OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3611, 29 May 1923, Page 5

OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

The monthly committee meeting was held in the board room on the Bth inst, Mrs George Calder (president) ‘being in the chair. A number of gifts were received and votes of thanks passed to the donors. The following deaths were recorded: Richard Sandilands, Moan a crescent (Zealandia, 1862); Mrs Joseph Bell, Dunedin, 8.) (arrived 1861); Mr 3 Wm. Glass, Dunedin, late Rat-anui, 79 (Grasmere, 1862); James Samson, Wellington, late Dunedin, 85 (Alhambra, 1863); Silas Here, Wellington, 71 (Gabriel’s Gully, sixties); Alex. M'Millan, George street, 73 (Alpine, 1859); R. T. M'Donnell, Dunedin (late sixties); Mrs P. Robertson, Puerua, 64 (early sixties); Daniel Wm. Woods, Dunedin, 86 (arrived Otago, 1861); James Don, Mornington, 80 (Andrew Jackson, 1864); S. Jacobs. Dunedin, 75 (arrived Otago 1865); Donald Williamson, Fifield street., 70 (Melbourne, 1861); Miss M. R. Little, Hokitika (arrived Otago sixties); William Quayle, Allanton, late Roxburgh, 89 (Gabriel’s Gnllv, 1861); William Sim, Warrington, 89 (Silistria, 1830); Peter MTntosh, Dunedin, late Lumsden, 86 (Mariner, 1859). The following early settlers were enrolled: Mi 3 M. Agnew, Mornington (Omeo, 1861); Wm. Findlay, Gisborne (Helenslee, 1863); Mrs Tho 3. Brown, nee Young, Waitati (E. P. Bouverie, 1868); Mrs Alex. Meyer, Cumberland street (Otago, 1867); D. L. Adamson, Daily Times Office (Helenslee, 1863). Seven descendants were also enrolled. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report oi the Otago Early Settlers’ Association for the year ended April 30, 1923, states, inter alia.: —The record of the year’s work, notwithstanding the many expenses incurred in connection with the completion of the Donald Reid Wing, installing the Thomson Collection therein, and the renovation of the old building, is satisfactory and encouraging. During the year the association last 67 members by death and otherwise, and during the same period 293 new members were enrolled, 97 being early settlers and 196 descendants, which showed a gain of 226 members for the year. The financial statement show's that the receipts for members’ subscriptions exceed that of last year by a considerable amount and forms a new record for the association. The report also referred to the passing away of a number of the pioneer men and women of Otago. Space would not permit placing on record their individual merits, but they would be remembered for the many kindnesses rendered during long and useful lives. The annual meeting of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association was held in the board room of the association on the 14th inst. Mr W 11. Fcrens (vice-president) occupied the chair. The annual report (published above) was taken as read and adopted without discussion. The hon. treasurer (Mr Geo. C. Proudfoot) stated that the assets of the association now stood at £8351 Is 5d and there were no liabilities. They had made a profit of about £l6O for the year. The following office-bearers were appointed : —President, Mr W. FI. Ferens; vice-presidents—Messrs G. Calder, J. Duthie, J. Hope, W. Nicolson, G. L. Denniston, and Dr Fulton; committee —Messrs Edgar C. Hazlett, J. Loudon, W. A. Thomson, A. M'Kinnon, James Brown, F. W. Knight, A. Eocle-s, J. A. Roberts, Crosby Morris, W, Blac-kie, and Mesdatnes C. H. Hayward, and Barnes; hon. auditors, Messrs FI F. M. Mercer and R. A. Duthie. Tt was decided, on the motion of Mr Mortis, to leave the appointment of treasurer in the hands of the committee. Mr Hazlett moved: “That the thanks of the executive of the association be tendered to Mr George C. Proudfoot for the faithful, patient, and courteous manner in which, over the past. 25 years, he has carried out the duties of hon. treasurer; that he be appointed a life member, and that the executive sincerely hopes that ho may be long spared to continue his connection with the association.” Mr W. Nicolson seconded the motion. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mr Proudfoot returned thanks. Mr Hope referred to the excellent work of Mr Paterson. Mr Paterson was going away for a short holiday. They trusted he would have a. pleasant time, and that, he would come back full of vigour. He would move a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Paterson for the good work he had done. Tlie motion was carried by acclamation.