EARLY SETTLERS

Southland Times, Issue 25367, 20 August 1935, Page 3

EARLY SETTLERS

WALLACE ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The annual general meeting of the Wallace Early Settlers’ Association was held at Riverton on Saturday afternoon. There was a good attendance of members, and Mr W. Ford (Isla Bank) presided. The annual report stated: —“The annual reunion of the Wallace Early Settlers’ Association was held in the Empire Theatre, Riverton, on Wednesday, September 5, when there was a particularly large gathering of members from all parts of the district. The Mayor (Dr N. G. Trotter) in his remarks commented on the good work the society was doing and wished it every success. Mr D. McFarlane delivered a short address on the aims of the society. Mrs Edwards (nee Clara Beer) and Mr J. L. McG. Watson entertained those present with reminiscences of the early days. In the evening a successful ball terminated another happy milestone in the history of the society. Since last year the incorporation of the society has been completed and a set of rules stating the aims and objects of the association has been drawn up and adopted. The society is indebted to Mr E. B. Patrick lor doing this work free of charge. The society regrets the loss of the secretary, the late Mr J. Hamilton, who was associated with the work almost from its inception and who carried out his duties in a faithful manner.” The balance-sheet showed cash in the bank totalling £l2l 3/3. The chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. The two statements placed before them, he said, dealt fully with the society's transactions during the past year, and it would be seen that their annual reunion had been a financial success. They had cash on hand totalling £l2l 3/3 and it was very gratifying to see the association making steady headway. The expenses had been kept within bounds, and one item, incorporation expenses of £4 3/-, would not be a recurring one. He referred to the proposed erection of an early settlers’ hall, and said he had interviewed the Hon. A. Hamilton for a donation from one of the art unions for the purpose, but the Minister could give no guarantee that any financial support would be forthcoming for some time to come. The committee might have some other idea about the raising of the necessary money, for it was admitted that a hall was essential for the safe keeping of their property, included in which were a large number of curios and documents associated with the early history of the province. He concluded by thanking all who had assisted during the year, and expressed his pleasure at seeing Mr A. E. Willett present. He hoped he would soon be restored to good health again. Mr E. Daniels, sen., seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

Mr E. J. Stevens said he would like to see some move made in the way of erecting a hall. Their collection of curios and documents should be securely housed. He thought an attempt should be made to approach the Carnegie Corporation, an organization that gave monetary assistance for hall building purposes. He moved accordingly. Mr G. R. Berndtson seconded the motion, which was carried. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows—President, Mr W. Ford (Isle Bank); vice-presidents, Messrs E. J. Stevens (Hekeia) and C. Haywood (Thornbury); treasurer, Mr D. C. Robertson; secretary, Mr H._ Spear; auditor, Mr E. B. Patrick; committee, Mesdames S. Watson (Kintail), S. Haslemore and A. F. Webb, Messrs G. R. Berndtson, Daniel (2) (Otaitai Bush), E. Howell, R. J. Walker, J. McKay, F. McKay (Gummies Bush), T. McNeil (South Riverton), E. B. Patrick and H. Pankhurst (Hekeia); social committee, Mesdames Watson, Haslemore and Webb, Miss McNaughton, Messrs Walker, Robertson, J. McKay and Daniel (2). The secretary reported that he had made inquiries from the theatre manager and had been informed that the building would not be available on Wednesdays. It was resolved to hold the annual reunion on Thursday, September 12. The chairman stated that the question of arranging a musical programme had previously been left to Mr E. Daniel, jun., who had always put on a good variety of items. He moved that he again be placed in control. The motion was carried. * The question of obtaining badges and tickets was left in the hands of the secretary, who was also instructed to write to the Mayor (Dr N. G. Trotter), Mr J. L. McG. Watson (Invercargill), the Hon. A. Hamilton, Mr J. Borland (the Rocks) and Mr G. E. Robertson (Invercargill) asking them to give short addresses.