wmm OTMMWaMM* mmmmmmmmamfi \ • » ^ J HE STORY^ r c. ^ il i i. A « ■*cre»3W«w»>»«i>«i*7?»W»f«*»!l MK»,-«acaBM^aiMBMMMMMiUHM0VNi»iHBaBHHMBMI^^ ' "" ' PRINCETON, N. J. Purchased by the Hammill Missionary Fund. BX 9166 .N45 R6 1887 Ross, Charles Stuart. The story of the Otago church and settlement ;v <«§/ ^ 111 ' iiii \' I'i ^' mm ?^*^'»»/ THE STORY OF THE OTAGO CHURCH AND SETTLEMENT. BY THE REV. C. STUART ROSS, FORMERLY OF OTAGO, AND NOW MINISTER OF SKIPTON, VICTORIA. DUNEDIX: WISE, CAFFIN & CO., PUBLISHEES, PRINCES STREET. 1887. DTJNEDIN MATTHEWS, BAXTER & CO., PRIXTERS, DOWLING STREET TO THE HONOURABLE GEORGE MACLEAN, M.L.C. WHO FOR UPWARDS OF A (QUARTER OF A CEXTURY HAS BEEN CLOSELY IDENTIFIED WITH THE BEST INTERESTS OF OTAGO ; WHOSE PERSONAL WORTH AND POLITICAL HONESTY HAVE WON THE ESTEEM OF MEN OF ALL PARTIES ; AND WHOSE MUNIFICENT AND UNWEARYING KINDNESSES HAVE LAID A DEBT UPON SOME WHICH THEY CAN HARDLY EVER HOPE TO DISCHARGE, THIS VOLUME IS WITH WARMEST AFFECTION DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. s %E following pages make no pretensions to deal exhaustively with the subjects of which they treat. They are offered merely as a contribution towards a fuller knowledge than now obtains, of the planting and progress of the first and only Free Church colony in tlic world. To myself it has been a pleasant and congenial task to look back across the years that have passed over us since the tirst adventurous bands of jiioneers set foot un Otago, and to watch the social convulsions which suiiervcned upim the discovery of gold ; to mark the organization and the rapid growth of the churches, which are now so marvellously multiplied in the land ; and to note the more important public events which awakened a general interest, and affected, more nr less remntcly, the sticial and religious life of the penple. All the accessible literature on Otago has been read, and put, to some extent, under contribution. I have used just so much of it as I believed to be suitable for the purpose which I liad in vicAV. I have to acknowledge my indebtedness to the early tiles of the daily and weekly papers of Dunedin and Southland; especially am I under obligatiim to tlie Otnfio <7uloiiigf, the Otar/n Daihi Times, The Ecangdld, and the New Zealand Pixsbiitcriaii, for infm-mation which has been largely used in the following pages. vi. Preface. The notes on the early ecclesiastical history of Otago, and the vigourously written, and appreciative obituary notices of some of our ministers and office-bearers, which appeared from time to time in the columns of these newspapers, I liave very freely availed myself (if. I take this opportunity to express my thankfulness to the Eev. A. Bethune, M.A., for the information which he promptly put at my service regarding tlie early planting of religious ordi- nances in Invercargill ; and to J. L. Gillies, Esq., of Duuedin, for the use of interesting notes from his private .'■crap-book. My distance from the Publishers has placed both them and my.self at some disadvantage. With the view of expediting the issue of the book, proofs of ])ages 14G — 240 were read in Dunedin, and through some misadventure seem to have been returned to the office after a very cursory examination. THE AUTHOR. The Manse, Skipton, Christmas 1S86. CONTEN TS. PAGES. CHAPTER I. Discovery of New Zealand. ^The Maori race. — Early attempts at Colonisation. — Lawless Settlements.— Origin of the New Zealand Land Company. — Caj^tain CargilL— The Otago ABsociation. — The General Assembly commends the Otago Scheme. — The first minister of Otago. — Despatch of the first Emigrant ships. ... ... 1-19 CHAPTER II. The Pioneers of Settlement in Otago.— Site of Dunedin.— Suspension of the Constitution. — The Otago Ncv:s. — Otago TF/<«fSS. — Opening of the Public Library. — Sir George Grey. -Constitutional Government.— Provincial Council. — Roads. — Education. — Waste Lands. — Immi- gration.— The Queen. — The Colunist. — Dunedin in 1860. — Resident Magistrate. — Supreme Court. — Gaol. — No Crime during the fir.st decade. — Total abstinence. — Death of Capt. Cargill. ' ... ... ... 2C-12 CHAPTER III. The First Church Congregation. — Erection of Manse and Schoolhouse. — Church Hill. — Dispensation of the Lord's Supper. — Dissohition of New Zealand Company. — Colo- nists charged Avith maintenance of Church and School. — Arrival of Revs. W. "Will and W. Bannerman. -Bill to enable Deacon's Court to raise money for Church-build- ing on security of properties. — Interim Church in Dow- ling Street. — Foundation stone of the New Church on Church Hill laid.— Arrival of Rev. G. Sutherland. — Death of Dr. Bums. -Church opened by Rev. Dr. Begg. — Mr. Sutherland accepts a call to Sydney. — Rev. L. Mackie called. — His death.— Rev. W. H. Gualter.— His death.— Rev. Mr. Gibb. ... ... 43-83 CHAPTER IV. East Taieri.—Puerua.— Constitution of the Presbytery of Otago.— Waihola. — Port Chalmers. — Tokomairiro. ... r>.')-SO CHAPTER V. Knox Church. -Dr. Stuart.— First Church, Invercargill.— WestTaieri. ... ... ... ... 87-111 Contents CHAPTER VI. The discover}' of gold. — Lindis. — Gabriels. — Dunstan. — Wakatipu. — Government provides for the maintenance of order on the Goldfields.- Hospitals. — Social life. — Gospel tents. — An adventure. — An unsuccessful tea meeting. — Effect of discoveries of golil on Provincial progress. — Energetic niuvements of the Presbytery of Otago.— Eev. W. Will sent to Scotland to bring out ministers. ... ... ... ... ... 112-131 CHAPTER VII. Kiverton.— Mrs. G. Cassels.— Mr. John Gumming. — Mr. G. Ileid, senr. — Orcpuki. — Disastrous boat accidents. Waiau. — ]Manai)ouri. — Te Anau. — Lost children. — Starved on the Takitimo.';.— Lake Monovvai.— Capt. Brown. ... ... ... ... 132-150 CHAPTER VIII. St. Andrew's, 1 lunedin.— AVaikouaiti. — Anderson's Bay. — Oamaru. — Green Island. — Kaitangata. — "Warepa. — T;ii)anui. — Tuapeka. — Oteraniika. — Wallacetown. — North Taieri and Mosgicl. ... ... ... 152-180 CHAPTER IX. Separation of Otago from Southland.— T//c Otmio Daily jT/wcs.— Miss Rye's Scheme.— Collision oft' Blanket Ba.y. — Floods. — Commercial depression. -Jlurder of Yorky. —Stewart Island. — Death of John ftlcCJlashan. — Exhibi- tion in Dunedin.— First Execution in Otago. — Telegra- phic communication with up country districts estab- lished. — Land Legislation. — Collision between the General and Provincial Governments.— Floods.— Day of humiliation appointed.— Visit of the Duke of Edin- bnrgi).- Improvements in Dunedin. . ... ... 181-200 CHAPTER X. Division of tiic Presbytery of Otayo. -Couh^titution of the Synod. Theological Hall. — Church E.xtension.— Em- lilo.Nnicnfof lay agencj'.— Church E.xtension Society. — JJei.ef.ictors to the Chuieh E.xtension Fund. — The Rev. I'. Hope.- -Sabbath Observance and State of Religion. — S))iritualism.— Frccthought. Evangeli.stic Services. — I'lague .spots in Dunedin ... ... 201-227 CHAPTER XI. Sabbath Schools. Libraries.— P.salniody. Iiilmduction of the Kurdish I'rcsbyterian Hymn Jiook. In.strumental Music. Toniiterance.— The Pustentation Fund. -Dona- tions from Miss Mure.,.. ... ... 228-243 ( 'onterds. CHAPTEK XII. Missions to the Maoris. — Wecleyan Mission, AViiikouaiti. — North German Mission Society.— Rev. J. F. H. Wohlers, Ruapuke. — Rev. J. C. Kiemenschneider. — Rev. A. Blake.— Chinese Mission.— Rev. A. Don. ... ...245-264 CHAPTER XIII. New Hebrides. — Rev. J. Copeland. — Rev. P. Mihie. — Dona- tions and bequests to the mission funds. — Wreck of the Daysprlng. — JiQY. J. Paton. — Missionary scholarship. — Difficulties arising from the labour-recruiting service and from wars. -Fiji.— Rev. J. Chalmers. ... ... 265-275 CHAPTER XIY. Otepopo.— North-East Harbour and Portobello.— Dunstan. — Dunstan Presbytery.— Strath Taieri.—Teviot.— Crom- well. — Balclutha.— Wakatipu. — Clinton.— Ivaikorai. — Rev, W, Alves.-Switzers and Riversdale. ... ... 276-322 CHAPTER XY. Public Works and Immigration policy of Sir Julius Vogel. — New Settlement at Martin's Bay. — Mosgiel Woollen Works. — Port Chahners railway. — Employment of Fe- males Act.— Rev. Dr. Lang.— Rev. Dr. Begg. — Wreck of the Surat. — Abolition of Provincial Government. — Union Steam Ship Company.— Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association. — Railways to Lawrence and to Waimea Plains. — Floods.- Railway to Invercargill.— Colliery accident. — Fire in the Octagon. — Pastor Chiniquy. — Wreck of Tararua. — Hard Times. — Good 323-341 CHAPTER XVI. Palmerstnn.— Hampden.— Naseby.— North Dunedin. — Win- ton and Forest Hill.— Lower Mataura.— Waitahuna.— Caversham.— Papakaio.- Mataura.— Blueskin and Mer- ton.— St. Paul's Church, Invercargill. — Waiareka.— Limestone Plains. ... ... ... ... 342-366 CHAPTER XVII. Commemoration of Constitution of Presbytery.— Ravens- bourne. —South Dunedin.— ]\Iornington.—Duntioon and AVaitaki.— St. Columba's Church, Oamaru.— Knapdale. — Gore.— North-East Valley.— Catlin's.— Lauder. — Taringatura. ... ... ••■ ••• 337-3 ?6 t'outenta. (;hapter XVIII. Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland.— Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. -Movement in direction of Union.— Conference in Dunedin.— Basis of Union agreed upon. — Convocation ot Auckland. — Constitution of the General Assembly.— Rupture between the Churches.— Meeting of Assembly in Dunedin.— Eev. D. Sidey.— New basis agreed upon.— Meeting of Synod ad hitnc effectum. — Hostile attitude of anti-unionists.— Eenewed attempts to unite the churches frustrated. — The Committee on Union discharged. ... ... ... ...387-410 CHAPTER XIX. Widows and Orphans' Fund.— Infirm Ministers' Fund. — The Church property.— Application of the revenues. — Bazaars.— Number of Communicants.— Meetings of Synod. — Elders. — Committees of Management. — The Ministers respected by the people. ... ...411-417 CHAPTER XX. Planting of the Churches of other denominations. — Anglican Church. — Wesleyan Church. — Congregational Church. Baptist Church. — Union Church. — Salvation Army. — The Otago Home Mission. — Ministers' Conference. — Roman Catholic Church.— Jews' Synagogue. ... 418-432 CHAPTER XXI. Chaplain of gaol. — Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society. — Bethel Union. — Sailors' Home.— Otago Bible Society. — Young Men's Christian Association.— Young AVomen's Christian Association. — Benevolent Institution. — Dun- edin Female Refuge. — St. Mary's Orphanage, Bishops- grove. ... ... ... ... •. 433-447 Appendix ... ... ... ... ... 448 449 THE STOEY OF THE OTAGO CHURCH AND SETTLEMENT. CHAPTER I . Discovery of New Zealand. — The INIaori race.- Early attempts at Colonisation.— Lawless Settlements. ^Origin of the New Zealand Land Company. — Captain Cargill. — The Otago Association. — The General Assembly commends the Otago Scheme. — The lirst Minister of Otago. — Despatch of the first Emigrant ships, p EARLY two hundred and fifty years ago, the Dutch navigator Tasman, sailing over these seas, descried the wooded heights of New Zealand and anchored off its north-western coast; but, believing that the land on which he looked formed part of the great Australian Continent, he passed on without ex- ploring it or even landing upon its shores. In the year 1769 Captain Cook first sailed around the Islands, made accurate surveys of their coasts, landed at various times among their dusky inhabitants, let the light of authentic history, for the first time, in upon them, and passed through the Straits which continue to bear his name. The Maoris are of Malay origin, and arc believed to be the purest and most vigourous offshoot of that Polynesian race which had its home in the Hawaiian group. Their language, mythology, and earHest tradi- tions concurrently point in that direction. The tribes agree in the statement that their ancestors came from a country called Hawaiki which they describe as lying B 2 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. north-east of New Zealand; and that it was the glowing report of a returned adventurous chief, whose eyes had gazed upon its wooded coasts, which induced them to seek homes in this new and inviting land. Their name means indigenous, and they seem, on landing, to have found the country void of human inhabitants. The earliest Maori immigrants are said to have first touched the shore at the Frith of the Thames. Advancing up the river and leaving behind them memorials of their visit in the names which they imposed on hill and stream, they dragged their canoes across the narrow isthmus which separates the eastern from the western sea, and, sailing south- ward, they settled at Kawhia, a small harbour on the Taranaki coast. The chief of a tribe called the Tainui — of which a remnant are found at Kawhia at the present day — claims direct descent from one of those adven- turous fathers of his race who, crossing the Pacific in fragile canoes, landed in safety on these shores ; and he points to a rock which he believes to be the petrified "Tainui," one of the original war-ships in which they sailed. Captain Cook formed such a favourable opinion of the Islands tliat, on his retinii to London, he recommended to the British Government that they should at once be occupied under some wise and liberal scheme of coloni- sation. Benjamin Franklin, the American philosopher and statesman, i^ublished proj^osals for forming an association to fit out a vessel by subscription, which should proceed to New Zealand v^-ith a cargo of commo- dities suitable to the natives' wants, and barter these for such products of the country as, placed in an English The Story of the Otago Chiirch and Settlement. 