HARDY SOULS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26770, 13 May 1948, Page 6

HARDY SOULS

STUDENT “PIONEERS” LANDING RE-ENACTED SWIM IN COLD WATER The pioneers of Otago were hardy souls but the university students of the present can lay equal claims to hardihood after their performances in Dunedin yesterday. Scantily clad, they braved wind and rain during their procession through the city streets, but they really revealed their calibre when they portrayed the arrival of the first immigrants.' Just for the amusement of the large crowd of spectators which crowded the ..Cross, Birch street and Rattray street wharves yesterday afternoon, two of the “ immigrants ” plunged into the ice-cold water and swam ashore. It is not recorded that even the first immigrants themselves did this, although back in 1848 some fell overboard and others “ went over the side ” to their rescue. Ships in port sounded welcoming blasts as the students’ John Wycliffe came up the steamer basin. With full sails set, she struggled against a bleak south wind, but by degrees came closer to the “promised land.” The “ immigrants ” began to “ rock the boat 1 ' with their excitement, much to the excitement also of the spectators who saw the man in the crow's nest almost lose his grip of the masthead time and time again. Why the little craft did not capsize is hard to explain, such was the rollicking mirth on board. Members of the Students’ Brass and Highland Pipe Bands were present to welcome the ship and to entertain the crowd. Among the “ selections ” played were dirges and “ McNamara’s Band.” The John Wycliffe was still some distance out, and rolling dangerously, wheh one of the “ immigrants," impatient at the slow rate of progress, olunged into the water fully dressed In peroid costume and swam strongly ashore. He was helped on to the soil of Otago by a welcoming hand. The surprise of the crowd changed to amusement, and there was even some applause. The little ship continued to rock alarmingly and the man at. the masthead, losing his grip, was flung into the water. He eventually reappeared and “struck out for land.” soon to be pulled ashore. The crowd appreciated this, too. . Eventually, the ship was berthed and the rest of the “immigrants” came ashore The bands Dlayed livelv music. Dr Burns and Captain Cargill came in the same ship this time, and both attempted to give addresses, but neither could make himself heard above the other and the jubilation of the rest of the passengers. The speakers did not persist, however, but, because there were no Maoris there to welcome them they joined in giving a haka themselves. Another re-enactment of a famous landing had concluded, and the onlookers. as they dispersed, were in merry mood. In spite of the weather, it had been worth seeing.