OLD SETTLERS’ ANNIVERSARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2655, 10 November 1909, Page 3

OLD SETTLERS’ ANNIVERSARY.

PICNIC AT PATUTAHI

There . was quite ;■ a large crowd at the Patutahi Domain yesterday on the cccasion of the old settlers’ picnic. The annual gathering is not only an important event to country folk, but attracts a large number of town residents, and between ten and twelve o’clock a continuous string of vehicles rattled along the dusty high roads that led to the venue. A most enjoyable day was spent, the amusements being many and varied. There were races, dancing competitions, and, impromptu wrestlin'’ - matches and games, and everybody passed the time in the way that pleased them best, until the last race was over and the hour for the return journey had arrived. The Federal Band was in attendance, and provided a spirited selection of music, opening the day with the National Anthem. At the beginning of the picnic a little speechmaking took place as usual. ( Among the visitors were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. Lysnar). After calling for three cheers for the King, which’ were heartily given, the Hon. Captain Tucker welcomed those present on behalf of the trustees of the domain.. There were, he said; only a handful of the old settlers left, but their families had spread to an even greater extent than the large number present indicated, Mr. O. F. Lewis called, for three/ cheers for the old settlers. These wore heartily given, and then Mr. John Townley was asked to say a few words. Referring to the occasion being that of King Edward’s Birthday, Mr. Townley led up to the subject of loyalty and imperialism, delivering a vigorous' address on, the defence question. A very few people, lie said, had held New Zealand for the Empire' in the past, and they could do it in the future. But they could not do this by cricket and football. They would have to turn out and .drill. Dealing with the necessity for compulsory training, Mr. Townley laid stress on the statement that New Zealand was entirelv unprepared against possible attacks. For this there was no excuse. -Hours of woi'lc were easy, and young men could spare time without asking how much tliev were going to get out of it. “If I had my way,”, added the speaker, “those who 'would not drill for their country should not live in it.”

The secretary, Mr. M. Hall, read communications from the Prime Minister and the Hon. James Carroll; regretting inability to be present. Mr. Hall said that Mr. W. D.- S. MacDonald, M.P., had expected to be able to come, hut had evidently been prevented. Mr. It. N, Jones, Judge of.the Native Land Court, telegraphed as follows: “Greetings to the pioneers whose labours and privations made Gisborne what it is. With kindly remembrances to the families of those who have passed to the Great Beyond. The memory of those nation-builders we should ever respect and cherish'.” Cheers were given for each of the foregoing gentlemen. The officials who assisted at the function were Messrs M. Hall (secretary), C. F. Lewis, J. H. Lucas, G. Wildish, J. Atkins, It. Atkins, and Pilcher. The results of the principal races were as follows: Maiden Race, 200yds.—O’Rourke 1, Davy 2. Two-mile Cycle Race.—S. Stephenson 1, T. Smaill 2. 220 Yards Handicap.— H. Atkins (18 yds) 1, P. O’Neil (ser) 2. Davy (9yds) 3. Mile Cvcle Race. —L. Torrie 1, F. Gardiner 2. Okl Settlers’ Race.—R. Atkins 1, 1. Ryan. 2. . 7 ~ Old Settlers’ Wives’ Race.—Mrs. C. Ready 1, Mrs. Jas. Atkins 2. Married Women’s Race. —Mrs. W. Mason 1. Mrs. C. Ready 2. Miss Mason won two races for unmarried women, and there were several events for boys and girls. Two prize-winners for dancing were Miss Gertie Kinnimont (Highland fling), and Miss Anglan (Irish jig), mr Mclntyre was the piper.