HAMILTON’S JUBILEE

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15997, 27 May 1924, Page 7

HAMILTON’S JUBILEE

Memories of the past seemed to be in the atmosphere of the Theatre Rayah Happy fares predominated, but hero and there could he seen a tinge of sadness—the spirit of remembrance came uppermost, and through the tears which nearly fell midst smiles. It was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the settlement of Hamilton,. Despite the inclement weather some .150 old identities and their descendants gathered. On account of failing health and distance to travel several of 'the older ones were, unable to be amongst the number. The proceedings were of a most enthusiastic character, and apparently appealed to the old people—the younger ones, too —by their simplicity. Cheerful as the speeches were they struck a highly Imperialistic note. Hope in the future was the main .theme, and thankfulness for the past endeavours and work by those who have gone and those whose allotted span is past was expressed. Many were the stories told, some of a most humorous nature. It was good to heat* the hearty laughter and applause when same old identity was in reminiscent mood. It was a great gathering, the like of which has seldom if ever been experienced in’ New Zealand before. Prior to the celebration of Hamilton’s 50th anniversary oilier places have held similar functions. There was this great difference, however. Hamilton’s celebrations were of a simple, <i«mt nature. There were no beating of drums, no flourish qf trumpets, but there was sincerity emblematical ul Hie quiet, steady development. . and progressiveness of the great Waikato and Hamilton in particular. One felt proud to be amongst such surroundings. It was typical and characteristic of all that has gone to make the British Empire what it is to-day. Vivid Memories.

'The Mayor (Mr J. 11. Fow), in a well-chosen speech, said he . was proud and honoured to be chairman over such a gathering. They had been in communication with all parts of the country, and he was glad to see so many “ old-timers ” present. .(Applause.) The occasion, was to compnemorate the landing of the 4th Waikato Company. It was exceedingly visualise that scene today. Then was no rush of motor traffic, no sound of siren, no hum of business —but for the clamour of their coming was only the moody silence of the desert. Now where the remains of the gunboat Itangiriri marks the landing there is established a Memorial Park. On either side are bridges —one the graceful, single-arch span, the other the massive piers to carry railway traffic—in those first days undreamed of. Now stately churches on the heights, extensive business pre-

mises and capacious public halls mark the change from those early days. It was remarked that it was a coincidence that the old folk and descendants of the “ good old stock ” were gathered in a modern theatre practically overlooking the landing-place. And yet it was there that those assembled had gathered to do homage to the intrepid Fourths. The Empire Builders. They were the Empire builders. And it seemed so fitting that the scene'of their landing should be turned into a lasting memorial for the brave boys • —“ worthy sons of worthy sires ” who at a later day gave their- lives in defence of the Empire founded by such as the Fourths. It was right, therefore, that- the two momentous events should go down to posterity inseparably linked together in grateful memory. (Loud and prolonged applause). No celebration would be complete without reference to the men ■ and women who took part in colonising the waste places. They were the true founders of the province, and part of a mighty host who have planted the grand old llag in every part of the globe. (Applause.) Their main characteristics Were sturdy independence and self-reliance, for when the war was over the commercial outlook was as barren as the physical features of the country. Then those pioneers whom they honoured to-day laid aside.their weapons and manfully established homes for themselves and their little ones. In the Good Old Days. Those were the days when “ damper ” cooked in camp ovens was the staple food, while bread was practically unknown; the clays of moleskin as against tweeds; blucher boots and water-tights, banc! made—the days of necessities only. Luxuries were beyond reach. Yet those old pioneers won through, had their little day and passed, leaving a heritage of prosperity and development for those prose id; to enjoy. Their very hardships fostered a comradeship amongst them that knit thorp together so that in the dark days succeeding the war mutual, help assured the survival of that gallant hand. Letters had been received from many Whose' infirmities precluded them from attending the .jubilee celebrations and greetings had been forwarded from them. The old pioneers had their ideals. They belonged to an Imperial race and loved their country as well as their aim in life —to make a Britain of the South, a land where Bobbie Burns’ dream should come to pass —“ that man to man should brothers be.” So far have those ideals become engrained in our national life that members of the Special Service Squadron who. were recently in Hamilton expressed their pleasure at the oneness am! freedom of our citizenship which they described as the browning glory of our land. In spite of the endeavours of misguided men to erect u barrier of class distinction we are still immune, and should cherish tills sentiment amb build up a universal aristocracy wherein each and all should strive- for common .good. With iimilod opportunities the pionm errs hud a I rue foundation firm and * deep. (Applause.) Sixty Years Gone 3y. Sixty years have gene by and few remain of iha.l gallant company. Even lheir sene and daughters who wore prv.sr.nl to-day had their faces turned 1 m.vards the selling of Urn sun. “ Bui Hi,iiod of Providence, who over-rules <;vory event for our tiliimale. good reliiaiiHa'l sure,” saii|! His Worship. ” and in any ce lei mail furs of (hi--, kind we gratefully re.-n Him' and rejoice in ;!:,•> nperuFous of !! - hands." \\ hen |he first sel 11 ers inmled on .the sands >•; 1 i:sang together !he old hym-A. ’• Oh! God Our Help in Ages

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY IMPERIALISTIC TONE OF SPEECHES GOVERNOR-GENERAL PRESENT

Past.” It was always applicable, and particularly appropriate now. With the assurance given in that old hymn indelibly impressed on our minds wc can rejoice in the past—its triumphs and glories—and predict and portray a future for our favoured land. A new era is commenced with a feeling of reverence and gratitude, for our pioneers and confidence in the future destiny of our Dominion.

