THE ANNIVERSARY OF OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 3549, 28 March 1922, Page 5

THE ANNIVERSARY OF OTAGO.

SURVIVORS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. The 23rd March v.as the seventy-fourth anniversary of the arrival in Otago of the pioneers of the settlement. We append a list, as accurate as we can make it, of the survivors of the earliest settlers, together with a list of the survivors of those who arrived in Otago in the pre-settlement days and remained in New Zealand : MAGNET, Arrived at Waikouaiti in March, 1840. Mrs E. W. DURDEN (neo Beal), Invercargill. Mrs WOLSEY (Mary Coleman), Port Chalmers. Mrs BURNS (Eliza Kennard), Invercargill. JOHN UTCKLIFFK. Arrived at Port Chalmers on March 23, 1848. Mrs J. R. JOHNSTON (Marion Cargill), Dunedin. Mrs THOMAS FERENS (Margaret Westland). Westport. THOMAS 11. BLATCH. Woodside. Mrs ELIZABETH TITCHENER (nee Finch), Caver-ham. Miss MOSLEY, Stirling. Mrs GRIFFITHS (Elizabeth Mosley), Cl ut ha PHILIP LAING. Arrived at Port Chalmers on April 15, 1348. Mrs WILLIAM BAXNERMAN (JanBurns). Kaikorai. Mrs HENRY LIVINGSTON (Fanny Burns), Christchurch. Miss AGNES BURNS. Dunedin. GEORGE MACK IE WILLIAMSON, Gisborne. _ Mrs WILLIAM ALLAN (Marion Seaton), Dunedin. Mrs CHARLES FINDLAY (Elizabeth Barr). Dunedin. DAVID BUCHANAN, Kelso. Mrs JAMES STEVENSON (Jeanm? Buchanan). Temuka. ROBERT DALZIEL. Roslyn. ADAM ROBERT DUFF. Waihola. Mrs J. L. SOUTER (Marion Duff). Sydney. Mm WILLIAM CHURCHILL (Annie Hairi. Dunedin. THOMAS M KAY. Wingatui. WILLIAM M KAY, Hanmer. WALTER WATSON. Invercargill. JOHN GILLIES. Perth, Western Australia. *. BLUNDELL. Arrived a( Port Chalmers on September 21. 1848. CHARLES R. CHAPMAN, Dunedin. J. A. D. ADAMS, Roslyn. Mrs CALLENDER (Graham Barbara Law), Mornington. Mrs ROBERT LAW (Jean Harrison). Mosgiel. Mrs ROBERT BLAIR (Ann Harrison), East Taieri. Mrs JAMES PAR.LANE (Mary Harrison/, Mosgiel. Mrs JOHN JOHNSTON (Agnes Shields). Puerua. Miss ELIZABETH SOMERVILLE, Rangiatea WILLIAM BLACK. North-East Valley. JAMES ANDERSON. Auckland. Mrs FRASF.R (Ann Black), Timaru. THOMAS THOMSON. Port Chalmers. MrsjJTENDERSON (Elizabeth Poppelwell), Wellington. JOHN WEIR. Na-ebv. Mrs H. L. SQUIRES (Eliza Mary Dewe). Auckland. JOHN JOHNSTONE. Wellington. BERN 101 A. Arrived at Port Chalmers on December 12, 1848. Mrs JOHN DALGLEISH (Sarah Williams), Blenheim. Mrs W. 1.. RIDDELL (Mary Ann Eraser), Mornington. JOHN BROWN. East Taieri. DAVID BROWN, Southland. In addition to the above, there still survive (as we learn from the Rev. M. A. Rugbv Pratt) two of the children of the late Rev. James Watkin, who landed with their parents at Waikouaiti on May 16, 1840. bv the Regia from Sydney:— JAMEb EXTWISTI.E WATKIN, Balmoral avenue, Sydney. He was born on May 15. 1831, and was thus nine years old the day before he stepped ashore at Waikouaiti. almost 82 years ago. JABEZ BUNTING WATKIN (Rev.), the president of the .Free Church of Tonga, Nukualofa. Friendly Islands. He was born on March 31. 1837. and had thus passed his third birthday when he came to Otago. If there are any errors in the particulars we have given above, we shall be obliged if they are pointed out to us so that accuracy in the publication of future lists may be ensured.

