SETTLEMENT OF OTAGO

Otago Witness, Issue 4048, 13 October 1931, Page 11

SETTLEMENT OF OTAGO

CEXTEXARY CELEBRATION’S.

A meeting of those interested in arranging for the celebration of the centenary of the landing in Otago Harbour of the pioneer settlers was held in the Council Chambers on Friday evening. There was an attendance of about 30. and the chair was occupied by the Mavor (Mr R. S Black).

The Mayor said he was pleased to see .so many present. The centenary of the arrival of the whalers was an event for a function or functions to celebrate the occasion. The men who came in 1831 had a somewhat rough time, and it was right that their coming should be recognised. A pageant or something of the sort'might be arranged for. He wanted to make' it clear that there should be no feelings of jealousy as to who should run the 'celebration. He cared not who took charge of it as long as it was a success. Mr Black raised the question of the exact place of the landing of the whalers.

Mr. D. j. Robertson said that a map was in existence showing the spot that was considered to be the exact landing place: it was known as the Rock. The map was in the possession of Mrs James Dick. Mr Harwood, son of the late Mr O. Harwood, could give some information on the matter.

Mr J. Beattie (Mayor of St. Kilda) hoped that something would be done to recognise the event, and moved—“Th.it the meeting heartily supports the proposal to hold a centenary celebration to commemorate the landing of the whalers in 1831.”

Mr J. London (Harbour Board). Mr F. VV. Knight (Early Settlers), and Mr T. C. Ross (Chamber of Commerce) supported the idea. The motion was carried. A number of suggestions were made as to the form the celebrations should take, such as—(l) a procession, showing, as far as possible, the sequence of events, with Maori representatives, to be followed by sports on the Caledonian Ground and a public meeting in the Town Hall in the evening: (2) a gytnkana; (3) a stone erected on the landing spot, appropriate records to be deposited beneath it. Discussion reverted to the landing spot of the whalers. Harrington Point was stated to be the site—where the wharf stood at one time.

It was suggested that, as part of a celebration. two Maori huts should be erected in the Octagon. There was a whaling boat under the old shed at Puketeraki. Two or three gentlemen spoke against any celebration, saying that the settlement of Otago really started in 1848. Those present were formed into a committee, with power to add to their number, and it was decided to hold another meeting next week.