EARLY SETTLERS’ PICNIC

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 36

EARLY SETTLERS’ PICNIC

A revival of the series of reunions : organised by Bruce-Clutha early settlers eventuated at Milton on the 16th in the form of an early settlers picnic, when the weather was fine, but overcast throughout the whole day. Some six years have elapsed since a similar function was held at Milton, although attempts had been made in 1917 and 1919 to revive interest in these outings, which in the days gone by were held in alternate years at Milton and Balelutha. The venue for Wednesday’s function was the Tokomairiro Farmers’ Club’s show grounds, which proved admirably suited for the occasion, the permanent buildings relieving the committee of a great deal of work in arranging suitable accommodation by means of marquees, etc. There was a large attendance of both old identities and children, but unfortunately no official record was kept of the names of early settlers present, of whom there was a good number from various parts of Otago and Southland. Included amongst those present were two of the Philip Laipg’s original passengers (184 S), and one pioneer who arrived by the Ajax (1849). A sports programme was run off during the afternoon, and bagpipe music was played at intervals by Messrs Gould (2), Balelutha, and Highland dances by two young girls assisted in whiling away a pleasant afternoon, spent chiefly in social intercourse, and a “crack o'er the good old days’’ by those who had taken their share in helping to build up the prosperity of S (Hago. The committee worked energetically to ! make the gathering a success, and was ably seconded by a committee of ladies, who catered for” the wants of the inner man, and an abundance of refreshments was supplied by friends and well-wishers. At a late hour in the afternoon appropriate addresses were delivered by the Mayor of Milton (Mr A. Rennie), Mr A. S. Malcolm, M.P.. Dr Fulton, Mr S. Wright (president of Clntha Earlv_ Settlers’ Association), and Mr Avson (a “forty-niner ’ who is from the Wyndham locality). A flying visit was paid to the grounds by the Minister of Public Works (Hon. G. J. Coates) and Mr Edie, M.P., who had been accompanying the Minister on Ins hurried tour through the Bruce electorate.