CITY CELEBRATIONS. In the early stages of Thursday afternoon the Early Settlers’ Halt was occupied by a goodly company of “old bodies’’- some “young bodies,’’ too —in order to celebrate an occasion that is of viral interest, to practically everyone of the community over 20 years of age. As the time wore on the number pre-ent in the hall increased, till at about 4 p.m. there was very little room left for any fresh comers. A word of commendation is due as to the general arrangements, despite the fact that some sort of accommodation for the press to take a few notes had been completely overlooked. It was very difficult to hear anything that was said by anyone from the rear of the hall. ’the decorations about the building were exceedingly pretty. Quite a number of young, •and perhaps not ail “ young,’’ ladies had given a deal of time and trouble to transforming the hall into a very bright place of reception, and amongst names mentioned in regard to the work of decora tion wore those of Misses Falconer. Lawson, and M’Kenzie. The good wives of the past had been looking after “creature comforts,’* aa they invariably do, and with a numerous staff of assistants (too numerous to set out in print), Mrs Hayward, at the head of affairs, and many other ladies had provided a great deal more than was necessary for requirements. It was not a question of the “too little" that may have occasionally been experienced in the “distant past,” hut rather a matter of “too much.” In any case there was more than sufficient to serve the needs of a big crowd. During

the afternoon Mrs Hayward, jun. (nee Miss Balk), sang a solo very acceptably, and the time was chiefly spent in social inter course and a good “crack” about “auid lang sync.’’ Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, the interchange ot reminiscences being nearly always the patnwav to the renewal of old friendships, mostly only a dim recollection owing to lapse of time, but oasiiy awakened at the sound of a once familiar voice or some recalled little incident, at the time of the happening quite an event, faded from memory, but not absolutely forgotten, and probably ineffaceable. About 3.30 Sir Robert Stout was introduced to the assemblage by the chairman and president of the Early Settlers’ Association, Mr G. Calder, and spoke briefly. Sir Robert emphasised the doctrine of being kind to each other very forcibly. In years to come many of those present would be passed away, and the opportunity for bestowing kindness would be then gone. He pointed out that the responsibility as to the future rested upon the children, and that the result depended largely upon individual intelligent effort, not upon Government, church, associations, or committed.;. Re ferring to the trouble in Ireland he expressed the opinion that it was greatly due to a want of unity amongst the Irish people Sir Robert dwelt at some length upon the subject of the effect a climate had upon people, pointing out that here we had a temperate climate which was distinctly advantageous to the people enjoying it. Sir Robert’s remarks, which were not very audible near the back of the hall, were frequently applauded. I tho nennimr I hovo Wtli VOW IdTITO

