OLD SETTLERS’ RE-UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 148, 25 June 1931, Page 6

OLD SETTLERS’ RE-UNION

TODAY'S SPECIAL FUNCTIONS, w MEMORIES OF THE PAST. Uue day, lung ago, Wanganui was a swamp. It developed to the settlement stage and grim stockades rose on tae Rutland and York Hills. Bush tracks led to rough homesteads in days when a point seven miles away fro in the centre was a long, lung way. The people oi those times were brave of ueui’t, philosophical, and at tile same time determined. Ihey persevered, laid foundations and nave left cherished memories to a new generation. As the years roll by the links that bind Wanganui with those far-away' years, become weaker and weaker. Even in times of depression people arc Jorgetful of the sturdy' spirit of ttiu pioneers which won through greater Hardship than those prevalent to-day. I’here is a story, colourful iu its dimensions, encircling the lives uf men and women who knew the Wanganui of uld. >Soi>, at least, in the present generation would like to see it -old in detail and to hep gather a ( ounce led record of the past. As a stepping stone to that accomplishment they vision the formation of a Wanganui Old {Settlers’ Association. Under the banner of Welcome Week - and the Winter Show, which opens today, old identities are to collect and be the guests of the city. This afternoon will be devoted by the Alayoress (Mrs N. G. Armstron) and the wives of City Councillors to entertaining those people who played parts in (he early settlement of the town. Ihe guests are to assemble in the lounges of Foster’s and Spriggens’ Hotels, and in the National Alutual Buildings mxt the Bank of New Zealand. From these points they will be motored to the showgrounds whcie afternoon tea will bo provided at a reception. Ine Alayoress is to present “Good Citi zens” badges. In the evening, as guests of the ladies of the card circle of the Wanganui Croquet Club, old settlers are to be entertained at Dustins’ tea rooms. This is the first occasion for many years that an attempt has been made to bring the early residents of Wanganui together, and it is possible that it will be the fore-runner of a very much desired Old Settlers’ Association.