On a sunny but cool July day, 92 of our members attended our winter luncheon, in the very unique Cheval Rooms, at Hastings Racecourse. NZ Founders National Secretary Carolyn Adams was welcomed by NZ Founders National President and Hawke's Bay Branch President Paddy Bayley. Three new members were also welcomed to Hawke's Bay Branch and received their NZ Founders Membership Certificates.
A further eight new members who recently joined our Branch, attending for the first time, were also welcomed. They will receive their NZ Founders Membership certificates at our next meeting.
Continuing with the 40thAnniversary theme, the tables were decorated with the generic sailing ships, made especially for the Anniversary lunch in February. President Paddy Bayley acknowledged three ladies, Joan McKinnon, Nanette Roberts & Judith Yule, who have been members of our Branch since 1979. Joan McKinnon attended the very first meeting in 1979.
Branch Secretary Richard Bayley enlightened members on the arrival of one of the early direct immigrant ships to Napier the Rangoon.
The Rangoon
Under the command of Captain Pearman, the Rangoon left the East India docks, London, on November 26, 1863, having on board 110 passengers, she was delayed at Gravesend until December 10. The following day the Rangoon came into collision with the barque Lord Maidstone. The Rangoon at once commenced to sink, and her captain lost no time in signalling for assistance. A tug was speedily dispatched from Ramsgate, and the Rangoon was towed into Deal. It was found that the barque had been extensively damaged, and it was not until January 13, 1864, that repairs had been effected and she was again able to proceed to sea. The Cape of Tasmania was sighted on May 18, and severe weather was then encountered for the next two weeks. On June 2 the Rangoon put into Sydney for supplies.
After meeting further stormy weather, the Rangoon finally dropped her anchor at Napier on July 23. During the voyage there was one birth and three deaths. On landing after their long sea voyage, the immigrants made bitter complaint concerning their treatment during the voyage, and a commission was set up to inquire into the matter and report to the Government.
George and Ellen Bee were on this vessel. Descendants of these early immigrants, Brian Liley and his daughter Joanna Mullooly are members of our Branch and attended our winter lunch.
Following lunch a film “Treasures of England” was shown. This film gave members a brief in site into the history of 8 stately homes and gardens in England. Some were certainly “hidden gems”, a most relaxing and enjoyable end to our lunch.
Photos:
Branch President Paddy Bayley with new members Terry Smith, Robyn Warren and Judy Harding
Official Table guests – NZ Founders National Secretary Carolyn Adams, with Joan McKinnon, Val Yule, Nanette Roberts, Judith Yule, Committee members Faye Sherriff, & Dale Jackson.
HB Founders Members Winter lunch at the Cheval Room, Hastings