OLD TIMES RECALLED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 36

OLD TIMES RECALLED.

FORMER WAIKOUAITI RESIDENTS.

REUNION IN DUNEDIN.

In the course of the 88 years that have elapsed since the first settlement in the province was founded at Waikouaiti many hundreds of people have sojourned there for different periods, and then passed on to take up their residence elsewhere. Quite a number of these are now living in Duneidn and the surrounding districts, and it was a happy idea which prompted Mr C. Russell Smith to inaugurate a movement for a reunion of ex-residents of the district. With the aid of a few enthusiastic helpers Mr Smith got into touch with a large number of people, and the suggestion to hold a - social evening was received so favourably that the necessary arrangements were completed without delay. Those who took the movement up must have been delighted with the result, for well over 150 people took advantage of meeting old friends and comrades. In many friendships were renewed after a lapse of 30 or 40 years, and days going back to childhood were recalled with the utmost pleasure. One and all were out to make the proceedings as happy, and free from formality a£ possible, and in this they succeeded admirably, with the result that a most enjoyable time was spent. One of those pres-ent—-a lady—was a resident of Waikouaiti before 1860, and quite a number of those present lived there very many years ago. In the course of a few introductory remarks Mr Smith extended a hearty welcome to all present. He had been told that he was born in Waikouaiti, and he knew that he went through the school there. For some time he had held the opinion that something in the way of a reunion or jubilee in connection with the school should be held. The school was one of the oldest in Otago, and a tremendous number of pupils had passed through it. He had made an effort at Waikouaiti to arouse interest in a reunion, but he had to admit that he had not met with a great deal of encouragement. Then th© thought of holding a reunion of ex-Waikouaiti residents in Dunedin had occurred to him. and a movement in that direction was started. He had anticipated that it would be possible to hold a gathering of about 50, but the movement had carried itself on a wave of enthusiasm, and instead of haying about 50 present there were more like 150 in attendance. Mr Smith proceeded to. pay a comnliment to several ladies, especially Miss Tessie Christie, for the invaluable help they had given He thought they had been extremely fortunate in getting in touch with so many people, especially as many of them had left the district so long ago. It had been expected that the Mayor and town clerk of Waikouaiti would have been present, but owing to a meeting of the council being held that night they were unable to attend The speaker went on to read several apologies and messages expressing the hope that the function would be a complete success. Sympathetic reference was made to the deaths of Mrs J. Morrison and a son of Mr J D. Henderson, now residing at Wingatui. As a token of respect those present stood in silence for a few moments. Mr Smith concluded that it remained with the company to make the evening a pleasantone for all concerned. It was decided to send a message of remembrance to Mrs Christie, whose health prevented her from attending. The question of holding an annual reunion was considered during the evening, and a proposal that a picnic be held at Waikouaiti during the summer was heartily endorsed by all present. A committee consisting of Miss Jessfe Christie, Mrs Pledger, Messrs T. Pickup, Owen, Macfie, and H. L. Smith was set up to make arrangements for the outing. Community singing, solos, recitations, monologues, and conversations about days long gone by made the time pass pleasantly and all too quickly. An excellent supper was partaken of. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded those who had made the arrangements for the social, special reference being made to the efforts of Mr Smith.