ANNIVERSARY OF OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18512, 24 March 1922, Page 7

ANNIVERSARY OF OTAGO

COLONISED SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. CITY CELEBRATIONS. Yesterday, being the seventy-fourth anniversary of the arrival in Otago of the early settlers of the province, the Early Settlers’ Association made a point of celebrating the occasion, though not in an ostentatious way. There was a big muster of those who were really tho founders of Port Chalmers and Dunedin present, and of those who, after a few months, became the settlers of the more remote parts of Otago, beginning with such places as the Taieri Plain, which is said to have attracted tho eye of the agriculturalist and pastoralist from the very outset; and the Tokomairiro Plains, both of which proved good grain-growing and pastoral districts, and have provided premanent houses for many who landed here in the sixties, and even before that, and whose descendants still people the land. That is only a passing reference to agricultural lands close at hand. As to the city of Dunedin, very little need be said. It has grown and flourished prodigiously under an energetic people; more particularly up to 1914, when the war broke out. Dunedin and Otago were prosperous up to that time, excepting for same small outside sections of the community who are now recovered. Taken in a general sense, Dunedin and Otago were very prosperous up to the outbreak of the war, the advent of which not only set back Dunedin, Otago, and New Zealand, but the world as a whole. Since then there has been a gradual, if slow, recovery, and Otago has not lagged in the process of rehabilitation. That is a summary of what the early pioneers did, starting in 1840, and what their descendants liaye since done. It is a compendium very briefly expressed, of what lute happened during well nigh 80 years. Since then marvellous changes have occurred, not alone in place,_ but in thought and action, till Dunedin is no longer recognisable to the man or woman of 50 years ago. Whether they admire the change it is difficult to say, but Dunedin is still Dunedin; the pioneer is still the pioneer, and the founder of what now is, though the result of his labours may not be just what he aimed at, or anticipated, has to accept the position, welcome or unwelcome. That is an attempt at a retrospective and a present glance at matters, and has no real bearing on the very warm and harmonious gatherings he'd yesterday amongst the few remaining of the genuine of Otago and their descendants, who have, under far happier and far more comfortable conditions, carried on a good work well begun. In the early stages of yesterday afternoon the Early Settlers’ Hall was occupied by a goodly company of “old bodies” —some “young bodies,” too —in order to celebrate an occasion that is of vital interest to practically everyone of the community over 20 years of ago. As the time wore on the number present in the hall increased, till at about 4 p.m. there was very little room left for any fresh comers. A word of commendation is due os to the general arrangements, despite the fact that some sort of accommodation for the press to take a few notes had been completely overlooked. It was very difficult to hear anything that was said by anyone from the rear of tho hall. The decorations about the building were exceedingly pretty. Quite a number of young, and perhaps not all “young,” ladies had given a deal of time and trouble to transforming the hall into a very bright place qf reception, and amongst names mentioned in regard to the work of decoration were those of Misses Falconer. Lawson, and M’Kenzie. The good wives of the past had been looking after “creature comforts,” fta they invariably do, and with a numerous staff of assistants (too numerous to get out in print), Mrs Hayward, at the head of affairs, and many other Indies had provided a great deal more titan was necessary for requirements. It was not a question of (ho “too little” that may have occasionally been experienced in the “distant past,” hut rather a matter of “too much.” In any case there was more than sufficient to gervo (ho needs of a big crowd. During the afternoon Mrs Hayward, jun. (nee Miss Bulk), sang a solo very acceptably, and tho tune was chiefly spent in social inter course and a good “crack” about “anld lang syua” Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, the interchange of reminiscences being nearly always tho paliiwuy lo the renewal of old friendships, mostly only a dim recollect ion owing lo lapse of time, hut easily awakened at the sound of a once familiar voice or some recalled little incident, at tho time of (he happening quite an event, faded from memory, but not absolutely forgotten, and probably ineffaceable. About 3.30 Sir Robert Stout was introduced to the assemblage by tho chairman and president of the Early Settlers’ .Association, Mr G. Oaldcr, and spoke briefly. Sir Robert emphasised the doctrine of being kind to each other very forcibly. In years to come many of those present would be passed away, and the opportunity for bestowing kindnees would bo then gone. Ho pointed out that the responsibility ns to the future rested upon the children, and that tho result depended largely upon, individual intelligent effort, not upon Government, church, associations, or commit tore. Rcfotripg to the trouble in Ireland he expressed tho opinion that it was greatly due to a want of unity amongst the Irish people Sir Robert dwelt at, sonic length upon the subject of tho effect a climate had upon people, pointing out .that here we had n temperate climate which was distinctly advantageous to the people enjoying it. Sir Robert’s remarks, which were not very audible near tho back of the hall, wore frequently applauded. In the evening there was a very largo completely filled the Early Settlers J tall. The president (Mr G. Caldor) warmly welcomed all present, and said that they would lie pleased at such a grand recognition of tho J'.arly Settlers’ Association. Ho went on to refer to tho late Mr Donald Reid, who had done so much for tho assO‘ elation. Mr Reid had left a substantial sum which had enabled the association lo build a new wing, to bo called “The Donald Reid” wing. This wing, it was anticipated, would bo opened in throe or four months’ time. The association had received another donation, which would ensure them £3OOO for housing a number of additional things in tho new wing. Ho went on to refer to tho “Thomson Collection,” and mentioned that the association was still £6OO short of the hinds required. This lie was sure the early settlors would supply, and not leave the association in debt. The musical portion of the programme was then proceeded with. The vocalists wore Miss B. Baird, Mr W. Strang. and Mr G. IJtinn ; Miss J. Baird contributing ft couple of violin solos. Tho musical items were much enjoyed, the performers being recalled. Miss Paterson acted us accompanist. Dr Fulton, who has been for a lengthy period closely associated with the early settlors, extended an invitation to those who had come by tho very early vessels to take a seat upon the stage, and said they had already there tho first woman born in Otago (Mrs Taylor) and tho first lady born in Dunedin (Mrs Macassey). They were delighted to have them present cn the stage. Tho president hero called upon the audience to rise and sing tho National Anthem, tho request being warmly complied with. Sir Robert Stout prefaced his remarks by saying ho would speak about tlie early settlors. Ihoy had much to be thankful for to the pioneers who had led settlement in Otago.—(Applause.) Ho went on to refer to Captain Cargill, Dr Burns, and Mr John M’Glashan, and said they had also hud in Otago a groat many men who had not been Scotchmen. There had been Mr Kettle and others who had passed nway. Then they had had great Englishmen in Major jviehardson, in Mr Ilyde Harris, and in Mr O. Young, and yet another in Mr W. H. Out ten. Tho stories told about (tie Jnst-named were innumerable. Sir Robert went on to re-count how a printer was brought over trom Melbourne, and how, when a cry was raised at the wharf to throw over the painter lie (Mr Out ten) had said: “Throw over tho printer. That’s what I want.” 'They hud a great number of able men who hud founded the district. Speaking as to what tho attitude of tho early settlers had been, he mentioned how the passengers on board tho vessel ho had come out, in had set to work when tho vessel was in distress, and said that -ho greatest compliment over paid him had come from tho captain, who, after the furling of some sails, had asked him how long l.e had been at sea. Moat of tho passengers were anxious for work, and (hero was no grumbling. He (the spoakeg) had only been two days in Dunedin when he had received his appointment. Ho proceeded to of the formation of the Caithness Association, mentioning in that connection Urn name of the late Mr Andrew' Mowat. That association find helped many persons.- As (o those wno had come out hero, they had come to work; that was all they required. And what was the lesson for us? What was wanted for the salvation of the world waa

