PIONEERS OF HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 9817, 22 February 1936, Page 7

PIONEERS OF HAMILTON.

THE OLD FOURTHB. REUNION NEXT SATURDAY. Memories of 72 years ago, when the pioneers of Hamilton, the men of the old Fourth Waikato Regiment, and their families, first set foot on what was to be the site of one of New Zealand’s most prosperous and progressive towns, will be revived on Saturday next, when the descendants of tho “Old Fourths,” as they have come to be known, will assemble at Steele Park for their annual reunion. Few of the pioneers remain to recount the trials and hazards of the early days. But many of their descendants are still in the town and district, and it i-s expected that there will be a representative attendance at the reunion on Saturday. A special effort is being made to have as many of the children of the original Fourth Waikatos as possible present at the reunion, as an endeavour will be made to determine the actual landing place of the first settlers. It is proposed to erect a memorial plate spot. A comprehensive programme has been drawn up in connection with the reunion, a feature to which is attached considerable interest being a competition for the largest family of descendants of the Old Fourths. There will also be a baby show, and sports events for children and adult competitors, the children’s events commencing at 10 a.m. An invitation to be present at the reunion is extended to all early settlers of the Waikato.