OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 30

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

j^f '" \JST INTERESTING GATHERING. i lii the months of May, September, October, and December, 1850, four ships bearing immigrants for New Zealand arrived at Port Chalmers. These were respectively tfee Lady tClarke, the Poictiers, the Phoebe Dunbar, and the Eden. About 100 colonists stopped at Dunedin; a larger number were distributed at other ports in the colony. The settlement at Dunedin was at that time only two years old, and, as may be imagined, Dunedin in 1850 was vastly different from what it is today. The site of the present city was then largely covered with bush, flax, scrub, and much of it wag . swamp. The few houseB erected were built of wattle and daub, manuka poles and fern scrub, and since every man had lo be his own architect, the appearance of some of these houses, together with the wild surroundings, would no doubt have put misgivings into the minds of the immigrants if they had not been men and women of a sturdy character and not likely to be cast down at the thoiight of difficulties to "be overcome. "I did not know one," remarked a sursi\ or in conversation on Thursday night, "who lo&t heart and returned to places possessing more of the advantages of civilisation." The immigrants set themselves heartily to work, and proved themselves worthy of being associated with the noble band of pioneers who had arrived two years earlier. Not many of the passengers by those four ships are now surviving-, hardy and good living as they were, the larger majority have perforce emigrated to another country. A list of those still living has been carefully compiled and the number is very small, only the names of some 21 persons being recorded. Their descendants, however, are very numerous, and their name 3 include those of many who have earned distinction in the colony. To celebrate the arrival of these ships, the Early Settlers' Association held a reunion in the Victoria. Hall last evening. The attendance was large enough to fill the hall, some of those present coming from districts considerably distant to be present. More than ordinary interest was lent to the reunion by the fact that his Excellency, Lord Ranfurly, had intimated his intention of being present, '< and in honour of the event the committee ' had the hall decorated with flags, chief amongst them being a large Union Jack, which hung on the wall behind the platform. At 8 o'clock the chairman of the association (]\lr D. Roid) went on the platform, and he was accompanied thither by Messrs. G. Fenwick, G. Calder, and R. Campbell (vice-presi-dents) . The Chairman, having read apologies from Messrs Colin Allan, T. E. Steel, Dr Fulton, and Captain Styles, mentioned the reason why the reunion was held, and went on to refer to the circumstances under which _ the immigrants had landed, and of the feelings these early colonists musl have had when they took leave of the old country, and also when they arrived at a place practically unknown and found so many difficulties to contend with. But they were men and women of sturdy and dependent character, and he needed only 10 mention the names of such men as Geo. B epburn, Win. Lauglands, and Mr Rennie to indicate what manner of men they were. He might say in connection with these jubilees that they held them when 50 years had elapsed since' the arrival of the ships. _ Some early settlers were asking why no reunion was being held in honour of the arrival of their ships, but the time had probably not come. An orchestra under f Mr Lomas then played a selection of patriotic airs. This was followp4 by an midsees iioja, the $9Y t 4* £•

Todd, who gave some reminiscences of his journey to his first charge at Milton, mentioning that it took him two days to get there, and that if variety had anything to do with it the journey was charming, as they had to adopt no less than five modes of conveyance. Mr M'lndoe followed with a few words concerning certain episodes which happened in the early days. The Chairman then announced an interval for refreshments and for general conversation. It was an interesting sight to see the " old identities" present moving about and renewing acquaintanceships which had in some cases been interrupted tor many years. The

"' descendants " iound congenial topics of conversation, and there was a busy hum, which continued until the arrival of the Governor was announced.

On taking his seat on the platform his Excellency was heartily applauded, and a few words of welcome were spoken by the chairman, who said Lord Ranlurly always studied how to promote the welfare of the colony and its people. — (Applause.) He was a worthy representative of the Queen and of that great Empire over which she ruled, and to which they were proud of belonging. Mr Reid then explained the objects oi the association to his Excellency, and finally called tipon him to address the audience.

