PORT CHALMERS OLD IDENTITIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 9

PORT CHALMERS OLD IDENTITIES.

Tho quarterly meeting of the Port Chalmers Old Identities' Association was held on Thursday evening in the Town Hall, there being a large attendance, Mr D. A. De Maus presiding. The Chairman introduced Mr J. W. Welch, secretary of the Early Settlers' Association, Winton, who stated that he had arrived here 44 years ago as a boy, and worked on Captain Julier's farm at Deborah Bay, where he beoame acquainted with many of the old identities of the lower harbour.

The Chairman read an interesting paper entitled "Reminiscences of Old Pioneers," covering th© history of 10 of the oldest pioneers, as given at a gathering in 1907 on the invitation of Mr Isaao Stevenson. Their combined ages totalled 771 years. Of the 10 only two are alive to-day—Wil-liam Gowan Fail and Captain Welsh, both present that evening. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr De Maus for his interesting and humorous paper. The following new members were elected: Mr and Mrs John Watson, Mr and Mrs Coll M'Donald, Mr James Smith, Mr Arthur M'Kinnon (Oamaru), Captain James Ramsay. Tho following rendered items during the evening:—Mr Robb and Mrs Blair (songs), Miss Morrison (Highland - fling), Miss Smith (seann truibhais), Mr D. M'Donald (sailor's hornpipe), Mr and Mrs Howden (duet), and Miss Nesta Stevenson (recitation).