“I REMEMBER”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 251, 22 October 1937, Page 2

“I REMEMBER”

EARLY SETTLERS MEET REMINISCENCES EXCHANGED A happy function was held yesterday afternoon in the Victoria Hall, when members of the Wanganui Early Settlers’ Association gathered for a reunion. These functions are held periodically and constitute happy occasions when many of the earlier residents of Wanganui and district spend the afternoon in social intercourse. The Mayoress, Mrs. W. J. Rogers, welcomed the guests. The function opened with the president of the association, Mr. J. Morrison, welcoming those present and stressing the value of the gatherings and what they meant to many of the old people. The Mayor, Mr. W. J. Rogers, spoke briefly and in reminiscent vein recounted some of his impressions of early days in the history of Wanganui. “The shadows are lengthening for many of us,” he said, “but it is not a time to think of sad things.” He concluded by quoting the words of a famous speaker—“ Not backward are our faces bent but forward to our Father’s Home.” The Rev. A. C. McLean said that there was a sense of debt to those of a past generation which all younger people must feel. He expressed recognition of the work of those who had gone before, saying that it was due to their efforts that New Zealand was such an easy place to live in. Mr. McLean concluded by commending those responsible for the organisation of the association on the good work that they had done and expressed the hope that it would continue in its good duties for years to come.

An address by Mr. F. Webb-Jones on “Men, Women and Things” was appreciated by the listeners. He recalled times when life in Wanganui was not as smooth as it is to-day and most of those present could remember in many instances occurrences which the speaker mentioned. During the afternoon Mrs. Woolcott sang, accompanied by Mrs. Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Webb-Jones joined in a duet, which was much appreciated. Their accompaniste was Mrs. Brownef. Mr. J. H. Keesing thanked those who had assisted with items and Mr. Webb-Jones for his address.

The pleasant atmosphere which was evident throughout testified to the popularity of the association. A pleasant afternoon tea was dispensed by a number of girl pupils of the Technical College, during which predominated the hum of old voices and that ever-present phrase “I remember.” Dainty flowers on the tables and the neatness of the general layout showed a good deal of forethought on the parts of those behind the scenes. Mr. L. B. Chapple, who founded the association some seven years ago, was present.

Among those present were: Mrs. and Miss Rockel, Mr. J. H. Keesing, Mr. R. D. Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce, Mrs. W. Gaze, Mrs. Cathro, Mrs. E. Love, Mrs. C. Handley, Mr. John Welsh, Mr. A. Mancer, Mr. and Mrs. W. Hatcher, Mrs. A. E. Horner, Mrs. J. Jack, Mr. H. Hewitt, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Pemberton, Mrs. C. M. Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Morgan, Mrs. Giblin, Mrs. M. A. Harris, Mrs. Shilton, Mrs. R. Mansell, Mrs. E. M. A. Watt, Captain D. Connor, Mrs. E. Palmer, Mrs. J. McLeod, Miss M. McLeod. Mrs. M. A. Pemberton, Mrs. E. A. Wotton, Mrs. A. D. Welsh, the Rev. McLean, Mr. and Mrs. J. Aitken. Mr. Mrs. R. A. Dickie, Mrs. A. J. Burchell, Mr. J. Coakley, and from the Technical College Misses J. Walker, P. Salt, O. Christensen, R. Honeyman, B. Jenkins and B. Christensen.