If by “Early Settler” we mean one who was in Gisborne in 1877, then Mr. Rees has no right to the title, as he first came here two years later, and even then might be classed as “semi-detached,” because afterwards he moved to Auckland and then to Napier. In all, he spent over 25 years—a third of his life—here, a longer period than in any other district, and during those years his wonderful vision, enthusiasm, ability, untiring energy and warm affection for Poverty Bay accomplished much, so that his name is indissolubly linked with the early history of this town.