DEBT TO COLONISTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 903, 21 February 1930, Page 13

DEBT TO COLONISTS

WORK FOR DOMINION’S PROSPERITY New Zealand’s debts to the pioneer colonists and the missionaries were instanced by the Rev. T. A. Joughin. in an address at the reunion of the passengers of the ship British Empire, which reached Auckland on February 4, 1880. The reunion was held yesterday afternoon and last evening. Mr. Joughin said the early colonising efforts had been frequently criticised unjustly. He pointed to the rapid development achieved by the first settlers. Fifty-one of the original 350 passengers of the British iumpire, which came from Gravesend and Falmouth, attended the reunion. The guests were taken on motor trips round Auckland and visited the summit of Mount Eden. Two survivors, now inmates at the Costley Home, Epsom, were visited and bouquets were later presented to the. two oldest women survivors. In proposing the toast of “Tlie Survivors,” the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. A. J. Entrican, spoke on behalf of the citizens of Auckland. Other toasts were “The Visitors,” “Absent Shipmates.” “Pioneers of* Auckland,” and “Auckland’s Prosperity.” Entertainment items were given by Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Hurley. Miss Gunman, Mr. F. Sutherland, Mr. F. Souster and Mr. S. T. Carter. The Rev. C. F. R. Harrison and Messrs. Souster. J. Ambury, M. T. Ellis, J. Broady and J. Jackson were among the speakers.