AT LOS ANGELES THE VOLUME I. BEING LETTEBS FBOM THE LATE EDWARD GIBBON WAKEFIELD TO THE LATE JOHN ROBERT OOJDLEY, AND TO OTHEE WELL-KNOWN HELPEES IS THE SETTLEMENT OF CANTERBURY IK NEW ZEALAND. ,'EJ Company of 1839, which in that and succeeding J years, under that name and the succeeding one of the New Zealand Company, founded the set- tlements of Wellington, Nelson, New Plymouth, and W^anganui. In the end of 1843, Mr. Wakefield conceived the idea of a Church of England settlement in New Zealand, under the auspices of the Com- pany : and he corresponded on the subject with IV PREFACE. both myself and my uncle, Colonel "William Wakefield, then Principal Agent of the Company, at Wellington. On my return to England in the end of 1844, this project was still further consi- dered : but various circumstances contributed to postpone its being carried into effect. Among these were : the hostile attitude of the Maori population for a series of years following upon the Wairau Massacre, in July, 1843 ; the deter- mined opposition of the Colonial Office, combined with the Missionary bodies in England, to the further action of the New Zealand Company, whose resolute perseverance and Parliamentary influence, fostered and guided by Mr. Wakefield, alone saved it from annihilation and its settle- ments from ruin ; and the continued obstruction offered to the obtaining real representative insti- tutions for the Colony, by the Colonial Office at home, and by Sir George Grey (then Governor of New Zealand for the first time) as the faithful servant of the Office in the Colony.* The idea, however, of a Church of England * Sir George Grey, indeed, pretended to be favourable to Bucb institutions, and tried to persuade the Colonists to accept sbam ones as though they had been real. And when he found that real ones, through the strenuous eiertions of their promoters both at home and in the colony, were inevit- able, he not only accepted them with apparent fervour, but claimed the merit of having originated them, and recom- mended tliem for adoption by the Home Government. PREFACE. V Colony in New Zealand was not abandoned. A project similar, in regard of provision for Eccle- siastical and Educational Institutions to be en- dowed out of a portion of the purchase- money of land, but in connection with the Pree Kirk of Scotland, began to take shape under the auspices of Mr. Wakefield, in the middle of 1845. The late Captain William Cargill took the same place with regard to that project, that Mr. Godley afterwards filled in the organization of the Can- terbury Settlement ; and, in August, 1845, was in close conference with leading Directors of the New Zealand Company on the construction of the Otago scheme. In October, 1845, I went to Dublin at my father's request, on purpose to confer with Dr. Samuel Hinds (afterwards Dean of Carlisle and Bishop of Norwich), then Prebendary of Castle- knock and First Chaplain to the Archbishop of Dublin, on the subject of the proposed Church of England settlement. The rough outlines of a plan were then considered and discussed. Arch- bishop Whately himself took great interest in the proposed enterprise : so much so as to offer me many valuable suggestions ; although Dr. Hinds explained to me that the Archbishop's name as a patron of the project might at that particular time do it more harm than good. I find, from the diary which I kept at the time, that the Archbishop described Mr. (afterwards the Right VI PREFACE. Honorable Sir Jame?) Stephen, then permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies, as a decided enemy to, and indeed sceptic in, colonization ; and said that he had received a letter from him in the latter spirit, in answer to his enclosing a complaint against some instance of mis -govern- ment in Western Australia. He added that he had but small hopes for the colonies, while the principal rule over them was exercised by a man who held an obstinate opinion that they could not, and ought not to, succeed. In the end of 1845 and beginning of 1846, I visited Glasgow and Edinburgh, for the purpose of consulting with Captain Cargill, Dr. Aldcorn of Oban, and other leading workers and friends of the Otago project. I mention this, although not strictly relating to the foundation of Canter- bury, because the Free Kirk of Scotland Colony was the first instance in which my father's plans for securing a good kind of colonization by means of ecclesiastical and educational endow- ments from the land-fund were carried into prac- tice, and because the example thus afforded was of considerable service afterwards to the Pounders of Canterbury.* * In the " Memoir of John Robert Godley," prefixed to the selection from his " "Writings and Speeches," published at Christchurch in 18G3, Mr. J. E. FitzGerald, the editor of that Ttfork, and author of the Memoir, has totally lost sight of the above facts. At page 6, he says, PREFACE. Vll The first part of 1846 was taken up in endea- vours to procure Parliamentary measures, in- cluding some for good representative institutions, " Mr. Wakefield, although no longer a Director of the New Zealand Company, had still sufficient influence amongst the shareholders to control its action ; and it was owing to his exertions that the Company, even in the then desperate state of their fortunes, was induced to lend itself to the formation of a new settlement in the Middle Island. Mr. Godley, how- ever, was the author of the particular design on which Canter- bury was founded, and especially of that distinguishing feature of the colony, which required that ample funds should be pro- vided out of the proceeds of the land sales for the religious and educational wants of the community about to be established." Mr. FitzGerald has made several other mistakes in the Memoir in question. For instance, he speaks of the plan for an Irish colonization of Canada on a gigantic scale as Mr. Godley's alone ; whereas it had long been a favorite project of Mr. WakeGeld's, he having proposed it, to my personal knowledge, to both Daniel O'Connell and William Smith O'Brien ; and my father and Mr. Godley worked together most coidially at it. Indeed it was through my father's introduction that the Memorial to the Premier on the subject appeared in the London Spectator newspaper, as mentioned in that Memoir. It was after forming an estimate of Mr. Godley's great capabilities for colonizing work by means of joint labour in this and various other branches of it, that it occurred to Mr. Wakefield to suggest to him that he should become the principal ostensible promoter of the project of a Church of England settlement in New Zealand, which he (Mr. W.) had cherished for four years. The letter, which, commences the Correspondence in this Volume, marks by its date when this suggestion was first made. But my father and Mr. Godley had been fellow-workers on other kindred Till PREFACE. for New Zealand, first from Sir Robert Peel's Government by means of pressure from the Whigs, and after the middle of the year from the latter, who had come into power. But Earl Grey and Mr. B. Hawes, who had both professed, when in opposition, to be earnest Colonial Re- formers, were no sooner installed as Chief and Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, than they succumbed to the influence of Exeter Hall, secretly represented by Sir James Stephen, the permanent Under- Secretary of the Department ; and devoted their energies and official influence to the extinction of the New Zealand Company, whose Parliamentary influence had always, hitherto, been powerful enough to check, at least, both Exeter Hall and the other permanent obstructors of colonization in the Colonial Office. The disappointment on an already over-worked brain caused a severe attack of illness, with which Mr. Wakefield was stricken down at his hairdresser's shop in the Strand, on the 18th August, 1846. Por some weeks he was at death's door, given up, indeed, by Dr. Tod and Dr. Mar- colonial and colonizing subjects for some time previously. Mr. FitzGerald, who did not join the Canterbury enterprise till more than two years afterwards, in February, 1850 (see pp. 219 and 220 of this volume), was probably not fully acquainted with the early history of this combination of two colonizing minds, which resulted in the acquisition of many powerful converts, and eventually in the foundation of Can- terbury PREFACE. UC shall -Hall, two of the first physicians then in London. He revived, however ; 'travelled about England without any worry of business for some time ; resumed it in a moderate degree while living in a cottage belonging to Mr. John Abel Smithj at South Stoke, in the valley of the Arun, under the walls of Arundel Park, in Sussex ; completed his resuscitation by a few months of the water-cure and entire freedom from business at Great Malvern, in the autumn of 1847 ; and came to London on the 6th of November in that year, in time to protest against the arrangements I by which the Colonial Office and some of the leading Whig Directors were putting an end to the New Zealand Company. It was during the interval between his first attack and his return convalescent from Malvern that he made the acquaintance of Mr. Godley ; and it will be seen that, in the end of November, he first suggested to that gentleman the part of becoming the main instrument of organizing a Church of England Settlement in New Zealand. The Correspon- dence almost tells the rest of the story, up to the actual foundation of Canterbury in 1850-51. Many of Mr. Wakefield's conceptions for laying that foundation on the best possible footing, unfortunately, broke down. Circumstances in- terfered to prevent the Rev. Cecil Wynter, Rector of Gatton in Surrey, from accepting the Bishopric ; and the subsequent selection of the X PREP ACE. Key. Thomas Jackson, who had been Principal of the Training College at Battersea, proved a damage rather than a benefit to the cause. The Correspondence shows how many stout-hearted, brave men contributed to the foundation of Can- terbury. Mr. Godley, unaided by Edward Gibbon Wakefield, could never have completed the task. My father himself must have failed to give that indispensable aid had it not been for the frank and unflinching support of such men as Lord Lyttelton, Mr. (now Sir) John Simeon, Bishop Hinds, the Hon. Prancis Baring (now Lord Ashburton) Mr. C. B. Adderley, Mr. Henry Sewell, and, especially as regards the superior quality of the earliest labouring immigrants, the late Mr. William Bowler. A special notice is due to the memory of the late Robert Stephen Rintoul, sole proprietor and editor of the cele- brated London Spectator Newspaper, who opened the columns of that influential journal freely and heartily to the exposition of my father's views, both as to home and as to colonial politics, for a long series of years : besides supporting them, because they were akin to his own, by his own personal influence ; being one of the men of his age who, more than any other out of Parliament, imparted the earnestness of his own character, and its hatred of shams, to the leading men with whom he associated in literary and club life. A part of the correspondence, relating to Cap- PREFACE. XI tain E. H. W. Bellairs, an Exon of the Guard, the eldest son of Sir William Bellairs, of Mul- barton, near Norwich, requires a brief expla- nation. My father had hoped to enlist him as " the leader " of the first colonists of Canterbury. He greatly admired the manly and other attrac- tive qualities of that accomplished gentleman. He prevailed upon him to persuade his father to determine upon migrating to Canterbury with his whole family and property, which latter would have amounted to about 70,000. By means of his influence with Members of Parliament, and other persons having weight with the then Ministry, my father had managed to obtain the promise of a Baronetcy for Sir William Bellairs, in case he should thus emulate Raleigh and the other noble adventurers of the Elizabethan era. The patent was actually prepared, and ready to be presented to the gallant old Knight on his arrival in the colony. Unfortunately, Sir William obstinately insisted on getting the Baronetcy before he should part with his landed property and become a real colonist. So this favorite project of Mr. W^akefield also broke down. I have, therefore, omitted a considerable quantity of the interesting correspondence relating to it. Captain Bellairs afterwards did emigrate to Otago ; " went in," as it is called, for " cheap land " ; was named a Member of the Legislative Council, and in that character attended the first PREFACE. session of the New Zealand Parliament in 1854 ; but was disappointed with his colonial career, and returned to England soon afterwards. The readers of the following letters will see that Mr. Wakefield was always longing to get away from work which over-taxed his brain, and to spend his later years in repose in New Zea- land, to lay his bones in the fair land whose British colonization he had originated and fos- tered for so long a portion of his life. But he felt it a duty, even at the risk of wearing himself out, to stick to working in England for Canter- bury until it should fairly have taken root. And, moreover, when he saw the opportunity arriving, he waited 1o give most valuable help to the cause of obtaining real representative institutions of government for the whole of New Zealand. In the course of 1848, he occupied a residence near Boulogne in Prance, for the special purpose of writing a book on Colonization and Colonial Government, unimpeded by other business or visitors. The Correspondence alludes to this work, as " my Mrs. Harris." Its title is " A view of the art of Colonization." It was pub- lished by John W. Parker and Son, West Strand, London ; but has long been out of print. It is considered a standard work on the subject by political economists, notably by Mr. John Stuart Mill, who has published, in one of his standard works, his well-expressed opinion to PREFACE. Xiii that effect. "When the New Zealand Constitu- tion Act had been obtained, my father packed up for New Zealand. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1853, with his pure-bred bull- dogs, in the ship " Minerva " ; landed a heifer which he had brought from England, and a bull which was accidentally drowned near Rangiora ; and went on to Wellington, where he took up his permanent abode. There, instead of retiring from politics, he plunged into the very thickest of them : opposing, with all his might, the delusive " cheap land " scheme of Sir George Grey. In this cause he became both a Member of the Provincial Council of Wellington, and a Member of the House of Representatives for the Hutt District ; and accordingly sat through the first session of the General Assembly of New Zealand in 1854. Having been virulently at- tacked by his political opponents, the Provincial party of Wellington, during his absence, he called a public meeting at the Hutt on his return from Auckland. He spoke there for five hours and a half amidst impressive silence ; returned to Wellington in an open chaise against a south-east gale ; sickened ; lingered for seven years in the privacy of a sick-room ; and died in May, 1862, aged 66. I rejoice that so many of his fellow colonizers have helped me to put his colonizing thoughts on record. A beautiful and truthful portrait of him, and some favorite dogs, has been XIV PREFACE. presented by me to the Colony, on the condition that it shall be placed in any stone building belonging to any General Government purpose in Christchurch : because, although he was the Pounder of New Zealand, rather than a Founder of any particular settlement in it, Canterbury is the portion of New Zealand in which his scheme of colonization has been more completely and effectually carried into practice than in any other portion. Space has obliged me to break off the corre- spondence more abruptly than I could have wished : but, if I should receive sufficient en- couragement towards publishing the second volume I projected, to consist principally of letters from leading colonizers to my father, I may insert in its early portion a few more letters from himself to them. E. J. WAKEFIELD. ' LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. Aikman, C. C. Allen, G. Alport, H. E. Anderson, John. Angus, J. C. Armstrong, R. R. Bailey, J. Ballard, .1. F. Barnard, W. D. Bealey, S. 2 copies. Bonnington, C. 5 copies. Bowen, C. C. 2 copies. Bradwell, A. t. Brittan, W. G. 5 copies. Brooke, J. C. Brown, J. Evans. Brunsden, R. Buchanan, Reverley. Buchanan, H. Burke, M. J. Burn ell, E. Burnell, H. G. Cass, T. Caverhill, J. S. 2 copies. J. Caygill, James. Charleswortb, W. Christchurch, the Lord Bishop of. Cole, L. G. 2 copies. Crawford. J. Field. Crosland, Shaw. Cuff, Cornelius. Davle, C. Davis, D. 2 copies. Davis, Rowland. Day, G. F. De Bourbel, H. H. Dobson, E. Donald, W., M.D. Duncan, Andrew. Duncan, T. S. Fair, S. C. Featherston, His Honor I. E., M.H.R. Fooks, C. E. Fraser, Rev. C. Gammock, J. Gilchrist, J. Oswald. 2 copies. Gisborne, W. Gosling. W. Gould, G. Gresson, His Honor H. B. 5 copies. Hair, James. Hall, Hon. J., M.H.R. 2 copies. Hall, H. J. Hargreaves, K. A. 2 copies. Harman, R. J. S. Hart, G. Hart, M. B. Hart, M. B.Jun. Hassal, T. M. Hawkes, J. G. Hillyard, C. Hornbrook, A. Jacobs, the Very Reverend Dean. Jameson, A. Johnston, J. Jollie, E. Joynt, T. I. Knowles, J. Lanauze, H. C. Lawrence, J. C. F. Lee, E. J. Lee, the Hon. G. L., M.L.C. Le Fleming, Sir M., Bart. Lockhart, G. D. Lyon, W. 3 copies. Lyttelton, Right Hon. Lord. 2 copies. McAlpine, C. IT. Macfarlan, G., M.H.R. Mackay, D. M. McLean, His Honor D., M.H.R. Mallock, J. W. March. J. E. Marti C. J. Matson, H. Maude, T. W. Money, A. W. Montgomery, W. Monro, the Hon. Sir David, M.H.R. 2 copies. xvi LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Moorhouse, W. S. 25 copies. Morten, R. M. Moss, H. Mundy, D. L. Nalder, G. W. Nathan, L. E. Ness, W. Newton, C. Norman, W. Ollivier, J. Packe, Brothers. Packer and Son. 2 copies. Page, J. 2 copies. Park, R. Pavitt, T. Peacock, J. T. Pearson, Joseph. Pender, P. Phillips, H. Porter, J. C. Prins, H. H. Provincial Council Library, Wel- lington. Reece, E. Reed, W. Rhodes, R. H. Robinson, W. 4 copies. Ruddenklau, J. G. St. Quentin, J. C. Schmidt, W. 2 copies. Selfe, H. Selfe. Shackleton, J. W. Shand, John, and Sons. Shepard, E. Simeon, A. Smart, J. F. Stace, John, Stafford, the Hon. . W., JLH.Bv- 1 copies. Stevens, A. J. Stevens, E. C. J., M.H.R. Stewart, K. E. 2 copies. Stifle, S. B, Stoddart, M. P. Stringer, W. Strouts, P. Studholme, J., M.H.R. Studholme, M. Tancred, H. J., M.H.R. Templer, E. M. Thomson, H. Thornton, G. Tippetts, E. W. Tinline, J. Tisch, Philipp. Torlesse, Rev. H. Townsend, W. Travers, W. T. L..M.H.R. 6 copies Turner, C. B. Turner, C. W. Vincent, J. Vincent, W. Wakefield, C. M. Wakefleld, E. Ward, Crosbie. 2 copies. Ward, J. Whall, John. White, W. Wilkin, R. Williams, J. H. Wynn. Wilson, G. H. Wilson, J. Cracroft, C.B., M.H.R. Wilson, J. L. Wilson, W. Wood, James. Wylde, James. THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. ME. E. G. WAKEPIELD'S LETTEES. J. E. GODLET, Esq., 39, Portman Square, London. Great Malvern, 27th November, 1847. MY DEAR GODLET, I hope you have not changed your mind about coming here ; as I have a suggestion to make for your consideration, relating to yourself and a very pleasant colonising object, which I fancy that you are likely to embrace. If you come do not let us be cut short for time. Tours very truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. JOHN ABEL SMITH, Esq., M.P. Confidential, Great Malvern, 30th November, 1847. DEAB JOHN AIJEL SMITH, I find that my notion of a distinct settlement in New Zealand, under the patronage of a powerful body in this country, desirous of spreading the Church of England, stands a good chance of being realised sooner than we expected. The subject has been fully con- sidered, and at length something like practical conclusions have been arrived at. Mr. Godley left me this morning for Ireland; and I have undertaken to ascertain how far the Company is disposed to act in the matter. We adhere to the old plan of a settlement, to consist of 300,000 acres (with right of pasturage attached), to be pur- chased from the Company for 10s. per acre, or 150,000. The place to be, if possible, the valley of the Euamahanga, near Wellington, which is delineated in the illustrations of my son's book. The purchasers, whether colonists or absentees, to pay to the Company, as a trustee for them, 2 10s. per acre in addi- 2 THE FOUNDEBS OF CANTERBUBY. tion to the price of 10s. ; and the amount, being in all 750,000, to be laid out by the Company on behalf of the purchasers, in public objects, such as emigration, roads, and church and school endowments. The plan of the colony with respect to such objects to be framed, and (except in so far as the Company would act as a trustee) be carried out, by a society outside of the Company, consisting of bishops and clergymen, peers, members of parlia- ment, and intending colonists of the higher class. In all this there is nothing new to many of the Directors. But now comes the all-important practical question, By whose exertions in particular is the whole scheme to be realised ? I have succeeded in persuading Godley to think of devoting himself to the work. A good deal might be done by my son, according to your late suggestion to me. If Godley were to give himself up to this employment, he must be remunerated. He ought to become a Director of the Company, with a view of giving confidence in us to his friends and others who are expected to join the outside Society, of which my son would be a working member and intending colonist. Perhaps some other member f the outside Society, being a personage, would join our Direction. G-odley should be offered a salary of 500 a year, which Would induce him to settle in London and think of nothing but business till it was completed. Tou and Hutt, who know Godley, think, I believe, with me, that he is eminently qualified for taking the part proposed for him. I have had better opportunities than either of you of forming an opinion as to his means of success, arising from connections, friendships, and the confidence reposed in him by persons who have only to will that this scheme shall go for- ward in order to make it move, notwithstanding railroads and the scale of 900,000. If the Company should come to a decision (not officially of course, till a formal proposal shall be submitted to them) in favour of this suggestion, I will communicate with Godley and arrange matters with him. I expect that if we give him E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 3 a reasonable assurance of our intention to adopt the plan, ho would set to work immediately, and soon be in a condition to show such a prospect of success as would induce us to proceed step by step according to the above programme. He will not proceed further than at present without some security that the Company would not, by rejecting the proposal hereafter, expose him to the annoyance of having enlisted his friends and others in a fruitless project. If the Directors and Commissioner entertain this sugges- tion, it will behove them to be very careful in framing general regulations for the disposal of land so as not to interfere with the Church Settlement. Their administration of the pasturage will be a potent instrument of colonization if they set about that work well. It is a business not to be accomplished by imperfect regulations upon paper. Tou see that my thoughts have been led to dwell on the means of getting things to rights for the Company and Colony in spite of the serious defects in the last arrangement with Government and the Constitutional law of New Zealand. This change of mind has arisen from my having discovered that others are disposed to act where I would have waited for better times, and still more from a notion, which is more and more impressed on me as my intended book advances to completion, that its publication will tend to settle some of the vexed questions in colonization, and will at any rate take me out of the false position of appearing to like what I condemn. Very truly yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Great Malvern, 8th December, 1847. DEAB JOHN ABEL SMITH, I am going to, perhaps through, London on Friday, and I should be glad to see you for a little while. I intend being at the New Zealand House about noon. Perhaps you will let me find a line or message there, saying when and where you could see me. 4 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. It would be well if I could have, on Friday, some decision on the Church Settlement proposal for the information of Godley and his friends. If that iron is to be struck at all with effectj it must be while it is hot. N. Z. House, llth December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLEY, I write in the Board Boom of the Company, where the Church plan has been largely discussed by a committee appointed to consider it. In general terms they adept our view, but along with suggestions by the Com- missioner for placing as much management as possible in the hands of the Society instead of the Company, with which I wholly agree. With respect to your own position I think there will be no difficulty in making an arrangement satisfactory to you. But I shall have to write again before next week is out. Meanwhile you will receive a box containing all sorts of informing papers about the past and present state of New Zealand colonization. Reigate, 12th December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLEY, After I wrote to you yesterday, the New Zealand Company's committee agreed on resolutions, of which a copy will be sent to you. I am going to Dale Park with Mr. Cowell, " Her Majesty's Commissioner " attached to the Company, for the purpose of working with him on the plan, so far at least as concerns the Company. We have been requested to do so by the Com- mittee. The Committee consists of F. Baring, the Deputy Governor, Aglionby, Hutt, J. A. Smith, and myself, with the Commissioner. We shall meet again before the end of the week, and agree on a Report to the Court of Directors which will be adopted. Next week, in short, matters will be ripe for your presence. I know you can't come till the 10th January, E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 5 but explain how little time / have lost in order that you may pave the way by letters. I have proposed a salary for you of 500 a year, to which there is no objection : on the contrary. We shall settle all that we can without you, but many impor- tant questions must remain undetermined till you shall be here. Of course your thoughts will be busy upon such points as the constitution and working of the Society. I give you notice that my son would like to be one of its most working members as an intending colonist. He rejoices in the prospect of a strong Church colour, rather than neutrality, which is another word for inefficiency. In the Society whose expenses would be advanced by the Company, and ultimately form part of the "Preliminary Expenses " of founding the settlement, I am desirous of bespeaking a working place for my nephew, Charles Torlesse, who wishes to be a colonist, (I almost hope that his father and my sister may too) and whom 1 have drilled at clerical work. P.S. Shall you enlist the Bishop of Oxford ? I have a great notion of him. T. C. HARINUTON, Esq. Reigate, 12th December, 1847. DEAR HARINGTON, The box of informing papers for Mr. Godley should be addressed to him, and sent, carriage paid, to the care of Charles Monck, Esq., 33, Merrion Square North, Dublin. I wish it might go on Monday. It should contain a good map of the Islands. Will you also be so good as to send under cover to Mr. Godley, by post (without writing yourself,) a copy, marked " private and confidential," of the Committee's resolutions about a Church Settlement. Yours very truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. b THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. THE HONOURABLE FRANCIS BARING. Eeigate, 12th December, 1847. Mr DEAR MR. BARING, I had engaged to go with Mr. Covvell to-day to Dale Park, and pass to-morrow with him there at work on the Plan referred to us, but changed my mind, and, on meeting him at the Reigate Station this morn- ing, invited him to pass Tuesday with me here instead; which he engaged to do on condition that I would write to you, begging that you would accordingly excuse him for not keeping his appointment with you for that day. Yours very truly, E. G WAKEFIELD. CHARLES BULLER, Esq., M.P. Reigate, 12th December, 1847. MY DEAR BULLER, I cannot resist the temptation to write and congratulate you on the Poor-Law appointment. It takes you out of a miserably wrong position, and at length gives you a fair opportunity of earning the distinction which your talents must command whenever you both will and can exert them. The sinecure, with a pretence of colonizing work, whilst you were muzzled and yet held responsible for lamentable failure, was destroying you as a public man. I heard some people say that you must have been " mad " to make the change : they little know : I think it a most wise step for your own sake merely. For now, indeed, you have a great field, lots of responsibility, and an unavoidable neces- sity for doing and speaking. It ia just the thing for you, short of being at the head of a great department ; and the other was detestable. Nor do I despise the change on selfish grounds for my own sake ; namely, that I hope our old sympathies on colonizing matters may now be revived, at least in private. My book on the Art of Colonization is taking a shape for the press ; and I E. o. WAKEFTELD'S LETTERS. 7 have a real satisfaction in feeling now, that I can speak the truth without risk of hurting you. With kind regards to Fleming, Yours ever most truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 13th December, 1847. DEAK JOHN ABEL SMITH, I met Cowell at this station yesterday, and asked him to visit me here instead of taking me, as we had before proposed, to Dale. I expect him to-night ; and we shall work on the plan all to-morrow. I did not answer yours of Saturday because I had not made up my mind to any course. I have now resolved to try what can be done. But the endeavour involves far more than you imagine, in the way of sacrifice of opinion on my part, and likewise in the way of trouble. It will be my business to agree to everything proposed by Cowell, short of embarking in what I think must fail ; and to promote by all means in my power any plan that seems capable of success. I did so on Saturday, cordially supporting what I deem but a poor pig aller though better than nothing ; and the effect was magical in converting the Board room from a quarrelsome debating room into a place of business : all went smoothly where before there was every prospect of open and irreconcilable war within a month. Still, I am not sure yet of being able to get on. I will do my best, and only give up when the prospect shall be hopeless. WILLIAM HUTT, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, 13th December 1847. MY DEAB HUTT, I see no objection to your writing to Godley : on the contrary, for it would encourage him. Being tired with my two days' exertion in London, I did not go to Dale Park with Cowell, but asked him to pass a 8 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. day with me here, which he will do to-morrow. I hope we shall have something in shape for the Committee and Court on Friday : but in order to do that I shall have to make large sacrifices of opinion. 'And again, with a view of getting on at all at N. Z. House, whether in the Church affair or general business, it is obviously necessary to let the Government, through the Commissioner, have its way. I, for one, will not object, provided we do not take the responsibility of acts which we disapprove. How to avoid this is a difficult ques- tion. I wish you would think of it. Some new course must be taken or there will be open war in a month between the Company and the Colonial Office. Perhaps that is not unde- sirable with a view to the greatest good in the long run : but who would fight our battle ? On the whole, I think, we must give way to Cowell on every occasion where he seems acting in concert with the office, always taking care to make him responsible. Tours ever most truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 13th December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLEY. The affair marches. I have no doubt- that on Friday next, Avhen the weekly Court meeting of the Directors will take place, it will be settled, not formally, but fully amongst ourselves, that you shall be elected a Director as before contemplated. Mr. Cowell, the Commissioner, and I have discussed the matter fully, even unto details. The leading Directors are quite in the mood. It is understood that in some way or other the Company shall advance all the expenses of forming the Society, and carrying it on. The next step, therefore, is to form the Society ; and this is wholly your work. The reception of the project has been so favourable, that there will be nothing more for us to do till you shall be here. Then E. O. WAKEFIELD 8 LETTERS. we must put the whole scheme into the form of a correspon- dence for publication between the Society and Company. You will want a qualification as Director, which is the hold- ing of stock to the value of 500. This I am able to place at your service if you please to borrow it for the purpose. Eeigate, 14th December, 1847. DEAR J. A. SMITH, I have engaged to meet the New Zealand Committee on Friday, at twelve o'clock. Will it, therefore, be in, your power to see me in Lombard-street, as early as eleven ? This day's long conference with Cowell has been very satis- factory to me. We have agreed to settle beforehand between ourselves every point of importance that is to come before the Directors ; but my view of the future working is too long a story to write. I sincerely hope you are better. Eeigate, 16th December, 1847. MY DEAR GOD LET, * * * * I hope that your answer to my previous letters may enable me to go on with your election as a Director of the Company ; for it is a process which requires notices and takes some time, whilst your being able to sit at the Board on your arrival in London is very desirable. If the aflair should not proceed, you could but retire. Whether or not it will proceed depends on your means of inducing people of mark to take a real interest in the project. Anything that you could do in that way as preparation will not be lost. You will have to pass a day or two with me before setting to work. I am about to take a house for six months within five minutes' walk of the Eeigate Station, for the sole purpose of being accessible to you and others. 