His Excellency, who, on rising to speak, ' received a very hearty reception, said he remembered very vrell the evening' two years ago when he last addressed the pioneers of Olago. As regards the present occasion, he would say that he had made an engagement for the night previous to receiving their invitation, but he felt that his stay in Dunedin would be incomplete if he did not come and meet the old pioneers and their descendants. — (Hear, hear.) For the Empire had been formed by pior.eers. — (Ap- ' plause.) In Canada, New Zealand, and other parts of the world lie had met them, and had seen that the result of their labours was in each case prosperous colonies. — (Applause.) Some persons might think that the day of the pioneers was over; that the3 r did not want in these days the same muscle, and the same indomitable perseverance as , was possessed and displayed by the pioneers | in days gone by. lie absolutely disagreed with them. The same opportunities offered now, and would offer for many a long day. Were there not opportunities in British Africa? That would most assuredly be peopled by pioneers from the old country, or from some of the colonies. As they knew, a lot of disaffection existed in South Africa, and it seemed to him that the best way to put it down and prevent future ! diihcullies would 'be to populate it more ' closely with Imperial subject?, who -would ! be ready, as their forefathers were, to hold tlie plough with one hand and the sword in > the other. As regards the pioneer settlers j of Otago, he felt that a proud day lay be- •, fore them when, they would receive back j by the Harlech Castle the first draft of the ! troops New Zealand had sent to South ! Africa. They would be proud of them, be- [ eau=e they were from this colony, which had so nobly shown its love to the motherland, and had made clear to all the world that' ils people delighted to serve under the i British ilag. The action of the colonies I proved that the Empire was founded on the rock of Justice. So long as that foundation was maintained would ti'iey continue to prosper. One thing he should like to say, especially to the descendants. It might not be very pleasant for them to hear it, but he had noticed that many of the youth of the colony were too much inclined to live in tranquility and to take advantage of the benefits of fortunes earned by their parents. This was not right. It was their duty 'to use the talents bestowed upon them, and to endeavour to use them to the very best advantage. He knew that when the services of the youths were asked for South j Africa there was no difficulty in getting j them ; it was rather the reverse. But lie i was speaking ot life in the colony. He j wished to impress upon the youth of the i colony that it was their duty to progress themselves and to make the colony progress. New Zealand possessed wonderful natural i advantages, but it was only as yet partly i developed. After having visited all pares of it he could only come to the one conclu- ' sion — that a brilliant future le.y before it, I and it rested with the people to bring the I country to a perfect state as quickly as pos- ' &ible. — (Applause.) His Excellency con- ' eluded by expressing his pleasure at being present, and wishing the early settlers and the descendants all prosperity. | Mr L. ' Langlands then gave a few reminiscences concerning Jnrst Church, and a j quartet party, consisting of Messrs Wright, Blenkinsopp, Jones, and Ibbotson, gave an item. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to his Excellency, who then left, and the reunion was closed with a short dance. j AN INTERESTING LIST. In connection with the reunion li&ld by the Otago Early Settlers' Association to celebrate the jubilee of the arrival of the ships Lady Clarke, Poictiers, Phoebe Dunbar, and Eden, the following is a Jist of the surviving passengers and their descendants. This has been compiled with groat care, but the secretary will be srlad to be j notified of any errors or omissions, so as to have correct entries in the annals of the association : — LADY CLARKE. From Sydney, May, 1850. Survivor. — James Crane, Waihoia. Descendants. — James, Pigeon Bay; Joseph, Otakia; Mrs Pluety (Amelia), Woodend, near Kaiapoi; Thomas; William; Frederick; and Harriet, Waihola. POICTIERS. Left London 7th February, arrived, via northern ports, 4th September, 1850. Survivors. — Mrs Arch. Barr (Sarah Hepburn), Dunedin ; Mrs R. A. Lawson (Jessie Hepburn), Dunedin; Andrew Hepburn, Enfield, Oaniaru; G. R. B. Berney, Owaka ; L. A. Bernays, Brisbane; Albert Pillans, Southsea, England. Descendants. — Of Mrs Sarah Barr (nee Hepburn), Dunedin: Peter, Dunedin; Mrs Sarah S. Houlder, Napier; Mrs Jessie L. Etmson, Dunedin ; Mrs Dora J. Jacobs, Victoria ; Mrs M Alice Coull, Soslyn; Mrs Winifred A Blown, Oaniaru. Of Mrs Jessie Lawson (nee .Hepburn), Dunedin: J. Newbuvgh; Rachael Ida; and Lilian, Dunedin. -Of the late Mrs W. Downie Stewart (nee Rachel Hepburn), Dunedin: Rachelina Hepburn and William Downie, Dunedin; George Hepburn; and Mary Downie, Westwood, Crookston. Of Andrew Hepburn, Oaniaru: Mxs Katherine Porteous, Oniahix, Thames; George, Oamaru; John, Janet, Ruth, and Elizabeth, Enneld. Of G. R. B. Berney, Owaka: Charles, Rataiiui; George, Owaka; Richard Boehni, Rataiiui; Roderick; Mrs ! Charlotte, Ashmore; Mrs Catherine Par- j ker; Laura and Annie, Owaka. Of the late John Hyde Harris, Dunedin: John Edward Hyde, North Island; Mrs Annie Maria Cargill M'Master and Ella, Dunedin; William Cargill, New South Wales; Mrs Catharine Maud Mowbray, Auckland; Edmga4 £uthou& Southland; Henyt Teaayjlsu £1-

