EARLY SETTLERS FOREGATHER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3849, 25 September 1928, Page 2

EARLY SETTLERS FOREGATHER.

A HAPPY RE-UNION. Wellington, Last Night. There was a unique gathering at the Early Settlers’ Hall to-day, held under the auspices of the Early Settlers’ and Historical Association of Wellington, which was attended by several of the pioneers who arrived in the 1840 decade. His Excellency the GovernorGeneral (Sir Charles Fergusson), accompanied by Her Excellency, Lady Alice Fergusson were present and after addressing the gathering, passed round the hall and indulged in reminiscent chat with the survivors of the colonisation days. Sir Donald McLean presided. The hon. secretary, Mr. W. Toomath, read the roll call of members and amongst those answering the call in person were Mr. Geo. Judd (Hutt), who arrived in New Zealand by the “Martha Ridgway” in 1840, Mr. George Pain “Oriental,” Mrs. Cornford “Gertrude” 1841, who was presented to their Excellencies, Mrs. E. J. Brown (nee Kinniburgh) 1843, Mr. Alfred Mills, of Johnsonville 1843, Mrs. Jamieson (nee Williams), the first white child born at Tolaga Bay and Mr. T. P. Allan (Hutt) 1845, Mrs. Baker, Miss E. H. Allen 1849, Mrs. Player 1850, Miss C. Allen 1852, and Mrs. Chisholm 1855. Several of the old settlers were induced to broadcast brief speeches, which were much appreciated by listeners-in.