3 market, would serve to defray the expense of the adven- ture. The main object of the expedition was stated to be the promotion of the advantage of the native tribes by opening up for them means of intercourse with the civiHzed nations of the world. It was estimated that .£15,000 would be required to float the enterprise, but the requisite funds were not raised, and the project, consequently, fell to the ground. Other prominent men of the period sought to influence public opinion some- what in the same direction. But nothing practical issued from all these efforts to awaken a living interest in these distant islands of the sea. Towards the close of last century, in the course of the Parliamentary debates on the establishment of a trans-oceanic penal colony, New Zealand was mentioned as being suitable in some respects for the experiment which it was pro- posed to make, but it escaped that evil destiny simply through the reputation for savage barbarity which the Maoris had already established for themselves. In the year 1825 an attempt was made to plant a colony in the North Island. A Company was formed in London with Lord Durham at its head, and with a subscribed capital of £20,000. Preliminary arrangements having been completed, an expedition was despatched under the command of Captain Herd who, on arriving at his des- tination, successfully negotiated the purchase of two islands in the Hauraki Gulf, and a strip of land at Hokianga, which still bears the name of Herd. But the enterprise miscarried partly through the incompe- tency of the leaders, and partly through the ferocity of the native tribes. Early in the present century a sort of irregular B 2 4 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. settlement slowly proceeded both at the Bay of Islands' and at various points along the coast. The more accessible harbours were fringed by small European communities which consisted of elements of the most diverse kinds — runaway sailors, convicts who had broken bounds, traders and speculators, and bold adventm'ers, mamly, from the neighbouring Colony of New South Wales. There ^vere men among them Avho, finding themselves freed from outward restraint, gave reins to all their lowest passions, and were ever exciting uproar and tumult which imperilled the lives of those who were devoting themselves to the peaceable pursuit of honest trade. Some of the northern ports were frequented by whalers whose reckless and brawling crews sometimes fomented disorder, and exasperated the more contentious Maoris, provoking them to a vindictive retahation of their wrongs upon those on whom they could lay their hands. A feeble and inefficient effort was made to grapple with the evils which prevailed, but instead of repressing them it only served to show to what an intolerable height they had grown. A letter applying for the protection of King William the Fourth, and signed with the names or marks of thirteen chiefs, was trans- mitted to England by one of the missionaries, and supported by powerful ecclesiastical authority there. In compliance with the request Avhich was made, the (Governor of New South Wales was directed to appoint a Jlcsident at the Bay of Islands, to control the more turbulent settlers along the coast. But as he had no means of enforcing his authority, the daring adventurers with whom he had to deal simply set it at naught. A TJie Stonj of the Otago Church and Settlement. 5 subsequent attempt to establish Independence, and to secure a place among the world's States mider the style of the United Tribes of New Zealand, received Imperial recognition, and unfurled with ostentatious ceremonial its national flag; but it failed from want of organic vitality and force, and fell, like an untimely fruit, to the ground. In 183G, attention in the Home country was directed to the social confusion and anarchy into which the European settlements on these shores had drifted, and a Committee of the House of Commons, in its Keport on Colonial Aborigmes, laid before the British Govern- ment a tale of bold lawlessness and of criminal disorders which created a powerful impression on the minds of the people. The settlers of a better stamp, who were engaged in lawful pursuits, earnestly petitioned the Crown for protection from the turbulence and perils which had come to be a standing menace to property and life. But before their cry of distress reached those who could succour tbem, a movement was originated in London, which gave promise of speedy relief. A Com- mittee of the House of Commons having been appointed to inquire into the subject of the Disposal of Waste Lands with a view to Colonisation, collected from various sources a large amount of valuable information about New Zealand; and Mr. Francis Baring and others were so impressed with the evidence given, as to the special fitness of these Islands for purposes of colonisation, that they formed a Company, which was inspired Avith the magnanimous purpose of redressing the evils complained of "by the establishment of a G Tltc Story of the Otago Chxircli and Settlement. vigourous local government, and by the organisation of a Colony on an extensive scale and the soundest prin- ciples, which would be of permanent value and benefit to colonists and to natives alike." The New Zealand Company sprang into existence in 1837. The distinguished public position hold by many of its members attracted attention to the project which it had in view ; and there seems to be no reason to doubt that the movemeut which it originated, and which, on the noblest grounds of philanthropy, it un- weariedly promoted, was ultimately instrumental in rescumg the country from the dark fate which has overtaken New Caledonia. The Company steadily advanced with its preparations, matured its j)lans, published such information concerning the Islands as it found accessible, and collected a body of intending colonists to be despatched to their destination when opportunity served. But the Colonial Office, which, from the very first, had looked unfavourably upon the enterprise, became now actively obstructive, and dechned to allow further progress to be made on the terms of the instrument which had been prepared. The political chief of that department ofTered a Royal Charter of Incorporation for colonismg purposes for a fixed term of years, accordiug to the precedent of chartered English colonies in America in the IGth and 17th centuries; but this offer was burdened with the condition that the Company should subscribe a joint-stock capital to be embarked in the undertaking. The offered Charter was refused on the ground that the projectors had invariably and publicly disclaiincd all vicA\s of pecuniary speculation or interest, and, in all their endeavours, had The titory of the Otago Church and Settlement. 7 merely sought to promote a great national work. On tlie dissolution of the Company, which immediately followed, and formed partially out of its ruins, arose, in 1839, an Association which subscribed a joint-stock capital, and designated itself the New Zealand Land Company. But although formed on the very lines sug- gested by the Colonial Office, jci it was viewed with as much disfavour as had been shown to the defunct organisation. It was, therefore, forced to strike out an independent policy for itself. It resolved to acquire lands by purchase, and by direct assignment from the natives, and to found settlements on these shores accorduig to the wise and enlightened views of the original promoters of the scheme. The dogged opposition which the Imperial Govern- ment ofiered to this chivalrous and laudable enterprise seems to have grown largely out of the action of the representatives of the Church Missionary Society in England, who assumed a hostile attitude towards all colonising projects, and persistently represented that the occupation of these Islands by British settlers would frustrate the missionary work of their agents, and act disastrously upon the character and morals of the native race. In pursuance, therefore; of the new policy adopted, Colonel William Wakefield, the Company's agent, sailed for New Zealand in the ship Tory, with instructions to purchase land from the native chiefs, and to make suitable preparations for the arrival and settlement of the emigrants who were to follow. The first body of intending colonists left Gravesend in three ships, in September, 1839, and arrived at Port Nicholson, the 8 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. site selected for the New Colony, in January of the following year. The delay and difficulty experienced in obtaining- possession of land, in consequence of the loose way in which the purchases had heen made — oftentimes from fictitious owners — led to grievous disappointment, and ultimately to serious broils and bloodshed. Soon after the arrival of those pioneer colonists at Wellington, Auckland was founded by Capt. Hobson, who, along with his commission as consul, held jDowors in his possession to assume the higher functions of Governor. He concluded with the IMaori chiefs the now famous treaty of Waitangi, which established the Queen's authority in the Islands, guaranteed to the natives all the rights of British subjects, and recog- nised their absolute proprietorship in the soil. He also rendered important service to the State in promptly despatching a war-ship to the South, and thus fore- stahing French designs on the Middle Island. A man- of-war of that nation, Avith a largo mmiber of emigrants on board, put in at Akaroa not many hours after the Queen's sovereignty over the entire territory had been declared; and when the Frenchmen saw how matters stood, they were content to land, and settle under the protection of the British flag. Towards the end of the year 1840, New Zealand, which had been, hitherto, a dependency of New South Wales, vwas erected into a separate and independent Colony, and from that time forth, the operations of ihe Company went vigourously on. A charter was granted in 1841, and during that year 5,UU0 emigrants of fairly The Story of the Otacjo Church and Settlement. 9 good stamp and of enterprising character, had been landed and settled on the shores of the Straits. The New Zealand Company drafted the Otago scheme in the light of the experience which it had gained of the imperfections and defects that had marred the success of its operations m planting settlements along Cook's Straits. At Wellington no provision had been made for the mamtenance of either chvu-ch or school; that was an omission which the first settlers felt severely, and of which they complained at New Zealand House. At Nelson, later on, an ample fund was secured for both these purposes, but its benefit was not confined to any one denomination, and the conse- quence was that, in its allocation, the churches which applied for it received so small a share as to render it of little practical use to any one of them. The Com- pany, therefore, resolved that its next Settlement should, at the outset, at least, consist mainly of the members and adherents of one particular church, for whom liberal provision should he made for the supply of their reKgious and educational needs. While it was occupied in arranging this modification of its original scheme, attention was directed to the wide-sjoread enthusiasm awakened in Scotland in connection with the disruption of the National Church. The courage, devotion, self-sacrifice and religious zeal displayed by a people, who for a principle which they accounted ^ital, had abandoned the venerable Establishment of their father?, were just such qualities, they believed, as were fitted to win a splendid success on the Colonial field, and to contribute, in no small measure, to the realisation of the high and noble ideal which the Company had 10 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. in view; and, therefore, it was resolved to plant a Free Church Settlement somewhere on New Zealand's southern coast. The first step which was taken was the appointment of an agent to organise working committees, and to adopt such measures as would press the movement upon public notice. The office was held for a brief period by George Rennie, who had barely entered upon his duties when he resigned. He was succeeded by Captain William Cargill, whose x)ractical wisdom and shrewdness commended him to those who were seeking a leader for the intending colonists. He was a retired officer of the 74th Regiment, and had served his country with distinction in the Peninsular wars. He was, further, a reputed descendent of one of Scotland's well-known martyrs — the celebrated covenanter, Donald Cargill; and that relationship, it was hoped, would procure for him an amount of inlluence among his countrymen which might contribute to the popularity and success of the enterprise. Communication was now opened between the Com- pany and some leading members of the Free Church, which resulted in the formation of what was called "The Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland for promoting the Settlement of a Scotch Colony at Otago, New Zealand." The scheme Avas published far and wide among the people. The grand distinguishuig feature in its constitution which, it was believed, would enlist their sympathy, was the provision made, from the very outset, for the maintenance of church and school. It was announced that a minister and a schoolmaster would accompany the first body of intending settlers, The, Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 1 1 and that a certain proportion of the proceeds