The gathering took place at the northern end of the racecourse, where the racing club's buildings provided very convenient accommodation for visitors.
Many of those present came long distances by train or motor or buggy; and the parent association in Dunedin and the Port Chalmers Association were both well represented.
The second express from Dunedin made a special stop to enable passengers to alight at Waikouaiti, and the first express from the north also stopped for their convenience.
The occasion was notable as marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of the foundation of settlement at Waikouaiti by the coming of the Magnet in 1840.
One of the passengers by this vessel (Mrs Woolsey) was actually present at the gathering.
By the middle of the afternoon a crowd of 500 or 600 had gathered, including a number who had motored out from Dunedin.
The Port Chalmers Old Identities' Association was represented by its president (Mr John Mill), vice-presidents (Mrs Woolsey), and Messrs W. G. Fail, E. Knewstubb, and D. A. De Maus), the secretary (Mr John McLachlan) and assistant secretary (Mr A. Leck). Among other visitors present on the grounds were Messrs E. P. Lee, R. Scott, and J. M. Dickson, M. P.'s Mr John Wood (secretary of the Otago Early Settlers' Association), and Mr R. W. Wheeler (Mayor of Palmerston).
• A nuisance of a particularly objectionable nature is manifesting itself actively these days to the nostrils of users of the Tahuna-Tomahawk Road.
Investigation shows that it arises from a loathsome-looking ''tip''- composed of matter evidently thrown from fish and rabbit carts - adhering to the eastern ledge of Lawyer's Head, a chain or two distant from the road.
There is a well-marked vehicle track leading from the road to this place, where barrels of decaying refuse, including rabbit carcases, are obviously habitually dumped.
The putridity of the spot is beyond description.
It is amazing that the creation of a dangerous nuisance of this kind should have been permitted, especially on a popular and attractive scenic reserve like Lawyer's Head.
• The Irish are a music-loving race, and the Emerald Isle has been very fittingly described as ''the land of bards and poets''.
Their warmth of temperament renders them peculiarly susceptible to ballads treating of the tender emotions, and they have been well served by Tom Moore, whose pen has provided them with a rich sheaf of ballads whose graceful and charming treatment of the Irishman's supreme passion - love - makes them appeal especially to the warm Celtic romanticism.
It was natural, therefore, that Moore's songs should bulk largely in the programme rendered last night at the Garrison Hall, when St Patrick's Day was celebrated by a national concert.
A talented body of performers assisted, and made the entertainment a pleasure for every genuine music lover.
There was a packed house.
The opening number was a selection, ''Gems of Irish Melody'', which was played by the Kaikorai Band in its usual able and skilful manner, and which introduced many of the airs that are dear to the heart of every Irishman.
Mr J. Leech sang ''The Snowy-breasted Pearl'' excellently, giving as an encore the charming ballad ''Mother Macree''. - ODT, 18.3.1915.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
