OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17942, 22 May 1920, Page 6

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS

ANNUAL. REPORT. Tho annual report of, tho Olago Early Settlors' iVjsociat,ion states: — It does not often fall to tho lot of an association to liave reports so favourable year after year. Every report in the pout shows progress steadily towjvrd tho .position that lias now boon attained. The report of tho year's work is most ootisfactory and encouraging. That the general interest in the ÜBOociation is well maintained is evident by the largo number of new members who havn joined. During the year the association haa lost 507 members by death and otherwise. During the same period tlvoro have been inrollcd 903 nv.w members, 110 early settlers, and 195 descendants, showing a net gain of 218 members for tho year. The descendants are responding splendidly, and thoir interest in tho association augurs well for its continued success in tho future. The financial statement to be presented by the hon. treasurer will show that the amount received for members' euGeeripticms exceeds that of last year by about JG63; in fact, is a record for tho association. Other itoms of income have aleo increased. _ The hall, is steadily growing in favour with patrons, hence tho revenue from that source shows a good advance on that of last year. The committee is pleased at tho measure of success attained, and looks forward with hope and confidence for continued eucocbs. The museum and portrait gallery continues to be a source of -great . interest, as is evident by the largo and increasing number of visitors from day to day. There have been over 10,000 visitors for tho year—a tangiblo evidence of its popularity. The history there displayed enables visitors to form a better idea of the great progress made by the provinco during the past 72 years than can be obtained in any other way in tho limited time at their disposal. The visitors have conje from all parts of Nfcrv Zealand, Australia, the Homeland, and from many other paris of the world. AIJ are delighted with ihe collection, nad speak of its gj>xit hisiorical value and irt'erest as showing the type of men and wemon who so well laid tho foundation of the province. The donors of enlarged portraits, pictures, and o'her articles doserve the association's very best thanks. The committee has pleasure in reporting '-list Mrs A. Thomson and members of tho family have gonerously presented to the association the late Mr Alexander Thomson's valuable collection of maps, pictures, photographs, etc. Unfortunately, owing- to want of space, tho committee has been unable to take delivery in the meantime. An effort is being made by the committee to raise a fund (about £2500 is required) to increase tho space at its disposal dj buiiding the Donald Heid Hall in memory of our late respected president. If members of the association and others will only rise to tho occasion and generously give what fthey can, the new building will soon be an accomplished fact Space is urgently needed, the museum being full lo overflowing. Tho open-sir gatherings are always interesting and t: rable, and are much appreciated by the old folk. The Balclutha-Milion reunion, after a lapse of four years, was again hold on March 10, at Balclu'ha. There was a good attendanco, <[uite a number of old people being present, including several of tins Joliu W.ckltfJe 18-13 passengers. ** Everyone seemed happy and well pleased with the day's outing. The W'ttikouaiti eightieth reunion, held at. Waikouaiti on March 17, was also a success. Therm was a good attcndlajico of people—old and young, among them being Mrs 'Wolsey, of Port Chalmers, who arrived at Waikouaiti by.the ship Magnet cn March 16, 1840 —just SO years ago. All seemed to enjoy themselves, .imd everything passed oft successfully. On March 2jt a successful reunion of Strathalkn passengers was held in I

the Early Settler.? 1 Hall to oole.brn.to the sixfcy-socond anniversary of their arrival (Januairy 8, 1858). Thirteen surviving passengers were prosent, also a number of descoixlanta. Sovor&l passengers, through imfinniities of ago and distance, wore unable to attend, but Gent apologies and all good wishes. A happy time was spent with eong and story and the inevitable cup of tea. So well did ! thoy enjoy tho reunion that thoy resolved to moet again if spared the following year. The committee hopes that passengers by other ships will follow the good example of the Strathalhui passengers and organise reunions. Tliey can rely on getting every assistance from | the association. Anniversary services wore , hold in First Church on Sunday, March 22 (Annivoroary Sunday). There wajs a large attendance both morning and evening, when about 100 early wettlcre handed in their names. Theso namai, along with a report of the eervioos, were published in., fhe Ik.ily Timoo of March 23. A moot oucoessful anniversary reunion wao held in the hall on the owning of March 23, Mr J. Duthio (president) presiding. A largo and appreciative audience was present. A happy .two hours wore spout in song and story and social chat. It is wiS feelings of deep regret that the committee reports many vacant placea in the liqt of early settlors. The record given in the monthly reports may well bo onJ!«d tlh© "Old Identities' Roll of Honour." Nearly all had parood the allotted span of threescore yearn and ten. To the corporation reserve staff, under the able Rniclanco of Mr Tannoek, tho committee records its siTtcsns thanks for the attention given to the flower pleta and bordors, wliich add r-o much to the appearancc of : the Early Settles' Hall. The Ot-ago Daily Times arid Witness Conrptny and the Evening Star Company deserve the association's beat t tljanlos for the kind consideration they have given' in publishing in full tho reports of monthly meotings. '.Hiere are of great interest, and are widtely read by people throughout the province. In . conrin«ion. the committee desires . to express its sincere . thank* to all who have he-lpod to curry on the work of the assoaiation during the past ycs'iT.