of the sale of land should be set apart for their maintenance, and as a special fund for reHgious and educational uses. One of the first applicants for a property in Otago, in terms of the scheme, was a clergyman of the Church of England, whose practical sj'mpathies -were entirely won by a policy which earnestly concerned itself with the religious and moral education of the community. The proYision made, he believed, would so elevate the character of the people as to enhance the value of his OTMi inveslment in the country; and he offered to officiate gratuitously to any emigrants of his o^ii com- munion until the}' should be numerous and rich enough to maintain a mmister of their own. Measures were taken by the Company to secure a block of land suitable for the purposes of the Associa- tion ; and in compliance Avitli the request of intending settlers, instructions were issued through the Colonial Office to Governor Fitzro}' to set apart Port Cooper, now Port Lyttelton, in the Province of Canterbmy, as a site for the New Edinburgh Settlement. A subse- quent exploration of the southern coasts, conducted, in 1844, by Mr. Tuckett, Chief Survej'or at Nelson, caused a deviation from the original intention; and, in accor- dance with that gentleman's recommendation, the site of the Settlement, after having been personally visited and inspected by Colonel Wakefield, was filially located in Ctago, where a block of 400,000 acres was purchased from the natives by the Company's agent for the sum of £2,400, ample security being given to the chiefs that the religiuus and educational interests of their people would be duly served. And when, a few years' later 12 The Slory of the Otacjo Church and Settlement. on, the entire Province passed into the hands of the Government by purchase, suitable reserves were set apart for the maintenance of the remnants of the native tribes. The seaboard of the original Block extended from Taiaroa Head in the North, to the Nuggets at Tokata Point in the South; its boundary on the West being the untraversed regions of the Matau and the Molyneux; the average distance inland being about seven miles. Several causes operated to impede action on the part of the Otago Association; chief among these were the rumours of difficulties which embarrassed and dis- quieted the Company's Settlements, caused partly by the inefficiency, and the hardty disguised disfavour of the local Government, and partly by the violent and aggressive condvict of the natives, who were irritated by the land disputes, which became daily more acrimo- nious and complicated from the sinister intervention of designing men. The Colonial Office, under influences that are not quite apparent, fell back upon its old policy of obstruction ; and the Company forced by the gravity of the situation to contract, and ultimately to suspend its operations, appealed to the House of Com- mons, and a Select Committee was appointed to inquire into the grievances of which it complained. In the year 1845, the prospect having somewhat cleared, the Association, Avhicli practically had become defunct, was revived at a meeting held in Glasgow, in May of that year; and, with the view of carrying the CIuutIi with them in the noble enterprise to which they were committed, thc}' l)rought the proposed Scheme of colonising Otago imder the notice of the Tlie Story of the Otacjo Cfmrch and Settlement. 13 Colonial Committee of the Free Cliurch, which reported on the subject to the General Assembly as follows:— "The General Assembly is aware that a project for "the Colonisation of the interesting islands of New "Zealand has been before the public for several years "and has already been practically carried into effect. "In particular, a Scotch colony to New Zealand was "projected two jeavs ago, under the name of New "Edinburgh, but all proceedings in relation to that "colony have, hitherto, been suspended by circum- " stances to which it is unnecessary to refer in this "place. It now appears, however, that all difficulties "in the way of this undertaking have been removed, "and matters have at length l^een brought to such a "point that there is an immediate prospect of this "colony being established in the most favourable cir- "cumstances, and with every security for the colonists "being provided with the ordinances of religion and "the means of education in connection with this "Church. Your Committee having recently had laid "before them the proceedings and resolutions of an "association of lay members of the Church, formed at "GlasgOAV on the 16th instant, for the estabhshment of " this colon}', together with various other documents, "and obtained full explanation on the subject to which "they relate, took the opportunity of recording their " high sense of the liberal and enhghtened views which " appear to have guided the New Zealand Company in "relation to this business; and without expressing any "opinion regarding the secular advantages or prospects "of the undertaking, which do not fall under their "province, and are left in the hands of the intelhgent 14 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. "and honourable gontlGmen •who compose the Associa- "tiou, they had uo diflicixlty in stating their warm and "cordial approbation of the principles on which this "settlement is proposed to be conducted, as making due "provision for the religious and educational wants of "the colonists, and their anxious desire in these resjiects "to co-operate with the Association and to comitenauce "and aid their efforts to the utmost of their power." When the report containing the above statement was given in to the General Assembly and was read by Principal Candlish, the following deliverance ux^on it was adoj)ted by the General Assembly: — "The General "Assembly learns with great pleasure the prospect of "the speedy establishment of the Scotch colony of New "Edinburgh in New Zealand, consisting of members of "the Free Church, and with every security for the " colonists being provided with the ordinances of religion "and the means of education in connection with this "Church. Without expressing any opinion regarding "the secular advantages or prospects of the proposed "undertakmg the General Assembly highly approve of "the principles on which the settlement is proposed to "be conducted in so far as the rehgioiis and ecclesias- "tical interests of the colonists are concerned, and the "Assembly desire to countenance and encourage the "Association in these respects." A further step in advance was now taken in the selection of a minister to accompany the expedition. The choice of the Company fell upon the Rev. Thomas Burns, son of Gilbert, and nephew of Scotland's favourite bard. It is said that the selection was made on the earnest recommendation of Mr. Robert Chambers, the The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 15 well-known publisher, who had early shown an interest in the proposed Settlement, and had become acquainted with the high, sterling qualities of Mr. Burns, and with his willingness to endure hai'dship on the colonial field. Mr. Burns cordially accepted the appointment, and demitted his charge at Monkton, expecting to enter at once upon his work. He traversed many of the counties of Scotland, visiting the great industrial centres, in earnest advocacy of the Association's scheme. But finding that his services in the interest of the Company were unremimerated, and that the expense of the protracted delay in dispatching the emigrants, was too heavy to be borne by his own resources, he accepted a call to Portobello, and from the date of his induction, continued some eighteen months in charge of the con- gregation there. That wearisome delay was occasioned by the resolute attitude assumed by the Association, who — taught by the sorrowful experience of the earlier settlers — refused to move further until a title had been secured to the Otago Block, and the surveys completed, and till local institutions, conferring some measure of self-government, had been guaranteed to the colonists by Act of Parliament. The Otago Block, at length, was Crown-granted to the Company under the public seal of the Colony ; and now vigourous efforts were made to push things forward. Offices were opened in Edinbiu'gh and Glasgow; and Mr. John McGlashan and Dr. Aldcorn were appointed Secretaries to promote the scheme; and when public confidence had been, in some measure, restored, an influential public meeting was held in Glasgow, on the 10th August, 1847, at which full information was given 16 The Story of the Otago Church and Settleraent. regarding- the proposed Settlement. It was then an- nounced that the territory acquh'ed in Otago comprised 144,600 acres, which had been surveyed, and divided into 2,400 properties, which were open for selection by intending purchasers. Each property consisted of 60| acres, valued at £120 10s., or at the rate of £2 per acre; the proceeds of the sale were to be applied in the following proportions, namely, ^^-ths to imigration, |-ths to surveys and roads, |--ths to the New Zealand Company, and i-th to religious and educational uses. The 400 properties set aside for the New Zealand Company, the JMunicipaHty, and the Church Trustees, were all to be paid for by these respective bodies at the same rate as those sold to private individuals. At that meeting, among other business which was tran- sacted an address to the people of Scotland was adopted, and committees were appointed to manage the affaii'S of the Association. The Otago Association consisted mainly of members of the Free Church of Scotland, of good social standing, who moved from motives of phiJanthopy, pure and simple, and absolutely without pecimiary interest in the undertaking. Their sole desire was to promote the real advantage of their fellow-countrymen. In all departments of trade and industrial pursuits, competi- tion had grown so keen that all classes felt, in some measure, the sore pressure of the times upon them; and influenced by a nobly generous desire to alleviate the prevalent distress, the Association entered into certain terms Avith the New Zealand Company, in accor- dance with which they imdertouk to secure emigrants for Otago, consisting of members of the Free Church, The Story of the Otarjo Church and Settlement. 17 and such others as were willing to aid in carrying out the purpose of the projected Settlement. The Associa- tion guided by a robust good sense in its selection of emigrants, endeavoured to adjust the proportion of labour to the capital embarked, and gave special atten- tion to the character and capabilities of intending colonists. Applicants, both for sections of land and for assisted passages, were required to produce unexcep- tionable testimonials not only in reference to moral and reHgiouB character, but also to proficiency in their respective professions or trades. But although the advantages of Otago as a lucrative field for the investment of capital, and as affording an outlet for the surplus labour of the crowded population of Scotland, were made widely known by means of the Otago Jo2irnal, pubHshed in Edinburgh, and other agencies that were employed to promote the scheme, yet it had not the success which might have been expected ; and the New Zealand Company, which had incurred heavy expenses, in preliminary arrangements, delayed to proceed further, until it should receive a sufficiently encouragmg return of sales of properties effected. The Kev. Thomas Burns, therefore, accom- panied with Dr. Aldcorn, visited some of the more important to-sMis, and by means of lectures and press announcements, diffused information among the people respecting Otago, and the principles on which its colonisation would be conducted. These efforts resulted in the sale of land to the required extent, and the pecuniary obstacle being thus removed, the Company proceeded to make arrangements for the despatch of their first ships. C 18 The Story oj the Otago Clnirch. and Settlement. The sites for City and Port-town had been fixed upon, and New Edinburgh— the original name proposed for the capital — was abandoned in favour of Dunedin, the ancient Celtic appellation of Edinburgh. The change was suggested by Dr. William Chambers in a letter which he addressed to the Editor of the Otago Journal. And long years afterwards — in 1883 — in response to a request of the Mayor and Corporation of that city, he presented to them, through the hands of Dr. Hislop, Secretary of Education at Wellington, a full length portrait of himself in oils, as a memorial of his early interest in the Otago Settlement. The Port was named after Dr. Chalmers, the venerable leader of the Disruption, with whom Captain Cargill had held many conferences respecting the undertaking. The John Wycliffe, Captain Daily, sailed from London with 90 English emigrants on board. Among these was C'aptain Cargill, leader of the expedition, who was commissioned to act as Eesident Agent of the New Zealand Company in Otago, and as representative of the Association. He also held Her Majesty's com- mission as a magistrate of the Colony. Ho had the local direction of all the secular affairs of the new settle- ment, and all the obligations of the Company fell to be discharged by him. Stormy weather drove the ship back to Portsmouth, which she finally left on the 14th December, 1817. A few days later the Philip Laing, Capt. Elles, with 23G Scotch emigrants on board, pre- pared to leave the Clyde. Her passengers had been selected with the utmost caution, and only on the exhi- bition of satisfactory certificates of good character and irreproachable life. The Kev. T. Burns was on board The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 19 this sliip. He was accompanied with Mr. Blackie, the first schoolmaster in Otago, who had been in charge of the Free Church School at Portobello, and who was chosen to accompany the emigrants on the recommen- dation of Mr. Burns. Just before the vessel sailed an impressive rehgious service was held on board, in which several ministers took part. The Rev. Dr. MacFarlane addressed the passengers on the duties which would devolve upon them in the new land whither they were going to lay the foundation of a new Colony, and to roar a new branch of the Christian Church, modelled after that of their fathers. Mr. McGlashan narrated the arrangements which had been made to secure the comfort of the colonists, and announced that a copy of the Encyclopoedia Brittannica had been gifted, as a contribution to the library of the Settlement, by Lord Provost Black, of Edinbiu'gh, and with the words of comisel, and the solemn invocation of Heaven's blessing upon them, yet ringing in their cars, they committed themselves to the unknown perils of the deep. C 2 20 The Story oj the Otago Church and Settlement. CHAPTER II. The Pioneers of Settlement in Otago. — Site of Dnnedin.