EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3298, 30 May 1917, Page 52

EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETIN '■ The annual meeting of tho Otago Early Settlers' Association was held on the loth. axi uonuiu Keiu (.president) occupied tho chair, and there were about 15 other members present. The annua] report, unanimously adopted, was to the following effect: — iic leconl or i iu year's work may bo considered satisfactory aud encouraging. During the year 49 members were lost by death and '6b by resignation and otherwise, a total loss of 85. During the same period 137 new members were enrolled, making an mcrease of 52 members. The financial statement thows that the returns from members' subscriptions have- boon well maintained and that the association's finances show a profit for the year. Since the last annual meeting the electric light has been installed and is acknowledged by aIL to be a very great improvement on the old system. Tlie Museum and J'ortrait Gallery continue to be of great interest to members and the general public, and of very special interest to visitors from outside of the dominion. The Portrait Gallery of Early Settlers is a most striking illustration of tho stamp of men and women who came to Otago in tho early days to bravo the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life. Tho donors of enlarged portraits and other pictures deserve the very best thanks. Owing to war conditions tho committee again decided not to hold tho usual reunion gathering at November Show time. The anniversary reunion was, however, held on Anniversary Day. Tho open-air gatherings arc always of an interesting and enjoyable nature, and are much appreciated by tho old folks. Tho Balclutha-Milton reunion, which should have neon held at Milton, did not take plaeo. Owing to tho war it was thought better to forgo it foe this year. Waikouaiti_ celebrated their anniversary by a picnic in the afternoon and a social in the evening. Tho Port Chalmers Old Identities' Association is doing good work, and celebrated its anniversary by a picnic held at Portobollo. The President commented on tho favour with which many people looked upon their portrait gallery and museum. It was more appreciated, he said, by people who were not close at hand than by those living in its vicinity, and year by year it would become even more valuable. It was very encouraging to know that people who had no reason but to < xpress honest convictions said they were greatly pleased with the collection in the museum. Tire election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, Mr Donald Reid (re-elected); vice-presidents— Messrs J. Duthie, W. Crawley, _W. H. Kerens, D. Rcid, jun., G. L. Deimiston, Dr Fulton (re-elected); hon. treasurer, Mr G. C. Proudfoot fro-elected); Committee of Management—Messrs W. Nicolson, J. Hope. W. D. Stewart, E. C. Hazlett, A. B. Mercer, G. Calder. J. J. Clark, G. C. M. M'Dormid, A. M'Kinnon, J. Loudon, Mrs C .W. Hayward. Mrs W. Barnes; hon. auditors, Messrs 11. F. M. Mercer and R. A Duthie (re-elected). Mr Palereon (secretary) urged members to collect portraits of early settlers for the gallery. Votes of thanks were accorded tho president, the ladies who had assisted during the year in tho functions of the association, and tho press. A meeting of the committee of the Otago Early Settlers' Assooiation was held on thi 14th instant. Mr .7. Duthie (vicepresident) occupied tho chair. The following gifts for the museum were received, and votes of thanks passed:— From Mrs A. Miller. Mornington, photograph Mrs Samuel M'Kay (nee Aitken), Sevilla, 1859; from Jas. Wallace, Duncdin, photo group passenger ship Nelson, 1863: from Miss M. M'Kay, Victoria street, framed portrait late Jas. Loimie, also framed portrait Dr Burns and panel portraits Jas. MTverrow, wife and family; from W. Patcrson, two framed photos Synod, 1897, last meeting before merging into Presbyterian Church of New Zealand; from G. A. Harlow, Roslyn. six Athonauim membership tickets, 70's. List of members and rules Dunedin Field Naturalists' Club, 1871; season ticket Pclichet Bay Baths, 1871-72; receipt Dunedin Water Works Co., 1873; receipt Dunedin Corporation, 1873; from James Hunter Winfcon, old Roman coin about A.D. 300. Tho following deaths were recorded:— \lex Dodds, Goodwood (Robt. Henderson, 1858); Wm. Dow, Roslyn, 82 (Sevilla, 1862) • Mrs Fannv Hertslot (nee Orbell), Dunedin. 87 (Mariner, 1849); Jas. Lyell Scott Cromwell. 80 (arrived. 1863); Geo. Dempster, Otaki (Pladda, I 860); Wm. Martin Innes, Port Chalmers, 86. earl v 60's; Mrs Mary Alex. Finnio, Saddle Hill, 88; John Laooy. Dunedin, _B4 (Albion, 1863); Archibald Bruce, Waimate. 90, arrived 1858; Geo. Rymer, Napier, 73 (Mary Thomson, ' 13601; " Robt. Cunningham Bruce, North Island. 74, about 1860; Margery M'Kenzie Payne. Anderson Bay, 90, from Australia. 1862; Mrs James Barr (nee Dickson). Dunedin (Sir Edmund Paget, 1856). Seven now members were enrolled.