OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2413, 31 May 1900, Page 10

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Early Settlers' Association, was held on the 23rd and attended by some 30 ' gentlemen. Amongst those present were the Rev. A. B. Todd, Rev. Dr Bannerman, his Worship the Mayoi 1 (Mr C'hisholm), Messrs J. Allan (Bellfield), W. R. Perkins (luvercargill), J. Dalrymple (Puerua), R. Christie (Romahapa), J. Shaw (Finnegand), James Smith (Greenfield), John Duncan (Merton), R. Murray (Olarksville), W. M'Phee (Owaka), and A. C. Begg. The president (Mr John Reid) was in the chair.

The following report of the committee was read : —

Your committee have much pleasure in again meeting 3'ou, and also in being able to bring a more favourable report than that presented to you last year. The roll of membership, which was then 190, now numbers 300, and is slowly increasing. Although of late there have been several withdrawals, the new members joining exceed in numbers those leaving. Still it is a matter of regret to the committee that there should be any withdrawal, except on leaving the settlement, and they cannot regaid the reason given, "not being able to attend the gatherings regularly," as sufficient.

Your committee heve met monthly, and have to^ report that three social gatherings were held during the year. The most interesting of these was one held in the Victoria Hall on the 23rd Augiist, at which limelight views showing the pi ogress of Dunedin were exhibited and explained, and several choice musical items given. An able address by Mrs Monson, of Port Chalmers, relating reminiscences befoie the arrival of the settlers, was very interesting and much appreciated. A reunion to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the ships Larkins, Cornwall, Kelso, Peldn, and Mooltan was held in the Agricultural Hall on November 2i (People's Day of summer show). An account by Mr John Duncan of his experience as a passenger to Otago by the Mooltan in 1849, and one by Mr Walter Blackie, entitled "' Home and Back Fifty Years After," showed in a most marked manner the contrast between the difficulties of pea travel in early as compared with modern times.

Another reunion to cclebiate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of ihe ships Berkshire Lady Nugent, and Mariner (second voyage) was held hi the Victoria Hall on March £3 (Anniversary Day). This meeting was of a more informal nature than its predecessors, and was much enjoyed .by the limited number present. For the amusement of tha young people a short dance was given after the general meeting was formally closed. The innovation was considered a success, enabling younger men bers to become acquainted with each other, and the committee recommend thai it be contirued at the close of all future gatherings.

The committee wish to explain that the cost of lefveshments and other charges in connection with those reunions involves a large outlay 1 , which, with other necessary working, expenses, the membership ticket has not been ably to meet. "With a view to relieve the committee of the responsibility of making up the deficiency, as has hitherto been the case, a general meeting of all the office-bearers of the association was called prior to the November gathering to consider the position. After mature deliberation (the opinion of the officers unable to attend having been obtained) it was unanimously resolved to continue to supply refreshments, and make a charge of Is for admission.

The committee aa yet are unable to decide whether that charge or counter attractions are to be held responsible for the very limited attendance since its inception. Such, however, hag been the case, and the last two reunions resulted in a loss to the association — notably the November one, on which the loss was very heavy.

As the main object of these gatherings is to give shipmates and friends, possibly long - parted, an opportunity of renewing old acqipintance, the committee considered themselves justified in taking the Agricultural Hail 1015 tiie November pajs sling. Tlie^ did this

bet.ause — first, there was a great number of passengers and. their descendants by the vessels which that reunion was called to celebrate ; and, secondly, tliey believed that as the result of the show a large attendance might be expected. They were much disappointed with the attendance, however, which was no larger than usual. It is only fair to add that probably visitors were too tired after a day at the show tt> attend.

The committee are pleased to be able to bring before you an improved financial statement to that of last year. There "was then a deficit of £20 Is 4d. This year the balance i sheet shows receipts, £80 19s 3d; expenditure, | £96 ss, leaving a deficiency of £5 5s 9cl. agrjnst | which there are outstanding swb scrip tions esI timated to realise £10. The financial year terminated on April 30, and, according to the ; rules, the president, vice-presidents, treasurer, and membeis of committee for 1900-1901 have to be appointed at the annual meeting. The committee have noted with regret the number of early settlers ■who Have passed away since our last meeting, ,more particularly the loss of A. R. Livingstone and James Elder Brown, who took great interest in the associa-tion and its affairs. The committee hope for the cordial co-operation of members by taking more interest and increasing . the^ membership. ' In conclusion they would remind those qualified to- join that the band of pioneers who found Otagoa wilderness and cleared the path for civilisation of to-day are rapidly passing away. The right to enter such an association is in itself an honour, and one which is enhanced by the fact that its objects aie in the highest degree patriotic and philanthropic The committee are convinced that those objects are well known and approved by all those interested in the early settlement of the province, and they have done their utmost -to' carry them out. In this they trust they will have the cordial co-operation of members as well as those eligible to become members. The report was adopted. .The following office-bearers were elected: — President, Mr D. Reid. sen.; vice-presidents — Messrs Roberl Campbell, Joha Allan, C. Allan, George Fenwick, Thomas Culling, and George Calder; committee — Messrs John Reid, D. Reid, iun., R. N. Adams, L. "Lanslands, W. H. Ferens, W. J. Somerville, T. K. Sidey. iHqnry Duckworth, Sinclair Wright, A. B. 'Mercar, and Drs Will and Fulton; •easuror,. Mr G. C. Proudfoct; auditors, -Messrs Monson and Monkman. A vote of thanks to the chairman was then passed, and the meeting closed.