6 10 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Trusting that you have received the papers, from whose study you ought soon " to know all about it," with the readi- ness of imparting that knowledge to others which is indispen- sable for the occasion. Eeigate, IGth December. 1847. MY DEAR HUTT, I propose joining the Committee at the N. Z. House to-morrow at twelve, but shall be there sooner, and wish that we could have ten minutes talk before going into the Board Eoom. A long day's discussion with Cowell has put me in better humour with him and the prospect of N". Z. affairs. And much reflection brings me to conclude on the whole, that we may get along not as I could wish not without great difficulties not so as to obtain the great results which would have flowed from a settlement with the Government in the spirit of the views professed by everybody during the war with Stanley but still in a creditable way, and, above all, in a way to strengthen the hands of those who regret that not more has been gained. The first step, in order to change the aspect and current of things, is to proceed right a-head with the Church project. As to all immediate measures for that purpose, Cowell and I agree. It is about this I want to talk with you. Let us do some business to-morrow, and move on. I wish you could spend Sunday with me here. N. Z. House, 17th December, 1847. MY BEAR GODLEY, I was disappointed at not hearing from you to-day. Perhaps a letter from you is gone to Reigate. It will be best always to direct to the N. Z. House. In order to save time, so that you may be able to take your E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 11 scut as a Director on arriving in London, I have this day qualified you by assigning to you stock to the amount of 500 ; and the Court has just agreed to a recommendation of the Committee that you shall be elected as a Director. Two notices must be given, and a fortnight elapse, before the thing can be done. With respect to salary, that is also fully settled amongst ourselves, but I would not settle it officially more especially with respect to the source of payment without giving you a word of your own in the bargain. The final adjustment of that point, therefore, must wait till you shall be here. If you should not like what I have done, you must retire. The sooner you can come the better; for we shall do nothing more without you. Reigate, Friday evening, 17th December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLEY, I wish to add something without delay to my hasty letter written in London to-day. Not finding any letter from you here, I fear that you are unwell. But hoping the best, I imagine that my previous letter may have induced you to move by means of writing to your friends, and that you will continue to be doing what you can in that way until we meet ; and I am therefore desirous of adverting to the question of party in the Church, which everybody mentions to me whenever I talk on the subject of this religious project. The more I reflect, the more I am disposed to agree with you, that it will be impossible to avoid a party colour. I see that though a Society of neutral colour might be formed', it would be inefficient by reason of the want of harmony, or, at any rate, of earnest co-operation, amongst its members. But neither am I blind to the evil tendency of a decided party colour. In favour of it there is the earnestness, without which nothing very good can be 12 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. accomplished : against it, there is the narrowness of the field in which you would work, and the advantage which would be given to the opponents of the plan. The evangelical party will oppose at all events; and if they were able to show dis- tinctly that it was a " Puseyite " scheme, their opposition would be very formidable, because it would more or less obtain the sympathy of those religious men and good Church- men who are neither Puseyite nor Evangelical. What I anxiously desire, therefore, is, that the Society may comprise persons of mark who are not deemed Puseyites ; that in form- ing it, your skill and policy may enable you to steer clear of a personnel which would stamp it at once with a Puseyite cha- racter ; that there may be in it such a number of persons, not Puseyites, as would prevent others from running it down as Puseyite. Surely the Church comprises many eminent persons, lay and clerical, who are both earnest Churchmen and friends of colonization, and yet not members of the Puseyite or Tractariau party : I would name, for example, Gladstone and the Bishop of Oxford. Along with a good many such persons, it matters not how many Puseyites ; nay, the more the better : but without them, I fear that the anti- colonizing evangelicals, would prove too strong for you. The Puseyite party alone cannot do the thing ; can it ? If not, let us beware of a failure from taking too narrow a position. I do not understand this part of the subject well myself, but am very anxious about it. It seems to be a question of colour and tints and shades, but is one of the highest import and most real substance. What is wanted, is a due combination of zeal and power. What we have to guard against, is a sacrifice of the power for the sake of the zeal. I have expressed myself imperfectly ; but you will interpret me aright, I hope. It will be enough, if you should shar'e my conviction that conspicuous exclusive Puseyism, or any other Ism, would land us in a failure. Whatever the fact may be howmuchsoever we may rely on the earnestness of the most earnest Churchmen who are not anti-colonizers let no one E. O. WAKKFIELU'S LETTERS. ]'.i be able to say without being contradicted, " It is altogether a Puseyite affair : look at the names." The requisite notices and forma in the election of a Director will prevent your final appointment till the 7th of January. It was proposed in conversation to-day, that the Society should have an office at the West End. Who will be its Secretary or chief working man ? Not you, being a Director; that is. not ostensibly, though you may be the most active of its members in reality. You see what a number of things I want to talk to you about. Eeigate, 21st December, 1847. MY DEAR G-ODLEY, I have yours of the 17th. I do not regret the long adjournment of Parliament. There is so much to do in the way of framing the plan of the colony, and the constitution of the Society, that our time will be fully occupied till February ; and I suspect that we may even find it short. The enterprise is very large in itself, and more important in its probable consequences. In the present state of Church questions, this project may have curious results. We shall have to plan with great caution. I really cannot tell you what the Bishop of ISIew Zealand is His see was created by us in spite of many obstacles put in our way by the Church and the Government. Indeed, we forced the measure on the Melbourne Government ; and in that measure originated all the new CQlom'al bishoprics. If our views had been taken up by the Church, great results would have been obtained both for the Church and coloniza- tion. I will not say that Dr. Selwyn turned round upon us, and joined our foes, the anti-colonizing " Church Missionary Society ;" but I am sure he is not a wise man. My confident opinion, however, is that our present project will have, among other effects, that of making him a zealous colonizer. The debate or conversation in the House of Commons has 14 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. distressed but not surprised me. The ignorance of the speakers was its most remarkable feature. I think that it would be infra dig for you to propose that your first year's salary should buy your qualification. Not knowing how far it might suit you to invest 500 of your own in that way, I intended to lend you the qualification (a common and perfectly correct practice) for as long as you pleased. But your position will certainly be better if you buy the qualification that is, if you have really the same pecuniary interest as other Directors, small though it be ; and I shall be glad to part with the stock when it shall suit you to pay for it. The last arrangement with the Govern- ment is supposed to make the investment a safe one ; and it should be very profitable if the colonization of New Zealand proceeded as we hope it will. At any rate, you are now qualified, as the stock stands in your name ; and your elec- tion, to which the enclosed circular relates, will take place on the 7th January. You understand, I hope, that the 500 a year is settled, but that I wished to consult you on your own account merely before the source of payment was determined upon. There is a special fund in hand, from which we all wish the money to come, but you must be consulted first ; and this cannot be well done by letter : the story is too long. I am sure we shall have no time to spare, though you should be here on the 10th. Your first disposal of time will be passing two or three days in quiet here with me. * * * I see that the real debate on the N. Z. Bill is to be taken on going into Committee. We ought to inform Lord Lin- coln. The occasion may be made very serviceable in the Church project. Eeigate, 23rd December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLEY, I have yours of the 20th. My address henceforth will be, not the N. Z. House, but "Warwick Lodge, Eeigate. K. G. WA.KEFIELB'8 LETTKBS. 15 My object in communicating with you once more before you leave Ireland, is to suggest that that wretched part of the United Kingdom must contain many good Churchmen who would be glad to co-operate with you, especially as colo- nists. To me it is obvious, that by degrees, unless there be a vast Eoman Catholic colonization according to our last year's view (of which I see no prospect) the Milesian majority will get the upper hand in Ireland, and that the English minority will be, supposing ^o/5possible,even more uncomfortable than at present. There must then be hundreds of gentlemen in Ireland to whom this colonial opening would prove a blessing. I do not enlarge on the subject, because to you a word is enough ; but just mention it in the hope that you may, whilst on the spot, obtain the zealous co-operation of at least one able person in Dublin : a second self, as far as may be, for Anglo- Ireland. This is very important. Beigate, 24th December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLET, One word more, which I hope may be of use before you quit Ireland. As it strikes me, the sort of person whom you would find the most valuable co-operator in Ireland, is one who should be disposed to emigrate, leading out a body of Church people along with, and as a part of the Church Colony. I can briefly describe the qualities which he ought to possess, by saying that the more he is like yourself, the better. The object he would have in view, is suitable to the ambition of a gentleman possessing the higher order of ability for dealing with things and men. Such a person might collect fifty or a hundred gentlemen, heads of families or younger brothers un- married, to whom, in the present slate of Ireland, this colony would be a City of Eefuge. He should come to England, in order to learn all about it. His expenses, at least, should be paid ; and I think it would be politic and not difficult to remunerate his services as well. 10 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. It is a case in which all would depend on personal qualities. Think over your acquaintance in Dublin. Dr. Hinds, whom I wish that you might see, may perhaps know of somebody. He is a capital judge of character. I trust that nothing may prevent you from being in London by the 10th ; for preliminary work will engage all our time till your friends shall assemble for the meeting of Parliament. I have a strong wish to write to Lord Lincoln, for the pur- pose of calling his attention to the coming debate on New Zealand affairs. My object would be to make him far better acquainted with the subject than any other member of the House of Commons. And I should begin by requesting him to read, before seeing me, certain Parliamentary papers. I am sure I could put him in the way of making a striking and most valuable speech. But I cannot venture to address him without knowing that he would not think me impertinent in doing so. If you think fit to write to him about it, pray observe that my own decided views or partizanship do not blind me to the necessity in which he is placed of doing nothing at variance with what may be termed the good policy of one holding his place in public life. Bedhill, Beigate, 27th December, 1847. MY DEAR GODLEY, Tours of the 22nd induces me to say that I had anticipated your stipulations with respect to time, by always speaking of the salary as a payment to be provided for for " two or three years." But, as before explained, I would not settle anything officially and definitely about salary till you shall be on the spot. I have no doubt of being able, after ten minutes conversation with you, to arrange the whole matter in a way perfectly satisfactory to you. The Irish emigration to New Zealand, of which Dr. Hinds spoke, is, I fear, not very important : for it was only by acci- dent that I heard of it at New Zealand House. The corres- E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 17 pondent of the Company on the subject is a half-pay officer, named Staunton, residing in Dublin, who has friends in the colony. His address is not by me ; but I imagine you could readily find him out. I shall expect to see you on the llth January. JOHN W. COWELL, Esq., 15, Old Quebec-street, Oxford- street. Eedhill, Eeigate, 27th December, 1847. MY BEAR SIR, If you can manage to be at the New Zea- land House by 11 o'clock on Friday next, I will meet you then and there. Perhaps you could then let me take home, for consideration in quiet your sketch for the future, to which I will give the most earnest attention, for assuredly the pre- sent is intolerable and cannot last. In my opinion it is far better that the Company should stop, than hobble on as it has done lately, or rather acknowledge that real stoppage which is manifest to all behind the scenes. * * * * Mr. G-odley will be here on the llth January. He is already at work amongst his friends ; and I look forward to early and great results from that move. I shall ask you to do me the favour of meeting him here for a day or two, with the view of establishing at once a cordial co-operation between you. There are several things good to be done without delay which I shall be glad of an opportunity of mentioning to you alone on Friday. The most important of them concern the realization of your own views concerning the flax, and setting on foot a monthly line of packets. I believe that both objects may be accomplished immediately, by means of agreement between us before either topic is mentioned to the Directors. The dead Company may and must be brought to life again : or, if not, let us bury and have done with it. Tours very truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. , 18 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Bedhill, Beigate, 28th December, 1847. DEAR J. A. SMITH, Constant attention to New Zealand affairs since I came to town satisfies me that the Company may be restored to great usefulness, and immediately too, by means of the Church project. But indeed Mr. Cosrell and I agree about many things to be done without delay, every one of which will help to revive colonization and set us up in the world. There is one point on which we are bent, viz., the substitution of doing useful things every Court day, for the mere jabber which has lately occupied the Directors exclu- sively. H. A. AGLIONBY, Esq., M.P. Eedhill, Eeigate, 28th December, 1847. MY DEATC AGLIONBY, I have hoped to see you here, especially on the promised Wednesday. It is very desirable that we should meet in quiet to talk over the state of the Company, &c. The Church settlement promises so well, and I find Cowell so anxious to substitute the doing of useful things for endless and fruitless discussion, that I should see my way to getting mattors on to a satisfactory footing, if we could dispose of the Beit and Nelson question without delay. At present it stands in the way of all good. If Mr. Godley should become a witness to the feelings which it has occasioned, he will have no heart to proceed with the Church Colony. Indeed, I think it inevitable that the Company should break up in the midst of a quarrel between the Directors and the Commissioner, unless we can speedily get rid of that bone of contention. It is about this I want to talk to you in peace. # # * * * Ever yours most truly, E. Q-. WAKEFIELD. E. o. WAKEITELD'S LETTERS. 19 Gk F. TOTING, Esq. Redhill, Eeigate, 29th December, 1847. MY DEAR TOTING, A letter from Harington only now informs me that the Committee of the New Zealand Co. will on Thursday next consider the reply of the Company to Lord Grey on Cowell's Eeport. I shall not be able to meet the Committee, and therefore let you know my present thoughts on the subject. I thoroughly agree with those (probably all the Directors who have attended to the subject) who think that we cannot let the Report stand without a protest. * * * * I do not despise the Beit and Nelson question by itself, except when I compare it with what has grown, is growing, and must grow, out of it unless we get rid of it quietly. There would, for example, be an end of this Church Colony project (which I assure you looks very well), if Mr. Q-odley should come among us in our present state of disagreement with the Commissioner. Tours very truly, E. GK WAKEFIELD. Eedhill, Eeigate, 29th December, 1847 (Wed. night). DEAR J. A. SMITH, I have a letter from Cowell, which shows me that he has no idea of the state of mind amongst the Directors generally. He thinks that Aglionby and Toung only are angry. It is a grand mistake, though they alone have spoken out. I write by this post to tell him the truth and to urge him (as far as I can decently) to meet me on Friday by 11 o'clock. I fear he will not come, which only makes me the more anxious to see you. If there is no way of settling the Beit question except by the Company's submit- ting to Cowell's Eeport, it is all up with us. They never will ; or if the majority should, eight or ten will at once retire. 20 THE FOUNDEBS OF CANTEEBUBY. I am telling you what you ought to know. Bemember that I have had no more to do with this desperate quarrel than any total stranger to the Company : and that it stops me wholly in the Church matter, on which I have now set my heart. My part is that of peace-maker. Will nobody help me? Eedhill, Eeigate, ] st January, 1848. MY DEAE HUTT, I think it well to keep you aware of the most important proceedings at the N". Z. House. The Godley Church affair is very promising. He will be elected a Director next week, and will join me here on the llth. Stoke, Suffolk, 6th January, 1848. MY DEAE GODLEY, Tour letter of the 2nd followed me hither. I am going to London to-morrow to be present at the ballot for your election ; and thence to Eedhill. I shall reserve the beginning of next week for our meeting exclusively. Be so good, as far as you can, to let me know beforehand when to expect you, and fix the time most conve- nient for yourself, as I shall avoid all engagements. I hope you understand that I shall have some mutton and a bed at your service if you can put up with my homely fare. There appears reason to hope that even this torpid part of the country may furnish you some recruits. I shall be san- guine as to the result if you can but come out well, and quite agree with you that this is especially a case in which all will depend on taking the first public step in a telling way. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 21 Eedhill, Eeigate, 14th January, 1848. MY DEAE GODLET, Tour letters shall be looked after. I forgot to tell you that the Free Church of Scotland finds the Otago Colony (founded by a Committee of lay members of that Church that is, by itself) a most valuable TOPIC in its intercourse with the public. It is a very interesting topic. So is the conversion of savages, as used by the Church Mis- sionary Society. There is something in it which appeals pleasantly to the imagination and the best feelings. "Whereas the sole topic of the Propagation Society is " religious destitu- tion " in the colonies, which is a painful topic and one of which people soon weary. After more reflection, with sleep between, I am persuaded that if the Venerable Society took this matter up, they would serve themselves more than they would us by appropriating it, and feel the benefit even this year even after the sermons on the Queen's letter by an increase of their funds plainly attributable to that cause. I am so sure of it, that if you cannot convince Mr. Hawkins, I wish you would let me try. I am so sure of it, that in my mind it would be well worth their while, if time is deficient, to keep back for a time the use of the Queen's letter. Eedhill, Saturday, 15th January. MY DEAR GODLEY, I expect that Mr. Cotton is anti- colonizing, pro-missionary, and pro-Fitzroy, besides being, to use an expression of his own, as it was repeated to me, " sick of New Zealand." He is a man of zeal, but crotchetty and odd, with a high notion of his own importance. I think that he will not help you if you seem to want him, and yet I doubt whether he will embark in a vessel which he has not helped to launch. At any rate, I feel sure, that in dealing with him or the Bishop of London, you must treat the thing as settled to be done whether or not they take it up. 22 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. It strikes me that the course suggested by Hawkins is not politic. If you apply to strangers, they must suppose that you want them; whereas if he spoke to them first, their first thought might be for the advantage of their own Society, not that you were persuading them to help yours. The distinc- tion is very important. If Hawkins is a real convert, he should perceive the inexpediency of putting you forward instead of going forward himself. Whatever you may say, do, or be, you must be suspected of caring far more about found- ing this Society by aid of the Propagation Society, than about benefiting the Society through the means of this Colony : and the latter idea is the only one that ought to be presented to leading members of the Society who have its interests at heart. The delay about " the Board " is a pity. But surely this is a mere form, such as longheads, like Chalmers and Candlish, would have set aside for a great object by calling a special Board to consider a matter of so much moment. Torlesse, who is with me, seems much struck by the idea of furnishing the Society with a topic of continually-growing interest. In return to the other point for a moment, I am of opinion that it is not' your business, but that of Mr. Hawkins, or any other active member of the Society, to recommend their adop- tion of the measure for the Society's sake : your business is to explain the colonizing part to such persons as wish to know about it, not for its own sake, but for the sake of the Society. I think that in a disregard or observance of this distinction, it will turn whether or not the Society put their seal on all your doings. * * * * P.S. The foregoing remarks on policy relate solely to the work of inducing the Propagation Society to take the Colony up and appropriate it for their own sake. The getting up of the Colony is not their affair, but yours ; and I wish to be understood as now confining myself to the subject of their connection with the colony. That is their affair, and should be managed by one of them, you being only called upon to E. o. WAKEFI ELD'S LETTEBS. 23 explain matters relating to the Colony. The object is that members of the Propagation Society should think of serving the Society through you, instead of your serving the Colony through them. * * * Redhill, 22nd January. MY DEAR GODLEY, I wish I had received sooner your letter of yesterday that is, before transferring to you the " old " shares and cancelling the former transfer, and before dwelling on your wish to be a real shareholder along with your colleagues. The change took place yesterday when the salary question was discussed, and finally settled except that it was thought right to let you see before handing to you the letter of security which is to insure your receipt of the salary for the whole period. For in order to go back again to the former position, I must take some way of unsaying what has been said about your preference of a real to an apparent quali- fication. This is one difficulty. Another is, that these repeated changes will call attention to the fact of the unreality of the qualification, which would have been a fact known only to ourselves if there had been no change from the first arrangement, but which everybody will know, and to which a sort of prominence will be given, if we change again. And further, your object in the change is to make the fact of unreal qualification known " out of doors," which is still more objectionable. All these objections appear to me to more than counter- balance the one objection to .your having a real interest. For so very small an interest cannot be deemed a bad- motive one ; and besides the possession of a mere qualification is indispensable. It cannot hurt you more than it does Lord Courtenay or F. Baring, who would merely laugh at any imputation of bad motive founded on it. And here again, whilst I am writing it strikes me that the 24 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. only ground on which any Director of the Company ever holds an unreal qualification, is that the holding of a real one would be pecuniarily inconvenient to him : whereas, after what has passed, I could not avoid putting it on a ground which others might not like that of your wishing to be free from an imputation of bad motive to which you deem your colleagues exposed. There would have been no difficulty if we had stuck to the first arrangement, and held our tongues. But now, having stated my view of those which grow out of the unavoidable publicity and palaver, I will just do whatever you wish. Personally, I am quite indifferent about it ; and perhaps I may have gone out of my province in presenting to you the difficulties on your account which I cannot help seeing. Merely tell me what to do. I think we exhausted the question of the " monstrous " scheme of Lord Grey with respect to N. Zealand. * * * Bedhill, 6th July, 1848. MY DEAR G-ODLEY, "Wednesday for the N. Z. Bill leaves but short time for preparations. In order to make the most of it, I think there would be great advantage in a conference with Lord Lincoln ; Rintoul and I being present as well as you. You are fixed elsewhere. There remains but Tuesday. I would gladly go to town on purpose ; and I am sure if you ask .Rintoul he will make a point of attending. My reason for proposing this is, that I don't feel satisfied that Lord L. is going on the right tack for insuring some valuable practical result. The occasion, if well handled, may be made far more important than it seems. There is no time for correspon- dence ; and a brisk discussion of the question of policy and modes of proceeding in Lord L.'s presence could hardly fail to be of service. Is he aware of the protest of certain colonists then in Eng- E. a. WAKKFIEI,D'S LETTERS. 25 land against the plan of a democratic constitution, which was sent to Lord Grey ? If my sou did not give you a copy of it r I will send you one to-morrow. Kedhill, llth March, 1848. MY DEAR GODLEY, The enclosed is chiefly mine as res- pects the composition of the argument : but the view is my brother's, and differs from my view of the subject a week or two back. I have been converted to his view by the reasoning which we have together put upon paper. Though the mate- rials of the paper are his, and it is written by his hand, and in his name, still, as the mere workmanship of the argument is chiefly mine, he wishes me to send you the memorandum. I fancy that it is conclusive against Lefroy's plan, and that Lefroy is one of those very rare people whom reason com- mands. I shall not fail to meet you at the New Zealand House on Tuesday, and hope that Lefroy may come with you to meet my brother whom I shall get to town for the purpose. H. M. LEFROY, Esq., 41, Charing Cross, London. Eedhill, April 24, 1848. MY DEAR SIR, I am sorry that it would not be in my power to see you here to-morrow, or at all before Thursday, when I shall be at New Zealand House at one o'clock. I have always thought it very desirable that the Association should have a charter ; and individually I can see no reason why the cost of one should not be reckoned among prelimi- nary expenses to be advanced by the New Zealand Company. But I am now much disheartened by the state of the land question. From what has passed lately I doubt whether the 20 THE FOUMJliKS OF CANTERBURY. Government will give direction to the Local Government to acquire the land. It strikes me that they are more disposed to let things alone that is, to let New Zealand be colonized irregularly by means of land-sharking and squatting, than by any systematic process. And if so, neither the Association nor the Company can go on. This question must be settled pre- sently. If there should be a fair prospect of getting the land, I, for one, shall be most ready to adopt the plan of enabling the Association to have a Charter. Bedhffl, 30th April, 1848. MY DEAR GODLET, I am yery uncomfortable about the position and doings of the Association. We never settle anything satisfactorily in London. Ought we not to meet "here for a good confab ? T shall be engaged on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but to-morrow or on Tuesday would hold myself at your disposal if you choose to come down. As you cannot write in time for to-morrow, I think it best to propose Tuesday. Send one line to say Yea or Nay ; and if you come, do not be engaged to get back, as I am worried by pressure for time, which indeed always prevents the exhaus- tion of a subject in discussion. I cannot help feeling that unless the proceedings of the Association be invigorated, it will, ere long, die out. It will be a hopeless task to maintain the present interest without action. E. S. BINTOUL, Esq. Eedhill, 1st May, 1848. MY DEAE RINTOTTL, C. Buller came to see me on Satur- day. He did not tell me (as Lord Grey did Godley) of the Government scheme of emigration, but he left me without a doubt as to its existence. And I have heard of it from other E. O. WAKEFIELU'S LETTKHS. 27 quarters. From Buller, whose object it was to prepare me for it, and conciliate me to it, I gathered its general nature, viz., a loan of large amount, not less than a million perhaps two or three to be authorised by Parliament for sending out " poor people ;" no " colonization ;" no improvement of Colonial Government ; no improvement of the practices in disposing of land ; but the loan to be charged on the land fund in the different colonies : in short, the latter point being a sham, because everything is done to prevent the growth of a land fund ; it is a scheme for nothing else than the shovelling out of paupers at the public expense. Lord Grey, Buller, and Hawes, having failed in all their promises with respect both to colonization and government, fall back upon Wilmot Hortonisni ! I purpose writing to-day a topic on the subject, which, if you should approve of it, would take the place of the intended topic for next Saturday. My aim will be to nip the scheme in the bud. Eedhill, 6th May, 1848. MY DEAR GODLET, There lives at Windsor, one of the Naval Knights, a Mr. Henslow, whose acquaintance I made at Malvern, and who is not unlikely to be a Canterbury colonist. He would be a very valuable one. He was invalided as a Navy Lieutenant by an act of heroism, but was then an officer of great promise. He is a nephew of Professor Henslow, of Cambridge, and a most honorable useful person. I have suggested that he should put himself into direct com- munication with you, though he is far from having made up his mind to emigrate. His object is to learn all about it. He has read much on New Zealand, and is a good Church- man. It will be all right about the Charter for Canterbury, with Aglionby, who came here yesterday. I shall send the Book of Charters to 41, Charing Cross, for you to-morrow. 