— Suspension of the Constitntion.— T/iC Otago Neus.—Otar/o Witness. — Opening of the Public Library. ^ Sir George Grey. — Constitutional Government. - Provincial Council. — Eoads. — Education. — Waste Lands. — Lnmigration. — The Queen. — The Colonist. — Dunedin in 1800. — Resident Magistrate. — Supreme Court. — Gaol. — No Crime during the first decade. — Total Abstinence. — Death of Cajitain Cargill. ^HE Johi Wy cliff e, after a passage of 99 days, cast anclior at Port Chalmers on tlie 22nd March, 1848, and the Philip Laing, which finally sailed from Milford Haven on 20th December, 1847, arrived on the 15th April following, having been 117 days out at sea. The emigrants gazed with delight on the shores of the new land which now opened before them, as they passed between the bold headland on one side, and the low sand-spit on the other, — which form the entrance to the Otago Harbom-; and dehght passed into wonder when the Maori crew which manned the Pilot's boat drew alongside of their ship, and when the grim tatooed face of the chief Taiaroa himself smiled the welcome to his land which his lips conld hardly frame to speak. The beauties of the splendidly wooded slopes charmed the sea-weary eyes of those brave pioneers. ;Mountains, bold and broken, all clad mth sombre pines, met the eye on every side; here and there sti'ips of shining beach came into view ; and the INIaori Kaik, nestling snugly under the hill, called forth dehghted comments from the eager crowds which thronged the The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 21 decks. And now that tlie whole party have reached their destination, their first act is unitedly and pubHcly to return thanks to Ahnighty God for theii' safe conduct across the seas, and to iinplore the Divine guidance and blessing on all their subsequent operations. In the morning Divine worship was held on board the John Wyclife, and in the afternoon a second service was held on board the Philip Laimj. We look reverently back across all those years to that devout company, strangers in a strange land, bowing their heads in lowly worship, and committing themselves and their future into the hands of God. No public building had been erected, or provision made on shore, for the reception of the immigrants. It was therefore arranged that the women and children should remain on board ship until shelter of some sort should be provided for them. To add to the general discomfort the weather broke, ushering in a winter that proved to be exceptionally wet and severe. In the course of about six weeks, temporary barracks were erected, sections of land were selected or rented, and huts constructed or cottages built to meet the actual requirements of the peox^le; and, at length, all took final leave of the vessels which had been their homes so long, and were conveyed from Port Chalmers to Dunedm in boats, a distance of some seven miles. Through the wise forethought of the Company, three months' provi- sions had been put on board, to be issued at cost ]price to the settlers, and additional supplies continued to be laid in, until private enterprise made that unnecessary. 22 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. These people, in tlie main, differed vastly from the ordinary run of immigrants disembarked at our colonial ports. They were not mere adventurers with no higher aim or nobler purpose in view than to push their way in life, and to gather round them hoards of gold. One here and there may have had no loftier outlook than that. But the leaders of the expedition, and the more earnest and intelligent among them, were inspired with some- tliing akin to a daring enthusiasm which carried them forward in the sweat of toil and in the light of faith to the work of founding a colony, which, they believed, would be a model Christian state, and a leavening power among the lands, because interpenetrated with Christian principles, and resting on a basis of righteous- ness and truth. From the outset they aimed at a spiritual as well as at a material occupancy of the land. They had brought with them principles of conduct and a devoted attachment to evangelical truth which, trans- mitted to their childi'en, they trusted would become powerful factors in the formation of the character of after generations. Their courage and patience, as we have seen above, were sorely tried by the difllculties and harassing delays which they had to encounter before leaving the shores of their native land ; and no mere earth-hunger or greed of pelf, would have supported so large a body of people under such batfling of hox^es and tliAvartiug of plans as they experienced before they left the Clyde. And now that their dream of years is realised, and a Free Church colony actually planted on Otago soil, they set themselves in the prime and vigour of a true, brave manhood, to give direction and tone to the social, educational, and religious life which Tlie iStory of the Otago Cliurcli and Settlement. 23 was, in large measure, under their guidance and control. As pioneers the great bulk of the settlers had rough and arduous work before them, but they faced it with fortitude, and set themselves with strong arms and brave hearts to subdue the wilderness, and to lay broad and deep the foundations of an educated and Christian community. They were, generally, hardy and enter- prising men. In the Home coimtry most of them had been accustomed to earn their bread by the tillage of the soil. To the new land they therefore brought some practical agricultural skill and knowledge, which stood them in good stead in the new circumstances in which their life was cast. Gradually they spread themselves over the Otago block, whose dark forests soon fell beneath the woodman's axe; patches of the open comitry, that was covered with tussocky grass, flax, tutu, and fern, were speedily cleared, and prepared for products serviceable to man ; and the desolation of brake and tangled bush slowly gave place to snug homesteads, and cornfields, and pasture -lands. At the outset not much was done in the way of cultivation, the settlers having found it easier to make a living b}' breeding stock, than by growing corn. But Otago, in spite of the discouraging things that were said about the capabilities of her soil, soon raised more than was required for home-consmnption, and exported quantities of surplus grain to other lands. The inevitable conflict between capital and labour early began. Before the Settlement was a year old the Otago labourers peti- tioned Mr. W. Fox, the general agent of the New Zealand Company, for an authoritative limitation of the 24 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. day's work to eight hours, and for an increase of wages above three shillings a day. But he refused to grant the prayer of the petition on the ground that their fellow-workmen in Wellington wrought longer hours at a lower wage than the men in Otago received. The first anniversary of the foundation of the Settlement was celebrated by the devouter portion of the people with religious services in which glad thanksgivings were rendered to God for mercies bestowed: the others expressed their joy in tumultuous fashion by engaging in various field and aquatic sports, which closed with social festivities and a public ball. The Uttle band of immigrants, mainly by accessions from without, had now more than doubled its number ; as it was found by census taken about this time that there were 110 houses and about 760 inhabitants all told. Looking at the Dunedin of to-day, nestluig among verdant hills, with its twenty-two miles of well-paved streets — some of them climbing to high elevations, and many of its private dwellings perched upon rocky shelves like nests in bowers of green, its banks and hotels of palatial appearance, its rapidly extendmg commerce, its railways, tramways, and splendid fleet of coasting and intercolonial steamers, its schools and hospitals, and university and churches — looking at the fair, and populous, and wealthy city of to-day, it is not easy to realise that little more than thirty-five years ago its site was a wilderness, covered with impenetrable bush or tangled scrub, and its low-lying marshy lands, the haunts of the Pukeko and the Maori hen! The city is situated at the extreme end of the Harbour-navigation, and is distant some thirteen miles from the Heads. The Story of the Otago Church mid Settlement. 25 It occupies a narrow belt of flat land backed by liills rising to an elevation of some 600 feet. To the south the uplands, which separate this level tract from the Taieri plains, rise gradually as a protection from the cold, tempestuous southerly ^^dnds. To the eastward there is an opening in the chain of hills that belts the coast, between Taiaroa Head and Cape Saunders, across which extends a low range of sand hummocks, now known as the Ocean Beach — shutting out the sea which, in former times seems to have had free passage through the present Harbour channel. To the west are high sloping hills, once covered with bush and copsewood to the water's edge, but now the sites of growing muni- cipal towns. A vast swamp, which was overwashed by flood-tides, extended nearly to the foot of the terrace on which the southern Cemetery lies; and, in the early days, the only conveyance suited to the condition of the tracks was a home-made sledge, drawn by a yoke of bullocks, which even the highest functionary of the Settlement was nothing loath to use. But Otago was not an absolute sohtude on the arrival of the Company's ships. Not to speak of the [native population, Dunedin consisted of a survey office, store, hotel, and a few houses — one of them being the dwelling of Mr. C. H. Kettle, the Company's surveyor, who with some early settlers had arrived from Nelson, a short time previously, in the^ship James Palmer. The nucleus of a town already existed at Port Chalmers, where four or five houses had been erected chiefly by sea-faring men. Mr. John Jones and others who had come from New South Wales had estabhshed an aeri- cultural and business centre at Waikouaiti : and at 26 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. Purakauui and other points along the coast, a few famihes were located, who made a living by whaling, or by grazing cattle, or by cultivating a clearing in the bush. There was also a hut on the water-side, occupied by a surveyor of the name of Pelichet, who gave his name to the Bay. A disappointment of a political nature was expe- rienced by the immigrants on their arrival at these shores. They found that the Constitution, which had been secured to them by an Act of the Imperial Parha- ment, had been suspended for a period of five years. Sir George Grey, Governor of the Colony, in one of his despatches to Earl Grey, had represented that the qualification of readmg and writing the English language would exclude the natives from the exercise of the franchise, and would give the power of legis- lating for them to the white settlers, Avho formed but a small minority of the entire population in the north Island. He therefore recommended the suspension of the Constitution for, at least, two years in the northern Provinces. On receipt of this intelligence the Govern- ment introduced a Bill for suspending the proposed Constitution for five years throughout the colony; and thus legislation was confirmed in the hands of the smallest possible minorit}^, namely • the Governor, and a Council of seven nominees, removable from office at his pleasure. Although largely shut out from the great world of literature and politics, yet intellectual life was not allowed to stagnate in the young community. Towards the close of the year 1818 the first newspaper appeared. It "vyas caUed The Otajo Ncics. But it seems to have Tlie Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 27 been conducted in a spirit that was damaging to the best interests of the Settlement, and after two years of a troubled existence it yielded, amid few lamentations, to the financial embarrassments which ultimately over- whelmed it. It was succeeded by the Otago Witness, a weekly newspaper, which still exists, and which was first issued under the editorial management of Mr. W. H. Cutten, who was son-in-law of Capt. Cargill, and