OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 27

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS ' ASSOCIATION.

A committee meeting l.ekl 111 the re> gistcic-d office of tho ae-ociation on Monday was attended by Mr John Duthie (in the chair), Messrs Culling, Martin, Pioudfoot (treasurer), and Langlunds (seeivtarj).

Votos of (hanks were passed (o Mr James S. Molhson, C.E., engineer in charge of Government public workb, Orange, New South Wales (son of tho late. Mr ,lohn Molhson, Dur.edin), for the pre»entat.oii, through Mr Peter Duncan, of two volumes of the Otago Witness, ranging Horn No\embpr, 1552, to June, 1860. Thi>' gift is enhanced by the fact that Mr MoU'son lefused several offers by collectors and others, but sent the volumes o\or on hearing the association was about to erect an early settlers hall. To Mr William Henderson, Dunedin, for copy of Evening Star newspaper of July 9, 1663, containing an account of the last epibode in the most lamentable tragedy which has occurred in the history of Otago — the public funeral of tho 12 persons drowned in the disastrous collision between the steamers Favourite and Pride of the Yarra in the upper harbour ; this paper completing the record, as newspapers containing an account ol the collision and inquest had previously been acquired. To Mr John Mai shall Brown, Oamaru, for a most artistic programme printed on satin, of the first regatta held in Otago, on March 23, 1663 ; and for programme of a meeting held 111 tl c Fchoolhouse, Dunedin, on December 20, l£6o, being the tricentenary of the first meeting of tho General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; Re\. Thomas Burns, senior minister of (kago, m tho chair. To Mr J. L. Gillies, Ximaru. ior copy of minutes of meetings of Tokomainro Road Board on October 6 and 15, 1860 ; members being Messrs Edward Martin, Alexander Duthie, William Black, William Grey, John Dcwe, John Hardy (clerk), ami - T - k- Gillie (father of donor), cbainra'i. To Mr Lee, Kaitangata. Co:il Company, 'or large frame- portrait of the late Jpme=; Macau chew.

The Secrotaiy reported that a largo gathering of parly pettier^ and descendants was held at Balclutha on Friday, January 25, and was a pronounced success. The local committee had held district meetings beforehand, and roused up a lot of enthusiasm iv those pnrts, and although there were nob as many old people on the ground as at the gathering two years ago the surrounding districts wei-p Letter represented, and a considerable nu n!:"r from outside were enrolled as now niPmbei'P. The oommitfeo's arrangements were perfect — each committeeman having his dr.H<_s clearly defined, and carrying them out in a most thorough manner. Tho onus of supplying refreshments to all and sundry was undertaken by Mendames John Low, Sinclair Wright, Hugh. Murray, D. Munro, and Misses Murray and Taylor, who cheerfully carried out their most arduous duties, but the strain was lightened when serving aiternoon tea, as they locked the luncheon shed, where the first tea was served, and took the green for it- — a practice that ought never to be depared from. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Northland (aide-de-camp), and Sir J. G. Ward visited the ground in the afternoon, remaining for nearly an hour. Although his Excellency's sympathy is ptrongly with the veterans, he enjoys chatting with the old identities, and told Mr Langlands he carried away pleasant reminiscences of the reunion he attended in the Victoria Hall in November, 1900.

Another large gathering, on February 4-, assembled at the racecourse, Wmgatui (tha use of which was kindly granted for the occasion by tho Dtinedin Jockey Club), iueluding a large contingent from Dunedin ana intermediate places, for whose accommodation the railway authorities are to be thankeci for providing a special train, and although a few light showers fell during the afternoon, there was not enough rain to mar the enjoyment. The arrangements for the sports were thoroughly well carried out, and afforded great enjoyment to those participating. Messrs Hay ward and Garrett, of Lower Stuart street, had provided a novelty in the shape of an "oldsmobile" motor car, driven by Mr V. G. Ferguson, for frea use; but there was such a rush for seats, it was considered advisable after a time to make a small charge, and at the close of the proceedings Messrs Hayward and Grarrett generously handed over the takings to the secretary of the association as a. donation to the Building Fund, for which a vote of thanks was passed to them at this meeting.

The Secretary stated that all preparations for the comfort and enjoyment of visitors to the Waikouaiti celebration, which takes place on Thursday, the 11th, were well in hand, and mo.-t considerate arrangements had been made by the railway authorities. Reserved carr'ag:s would be attached to the northern express, leaving Dunedin at 11 a.m. Excursion rates had been granted, tickets being available from February 10 to 19; and tho express woifd stop, going and coming, at Upper Port Chalmers. It is earnestly hoped there will be a sufficient number of passengers t< ensure excursion, rates next year.

The celebration of t'lo jubilee of the arrival of the Srarely ith'rd voyage), CluTha, and Theti 3 will take place on Anniversary Day, March 23.

Feeling reference was trade to the sad death of Mr F. A. Joseph, who had been a member of the association since its inception, and a member of committee dur.ng its second year. Tt was re-solved to send a letter of condolence to the widow. Thirtythree Jiow nieipht-r*- urrr- enrolled. The following deaths were rt corded : — George Bruce (70), Oamaru, Electn, I 80 0: Robert Blair (64-), Annfield, Taier', Grorpe Canning, 1857; John Tamblyn (77). Coal CWk Flat, 1862; Mrs Charles Rud (Charlotte Tyne) (75), Dunedin, Mary. 1849