28 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. The Rev. Dr. HINDS, Castle Knock, Dublin. Reigate, May , 1848. MY DEAR DR. HINDS, As your first letter contained no caution against telling its news, and none seemed implied by the circumstances, I could not help mentioning what was to me great and good news. And indeed, I had a further motive that of predisposing some friends in the Press (not Rintoul, who needed no prompting) to take a favourable view of the case as respects Irish politics. However, there is no harm f expressing in the said book, the opinions that I have always entertained of the footing on which the Colony and Company were placed by the Company's arrangement with Lord Grey as Colonial Minister. These opinions are so well known to the more active of my colleagues, that I need not state them here. As they widely differ from the opinions of the Court on that point, I feel that the publication of them requires that I should offer to retire from the Direction. This offer I conceive to be due to my colleagues, whose uniform kind- ness and consideration to me demand my warmest acknow- ledgments. Lastly, it is one of my opinions about the arrangement with E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 45 Lord Grey, that it places the Company on a footing of com- plete dependence on the Colonial Office, rendering Us in fact a subordinate branch of that department for the (I wish I could say real) colonization of a part of New Zealand. If this view of the relations of the Company towards the Colonial Office is correct, then the positions of a Director of the Com- pany, and of the author of a book relating in a great measure to the defects and vices of the Colonial Office as the govern- ment of our Colonial Empire, are manifestly so conflicting, as to make it incumbent on the author to cease being a Director; provided always, however, his colleagues should have no reason for objecting to his resignation. With reference to this proviso, I wish to say further, for the information of those of the Directors who may not be aware of the fact, that the state of my health would long ago have induced me to retire from a post, the duties of which I was unable to perform (except by helping now and then, as far as illness would permit, to make the arrangement with Lord Grey work well for Colony and Company), if I could have taken that step without great risk of appearing to desert my colleagues and the proprietors after the condition of the Company had become exceedingly unprosperous. I beg your pardon for employing another hand in writing to you, and remain, Dear Sir, Very faithfully and sincerely yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 29th January 1849. MY DEAR AGLIONBT, I think you are alarmed without cause. But lest I should be mistaken in this view, and also in order that the " daggers " may be directed at me only, not at me through the Company, as you anticipate, I send to-day the tender of my resignation as a Director. You are right in supposing that the book is true ; wrong in 40 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. imagining that severity is its object; Its object is to set colonization on its legs again, and, let us hope, on stronger legs than it has ever had yet. By " stronger legs," I mean the support of favourable public opinion. After all that has passed, attempting to colonize without that support, is but wilfully incurring trouble, disappointment and mortification. That support will not come in a day. Meanwhile, patience and courage ! * # * * The Book will not be out for a week ; so there is time for telling Hawes before its publication, that my resignation has been accepted. Eeigate, 30th January, 1849. Mr DEAR GODLET, I trust that by this time you have a rough copy of the Book; without, however, the Appendix No. 1, in which I take the liberty of alluding to you, though not by name. Unless you choose to put on the cap, it may pass as intended for somebody else. * * * * On Friday next, the 2nd, I must go to London on private business, but shall return by the Brighton 5 o'clock train. At and from that hour I place myself at your disposal, and should be very glad if you found it convenient to meet me at the station, and come down to pass Saturday here. There, is plenty for us to talk about ; or rather will be, if your friends should venture upon a little " action " on Thursday. If they don't strike a blow then, which is the very nick of time for them, they will deserve the sneering at them, Peel included, s ~- on which the Times now ventures because they are becoming nobodies from lack of action. E. O. WAKEFTELD's LETTERS. 47 The Eight Honourable LORD PETBE; Eeigate, 5th February, 1849. DEAR LORD PETRE, I remind you of my existence by beg- ging you to accept the accompanying Book. By it, as well as almost constant illness for years would permit, I make an appeal to the great public on behalf of a cause, in which you are deeply interested from hereditary, patriotic* and parental considerations. As the suggestions relating to colonization and colonial government, which the Book contains, are those which you have wished to see realised, I doubt not that you will approve of them in this new form. And with respect to the personal matter which, in self-defence against injustice and oppression, I have reluctantly introduced into this publication, I should feel sure of your sympathy as a gentleman and a man of spirit, even if you had not taught me under more adverse circum- stances than the present, the generous aid of your counte- nance and friendship. Believe me to remain, Dear Lord Petre, Very faithfully and truly yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, llth February, 1849. MY DEAR JOHN HTTTT, Soon after reading your letter, I received a much fuller account of the state of Mr. Gladstone's opinions, but agreeing with yours. Both reports I of course deem entirely confidential. At your leisure I should be glad to learn what you think of the Book, and especially what you object to in it. At my age, and with my hardening experience, I don't generally much care to know what people think about my opinions ; but I should set store by an account of the impression made 48 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. on you, because, with reference to this subject, I value your judgment above that of all other people. This is not compli- ment, nor was the dedication. Eeigate, 22nd February, 1849. MY DEAR GobLEY, I am getting concerned at not hearing from you or of you, fearing you may be unwell. I have got a very warm, ch'eerful, sunny, dry house, with spare bed rooms, where, if you were disposed for quiet and fresh air, it would be a great pleasure to me to see you make yourself at home with or without notice, as there will be servants in the house when I am away. Colonial reform seems to be moving on, past your friends. Even the Mothercountry tribe are getting hold of it ; and /their next " shift " will be to do it enough for stopping the hubbub. But if so, what becomes of your friends ? The DEAN or CARLISLE, Athenaeum Club, London. Springfield, Eeigate, 7th March, 1849. MY DEAR MR. DEAN, It would be a great satisfaction and pleasure to me, if I could see you as soon as you shall have a little leisure. I would gladly go to town on purpose if you gave me a few days notice. Or, if you would favour me with your company here, it would be still more agreeable. In the latter case I should ask Eintoul to meet you, and perhaps Mr. Godley, in order that we might have a good talk about coloni- zation, of which the prospects were never, according to my view, so bright as at present, though the probability of early and important reformation is only plain to the few who keep a vigilant look out for symptoms of change. * * * * E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 49 Eeigate, 14th March, 1849. MY DEAB GODLEY, * * * * I hope you mean to pass Sunday here. There is a church at Gatton which nobody goes to without wishing to go again ; the place and the parson being perfect. [I here omit much lengthy correspondence on the subject of saving New Zealand from the infliction of Convict Immigra- tion, as successfully resisted by the Cape Colony. E. J. ~W.] C. B. ADDEELEY, Esq., M.P., 20, Lowndes Square, London. Eeigate, 29th March, 1849. DEAB MB. ADDEBLEY, I feel obliged by your letter. Before receiving it I had taken a view of the debate exactly corresponding with yours. You have done a great service to the colonies. Of course, after the Debate, there will be plenty of colonial agitation, here as well as in some colonies, against convict emigration. Assuming that you must be pleased with your success, and trusting that it may encourage you to proceed as a colonial reformer, I venture to suggest for your consideration whether it is not in your power to do another great service to the colo- nies, by getting rid of the plan of selling public land ly auc- tion. The evils of this plan are rather fully set forth in my book. They are monstrous ; and I have never been able to meet with any one who could defend the plan by argument. The plan is maintained by the mere sic volo of the Colonial Office, and especially Lord Grey. The opinion of colonists, both here and abroad, is unanimous against it. There would be no difficulty in obtaining petitions in your support if you saw fit to bring the subject (a very important one, if coloni- zation is of importance) before the House of Commons. Mr. Gladstone could hardly avoid speaking on this point ; and I 11 60 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBY. cannot doubt that his opinion is thoroughly hostile to this auction nuisance. If you resolved to move, notice should be given before Easter (but without fixing a day) in order that the colonial public here may have time to agitate in your sup- port. I have very fully considered the subject in all its bear- ings, and feel very confident that success would attend a motion in the House of Commons. * # * # The publication of your speech will be of great use. In order to spread it in the colonies, where it is sure to produce plenty of remonstrance against Transportation, a portion, at least, of the copies should be on thin paper. I should be very glad of an opportunity of some conversa- tion with you, and still more pleased if you would come here on Saturday to dine and sleep. *****! you coine perhaps you could try to bring Eintoul Eeigate, 5th April, 1849. MY DEAE GODLEY, Wishing I had fixed with you to-day for Fitzgerald to come here on Saturday next, I write now to beg that you will invite him from me to come by an early train, and stay with me till Monday morning, when I shall leave home for Suffolk. By thus seeing him for more than a hurried and studied interview, I, as well as he, shall have a better opportunity of determining whether any useful colonial work can be cut out for him. At present I think it may. N. Z. House, 2nd May, 1849. MY DEAE GODLEY, Just after you left, J. A. Smith came in here ; and that has passed between him and me as to Can- terbury, which leads me to say that if you can come down to me to-morrow, or as soon as possible, we may be able to get E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 51 up the means of moviug Canterbury effectually. Except through this chance which has presented itself, I see no way of doing any good. Eeigate, 2nd May, 184. MY DEAR GTODLEY, Having got home, I have a wish to make you better acquainted with what passed between John Abel and me at N. Z House. He came to me just as I had left off stating to you all the difficulties or rather insuperable obstacles with regard to Canterbury : and they all came out over again. He asked what would satisfy me. I said, "a good charter of local government for Canterbury alone, the settlement being made to comprise a large block of country, not less than four or five millions of acres, to which the whole land and emigration system of the Association should be applied, and within which the settlers should make all laws and carry on all government, save only laws and government relating to imperial subjects, which subjects should be strictly defined by the charter." After a good deal of conversation, enquiring on his part, and explanatory on mine, he said that he was sure he could get it. I said, " "Well then, get it ; and so surely I will find a colony of people." But I naturally proceeded to ask by what means he thought he could get it. Prom his answers, I gathered that Lord Grey is uncomfortable, perhaps almost humble; and that some of his colleagues perhaps would earnestly persuade him to do so popular an act. Then came the question of how to proceed. A good deal of discus- sion ended in his proposing that I should give him the heads of a satisfying charter, which he will use in his own way. If he should get on well, the next step (as we agreed) will be for the Association to apply officially for a charter in accordance with the above named heads. I then wrote, and showed to him, the letter on this subject which you will have received 52 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEEBUEY. ere now. He begged that no time might be lost, and was most eagerly in earnest. It looks like an opportunity worth some vigorous endeavour to seize. If you think so, pray bring with you the Acts of Parliament and Charter of Government, so that we may see exactly what the Crown can do without applying to Parlia- ment. They won't like an application to Parliament ; but I have some doubt whether the real thing can be got without a new law. Pray bring also a copy of the instructions to Thomas ; and, if you can, leave them with me ; for if this move for a good government were successful, I should be well disposed to work at enlisting a fine colony of people, and confident of success. "Without a good government, after all that we have seen, said, and done, the attempt would be useless. W. H. BUBNAITD, Esq., 2, Boyle-street, Burlington-street. Eeigate, 2nd May, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, Practice has taught me much better how to receive hard knocks than gratifying compliments. Still, I hope to acknowledge suitably the kindness of partial friends in the New Zealand Company, by saying that if their object were generally approved by the Proprietors, including the ^Directors, I should be proud to receive so flattering a mark of their good opinion and good will. Eeigate, 4th May, 1849. DEAB JOHN ABEL SMITH, Godley and Adderley are coming here to-morrow ; and you shall have the heads of the proposed charter by post on Monday. * * * E. G. WAKEFTELD'S LETTERS. 53 Eeigate, 4th May, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, I will meet you at the station, pre- pared for a walk if you like it. This may reach you in time for useful warning against com- mitting yourself to any body as intended leader of the colonists. If we get the real thing from Lord Grey, we will put the thing on such a footing as to produce rivalry and competition for all positions of importance in the settlement. Keigate, 6th May, 1849. DEAR JOHN ABEL SMITH, I enclose the promised heads of a charter. The second is the most important. It accords with Lord Grey's emphatic declarations as to the policy of " returning to the wise practice of our ancestors, with respect to local self- government." We mean that the " local self-government "... shall be real and unmistakeable, not a show of it in words, with all sorts of restrictions and outside interferences that would destroy the reality. Nothing but the real thing will be ac- cepted, because we think that a time is fast coming when the real thing will be gladly offered by the Imperial Government. With the real thing as to government, we shall be able to do wonders in colonization ; without it, nothing. The granting of a real unadulterated Penn or Baltimore Charter w*ould greatly strike the public imagination and make even Lord Grey popular. I do not expect it ; it would be too good for everybody to come true. With the next news from New Zealand, the Canterbury Association must either go on or be dissolved. It will not go on without the charter as proposed. * # ^ ^ After we parted on Wednesday, I regretted not having told you what follows. By the last ship to New Zealand, I sent a long public letter to the colonists fully setting forth my 54 THE FOUND EES OF CANTERBURY. view of the Arrangement made in 1847, and of the position and prospects of the Colony, and of the Company in its rela- tions with the Colony. I have offered to show the letter to Aglionby ; and any Director is welcome to see it. I have not made it public here, only because I was sure that its publica- tion would defeat the present efforts of the Company to resume colonization. When these efforts shall have failed as they must do under present circumstances its publication here can do no harm. There is nothing new in the letter, to those who know fully what my opinions have always been about the Arrangement of 1847 : but from the Directors, who already know my view of that subject, I am unwilling to con- ceal that such a letter has been sent to the colony for publi- cation. . [Inclosed in the above letter.] HEADS OF A CHARTER. 1. A considerable portion of New Zealand to be allotted to the new colony. 2. Powers of local government truly resembling in extent and completeness those given by the charters of Penn and Balti- more. 3. Responsibility of the Executive to a Representative Legis- lature, to be secured. 4. All imperial subjects such as foreign relations, relations with other colonies, trade with the mother-country to be excluded from interference by the local government. 5. Full regulations for guarding the interests of the mother- country with respect to waste lands and emigration. 6. Separation of the Settlement from the New Zealand Com- pany, provided the conditions be such as fully satisfy the Company. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 55 7. All expense of colonization and government, excepting only defence from foreign aggression, to be borne by the colony ; and imperial troops, if ever required by the Colony for local purposes, to be paid for by the Colony, as now by India. COPT of a RESOLUTION taken up to London by Mr. Eintoul for Sir ~Wm. Molesworth. Monday, 7th May, 1849. " That a humble Address be presented to the Queen, pray- ing that Her Majesty will be graciously pleased to appoint a Commission to enquire into the state of her Majesty's pos- sessions in North America, the "West Indies, South Africa, the Mauritius, Ceylon, New South Wales, Tasmania, South and "West Australia, and New Zealand, with the view of removing the causes of colonial adversity and complaint, diminishing the cost of colonial government, and giving free scope to individual enterprise in the business of colonizing. Eeigate, 7th May, 1849. MY DEAB G-ODLET, On reflection, I think the safest course, because admitting of return to the subject in case of no suc- cess at first, would be only to ask counsel as to some fitting person. A capital colonist in petto has been to see me to-day. He knows your Major W , of whom, however, Jdid not seem to have any knowledge. Bintoul left me this morning, bent on getting Molesworth to go a-head in a way that can do no harm and may do great good. 56 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. C. B. ADDERLEY, Esq. MY DEAR SIR, I have a long letter from Godley, who desires that I will write to you in case anything should occur to me in the way of suggestion with respect to the Canterbury Charter. He says that Lord Grey's objection is likely to be the jealousy and aspirations of other colonies. Verily, other colonies will be envious and importunate, if the government of Canterbury should be local and applicable to other colonies. But if it resembled the old government of Maryland and Pennsylvania, it would not be applicable to other colonies. If Lord Grey will give a charter, constituting, as the charters of Penn and Baltimore did, a subordinate monarchy, with representative institutions, other colonies will not ask for that. It may be asked for by new colonizing bodies, wishing to found a colony ; but the old colonies will deem it inapplicable to them ; aud though they may envy Canterbury its possession, and regret that their governments were not founded originally on that plan, they will not ask for a form of government of which an essential condition is an eminent English family holding in perpetual succession the office of subordinate and merely local sovereign. The proposal of this form of government, therefore, is not open to Lord Grey's supposed objection : and it would be by far the best form of government for Canterbury and colonizing objects. Ecigate, 14th May, 1849. MY DEAR RINTOUL, Will Spectator stand another colonial topic this week ? If she will, I should send one with the title of Annexation of the Colonies of England. The article would consist of two parts. The first would relate to the principle of annexation to the United States, E. O. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 57 with the uses of it to the annexing community. The second would be a recommendation to English colonies to annex to England rather than the United States : and here I should dwell on the similitude or identity of the annexation and municipal principles, showing that our old colonies and those of New England in particular were really annexed to Eng- land, jusb as Illinois or Texas is to the American Union ; that they were STATES in the enjoyment of a local sovereignty independent of the Imperial Parliament ; that the whole prin- ciple of American annexation has grown out of our old colonial charters ; and that by recurring to the old practice of England, we should get all the good for colonies and mother- country, which annexation provides for the separate States and the United States of America. What say you ? Eeigate, 23rd May, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, I wish that Lord Grey may say "No" at once. He will not say " Yes," but will keep you dancing between Yes and No till the time shall be gone by for going to Parliament yourselves. The announcement of your inten- tion to do that in case of need, is most satisfactory. It seems to me quite possible that you should carry a bill for giving a free government to New Zealand. But all would depend on your going at it in real earnest. The Bill could be drawn in a few days. It should be brought forward by Stafford, I fancy, in order to secure his party, and because he is clever, high-spirited and popular. I am full of the various means to be employed for securing a majority. But really there is not a day to lose. I hope you will press Hawes for an answer. The great danger is their playing with you the tantalizing game which is their forte. But -I have an impression that if you go right ahead for an Act of Parliament, careless of all opposition, deprecation, and objection, you will thereby muster strength enough to beat 12 58 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Grey before introducing the Bill, and get his assent to it. I know him well : and you may depend on it, that he is very like " a spaniel, a woman, and a walnut-tree the more you beat 'eui, the better they'll be." Eeigate, 25th May, 1849. MY DEAE GODLEY, The Roebuck Debate strengthens my impressions in favour of going right ahead for " an Act for the Government of New Zealand." How I wish you could manage to come here to.morrow. Negotiation with the Office will only worry you to death. The other course would be our own ; and I feel sure that the chances are greatly in favour of its success. You see, Grey leaves New Zealand out of his Australian plan: capital reason for a separate Act. The reasons for it are many, with not one against it. If you could get Stafford to bring in the Bill, we should carry it. But what I want to talk with you about, is all the means of going to work with effect. Roebuck should be employed profession- ally to draw the Bill. If you and Adderley and I agree, we will drag everybody else along with us by determined and vigorous action. Eeigate, 27th May, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, I fully intended to allow Hawes a reasonable time, and only suggested preparation for the nega- tive which I consider inevitable. I have the impression with respect to Stafford and Stanley, that all depends upon the manner in which the former under- takes his work. He is too important a member of his party to be pooh-poohed or put off, if he is really in earnest. Stanley does not care seriously about any thing ; and he always gives way to very strong pressure. I dare say he would prefer that there were no fresh discussions of New Zealand questions ; E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 59 and he will try to prevent it. But if he sees distinctly at first that Stafford's mind is made up ; that there will be a discus- sion at all events ; and that the only question is whether or not he will give Stafford the support of the party for an end that would be highly creditable to them by showing them able to originate and carry a useful and popular measure ; then he will not decide to leave Stafford unsupported by the party. All depends on their first interview. I take Stafford to be a high-spirited man, whom favourable circumstances would have made a leader of men. I suppose him capable of coming to the determination that he will take up this matter and go through with it unflinchingly to the end. Then I suppose him to be a person whom nature has gifted with the power of expressing resolve by manner by the look and the voice, rather than by mere words, which last Stanley, of all men, knows are often used to signify a determination that does not exist. I imagine Stafford telling Stanley that he has undertaken and is committed to the work, and must proceed with it come what may ; that, of course, he wishes to succeed that is, either to beat the Government after a debate, or to get their assent to his Bill before the debate ; and that with this view it is, of course, very important to him to have the support of the party as a party for which purpose he natu- rally comes to the leader of the party. Now, I can imagine a high-spirited man, like Stafford, doing this in such a way as, without a word of threat, to intimate that he should be mor- tally displeased if his request were refused. I am not imagin- ing Stafford to put on an air of determination for the purpose of overcoming Stanley; but I say that if he is himself resolved, his resolution his having set his heart on it the certainty of his deep resentment if he should be baulked will all appear in the manner of one so frank and free ; and Stanley will be overcome. So we get back to the starting-point all depends on how much decision of purpose, or resoluteness, there is in Stafford's nature. I fancy, a great deal ; but, to be sure, he has never been tried in public affairs. GO THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Again, how, Stanley may ask, is Stafford so committed, and bound to go on at any rate P As a chief in the Canterbury Association, who have asked him to Undertake the task, and whom he could not refuse. And who be they ? One of the most conservative bodies in the kingdom, whose object, inter alia, is to prevent this Colony from becoming a democratic republic, which is what our present system is preparing every one of our larger colonies to be. Under the contemplated Act, the colonists would be authorised to establish aristocratic and monarchical institutions subordinate, indeed, as respects imperial allegiance, but effective on the spot as institutions similar to our own at home. It therefore becomes Stafford's party to support him : he is entitled, as a party man, to expect Stanley's cordial aid. He knows already that many of the party will support him at any rate. It is most desirable that the party should not split on this matter. Another argument. Some of the liberal party must support him ; and a good many more will do so from approving, not of aristocratic and monarchical institutions for New Zealand, but of letting the colonists determine for themselves the form and character of their own merely local government. So, if the Ministry oppose him, he is sure to split the Government party, and not unlikely to beat the Government which is a fair party object. On party considerations alone, it is well the Conservative party should do some good as well as hinder wrong. A party that does nothing, cannot last long. The object is not to make a speech, or get up a debate, or make a motion with a view to withdrawing it : but it is to bring in the Bill, carry it on as fast as possible through the Commons, and into the Lords, and make an Act of Parlia- ment of it this very session. The object is practical, and, with the real support of the party, practicable. Objections by Stanley to be anticipated by saying, that all imperial objects will be carefully provided for in the Bill, by being specifically excluded from interference by the local government : and amongst matters so reserved for exclusive E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 61 imperial control would be all dealings with the Natives for land in pursuance of the Treaty of Waitangi. I fancy that there is a way of talking to Stanley, so as to lead his mind to the conclusion that circumstances are greatly altered since he was in Downing-street ; and that under the new circumstances, it would be creditable to him to adopt a policy suitable to them. But this is not the safest ground to tread on ; it should be done gingerly. Nor do I rely on any reasoning or persuasion, however conclusive for a man of politic mind, half as much as on his seeing that Stafford is determined to go on and will be deeply hurt if the support of the party should he withheld from him. That should be made to appear at every possible opportunity during the conversa- tion ; and there are twenty ways of showing it more impres- sively than by saying it. Here is a cool sort of a preach, which might as well have been spared : but I have been led on by earnestness. Oh, that our public men, or any two or three of them, could make that excuse for over-doing ! I had considered your point, and provided for it by appeal to the Privy Council, but without any penalty. In like manner, I think, if the local government did what the impe- rial government deemed out of the charter, the Privy Council should decide between them. I am putting down all sorts of matter for the Bill, with some very explanatory and persuad- ing preambles. The preambles of some of the old charters are noble. To conclude I feel persuaded that no official application ought to be made to Grey. His official refusal would commit him to oppose the Bill. What may pass in private with him or Hawes, goes for nothing. If you don't like Hawes's answer, you have only to make your bow, saying you won't trouble him further : and then we can go to work. * * * 62 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Ecigate, 1st June, 1849. Mr DEAK GODLEY, Pray see the inclosed. It strikes me that much good might be done by inducing your colonizing friends to patronize and attend the meeting. The three present Patrons are Peelites. Could you not add to that list some of the Canterbury notabilities? I should like to see half-a-dozen more Patrons, all either Peelites or Stanleyites. Adderley and Stafford should be asked at any rate : and if some more leading Stanleyites could be got to patronize, their names would tell usefully just now in Downing-street, as showing their interest in the subject. "What think you of Stanley himself being asked ? Of course, the getters-up of the Soiree would print a fresh paper if they had the new names immediately. Further, those who can be got to attend the Soiree will feel a more real interest in the subject than they did before. Ladies, you see, are expected ; and such re- unions interest them. There will be some speechifying, and reports in the papers on the ensuing Monday. "We might make the occasion very telling on Hawes and Grey, as well as on Peelites and Stanleyites (by interesting them and bringing them out as colonizers) with a view to the " Act for the Government of New Zealand." You could manage particulars with "Wm. Hutt, who invited Lincoln, Ashburton, and Gladstone to be Patrons, and would, I am certain, gladly fall in with my present view. Reigate, 2nd June, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, Pray do come on Monday, and bring Ki nt mil if you can. I do not think of any document that we shall need. The Times to-day seems to be preparing for Hawes's explana- tory dodge. The article is as official to my mind, as if we had seen Hawes write it. If so, you will get nothing worth out of the Colonial Office nothing but delusion and disappointment. My hopes, such