who took an active part in promoting the best interests of Otago. The energy of life, stimulated into new intensity by the novel circmnstances in which the settlers were placed produced, in the discussion of questions considered of vital interest to the community, a diversity of opinion, which rapidly developed into party strife. Some correspondence which had passed between Capt. Cargill and the Rev. C. Creed, Wesleyan Missionary at Waikouaiti, opened up the question as to whether Otago was to continue a class Settlement, and a close preserve of the Presbyterian Church or not. The discussion of that and other subjects, directly or indu'Gctly connected with it, agitated the early settlers more or less profoundly, and left an unwholesome residuum of acerbity behind it. Spiteful attacks were made upon Capt. Cargill which occasioned an enthu- siastic demonstration to be made in his favour, and at a public banquet which was accorded to him the people bore testimony to their continued confidence in him, and to the high esteem in which he was generally held. A few mouths after the appearance of the Otago News, to meet a public want which variously expressed itself, a public library was opened with a fairly good selection of books. It was, correctly speaking, a congregational 28 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. library, which had been sent out to the colony under the charge of ISfr. Burns, and mcluded contributions of books from the Colonial Committee of the Free Chiu'ch, and from many Christian friends in Scotland, who from time to time, with gonorous and considerate kindness sent out ever-new additions to it. The hbrary was put under the immediate care of a committee of office- bearers, and it proved an invaluable resource for the intelligent and reading public, who gladly availed them- selves of the privilege to use it. Some two years later a Mechanics" Institute was opened, in the formation of which Mr. Cutten took a leading part. It was put under the management of a good working committee, which wisely catered for the intellectual tastes of the people, and arranged successive series of pubHc lectures which were delivered to appreciative audiences by the leading men of the town. On the dissolution of the New Zealand Company, and the surrender of its charter in 1850, its lands in the colony reverted to the Cro^Mi, under the burden of existing obligations; but as there was a subsisting agreement on the part of the Company to continue the Otago Association in active operation till November, 1852, the Imperial Government undertook the fulfil- ment of that among other engagements to which it was pledged. The position of the settlers was affected by that event to this extent that they now found them- selves, as we shall see fiu'ther on, thrown completely on their own resources, and bm'dened with the maintenance of church and school. A visit from Sir George Grey, Governor of the Colony, soon after the Company hud retired from the The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement, 29 field, threw the town into a ferment of excitement which was not soon allayed. It was the first vioe^regal visit to Otago, and was naturally regarded as an event of stupendous importance in the quiet humdrum life which made up the history of the little community, All the available bunting was displayed in honour of the Governor's arrival; an address of welcome was presented and a levee was held, and the new theme thrust into shadow for awhile the old topics of stormy debate, and hushed the tumult of internal strife that had in some measure marred the peace of the Settlement. Associations, political and of other sorts, were early formed for the defence of civil and religious rights, and for the promotion of the public weal. One of these — the Otago Settlers' Association — had for its object the consideration and discussion of such subjects of local interest as should be deemed of importance to the colony at large ; it also watched over the disposal of the immigration, civil, ecclesiastical, and educational funds which had been placed in trust for the benefit of the Settlement. It held monthly meetings which were open to the pubUc, and rendered important service to the community until the establishment of local self- government when it natm-ally was dissolved. The Otago Banking Company was floated in 1851, under an interim directorate of Captaia Cargill and INIessrs. Macandrew, Todd, Harris, and Cutton, but it coUapsed in consequence of the refusal of the Government to confer a charter. The want of such an institution was keenly felt, for we find that though in possession of a surplus Provincial revenue of £1,100, yet the Sub- 30 The Story of the Otago Church and /Settlement. Treasurer Avas compelled to refuse payment of the salaries of the Government officials, and could not find metal currency to the value of £6 to cash the notes of the Colonial Bank of Issue, which were declared by law to be legal tender I As dwelling-houses were scarce and rents stood high, a new and important enterprise was now set on foot. Building societies were established to enable every man to purchase land, and to build a home for himself. In order to utihze the capital lying in private hands, Property Investment Companies were formed — though capital in the earlier years of the [colony was pre- eminently the one thing wanting to bring out the undeveloped resources of the Settlement. Amid manifold hardships and privations the early pioneers toiled miweariedly to improve their position and to advance the substantial prosperity of the Pro- vince. The pines needed to be felled, the flax and scrub, and tangled vegetation, undisturbed in their growth of ccntmies, had all to be laboriously cleared, before they could build a home, or use a plough, or sow their seed. Beyond Duncdin there lay the wide terri- tory of the Block which was waiting to be subdued, and enterprise soon began to push beyond the narrow strip of Harbour-frontage on which the embryo city stood. A wide swamp intervened between the town and the uplands, beyond which lay the Taieri plains, now dotted with villages, and mansions, and rich in cornfields and pastures, but then a vast wilderness that showed nothing but cliunj)S of sombre bush and IMaori-heads, and extensive reaches of morass. One narrow track, beaten hard by Maori feet, traversed this swamp Tlie Story of the Otago Clmrch and Settlement, 31 iuland, and as settlement advanced, the absolute need of forming good roads forced itself on the attention of onr pioneers, and setting themselves with characteristic energy to face the task imposed upon them, they were enabled by combined effort — as early as 1849 — to open passable tracks to Saddle HiU and in various other directions, which contributed to the growing prosperity of the community at large. Sometimes provisions ran short, and the people were driven to shifts to tide over the time tiU new supplies should be made available : and occasionally the claims of hospitality caused embarrassment, especially in households which had no goodwife presiding over them. A Taieri settler, who was a bachelor, had once no bread in cupboard to offer to a friend who called upon him : and the wheat had to be taken from the stack, and ground in the mill, and baked in the oven, before his hunger could be appeased. But these experiences just gave piquancy to the new Hfe of the colonists in this far-off land ; and some of them who still survive, and who sit in comfort and competency on the broad acres which they can call their own, looking back upon those early days of privation and toil, pronounce them to have been the happiest which they have ever known. Good feeling and brother liness then prevailed. Those who had conquered the initial difficulties of subduing the land gladly gave help to their newly-come neighbour ; and it was no uncommon sight in the Taieri to see the farmers, for miles around, turning out with horses and ploughs to break up the acres of a settler who was newly come to make his home among them. 32 The Story offJie Ota go Chiirch and Settlement. Towards the close of the year 1852 the news arrived by the Endeavour from Port Cooper that an Act of Parliament granting a representative Constitution to New Zealand had received the Royal assent. This awakened wide-spread excitement throughout the Settlement. Hitherto they had been governed from afar^their pressing needs ignored, and their surplus revenues ravished by the central ruling power in the North. But now they saw a brighter day dawning on them when they would be able to control their own affairs, mould their local institutions after then- own high pattern, and embody in theii* provincial legislation the principles which they had brought with them across the seas. The church beU rang out glad welcome to the news ; illuminations lighted up the streets, and a huge bon-fire kindled on the hill tluug its ruddy glare against the night-sky. According to the Act two forms of government were provided for them. The first to be called into existence was the Provincial, and after that the General. The Colony was marked off into six divi- sions. Each of these was to possess an elected Super- intendent and Council, and have distinct powers of legislation, and a special revenue. After the Provincial form had been brought into operation, the General Government was to be organised. It consists of the Governor, and a nominated Legislative Council, and an elected House of Representatives, all having their dis- tinctive functions accurately defined. The Provincial Government was designed to carry out the original plan of populating the Islands by Settlements at various ]M)ints, locaHsing expenditure, and enacting laws suited to the special requirements of the several Provincial The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement, 33 districts. The General Government in importance, pomp, and circumstance, quite oversliadowed the local one. It embodies the principles of the Home Constitution, has much more extended power, and an indomitable tendency to centralise all interests. Both forms had theu' zealous advocates and adherents. The Provincialists stoutly contended for the expenditure of their own revenues upon their own local public works. The Centralists, again, with broader views, endeavoured to draw all public monies into one common fund, out of which, mth rigourous justice, the general interests of the Colony might be served. The six original provinces imder the T^ew Provinces Act, which was passed by the Assembly in 1858, were, later on, increased to ten. With the erection of the Otago Settlement into a Province its original boundaries were so extended as to include all the country south of the Waitaki. On the 30th day of December, 1853, the first Provincial Council, consisting of Capt. Cargill, Superintendent, and six councillors, opened its first session in Dunedin, in the Hall of the IMechanics' Institute, w^hich had been placed at the disposal of the Council by the committee of management of that Institution. The edifice in which this little Parliament met was nothing to boast of. It was a smaU wooden building, entirely unpretentious, which stood on the site now occupied by the monument to Capt. Cargill. The oratory may have been neither polished nor impressive, but the work which was accomplished within those walls was done with as much faithfulness, and sagacity and earnest patriotism, as have marked the gravest deliberations in larger Parlia- ments. This event marks the first important epoch in D 34 The Story of the. Otago Church and Settlement. the history of Otago. Now there was a responsible body possessing considerable powers, and a largely extended estate to administer. With an extremely small revenue put at their disposal they had to provide for the expense of government, form roads and build bridges, attract immigration, provide for the educational wants of the people, and open up communication both with the other provinces, and with the great world which lay beyond ! The principle of subsidizing local efforts for the con- struction of roads and bridges was adopted at the first meeting of the Council, and continued to be acted upon with the most beneficial results. The tracks leading jnto the country districts were in a lamentable state, and a heavy fall of rain made traffic on them barely practicable. The only possible means of locomotion, or of bringing farm produce into market, was by bullock sledges, which never accomplished more than from 10 to 1 5 miles a day. So energeticalh', however, was the formation of roads pushed on that in a short time there was hardly a district which Avas not intersected and opened up by good available tracks, while the main thoroughfares were formed and kept in good repair at the expense of Government. Such good progress was made in this important work that, in 1858, a stage coach began to run between Duuedin and Tokomairii'o, a distance of 3G miles; and, a few years later, the same mode of conveyance was established along all the lines of settlement in the Province. Provision was made for education in the first Session of the Council, but as that subject will be treated fully in another place, we pass it here without further notice. The Story of the Otago Clinrch and Settlement. 