THE EARLY SETTLERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7181, 16 January 1892, Page 4

THE EARLY SETTLERS.

« An Association Formed. The adjourned general meeting of the promoters of the Early Settlers' Association was held in the City Council Chambers, last night. There was an attendance of about forty, and the Mftyor (Mr W. Prudhoe) occupied the chair. Mr T. Gapes was elected Secretary pro tern. Letters were read from a number of gentlemen with whom the sub-Committee appointed at the previous meeting had communicated. The Hon W. Eolleston wrote expressing the greatest pleasure in becoming a member of the proposed Association, and furthering its objects in every way in his power. Mr E. J. S. Harman, in his letter, expressed his regret that he could not fall in with the views of the promoters, as he thought most of the really old settlers would bear him out in saying that a settler of twenty-five years' standing knew nothing of early settlers' difficulties, nor, as far as he was concerned, was anything needed to strengthen the bond which already existed between the old settlers. They all knew each other, and no so-called Association would produce so strong a tie between them as the remembrance of their joint participation in the early difficulties of settlement. For these reasons he was sorry he could not join the proposed Association. Sir John Hall wrote, accepting the invitation to address a meeting of early settlers on Jan. 28. The Sub-Committee's report was read. The Committee had decided that a, conversazione should be held on Jan. 28, and that Sir John Hall, the Hons C. C. Bowen and W. Eolleeton, and Mr E. J. S. Harman should be invited to deliver addresses on the occasion. Sub- Committees had been appointed as under : — Collection of Articles, Messrs M. Moseley, H. Crooks, J. E. Coker and J. Ollivier; Music and Programme, Meesrs G. E. Hart and H. T. Gourlay; Eefreshments and Hall, Messrs J. W. Anderson, D. Christie, J. E. Coker and T. Gapes. The Committee estimated that the cost of a social gathering, such as that proposed, would be about .£3O. The Committee's report was adopted. Mr G. E. Hart, for the Sub-Committee, submitted the draft constitution. Begarding the clause relative to the qualification for members, Mr Ollivier thought it would be as well to feel their way before they made a beginning. He was very anxious to see the Association started on a broad basis. He wished the Association to show the same spirit of determination and pluck that was displayed b? the early settlers of Canterbury, and he hoped that they would begin their movement well. He desired to see all persons resident in the Canterbury settlement up to the period of the abolition of the provinces in 1874 entitled to join the Association, to mark an era when the primitive and only proper form or Government ceased to exist, and their rights as settlers of the Canterbury Province were wrested from them. He expressed himself strongly against the movement which led to the abolition of the provinces. He moved an amendment to the effect that all residents in Canterbury up to the date of the abolition of the provinces should be qualified for members. Mr G. E. Hart seconded the amendment. Mr A. Cuff moved, "That thirty-five years' residence should qualify for membership." He thought it waa contrary to the spirit of the proposed Association to include residents who could not be called ' Early settlers." If they were admitted they must alter the name of the Association. Mr Cuff's amendment was not seconded, and Mr John Ollivier'a was put and carried. It was agreed that all members ahould record their names, date of arrival, and name of chip, in a book to be kept for the purpose. The ordinary meetings of the Association were fixed to be held every alternate Friday during the five winter months, and it was arranged that the annual meeting should be held on the second Friday in January in each year. The constitution, as amended, was then adopted. About fifty subscriptions were then handed in. The election of officers resulted as follows -.—President, his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch ; Vice-Presidents, a number of gentlemen of all the professions, subject to their approval being obtained; Secretary, Mr T. Gapes; Treasurer, Mr J. E. Coker ; Executive Committee, Messrs J. W. Anderson, H. T. Gourlay, W. Thomson, G. E. Hart, C. S. Howard, D. H. Christie and E. Curry. This concluded the business.