E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 63 as they are, rest wholly on the chance of Stanley's taking up the matter as a useful party move. We shall get nothing from the Office but what they can't help yielding. It would be comfortable if we had their answer ; for hypothetical cases are an ill foundation for real work. I have no more faith in Hawes than in any Jew " Fence " of Rosemary Lane. He would be delighted to put you over your time, and then laugh at you. If he were not at his tricks, you would have had the Yes or No before now. * * * * I feel incapable of doing anything well until we know where. .. we are. Eeigate, 3rd June, 1849. MY DEAR GODLET, Though we shall meet to-morrow, I return John Abel Smith's letter at once, in order to tell you its first impression on me. It seems clear to me that Grey has rejected the proposal in the form in which you were desired to make it. In fact, or virtually, you have got the " No." I expected nothing else after Charteris's report of Grey's state of mind. Smith and Hawes have been foiled ; and they now wish to avert the con- sequences viz., independent action by your party by means of a course which, whilst it comprises another attempt upon Grey, provides at all events for enough delay to preclude your party from acting with any effect. It is all nothing but more coaxing of Grey and more shuffling ; and the end of it, I am persuaded, will be to land you in " too late." Smith and Hawes would if they could ; but they cannot ; and so their real object is, at all events, to keep you dancing on idle hopes till you must be quiet for this year. The other course that of your party making a public declaration that you cannot go on with Canterbury without a good government for New Zealand, and asking Parliament for a Charter of Government is much favoured by the plan of 64 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. the Office for the Australasian Colonies. The absurdities of that plan furnish the most cogent arguments for letting H. M. subjects in New Zealand settle themselves their own purely local government, all imperial matters being excluded from their jurisdiction. "Why not ? The old English Colonies had that power. You see with what indignation and scorn the Australians receive plans of constitutions drawn up here by people who cannot know their wants and inclinations. The new plan is a monster on the faoe of it a most effectual pro- vision for hot water or constituted anarchy for some years, to end in making these colonies democratic republics. Stanley's party, more than any, ought to oppose this measure. But supposing them inclined to do as well as prevent, they ought also to settle the New Zealand matter once for all, by handing over to the colonists the business of framing and altering as they please a merely municipal constitution for themselves. If we got that power, New Zealand would soon be, far away, the most attractive of British Colonies. "We would make a municipal Monarchy with government by the elite of the people. Beigate, 8th June, 1849. MY DEAR G-ODLEY, Tired with some hard work for me, I yet write a line to say that it will never be in my power to go to town for any good purpose. When I get there, not being used to it, the strange bustle and noise upset me, and I am good for nothing. But you will see me at work in Spectator. Go ahead ! I only wish I could participate. Pray say this to Mr. Adderley. Eeigate, 9th June. MY DEAR GODLEY, If " the Lincolnites " are not merely pursuing the game of getting into office along with the "Whigs E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 65 (which, by the way, in becoming a fixed public impression) they might, at least, propound for Australasia a scheme of municipal government for discussion, and sending out to the colonies which is all that the Office means to do with its scheme. I am preparing, not a rival Bill, but a rival scheme, to be expounded by word of mouth in the Commons. There is time for it ; the second reading of Hawes's Bill being put off. If the scheme were framed immediately, we could get some people (such as Molesworth) to prepare for supporting it. This would not prevent the moving of amendments, in Com- mittee on Hawes's Bill, by Stafford, &c. : but I think that Bill will never get so far. The rival scheme should be pro- pounded on the second reading of Hawes's Bill. If it were good and well developed, it might get the N. Z. matter through yet. Eeigate, 10th June, 1849. MY DEAB, RINTOUL, I have just learnt, positively, (but do not mention it to any one as coming from me) that the Grahamites are at a dirty trick about Vancouver. The Stanleyites were ready to support Lincoln as a party. But he puts into his motion some words about " commercial freedom" implying approval of free trade. The Stanleyites say, that, with those words in the motion, they can't support it. The words have no proper relation to the subject: but Lincoln refuses to take them out, saying that he has no idea of being dictated to, &c. He does this, knowing that he will thereby lose Stanleyite support : for he was distinctly told so. Is it not clear that he does not wish to carry his motion ? It is sham-fighting ; and the sham is plain. I have some hope that it may be exposed in one of the Stanley Journals: but if not, should not Spectator at any rate spoil the dirty game? I suspect now, on reflecting back, that Lincoln has been humbugging us all along. 13 66 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. If you agree, send me the very words of Lincoln's motion, and, if you can, the strongest words in which Gladstone denounced the Vancouver job, both last session and the other day. My information comes, by an accident, out of a secret conclave of Peelites, where Graham, probably, Lincoln, and Gladstone were, and the Stanleyite proposal to have the words left out, as made by Stafford, was considered and deliberately rejected. * * * * I shan't want more than a few of the strongest expressions in Gladstone's speech, which are probably in the Spectator. JAMES EDWARD FITZGERALD, Esq. Eeigate, llth June, 1849. DEAR FITZGERALD, If nothing should come of your expe- dition last night, I should be glad to know what happened, because Eintoul will probably be ready to do the needful if neither of the others should ; and it is well he should know how your attempts failed. I thought to see it in the Post this morning. Tours very truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, llth June, 1849. MY DEAR RINTOUL, I had some hope of seeing the Lin- coln-Vancouver trick shown up in the Post or Herald this morning. I am told that Stafford was very angry at Lincoln's recep- tion of his proposal that the motion should be altered so as to enable the Stanley party to support it. Could we get into direct communication with Stafford ? If we could, I think we could put his people in the way of framing a motion or two so as to compel the Grahamites to support them, or, at worst, E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 67 expose their own dirty policy. Godley is now out of the work. Is Adderley ? I should think not ; for I mistake him if he does not feel indignant at the tricky self-seeking of Godley's friends. Molesworth ? Could not he frame a motion with respect to the Australian constitutions, which the Stanley ites would, and the Grahamites almost must support ? I am bent on spoiling the game of the latter, at all events. They have been selling us all through from the day when you and I together saw Lincoln, and you drew a distinction between Peel and him, down to your interview with Gladstone at Godley 's. Eeigate, 12th June, 1849. Mr DEAE EINTOTIL, A s respects policy, I dare say you are right ; but my conviction remains, that Lincoln put the words " principles of commercial freedom " into his notice on pur- pose to repel Stanleyite support. Stafford had no objection to words condemning the particular trading monopoly of the Company (which is the real question as regards commerce in this case), but objected to the general words " principles of commercial freedom," v which no doubt do convey approval of free trade in general. The sting to the Stanleyites is in the word " principles," which there is no sort of necessity for using. And all this (as I am told) was explained to Lincoln. However, the Lincolnite game is not a winning one : and sooner or later they will find out what has been impressed on me for more than a year that their only way to office, as it is the only way to a better state of parties and affairs, is through breaking up the Stanleyites by giving them a year of office. Till the latter prove their incompetency by trying and failing to govern, their party will hold together, and the "Whigs be able to keep power, such as it is, independently of the Grahamites. 68 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Eeigate, 20th June, 1849. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, The letter to the N. Z. Company being the first step the foundation of everything the premier pas qui coute ought to be very fully considered, and I think, concerted with some of the leading Directors. It ought to express the whole design ; and, above all, there should not be a word in it which you might subsequently wish to alter. COPIES of MOTIONS for Mr. Stafford, given to Mr. Godley. Eeigate, 20th June, 1849. To move for a copy of any correspondence between the Governor of New Zealand and Mr. Fox, late Attorney- General of the Southern Province of that Colony, relating to Mr. Fox's resignation of his office. Also copies of any Peti- tions or Memorials addressed to the Governor of New Zealand or to the Home Government by the colonists relating to the suspension of the colonial Constitution. Also copies of any dispatches from the Governor of New Zealand to Earl Grey and from Earl Grey to the Governor, relating either to the suspension of the New Zealand Constitution, or to the pre- sent form of government in the Colony. Eeigate, 20th June, 1849. MY DEAR EINTOUL, After showing Godley ten Eesolutions in the rough, and much discussion with him, we have resolved that Stanley will never let Stafford adopt the real thing ; that Gladstone and Lincoln would be apt to object to parts of it ; that Adderley is the only M.P. wbo would go thoroughly along with us ; and that the true plan is to give him the Eesolutions, taking care to make them express the faith that we hold. It is of course idle to think of Eesolutions contain- E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 69 ing this faith being carried. We must aim only at a full dis- cussion of the subject ; but I think that a discussion of the subject such as these Resolutions will provoke if they do express the whole faith, will be more useful than the carrying of any Resolutions to which a majority would agree. I therefore keep at work in order to make the Resolutions as perfect as I can ; and I do not expect to be able to send them to town before Sunday night. At the worst, they will supply ample materials for tearing the Australian Constitution Bill to pieces : at the best, in proportion as they shall be carefully done they will spread the faith, and conduce to the overthrow of the present mon- strous system. I think you ought in next Spectator to point out, somehow, that the Canada question, just as it now stands, was long since disposed of by your paper. The consequences remain ; and we shall hear of some ugly ones next Tuesday. If Lord Lincoln was not fully aware of his own plight as a politician, the count-out yesterday should leave him nothing to learn on that subject. Reigate, 21st June, 1849. MY DEAR Q-ODLET, It is simply impossible that the Reso- lutions should be done sooner than to be in town on Monday morning. So much time is required to say the needful within reason- able compass. I could send most of them now, but not in a state fit for the intended use. Compression hard ut careful squeezing is indispensable. So there's no help for it. Surely, the Second Reading of the Bill on Monday can be prevented, by insisting on time to allow for petitions on the subject from colonists in England, and for Adderley's Resolu- tions which he might engage to present on that day. There has not been notice enough of the day. At the worst, if the 70 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Government should force on the Bill in a way to prevent a , full discussion, they can be stopped by motions of adjourn- ment which their conduct would justify. The Resolutions, besides laying down ou-r principles the faith, as you called it will tear the particular Bill to pieces ; and we must get time to allow them to operate before the debate. At any rate, I feel pretty confident that they will provoke a most useful debate ; but to that end, people must have time to prepare I mean such members as Gladstone, Roebuck (against), Molesworth (for), Stafford (against the Bill), and Adderley himself. If we could have an out-and-out good debate, it ought to be published as a Book, like that on N. Zealand in 1845 ; and that such a Book would be published ought to be known beforehand by such members as we wished to speak fully, because the knowledge would induce them to prepare carefully, as it did in the New Zealand case. But I must go back to my work. Reigate, 22nd June, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, The Resolutions are nearly complete ; and I am as proud over them as is Beauty with her pups. 1 have begged Rintoul to come to examine them critically before they shall be copied fair to be sent to London. You will have them on Monday morning. I feel uncomfortable at not being able to confer with Adderley upon them : for if he gets them into discussion in the House, they will be called " the Adderley Resolutions," and well known by that name in all our Crown Colonies. I have letters from New Zealand which explain why Governor Grey did not establish free government in the Southern Province. He wished to do so, and has made his wish fully known in Downing-street ; but he dared not him- self make such a distinction between North and South : the Office would not take his hints to them that they should do it : E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 71 and so the South is sacrificed, not to the North, but to the necessity of withholding representation from the Penny-an- acre landsharks of the North. This comes to me, through only one person, on whom I can rely, from Grey himself. You shall see the letters the first time you come here ; and if Lord Grey were not a hyaena, he should see them too. All the Southern Settlements are discontented, and Wellington in very hot water, accordingly. Thomas seems to be doing his work well : and the next news will probably be that the survey is going on. What do you mean to do ? You can do nothing good without a good government. You say you want nothing but courage to try the only chance of getting the indispensable thing : if you cannot find courage, cannot you have a fit of desperation ? # * * * My heaviest labour in thinking about the Resolutions has been in trying to make sure of Adderley's entire concurrence : but we ought to have had him here to have had a discussion. Eeigate, 24th June, 1849. MY DEAB GODLEY, The Resolutions have undergone the process of Eintoul's very careful consideration and criticism, and have since been re-written. He takes them to town to-night. I wish to say about them now, that two objects have been kept in view to make them say the faith as you suggested, and to make them suitable to an English Conservative county member of the independent class. They are, in some essen- tial points, more " Tory " than I should have made them if writing for, say Molesworth, C. Buller, the Howick of 1845, or myself. I agree, no doubt, in the conservatism, but only lately and by adoption : and I could not write what I did not think : but great pains have been taken to make them fit to be called the Adderley Resolutions. I have no doubt that in opinion Adderley goes with all of 72 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBTTRY. them: but that is what Gladstone would not do under a month's time for arranging and disposing of objections. At about the end of the month, when he had (as we have, long ago) disposed of the objections by inquiry and thought, he would, I think, agree to every word. Meantime the hours press ; and therefore I fancy that the most courteous course towards Gladstone, and the most agreeable to him, would be to tell him that the Resolutions are purposely not shown to him so that he may be perfectly independent. Indeed, it might be convenient to him to be able to say that he had not seen them till they were on the Book : and as for attempting to alter them so as to have his sudden approval, that I imagine to be impossible without cutting off roots, branches, and bark, if not stem : and even then he would not like them suddenly. To show them to him for his opinion on them, without giving him plenty of time to get over his own objections, would be good for nobody. Every word has been weighed. Bintoul seems much pleased with them. I take for granted that if Adderley proceed, he will allow me some opportunity of talking over each Resolution with him. New Zealand What ? It occurred to Bintoul and me that on Molesworth's motion, somebody ought to state the V. D. Land case as you did in the Chronicle, showing that it is lugged into the constitutional law for Australia, in the form of an ex pott facto legalization of an illegal act of the Government. Eeigate, 25th June, 1849. DEAR JOHN ABEL SMITH, I have letters from New Zea- land, which contain the Governor's apology for withholding representative government from the Southern Province. The letters are so confidential as respects the writers, that I must not show them or mention names ; but you may rest assured E. O. WAKKFTET,n's T/ETTF.HS. 73 that the apology is Governor Grey's own, and that it comes as directly and intentionally from him to me, as if he had written to me himself His case is as follows. He thought the Southern Settle- ments perfectly fit for representative government, and " anxiously " wished that they should have it. But he was as decidedly of opinion, that giving representation to the Penny- au-acre Landsharks of the North would uproar the universal peace. They were not colonists, but mere speculators in land-sharking ; and they would be sure to use legislative authority for the purpose of getting vast estates from the Natives at a nominal price. This is the one idea of active minds in the North ; and their first object in making laws would be to realise the idea. Therefore, come what might, *- Grey would not establish representation in the North. But, then, how could he, withholding it from those amongst whom he is condemned to live chiefly, bestow it on the distant South, which he only visits occasionally ? By doing so, he would make his own house too hot to hold him. Come what might, then, he would not do it. But he hoped that Lord Grey would. Short of officially asking that it should be done by the Home Government, he has "urged them to doit." The urgency, I suppose, was that of hints in private letters : but he insists that he has done all he could (meaning, of course, all he could short of risking some collision with the Office hurtful to himself) to induce them to take the right step, which he could not take, but they easily might. But they have been deaf to his suggestions. And so the end is that he has been compelled i( most reluctantly compelled " to set up a Nominee Council for the South and postpone representation for years. This is his own case. It is not very creditable to him, since it shows him sacrificing convictions and high duty to selfish personal considerations. He does this twice over : first, by not doing what he had power to do and thought ought to be done, lest he should make his own residence uncomfortable ; 14 74 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. secondly, by not really " urging " his own convictions at Lome, lest real urgency should bring on him the ill-will of the Office. And what is the public case ? That the true colonists of the South (whose wrongs Grey fully admits) are sacrificed, I will not say to the land-sharks of the North, but to Grey's personal ease, his avowed motive being, not an opinion that free government ought to be withheld from the South because it must be from the North (on the contrary, he thinks that it ought to be given to the South although withheld from the North), but his unwillingness, from personal considerations, to do himself what he thinks ought to be done. This, of course, is not the interpretation put on his conduct in New Zealand, because his selfish motive is not avowed there. The colonists of the South, not perceiving his selfishness, see nothing but what they deem his insincerity and love of arbi- trary power. All his talk to them, and his official published writings, about their fitness to enjoy representative institu- tions without delay, they consider false profession ; and they naturally suspect him of liking despotic government best. They look on him as a deceiver and tyrant at heart ; and they hate him as we are all apt to hate him who deceives and oppresses us. The consequence is hot water again in the Southern Settlements. Though there will be Government fac- tions there, I have no doubt that Grey's popularity in the South is gone. There is no prospect but violent squabbling, loud complaints, and all sorts of impediments to prosperity. But whose is the fault? His own, combined with that of the Office ; of the Office, which has shabbily thrown on him a task, the performance of which would have cost him much discomfort, but them nothing. However, we taught the Southern settlers to stand up against such treatment : and we may be sure, now that the hope of local self-government, which has kept them quiet for two years, is at an end, that they will kick up row enough. They are Englishmen, prac- tised in agitation under the auspices of the Company and the "Whigs. So much for the South. E. a. WAKEFTET/D'S LETTERS. 75 In the North, the policy of attempting to colonize in the rnidst of a groat native population, which has only been car- ried on thua far by means of a war expenditure, seems to be breaking down. The latest accounts about the Waikato Tribes and Heki are, at least, ugly. I have never ceased expecting war again in the North. That it should happen is in the nature of things. We all thought so in 1845 and 1846. My letters by the Cornelia lead me to think that very serious disturbance in the North will probably be reported by the next arrival almost certainly ere long. This makes the case of the South worse. The South is sacrificed to th6 North, which itself is a total failure except as a military post, and, even as such, likely to prove a failure. Was there ever such a mess, except Fitzroy's and Stanley's, which it exactly resembles ? What is to be done now ? Your last effort for Canterbury alone seems to have wholly failed. Hawes deluded himself, and you, and others. The public, too, is greatly deluded in another way. But New Zealand can no longer be puffed as the most peaceful and prosperous of colonies. The truth must come out now : and the truth is, that the affairs of New Zealand including colonization, are in no better plight, after Lord Stanley's critics have had their own way with them for three years, than they were in 1845. The only real difference is, that then the Company and the Whigs made plenty of noise, and now there is nobody to make the truth known in this country. But there is somebody. Events in the colony render concealment and puffing no longer possible. The truth must now come out, and be made familiar to the public at home. Most of the old hands will not agitate : but some will (of whom I am one) ; and there are new hands ready to do what the Company and the Whigs did so well from 1843 to 1846. This is now settled, if it cannot be averted by inducing the Office to do at once what we used to agitate for. I regard the revival of agitation as a pis-aller. Is there any chance of its being averted by the only possible means ? 76 TITE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Eeigate, 26th June, 1849. Mr DEAR AOLIONBT, * * * * The quarrel between Fox and Bell is greatly to be deplored for their sakes and the sake of the colonists of the South. But it is just one of those colonial broils which necessarily grow in abundance out of applying arbitrary government to Englishmen. The Gover- nor's conduct in deceiving the settlers by professions of his great anxiety to give them free government, and subjecting them to arbitrary rule for years, has split the Southern Set- tlements into two most hostile factions, the vast majority (as appears by the Wellington Petition to Parliament) not being of the Government faction. Bell is of that faction ; Fox of the other ; and therefore, of course, they quarrel. Bell has written to me at great length, setting forth his own case. His exposition shows that the quarrel is altogether an effect of the Governor's proceedings. They will produce many like effects. See my letter to John Abel Smith. "What is the use of my going to the New Zealand House, to discuss the matter ? It is a 'political quarrel in the colony ; and the Company has to choose between the two colonial parties. Its decision of the personal question must be viewed as an expression of its opinion on the political one. Upon my view of the political one, you cannot have the shadow of a doubt. Of course, I agree with Pox, and wholly differ from Bell notwithstanding his elaborate and clever apology for the Governor and himself. What is the use of my going amongst the Directors to say this? They know it already. They, I suppose, will side with the local government. What else can they do as humble servants of the Colonial Office ? It would be idle for me to protest against that course. Nor, indeed, do I consider the decision of the Directors of much consequence to either Colony or Company. The fate of both has for some time been out of their control, and must now be decided by the issue of agita- tion here in favour of giving effect to the principles which the Company used to advocate with at least honour to the advocates. E. o. WA ICEFIELD'S LETTEUS. 77 What matters the Bishop's proceeding ? If the Canter- bury affair were all right as to land, you could not sell 5000 jicivs with New Zealand in hot water again. Perhaps the Bishop's proceeding may save you the cost of a useless survey. * * * * P.S. Do not forget what I told you when we last met at Caterham, that I have sent to the Colony for publication a very full statement of my views on the state both of the Colony and the Company. When that letter arrives in about August the colonists will know that I wholly agreed with Fox by anticipation : and, doubtless, my letter will have the effect of encouraging the agitation there for free govern- ment. It was mainly written for that purpose ; and I wish you had chosen to read it. Eeigate, 28th June, 1849. MY DEAE GODLET, The last words of your letter " They don't care a straw for Canterbury " are quite true, but do not tell the whole truth. Before reading them, I was per- suaded, by conversation with Aglionby and others, that they have lately wished and intended to get rid of the Canterbury Association, and sell the lands which Thomas has chosen on some plan of their own. This, of which you will be satisfied when we meet, together with the blow-up of the Hawes- Smith delusion, brings Canterbury affairs to a crisis. You will be presently required to " go on " or " be off." Let us then carefully consider the question. For that purpose, as well as for coming to some decision about the Resolutions, I am most anxious that we should meet, not in a hurry, but for patient discussion. With regard to both questions Can- terbury and the Resolutions I have to suggest for considera- tion what strikes me as the things right to be done. I am far from despairing. In things public, so much of the good ever got comes by drawing good out of evil, that the worst 78 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. state is often the nearest step to the best. I am full of resources, and would go to town to lay them before you and Adderley, if being there were not sure to upset me. Won't you, therefore, try to bring him here for a serious consul- tation P My brother has seen the Eeports and Maps from New Zealand, and, after carefully examining them, is of opinion that the place chosen is excellent for the purpose. He has no doubt that it is one of the finest spots in the world for a new settlement on a great scale. Keigate, 29th June, 1849. