ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROVINCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 282, 28 March 1913, Page 8

ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROVINCE.

rj-xnlun oi>' sktilkus,

The anniversary of the province was celebrated by a reunion of pioneer settlers and Maori war veterans and their wives in the Recreation Grounds yesterday afternoon. The unsettled weather kept many away, but nevertheless between 70- and 80 old folk sat down tO' luncheon in a big marquee on the "rounds at one o'clock. After justice had hecn done to the fare two photographs were taken. The lit-.l contained a distinguished group in the shape of surviving members of the pioneers who landed in the first six ships to touch at the province. They comprised Messrs D. Sole. C. Hnmhlyn, 1!. Langraan, Win. Rundie, B. Bishop, A. lloskin, J. Lander, and' Mcsdames K. hangman, 11. Cowling, C. Ford and E. Jurv.

To My. and Mrs, Langman, explained the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Browne) belonged the honor of being the only married couple to arrive hy the pioneer ships who were alive that day. In every other case either husband or wife had passed away. In the other photograph there were grouped about 70 veterans, pioneers and their wives.

Prior to dispersing, an address commemorative of the good work of the pioneers was delivered by the Mayor. "We have," he remarked, "met here to-day ■• to celebrate the seventy-second anniversary of this province and to express our appreciation and gratitude to God that we are permitted to have with us-to-day the few remaining pioneers of 1841 and to extend a heart-felt and most grateful welcome to you at our reunion of the pioneers of this province. On March SI, 1841, the Wm. Brvan arrived at Moturoa, followed in a few weeks—in the latter cases a few months—by the Amelia Thompson, the Oriental, the Essex and the Blenheim." ~ Continuing, Mr. Browne said that it was due to the untiring labors of these people who had laid the rough-hewn foundations of the province that we of this generation were able to enjoy the present-day comforts of civilisation. His Worship enumerated some of the hardships of our progenitors, who, he said, had no such tiling as "a Saturday night pff." Theirs was no easy portion, and their diet, as the speaker' illustrated, was often of the simplest and poorest. nature. We were living to-day as the result of their labors, and our lives were artificial compared with theirs. "These," he feelingly explained, "are the men and women that while we have breath in us , or any movement left in us, we should never fail to do honor .to!" Incidentally, the Mayor pointed out that 'there were present that day pioneers from as far north as Auckland and as far south as Wellington who had come specially to New Plymouth to attend the function. It was a chance for the Early Records Committee to gather'some of the muchneeded history of the past that should - not be overlooked. Concluding, the Mayor expressed an earnest wish that the present generation would make the reunion an annual affair. At the most it would be only a few years when there would be no pioneers left to honor.

THE VETERANS ENTERTAINED. A SUCESSFUL GATHERING. In the evening, the Veterans were, entertained by the Empire Picture Theatre ompany with a special programme, consisting of two excellent portrayals of the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, the musical programme being in keeping with the subjects. At nine o'clock the Veterans retired to the Brougham street Hall, where they wer« the guests of the younger men of the town. An excellent repast was laid by Jtr .A. Wooller, and a lengthy toast list discussed. Some excellent speeches were made, whilst a fine musical programme was submitted by a number of singers, etc., under the 'direction of Mr. Will Perry. The proceedings proved most enjoyable. Our detailed report, owing to pressure on our space, is held' over till next issue. There was a large attendance, both of the Veterans and <the young men of the town. Mr. T. C. List, vice-chairman, presided in the absence of the chairman, Mr. J. W. Wilson.