35 The disposal of Waste Lands early occupied attention. The Otago government stimulated the exploration and occupation of the interior by offering large areas for sheep runs, for a term of 14 years, to those who discovered them, on payment of an annual nominal rent, and on condition that the holders took immediate steps to stock the country with sheep. Not many months had passed before hill and valley, and plain, out as far as the great mountain barriers of the West, had all been traversed by owners of flocks eager in their quest after suitable pastoral land. According to the Regulations of 1855, land was sold at the low price of ten shillings per acre, with the condition of sale attached, that improvements to the value of £2 per acre should bo made within a period of four years. But, later on, the price of rural land was raised to twenty shillings per acre, the proceeds of all sales being applied to making roads and to assisting immigration. The advantage of opening up the southern portion of the Province in which there were large tracts of good agricultural and pastoral land both clear and timbered, was early recognized, and sites for Campbell Town and Invercargill having been selected, the country was surveyed and occupied by a considerable population. The subject of Immigration received the immediate and careful consideration of the Provincial Council. An Ordinance was passed appointing agencies in Edinburgh and London to procure a suitable class of emigrants, and to arrange for their passage out to Otago. In addition to these permanent agencies, special efforts were made to attract a desirable class of D 2 36 The Story oj the Otago Church and Settlement. settlers. Colonists were encouraged to nominate friends who might be wishing to join them, and to these nominees preference was given over all other apphcants for assisted passages. The Council voted £G00 for the purpose of obtaining from Australia agricultural labourers of good character; and Mr. W. H. Rej'nolds was despatched in the capacity of Immigration agent, to Melbourne, to carry out the views of his government. The Council was so satisfied with the result of his mission, that it voted an additional sum of £1000, for the same purpose, and instructed its agent to make definite arrangements for the establishment of a per- manent agency in Melbourne. Mr. James Adam was also appointed to proceed as Immigration agent to Scotland. To carry out the object of his visit £25,000 had been voted by the Provincial Council. On reaching his destination in June, 18.57, he threw himself with prompt and characteristic energy into his^work ; moving up and down the realm, he lectured and circulated information about r)tago throughout the agricultm'al districts of the country. He was absent rather less than two j'ears, and was instrumental in sending out, assisted or otherwise, some thousands of emigrants of just the sort most urgently needed in the Colony. On his return he was entertained at a public banquet which his fellow-colonists gave him, in expression of their appreciation of the satisfactory manner in which he had fulfilled his mission. The immigrants, on their arrival were comfortably housed in barracks which had been erected for theu' accommodation. In the earlier years they were under the sole control of Mr. Cutteu, and it was his duty to The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 37 give all needed advice and counsel to those who had come to settle in this new land. As the area of cultivated land extended, and the trade of the Province grew, the demand for water-carriage became imperative ; outlets needed to be opened up for the surplus produce, and direct commercial relations estabhshed with other ports. To Mr. James Macandrew the credit is due of having through his OAvn individual enterprise, estabhshed direct communication between Dunedin and Melbourne and the northern New Zealand ports. He purchased a steamer named the Q^ieen which he laid on for the intercolonial trade, and the Provincial Council subsidized her to make monthly trips between Port Chalmers and Melbourne. Thus a regular mail service was secured, and ready markets were found for Otago grain. But the farming and pastoral products of the country speedily outgrew the limited means of export available, and other vessels were laid on the berth to load direct, not only for Colonial but also for Californian and English ports. The first Session of the General Assembly was held in May, 185 1. Mr. Macandrew was then sent up as the representative of Dunedin. On his return, in con- sequence of a misunderstanding which he had Avith Mr. Cutten, who represented the country district, in that Assembly, he projected a second newspaper, which appeared in 185G under the name of The Colonist. It fully apprised its readers of the calamitous and tragic events which were transpiring in the North, while its columns teemed with local news, and with inteUigence from many parts of the outer Avorld. After a brief career of six years it sank below the social horizon, its 38 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. light paled before the rising splendour of another luminary -which still successfully holds on its way. While things in the North were drifting into a state of confusion and political bewilderment which issued in a protracted and desolating native Avar, the prosperity of the Otago settlers had continued to make material advance. Their twelfth anniversary they had celebrated with quiet thankfulness, and with a well arranged pro- gramme of appropriate sports. The population of the whole Province now stood at nearly 13,000, and its revenue was £85,000. The town while daily gro-v^ing into shape and extending its dimensions, was not much to speak of. Under the old regime, when the Town Board held sway, it was slowly, and at much expense and toil, working its way out of the primitive wilderness in which it had been planted. Princes Street had indeed been formed, but citizens who adventured out on wet and moonless nights found its passage perilous work. The mud was plastic and deeji, and after heavy rains the street, in many places, was torn up by the imiDetuous mountain brooks which overswcpt it; and boulders lay, without disturbance, along the busiest lines of traffic. Comfortable homes had been erected, here nnd there, upon the hill sides, but many of them had ]io approaches. Roads Avere laid out in some directions, but they were still covered with a luxuriant growth of flax, and some which were in process of formation were dangerous from the cuttings which had been made — especially High Street, which had several falls in it from 15 to 20 feet deep. Many a night, as the chronicles of the times testify, the stillness was broken by the cries of those Avho had sunk in mire or The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 39 been precipitated down some bank. But while lines of shops, Avell-filled with merchandize invited attention on either hand, the wheels of trade dragged heavily, and speculative enterprise was little known. Sometimes events happened which broke the monotone of life, or projected a new and exciting interest into it. An occa- sional vice-regal visit drove the people in upon their own resources to do all honour to the occasion, and called forth an ever fresh outburst of loyalty, and ex2:)ressions of devotion to the throne. Once they were staggered b}'- a daring crime which baffled for a time all efforts at discovery. The Custom House at Port Chalmers, was burglariously entered, and the safe containing some £1400 was carried aAva}^; but after very careful and persistent search, it Avas discovered unopened down the coast. The Government, soon after the arrival of the first immigrants, directed Mr. Strode, who held the position of Eesident Magistrate, and Sub-Treasurer at Welling- ton, to proceed to Dunedin with three policemen to protect the lives and properties of the people ; a Judge was also ajDpointed to preside in the Criminal Court. But it is a noteworthy fact, and a standing monument to the high moral and sterling character of our Provin- cial pioneers, that the court opened, time after time, with a calendar utterly void and clean; and at last after a weary and irritating period of inaction, as the records of the loAver court significantly attest, a procla- mation appeared abolishing the Supreme Court sittings in Otago ; and the Judge was transferred to a sphere of duty further north. That exemplary moral condition of the people in those early years was clearly due to 40 Tlie Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. two causes ; one of which was the great care taken by the founders of the Colony to secure a superior class of emigrants — a fundamental requirement of every appli- cant fur a passage having been, as we have seen above, the production of certificates of good character, and of chui'ch membership — the other cause was the entire absence of the convict element in the young community : against the possible introduction of which, at an early period of their history, they had lifted their voices in a vigourous protest. Thus for full ten 3-ears the taint of crime was hardl}' found within their borders. The Resident Magistrate and Justices of the Peace had no doul)t work to hand, but almost all the prisoners confined in the gaol, up till the period of the gold discoveries, Avere either runaway sailors, or persons committed for trifling offences : and they were kept in durance, it would seem, not by bolts and bars so much as by generous appeals to their honou.r ! They were constrained, we arc seriousl}^ told, to regularity of habits by threats of being locked out for the night ! When the old gaol on Bell llill was on fire in 1855, there was a solitary occupant A\'ithin its walls who, on his liberation wrought with heroic efibrts to extinguish the flames. It would be a mistake to suppose that there was not a considerable element of evil if not actually among our settlers, at least grazing shoulders with them. "Some of the people arc reckless," the minister wrote in one of his early reports to the Colonial Committee, " hard drinking, daring and godless people, who had come to the eastern shore to make what they could uut of our immigrants. 'Jliese, generally, are able-bodi( d A\illing workmen, suber, peaceable, steady, Tlie Story of ilie Otcujo Clmrch and Settlement. 41 and honest, Sabbath observers and attenders at cliurcb, ■with a considerable element of advanced Christians among them, confirmed, earnest and walking with God." A Total Abstinence Society was early formed to repress as much as possible and hold mthin bounds the drinking customs which prevailed especially among the drifting class of the population ; and through the enact- ment of a Sunday Ordinance by the Provincial Council, trade was completely arrested on the first day of the week and a decorous quietness prevailed in the streets. At the close of 1859, Capt. Cargill, owing to failing health, relinquished the official position which he had occupied, from the earliest period, in the van of the settlement, and on the Gth of August following, he died. The responsible and weighty business of founding the Colony had rested on him. He had shared in all the struggles and privations of the earlier colonists, and was spared to see the small band of hardy adventurers become a large and prosperous community, and the little settlement mate large strides towards becoming one of the most populous and important of the provinces. He continued to hold the position of agent till 1850 Avhen, on the cessation of the Company's operations, he Avas directed by the Government, who had assumed its obligations, to continue his duties in Otago as in time past. He held the ofiice of Commissioner of Crown lands; and when the Constitution was granted he was elected first Superintendent of the Province. He was re-elected to that honourable office in 1855, and held it up to the time of his retirement four years later on. Thus for a period of 13 years he laboured hard for the 42 'Hie Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. good of the Colony, and of the Province in particular. At the time of his death he was within a few days of completing his 76th year. A monument was erected to his memory, originally in the centre of the Octagon. It was afterwards removed to its present site opposite the Custom House. It is a chaste drinking fountain on an elevated base of bluestone 40 feet high. His name lives in Mount Cargill which overlooks the Harbour, and in Invercargill the capital city of the Southland Province. One of his sons — Mr. E, B. Cargill — occupies an honourable place in the eldership of the Chvu'ch ; and both in Kirk Session and in Synod he has manifested an intelligent and imAvearied interest in all her schemes and institutions. He has been especially identified with her Theological Hall Committee, of which for many years he has held the office of Convener. The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 43 CHAPTER III. The First Church congregation. — Erection of Manse and School- house. — Church Hill. — Dispensation of the Lord's Supper.— Dissolution of New Zealand Companj-. — Colonists charged with maintenance of Church and School. — Arrival of Eevs. "W. Will and W. Bannerman. — Bill to enable Deacons' Court to raise money for Church-building on security of properties. — Interim Church in Dowling Street. — Foundation stone of the New Church on Church Hill laid. — Arrival of Eev. G. Sutherland. — Death of Dr. Burns. — Church opened by Rev. Dr. Begg. — Mr. Sutherland accepts a call to Sydney. — Rev. L. Mackie called. — His death.— Rev. W. H. Gualter.— His death.