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, By some unfortunate accident I have mislaid your letter, and cannot recollect when you pro- posed coming here. But this is of the less consequence, as circumstances have happened which for the present render any application to the Company quite unadvisable. It is impos- sible just now to have the previous concert without which no good could come of an application. I am sorry for it, as for many other things relating to colo- nization : but Patience ! Beigate, 30th June, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, In order to save time, and because I am most anxious for some useful decision about the Eesolu- tions, I propose, instead of expecting you here on Monday, going to town on that day. I will be at Eintoul's at eleven o'clock. I write to him, begging him to be then disengaged if possible, and, if he cannot, to write to you, naming a later hour. If you do not hear from him, eleven o'clock will be the time. But, above all, I trust that you will be able to induce Adderley to come with you. All our trouble must not be E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 79 wasted ; and there are several ways of turning it to account, whether the Australian Bill go on or not, provided we decide promptly upon one of them. I enclose copies of some letters, which please to return to me on Monday. The letter to Mr. Petre was read by Aglionby last Wed- nesday. I long ago offered to show it to J. A Smith. FBASCIS DILLON BELL, Esq., Wellington, New Zealand. (Sent by the Kelso, on the 4th July, 1849.) Keigate, 29th June, 1849. MY DEAE FKANCIS, Long before this reaches you, you will have learned, by my letter to Henry Petre (sent in dupli- cate to him and to you for publication in New Zealand) how entirely I sympathise with those colonists who refuse to help in working the system of Nominee Councils. You know, therefore, that in the unhappy political quarrel between you and Mr. Fox, I entirely agree with him. The quarrel, what- ever personal feud it may have engendered, is wholly political as respects its origin. Unfortunately, in such socie- ties, political differences generally lead, very quickly, to bitter personal hostility : and your case seems to be no exception to the general rule. But let that pass for the moment. Among the reasons which every week furnishes for rejoicing on my part at my total disconnection from the Direction of the New Zealand Company, is the fact that I am precluded from taking any part, direct or indirect, in the settlement by the Company of the question which you and Mr. Fox have referred to them. I inclose copies of letters which have passed between Aglionby and me on the subject. And now, I have only to add, that as your long letter to me, which states your side of the question, was clearly intended by you for the Directors generally, I have placed it in Aglionby 's hands. As respects having your case fully stated by yourself, 80 THE FOUND EKS OF CANTERBURY. you therefore lose nothing by my disagreement with you on public grounds, or by my disconnection from the Company. Doing you this justice, I could, of course, do no more in your favour, seeing how completely I am pledged to the Fox side of the question. I have no notion of what the Directors' deci- sion is likely to be : but they will act inconsistently with their present devotion to Downing-street, if they do take your side against Fox. Perhaps they may reflect that their present devotion to Downing-street is not likely to last, and many see that at a time which is fast coming, their being now com- mitted to your view of Governor G-rey's policy, might be very inconvenient to themselves. But this guess-work is idle. Tour quarrel with Fox is to me a subject of deep regret, both on your own personal account and on that of the colony. Is it irreparable ? Men of sense never quarrel irreparably. If I could imagine you exempt from the strange violence of colonial party feeling, I should earnestly counsel and beg you to put an end to the quarrel. In every quarrel the man who puts an end to it, is he who makes the first advance to recon- ciliation. To do that is only considered disgraceful by petty minds : men of sense and courage deem it magnanimous. The cause of Representative Government v. Nominee Councils in New Zealand, will be won here next session : and no one more than yourself desires this victory. You have made a mistake. Why not retrace the step ? If you have the manly sense I give you credit for, you will be able to conquer a natural disinclination to admitting the mistake. Greater men than either of us have done this often : very little men cannot do it. I misjudge Fox greatly, if he is not a gentle- man and a man of spirit : and if he is, he will cordially accept the offer of your hand. If you have, as may be natural, a difficulty about opening the way to peace, send him this letter, and wait for what he shall do. It would be a vast satisfaction to me, were I thus to be the means of bringing together two men whose co-operation and friendship I consider of great importance to the welfare E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 81 of New Zealand. If you make up the quarrel, you will both be gainers, as well as the Colony ; and you will be better friends, closer allies in the pursuit of the cause as to which you have never differed that cause which I have at heart, and to which I make every sacrifice that it requires than if you had never differed at all. Upon second thoughts ; for I go on thinking whilst writing ; I shall myself send a copy of this letter to Fox. It is but fair that he should be asked at the same time as yourself to make a sacrifice of angry personal feelings to the cause which all have at heart. The public letter which I send by this ship (and should send to you for publication if you were likely to be at Wel- lington) will not tell you all that I wish the colonists knew about the prospects of getting a good law of colonization and government for New Zealand, because some of my informa- tion is not fit for publication. It is information concerning the views of leading politicians in all parties here, which I derive from private communications and must not use. But you will take on credit my opinion on the subject which is, that we have been very near to getting the object, and that it must be got next year, more especially if the advice contained in my letter to Petre should be acted on by the colonists. The Directors (or rather the very few of them who ever attend to the business of the Company) really care nothing about what sort of government New Zealand has : but they have deprived the Company of all weight, so that their indif- ference, not to say their present readiness to take any side along with Downing-street, is of little or no consequence. The work is in other hands ; and I attend very seriously to nothing else. If I had not been ill so long, the work would not remain to be done. I am glad of your marriage. Every colonist ought to be married, if not older than 40. I cannot write about my brother William. It is quite settled that I go to New Zealand as soon as ever 15 82 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTEBBUBY. the aforesaid work shall be crowned with success. Many first-rate colonists are so disposed also: and if thirds go well, we shall be a large party. If Governor Grey ha established representative government, Canterbury would Lave gone ahead at a great rate, now that a good site for the colony seems almost secured. Pray write to me fully. All my serious thoughts are en- gaged with New Zealand. Present my respects to your wife, and believe always in the sincere friendship of Tours ever affectionately, E. G. WAKEFIELD. WILLIAM Fox, Esq., Wellington, New Zealand. (Sent by the Kelso.) Confidential* DEAB SIB, After much hesitation, T resolve to place in your hands the copies of letters which are inclosed. Even if you should think that, in doing so, I take an un- warrantable liberty with you as a personal stranger, yet I trust to obtain your pardon in consideration of the motives by which I am actuated, and which have conquered all the motives of delicacy which made me hesitate to take this step. The subject of the state of New Zealand, as resulting from the appointment of a Nominee Council, instead of the repre- sentative government, which had been so long promised to the colonists, will come before the House of Commons during the Debates on the Australian Bill. But nothing will be done for New Zealand this year. Though everybody except Lord Grey wishes that an Act for New Zealand should be passed this Session, he refuses to let anything be done till next year, when, as he very positively declares, the wishes of the colonists shall be gratified. If they, in consequence of my letter to Mr. Petre (sent for publication by the Cornwall to Mr. Petre, ^and by the Larking, in duplicate, to Mr. Bell) E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 83 should have organized a system of petitioning, and still more if they should have sent home an agent to work for them here, the labours of their friends in England will be much facilitated: but, at all events, I feel confident that something will be done by Parliament next Session : and even were I mistaken in this opinion, it would still seem impossible, considering the progress of opinion on the subject of Colonial Q-overnment, that the present miserable despotism in New Zealand should be long maintained. I think it right to add that the agitation of the Colony in consequence of the Governor having punished the Southern Settlements in order to avoid making his own residence in the North uncomfortable, is beginning- to affect his reputation here. He was deemed a man of high public spirit who would do what he considered right without regard to personal con- siderations : but now, his own apology for having withheld free government from the South, is thought anything but creditable to him ; and by those who are acquainted with the facts he is accused of selfishness like that of any ordinary tool of Downing-street. Still, if he had kept things quiet, HeT would have had credit for skill and adroitness. The uproar of the Colony is now set down against him, as a proof of incapa- city. It is seen, in a word, that he is beginning to fail, as all Governors do in the long run who have to administer des- potic government to Englishmen: and want of success ia attributed to want of moral or intellectual qualities. People are now beginning to call his adroitness " trickery " his changes of mind, " timidity " and his failure, " blundering." Such is the lot of Governors, who have to treat Englishmen as slaves. I inclose the copy of a letter marked A, which I recently addressed to a Director of the N. Z. Company, and which, together with foregoing passages in this letter which I have placed between brackets, you are at liberty to get published if you should see fit. The other copies of letters must be con- sidered quite confidential. You may show them to friends, 84 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. but not give a copy of them to any one, or allow them to obtain any kind of publicity. [I had quite made up my mind to leave England for New Zealand next September, if free government had then been obtained for the Colony. As it is, I remain here to help in the proceedings by which I confidently expect that we shall get a New Zealand Government Act next Session : but this is my only motive for remaining. Next year, at all events, I shall proceed to the Colony with a targe party of relatives and friends.] I remain, Dear Sir, Tours very faithfully, E. G. WAKEFIELD. "With copies of letters as below : From Mr. Aglionby to E. G. W. ; From E. G. W. to Mr. Aglionby, in answer ; and From E. G. W. to Mr. John Abel Smith. The Editor of the Wellington Spectator. (Kelso.') Eeigate, 3rd July, 1849. SIR, I inclose, and beg that you will publish for the infor- mation of the colonists of New Zealand, a document relating to colonial government. The principles, which it sets forth, will be brought into debate in the House of Commons on the second reading of the Australian Constitutions Bill, which now stands for Monday, the 16th instant. If these Resolutions of Mr. Adderley's should meet, as I expect they will, with general approval in New Zealand, some assistance would be aflorded to Mr. Adderley in his efforts to give practical effect to them next year, if petitions from New Zealand praying that they may be adopted in any act for the government of the Colony, were transmitted without delay to Mr. Adderley. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 85 I am anxious in particular to direct attention to the 6th .Resolution, which relates to the disposal of the waste lands. Lord John Eussell announced in the House of Commons yesterday, that the Government intends to alter the Bill relating to the Australian Colonies by giving some control over the waste lauds to the colonial governments. This con- cession may, I think, be attributed to Mr. Adderley's Resolu- tions, which though not yet published, have been in circulation for some days. It is a very important concession as regards the principle of colonial control over a matter of the utmost importance to colonies. This matter, the mother-country regards with perfect indifference. The impossibility of inducing Parliament to consider the matter and legislate upon it in earnest, and with that intelligence which earnestness alone can bestow, has^at length induced me to recur to an old doctrine of mine which is that the whole subject of the dis- posal of the waste lands is a colonial matter which ought to be handed over to the colonists without any kind of reservation. The colonists of New Zealand will see how the question bears upon them and the exclusive control over the waste, lands of the Colony by the New Zealand Company under the provisions of an Imperial Act. If the colonists agree with me on this question, they will adopt Mr. Adderley's sixth resolu- tion. The Company really does nothing with the waste lands. The colonists, if they had full control over them under true municipal government, would do everything with them that would most conduce to colonial prosperity and progress. Their case exactly resembles that of the colonists of New South Wales, Port Philip, and South Australia, upon whom present laws relating to the disposal of waste land operate as a great tax upon and discouragement of colonization : and I trust that ALL jthe colonies of the Southern Pacific will petition together for the adoption of the principle of Mr. Adderley's sixth Resolution. "With this view, allow me to beg that copies of your journal, 86 THE FOTJITDEBS OF CAKTEBBTTET. containing the Resolutions and this letter, may be transmitted to the editors of newspapers at Sydney, Hobart Town, Laun- ceston, Melbourne, and Adelaide, by the earliest opportunities. I have the honour to be, Sir, Tour obedient servant, E. GK WAKEFIELD. SIB WILLIAM MOLEBWOETH, Bart., M.P. Eeigate, 5th July, 1849. MY DEAB MOLESWOETH, Seeing the success and great use- fulness of your late effort for the colonies, and knowing that the settlers in New Zealand confide in your attention to their interests, which are now utterly neglected by most of their old friends, I am induced to send you the copies of some letters which show how much they will suffer if their case be not brought before Parliament this year. There is nobody in the House of Commons so well acquainted with the case as yourself: and you are, more than anybody in the House, their suitable or natural advocate. The discussion on the Australian Government Bill would give you a perfect opportunity, in moving an amendment to the effect that New Zealand ought not to be omitted from any measure for bestowing representa- tive government on the colonies of Australasia. Nothing, of course, can be done this year : but a good speech from you in the Commons would go far towards enabling you to procure a good constitutional law for New Zealand next session : it would compel the Government to perform the promises which they make in private as to what they will do next year : and the colonists, as well as sincere colonial reformers here, would be deeply grateful to you. It is a pity that your speech on moving for a commission has not been published as a tract, together, perhaps, with Gladstone's, whom you drew out capitally. And, if you do resolve to speak for New Zealand, I trust that you will print your speech, and send copies to the Colony, where they would be read with grateful interest, and E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 87 preserved in every house. People at home little know how colonists under arbitrary government value such proofs of an interest in their welfare by men of mark and spirit at home. The papers which I enclose indicate the latest state of the case, and show how greatly the colonists stand in need of protection by a hand like yours. Tou, and you alone in the House of Commons, are master of the case from the Debate in 1845, down to the facts stated in the petition lately sent to you. Please to return the enclosed papers, as they are all unfit for public use, and I have no copies of some of them. Tour success is very gratifying to me. I wish you could comprehend as I do the impression it will make in the colonies. Tours ever most truly, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. The desertion of you the other day by many Directors of the N". Z. Company is melancholy. Hutt was seriously ill. I saw Aglionby in the morning, and urged him to go to the House and support you. They are bought by the Govern- ment with paltry loans of money which just enable them to keep up a large establishment and a sham of colonization. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq., M.P., Sussex Lodge, Eyde, Isle of Wight. Eeigate, 6th July, 1849. MY DEAR SIE, I feel obliged by your invitation to join the party at Greenwich, and have written accordingly to Mr. Cocks. The fifty copies of the Eosolutions which you were so good as to send to me have been addressed to leading men in all the Australian Colonies, the Cape, and New Zealand ; and they are urged to lose no time in sending home petitions founded on them, to your care. If they are diligent, you may receive such Petitions from the most distant colony about April next'. 88 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBY. Imagining that you may, in supporting your Resolutions make special allusion to the old charters of Municipal Go- vernment, I wish to point out the injustice done them by Roebuck in his book and speech, which have made an impres- sion unfavourable to " the wisdom of our ancestors." The old Charters T are doubtless far from perfect ; but they laid the foundation of the whole system which Roebuck takes as his model the present colonizing system of the United States. The original charter of Rhode Island was altered (in being made rather more democratic) for the first time about twelve years ago. Roebuck's view of the old charters is taken alto- gether from Bancroft : and every reader of Bancroft's history must see how he labours to make the 'impression that America owes nothing to England. The idea of America being indebted to England for her institutions distresses him : on behalf of his country he almost denies her parentage : he writes as a son hating his father to the extent of claiming himself to be self-begotten. There was good cause for the hatred ; but it is unjust and misleading nevertheless. Gra- hame, though he sympathises in the hatred of England for her interferences with the municipal system, allows her merits in establishing it. He is fair and discriminating. Roebuck swallows whole the prejudice and passion of America as embodied in Bancroft's book. I fancy that the false impres- sions which Roebuck has made might be corrected without alluding to him. If I am not mistaken, the Government proposes, as to the waste lands, to give up nothing but the price. Are the reso- lutions for selling to continue ? That of them which the colonists most generally and violently dislike is the auction. Somebody should be induced to expose that monster grievance to the House. It could be well done in twenty minutes ; but the doing of it would, I suppose, interfere with your general exposition of principles ; that is, if you did it yourself. Molesworth could do it well, being quite master of the sub- ject : but the question is so plain that anybody might master E. o. W.YKKFIELD'S LETTEKS. 89 it in a day. No part of the Debate would tell more, if so much, in the colonies : and the exposure of the grievance, maintained for years in spite of every sort of remonstrance, would be a capital proof of the mischievous effect of distant authority in local matters a first-rate illustration of your great principle. I suppose there will be speaking at the dinner. If so, have you thought of sending invitations to the dinner, as guests, to the Editors of newspapers ? The attention is very useful in such cases It might be very serviceable if you could invite Mr. Bailey (the very clever writer in the Times on colonial questions) not as a person connected with the newspaper, but as a colonial reformer, which he is, and a gentleman to boot. Eiutoul, I should think, might do it. Eeigate, 6th July, 1849. MY DEAR RINTOUL, I have sent to Molesworth, besides my letter to the colonists, some other letters, especially one from me to John Abel Smith, which show the present state of the New Zealand case. It is the case of Fitzroy and Stanley over again, with the one difference, that Fitzroy was a jackass, and Governor Grey a clever self-seeker. Ask Molesworth to show you the letters. This case ought to be brought before the House. New Zealand is now the only colony of which Hawes dares to boast. The truth asto New Zealand being told, he could not deny that our whole colonial empire is in a fever. That is Molesworth's position ; and he would completely establish it by showing up the New Zealand case. Of this case, Moles- worth is complete master ; and nobody else in the House is, except some N. Z. Directors, who would say anything to cover Downing-street. I had an idea, when I wrote to Molesworth, of the Stafford amendment, about which I have a letter from Adderley this jnorning. The object seems to be to get votes on 16 90 THE FOTTJirDERS OP CAJTTERBTTP V . the Protectionist side : and the policy '3 / oN? : but Stafford cannot do the work well. Very wel 1 , rj. uoviy but Mole-Trth can do it : and I suppose him so we., tlisposed to co-cperate for giving effect to a general move, as not to stand upon etiquette with Stafford about who is to move the amendment. Indeed, his position is above that sort of care, if he will back Stafford as Gladstone backed him, he will do a great service to the cause ; and the more because the backing of Stafford will really be the all in all. I hope you will see Molesworth and talk about it, 1 have accepted Adderley's invitation to the dinner on the 18th, but shall probably be unable to go. I wish they would invite Bailey of the Times. L write to Adderley at the Isle of Wight, suggesting that, and saying that perhaps you could manage it. You could, through Parker. I have also suggested to Adderley to send cards of invitation to editors of news- papers. If they don't go, they give the cards to reporters, who dine as guests, and report all the better for that. Have 1:137 thought of inviting John Walter, who voted with Moles- worth ? Molesworth, who, Adderley tells me, is to be in the chair, might ask him. Carlyle is truly [a colonial reformer. John Mill ? Grote ? Adderley has sent me fifty copies of his resolutions. I could usefully dispose of many more in the colonies, where they will make the most impression. It would be good if Molesworth printed his speech. It is very good. They ought to publish the Debate of the 16th in a book, as we did in 1845 with New Zealand. Beigate, 10th July, 1849. MY DEAB MOLESWOBTH, I rejoice to hear that you will exert yourself for New Zealand. All that can be done this year, is to make a case, the statement of which in the House will have two effects that of encouraging the colonists to persevere in their agitation, and that of laying the foundation E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 91, here for proceedings next year. I fancy that you might next Session meet Parliament with a Sill calculated to settle the whole question for the Australias and New Zealand. But in order to include New Zealand, the case ought now to be estab- lished that New Zealand is not an exception from the general rule of hot water. And this can only be done by dwelling on the close resemblance between the state of things in New Zealand now and in 1845. I see no difference except that the present Governor is a cleverish instrument of Downing-street, his predecessor having been a mere driveller ; and further, that Governor Grey has had a large military outlay to work on the colonists with, which Fitzroy had not. I was going to write something about it all for the Spectator, but hold my hand in order that your representation of the case may be fresh. Afterwards I will endeavour to work it, taking your picture as the basis. By the way, your last speech contained some capital pictures. I allude in particular to the colonial minister going the round of the colonies. Give us New Zealand as it is in that style. In answer to your question about Adderley's Resolutions, I think that they ought to have denounced convict transpor- tation as incompatible with free government the ignominy and corruption as utterly inconsistent with the dignity of freedom. I think too that the " honour of the empire " requires that the colonists should be precluded from establishing slavery within their municipalities. It strikes me also, that some machinery should be estab- lished for communication and concert, when these should be required, as they might be occasionally, between the Muni- cipal and Imperial Governments. This is supplied in the United States by the representation of the Municipal States in the Imperial Congress. To make Adderley's plan complete, I fancy that each Municipal Government should have an accredited Agent at home, just as the old English colonies of America had ; Pennsylvania, to wit, whose Agent was Franklin. 92 E. O. WAKEFIELO'S LETTERS. The colonists should also have authority to federate for general (not imperial) colonial purposes when they may see fit. But no colony should be compelled to federate without its consent. It is a great defect of the Government Bill, that two of the colonies would be able to compel the other three to federate whether they liked it or not. A forced federation cannot work well. There is another blot in the Bill which is perfectly monstrous ; viz., the clause which goes to legalize an illegal act of the Government of Van Diemen's Land. The smuggling of this ex post facto provision through Parliament, by means of sticking it into a Constitutional Law for the five colonies, ought to be exposed. The case to which they apply this ex post facto legislation was u stated in the Morning Chronicle about six weeks ago. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq. Eeigate, 13th July, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, * * * * After reflection it seems to me that your " entire plan " is in accordance withf the resolu- tions, and generally|acceptable. But there are two or three points I should like to discuss with you. The most important is the appointment of the^ Governor for life ly the Crown. If the Governor were selected by the Colony, then it might be for life, or for ever in the family : but if the Crown (which means the Colonial Office) is to appoint, surely the colonists ought to have some means of getting rid of a very bad or thoroughly incompetent head of their government. If they chose him themselves, it would be their affair; but if he were chosen for them by anybody it matters not by whom they would cry out the first time he made a mistake or did wrong ; and the Colony would be in hot water. The question of the appointment of the head of the government has not been sufficiently considered. And this is the case with res- pect to several other questions. Nor is_ there time now for E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 03 giving them the consideration they require. On this ground, and also because a detaled plan, when brought forward for the first time, is a truth for objectors to shoot at and further, because shooting at such a butt would be a capital diversion from the subject in question, viz , the Australian Government Bill, No. 2. I am in hopes that you will be disposed to avoid particulars as much as possible to confine yourself, as far as possible, to those principles about which you have no doubt. I am persuaded that the time has not come for expounding a plan. There is a plan before the House. The means of assailing it consist of showing in what it is at variance with sound principles. Therefore you must expound what you deem to be sound principles. The application of them in the form of a plan is not called for, and would only furnish " the other side " with the means of Converting the attack upon them into an attack upon you. Supposing you to disclaim in the House the intention of proposing a substitute for the Government plan (which I feel sure that it would be well for you to do) then I trust you may add that you do intend to be ready with a complete plan at the opening of Parliament next year. With time at your dis- posal, you would be able to frame a Bill giving effect to ail sound principles (including Roebuck's) and calculated, if not to be adopted by Parliament instead of the measure which the Government will produce next year, to have the eifect of com- pelling them to frame their own measure on sound principles. The grave and earnest announcement in the House, that you intend to propose a Bill relating to colonial government for the beginning of next Session, would alone have much influ- ence on the Government labours during tha recess. * * * Eeigate, 13th July, 1849. MY DEAR GODLET, The Colonel is rather Scotch : a good settler, I dare say, but not a good leader : wanting in public 94 THE POUJTDEE8 OF CANTEBBFRY. spirit, too full of that spirit of individual and family aggran- dizement, which makes a good settler. I should think him a very good individual colonist, and probably a very bad leader. This doctrine is a good rule. Tour leader ought to be one of that class of men who, with a holy horror of being in debt, yet have no turn for money-making, or making themselves comfortable : men, who are either moved by a potent sense of duty, or whose delight is in the happiness and approval of others. A man combining both motives, would be your man. I say all this, because it strikes me that Colonel Campbell is fishing for the leadership. Adderley's move seems to be in a mess for want of prepara- tion and concert. Eeigate, 13th July, 1849. MY DEAR MOLESWOBTH, * * * * The letter of mine to J. A. Smith, which I sent you, contains a resume of the impression made on me by the recent intelligence from the Colony : but I will now endeavour to state those impressions rather more fully, snd with reference to the past, that will enable you to get hold of the main features of the case by a few hours' work. Let us go back to 1845, when the N. Z. Debate occupied the House of Commons for three days. That Debate was published in a book, which I suppose you have. It was pub- lished by Murray. The main points then established by Buller, Hawes, E. Ellice, Howick, Sheil, J. Eussell, &c. (who corrected their speeches for the Book) were 1st. That the Colony was in a state of the greatest disorder and adversity in consequence of gross mismanagement. 2nd. That the mismanagement consisted, principally, of flattering and corrupting the Natives by treating them as civilized proprietors of the soil. Of attempting to colonize the North part of the Islands, where the great bulk of the Natives reside. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 95 Of placing the seat of Government there, and leaving the South, where alone there was colonization, without Govern- ment. Of sacrificing the real settlement of the South to a mere official occupation of the North. Of withholding all self-government from the colonists, and subjecting them to the arbitrary rule of a set of mere officials, who utterly neglected their interests, and often wronged and insulted them in all sorts of ways. These were the main accusations (for I take no notice of the questions between the Company and the Government arising out of agreements violated by the Government) ; and what were the remedies proposed ? They were 1st. The separation of the South from the North as respects Government. 2nd. The grant of free institutions to the real colonists of the South, so that they should be able to manage their own local affairs in their own way. 3rd. The abandonment of the policy of flattering and bribing the Natives. Now, what has been done since Stanley's critics have had their own way with New Zealand affairs ? Not one of the things proposed has been done. The sepa- ration of the South and North into two Provinces is a sham, because the same individual is the despotic ruler of both ; and he still resides permanently in the North, where there is no colonization. The Colony has been kept quiet by two means by a great military outlay, which, as long as it lasts, will bribe any set of colonists into quietude ; and by lavish pay- ments to the Natives for land, which, as wnv as they last, are calculated to keep the Natives quiet: a^ secondly, in the South by the hope and promise of iree government. The Natives in the North ar-j not subdued : they are not subject to the British authority: they are only kept quiet by the presence of troops, and the hope of getting more money for 06 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. land, Take away the costly troops, and the British authority in the North is at an end Are we to go on maintaining Auckland as a costly military post ? That is not pacifying New Zealand : the only wfiy to pacify it is to cease the attempt to establish British authority and to colonize in the North, where really you can do neither. The vain attempt, besides its cost, is most injurious to the real colonists, whose seat of government (a grand grievance in 1845) is still as distant from them as if it were in New South "Wales. The Governor's business is not to rule a colony, but just to prevent the Natives from breaking out against his authority. All the evils of a far distant and neglectful government are still suf- fered by the colonists the true settlers of the South. They have been kept quiet by promises, which are now finally broken : and now they are in a state of violent discontent. The Governor, after vainly endeavouring to persuade their true leaders their best men, to take seats in the Nominee Council for the South, makes up a Council of clerks and shop- keepers, and splits each of the Settlements into two hostile factions the small Government faction, and the great bulk of the people including the leading men whom he vainly tried to Cajole. The Settlements of the South are now distracted by factions, moved by the bitter hostility which a great power of threat and corruption on the one hand, and a sense of grievous wrong on the other, always engender in small communities and indeed any where among Englishmen. The Colony is in almost as bad a state as in Fitzroy's time : -nothing has been done to redeem the promises made by those who for nearly three years have had the power to do as they pleased : arid the policy of a great outlay and much promising has at last broken down. The only difference is that now Lord Stanley's critics are not more silent, but inclined to puff New Zealand as the most contented and prosperous of colonies. Where is the prosperity ? Is there any colonization ? None. The sending away of a ship once a month is not colonization. Any ship broker could do that if there were no E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 97 Company. The Company has been silenced and is kept quiet by loans of money from the Government. There is not more colonization than at the worst part of Stanley's time nay, not so much : the only difference is that nobody now com- plains, because the old complainers are in office and the Com- pany silenced by its dependence on them. The Company, which really does nothing, is only kept alive by loans from th/ Government, which are saddled on the Colony as a debt. Expenditure, promising, cajoling and corruption these are the means by which Stanley's critics have got along thus far without changing any of the things which they assailed him for allowing. I am exhausted and unable to write more. But I have no idea that you will get an opportunity of speaking so soon as Monday next, and trust that, if you do not, you will have time and opportunity to do that in which you excel namely, master the case yourself. Nobody else in the House can do it : and you would do it capitally if you had time. