The Feildong Star. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13, 1882. THE ANNIVERSARY OF THIS SETTEEMENT.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 51, 13 December 1882, Page 2

The Feildong Star. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13, 1882. THE ANN IVERSARY OF THIS SETTEEMENT.

A PHO.IKOT is on fooc amm^st the llrst emigrants who settled in the Manche.-tor lUock to celebrate the ninth anniversary of their arrival in the colony. We believe the day selected will be some tiinu in the beginning of February next ye:ir. Thf» funn of the celebration will probably be an outdoor gathering; of th« setrlers, attended by their families and Mends who have ca.si in their lot with them at a hirer date. . v ucli a re-union would have a m ist beneficial effect, as it would bring- tog-ether many families who were not, only passengers it the. saiueobips but worn nea»neiiihbwrs in the old country, but wh > by the. exigencies of forming a new settlement in virgin country, have been separated almost from the day their feet touched the shores of New Z alai.d These pioneers will be able to look bajk with no sm:ill feedings of pride upon the difficulties they have overcome since their arrival in the Manchester Block, and the g-ood fortune which has attended their efforts to make this the only really successful "special settlement" in this colony, when the immigrants came first on the site selected for their future homes, there can be no doubt the aspect of the country was in uoiue degree calculated to dash the bright hopes entertained before they left the Old Country, and a certain amount of de-poudeucy was exhibited by some of the less courageous and energetic of the party. 'liiese feelings were, however, dismissed, arw-l <-K<» t«r,»»u a,.u n Joutiou quickly and earnestly commenced. The results of tht ir la' ors have in many cases exceeded their most sanguine hopes, for a steady determination to achieve " a victory over the wilderness" has in every cuse be>'n well rewarded. It is true many h*ve failed in the struggle, others have succumbed and retired defeated, while the heavy hand of death has overcome many a breadwinner when clearingthe forest. These thing's are inevitable in all i>arts of the world and under all circumstances, but we have never had that great curse of densely populated countries — poverty. There have been a few cases of distress brought a' <>ut by sudden dea'h, or by drir k, but thpy have quickly disappeared befon- i ho open baud of charily and benevoienc , and almost as soon as any case arises it is relieved and forgotten. Tb-e value of the produce sent from Feildiug- has often been commented on by us, and will, doubtless, be one of the subjects that will be freely discussed on the day of jubilation. The last and probably the most important part of the proposed event is the consequent expenditure. We do not anticipate that a large sum will be required, and think that voluntary contributions should be made, and these supplemented by a small charge made for admittance to the Jete for adults, children to be admitted free. The entertainment might consist of a substantial luncheon, after which merrier sports -Could be held tor the young folk. These particulars would of course be settled by a committee. We earnestly supiiorr. the movement, and firmly believe that every person within the boundaries of the .Manchester Block will join heartily in it and assist by both mouey and presence The founders of tli3 settlement will no doubt liberally contribute. We would suggest that the promoters be up and doing, because during the Christmas week, which is now close at hand, tiie»y will have opportunities of meeting- friends from the back settlements, and making arrangements with them as to a day beingselected, suitable or convenient for all parties.