OLD IDENTITIES’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 4057, 15 December 1931, Page 59

OLD IDENTITIES’ ASSOCIATION.

PORT CHALMERS MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance, and the musical programme was a very entertaining one. The president of the association (Mr M. Johnson) said it was very gratifying to see such a large number present, and he extended a very cordial welcome to the visitors. - When referring to the objects and activities of the association, Mr Johnson said that the committee wished to see more descendants of the pioneers joining the association. Membership was open to those whose parents arrived in New Zealand up to the year 1875. It was desirable that the younger generation should keep' in touch with the spirit of the early days and the ideals of the pioneers, whose memory would continue to be honoured as the years passed and conditions changed. Descendants could keep in touch with the inspiring old days by linking up with the association. Mr Johnson said they were fortunate that evening in having such a fine programme. The singers and players had come specially from Dunedin to help the association, and their services were highly appreciated. The programme was greatly enjoyed. Miss H. Roy sang “ Come to the Fair” and “The Lilac Tree”; Mr Roland Watson, violinist, played “ Salut d’Amour” and the “Hindu Song”; Miss Noni Davidson sang “ Far Across the Desert Sands ” and “ Early Violets ”; Mr S. Heaney played “ Invercargill March” and “Scotch Selection”; Mr L. Neilson sang “ Take Off Your Coat ” and “Sylvia”; Miss P. Claire sang “ Love is a Dream ” and “ Hail, Caledonia”; Mr A. Snell sang “Standard on the Braes of Mar” and “The Gay Highway”; Mr L. Jack played the accompaniments.

Mr J. Farquharson, past president, said the programme that evening had been a treat. The songs of all nations had been well received, the Scottish songs being the most prominent. Miss Roy and her talented party would be long remembered by the Old Identities’ Association. Mr Farquharson added that the association had decided to make a small presentation to Miss Roy and her party as an appreciation of their excellent entertainment. The Mayor (Mr J. Watson) also added a word of approval, and said it was a pleasure to propose a vote of thanks for such a splendid performance.