PROCESSION OF PIONEERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1134, 23 May 1911, Page 5

PROCESSION OF PIONEERS.

GABRIEL'S GULLY JUBILEE.

(By Telegraph-Press Association.) Lawrence, May 22. . The celebration organised in connection with the jubilee of the discovery of gold in Gabriel's Gully commenced at Lawrence to-day; The greatest enthusiasm has been displayed by the townspeople in the movement, and the proceedings to-day were attended by complete success. Close on 1500 people arrived in town from Dunedin, and all parts of the district, and to-day's celebrations were participated in by about 2500 people. 'The procession of pioneers, comprised 280 old miners of 1861 and subsequent years who have come together from , all parts of New Zealand, and even from as far afield as Victoria. The number included 230 pioneers who were in, Gabriel's Gullj; in 18111. The Hon. R. M'Kenzie, Minister . ,for . Mines, was present as the-.represenfative~of tho Government, apd in ttie course of an address to miners and public at this after? noon's function extended a cordial welcome to tho old pioneers.- He paid a glowing tribute to their , industry and resourcefulness, and for the great part they had played in making tho province and country what it was to-day. The gathering ■was also addressed by Messrs. James Allen, J. M. Anderson, and R. Scott, M.P.'s, also Messrs. James Robertson (who is organiser of the movement), William Burnett . (Mayor of Dunedin), Joseph Grimmond (West Coast), James Randall Gascoigne (Auckland), and others. Tho weather is fine, though very cold, but the pioneers have been splendidly provided for. The celebrations are to be continued throughout tho week.