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq. Eeigate, 14th July, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, * * * * The sketch of your intended speech is distinct and satisfactory, as far as it goes. But now you will (I conclude from what has taken place in the House of Commons about Supply and Estimates) have time for the preparation which was impossible at Eyde in consequence of your want of papers : and I indulge the hope that you will be able to devote a whole day to patient discussion of the subject here, with Godley and me. It would be a great point gained if you could induce Mr. Stafford, Molesworth, and Eintoul to ^oin in the discussion. By this means, everybody's mind would be settled, with respect to what each intended to do : and this real preparation would bring forth good fruit on the Debate. What I should like still better, is a quiet day alone with you after the discussion by many. It was in this way 16 98 THE FOUNDEBS OP CANTEBBUBY. that we got up the great debat3 on Colonial Government in 1845 in the name of New Zealand which Debate, if it did nothing else, took Hawes to the Colonial Office, and made Lord Stanley a Protectionist. * * * * Reigate, 16th July, 1849. MY DEAE GODLEY, I don't know whether you have done anything in consequence of the purchase from the French Company. It is clear to me that Akaroa will be the harbour of all the Canterbury region. Nature has' settled that point. You ought therefore to secure that harbour. But Port Vic- toria will also be used, with a road to Akaroa. My notion is that you ought to secure the whole of Banks' Peninsula as part of the 1,000,000 acres. There must be a good road from Akaroa to the plain. Though the Peninsula is very hilly, much of it will be cultivated ; and the dells or gullies are full of wood an article very scarce in the plain. If you settle this with the Company, Thomas should be instructed by the first ship to lay out the chief town at Akaroa, and to mark out the best line of road thence to the plain. * * * * P.S. If there should be any land in the Peninsula desired by holders of land orders, but excluded from choice by not forming part of the 1,000,000 acres, dissatisfaction and grumbling would be inevitable. I would include the whole 268,000 acres leaving 732,000 in the plain. If more were wanted in the plain, it could be supplied without an effort. Any " reserve " in the Peninsula would be irremediable. C. B. ADDEBLET, Esq., Sussex Lodge, Eyde, Isle of Wight. Eeigate, 20th July, 1849. Mr DEAB SIB, I have studied your Tract, and am very much pleased with it. Its publication, I feel sure, will be of B. a. WAKEMELD'S LETTERS. 99 great service, both here and in the colonies, but especially where its subject " comes home, &c." May I remind you of the usefulness of writing on some fifty copies, under a space for the name of the presentee " with Mr. Adderley's compli- ments." These copies I will distribute in the colonies, so as to produce the individual zeal and effort which I think that their presentation in this way to individuals is likely to stimulate. The Chronicle of to-day has an excellent article by Godley. * # # * With a view to a concerted and organised agitation by the colonists of the South for real local self-government, I am thinking of addressing them in my own name, and in the form of a pamphlet entitled, " Aide-toi, et le ciel t'aidera:" but I am always impressed with a belief that the most useful labour that a member of Parliament could perform during the coming recess, would be the preparation of a Bill for the Government of South Africa, Australasia and New Zealand, which should give real effect to all the principles which are now generally admitted, and be done in so business-like a way as to be fit to take the place of any bill that the Government is likely to produce. * * * * CHARLES CLIFFOBD, Esq., 22, Baker-street, London. Eeigate, 21st July, 1849. . MY DEAB SIB, I shall be at home next Thursday and Friday, and delighted to see you on either day. * * * # P.S. I think you would do well to see both Hawes and Lord Grey. By seeing both Hawes first you will find out more of the real truth than by seeing only Hawes. I con- sider all that Hawes says as mere dodging : but by comparing that with Grey's supercilious plain-speaking, you may find out 100 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. what is really intended. The pain of an interview with Grey, you must consider as nauseous medicine, taken for the good of the colony. Eeigate, 24th July, 1849. Mr DEAR MR. BARING, In order that you may be able to look at them when at leisure, I inclose copies of the letters that I mentioned to you the other day. Let me repeat that my object in wishing you to see them, is that you may be aware of my present impressions about the Colony and Company. These impressions may be erroneous : if they differ from yours, I shall be further than ever from claiming for them a character of infallibility: but, such as they are, they have been made on me by facts and events ; and I shall get rid of an uncomfortable feeling by making you acquainted with them. For sometime, I have continually regretted that such opinions should be uttered by me without your knowing that I held them ; and I have almost thought that I was doing wrong in abstaining from making them known to you. Why I have not given any publicity to them, is fully explained in my letter to Henry Petre ; and some of the Directors have seen that letter, whilst others agree more or less in the views which it expresses. If I could see any way to putting matters on a better foot- ing, I should wish you to read these letters in the hope that you might suggest remedial measures. But of such measures I have no hope. So my only purpose in bringing these dis- agreeable views before you, is that you may Tcnow what many of our early coadjutors think of the whole matter. Still, it is in Lord Grrey's power to put all things to rights : and if you should see any chance of being able to induce him to say the requisite words " real local self-government for New Zealand without delay " I would work as zealously as ever in pro- moting the success of his intention. If it would be at all more convenient to you that I should E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 101 go to town to see you, instead of your coming here, I will do so with alacrity, though I cannot help thinking that a quiet leisurely conversation here would be more likely to be useful, if indeed any good can by any means be done for our unfortu- nate progeny the Colony and Company of New Zealand. WILLIAM Fox, Esq., "Wellington, New Zealand. (Peking Eeigate, 7th August, 1849. DEAB SIB, The newspapers which you will receive by the Pekin, explain to some extent why the case of New Zealand was not brought before the House of Commons at the close of the Session. Preparation was made for urging on the House the prayer of the Petition of the colonists which Sir "Wm. Molesworth presented ; but the opportunity did not occur. The only opportunity that at one time seemed sure to present itself, was the second reading of the Australian Colonies Government Bill : but in consequence of the interest which that Bill excited, and of the certainty that its second reading would give occasion to a debate on Colonial Government in general, and on^ the defects of the Constitution proposed for the Australian Colonies, the Government withdrew the Bill at the very close of the Session ; and it was then too late to make another opportunity for bringing forward the complaints and claims of New Zealand. With respect to all the colonies of the South, the Colonial Office managed, by postponing their Bill from time to time and then withdrawing it, to pre- vent the exposure and discussion which they dreaded. They were too " smart " for the colonial reformers : they jockeyed us out of the discussion, and Mr. Hawes is happy. You will see, however, by various papers which I send, including Mr. Adderley's Tract on the Australian Colonies Bill, that the whole subject must be discussed early next Ses- sion. The prime movers in the Colonial Reform dinner at Greenwich are preparing to be ready with a Bill of their own at the opening of Parliament in February : and I purpose 102 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. myself contributing something to the work by publicly addres- sing the colonists of South Africa, Australasia, and New Zea- land on the subject of such a Bill. I intend to print the Letter here. Its main object will be to make the colonists aware of the state of opinion here on the subject of Colonial Government, and to indicate the means by which they may promote the accomplishment of their objects. JOHN HUTT, Esq., 7, Gloucester Road, Hyde Park. MY DEAR HTJTT, I shall be truly glad to see you on Thursday next. I hope you will arrange to stay over Monday, as on that day 1 should wish you to meet here some possible Canterbury colonists of the best order. If you can promise to stay till Tuesday, pray let me know, so that I may arrange accordingly. I am very anxious to know about Godley's health. Com- plete holyday seemed so desirable for him, that I have been unwilling to write, even for the purpose of asking how he is. If you do not know, perhaps you can easily learn. Keigate, 3rd September, 1849. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, I don't fancy your project at all : I mean that for yourself. Without a specific object, a man of your qualities would be lost in a Colony like New Zealand It is not the place for trusting " that something will turn up." This is of all the places in the world. However disagreeable your position may be, it is one of independence for the pre- sent ; and it gives you time to wait and watch. What would not many give for that? Sooner or later something will occur to suit you : meanwhile patience ! I am practising that virtue now in the form of total absti- nence from business. I need a complete rest after the work of the Session, and am now taking it. You are at least much E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 103 distinguished from other correspondents of mine, by getting an answer to your letter. Do you know how Q-odley is ? I trust better, but am almost afraid to ask. I have neither heard from nor of him since you wrote about going to Ireland with him. Reigate, 8th September, 1849. MY DEAB ME. BASING, I write according to promise, to let you know that Mr. John Hutt has been to me here ; that Mr. Q-odley is expected in London on Monday, to resume work in the Canterbury Association ; and that probably, by the week after next, some proposal will be made by the Com- mittee of the Association for a conference with the Directors of the Company on the subject of government for New Zealand. But I will not fail to give you notice of any actual pro- ceeding. The more I reflect on what has passed with Lord Grey in connection with this subject, the more do I incline to the opinion that an effort by yourself individually, of which nobody else would be cognizant, is more likely to have weight with him, than a joint representation by Association and Com- pany, to which he would not yield without the fact of his yielding being known. Eeigate, 23rd September, 1849. MY DEAE GODLEY, I have your letter, with Adderley'a to you : also a noble letter from him, which I shall show to Aglionby, by way of broaching the subject with which, mind, you have nothing to do. Seeing how time presses, I made a plunge forward yester- day, by asking "Wynter if he would accept if the offer came to him. He was greatly moved. His whole story was, " I am not man enough." " That," said I, " is a question on which 104 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. others can judge better than you." He was " sure his friends would say he was not the man not man enough : that would be the opinion of those who knew him well, and were com- petent judges." Amongst these, in answer to a question, he named Goulburn and the Bishop of Oxford. The latter was Archdeacon of Surrey; and they seem to have been great friends. So you may most properly apply to him. I imagine that if he has nobody in his own eye, so to speak, he will say that Wynter is the man. Would it not be well to get Lord Lyttelton to write to him directly ? Considering Oxford's nature, he should be made to understand that there is a strong wish for Wynter : and yet this should be so said as to let his (the Bishop's) good word be of weight. You will understand. My brother came here last night. He speaks of the climate of Hobart Town in Van Diemen's Land (the very parallel of Akaroa) as most favourable to delicate lungs. He knows several cases of grown men given over in England, who are now in perfect health. He says it is the dryness of the southern hemisphere which is so good consumption being the rarest of complaints thereabouts. He knew one case of a lady, 70 years of age, who left England with a cruel asthma, and lived in Van Diemen's Land ten years without a trace of the complaint that is, lived to 80, free from asthma. His account is most satisfactory ; for the climate of New Zealand is more like that of Van Diemen's Land than any other, but better, as it is free from the hot winds which sometimes get to Van Diemen's Land from Australia. Mrs. Adderley is on the point of confinement. That settled, he will devote himself to your good. His letter is charming ; sensible, high spirited, and affectionate to the last degree. iFire away at Oxford. I was delighted with Wynter after three hours' talk. Ever yours truly, E. Q-. WAKEFIELD. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 105 P.S. In writing to Oxford, remember that "Wynter has the rare, perhaps unique, certainly essential qualification of being filled with the colonizing spirit. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq., Hams, Coleshill. Eeigate, 24th September, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, Tour letter to Lord Grey seems quite to the purpose, and shall be sent to-morrow. I conclude from Godley's letter, that the domestic diffi- culty is removed by a concurrence of medical opinions in favour of New Zealand. The providing him with a mission is now the important step ; at this he cannot work himself. I have done something towards it as respects the Company, but can proceed no further till the Association shall be in a con- dition to deliberate and act : and I am wholly without power to set the Association in motion. Nor is it possible to do this by letter. I therefore wait, doing meanwhile what may fall in m'y way towards ripening matters till you shall be free to come to town. There may be deliberation and some pre- paration before you come ; but till you shall be on the spot there can be no action. It seems essential that Godley should not breathe English air after the month of October. I will get all particulars about mails for the Cape. Tours very truly, E. Q-. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 24th February, 1849. MY DEAB AGLIONBY, * * * * It is very needful that I should see you immediately ; for events have happened which occasion a crisis in the Canterbury affair, and, so far as the Company depends on that, in their affairs. Within a fortnight it must be on or off' with the whole matter. On, I 106 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. hope ; but off, it will be without prompt and vigorous action by both Association and Company. It is too long a story to tell by letter. * * * * Eeigate, 24th September, 1849. MY DEAR MR. BARING, Mr. Godley has come to town, but is ordered to quit England on account of an affection of the lungs ! He is the life and soul of the Canterbury Asso- ciation. I am moving heaven and earth to induce him to go to New Zealand, rather than Madeira or Naples ; for all the Doctors admit that a long sea voyage would probably cure him, and that the climate of New Zealand is most fit to cure him entirely. His going to New Zealand would have excel- lent effects in promoting the Canterbury settlement. But whether he go there or to Italy, go away somewhere he will : and unless several important questions be settled before he goes, there is an end of the affair. It is now certain, there- fore, that the Association and Company will soon meet to confer on these questions. Measures are already taken to bring the chief members of the Association to London. Pro- bably they will be in session some time next week ; but I will give you ample notice of the time when your presence in London would be useful. I hope it is true that our colonizing ally in the Church is to be Bishop of Norwich. Very truly yours, E. Q-. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 24th September, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, I write to Adderley by this post saying that all October is the outside of your time, and that I now wait for his presence which I must do. You are quite right about " not in a corner." E. o. WAKEFTELD'S LETTEBS. 107 I suppose Adderley will give you some notice of his coming, so that you may collect the others. I will take care of the Directors, including Baring. It would be a great help if the Wynter matter were ad- vanced sufficiently for action at the same time. George Lyall has been with me this afternoon, to talk about "Wynter. I told him of your case ; and that your friends are moving heaven and earth to induce you to prefer New Zealand to Italy. I was glad to have Adderley's letter to you, to show to him. I satisfied him that your intention to leave England, whether for New Zealand or Italy, makes a crisis for Association and Company ; and that the whole con- cern must be practically on or virtually off in a fortnight. 25th September. MY DEAB G-ODLEY, My sole reason in going to "Wynter was the pressure for time. Time has got us into a corner, and leaves us no room for being nice. It was needful to be sure that he would accept of the offer come. It was also needful to learn who his friends are, that would be disposed to take our view of his fitness. I think him not less, but more fit, for having thought of going as a clergyman. It tallies with his own modest estimate of his fitness, which I believe to be sincere; and above all, it proves the existence of that colonizing spirit, which, after sound doctrine and religious earnestness, is the first qualification. We want to have the Bishop settled before you quit London ; and we want a colo- nizing Bishop, who will work with us with you at a dis- tance, with me here. What can we do but go right a-head, and get Wynter to be settled as the man, if possible ? It is time which forces me to decide and act. My letter to Adderley of last night anticipated yours just received, by urging him, as much as I decently could, to come at once. I have written to Baring, requesting him to hold himself ready to come on short notice. 108 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Of course, I impressed on "Wynter that I am nobody ; and that all I say is mere speculative talk : the same to Lyall. I expect that Felix's Eeport is with Captain Dawson, whose critical view of it he desired to have before it was printed. Eeigate, 26th September, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, After reflection, Wynter declines even to consider further. He is " not man enough " for a work involving such important consequences for the Church. Still, I am sure that he declines with reluctance, and that he would be the very man. "Will you ask Hinds if he knows of the fit man not a pro- pagandist, but a planting Bishop, a true colonizer for the Church ? I had a long talk with Aglionby to-day, and prepared him for the certainty of your leaving England next month, and the possibility of your being induced, if Mrs. Q-odley's objec- tions could be overcome, to prefer New Zealand to Naples. He is now quite awake to the crisis for Association and Com- pany, and sees the great importance to both of your being led to adopt the suggestion of Adder-ley's letter which I return. The Very Beverend the DEAN OF CARLISLE, Carlisle. Eeigate, 26th September, 1849. MY DEAR DR. HINDS, Your letter has taken me off the tenter hooks of anxiety. After the great disappointment two years ago, I would not indulge in the belief that the news- paper report would prove true : and yet I did hope : and then I feared : so that your letter really proved a relief from really painful suspense. I said to a friend of ours to-day, that it is the only very pleasant piece of news I have received for years. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 109 for this at any rate, Lord John is, as the schoolboys say, " a trump." For once, I am in very good humour with him. As I could only go on repeating expressions of satisfaction, I will only add that your kindness in writing to me has not been wasted. Eeigate, 27th September, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, I think you ought to write at once to the Directors, announcing the necessity of your leaving Eng* land, and saying that you are in hopes the Association will meet presently, and settle before you go some questions, on the determination of which the progress of the enterprize depends. I am much annoyed about Wynter. We sha'nt get so colonizing a man. No letter from Adderley this morning ; but I usually hear from him by the noon post. P.S. Of course, I had a good deal to do with the literary composition of Felix's Report ; but though the exposition of the ideas may be regarded as in a good measure mine, the ideas were not mine last year, and I still dissent from some of them. In sending in this Report, he acknowledged the literary assistance obtained from another. I have just seen old Martin, and am led to think that perhaps Wynter's difficulties might hereafter be overcome. Martin insists that it is extreme diffidence, with some timidity. The Eev. J. CECIL WYNTEE, Gatton Tower. Eeigate, 27th September, 1849. MY DEAB SIE, With great reluctance, I have conveyed to my friends the purport of your letter of yesterday : for of course it was my duty to take this step. But I shall still hope that, come what may, you will take an interest in the 110 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEEBUBY. Canterbury Colony ; and therefore I venture to send you the books that I mentioned the other day. Eeigate, 27th September, 1849. MY DEAR JOHN HUTT, The state of the Canterbury affair and Q-odley's case, together with my own incapacity for work anywhere but at home, compel me to beg that you will manage to come here early on Monday next. I write to Godley, begging him to meet you. By Mr. Adderley's desire, I write to his brother-in-law, Mr. McG-eachy, requesting him to come here on Tuesday morning. It is most desirable that you should sleep here on Monday. -We must try to knock off the whole business in those two days Monday and Tuesday. Pray come. It will be all over with the Canterbury affair unless somebody go to work ; and Adderley leaves it to you and me as respects the settlement of questions. Eeigate, 27th September, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, I have a letter from Adderley. In consequence I write to Mr. McGeachy, requesting him to come here on Tuesday next early ; also to John Hutt, begging him to meet you here very early on Monday, and sleep here, so as to meet McGeachy on Tuesday ; also, now to you, begging that you will come early on Monday, for, first, some confidential talk with me alone, and then discussion with Hutt and me on public matters which require settle- ment, but not to sleep here only to spend the greater part of the day. I write to Adderley saying that his suggestions shall be adopted, but that unless the main points (especially as regards your mission) be settled next week, it will be too late. I sent back Lord Lyttelton's letter by mistake, instead of Goulburu's, which is here. E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. Ill C. B. ADDEELET, Esq., Hams Hall, Coleshill. Eeigate, 27th September, 1849. MY DEAR SIB, In consequence of your letter of yesterday, I write by this post to Mr. McGeachy, naming Tuesday next as the day when I shall be in a condition to confer with him. I also write to Godley and Mr. John Hutt, begging them to come on Monday. Mr. Hutt is also requested to sleep here on Monday, so as to meet Mr. McGeachy on Tuesday. I will do my best under the circumstances ; but considering my crippled state, and that I am not even a member of either the Association or the Company, and that Godley must be passive as respects what most regards himself, I have no confident hope of seeing matters brought right in time, (for next week is the outside of Godley's time for remaining in suspense about his movements,) save by the presence in London, and active efforts, of some of the most influential members of the Association. I will not work with less zeal because without much hope of success ; but time presses so hard, that my hopes of success are faint indeed. Eeigate, 28th September, 1849. MY DEAR GODLEY, Yours just received squares with mine of last night. If you do not forbid me, I shall ask "Wynter to dine here on Monday (at six), in the hope that you may be able to overcome his Nolo episcopari. He is still a keen Canterbury man. It would indeed be a grand point to get a Bishop who has been devouring our books, Grahame, &c., would be fatal to him in the South Province, and most injurious to the Church in New Zealand. It would make the Church and Bishop hated ; not to mention the low motives of E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 125 jealousy that would be attributed to Selwyn. He would be hooted at all the settlements, except Auckland, which is only a camp with an ecclesiastical college. T rejoice to find that you are proceeding with "Wynter. That done contingently before you go, would be as useful as your mission in showing the thing to be real a fact not merely a pretty fancy of some nice lords and gentlemen, which is all that it is at present. P.S. Francis Baring will be in London next Monday morning, which I have told him will be soon enough for con- ceding measures with Lord Lyttelton as to a protest, or whatever else they may choose to do. Their honor and credit are concerned in doing something of that kind. It would be very good if you could arrange for a conference between Association and Company en Monday, for disposing of all the points. Baring will be ripe for such a meeting, and will come to London for no other purpose. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 10th October, 1849. MY DEAR HUTT, I write by G-odley's desire, and, being rather unwell, with another hand. There is no necessity for deciding to go on at all events, inwards, Gtodley's mission decides it in fact. Decide to send out Godley as pioneer of the colonsits, and for the general purposes of the Association and to take other preliminary steps, tuch as preparing (not issuing) terms of sale, and con- gregating a body of colonists do this, which involves no slight to the Bishop, nor any breach of faith with his friends ; and everybody will be satisfied, Company included, to wait for news before actually selling land. Indeed, under no circum- stances could you issue terms of purchase till you had posi- tively got the land. If you send out Godley, and take only preliminary steps for planting a colony in New Zealand with- 126 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTEBBUEY. out saying where, you will do quite enough for Company and intending colonists. Of course you will take out your Charter, and if you can settle about a Bishop, so much the better. But if you only decide finally on Godley 's mission, he will tben be free to work at all the rest until he goes, and all that needs to be done before he goes will be done without difficulty. I wrote in this sense to Godley last night. Eeigate, 10th October, 1849. MY DEA.E GODLEY, I wish we had thought before of what follows : but possibly it may not be too late now. It is certain that Dr. Selwyn would have greatly liked to have the Canterbury settlement in the North Island. The Howridi is his favourite spot. "Why should not his friends here get up a colony or settlement for that spot, or any other preferred by Selwyn ? With the ability and energy of such men as Coleridge, it could be easily done. The plan is ready made. It would extend the Church. It would (in the Church sense) Anglify the whole Wellington settlement. It would be very gratifying to Selwyn. It is at least worth mentioning to Lord Lyttelton. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq. Eeigate, 15th October, 1849. MY DEA.B, SIE, I have been out of condition for writing, but must let you know, that I thought your letter to Lord Grey very good, and therefore forwarded it : also that Godley has been here in good spirits. Lord Lyttelton seems to have managed his mission very skilfully and effectually. There are so many appeals from Lord Grey to Lord John Russell, that I cannot guess how one more may be taken ; but E. o. WAKEFIELD'S iiEffERS. 127 I feel confident that the making of it will be of service. It ought, I think, to set forth distinctly the main features of the Cape case, and especially the two tricks first, pretending to consult the colony, and then sending the convicts in spite of their remonstrances ; secondl ~, pretending to send them only picked, reformed convicts, or mere peasants whom hunger had driven'" to commit one crime, and then sending them the soldier convicts (the worst of all) from India, &c. &c. As there is a prospect of seeing you ere long, when you shall come to town, about Godley and the Canterbury colony, I postpone till then the interesting question of the plan of campaign for next year. To THE SAME. K0igate> 16th October 1849. MY DEAR SIB, I most entirely agree with you about a mark of distinction fo" Godley. It is a bright thought, and must be worked into a fact. I must confess, however, that at first the notion appeared to me utterly impracticable. And so it would prove, if ordinary means of realizing the idea were adopted. The ordinary means are party favour, working on public reputation. But Godley is anything but a Whig or of Whig connexions ; and he has no public reputation. Add, that he is cordially detested by Lord Grey, in whose depart- ment the granting of such a royal favour would be held to rest. And lastly, Lord Grey dislikes, and would gladly dis- parage and stop the enterprize for being the founder of which Godley deserves, and for aid in carrying out which he ought, to receive a mark of honour, So you must adopt some extraordinary means, or give up the idea. Not liking to give up the idea, I suggest that a petition to the Queen be pro- posed, praying for this distinction for Godley, both as the founder of the enterprize, aud as expressive of Her Majesty's interest (like Elizabeth's) in such enterprizes, which benefit these Islands, and extend the Empire, &c. &c. &c. This 128 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTEBBUEY. petition should be signed by as many public men as could be got to sign it: and then presented by a deputation to the Premier, with a request that he would present it to the Queen and support its prayer. If they made Grodley a C.B. or a Bart., all would be well : if not, the mere petition (which we could publish after it had failed) would by itself be a great mark of honour. If you approve of this course, I will draft a short petition. I agree about your other suggestions : but query, who is to be the organizer ? ' Unless some one person take the matter up and make a business of it, as he would of a campaign if he were a general, it will come to nothing. To THE SAME. Eeigate, 17th October, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, I see by the Times to-day, that Lord Grey gives way about the Cape. Of course he will answer your last letter to that effect : and of course also, I hope, you will send the four letters to the Chronicle for immediate publication. It is important that the correspondence should be published whilst the subject is remembered which it will not be ten days hence. If you have not, because you will not be yourself, the leader and organizer of the Colonial Reformers, would Mr. Lucas do for subordinate organizer ? From his writings and what I hear, he is sensible and clever : and he takes much interest in the subject. Unless some one person make this organization his sole business, nothing good will come of your suggestion : it will expire for want of practical exertion. The work might, ere long, be personally advantageous to a gentleman like Mr. Lucas, if he is ambitious. E. G. WAKEFIEID'S LETTEBS. 129 Beigate, 17th October, 1849. MY DEAB, GODLEY, I am pleased to hear of Johnny's dispositions, and will settle about Mr. Wynne which is most proper. I hope you won't commit yourself to anybody for Bishop till we can put the questions practically to Wynter. I have a hope that he will follow his own strong inclinations, rather than be guided by his wife's family, who, as old Martin said to me yesterday, resemble Hobbes in this that his mother produced twins ; himself and Fear. I am going now to Aglionby's. So Lord Grey gives way about the Cape. Write to Adderley to insist that he publish the correspondence. Eeigate, 25th October, 1849. MY DEAB GODLEY, By all means go with Lord Cour- tenay : for the object is that you should inform the Arch- bishop by conversation. He evidently does not understand the matter. Of course, the appointment of Bishop is to depend on the endowment. But the present object is to have it settled now, that when the endowment shall be provided, there will be a Bishopric and that Mr. So-and-so will be the Bishop. If you go with Lord Courtenay, I think you would do well to take a letter of personal introduction from the Bishop of Norwich, which he would rejoice to give you for the asking. What came of my notion of a colony for Selwyn ? The idea haunts me : for if it were realized, much evil (in the form of jealousy) would be prevented, and much good done in the form of Church extension. 