PORT CHALMERS OLD IDENTITIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22058, 14 September 1933, Page 6

PORT CHALMERS OLD IDENTITIES

ANNUAL MEETING AND SOCIAL The annual meeting of the Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association was held last night in the Town Hall. There was a large attendance, and the .president (Mr M. Johnson) was chairman. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS. The chairman said it afforded him very great pleasure to extend to all a very hearty welcome to the anniversary con cert and annual meeting of the Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association. The warm hand of fellowship was extended also to visiting friends and he hoped the compaiyonship that night would be one of mutual pleasure and genial reactions. That night completed his final term of office (three years) as president of the association, and he took that opportunity of thanking all the members sincerely, which was sometimes very hard to express in words, for their loyal support and wholehearted enthusiasm during his term of office. His years in the president’s chair had been among the most pleasant years of all his social life in the town; and he could only express his fervent desire that his successor would merit the same bounteous measure of loyal support and genuine happiness. Perhaps the most momentous occasion concerning the association’s life since "the inception took place during his term in the chair. This event covered a very distinct epoch in the town life and history. Ho referred to the memorial tablet commemorating the purchasing of the Otago laud block and the dedication marked the year of the first emigrant ships that arrived at Port Chalmers. The function was a splendid success, the representation being the largest in official recognition since the inception of the association in the early war years. The gentleman who richly deserved the thanks of the association for his gratuitous assistance that made the ceremony possible was one of the members —Mr J. T. Kncwstubb. Without his voluntary help at the time, it was quite possible the long overdue memorial tablet to the early pioneers would practically have had to be further delayed. A full measure of thanks was also due to Mr H. Cook for carrying out the design. The plate occupied an honoured niche in the Municipal Buildings; and the gentlemen mentioned, he felt sure, would find ample gratification every time they passed the town square when viewing the results of their gift and labour.

ANNUAL REPORT. • The annual report stated that the association was still in a healthy condition, and the year just passed had been, on the whole, a prosperous one. The committee had held meetings fairly regularly each month throughout the year and endeavoured to promote the growth of the association. The quarterly concerts had been a great attraction and a. success, and the association greatly indebted to all those who had so willingly contributed to these concerts. To Mr James Farquharson, who had been untiring in his efforts to make the social side pt these meetings a success, special thanks were due. Early in the year the committee decided to erect a memorial plate to mark the spot where the first passengers landed from the first ships, and as the deed of purchase of the province was signed in the locality it was decided to have a plate erected in conjunction with the other one to commemorate the deed of purchase. Mr J« L. Knewstubb, whose father was a very active pfhpp r of the association, generously came to the association’s aid and presented the two commemoration plates. The work or preparing these plates he placed in the hands of Mr E. H. Cook, who completed them in time for the anniversary on March 23, this being the original date decided on. but in deference to the parent body the unveiling of the plates was postponed till March 2a. To ,M l ® Johnston, the widow of the first resident Presbyterian minister, was entrusted tut honour of unveiling the memorial, and although the weather conditions were anj - thing but favourable, there was a large and representative gathering, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. Amoxit, those present were representatives from the Harwood, Driver, and Carey famiheßThe association had suffered loss by the deaths of Messrs Edward Nelson, John Incliee Thomson, Richard Percy, and Frederick Canning, and Mrs Captain Thomson, who was one of the first or the founders of the association. . fnese deaths had thus reduced the association s numbers, and to the relatives the> committee extended its very heartfelt sympathy. The committee wishes to acknowledge the following gifts:—Album of old photos from ’Mr F. Smith; large framed photo of late Richard Driver from. the Dnvei family; large framed drawing of late Captain John Paton, and large P h ° to ° f Captain and Mrs Paton; also master s certificate and pilot’s license issued to Captain Paton by Sir George Grey Presented by Mrs John Cook, daughter of late Cap tain Paton; ship’s lantern from Mr and Mrs James Solomon (Lower Harbour), framed photo of old Port Chalmers Brass Band from Mr George M Dowell; and memorial plates from Mr J. T. Snew stubb. The Ladies’ Committee had been untiring in its efforts to make all visitors welcome, and in attending to. the_catenng side of the socials. Early, in Februaiy Mr and’Mrs Jackson Purdie entertained the Ladies’ Committee at their home, and a most enjoyable outing was .spent by those who attended. The association extended its sincere sympathy to air w. Jones, who was still laid aside owing to sickness, and also to Mr W. Love, sen., who was on the sick list. To the members of the Port Chalmers Ministers Association, and the Borough Council, i 0 association extended its grateful thanks and appreciation for assistance and unfailing courtesy. It was pleasing to note that the association had a reasonable credit balance. , , The report and balance sheet were adopted, OFFICE-BEARERS. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year;-—President, Mr J. Jackson Purdie; vice-presidents—Messrs M. Johnson, C. Macdonald, H. Whyte, and J. Farquharson; secretary, Mr W. D. Sutherland; Men’s Committee—Messrs H. Whyte, E. H. Cook, P. C. Smith, W. Madigan, J. Thorn, C. Macdonald, G. Groves, and W. Forgie; Ladies’ Committee— Mesdames J. T. Knewstubb Whyte, R. Anderson. C. Macdonald, A. Macdonald, A. Bell, and Miss J- Thomson; trustees, Messrs H. Whyte and C. Macdonald; auditor. Mr J. Pickard; honorary pianists, Mr L. G-. Jack and Miss G. Gray; caretakers, Messrs Whyte and G: Groves. . , , .. Mr Purdie said he appreciated the honour conferred on him, and assured them that he would serve the association to the best of his ability. CONCERT AND SOCIAL.

A very enjoyable musical and social programme was submitted, items being contributed by Miss P. Clare, Miss I. Farquharsoji, Miss E. Burnnrd, Miss D. M'Kav. Miss Ruby Price, Mrs J. Morgan, Messrs L. J. Neilson, A. Walmsley, and A. Macdonald. The accompaniments were played by Mrs A. Walmsley, Mrs A. Macdonald, and Mr L. G, Jack. At the conclusion of the concert a social wag held.