THE SHIP JURA

Evening Star, Issue 22448, 19 September 1936, Page 3

THE SHIP JURA

ANNIVERSARY OF ARRIVAL The launching and sailing of the luxury liner Queen Mary sometimes makes one reminiscent. What comfort surrounds the traveller as ho embarks on the huge vessel fitted with every modern convenience and bound for a well-known haven, cities already established, industries flourishing, and highways in good order ready for his streamlined, fast travelling motor car. Such a journey makes no demands on one’s' courage, endurance and enterprise. Travellers on a certain ship, now so small in comparison, took their courage in both hands when they left their native Scotland 78 years ago in the Jura, of 791 tons, bound for a destination of which very little was known. No position was assured them, and no riches were in immediate prospect, yet this band of brave adventurers, 251 adults and 124 children, set sail, full of hope, determined to make a place for themselves in the new “ land of promise.” The trip was fairly eventful, storms were encountered and passed through, some few did not reach their earthly haven, and a few tiny travellers commenced life’s journey on the way. At last, 115 days from port to port, the Jura arrived safely at Port Chalmers, and the long voyaige, with its discomforts, was over, and thankful travellers set out to make their contribution to the life and history of their adopted island home. The newcomers were of many different callings, and each found scope for his or her particular talent, some in towns and others on the land. They made good and have done their part in building up our city, and in extending the industries and business of their new home. Wages were small and the 40hour week was never thought of, but by dint of hard work, the Dunedin of 1858 has been transformed into the place we now live in. These early pioneers were men and women of fine sturdy character, honest, and industrious, with a strong independence which grew out of the needs and necessities incidental to the building of a young country. Of those that made that voyage m the good ship Jura, 78 years back, only a few now remain, and they, and their descendants are celebrating the anniversary of their arrival in a happy gathering at the Early Settlers’ Hall, on .Wednesday, September 23, preceded by a church service at First Church to-morrow morning. Old friendships will be renewed, and the small remaining band of men and women who have stood the strain and stress of pioneering life, with all its difficulties, will speak of the “ good old days,” and mean it, too. Their sons and daughters (their grandchildren, too) who are reaping the fruit of the pioneers’ work and planning, are looking forward just as the old folk are looking backward. In the days to come,'may the young folk have as fine a record of good work well done, difficulties bravely overcome, and • rest well earned, as have these worthy pioneers. The following are the names of the surviving passengers; Mr David Clark, Money more; Mr George Clark, 31 Scarba street, Roslyn, Dunedin; Mr George Clark, 36 Bay View road, Anderson’s Bay, Dunedin ; Mrs Dickie, 36 Filleul street, Dunedin; Mr John Kerr, Waiareka Junction, via Oamarn ; Mr A. A. Paterson, Eavelston street, Tainui, Dunedin (late Port Molyneux) ; Mr W. Paterson, secretary Otago Early Settlers’ Association. Dunedin; Mr ’John Maxwell, Waikouaiti ; Mrs A. G. Morton, Tay street. Mcsgiol; Mrs W. White. Cumberland street, Dunedin; Mrs H. B, Williams. Harbour terrace, Dunedin; Mr Thomas White, Cumberland street, Dunedin; Mrs R C. Wilson, Gladstone road, Mosgiel; Mrs Miller, Sawyers’ Bav, Dunedin; Mrs A. M. Steele, Cornwall Park avenue, Epson, Auckland.