SHIP ANDREW JACKSON

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 48

SHIP ANDREW JACKSON

JUBILEE GATHERING. The jubilee of the arrival of the ship Andrew Jackson was celebrated in the Early Settlers’ Hall on the 13th. The' attendance was Rood, and the proceedings were most enthusiastic. Mr John Watson piesided. The Chairman, after stating the purpose of the gathering, welcomed those present. He lamented the fact that so many of the fathers and mothers had passed away during the 50 years, but there was a remnant that survived. H© mentioned the names of those of the older generation who were present in the gathering. The descendants were very numerous, and the sample present were, he said, a good healthy type, and he was sure made good colonists and citizens. After mentioning that ho had an apology for absence from Mr J. J. Ramsay, he went on to say - that 162 colonists arrived by the ship (an American clipper of 1676 tons) after a smart passage of 90 days. The health of all was good, but the voyage was marred by inhuman treatment of the crew by the captain and the chief officer. He mentioned a number of instances that, he said, stood out in his memory, although he was then only eight years of age. On arriving! at Tort Chalmers they felt that they had'come to a beautiful country. Some 30 sailing vessels and steamers were anchored in the bay. He afterwards read Mr Ramsay’s letter, a document full of interesting reminiscences. Mr Ramsay enclosed a few verses on the celebration, and these were received by the gathering with much applause. ANDREW JACKSON JUBILEE. By J. J. Ramsay. Just fifty years have passed -away Since eighteen sixty-four. When we from fair Dunedin’s Bay First viewed New Zealand’s shore. At Glasgow pier our gallant band Bade friends at Home adieu, And first sot foot in - this fair land One wintry morning blue. Chorus. Yes. Andrew Jackson’s timbers fine. Bore us across the sea, - And now with thoughts for auld lang syntj We hold our jubilee. A full-rigged wooden clipper she. Of hundred tons sixteen, ! Rolling across the stormy sea In wondrous style I ween. A Yankee skipper up above, A crew of sailors bold, Who sang that Kitty was their love, As o’er the waves we rolled. To every corner of the land Our gallant fathers spread; Alas, how few now with us stand Who that fine vanguard led. But we, each eon and daughter, too. Can set a. standard high, And every year cur pledge renew On thirteenth of July. Then here’s to Andrew Jackson’s band, Who crossed the stormy wave, ' And travelled to this golden land. With gallant hearts and brave. They brought us to thoee Southern Isles, A land from bondage free, And so to-night, all wreathed in smiles. We hold oar jubilee. Mr John Mill said ho had arrived at Port Chalmers two years before the Andrew Jackson. He was then in the pilot service, and was the second man to climb aboard the sliip. Those colonists who had come by the Andrew Jackson had played their part well in making the country blossom like a rose. A very enjoyable programme was submitted during the evening, the contributors to which, all descendants of passengers by the ship, were as follow: —Mr Bauchop (song), Mi-s Gregory (song). Miss Doreen Todd (recitation), Miss M'Ncili (song), Mr Watson (song), Miss Stevens (eong, Miss Craigie (pianoforte solo), Mr P. S. Dow (song), Miss Stevens (Highland fling). Mr John Wood, on behalf of the Otago Early Settlers ’ Association, congratulated the surviving passengers on being able to gather together and renew the friendships of 50 years ago. The survivors present were as follow: Messrs Andrew M'Kinnon, John Watson, James Don, David Hannah, Robert Hannah, William Hannah, W. Allen, James Bruce, Thomas Ramsay, David Farquhar, George Stewart. Mcedamcs G. Thomson, M‘Neil (nee Hannah), S. Graham, A. Grainger (nee Allen). T. Downes (nee Livingstone), Janet Muir.