gernon Gascoyne, and Arthur Yates, South Australia. PHCEBE DUNBAR. Left London 4th July; arrived 24th October, 1850. Survivors. — Mr and Mrs Win. Dawson, Tapaniii; George Gibb Fyfe, Wyndharn; Mrs John Poiteous (Ann Rennie), Carey's Bay, Port Chalmers; Wm. Shand, Keith Hall, Taieri; Mrs Ralph Swale (Jane Bonar Shand), Limehills, Southland; Mis Watts (Isabella Shand), the Manse, Green Island; Thomas Evered Steel, Clinton. Descendants. — Of William Dawson, Tapanui: Forbes Michie, Waikoikoi ; Mr 3 Wilhelnuna M'Kellar, Outrarn ; William, Fortrose ; Mrs Isa Muir, Quarry Hills; Mrs Mary Templeton, Waimahaka; Mrs Sarah Robertson, Timaru; George, Tapaiiui. Of Mrs Ann Rennie Porteous, Carey's Bay: Alexander Rennie, Greymouth; Jane and Annie, Care3''s Bay; John and William, Dunedin. Of the latt Mis Margaret Rennie Porteous, Winton : One son and two daiighters, Winton. Of William Shand, j Taiori: James and Jane, Taieri. Of Mrs Jane Bonar Swale (Shand), Limehills : Ralph S, Ben- ] more; Barbara, William, and James, Lime- \ lulls. Of Mrs I&abella Watt, Green Island j manse : David, National Bank, Nelson ; James, Empire upholder, fourth contingent, South Africa ; Barbara, Girls' College, Timaru ; John, British Columbia ; Christiana, William, Violet, Alice, Donald, Arthur, Michael Herbert, Mpry, and Malcolm, Green Island. Of the late Mrs Margaiet Shar.d Brown, Green Island: Alfred, Feliebst Bay. Of the late James Shand, Abbotsfoid: Alice, Elsie, Milne, Edwin, Prissy, and George, Dunedin. Of the late John Shand, Centre Bush : James D, Mary C, William M, Balph, and John C, Centre Bush. Of the late Geoige Steel, Clinton : Thos. Evered, Mrs Agnes Elizabsth M'Kinnon, Mrs Annie Charlton, Hanry Everad, and Edith Ann, Clinton ; Walter Geringe, Inchclutha; Mrs Laura Barnett, Yv'aitahuna Gully; Mrs Susan M'Kinnon, Milton. Of ihe late Mis John Styles (nee Rachel Ben'tley), Wendon Valley ; Mrs Sarah Elizabeth Heenan and Mrs Mary Ann M'Alister, Pyramids ; Mrs Lucy Clearwater, RiverEdale ; Henry, Wendon Valley ; Mrs Ahce Hurley, Wendonside ; Captain Charles, Salvation Army, Leeston; Arthur and George Bentley, Wendon Valley. j EDEN. Left London 3rd June, arrived, via northern ports, 27th December, 1850. Survivors. — Alexander Brown, Milton ; George Brown, Blenheim ; Mrs Mark Scott (nee IsaI bella Brown), Milton; Mrs John Somerville | (nee Margaret Blown), Wai'tepska; Mrs James ! Scott (nee Alison Langlands), Dunedin; "Walter Day, — Castle, England. Descendants. — 9f George Brown, Blenheim: | Mary and Isabella, Blenheim; George, Dun- : edin; Jessie, Napier. Of Mrs Isabella Brown | Scott, Milton: Isabella, George, James, and Mark, Milton. Of Mrs Maigaret Bfown SonierviTle, Waitepeka : Mrs Isabella Morton, Owaka ; 1 Mrs Janet Jack, Warepa ; Mrs Agnes Jane j Stewart, John Aitken, George Brown, and Mari gar&t, Waitepeka. Of the late Mrs James Muri doch (nee Helen Brown), Milton: William, ! Puerua. Of Mrs Alison Langlands Scott, ; Caversham: Mrs Alison Ormsby, Dunedin; i Mary, England; William Langlands, Waimate; I James Crombie, Invercargill ; Mrs Annabella M'Donald, Dunedin ; Waiter, Cromwell ; John Charles, Timaru ; Henry, Dunedin ; -Mrs Emily ! Muir, Balclutha. Of the late John Mollison, j Dunedin: James, civil engineer, Sydney.