18 130 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUEY. JOHN HTTTT, Esq. Reigate, 27th October, 1849. MY DEAE HUTT, I return Governor Grey's letter, after making a copy, which you shall have also if you will not trust to iny making no improper use of it. It is simply impossible for me to write about Terms of Purchase. I am not well enough. But I can talk. The subject requires some careful discussion by us in quiet. Some points which you do not mention, are very important such as a certain proportion of purchase money. I also much wish to see you with a view to suggesting the means of preserving the harmony and a zealous co-operation between the Association and the Company : also some other matters for your individual ease and comfort. Tou could not by possibility have your terms ready for "Wednesday ; so, as Tuesday appears to be disengaged, I hope you will pass the day with me, coming as early as you can manage. One quiet day will settle and dispose of many essential matters. Eeigate, 28th October, 1849. MY DEAE ME. BASING, There is news from New Zealand, to the effect that the Banks' Peninsula plains are fixed upon for the Canterbury Colony. I enclose a letter, by which (with the chart) you will see the "Peninsula" is only a promontory. The writer is the Surveyor of the Acheron sur- veying ship, and a man of great ability in his profession but difficult to please. All the accounts speak in like terms of the spot. Godley will sail in the Company's ship Lady Nugent on the 1st of December. The Association is going to work in earnest, with a view to forming the colony of people here and selling the land. E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEES. 131 I have not heard from anybody about your letter to Aglionby, but may to-day as he is coming to dine with me. Godley is delighted at the thought of connecting " Buller College " and Canterbury Colony. P.S. I find Aglionby quite disposed (in consequence, pro- bably, of your letter) to join in any steps that may be needful to save the credit of the leading directors. But as I talked on the subject without any reference to you (of whose views I know only that you are generally not well pleased at the present state of things) nothing practical was suggested by our conversation. He said that you had written to him on the subject of Government, and that he quite agreed with you. Eeigate, 30th October. MY DEAE DE. HESTDS, I write after meeting at Croydon the deputation of the Canterbury Association, who waited on the Archbishop of Canterbury at Addington. The inclosed minute will show you what passed at the meeting. To this T must add, that the Archbishop evinced a lively interest in the matter, but seemed reluctant to incur the risk of having his request refused by Lord Grey. Therefore, and therefore only we think, he proposed that the risk of being refused should be run by the Association. Hi 3 Grace is not singular in avoiding the risk of being snubbed, which everybody must run who prefers a request or makes a sugges- tion to Lord Grey. But an Archbishop of Canterbury ought to be singularly free from moral timidity. Another inclosure will show you how very desirable it is that this question of the Bishop should be settled without delay. It is certain, I think, that Dr. Selwyn's friends will now do what they can to put an end to the Canterbury colony, and by that means to prevent the appointment of another Bishop in New Zealand. But if the second Bishop be as good as appointed in the way proposed by the Minute 132 THE FOUNDEBS OF CANTEBBTJBT. and cordially approved by the Archbishop, then the Selwyn party will have no motive for hostility ; and this most promising enterprize may proceed in peace. If the Selwyn party stop or impede the appointment, there will be furious war, for which many letters, similar to the inclosed from Mr. Fox, afford ample weapons on the side of those whom the Selwynites will endeavour to thwart. Such a war might break up the scheme, and hand over the finest portion of New Zealand to the ordinary scramble of what is termed coloniza- tion : it would be a miserable thing for the Church, and for everybody concerned. On the above considerations, the Deputation, on its return from the Palace yesterday, most anxiously sought for the most probable means of inducing Lord Grey to say " Yes " at once, and so make all straight. He is at Howick, and you, being not far from him by rail, are deemed the most likely man in the world to be able to conciliate him by viva voce communication. But the Deputation, both collectively and individually, were afraid to ask you. So, as there was some- thing rather disagreeable to be done, I had to volunteer. All I said, however, is that I would put the facts before you ; as I had no right to ask that, or anything else, of you as a favour. It is supposed, on good grounds I think, that a single Deputy would get on better with Lord Grey than any other number. He might think if there were several, that they came to force him. If you preferred a colleague, I think that Lord Courtenay or Lord Lyttelton would join you. If you wish for further information, Godley will go to you at Carlisle by the first mail train after hearing from you to that effect. His address is 69, Gloucester Place, Portman Square. Indeed, I would beg of you to write to Godley at all events, because if any Deputation should go to Lord Grey at Howick, an interview must be asked for by letter. Pray do not trouble yourself to write to me. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 133 Another matter, which can wait, is that we have met here with a capital man for the Bishop. I shall only describe him by saying that I call him " another Dr. Hinds." He is Mr. J. Cecil "Wynter, Eector of Gatton, close by Reigate. He is a thorough colonizer on the principles of your essay, which he knows by heart ; and he longs to go; but his wife and her family object. His brother is the Master of St. John's, Oxford. If you know the latter, you might perhaps be able to promote this most desirable object. Wynter, as Bishop for the Canterbury colony, would make the Church as popular in New Zealand as Selwyn is making it unpopular. I hardly know whether you are now Dean of Carlisle or Bishop of Norwich, and therefore for fear there may be another Dean of Carlisle, address you by your name. (ENCLOSURE.) Minute of an interview between the Archbishop of Canter- bury and a Deputation appointed by the Canterbury Associa- tion to confer with his Grace "on the subject of Church appointments." At Addington, the 29th October, 1849. Lord Courtenay, on behalf of the Association, stated to the Archbishop the position of the Association, and the prospect of immediately commencing operations. He represented the difficulty felt by a Committee of laymen in dealing with the question of Church Appointments in the settlement and ecclesiastical arrangements generally, and the importance of having among them immediately an individual enabled by his position to deal authoritatively with that branch of the business ; the only way which occurred to them of effecting this object was by securing the co-operation,/r0m the beginning , of the clergyman who would ultimately be the Bishop ; and they asked his Grace to give them his opinion and advice upon the subject. The Archbishop expressed warm approbation of 134 THE FOTTCTCDERS OF CANTERBURY. the view explained by Lord Courtenay, and assured him that he would give every assistance in his power towards carrying it out. He said that the appointment of Colonial Bishops rested exclusively with Lord Grey, and that the proper step to take would be for somebody on behalf of the Association to wait upon his Lordship, and repeat the explanation just given to himself. He authorized the Association to state to lard Grey that he had referred them to his Lordship, and that he was anxious that their views should be carried out. He said he saw no objection to making an arrangement with the clergyman who might be selected, to the effect that (though e could not be appointed without an endowment) yet he wnuld be appointed when an endowment should be provided ; and he said further that, if Lord Grey referred the matter lack to him, he would willingly be the medium of communicating to the clergyman selected his (the Archbishop's) intention of consecrating him, in the event of the endowment being pro- vided by the sale of a sufficient quantity of land. Keigate, 30th October. MY DEAR GODLEY, I have written to Hinds, begging he will write to you. Has the Association written to Lord Grey for an inter- view? E. H. "W. BELLAIRS, Esq. Reigate, 3rd November, 1849. DEAR SIR, If you have still any inclination to participate in colonizing enterprise, I would propose to you, as the state of my health prevents me from going to London, to take the trouble of paying me a visit here at your early convenience, and giving me one day's notice, so that I may take care to meet you. Believe me to remain, Tours very faithfully, E. G. WAKEFIELD. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTE 135 Beigate, 3rd September, 1849. MT DEAR GODLET, It is a bright thought, that of noticing self-government in the Instructions. I had a bad scene with Aglionby yesterday about Akaroa, which he wanted to reserve for another settlement. But he has made the amende ; and therefore I only say, Mind and have everything in plain black and white. I want much to see you ; and I will meet you at the North Kent Station, London Bridge, on Tuesday, in order that we may get through our discussions whilst going to Gravesend to see Dr. Lang on board his very interesting Scotch ship. I talked to him a good deal about you yesterday ; and I am very desirous that you should pay him this gratifying atten- tion. He is a power in Australasia ; and on better acquaint- ance, I like him better than I expected to do. Eeigate, 4th November. DEAR J. A. SMITH, Notwithstanding the very promising aspect of the only thing that promises well for New Zealand and the Company which is the Canterbury enterprise, with its real previous survey, its unrivalled site, and a Godley going out as pioneer there is considerable danger of a break- up of the whole affair, Canterbury, Company and all : and this break-up would be almost Hudsonian in discredit for the only real Directors of the last three years, who are Aglionby chiefly, and, next, yourself. This danger comes from several sources ; but the principal immediate cause is the impossibility of getting a large view of any question taken by the Company when you are not here. Aglionby is ruining all, by haggling for pence and throwing away pounds, and by aggravating everybody when he happens to be suspicious and cross, which he now is nearly always. There are other causes, but they are further off; such as the deliberate preparations of the Colonial Office (not Hawes, and not Lord Grey yet very 136 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. decidedly) for putting an end to the Company with disgrace to it that is, throwing on it all the blame of failure. Wherefore I long to talk with you, in the friendly confi- dence of old, on the whole subject. "Writing is a too feeble means of doing any good. And time presses. Eeigate, 7th November. DEAB J. A. SMITH, Having got your address, after a long discussion yesterday with G-odley, I write again, to assure you that, in my opinion, everything relating to the New Zealand Company and the Canterbury Colony, will go wrong, and irremediably wrong, unless the Company can be induced to view the Association, not as a rival, but as part of itself as a partner, which it really is, who is to find money for the firm. It is not possible to explain by letter : but I am confident that, when you know the facts, you will entirely concur in my view of the present danger, and of the means of setting things right. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Keigate, 7th November, 1849. Mr DEAB HUTT, Entre nous, the Company must not stand in the way of any change in the Canterbury plan of sale that may be deemed advantageous : for, as respects the best possible terms of purchase, the Association and Company are one in interest. So Felix adheres to the terms which we settled here; and when the Association shall have adopted them, I will get them adopted by the Company by means of a meeting here of yourself, Aglionby, and others. I want you to be a Director as soon as possible. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 137 C. B. ADDEELET, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, 8th November, 1849. MT DEAB SIB, I have not been well enough to write. It is chiefly about the distinctions for Godley, that I am so anxious to see you; a topic which I could not mention to him. * * * # After all, I have neglected the main object of this note which is to suggest that, in addition to the instructions for Godley drawn up by himself (which are very admirable), there should be an introduction designating him as the author of the Canterbury enterprise, and future founder of the colony. This should be done nicely ; that is, very com- plimentarily without extravagance. I think it might properly contain some allusion to his quitting a high social position or high political society (or something of that sort) in order, like some of the most distinguished of our ancestors, to engage personally as a leader in colonization. The respect and affection borne to Godley by his friends should be somehow expressed. E. H. "W. BELLAIES, Esq., 2, Place Hoche, Versailles. Eeigate, llth November, 1849. MT DEAE SIB, Not being well enough to write at any length, I must answer briefly your letter of the 2nd. My object in wishing to see you, was to give you in detail the information which will follow in very general terms. The Canterbury Association having received information that the site of its intended colony is fixed, and the survey proceeding under Captain Thomas, has resolved to proceed with its enterprize. The first " proceeding " is to collect, and form into a body, those who have already contemplated settling at Canterbury, and to increase their number, till they shall constitute a 138 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBY. respectable colony on the move; say, labourers included, 3000 people, who would form the first expedition of colonists, proceeding from Plymouth next summer, in 25 ships. Mr, Godley has resolved to proceed at once to the settle- ment as a pioneer. He proposes sailing from England on the 3rd London 1 o meet you ; so thoroughly is he in earnest about the new colony. John Abel Smith has come to town, and will, to-morrow morning, be fully aware of my suspicions of Downing Street and Broad Street Buildings, as respects Canterbury. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 153 SIB WILLIAM MOLESWORTH, Pencarrow, Bodmin. Reigate, 30th November, 1849. MY DEAR MOLESWORTH, After long rest prescribed by illness, during which I have been as dead to public matters, and incapable of even answering letters, I begin again as the meet- ing of Parliament approaches ; and amongst my first tasks is that of answering your letter written just after the close of last Session. I am also roused by a visit from Adderley, to whom I had sent that letter for his information as to your views. He cordially agrees with you as to a Bill, and with me that you are the man to introduce it. But, moreover, with a view of obtaining for this measure a really effective support, he proposes to work in organizing a sort of Colonial Reform party, which should be ready to act on the very first day of the Session by then giving notice of your Bill and other measures. The state of the colonies, and the prospect of ugly news from Australi i as to the disaffection of that part of the world, render it certain, I think, that some very important measures will be got through Parliament in the coming Session. The Government will try to be first in the field with some quarter-measure. But if you are first, they must needs, I fancy, give way to you : for almost universal opinion seems ^0 declare that " the time has come " for carrying into real not pretended effect the principle of Representative and truly Responsible Government for the true colonies. I fully agree with you as to the expediency of giving constituent powers. The doing so will save a world of trouble, and of trouble that would be fruitless. We cannot at this distance make constitutions for these municipal dependencies, any more than we cm work them when nv.de. But with a view to good support for your Bill, there must be previous concert amongst the Colonial Reformers. This, Adderley's organiza- tion would put you in the way of obtaining. He proposes a Society with a Council, and frequent meetings just such an Association, in short, as that for Law Reform or the Health of Towns : and he has begged me to ask you to be a member 164 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBtfBY. of the first council. It looks as if the society would comprise men of all parties. We are preparing a s6rt of programme or declaration of principles, which Adderley will Bend to you in draft. He is strongly supported. I wish it had been in my power to think of accepting your invitation for the last month ; but I should not have been well enough even if able to form the purpose of going so far from home. When are you likely to be in town ? I would try to meet you there ; but my strength fails me so in London, that I would beg of you to pay me a visit here. We could get Kintoul to meet, and have a good consultation. E. H. W. BELLAIBS, Esq., Mulbarton, Norwich. MY DEAB BELLAIBS, I had only to report briefly yester- day, that Canterbury matters were proceeding well as between the Association and the Company. Mr. Baring was here when I wrote, and had informed me that the two bodies had agreed on all points the day before, and that they now only wait for the formal sanction of their agreement by the Government, which is promised for Wednesday. There appears to be no doubt that this sanction will then be given : and then the undertaking will proceed without an hour's delay. Godley has left town for the west, and the Lady Nugent will leave the dock to-morrow. I talked with Mr. Baring about yourself, though (as he is not a member of the Association) without entering into any questions that do not concern a " pure colonist " ; and he said that, whilst his stay in Norfolk will not extend beyond the 20th instant (when he is going to Paris), he should be most happy to see you or your father, or both, at Buckenham, to talk about New Zealand and the prospects of Canterbury, if both or either of you wished for a meeting. I understood him to mean that he would invite you to come, but that as the E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 155 matter concerns you and not him, that would not be correct. But I am sure that if you write to ask him if and when he can conveniently see you at Buckenham, you will then have a cordial invitation. Indeed he said that if you wished it, he would go to Mulbarton on purpose to see your father, who has been greatly praised to him by some of his Norfolk friends. He has resolved to proceed with " the Buller College " for Canterbury. ALFRED WILLS, Esq., 13, Craven Street, Strand. Eeigate, 3rd December, 1849. MY DEAR MR. WILLS, The near approach of my son's departure occupies so completely the little strength I have, and New Zealand matters will yet for a week be in a state so little fit to afford you the opportunity of doing good for yourself, that I wish to postpone till next week the pleasure of seeing you here. My mind will then be free, and some very important questions relating to the colony and the Can- terbury settlement will be finally settled. C. B. ADDERLET, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, 3rd December, 1849. MY DEAR SIR, Mr. Eintoul is coming here this afternoon, and I hope to send you by to-morrow's early post a sort of programme approved by him ; but I write a line now mainly for the purpose of expressing to you my conviction that the project of a " Buller University " in New Zealand, about which I suppose Francis Baring to have written to you, is of more importance to the Australasian world and to our friend G-odley than to anything else of which I know. If the mea- sures can be started before the public at the same time that the Canterbury enterprise (which now for the first time 156 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. becomes practical), the two will help each other, and some- thing worthy indeed will be accomplished. C. B. ADDEELET, Esq., M.P. Reigate, 4th December, 1849. MY DEAR SIR, After much reflection and scribbling, I have compressed the matter into the small compass enclosed. I found that every attempt to deal with, particulars led to what would produce endless controversy from differences of opinion. It becomes clear to me, and Kintoul's judgement, I am happy to find, entirely concurs after deliberation, that the true policy is to stick to generals very distinctly enun- ciated : and this I have endeavoured to do. Particulars will come in due time. Those vfho will not agree to the enclosed, would not agree to it though sheets of detail and particular were added. It contains, I firmly believe (and here again Eintoul agrees), the principles which England must adopt, and soon, or lose her dependencies which are true colonies. You must not expect many to agree at first. If enough do for putting out the names of the Council of Twelve, then hundreds will come in. This statement of principles and objects is intended to be so distinct and unmistakeable as not to require alterations and addition for those who really approve of the principles and objects : and nothing, I think, is ever gained by endea- vouring to conciliate people w..o either do not understand, or, understanding, do not agree : it is a fruitless sacrifice of truth and loss of power. I think the colonies would take offence if agents, pur- porting to represent them, were chosen by the Society. All their part of the organized co-operation, they will do them- selves ; and the better for being left to do it wholly them- selves. E. o. WAKEPIELD'S LETTERS. 157 The name which I suggest for consideration appears to be less vulgar, and less offensive to Conservatism, than that of Colonial Reform Society : it also better expresses the true object of the Society. I imagine that you will not finally print without a meeting in London, when I could have the advantage of conferring with you. It is a grand point for your success to get before the public whilst the Government is still in deliberation (that is, before Christinas) about their policy for the coming session. C. B ADDEBLEY, Esq. 5th December. MY DEAB SIE, The letter from Molesworth which I sent to Eintoul yesterday, with a request that he would forward it to you, confirms my opinion that Colonial petitions are likely to be very prominent this session ; and it makes- me more than ever anxious that your Society should come out without delay. Please to send me Molesworth's letter, which. I had only time to read hastily. It would be a great point gained if Mr. "Walpole would take charge of this Bill along with Molesworth. The positions would not be so prominent as to indicate a preference of Party to Law ; and such a Bill is fit for the handling of av lawyer. He would render it a presentable and defensible 1 Bill. It would be convenient, and likely to advance all your Colonial matters, if it should fall in your way to be in town on the 15th instant, when Molesworth and Eintoul will comg here. 158 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. Reigate, 5th December, 1849. MY DEAR MOLESWORTH, I have sent your letter to Adderley and invited him to try to meet you here on the 15th. Rintoul, I have no doubt, will come if he can. You are quite right about getting a lawyer to draw the Bill after its main principles shall be settled by the politi- cians. I wish some capital lawyer of the largest party in the Commons would take this part in concert with you : but I only know of one person who answers to the description ; viz., Walpole. Do you know him ? I do not, personally ; but I have reason to think him very clever as a political lawyer, and well suited to this task. It is of great moment for you that his party should go with you : for your reputation requires that some important results in fact and substance should be produced by your work ; and there is no chance of carrying such a measure into " Molesworth's Act " without the aid of the Protectionists. Like you, I hear from more than one quarter, that the Gouernment intends making much oi colonial questions next Session : and I agree with you in thinking, that nothing really important nothing like real self-government for the colo- nies w ill be proposed by them. So much the better for you ! If they proposed realities, there would be nothing for you to do but chime in and praise them, which they hardly deserve. I am living in a cottage in the garden of the White Hart Inn, one of the best in England ; of which I inform you, because, though I could not venture to invite Lady Moles- worth to my bachelor's den, I have fancied that she is so much of a politician, that she might be disposed (the com- fortable inn being there) to join in our consultations, which, if Adderley and Eintoul take part in them, will probably cut out your work for the Session. I shall have here copies of the old Charters, by which you will see that most of the old colonies had constituent powers. The only question with me is whether the power should be E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 159 given with or without settling who shall exercise it. The old charters said, " the freemen of the said colony or their deputies or delegates." This saves a world of trouble and difficulty that of framing constituent assemblies in detail. * * * # I enclose a tract which, about six weeks hence, will be published in the Southern Colonies. GK F. YOUNG, Esq., Limehouse. Reigate, 5th December, 1849. MY DEAR TOUNCJ, Please to return the enclosed by post, as it is my only fair copy. It has been seen by Aglionby, J. A. Smith, Baring, Hutt, and Godley among the Directors, but not by any other Proprietor : and I shall not show it to any but Directors so long as its publication by me might interfere with the Company's proceedings. But it will be here some time in January or February, printed in a Wel- lington Newspaper. If the Canterbury affair goes on well and promptly, it would be possible to save the Company, but not without a total change in the mode of direction or management. My own belief is, that the G-overment fully intends to put an end to the Company ; and I fancy that some of the Directors are now disposed to agree with the Government in this pur- pose. If so, the manner of bringing the Company to an end will be fatal to the shareholders : for if the Company abandon the land of the South Province to Colonial office crotchets and neglect, merely stipulating to be paid out of land sales, the colony will rebel rather than consent to ratify the bar- gain. But if the Company, in dying, would make a stand for transferring to the colonists the entire management of the waste lands, then the Colonists would agree to terms with the Company which in the long run would save the money of the shareholders. This is now the point ; and I hope you will reflect on it. If the Company merely dies out, without 160 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUEY. making one effort for the good of the Colonists, the share- holders will have been done by the arrangement of 1847 ; and the death of the Company will be very discreditable to the Directors : there will be a storm of reproaches, for mismanage- ment and fees, after the manner of Hudson's victims. ***** I have spoken on these points to Aglionby and J. A. Smith as plainly as I now write. I fancy that Aglionby has made up his mind that the Com- pany must stop : it is either so, or he is stone blind. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Reigate, 5th December, 1849. MY DEAR HUTT, I have your letter of to-day. Dai/s are of sue! i moment that I would plead for this week if possible; if not Fridav, then Saturday. Felix should be started on his tour of agency : but what- ever he may do in the way of establishing real working agencies, you and I, going back to South Australia, Wel- lington, and Nelson, must see, if nobody else should, that the grand point is a body an organized, active body of intend- ing colonists. Some are ready ; but they will never act without a leader. We want somebody to take the position once intended for Major W . I think that the man has turned up, but I have not mentioned him to any one, and will not without your approval. Indeed, I want to hand him over to you if you should like him well enough after inquiry. I can give you orally all sorts of information about him, but have not strength to write ; nor would writing suffice. If you approved of him or any other fit man, there would be a body of colonists in a week ; small at first, but likely to grow fast as soon as its existence was known. All the great names in the world will not do this business, except as they may get you the men to do it, who will be intending colonists* E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 161 that is, persons deeply interested in getting it done, well and soon. This is the main point on which I wish some confidential talk with yon. J. E. GODLEY, Esq., Plymouth. Eeigate, 6th December, 1849. MY DEAB G-ODLEY, I return Lord Lyttelton's and Mr. Simeon's letters. The latter is charming, and both so com- plimentary to you that I wish you would send me copies without the names. I would never commit the writers, but could turn the letters (especially Simeon's) to account for elevating the thoughts of intending colonists, whose pioneer you are. Kintoul and I are anxious about your letter on Colonial G-overnment : that is, we are anxious you should publish ifc. We agreed the other day that you could have no difficulty in doing it well ; since the best will be the plain natural ex- pression of what, in the circumstances of your own emi- gration, you are thinking and feeling on the subject. There will be no harm in a little of that enthusiasm, for which Simeon asks whether you and he are not too old. No, not a bit : whenever it is real, as in your cases, it is very telling. For example, Simeon's letter made my heart beat, aud I shall never forget it. I am afraid that I shall not dare to face the journey to Plymouth : but all will depend on the state of my nerves when Edward is ready to start I will not neglect the Chronicle : but you should send me a line of personal introduction. I don't even know his name. Thomas's advertisements for tenders had frightened me a little. Let us hope he will wait for your answer. My son tells me your servant has broken out in London, and Mrs. G-odley is uneasy. I think he will go from bad to worse on board ship, and be useless to you in New Zealand. 20 162 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. The habit is almost sure to grow on an emigrant. Wherefore, if you choose, and will write directly, you shall have my Felix, who for steadiness and fidelity cannot be surpassed. E. GK WAKEFIELD. The Honorable F. BARING, M.P. Reigate, 7th December, 1849. MY DEAR MB. BARING, Adderley has sent me the en- closed, desiring that I will forward it to you. "With a few verbal alterations, I think that it will do very well. Of course your name will not appear without the rest of the Council. Adderley says he writes to you, begging you to alter it as you please, and then send it to the printers. But I write to him to day, saying that I beg you to send it back to me : for I think that Adderley and I, besides other councillors, and especially the very cautious and circumspect Rintoul, must con it over before it gets into print, even for private circulation. I hear from more than one quarter that the Government intends to get before the Colonial Reformers, by proposing measures of Reform, large enough for notice in the Queen's speech. May it prove so ! Adderley has a brother-in-law, Mr. McG-eachy, formerly M.P. for Honiton, who laid the foundation of the new system of Church of England College Schools, such as Marlborough ; who is devoted to such matters ; who is, I know, a very plea- sant practical person to work with (high-spirited, and a thorough gentleman, but laborious) ; and who would, I doubt not, take a labouring part, along with Wynter, in Buller Uni- versity work, if you saw fit. If you see fit, I will write to him- E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 163 C. B. ADDEELEY, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, 7th December, 1849. MY DEAE SIE, A press of business compels me to write briefly. If Molesworth's letter to me has been forwarded to you, I hope you may think of meeting him here on the 15th. Sis adhesion to the Colonial Government Society will involve Cobden and the free Traders : and I think that Molesworth would like to see the paper before it is printed. There are some points in it, too, which require alteration, but which I would not alter without consulting you : such as, for example, " under condition of punishment " ; whereas most of the con- victs are " exiles " not under condition of punishment. I am also persuaded that, on further examination, you will see a great and real danger in naming agents, though but temporarily, for any colony. It would make most of the colonies quite savage, as it would you if you were a colonist. Upon the whole, therefore, I have made bold to ask Baring to send the papers back to me, and not to the printer's. Pray tell me what I shall do with it. My own wish is to keep it till next Saturday, and then to have it finally settled in consultation with Eintoul and Molesworth. If we have their sanction and Baring's, in addition to our own approval that will be enough : and then I would print it finally, only with a blank for the names of the Council. It may be out, with the Council's names, before Christmas. Trusting you will approve or pardon the liberty I have taken, Tours very truly, E. GK WAKEFIELD. C. B. ADDEELEY, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, 8th December, 1849. MY DEAE SIE, Supposing you will get my letter sent to Devonport, I now only answer your last. 164 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Mr. D 'Israeli is the very man, as respects talents and rhetorical power. He could make a famous case, and, I think, probably carry his amendment which would be doing some- thing important. But I doubt his judgement and tact for seizing opportunities. Will he work, to be master of the subject ? I doubt. Is he independent enough of Stanley ? Or rather has he the self-reliance without which no man can lead a party ? I doubt. Considering his great talents and powers of speech, he has not acquired much power or even importance : that is, he has neglected many opportunities. Is he capable of seeing and seizing this one ? I doubt. If he would work, I should be glad to place myself at his disposal. Having got F. Baring here twice lately, I cannot ask him to come again. Nor, I think, could he come ; for he is going abroad on the 20th. Nor is it necessary, if he assent generally to the programme. As to making this place and Saturday next the place and time for a first meeting of the Council, I venture to express an opinion that the proposal would be offensive to any but warm personal friends of mine. But you cannot make ^private meeting for some talk with an invalid grinder of the subject, too numerous. Still I would beg that strangers to me might be asked to meet you, Molesworth, and other public men, not me, who am nobody. Reigate, 8th December, 1849. Mr DEAR MOLESWORTH, Adderley, Eintoul, and others will come here on Saturday, the 15th. It is requested that you will manage, if possible, to leave town by the 10 . 