FOUNDING OF OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25801, 23 March 1945, Page 4

FOUNDING OF OTAGO

ANNIVERSARY DAY CELEBRATIONS ARRANGED Ninety-seven years ago to-day the ship John Wickliffe arrived at Port Chalmers from London with the first settlers for Otago, a party of 76 persons, headed by Captain Cargill, who were brought out to found the settlement sponsored by the Free Church of Scotland, in conjunction with the New Zealand Company. The anniversary of that day, which marked the beginning of a long period of trials and difficulties that were successfully overcome by the pioneers of the province, will be celebrated to-day by meetings of their descendants, who are members of the Otago Early Settlers' Association.

On November 27, 1847, the pioneers of the settlement left Great Britain in two bands, one on board the John Wickliffe from London, and the other on the Philip Laing, which left Greenock with 248 persons, headed by the Rev. Thomas Burns, reaching the harbour on April 15 1848. Only" one of the pioneers who arrived in 1848 is still alive. She is Mrs Ann Fraser, of Timaru (nee Black), who reached Dunedin by the ship Blundell. Arriving here as an infant in arms, Mrs Fraser is now in her ninety-eighth year. The earliest settler who will attend the anniversary celebrations to-day will be Mr George Dabinett, of Milton, aged 98, who was a passenger, by the ship Isabella Hercus, which arrived in 1856. The deep interest shown in the celebrations is indicated by the fact that a member of the association and his wife, who have come from Whangarei, in North Auckland, will be among those present to-day. The first anniversary celebration will take place in the Pioneers’ Hall at 2 p.m. to-day. Mr W. R. Brugh will be the chairman, and fitting reference will be made to Mr J. W. Patton, the president of the association, who died a fortnight ago. An address will be given by Archdeacon A. C. H. Button, and there will be a programme of songs and recitations. Prayer and a short address will be given by the Rev. W. Allen Stevely. This evening there will.be another anniversarv gathering in the Pioneers’ Hall. Mr Brugh will preside, and the main address will be given by the Rev. E. C. Walsh. Several items will oe given by the choir, and songs, violin solos, and recitations will also be presented. ’■ ... , To-morrow afternoon there will oz an anniversary reunion of old people, and the address on this occasion will be given bv Major Angus Ross, who' recentlv returned from service abroad with the New Zealand forces. Tomorrow night there will be an anniversary dance. • Snecial anniversary services will be held in First Church on Sunday morning and evening.