THE PILGRIMS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19179, 9 December 1927, Page 7

THE PILGRIMS.

+-. ANNUAL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION.

There was a large attendance at last night's annual meeting of the Canterbury Pilgrims' Association. The president, Mr J. A. Flesher, was in the. chair.

The annual report showed a decrease in membership during the past year. Last year, the membership roll included the names of 707 ordinary and seventytwo life members. This year the total membership was 696. In view of the importance of the work "done by the Association it was a matter for regret that more persons did not avail themselves of the privileges attending membership of the Association, lwo pilgrims, Mrs J. T. Wright, who arrived in the Sir George Seymour, and Mr J. L. Harper, a passenger by the Randolph, had died during the year. The 76th anniversary of the founding of Canterbury was celebrated on Saturday, December 11th, 1926, when a garden party was held in the beautiful grounds of "Riccarton House. A special service was held in the Cathedral on the following Sunday morning. Attendances at the quarterly gatherings had been better than, in the past The most interesting function of the year was the presentation of all those who arrived by the first eight ships to the Duke of York on the occasion o his visit. His Royal Highness showed great interest in the pioneers, conversed with each, one and escpressed appreciation of the work and objects of the Association. He accepted a gilt •of a stock whip made by Mr Elijah Smart, who, in spite of his years gave a display of his ability to crack the whip to the enjoyment or the Duke Shis party as well as tea large number of. the general pub lie. The Association's collection of historical papers and other objects in the pilgrims' room in the City Council Chambers was being added to year by year. The following gifts were acknowledged : -Photographs of members of the Provincial Council in <J« \\. G Bush); pictures (Miss Calveit), pictures (Mrs T. Smith).; photograph of the first City Council and of Mi R Wilkin (Mr R, 0; Duncan); "Tales of Banks Peninsula," Canter ; burv Papers, and Canterbury "Punch (Mr J. J. Thomson). The Association acknowledged its debt to the Ladies Auxiliary for its valuable service in dispensing hospitality at quarterly gatherings and at other functions The balance-sheet showed a credit of £46 12s Id. , ■ In discussing the report it was depirtpd to trv to increase the membership of the' Association to 1000 during The report 'and balance-sheet were 3 Tte election of officers for the ensuing year-resulted Mr J A Flesher; vice-presidents, Mrs J. .Deans. Messrs John Anderson J. D. Barker, M. J. Gresson, AD. Dobson, T H Phillips, In. Macfarlane, G. L. Bowen. G. Jameson, E. R. Webb, C. H Bridge, George Harper, and J. J. Thomson, the Rev. F. G. Britten, and Dean Harper; committee, the Rev. C, H Fraer, Messrs H. L. Bowker, G. Hanmer. V. S. LordWtagh W E. D. Bishop, C. Wood, A. H. Holmes, \ S. Bruce. W. C. I.eversedge, A. D. ■Hassall, and G. H Merton; honorary treasurer. Mr J. O. Jameson; honorarv auditor. Mr C. K Sams. A vote of thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for their valuable services during the year was passed. Mr E R. Webb gave an illustrated lantern lecture showing photographs ot |Sd identities and skits of the clever but short-lived Canterbury "Punch.