WATERSON FAMILY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1941, Page 2

WATERSON FAMILY

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. A UNIQUE GATHERING AT DALEFIELD. (“Times-Age” Special.) A function which was unique in its way, was held at the Dalefield Hall on July 12. It was a large gathering of the descendants of the late Air John Waterson, who arrived in New Zealand on March 17, 1841. He and his wife and five small children, also his wife's mother, Mrs Wilkie, sailed from Gravesend in October, 1840, in the sailing vessel Lady Nugent. They arrived at Port Nicholson on March 17, 1841. The voyage was a long and rough one, and no fewer than twenty-one deaths occurred on board. There were also six young pioneers ushered into the world on that memorable voyage. Both food and water were scarce and the food was of the plainest nature. Mr John Waterson’s children were named James, John, Mary, William and George. The trying voyage and the peril and privations of life in those early days, proved too much for the grandmother, mother and the son James. The mother died five years after landing at the age of 39 and James at the age of 17. The father, sons and daughter settled at Silverstream. Later the father and the three sons, took up land in Dalefield, and lived and worked on their land until each one eventually went to their wellearned rest. The daughter had married George Fox, and settled and brought up a family in the Wanganui district. She has been deacl many years.

The function on July 12, was to commemorate the landing of those early settlers, along with many others, one hundred years ago. Despite distance and bad weather many descendants of the late Mr John Waterson travelled from various parts of New Zealand to be present. The proceedings took the form of a dinner at 5.45 p.m., at which there were present over one hundred descendants and nine guests of honour. They were later joined by a number of younger relatives who took part in the dancing. The guests were Mr T. G. Arcus, Miss B. Arcus, Mr and Mrs C. Sayer, Mr Gordon Hughan and Mrs Sophie Neilsen, Mr Linton and Mr and Mrs R. Bassett.

The dinner commenced with Mr Arcus saying the Scottish grace and closed with the usual toasts, the first being “Our King,” followed by "Our Ancestors,” “Our Guests" and “Our Absent Relatives.” After the toasts had been honoured and responded to, several of the guests spoke of the earlier days, bringing back memories, some of them pleasant and some very humorous, Mr Arcus’s reminiscences being particularly appreciated. The arrangements of the tables was a great credit to the committee and the caterers. A portrait of the original John Waterson hung at the head, of the table. Above it was draped the flag of his native land, Scotland. This flag was borrowed from the Dalefield Dairy Company, having been presented to the Company many years ago by the late Mr George Waterson, the youngest son of the late Mr John Waterson. At the head of the table sat the only remaining member of the second generation—the widow of the late Mr William Waterson, and grouped on either side’were Mr and Mrs George Waterson, representing the late Mr John Waterson, and Mr Donald Waterson and Mrs Alice Knowles, children of the late Mr William Waterson, and also Mrs Janey, Mr John Bambry, Mr Will Waterson, Miss Marian Waterson, Miss Edith Waterson, Mrs Jessie Knowles and Mrs Laura Peters, the family of the late Mr George Watersen. These were the members of the third generation present. The fourth, fifth, and sixth generations were placed in rotation or in family groups. During dinner Miss Thea Smith recited a touching poem entitled "Our Ancestors," written by another member of the fourth generation.

At the close of dinner the evening's entertainment commenced with a grand march, led by Mr Linton playing the bagpipes.

Dancing followed, Mrs Ashton’s Orchestra supplying excellent music. Extras were played by Mrs Myrtle Drysdale (Woodside) and Mrs Sylvy Cox (Miramar). Miss Thea Smith sang the old Scottish song “Coinin' Through the Rye.” While the young people danced the older ones renewed friendships. During the evening a flashlight photographer was kept busy taking family groups, etc. Later came supper and at twelve o'clock the company sang "Auld Lang Syne.” Visiting relatives were guests for the weekend of local relatives.

A small booklet was compiled by Miss 'Then Waterson (Auckland). It contains the photograph of the late Mr John Waterson, also the sailing vessel Lady Nugent, as well as a brief history of their early days in New Zealand, etc. Much credit is due to the committee and organisers, Mr Arch Knowles. Mr Cliff Bambry, Mrs Fordham (Wellington), Miss Enid Waterson (Auckland), Miss Marian Watersen. Mr Donald Waterson, Mrs E. Hughes and Miss Marjory Waterson. Maiiv of the relatives attended the Dalefield Church service on the Sunday afternoon.