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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Mr. Lachlan Langlands

Mr. Lachlan Langlands , Secretary of the Otago Early Settlers' Association, arrived in New Zealand by the “Victory” in July, 1848. Having been in the Customs and Postal Department in the early days, all matters connected with early history are like an open book to him; and having accepted the office of secretary of the Early Settlers' Association, and being an enthusiast in the objects of the Association, rapid progress has been made; the debt cleared off, and the membership largely increased; in fact the fitness of Mr. Langlands as secretary, and the tact and popularity of Mr. Donald Reid as president, soon assured the success of the Association; which now has a membership of 800, consisting page 373 of early settlers and their male and female descendants. The year of arrival for qualification was originally dated down to the 31st of December, 1861, but the latest qualifying date now is the 31st of December, 1864. Three or four social reunions are held in Dunedin each year, at two of which the jubilee of the arrival of early ships is celebrated, and social gatherings are held once a year in the principal country districts. Many valuable articles and records of early history have been collected; and, with a view to the proper preservation of these, Mr. Langlands conceived the idea of holding a carnival for the purpose of raising funds for the erection of a building of their own. This proposal was taken up and carried out with so much enthusiasm by the ladies of the Association, and the patronage of the public was so liberal, that sufficient funds were raised to buy a valuable central site. This purchase, however, absorbed all the available cash, but arrangements are about to be made for ways and means to erect an Early Settlers' Hall on the site. The architecture will be representative of the buildings of early days, and the hall will be used as
Proposed Eearly Settlers' Hall.J. A. Burnside, Architect.

Proposed Eearly Settlers' Hall.
J. A. Burnside, Architect.

Wriggtesworth and Binns, photo.Mr. L. Langlands.

Wriggtesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. L. Langlands.

the place of meeting and for the preservation and exhibition of early records; and will also serve as a monument to commemorate the pioneers of Otago.