Mr J. A. Young, M.P., Pays Tribute,

“ The people in every progressive country owe a debt of gratitude to their pioneers and this is the case as far as Hamilton is concerned to-day,” said Mr J. A. Young, M.P, He went on to 1 race the history of the foundation of the First, Second, Third and Fourth Regiments of the Waikat-os, and expressed the opinion that the Fourths were the most important, especially to Hamilton. The men of the Fourths were married men, and a few weeks after their arrival their women folk began to come amongst them to live. In those days men made good by a wilt to work, and by doing it well. They had difficulties to contend with in virgin country surrounded by hostile bands of natives. Nevertheless, they got busy and tilled the soil and managed lo get ready the homes. In addition they had to be ready to defend their properties against raiding native bands. The speaker gave a word-picture of the struggles of the women folk and the manual labour they had to do as well. Babies had lo be carried out inlo the potato fields in baskets and guarded from the natives. Mr Young also traced the history of the militia from Iho time of its formation to Hie present, day. He paid a high tribute to the pioneers for their honest work, honesty of purpose and self-reliance. To-day we were reaping the benefits and by the actions of those whose life lias passed so should the work of the future be beneficial, and for the welfare of humanity. Mr Young concluded by expressing the hope that the old idenlitcs, present as well as their descendants, might he long spared to enjoy the benefits of the great community which they bad built up, and in which we lived and wore a part. (Applause.) Hon. R- F. Bollard Speaks.

The Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister for Internal Affairs, claimed lie was an old pioneer. His father had come to this country in 1800, and the speaker had ” reached ” Auckland in 1863. (Loud applause.) He gave every credit to tlie people who had built up the. town of Hamilton. It was to the great work of those old pioneers and their women could be traced the present-day prosperity. Those people did such a lot towards laying Die foundation ot Hamilton. He was proud to be. present and meet, as a son of an old pioneer, the old pioneers and their descendants. In his opinion Hamilton was the most; progressive town in New Zealand. ’ It was a steady progressiveness, and not one which lias taken place in jumps. He wished all a most pleasant timeTalks by the Old People.

At the request of the Mayor‘several old idontites and their relations spoke most interestingly of their experiences in the early days. Included in the latter were Mr Thompson, son of Mr Alex. Thompson, of the Waikato Militia; Mr Sam Steele, brother of Captain'Steele; Mr McCullough, eldest son of four generations; Mr Webber, of Cambridge; and Mr Davidson, of Te Awamutu. Mr Gladstone Ilill Sang 11 The Veterans’ Song,” and “ Requiem,” the words of which were written by tlie late Robert Louis Stevenson. The Theatre Royal Orchestra played selections, much to the delight of the pepolc in the hall. At the Luncheon. At llm conclusion of Hie function at the Tilda Ire Royal, ’buses and ears conveyed the folk lo the Town Hall, whore ample justice was done to Hie lunch provided. After the toast to His Majesty the King had been honoured, the Mayor (Mr .1. R. Fow)-, in extending a welcome to His Excellency and Lady Joilicoe, expressed tlie delight of the community at having them in Hamilton. Regret was also expressed at I heir Excellencies’ coming departure from New Zealand. The Mayor said they load both endeared themselves lo the hearts of the people, and had come very close home to them loud and proi onged applause). Lord Jellicoe Looks into Past. Lord Jellicoe, in a characteristic speech, said lie wished lie had had the making up of the toast list. Then he was sure that the older people present could make more interesting Siameses Ilian lie. Looking into the past His Excellency Ink Ids listeners bark to the old troublesome times, when orrsoYorume, endurance end personality had to be shown. It was-a glorious tradition and spirit to live up 10. Those who cmrir afire, ii is hoped, will continue to. show that spirit. Some tribute must also be paid to t those whoso energies, fun-sigh I and !»■;•-

severance, during tlie intervening years, had developed the town of Hamilton and iho Waikato. He was away from Taranaki now ,and he could say the Waikato was the best dairying place in New Zealand. His Excellency referred lo his previous visit, on a former occasion, and said ho was pleased to learn that Iho naming of the [own was now selfied. It had been railed after Captain Hamilton of 11.M.5. |pv. Referring to such old identities as Captain Steele, the, first while baby, ,Ur Crosby (who was present), and Mrs Hill, ho expressed the hope that Ihe younger generation would ho imbued with the, same spirit. His Ex-cellen-cy expressed the wish lo meet -as many as possible of Ihe. old identities, ami subsequent to the luncheon !m ami Lady Jellicoe moved amongst the old people, slmok hands Will fm-m. and (alked,' much to the delight of all pre-M-nl. B truly was a'memorable occasion, and one which will last in the memory of those who were privileged to he present at the. celebrations. Later the old identities and their rlesf-eudatils were Ihe guests of the Waikato Winter Show executive. Proi'essor Chapman, of the Sydney I miversU y, who is visiting -London. .• iu 111 ru f ’ fils on I lie i-.nirdv of Dominion, news in the British press, lie sayihis explains why the pimple do md understand Australia and Au-w Zealand belter. An Empire news service is , - went ia 1 for a llmrowh intimate Anglo -Dominion understanding.