SETTLERS GATHER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20477, 1 December 1934, Page 27 (Supplement)

SETTLERS GATHER.

Anniversary Celebrated at Cheviot. PRIME MINISTER ATTENDS. (Special to the ** Star.”) CHEVIOT, November 30. The elusive atmosphere of forty years ago, with all its fragrant memories, was recaptured for a day at Cheviot to-day. The occasion was the celebrating of the anniversary of the purchase of the Cheviot Estate by the Government from the trustees of the late Hon William Robinson for closer settlement, and young and old joined m making it notable. The afternoon was devoted to a picnic for the children, and the renewal of acquaintanceships among their elders. The gathering was held in the grounds of Cheviot House, an historic spot for the original settlers, which in many cases saw them launched on their life’s work. Over 1800 adults and children attended. The sun shone brilliantly from a cloudless sky, and the fact that coats were early discarded lent an added air of informality, ine extensive grounds and gardens were ideal for the purpose of the anniversary celebrations. A delightful spirit of informality pervaded the whole proceedings. The Right Hon G. W. r orbes, himself one of the original settlers, declared that the forty years he had spent in the district were the happiest that could be desired, and he would not ask for anything better were the choice put to him again. During the afternoon an old brougham, drawn by two horses, drove through the grounds, with Mrs M. Flaherty, wife of one of the original settlers, as a passenger. The brougham belonged to the Hon W. Robinson, and has been safely housed away in the coach-house for the past forty years, since the sale of the estate. A small penny-farthing bicycle also was unearthed for the occasion, and was ridden round the grounds by a youth in appropriate dress. The chairman of the committee, Mr Tom Stevenson, extended a welcome to the settlers, their families and the visitors. It was, he said, the first gathering of the kind that had been held in the district. He was glad to see so many young people growing up to carry on the work that had been begun. He mentioned the name of Mr Matthew Dalziel, the first white child born in Cheviot, as the oldest settler present at the celebrations. Mrs A. Thompson, of Cashmere, daughter of the man who laid out the grounds of the estate, was not able to be there.

A Happy Thought. Mr Forbes said that it was a happy thought that prompted the gathering, and a great deal of credit for it went to Mr Stevenson, and the secretary, Mr A. M. Hyde. Had the celebrations been left until the fiftieth anniversary there would have been greater gaps in the ranks of the pioneer settlers. “ I don’t see how we could have anything but a successful gathering in these grounds,” said Mr Forbes, in thanking Mr J. Connolly, M.P., the present owner, for his action in placing them entirely at the disposal of the committee. Neither was there a more fitting place for it to be held. It was a place where the founder of the estate lived for many years, and where evidence of his great work could be seen on every hand. Mr Forbes went on to deal with the early history of the settlement, and added that ii the Hon William Robinson to-day c:>uld see the results of his handiwork he would agree that he had laid the foundations well and wisely with the thought of generations to come. He had performed a noble work and the benefits of it were being derived even today . “Although we are now stepping back forty years,” said Mr Forbes, “we are just as young as ever in spirit, although we have some physical reminders that actually we are not as young as we would, perhaps, like to be. I don’t think any of us have let Cheviot down.” The success of the pioneer closer settlement scheme was an encouragement to launch schemes of a similar nature. Times, he said, had changed considerably and this was particularly noticeable in transport. In the old days transport was by boat to Port Robinson and surf boats. Since then had come the railway and other modern advances. Fortunate Settlers. “One thing can be said of New Zealand and of Cheviot alike,” said Mr Forbes, “ that their people have not the slightest reason to be envious of any other part. We were most fortunate to come to Cheviot, and the next generation can say with equal truth that they are fortunate to be born in Cheviot. Personally I know no better place, nor one where I would sooner be.” He thanked Mr Connolly for the loan of the estate grounds for the day. It was, he said, the historic spot of Cheviot. Mr Connolly said it was thirty years since he had first passed through the Cheviot district, and he was impressed then, as there was ample evidence to support later, that the land could not be in the hands of people more capable of dealing with it. When thirty years ago he saw memorials to the late Sir John M’Kenzie, Minister of Lands at the time the closer settlement scheme was embarked on, and Richard Seddon, he knew the type of people to whom the land had been entrusted. The success of the scheme had justified the faith placed in them. Some of the old identities of the district who lived at Cheviot before the estate was cut up were present at the celebrations. They were Mrs A. M’Queen, Messrs Mathew Dalziel, T. Lewis, and J. Jones. Of the 196 settleis who originally took up land those who still retain their original farms in the district are: Mrs Eleanor Sloss, Messrs B. Bartin, John Upritchard, A. E. Denton, P. Hughes, John Fleming, T. 11. Wilkinson, T. Stevenson, J. Fitzpatrick, J. Auld, A. Down, Jim Upritchard, Tom Lewis, W. Hills and the Right Hon G. W. Forbes. Photographs were taken of various groups of settlers, those who were there before the estate was cut up, the original settlers and friends and visitors. Races were run for children and two pipers provided music for the day. One and all declared it a glorious day