— Rev. Mr. Gibb. ||HE congregation met for public worship, at first in the Chief Surveyor's office which, although it was the largest building available, was yet much too small to accommodate, at any service, more than a fraction of those who were willing to attend. Immediate attention Avas therefore given to the erection both of a temporary place of worship and a manse. The New Zealand Company had advanced, on the faith of future land sales, a sum of <£3,500 towards the cost of build- ings for ecclesiastical and educational uses, and ample material for both purposes had been sent out consigned to the care of Mr. Burns. It was, therefore, decided to proceed at once with the erection of a schoolhouse, which would also serve for some years, at least, as a church. The Company had instructed its agent to set apart &uitable sites in Dunedin for Church, and College, and Manse for the first congregation. These were, therefore, now selected by Mr. Burns and Capt. Cargill. The section chosen for the manse was a densely- 4:4 The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. timbered piece of ground, at the top of what is now known as Jetty Street. On that spot was planted the partly-made house which had come out in the hold of the Jolm WycUffe; and there, in that snug home which was embossomed among bright-green ngaios, Mr. Biu^ns and his family lived till August, 1862, when they left it to enter into occupation of the neAV manse which had been erected upon Church Hill. In the following j^ear that building was removed, in order to make way for the operations of the Government, in reducing the level of the hill. On the College site, some two chains back from the beach, and just on the slope of the hill, a commodious and comfortable schoolhouse was erected, not large indeed, but more than adequate to the accom- modation of the population then. It was a plain but neat structure of Avood, surmounted by belfrey, in wluch a bell, borrowed from Mr. Jones, of Waikouaiti, was hung ; and it was opened for public worship early in September, lli:i48. For the church was selected the splendid site, long known as Church Hill; on the reduced level of Avhich the grand memorial structure of to-day stands — the chastest and most conspicuous of the churches, that looks down from its calm elevation on the bus}^ fretting life of the city around. When the bell, which had been gifted to the congregation by some friends at home, arrived, the office-bearers, partl}^ with the view of its being better heard, and partly by Avay of taking legal possession of the site, hung it on a tempo- rary scafiblding erected on the hill, which then came to be conunonly known as Bell Hill. On 'Jluu'sday, IHh Janiiary, 11^40, a sacramental fast was observed, after the example of the mother-church The Story of the Otago Chiirch and Settlement. 45 in Scotland ; and on the following Sabbath the Lord's Supper was for the first time dispensed in Otago. The services were marked by a peciiHar solemnity and im- pressiveness, which made them memorable in the com- mmiity. As the stream of unmigration began to flow freely, accessions continued to be made to the com- munion-roll; and in process of time, as the church- members grew in knowledge of one another, and the outshining piety of some, and the sanctified business capacity of others became apparent, the way opened for the election of elders and deacons who would be helpful to the minister in discharging the duties of his sacred office. Capt. Cargill, and Messrs. Clark, Blackie, and Chalmers having been duly called to the eldership, were, in May, 1850, solemnly ordained and inducted into office in connection with the First Church. Early in 1850, owing to the rapid increase of popula- tion, Mr. Burns began to feel the necessity of having some ministerial help, but no definite efibrt was made just yet to obtain it. About this time intelligence of the dissohition of the Company reached the Colonj^, an event which materially affected the interests of the church ; for according to the arrangements made between the Company and the Association, the means of grace and of education had, up till this time, been furnished to the settlers absolutely free of charge. But noAV, in consequence of the turn which things had taken, there fell upon the people the entire burden of the maintenance of both chm-ch and school. The pro- perties acquired for these purposes, under the terms of settlement, were in no condition to render assistance. Some of them were lying waste, and those that were 46 21ie Story of ilie Ota go Church and Settlement. occupied were held on lease for long periods at a rent that was merely nominal; and the Trust Fund was encumbered with a debt amounting to £1,700, part of which had been advanced by the Company, on the secuiity of the Fund, for the payment of salaries. The balance of the indebtedness was incurred for partial payment of the minister's stipend during the period in which the carrying out of the scheme was in the hands of the Land and Emigration Commissioners in London. And, as the proceeds of subsequent land sales required to be appHed to the liquidation of this debt, in the first instance, no hope of help could arise for some time, at least in that direction; so that the church in Otago was thus thrown at once and almost entirely upon its o-svn resources. The congregation true to the principle of self-help, rose to the occasion, and made vigourous efiforts to defray their own expenses. A meeting was held at which resolutions were passed in favour of com- pleting an addition to the church by public subscrip- tion, authorising a collection-jDlate and seat rents, and instituting a Sustentation fund. The macliinery of the clim-ch was also increased, and methods were introduced into its working which contributed to efficiency and satisfactoriness of results — the number of elders was augmented and a strong body of deacons Avere ordained to office. The building, enlarged to double its former size, was re-opened hardly a week when every sitting in it was taken by eager applicants. Within the year ending 31st December, 1851, the congregation raised funds amounting to £500. That smn, besides covering the congregational expenditm'o in Duncdin, was used in erecting district schools in North-East Valley, Port The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 47 Chalmers, and Taieri. These buildings were designed to serve also as places of worship for the benefit of the families located around them. The entire population at this time was about 1,600, of whom about 1,100 were Presbyterians, and the chm-ch in Dmiedin with its enlarged capacity, accommodated only 400, while its enrolled communicants numbered 360. There was a large element in the population of old whalers, sailors, and others, who lived quite regardless of religious ordinances. The necessity of relieving Mr. Burns of the care of the rural chm-ches began now to force itself in earnest upon his office-bearers, and application was accordingly made in 1852 to the Colonial Committee of the Free Church, for a second minister, to be located at the Taieri. This was eloquently enforced in a communica- tion addressed to the Committee by the Rev. Mr. Nicholson, who had arrived in Dunedin en route to Hobart, and who was awaiting an opportunity to pro- ceed to his destination. At a meeting of Dunedin office-bearers, and others interested in church-work, it was resolved to send Homo for a third minister. But before that resolution could reach the Colonial Com- mittee, a third minister was on his way to Otago in company with Mr. Will, who had accepted the appointment to Taieri. Indications of a vigourous vitality in church work now meet us wherever we look. The venerable minister with hands upheld by an efficient staff of devoted office bearers, follows the colonists wherever they plant them- selves in isolated groups in the unbroken wilderness, and ministers to them in spiritual things — down to Port 48 The Story of the Otago Churcli and ^.'ettlement. Chalmers, across to Taieri, and on to Waihola, Toko- mairiro, and Clutha, lie carries to the people wise counsel and cheer, and fans the living hope in Christian hearts. Sabbath schools are opened in toTvn under the direction of two of the elders, a tract-distributing agency is organised, and Gospel truth, in simple state- ment and form, is scattered broadcast over the Otago Block. In the comitry districts, as well as in town, w^e lind weekly meetings for prayer are held, conducted generally by the elders. Griefs and trials the young church had to encounter, arising from the persistent attempts of a small minority of the disaflected among the settlers to misrepresent and hinder the progress of the church and colony. It Avas with a view to counter- act that spirit which, through anonymous and spiteful communications, operated insidiously against the settle- ment, that the Kirk Session of Otago approached the Presbytery of Edinburgh with reports, from time to time, on the subject of the religious and social con- ditions of the colony, noticing such features in its secular aspect as might appear to have an influence on its higher interests. And now, after six years of a pastorate embodying a series and variety of experiences such as few men have been called to pass through, and after having guided so far with wise and firm hand the infant church whose interests he had held so long in efficient keeping, the time came for Mr. Burns to share his responsibilities and duties with others. In the begin- nmg of February, 1854, the Revs. W. Will and W. Bannerman arrived with certificates from the Home Church, of full ordination to the work of the Christian The Story of the Otago Church and SeUlcmenf. 49 ministry in Otago. Their arrival was hailed with much satisfaction in 1 >uneclin ; and in the rui'al districts to which they were respectively destined, enthusiastic preparations were made for their reception. They occupied in turns Mr. Burns' pulpit on the first Sahhath after their arrival, and preached to crowded audiences ; and having received a public welcome at a social meeting held in Stafford House, they were, in duo course, introduced by Mr. Burns to their respective congregations. The appearance and condition of the church now began to excite pubKc comment. Its successive en- largements and additions, in wood and stone, hardly kept pace with the growth of the settlement. Its primeval lines of beauty had long since vanished out of sight under the various structures that were multiphed around it. It had no picturesqueness exteriorly, and with its bare rafters, and small square windows, it looked severely plain within. It served, however, all the varied needs of the community, both as a place of worship and as a school in which, latterly, as many as 500 children gathered together for daily instruction. It was also used as a public hall, and rang with the conflict of opinions on all the educational and political themes which engaged attention even in those early days. For some 17 years the congregation worshipped there every Sabbath morning and afternoon; its doors had been open sometimes also in the evening for a Baptist service, until the members of that denomination had secured a meeting-place for tliemselves. When the building, at length, became unsuitable, on the score of capacit}^, as well as of comfort, the congregation began 50 The Story of the Otacjo Church and Settlement. to move for the erection both of a permanent church on the commanding site ah-eady secured to them, and of a new manse by utilizing the property on which the original house had stood. For this purpose the sanction of the Presbytery was given to the introduction of a Bill into the Provincial Council to enable the Deacons' Court to raise £5,000, on loan or mortgage, upon the three properties held by the congregation, so that the required buildings might be at once proceeded with. But an important condition of its sanction was insisted upon by the Presbytery. It was to the effect that on the requirements of the First Church being satisfied, the funds accruing from the property should be made available for the congregations of the church at large. The Deacons' Court assented to that, and in due com'se a Bill (a draft of which had been approved by the Presbytery) was introduced into the Council under the charge of Mr. T. B. Gillies. There, it was amended in some particulars, one of the most important alterations being that the Supreme Court of the whole church, instead of the Deacons' Court of the First Church, waa appointed to administer the property. The Bill received the Boyal assent at the hand of Governor Gore Browne, and in intimating the fact to Dr. Burns (for the father of the church had now received, amid the congratula- tions of the community, the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Edinburgh) Mr. Gillies informed him that the Council expected that a church should be erected suitable to the site, and ornamental to the city. But it was found impossible to move fiu'ther at present, as the material of Bell Hill was required for The Stcry of the Ota-o thousand people gathered from every grade and from every religious denomination in the commnaity ; it numbered in its ranks the Corpora- tion of the City of Dunedin, JMembers of the Provmcial Government, representatives of the General Government of New Zealand, the various public Societies, the minis- ters of all denominations, the office-bearers of the First Church, together with those of other congregations — all did honour to the memory of this venerable minister of the Gospel whose name had been, for over a score of years, a household word in Otago. On the 