PLEASANT REUNION

Chronicle (Levin), 11 October 1948, Page 4

PLEASANT REUNION

Early Settlers' Function % Largely Attended t Barly settlers of Levin gathered lii the Regent Hall on Saturday night for their annual reunion. One of the most enjoyable funetions of the year, it was well attended with Visitors from numerous parts of the country. The hall was decorated with flags, buntiiig, 'ferns and flowers, and was- a picturesque sight. H-igh-light of the evening was the grand march, Headed by Messrs. P: L. Areus and A. Mudgway, who have both been in Levin for more than 60 years, it was a most impressive spectacle. Those present were divide'd into age groups and then paraded round the hall, led by the 60-70 • years gfoup, witli -the "babies" of- 30-40 years in the rear. The function took the form of a dance and several items were ■given by some talented artists. In keeping with the occasion, the music was mostly of the type heard in -the earlier part of the century, al-though when the orchestra played some modern thames, the "old-timers" were eonspicuous on the fioor. During an interval in the proceedings the president of the Early Settlers' AsSociation, Mr. L. R. Salmons, introduced the Mayor, Mr. H. B. Burdekin. It was a ; great privilege to be present on such an occasion, said Mr. Burdekin in extending a welcome to the visitors. He was especially pleased to see the two M-P.'s of the district, Messrs. J. J. Maher and M. H. Oram present. A most successful evening would be enjoyed by all, he was sure. In conclusion, Mr. Burdekin expressed the hope that the function would be perpetuated for years to come. The secretary, Mr, G. D. Harris, then asked Mr. Maher to speak. He Was proud to be taking part in such a reunion, said Mr. Ma'her, and he was always pleased to be present at any function of the early settlers. "We owe a . debt of gratitude to the pioneers of NewZe'aland, especially to tliose who carved out of the bush and wilderness this wonderful district. I would like to stress how much I appreciate and honour the people who 'did that job," he said. It.wa's good that the younger people of the district should meet face to face at such a function those pioneers who had developed the country and made it-what it was, safd Mr. oraax. These days it, was hard when one saw the smil- ' ing countryside, the electric trains, roads and brides to envisage the struggles of those early pioneers. Commenting on world events, Mr. Oram said that the young people of today woul'd need to have something of the spirit of t'he older generations if they were going to face the struggle in today's world. He extended a welcome to those present and expres'S'ed the hope that they woul'd meet together for- many years to come.

In a brief address, Miss H. E. Bowen said how pleased she was to see so many people present. On behalf of the committee, she thanked them and said she hope'd they would all enjoy themselves. During the evening, vocal items were given by Mesdames G. Hesp and Harrington and Mr. D. Rikihana. Among the many visitors, present who at one time reside'd in Levin were:— Mr. and Mrs. J. Munro (Napier), Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Thompson (Napier) , Mrs. R. W. Skipworth (Rotorua) , Mr. M. Nielson (Wellington) , „ Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Procter (Oroua Downs) , Mrs. E. M. Johnson (Palmerston North), Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Butt (Wellington), Mrs. G, Needham (Naenae) and Mr. P. Butt (Wellington). Other visitors came from as far afield as Christchurch.