THE EARLY SETTLERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21599, 21 March 1932, Page 10

THE EARLY SETTLERS

REUNION AT WAIKOUAITI A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING The reunion of early settlers of th« Waikouaiti district, which was held on the Waikouaiti Racing Club’s grounds on Saturday, was attended not only by local residents, but also by many visitors from other districts who claimed relationship with the pioneers of the Waikouaiti settlement. The reunion took the form of a picnic, and the weather conditions were such that it was possible to hold the whole of the afternoon function out of doors.

The speeches were delayed in order that those who wished to do so might have an opportunity of attending the funeral of Mr Arthur Heckler, who was the son of one of the earliest settlers of the district, and it was not until the afternoon was well advanced that the Mayor of Waikouaiti (Mr Andrew Fell) officially welcomed the visitors to the gathering. Mr Fell, who is also president of the Waikouaiti Early Settlers’ Association, said that this was the first reunion to be held for two years, and he was sure that all would be glad to have the opportunity of renewing old acquaintanceships. The young people, he said, owed a great debt to the early settlers who- had done such noble work in laying the foundations of the country. Times had been hard 50 or 60 years ago, and if the present economic situation had the effect of bringing out in the present generation the same spirit of independence and self-reliance, which had spurred on the pioneers, it seemed to him that it would prove a blessing in disguise. Mr Fell extended a special welcome to the oldest resident of the district, Mr William M'Dougall, and congratulated him upon attaining his ninety-sixth year. He then read a number of apologies and messages of congratulation from early settlers and others who were prevented from being present, and called upon Mr J. J, Mallard (president of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association) to address the gathering. Mr Mallard referred to the loss which had been suffered by the district in the death of Mr Heckler, and, on behalf of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association, he extended a message of sympathy to the relatives. Mr Mallard went on to say that he had recently had the pleasure of meeting the sole survivor of the contingent of immigrants who had come out on the John Wickliffe in March, 1848. He congratulated the descendants of those who had come out on the Magnet on having chosen such a delightful spot as Waikouaiti to live in. Reference was made to the early life of the settlers of the district, and Mr Mallard also spoke of the heroism of those who had gone to the Great War from the district to help to guard their country. He congratulated Mr M’Dougall on his long and useful career in Waikouaiti, and expressed the hope that he would live to reach the century. The 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Magnet at Waikouaiti would fall in March, 1940, and he hoped that many who were present at the reunion would be able to take part in that centenary. In conclusion, he read a newspaper report of. the sixtieth anniversary celebrations which were held on February 11, 1900. Mr F. W. Knight, a past president of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association, said that the prosperous! appearance of the district had made him forget that there wag a financial depression in the country at the present time. He was pleased to see so many present at the reunion, as such gatherings performed a useful service in helping people to forget the troubles of the times in the joy of renewing friendships. He went on to speak of gold mining in Otago in the early days, and expressed the hope that there would be a revival of this industry, as, he considered, it was the only pathway to a renewed prosperity in the country. Mr W. H. Ferens apologised for the inability of the secretary of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association (Mr Janies Paterson) to attend the reunion. He spoke at some length of the early history of Waikouaiti, and made special reference to the early religious services which had been conducted there by his father, Mr Thomas Ferens.

Mr M. Johnston, president of the Port Chalmers Old’ Identities' Association, spoke of the sterling qualities of the pioneers of the country. They had entered into their task of settling the new land with a spirit of determination to succeed, and they had done' much that had since been forgotten. Those who claimed that the Wellington floating dock was the first of its sort south of the line were quite wrong, he said, for 65 years ago, the early settlers of Port Chalmers had constructed a floating dock of their own.

Mr W-. Williamson, an old resident of the district, spoke of some of his early experiences in New Zealand. He said that too much credit was given to the original settlers of the country, for it was really the sons and daughters of the pioneers who had made the country what it was to-day. During the afternoon races were held for the children, and in the evening there was a social gathering in the Waikouaiti Oddfellows’ Hall. There was an excellent attendance at the latter function, and an enjoyable programme of dancing and musical items was provided for the entertainment of the visitors.