hard, strenuous work and economy. We needed that here. We had spent £20,000,000 in liquor and tobacco, and yet we said we had no money. What the men did at the war was recognised by everyone who had come in contact with them. Nothing liad pleased him more than to hear in England and Scotland of the behaviour of the New Zealand soldiers.— (Applause.) They were unexcelled. Mr A. L. Smith, the master of Balliol College, who had mixed with them, and had seen them, had said he could! not say a word against any other soldiers, but that no soldiers had come from any part of the world who had excelled tlie New Zealanders. He had found the same thing stated in Scotland. It had been stated that no men were so well behaved, so honourable, and so quiet as the New Zealand soldiers. We therefore had in New Zealand the best history behind us, and we had the founders of great national ability and of the greatest honour. We had had hardy settlers who had made New Zealand, and w© had our young men who had fought go well. Why then should we not get rid of the troubles that were disturbing the peace of the world. It was said by authorities that the salvation of the world was in hard work and th© application of the highest intelligence, and peace and goodwill amongst us. There were men who were sowing the seeds of discord, and doing the devil's work. They were not doing God’s work. What we needed now, and would ever need, was to keep in remembrance what had been accomplished, and to look forward with greater hope to what would be accomplished in the future. We did not desire to forget our race or Vhat it. had done, but wo had to remember that the main responsibility resting upon Us in New Zealand was to make ourselves even greater than what had been attained by the British race in the past. If wo did that surely wo would make the dominion of New Zealand great, and reflect honour upon those who had gone before ns. Let our l youth show that the name they had earned should bo heard of again in the fight; not with enemies. But those that afflicted humanity must be conquered if humanity was to remain, and our race was to persist.—(Loud applause.) The Chairman mentioned that during the 11 months he had held office 80 early settlers had joined the association, and 120 of their descendants had also joined; making. a total of 200. They had lost by death 51 members and by resignation nine, leaving a total increase of 140. Mr William Love, president of the Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association, briefly returned thanks for the invitation to be present, and congratulated the Early Settlers’ Association upon the progress it had made. Mr W. Paterson, secretary to the Early Settlers’ Association, thanked members for the goodwill shown him. Mr T\ K. Sidey, M.P., moved a hearty vote of thanks to those who had contributed to the evening’s entertainment, and referred in complimentary terms.to the address they had listened to from Sir Robert Stout. The motion was carried by' acclamation, and refreshments having been handed round, the proceedings concluded with the hearty singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” Early settlers are invited to attend First Church anniversary services on Sunday next. Those attending are requested to write their names on a card, giving .the veer of their arrival and the name of the ship by which tncy arrived. These cards will be collected at the church door.