling to Balclutha to take part in the gathering. Residents of Milton; T'aieri, Kaitaugata, and other districts participated. The following pioneers were present: —E. C. Griffith (nee Mosley), Hannah MorJey, J. Titchenet (nec Finch), who arrived, in the John Wycliffe in 1848; David Strain (Ajax, 1849); John Bain (Larkius, 1849); George Calder (Mariner, 1849), John Colder (Mariner, 1849; John Blair (Geo. Canning, 1851); Mrs Geo. Callender, (Geo. Canning, 1851); James,!". Ayson (Royal Albert, 1853); Robert Ayson (Royal Albert-, 1853); E. F. Low, nec Ayson (Royal Albert, 1853); John James Hardy (Dunedin, 1E56); John Sutherland (Strathmore, 1856); Peter Robinson (Southern Cues, 1856); Peter Jenkins (Challenger, 1557); James Robinson (Robert Henderson, 1858); Mary A. Paterson (Jura, 1858); John Duthie (Jura, 1858); Mrs G. Finch, nee M'Grouth'ir (Strathfieldsaye 1858); Robert Tweed!e (Alpine, 1859);, Alex.- Morrison (Henrietta, I860);' James' Morrison (Henrietta, I860),; Mrs W. Spenco (Galla, 1860); Flora M'Guifog, nee Campbell (Robert Henderson. 1860) ; Andrew Tlewitson (Sevilla, 1859) ; Gilbert M'Kay (Pladda, 1861); - William Casserley (Chariot oi Fame, 1863); Charles Forsyth (Crimea, 1L63); D. T. Fleming (Lady Milton, 1864); J. A. Johnston (Bella Vista, 1864); John M'Guffog (Baiibou, 1865); John G. Boyle (William Darel, 1867); Charles Shand (James Nic-ol Fleming, 1870); Mrs Chas. Shand (James Nieol Fleming. 1870) ; Thomas Gawn (Sleeswick Bride, 1870). Thirty-one descendants also signed the Attendance book, seven of them, being related to the passengers of t.ho John Wycliffe, which arrived at Otago Ho ads on March 23. 1848. Towards the close of the afternoon short addresses were given by Mr' Simon Wright on behalf of the Balclutha Association, both he and the Mavor (Mr H. Sim.sbn); who followed him, exteidi'ig a hearty welcome to the visitors. Mr -A. S, Malcolpi, expressed his pleasure at seeing sp many, present to do honour to those who had done such noble work, who had carried heavy loads, and who had borne the heat and burden of the day. He pointed out how the early pioneers had laid the foundation of the finest country in the world. , The Hon. D. T. f Fleming"- compared the state of the country -vten the Philip Lang_ and John Wyclift'o arrived, with, what. it is at present. Tlio present generation had. he said, great .traditions 'to- uphold, and spiendid examples to follow. . Thanks for the welcome extender] were returned by Mr J Duthie, president of the Otago Jiarly Settlers' Association. Other• speakers who followed were Mi James Ayson, who arrived ir: the Clutha in 1854; Mr; Roberttson, Mr. Joseph Moslcy, and Mr W. Paterson During the afternoon the Balclutha Pipe Band played a number of selections, much to the delight of the pioneers. Miss G. Cameron gave a sword dance, fling, and reel in fine, style. A race for young ladies was won by Miss E M'Feetors, with Miss E. Paterson (Port Molyneux) second, and a-bandsmen's race resulted in H. Aeix being first and R. Burns second. A number of children's races were run and provided amusement for the young people. .An abundant sm-pnly of refreshments was sup-1-lied bp the committee, and th? inembeis attended to the comforts of the visitors.