PORT CHALMERS OLD IDENTITIES..

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 48

PORT CHALMERS OLD IDENTITIES..

ANNUAL REUNION. The Port Chalmers Old Identities" Association was favoured on Saturday with tho most perfect weather for its second annual picnic, which was held at Portobollo. A number of people crossed from Port Chalmers in the morning, but the great bulk did not leave till about ono o'clock, when the Tarewai, the lona, end other craft had to make several trips before tho waiting crowds were all taken across. The visitors included a contingent of some 30 or 40 from Waikouaiti, among whom were Mr T. Allcock (secretary of the Waikouaiti Early Settlers' Association) and Mrs Alleook, who arrived in New Zealand by the Ajax as far back as 1849, and were thus the "earliest" of all the early settlers and old identities gathered on the ground. Mr W. Paterson (secretary of the Otago Early Settlers' Association) was present, representing that association, and there were a few other visitors from Dunedin. The genuine early pioneers were present ill large numbers, audi tho eagerness with which they renewed old acquaintances and the gudto with which they recalled bygone incidents and adventures gave ample proof that the association is fully justifying its existence and -successfully carrying out the purposes for which it was formed. The occasion proved also to be a delif'itful outing for the young people, whose enthusiastic enjoyment of it all was a real pleasure to witness. A big stock of toys and other «-ifts were distributed to the young folks according to the results of numerous races. Special competitions were organised for the Waikouaiti visitors,-to whom some substantial prizes were awarded. The Port Chalmers School Band was present in full force, and discoursed lively musio at intervals during tho afternoon. The tide was at the full and tempted many of the younger folks to bathing and paddling. There was, of course, some speech-making, brief and appropriate to the occasion. Mr D. A. De Maus (president of the association) thanked the visitors for their presence, especially those who had made the journey on two occasions. It showed, he said, how keen the Waikouaiti people were that even after having come down a fortnight ago only to find the picnic postponed they had not hesitated! to come again. He v thanked all those who had helped to make the gathering the obvious success it was. Mr J. Mill (ex-president of the association) expressed his pleasure in attending such a magnificent gathering of " old identities" and "new iniquities." The "new iniquity," he said, had got civilised by contact with tho old identities, andi certainly if they followed in the footsteps of the pioneers they would come out all right in the end. It had been a great pleasure to meet so many old friends who had vividly reminded him of the early days. He concluded by expressing the hope that the war would be terminated by the caging up and hanging of the Kaiser and all his satellites before they met again. Mr J. M. Dickson. M.P.. said that as an early settler himself he always attended these gatberings with a great deal of pleasure. It was fitting that the young people should be proud of the parents to whom they owed so much and take pleasure in doing them honour. He congratulated the Port Chalmers Association on the success of the gathering. Mr Allcock expressed his pleasure at being present, and extended a cordial invitation toeveryone to attend the Waikouaiti Early Settlers' reunion on March 13. Mr Paterson apologised for the absence of the president of the Otago Early Settlers' Association (Mr Donald Reid), and said that doubtless more would have been there from Dunedin had they not been disappointed by the postponement of the picnic a fortnight before. He spoke of the value of Early Settlers' Associations, and congratulated the Port Chalmers body on the success it had already achieved. Mr D. McGregor (Waikouaiti) and Mr J. M'Lachlan (secretary of the Port Chalmers Old Identities' Association) also spoke briefly, Mr M'Lachlan returning thanks to the visitors, to Mr Paterson, and others who had assisted the association. This part •of the proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. A number of interesting group photographs were taken, which should prove of growing interest and value with the passing of the years. Among those to whom the association is specially indebted in various ways for assistance in making the gathering tho pronounced success that it was, the president (Mr De Maus) andl Messrs J. Mill, J. M'D. Stevenson, and J. M. Dickson should be specially mentioned. The burden of the executive work was born by the secretary, Mr J. M'Lachlan, to the satisfaction of everyone. ■ • No comprehensive record was made of the pioneers present at the gathering, but by personal questioning tho following noteworthy names were ascertained: Mrs T. Allcodk (Ajax. 1849). Mrs W- Perry (Robert Henderson, 1858). Messrs D. M'Gregor (Robert Henderson. 1858), W. Paterson (Jura, 1858), G. Maxwell (lona, 1853), S. Thomson (Kate Kearney, 1859), M'Dougall (Pladda, 1860), Major M'Oartney (Storm Cloud, 1860), D. Grant (Pladda. ,1861}, 8. Gill (Star of Tasmania. 1861). T. Allcock (Vassilas. 1861), J. M'Gill (Stoi-m Cloud. 1861). J. Mill (Sarah Ann, 1862), W. G. Fail (Lightning, 1862), Thomas Thornton (General Jessop, 1862), A. Leek (Se.villa, 1862). A. Cormaok (Ben Lomond. 1863). J. M. Dickson (Alha.mbra, 1863), and John Murray (Pararie, 1864).

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