In the. evening- there was a very large audience, which completely filled the Early Settlers flail. ’lite president (Mr G. Calder) warmly welcomed all present, and said that they would be pleased at such a grand recognition of the r.ariy Settlers’ Association. lie went on to refer to the late Mr Donald Reid, who had done so much for the asso ciation. Mr Reid had left a substantial sum which nad enabled the association to build a new wing, to be called “The Donald Reid" wing. This wing, it was anticipated, would be opened in three or four months’ time, the association had receivtaj another donation, which would ensure them .£3OOO for housing a number of additional things in the new wing. He went on to refer to the "Thomson Collection,” and mentioned that the association was still £SOO short of the funds required. This he was sure the early settlers would supply, and cot leave the association in debt. The musical portion of the programme was then proceeded with. The vocalists were Miss B. Baird. Mr W. Strang, and Mr G. Dunn; Miss J. Baird contributing a couple . of violin solos. The musical items were much enjoyed, the performers being recalled. Miss Paterson actea as accompanist. Dr Fulton, who has been for a lengthy period closely associated with the early settlers, extended an invitation to those who had come by the very early vessels to take a seat upon the stage, and said they had already there the first woman born In Otago (Mrs Taylor) and the first lady born in Dunedin (Mrs Macassev). They were delighted to have them present cn the stage. The president here called upon the audience to rise’ and sing the National I Anthem, the request being warmly complied with. Sir Robert Stout prefaced his remarks by saying he would speak about the early settlers. They had much to be thankful for to the pioneers who had led settlement in Otago.—(Applause.) He went on to refer to Captain Cargill, Dr Burns, and Mr John M’Glashan, and said they had also had in Otago a great many men who hud not. been Scotchmen. There hud been Mr Kettle and others who had passed away. Then they had had great Englishmen in Major iVichardson, in Mr llyde Harris, and in Mr C. Young, arid yet another in ivir \V. IT. Out ten. The stories told about the last-named were innumerable. Sir Robert, went on t<f> recount how a printer was brought over from Melbourne, and how, when a cry was raised at the wharf to throw over the painter he (Mr Cutten) had said: “Throw over the printer. That’s what I want." They had a great number of able men who had founded the district. Speaking as to what the attitude of the early settlers had been, he mentioned how the passengers on beard the vessel he had come out in had set to work when the vessel was in distress, and said that 'lie greatest compliment ever paid him had come from the captain* who. after the furling of some sails, had asacd him how long he had been at sea. Most of the passengers were anxious for work, and there was no grumbling, lie (the had only been two days in Dunedin when ho had received his appointment. He proceeded to speak of the formation of the Caithness Association, mentioning in that connection the name of the late Sir Andrew Mowat. That association hail helped many persons. As to those wno had come out here, they had come to work; that was all they required. And what was the lesson for us? What was wanted for the salvation of the world was hard, strenuous work and economy. We needed that here. We had spent £20.000,000 in liquor and tobacco, and yet we said we had no money. What the men did at the war was recognised by everyone who had come in contact, with them. Nothing had pleased him more than to hear in England and Scotland of the behaviour of the New Zealand soldiers. — (Applause.) They were unexcelled. Mr A. L. Smith, the master of Balliol College, who had mixed with them, and had seen them, hail said he could not say a word against any other soldiers, but that, no soldiers had come from any part of the world who had excelled the New Zealanders. lie had found the'same thing stated in Scotland. It had been stated that no men were so well behaved, so honourable, and so quiet a.s the New Zealand soldiers. We therefore had in New Zealand the best history behind ns, and v\e had the founders of great, national ability and of the greatest honour We had had hardy settlers who had made New Zealand, and we had our young men who had fought, so well. Why then should we not gel rid of the troubles that were disturbing the peace of the world. It was said by authorities that the salvation of the world was in hard work and tin- application of the highest intelli-o-enre, and peace and goodwill amongst us. There were men who were sowing the seeds of discord, and doing the devil’s work. They were not doing God’s work. Whal, we needed now. and would ever need, was to keep in remembrance what had been accomplished, and to look forward with greater hope to what would he accomplished in the future. We did not desire to forget our race or what it lutd

done, but we had to remember that the main responsibility resting upon us in New Zealand was to m ike ourselves even greater than what had been attained by 1 lie British race in the past. If we did that surely we would make the dominion of New Zealand great, and reflect honour upon those who had gone before us. Let out- youth show that the name they had earned should be heard of again in the fight: not with enemies. But those that afflicted humanity must be conquered if humanity was to remain, and our race was to persist.—(Loud applause.) The Chairman mentioned that during the 11 months he had held office 80 early settlers had joined the association, and 120 of their descendants had also joined; making a total of 2OT. They had lost by death 51 members and by resignation nine, leaving a total increase of 140. Mr William Love, president of (he Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association, briefly returned thanks for the invitation to be present, and congratulated the Early Sleille.rs’ Association upon the progress it had made. Mr W. Paterson, secretary to Ihe Early Settlers’ Association, thanked members for the g; r ’v. il! shown him. Mr 1 K. Sidey. M.P., moved a hearty vote of fea.nls to those who bat! contributed to the evening’s entertainment, and referred in complimentary terms to the address they haul listened to from Sir Robert Stout. Phe motion was carried by acclamation, and refreshments having been handed round, the proceedings .'■oneluded with the hearty singing of " Atild Lang Svrte.”