23rd November, 1873, the new Church was opened by the Eev. Dr. Begg, of Edinburgh, who hap- pened to be on a visit to some of his family resident in Dunedin. All the available space was occupied by an overflowiog congregation who were eager to look into the face and to hear the voice of one of Scotland's most popular and honoured divines. The Rev. Dr. Stuart occupied the pulpit in the evening. The First Church, completed soon after, stood peerless, for some years at least, in point of ecclesiastical beaut}-, in the colony, and is worthy of the historical position which it holds. In design it is 13th century Gothic; its walls are built of Oamaru stone, and a graceful spire runs up to a height of 185 feet. Accommodation in the original plan was provided for nearly 900 worshippers, and it was built under the superintendence of Mr. Ft. A. Lawson, the architect, at a cost of £14,700. Alongside of the church a suitable manse was erected at a cost of some £2,000. Mr. Sutherland's ministry was marked by conside- 58 The Stwy of the Otago Church and Settlement. rable energy and force of character, and his influence reached beyond the immediate bounds of the city by some literary efforts which he made in explication and defence of Bible truth. After a pastorate extending over some five years, he accepted a call from St. George's Church, Sydney, -where he contmues to labour in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At a meeting of the congregation, held in the follow- ing year, it was resolved to send a commission to the Rev. Dr. J. Oswald Dj^kes, of London, giving him full power to select a suitable pastor for the church. Meanwhile ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria continued to supply the pulpit ; and from among these, failing notification of an appointment at home, the election fell upon the Rev. Dr. Cameron, of St. Kilda. On his declinature of the call the congre- gation turned their eyes to the Rev. Lindsay Mackie, of Elsternwick, Victoria, who responded favourably to their invitation, and his induction took place towards the close of 1874. Some five years after that event, the capacity of the church was enlarged by the erection of a gallery, which not only provided 170 additional sittings, but also, to some extent, relieved the con- spicuous baldness of the interior walls, and produced a marked improvement in the acoustic properties of the buildiijg. With all fidelitj', and beyond the measure of his strength, the minister laboured among his people who presented to him, from time to time, tangible expres- sions of their affection for him; and his Bible class, in token of their warm apprtciat'on of his assiduous laboui'S in that department of Inn work, gave him a The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 59 valuable and beautiful watch, whicli toucliecl his heart into devouter thankfulness than was awakened by other and costlier gifts. In November, 1883, Mr. Mackie closed his labours on earth amid the tears of his people, and the spnpathetic sorrowings of the entire Christian communit3\ He was born at Montrose, Scotland, on the 29th March, 1844. His father was a respected merchant, and twice filled the honourable position of Provost of the town. His mother was a woman of matured Christian character, whose influence, no doubt, led to her son devoting him- self to the Christian ministry. He was educated at the Montrose academy, and in due course entered St. .Andrew's Universitj'', where he prosecuted his studies for four years with diligence and success. On the com- pletion of his Arts curriculum he removed to Ediabui'gh, and began his theological studies in the Free Church . College. He there attained a position in his class work that gave bright promise of usefulness and success in the Gospel ministry. Having completed his theological course, he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Free Presbyter}' of Brechin, and was shortly after this appointed assistant to the Free Church minister of Campbelltown. In 1869 his attention was directed to the Australian colonies as a sphere for futiu'e work. The Presbyterian congregation of Elstennvick having commissioned the Rev. J. Oswald Dykes, D.D., of London, to select a minister for them, the appointment was offered to Mr. Mackie. He accepted it, and in due course arrived in Victoria, and was ordained and inducted in February, 1870. Some four j-ears later he closed with a call to First Church, Dunediu, and entered 60 The Story of the Otayo Church and Settlement. at once with a glo^\ing earnestness and ardent zeal upon liis work. The congregation had been vacant some two years when he took charge of it. It was to some extent disorganized and weakened by previous dissensions, but his vsdnning and courteous manner, amiabilit}', and forbearance, soon healed all divisions, and peace reigned during the entire period covered by his ministry there. His preaching was characterised by solemnity and tenderness ; he was often eloquent, and always earnest. He was a " minister of the Word," and enforced its teachings in expository ser- mons on the hearts and consciences of his hearers. He often lamented to us his inability to carry out to his satisfaction a systematic pastoral visitation of his people, but he was assiduous in his attentions to those who were sick and afflicted among them. In the general work of the church he rendered valuable assistance. During his ministry in Dunedin, his Kirk Session planted several mission stations and fostered them into self-sustaining charges. In work outside of his own denomination he displayed great Christian zeal and intelhgence. The Young Men's Christian Association, and the Young Women's Chris- tian Association wore both indebted to him for the eftective services which he cheerfully rendered ; and he took an active part in giving Bible-instruction to the young in the public schools. He sought to promote the circulation of the Bible and the difiusion of Chris- tian literature by his active support of the Otago Bible, Tract and Book Society, and by his laborious work of editing for a considerable time, jointly with the Eev. John Ehnslie, of Christchurc'', the Scid Zealand Chris- The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 61 tian Record. Tb every effort tliat bad for its object tbe spread of tbe Gospel be was ever ready to assist in all ways witbin bis power. Early in 1883 be went up to Auckland as one of tbe deputies to tbe uortbern Cburcb, but bis bealtb, wbicb was infirm, was notbing benefited by tbe trip. In May be left Dimedin for a tbree montbs' furlougb in tbe Australian colonies, in order to recruit bis bealtb. He went first to Sydney, and tben to ^Melbourne — -wbere tbe best medical advice was obtained. It w^as discovered tbat be was suffering from a malignant affection of tbe liver, wbicb was pronounced incurable. He received tbe intelligence witli calmness and Cbristian resignation. His one request was tbat be migbt die at bome. " Will you not take me borne *? " be said, entreatingiy, to bis cousin, tbe Rev. Alexander Mackie. (Jontrary to expectation, be survived tbe vo3'age, and reacbed bis bome in Duncdin. His sufferings during tbe last few days of bis illness were intense, but be bore tbem Avitb patience and fortitude. He met bis end witb calmness and witbout fear. "I am resting in peace," be said, " waiting for tbe Lord." Tbus passed away from among us a man wbo was beloved by all, cut off, we used to tbink, in tbe middle of bis days by tbe multitude and magnitude of tbe labours wbicb were imposed upon bim. His pbysical strengtb was quite inadequate to bear tbe strain to wbicb it was subjected, and a year or two before bis ministry closed be used to look wistfully across tbe seas boping, if it were God's will, tbat a field of labour migbt open to bim in connection witb tbe Victorian cburcb. 62 The Story oj the Otago Church and Settlement. A wise .and influential commission in Scotland ap- pointed as successor to Mr. Mackie the Eev. W. H. Gualter, M. A., who had filled important positions in the Church at Home, and who entered upon liis work in Dunedin, at the close of 1884, with every promise of an honourable and useful career, and of a long period of fruitful labour before him. But after a brief ministry of only five months he was smitten down by death before he had got into the full swing of work in the new land. The congregation bewildered by this sore dealing with them, addressed a call to one of the ministers of the church in Victoria — the Eev. Mr. Gibb, of Foots- cray — who cordially accepted it, and was inducted early in 1886. Down all these years that have passed since the infant church was planted on these island shores, she has been true to her traditions and history. She has thrown herself with heart and energy into all the directions which organised Christian effort can take. From the outset, through home-mission agencies, she has endea- voured to reach -s^itli sympathetic voice and helping- hand those who were largely out of sight, and out of reach of eflicient pastoral care. Her missionaries were men of approved Christian character, and earnest and diligent in the performance of their work. Mr. Roy, in Dr. Burns' time, carried the Gospel to the families located in the outskirts of the town ; and Mr. Oscar Michelscn, now a devoted labourer on the mission-field, and Mr. Robert Wood, now in ministerial charge of the vast Wyndham district, rendered admi- rable service to church and sabbath school under the The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 63 dii'ection of Mr. Mackie. The First Chiu'ch has all along had a highly honoured and intelHgent body of oflfice-bearers, many of them occupying good social position, and all of them distinguished for their probity and Christian worth. Her testimony to truth has been always bold and clear, and if she has not always led the van in contributions in gold for the furtherance of the church's work, she has not stood second to any in personal service and in heroic sacrifices to the cause of Christ. Long and ever more brightly may her light continue to shine, and grace be given to her to enable her to fulfil the high destiny which lies before her! 64 The Story of the Otago Chtirch and Settlement. Scene on the Taieri River. The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement. 65 !J) illt CHA.PTER lY. East Taieri.—Puerua,— Constitution of the Presbytery of Otago,— Waihola. —Port Chalmers. — Tokomairiro. ppX the year 1852, when the adult population of the ^ Taieri had increased to about 50, steps were taken to raise subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a school house and preaching station. This building, which was some 1 6 feet square, was opened for pubHc worship by Mr. Burns, in November, 1853. The following day the settlers met to receive a deputation from Dunedin, consisting of Messrs. John Gillies and James Macandi-ew, who had been appointed to organise a general Sustentation Fund for the settlement. At that meeting, after a full discussion of the Avhole subject, the sum of £30 per annum was subscribed to the fimd. On Sabbath, 19th February, 1854, the Rev. W. Will, who had been ordained in Scotland, was introduced to the people at Taieri by Mr. Burns, who preached in the mornmg to a congregation which greatly exceeded the capacity of the room. INIr. Will received a most cordial welcome, and conducted an afternoon service in the same building that day. To the new minister was assigned the whole country from Green Island to the Tokomairiro Gorge, and from the sea coast on the east, to the utmost limit of settlement on the west. He faced with resolute heart the hardships incident to the earlier years of his ministry on the Plain. For the first F 66 Tlie Storu of the Otcuju CJmrch and Settlement. ten or twelve months nearly all his journeys were per- formed on foot ; and, in the winter season especially, the difficulties of locomotion were vastly increased by the bridgeless creeks which he had to ford, and hj the dreary swamps which he had to traverse in visiting the outlying settlements of his extensive charge. The toils of travel diminished as preaching-stations grew in strength, and congregations ripened up to the self- sustaining condition, leaving him Avith a narrower and more concentrated field of pastoral laljt)ur. In February, 1863, Mr. Will, by appointment of Presbytery, left his congregation for a time, and proceeded to Scotland to serve the general interests of the church. The oppor- tunity was embraced l)y his people to give him a gratifying demonstration of the high place which he occupied in their auction and esteem. At a meeting of his central congregation an address was presented to him with a right noble accompaniment of 132 sovereigns; and, later on, at a soiree held at (Ireeu Island, on the occasion of the opening of the new school house, the people testified their respect for him by presenting him Avith 100 sovereigns and some valuable articles of jewellery for Mrs. Will. Mr. Will returned to his parochial work in September, 1S6I-, having successfully accomplished the x^urppse pf his mission to the Home-. land. .j.,;-^f,,. ,,,.,..,,.|-,,i'|,. I,,. ■■■,...■ 'f' 1,7 The original building in which the East Ta,ieri con- gregation assembled for public worship was repeatedly enlarged as the necessity for increased accommodation arose ; and after the lapse of a few years when it agaui, became too strait for them, the congregation took in hand the erection of the permanent church at a cost of. The iStoty oj' the (Jtago Church