30 train, so that we may get to business by 12 o'clock. The business will be your Bill and the formation of the Colonial Government Society. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS , 165 Eeigate, 8th December, 1849. MY DEAE ME. BAKING, Having the opportunity of sending to London in time for to-night's post, I must write a line in answer to yours just received. I am not surprised to hear that some of " Buller's friends " prefer the Westminster Abbey stone to the New Zealand College. I am only surprised that they should have got Lord Ashburton to take their view. For them (I speak of " some of Buller's friends ") it is a convenient view. They are of the class of friends who do not wish Buller's memory to be too much exalted, and who, in particular, for fear of offending some "Whig susceptibilities of jealousy, would be against exalt- ing his memory in especial connexion with colonial matters ; and least of all with New Zealand. But they are of no weight, and will be amongst the first to come into the greater scheme as soon as it shall be broached. My only regret is that they should have disposed your brother who was a real friend to prefer the smaller memorial. The greater project rests on feelings and principles of human nature, which will carry it through to success in spite of carping and come small objections by the jealous and the hangers-on of the jealous. I am confident that you can do it. I think that you do not like to be baulked any more than myself : and if you please, I will (always working in obscu- rity from my den here) undertake that Wynter, Adderley, McGeachy, and other Canterbury men, with some other New Zealand and colonial men, and some real " friends of Buller," who are neither New Zealand nor colonial, should do the work for you, and in the way you should suggest through me, even though you should not be in England at all. I pray of you to reflect on this, and, if possible, to let us go to work. In the hope that you will, I do not tell "Wynter anything at present ; and I should be loath to mention anywhere Lord Ash burton's present view, because I am sure it is not his own, and that he will embrace the greater measure when it shall be started, and before it shall be public. In haste. # * * # 166 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. Adderley and other " Colonial Government Society " men are coming here on Saturday, the 15th : and if you happened to be then on your way to Paris, you might choose to meet them ; but I have told Adderley and Molesworth that it is out of the question that I should ask you to come. Eeigate, 10th December, 1849. MY DEAR RINTOUL, Please to read the enclosed, which explain themselves, and send me back Baring's letter. Can you easily find out what has been done or is doing about the Abbey monument ? I should like to know with whom it originated. My suspicion is, that some hangers-on of the big Whigs, who call themselves " Buller's friends," have set Lord Ashburton against the greater and colonial monu- ment. At any rate, there must be a committee or set who have taken the active part about the stone : and I suppose that they may have communicated with you. Some of them, such as perhaps Thackeray and Monckton Milnes, would be dupes of the baser sort such as Hawes and the new Secre- tary of Mauritius. It would be a great satisfaction to smother their petty memorial by the colonial one. I enclose a list of the sort of people perhaps the very people with some change who could be induced to act as a committee, and put forth the call for a tribute to the memory of Buller that would be truly appropriate and worthy of England. What say you ? I should like to know as soon as you can spare time for a line. * * * * P.S. Q-odley is to send me his letter, to revise for the Chronicle. I will send you a copy up, in order that, if possible, it may appear in next Spectator. It will be Godley's introduction to the Southern world : and I am sure you will take the opportunity to make known who and what he is. It is odd that one so influential in our politics should be so E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 167 obscure, merely because he is not in Parliament. But so it is : and the object is to announce him truly to the colonies of the south. JOHN HUTT, ESQ. Eeigate, 10th December, 1849. MY DEAB HUTT, I trust that in no event will you be induced to give up. That may be just what some people want. If they could disgust the Association, and get rid of it, they would have the land for Broad Street Buildings or Park Street to sell. If they stop you, stop ; but don't let go. If they can stop you, so you can stop them. None of them will long have the power to stop anything colonial. * # * * Practically, Grey's pedantic veto on the 3rd clause is of little importance. At any rate, nearly all, if not all, pur- chasers will be members of the Church. Eeigate, llth December, 1849. MY DEAE BINTOUL, The meeting does hold good for Saturday. Molesworth and Adderley are engaged, and Baring almost. Adderley and Molesworth will come down by the 10 . 30 train, with a view to early work : Adderley wanting to go back in the evening. So pray come as soon as yon can. Their coming so much before you can, will give me the oppor- tunity of bringing them up to our mark by the time you appear. . Nothing from Godley yet. My son will leave town to- night, with a view to the ship's sailing to-morrow with this fine wind. * * * * I quite agree about Godley, and will make it modest. 168 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. Keigate, 12th December, 1849. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, By all means, come with Adderley on Saturday. I cannot enter upon the subject now, being obliged to take as complete rest as may be, in order to gain strength for the end of the week, after the exhaustion occasioned by business and disturbance of mind arising from my son's departure. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Beigate, 13th December, 1849. MY DEAR HUTT, I don't like the law questions, with taking counsel's opinion, and reference to law officers of the Crown, &c. That will kill you by inches, and yet not be deemed murder. The anti-ballot, pro-auction difficulty is palpable murder : and if the Directors do not indignantly join the Association in resisting it, then be sure that there has been a plot for getting rid of you, and that they (the Directors) are parties to it. I have thought so for some time ever since a day about four or five weeks ago, when Aglionby dined with Hawes, and talked to me immediately afterwards. But at any rate do not throw up in disgust. That is just what they desire if there is a plot. I should like to have a talk with you as to what ought to be done. Both Adderley and, I hope, Baring are coming here on Saturday. J. D. COOK, Esq., 123, Pall Mall, London. Eeigate, loth December, 1849. SIR, Together with a letter of introduction to yourself, which I have had the advantage of obtaining from Mr. Godley, I enclose the manuscript of a public letter from him to Mr. Gladstone, which I understand that you may probably see fit to print in the Morning Chronicle. Mr. Godley's letter E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 169 has been seen by more than one competent judge of its pro- bable reception by the public ; and they are of opinion, as I cannot help bein^, that it will be read with interest by several classes of politicians, and especially by the whole class of Colonial Reformers. The earnestness of its tone appears to me likely to prove very effective ; and there can be no doubt that its doctrines are fast growing into popularity. Supposing that you might see the expediency of introducing the writer to your readers, I venture to enclose a brief intro- ductory statement, intended to precede the letter, in which I have endeavoured to state facts which ought to be known, without any puffing of our friend. He specially desires me to request that you will be so good as to send me a proof for correction by myself. I have the honor to be, &c. E. GK WAKEFIELD. In the hope that Mr. Godley's letter m y be reprinted from the Chronicle in the next Spectator, with some notice of its contents by the editor, I presume to beg that you will take the trouble to send a slip of the letter in proof to Mr. Rintoul, at the Spectator Office, as your doing so may be an accommodation to him as respects time. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Reigate, 17th December, 1849. MY DEAB HUTT, I have just met a new proof of Gfrey Hawes hostility to the Canterbury Association. Yours ever, E. GK WAKEFIELD. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq. Reigate, 18th December, 1849. MY DEAR SIB, On reading over the proof, I am struck with the inadequacy and weakness of the word " incon- 170 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEEBUBY. venience " in the second line of the second paragraph. If this were the only relief sought, it would be hardly worth while to form a Society. For " inconvenience," I should like to sub- stitute " grievous and manifold evils," or some such expres- sion. But there will be time enough for this when the final revise of the prospectus shall be made for publication. I am very much pleased with Godley's letter, which Bintoul and I doctored a little, but only a little. Tour letter in the Times yesterday is good and useful. The Cape people are being run down in opinion here, because their case is not known. I feared as much, you will recollect, long ago. Query " great and manifold evils." GK F. YOUNG, Esq., North Bank, "Walthamstow. Reigate, 19th Decemb r, 1849. MY DEAE TOTING, Please to send back directly by post, the copy of my letter to H. Petre. I want it for printing. There is such foul play going on towards the shareholders, that I, being aware of it, must needs open their eyes by stating the facts as they have come to my knowledge. The object of the plot is to smash the Canterbury Association, which, ever since prominent members of that body, such as Lord Lyttelton and Mr. Adderley, became Reformers of Colonial Government, has been hated by Lord Grey. In this hatred, some of our directors, being out-and-out partizans of the Government, and cronies of Hawes sympathise not a little ; and I think that they (certainly Aglionby) have made up their minds to put an end to the Company also. But the first object is to put an end to the Association. Some time ago, I plainly told John Abel Smith of these my suspicions, which have now grown into convictions : but he is not inde- pendent enough of the Government to act as his conscience would dictate ; and besides, perhaps, he may have been led by E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEES. 171 that party spirit, which most Englishmen deem a virtue, to sympathise with Lord Grey and his friend Hawes in dislike to the Colonial Reformers of the Canterbury Association. At any rate, he lets the mischief go on, without, so far as I know, protesting against it. If you mention the subject to Aglionby, he will attribute my suspicions to illness and ill-will to Lord Grey. But if I consulted only the latter, I should not denounce their plan lefore it shall be carried into execution ; I should wait till the iniquity was done, and then add it to the heap of mis- conduct and unpopularity which must ere long weigh Lord Grey down into private life. At all events, however, I have resolved to expose it at once whether before or after con- summation will depend on the pace at which the plot is carried out. I long to put you in possession of my view of the whole case, but am not well enough to leave home on purpose. J. D. COOK, Esq., 123 Pall Mall, London. Reigate, 19th December, 1849. DEAE SIB, I return the proof of Mr. Godley's letter, corrected. The notice of him and of the Canterbury Settlement in the Times to-day, makes it very desirable that his letter should, if possible, appear to-morrow. I have good reason for suspecting, or rather feeling sure, that the Colonial Office is now endeavouring to stop and break up the Canterbury Association. Their motive is bitter ill-will to the Association because most of the leading mem- bers are Colonial Reformers. If you should think proper some day this week to reprint the Bishop of New Zealand's letter from the Times, I should much like to offer for your consideration a brief article relating to the subject, in which the hostility and purposes of the Colonial Office would be mildly and cautiously exposed. Believe me, &c., &c., E. Q-. WAKEFIELD. 172 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 19th December, 1849. MY DEAB HUTT, Being sure that it has been for some time the deliberate intention of the Office to put an end to you, I rejoice that Lord Q-rey takes the anti-ballot ground. It is capital ground for us to fight upon. Don't say this ; but get his letter ; and then we shall know what to do. I am persuaded that all the discussions and professions of civility have only been used as a means of duping you into the belief that the objections are bond fide. As long ago as seven weeks, when Aglionby dined at Hawes's, the purpose was formed of putting an end to you ; and these objections have been devised since. * * * But say nothing : get the letter. Eeigate, 20th December, 1849. MY DEAR FiTzQ-EEALD, I think it is well that you should take part in the discussions on Saturday. I have made a few corrections on the proof. You ought to have more bankers to receive subscriptions, and, at any rate> one in the city. Eeigate, 21st December, 1849. MY DEAE BELLAIES, My brother had written a letter to you this morning, which is unaccountably mislaid. He there- fore, not being strong enough to write another now, requests me to say that the Canterbury Association goes on ; that your matter has been privately mentioned and may be offici- ally considered next week ; that it is very desirable that you should be on the spot as soon as possible ; that we hope to see you here immediately ; that, as time presses so much, we E. G. WAKEFTELD'S LETTERS. 173 give up our own projected visit to Suffolk ; and that, when- ever your father chooses to come, my brother will be delighted to see him. In haste, Yours very sincerely, FELIX WAKEFIELD. THE EEV. J. C. WYUTEB. Eeigate, 21st December, 1849. Mr DEAB SIB, I called, in order to express your very opinion about Bishop Selwyn's letter ; and also to talk a little on matters in general, including the college, with regard fco which there is a hitch, but I hope nothing more. But I will try to get to the Tower to-morrow morning. * * * I send a Morning Chronicle, containing a letter of Godley's, which is much admired. (MEMORANDUM.) Saturday, 15th December, 1849. Eintoul, Adderley, Molesworth, and FitzGerald passed the day here ; when we settled programme of Society for the fieform of Colonial Government, with list of persons to be asked to become members of the Council ; also heads of intended Bill for N. S. Wales, to be brought in by Moles- worth ; also terms of notice of motion to be given on first day of session. Also corrected and altered a little Grodley's letter to Glad- stone for Morning Chronicle. Friday, 21st December, 1849. John Hutt and W. Lucas, with Lord Grey's letter to "W- Cox, insisting that the ballot for priority of choice shall be abandoned. Discussed the whole subject of the position of 174 THE FOUNDEES OF CANTEEBUBY. the Association, about which Hutt and Lucas seemed in despair. Devised a new mode of proceeding ; that of gaining time by means of yielding to Lord Grey for the present. Hutt to go to town, and get the company to communicate officially to the Association Lord Grey's letter to Cox. Planned draft of answer to the company. Settled that the Association shall go on, and get together first body of colonists. Reigate, 21st December, 1849. MY DEAE BELLAIES, The Canterbury Association will proceed. Being fixed to do their work as to selling by the 30th April, they have not an hour to lose. In order to gain time for what little I can do, I give up my projected holyday visit to Suffolk. I have broached your question to some members of the Association, by whom it has been pleasantly received ; and, as a decision will probably be come to without delay, I earnestly recommend that you should be on the spot, by throwing over Christmas holydays, as I do, and coming to me here as soon as possible. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 22nd December, 1849. MY DEAE HUTT, Mr. Wynter has promised me to attend your meeting ; and I think you will find him master of the objections to auction and priority of application. I have thought it well, however, to beg Felix to go to Charing Cross before your meeting time (which Wynter tells us is two o'clock) in order that you may, if you see fit, call him in to the committee meeting, and make him tell his objections, which amount to this that it will be impossible E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 175 to sell more than a small quantity of land if you either sell choices by auction or give a preference to those who manage to get their names first into the book of applications. I trust you may manage to adhere to the whole course which we agreed upon here, and to get all the business through to morrow. For I have written to Bellairs, and expect to see him to-morrow. I shall send him to you. My suspicions have been confirmed by another fact. Gr. F. YOUNG, Esq. Reigate, 23rd December, 1849. MY DEAR YOUNG, Your letter is like yourself just what I expected. It oddly happens that just before receiving it, I was pre- sent here at a meeting for Colonial Eeform purposes, in which you happen to be much interested as a Protectionist leader and a colonizer and Colonial Reformer. A Society (composed of men of all parties) for the Reform of Colonial Government is being formed. I enclose (quite confidentially) a rough proof of its programme, with the names of some of the Council, who have already accepted office. You, in your three characters above-named, ought to be a member of the Council. Will you ? As I can't go to you, will you come and pass a day with me here, to talk over the whole matter, and New Zealand matters besides ? I shall be at home every day this week after Monday. They want to publish this Society with the names before New Year's Day. Pray come to pass the whole day in peace, and sleep here. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq., M.P. Reigate, 24th December, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, I was a party to RintouTs letter of Saturday. We have since taken on ourselves to decide that he shall 176 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. try to get either Lord Kinnaird or Arthur Kinnaird (really Liberal and very independent Whigs) to be a member of the Council. I also propose asking G. F. Young, because he is a sincere Colonial Eeformer, a good man of business, and a leading Protectionist who would not sacrifice colonies to party. Rintoul and I are most anxious that you should get before the public without delay. The advertisement ought, if possible, to be in next Satur ay's Spectator, with notice to Eintoul, so that he might get ready some remarks on the subject. The Times of to-day, and above all, Cobden's speech at Bradford, seem to me just what we could desire. If you have not all you wish on the Council, you can publish thus : " FIRST COUNCIL. " (With power to add to their number ) " ; and then add at leisure. The Government are in great alarm. If they do not throw over Grey and adopt our views, we shall probably get the Protectionists into office for a while. But will the Protec- tionists go with you in earnest ? I doubt. If not, we shall be beaten for this year. I begged Fitz Gerald to state my very urgent reasons for disliking to be on the Council. The main one is, that my name there would make the movement appear anti-Grey ; a reproach which we must take effectual care to avoid. Besides, it is my habitual and most useful function to work, like the mole, in out-of-sight obscurity. I hope you may have liked my last under-ground scratch "Dr. Lang and Mr. Godley.'' Eeigate, 24th December, 1849. MY DEAR YOUNG, In writing yesterday, I omitted two points. 1st. You have a right to reproach me with having kept you in the dark about my view of the arrangement with Lord E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 177 Grey. But so had Baring and others, till they heard my apology. And when you shall have heard it, I expect from your nice sense of honour a complete acquittal, such as Baring and others have pronounced. It w. s not for me to create dissension among my colleagues, so many of whom were personal friends. But I spoke out, and wrote plainly, to those who were the most active and responsible those who led the others and it was their business to communicate to those who trusted in them the strong objections which I made. 2nd. The Colonial Reform Society is likely to prove a very important move in home politics ; and about this especially I long to talk with you immediately. C. B. ADDEBLEY, Esq. Reigate, 25th December, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, Nothing could be more satisfactory than the progress of the political movement. Please to return the inclosed, along the letters of Hume and Cobden. The Times is " fighting wild * that is, preparing to give in. Cobden's speech at Bradford was, in no small measure, a letter from Molesworth, spoken. I shall probably see Cobden. The main point now is to work the Protectionists, and keep them up to the mark of breaking up the Government, if needs be. But now, I have a great piece of bad news for you. The Canterbury Association, by its committee of management, is committing suicide. Yesterday they yielded to Lord Grey's objection to ballot for priority of choice ; and hit upon a mode of proceeding a sort of ballot, pretending to be some- thing else, with ample room for foul play^-under which I am quite sure that hardly any land will be sold, and the whole affair will be blown upon and ruined. I am not strong enough, nor would a letter suffice, for explaining. But I speak after full reflection and with deliberation and perfect confidence, when I say that unless Godley's friends who wider- stand the subject, interfere at once, the Canterbury project 21 178 T1IE FOUNDEBS Oi;' must be destroyed. Its ruin would very injuriously affect the political movement, which has really originated with, and is chiefly in the hands of Canterbury men. The absurdity, the utter folly, of the Canterbury decision yesterday, is incredible. I am moving all my means, not to get it reversed (for that cannot be done without your aid on the spot) but to prevent them from acting on it to-morrow, as they now intend doing. If they take the step they intend, it is all over : but I feel almost sure that Hntt will not let it be taken, when he shall know (two hours hence) what I am writing to you. Tour presence in London at a fresh meeting of the committee, with "Wynne and Simeon to help you in supporting Hutt, McGeachy and "Wynter, is indispensable to the saving of the Association ! I am writing with the most sober deliberation. C. B. AobEBLET, Esq. Eeigate, 26th December, 1849. MY DEAB SIB, Hutt has put a stop to the surrender of the Canterbury scheme. But the contemplated folly is only suspended. Another meeting of the committee must be held in order to reconsider the question ; and I trust you will let Hutt know what is the earliest day on which you can attend. In truth, I venture to observe, when a gentleman undertakes, and with every prospect of success, the overthrowing of Governments and the founding of nations, with so prominent a part in the work as yours is now, he must be very apt to t>reak down unless he give as much personal attention to the work as he would to the work of an office under the Crown. The political movement is going almost too fast. Such great and rapid success frightens me. Tours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. P. 8. I hope you did not forget William Hutt. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 179 Eeigate, 27th December, 1849. MY DEAR FiTzG-ERALD, I am unwell, and cannot write. That shortcoming in advertisements seems to me very impolitic. Better none than only two or three. I will send the M.S. back by to-morrow's mid-day post with an opinion. C. B. ADDERLEY, Esq. Eeigate, 27th December, 1849. MY DEAR SIR, The inclosed, from GK P. Young, tallies with your account of Disraeli. I think they have been scared by Cobden's speech at Bradford. However, we are best with the men who are in earnest ; and circumstances favour us so much that we need care less about people. I hope you will add Mr. M'Greachy, but, to save time, I write by this post to Fitz- Gerald requesting him to do so. I am much afraid of short-coming with respect to advertise- ments. None would be better than too few. Eintoul and I are ready to bear a share of the needful expense. I am delighted to hear of your readiness to come to town about Canterbury ; and as the matter is really vital, I trust that you may be able to manage to sleep here on the night before the meeting at Charing Cross. If not, I must go to town at all risks. I should like to meet you and Lord Lyttelton and Lord Courtenay in the morning just before the meeting. Yours ever, E. GK WAKEFIELD. Please to send back the letters of Hume, Cobden, Moles- worth, and Young. (In the same cover, and sent the same day.) Eeigate, 28th December, 1849. MY DEAR SIR, You met Captain Bellairs here. He decides to be a colonist. He is the eldest son of Sir "Wm. 180 THE FOUffDEBS OF Bellairs of Mulbarton near Norwich, formerly Exon of the Guard, as our colonist now is, having succeeded his father. The Bellairs' family is ancient and most respectable : the Mulbarton property, which is entailed on the colonist, is a couple of thousands a year. He was a total stranger to me till lately ; but by dint of keeping him here for a fortnight, I now know his character well. He is high-minded, capable, very prudent, assiduous, and orderly, and an intimate friend of Major Wilbraham. I enclose a letter from the latter, which I should be glad that you sent with this to Lord Lyttelton ; my object being to make you and Lord Lyttelton acquainted with Mr. Bellairs, who is likely to take the lead amongst the first body of Canterbury colonists, and whom therefore it is desirable that the Founders should thoroughly know and be disposed to encourage. # * # I must beg of you to return Major Wilbraham's letter : for Mr. Bellairs does not yet know of my intention to send it to you. Eeigate, 28th December, 1849. MY DEAR FiTzG-EEALD, The article is very well written. I wish you may have time to consult Rintoul as to the policy of publishing it. I see no objection myself ; and should not see much if I objected to the article itself, because it will hardly be published in the Colonial Magazine. In the after- noon of to-morrow, Bintoul would give you his opinion, which is worth mine over and over again. I have to propose, and, so far as responsibility is con- cerned, to desire that you will put McGeachy on to the Council. You should at once open a book for the names of Members. Here is one that you may put down Sir Wm. Bellairs, Mulbarton Lodge, Norwich. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 181 Send me a lot of the programmes. It is not needful that Baring should sign the summons : and he won't attend, I fear, before the meeting of Parliament. Eeigate, 28th December, 1849. MY DEAR BINTOUL, I cannot mend " the sum of Colonial Eeform " : it is so excellent. I shall begin now on a New Zealand paper for next week : and you will have to deal with the Society. On that subject Fitz Gerald has written (very well) an article for the Colonial Magazine ; but I beg him to consult you as to the policy of publishing even in that obscure journal. If it were politic to say publicly what he says, and it could be said in less space, the Spectator would be the best voice. It is really well done, I think. F. A. MCGEACHY, Esq. Keigate, 29th December, 1849. MY DEAR SIB, The question to be decided by the Canter- bury Committee at their next meeting is of such vital moment, and I am so fully convinced that a peremptory decision now against Lord Grey's view, is just what the Colonial Office desires, that I am most anxious to explain to some leading members of the committee the circumstances which induce me to believe that the Office, and perhaps the New Zealand Company, have planned this anti-ballot objection as a means of getting rid of the Association, and getting hold of the land in the Canterbury Plains, for the Office and the Company, or perhaps a new Commission to be formed on the dissolution of the Company, to make a show of colonizing with. The Association is cordially detested, both by the Office and by the Directors who manage the New Zealand Company : and it is their game to induce you to give up in despair, or to take some position which will enable the Government to say, " We 182 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. reject your sine qud non ; and so there's an end of you." Whereas I feel perfectly confident that if you postpone a decision, ask Lord Grey what he proposes instead of the ballot, and let the intending colonists gather and give their opinion (before buying an acre) on the mode of determining priority of choice, you will beat all the foes of the Canterbury undertaking, and have your own way completely : in parti- cular, you will defeat the scheme by means of which cunninger men than Lord Grey are making use of his passions to induce you to commit suicide. But it is very difficult to explain this matter properly by letter. So I have written to Mr. Adderley to intreat that he will let me see him before the next meeting of the Committee. And I now request that you will give me an early opportunity of talking the whole matter over with you. I will go to town if needs be, but unwillingly because there I am always so unwell as to be incapable of thinking, still more of explaining. If you would do me the favour to spend a day with me here, I should seize the opportunity which I have for some time desired, of endeavouring to interest you in two most interest- ing and quite practical education questions in relation to Canterbury in particular and colonization in general. I am always at home. C. B. ADDERLEY, Esq. Eeigate, 29th December, 1849. MY DEAR SIR, To save myself trouble in writing, I had a copy made of a letter which I sent this morning to McGeachy, and which is inclosed. You will see, I trust, from it, the necessity of acting with a mature judgement in the case of Lord Grey's anti-ballot veto. People about the Company are urging that the Association should insist on the ballot as a sine qud non. And that is my view ; but I say if they do so now, they will exactly pky the game of the Office and of enemies in Broad Street Buildings. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 183 Whereas if they postpone the declaration of their sine qud non, and, in the meantime, strengthen their hands by getting the colonists together, besides throwing on Lord Grey the onus of proposing a substitute (which he cannot do without making himself ridiculous) they will win the battle. Nay, before the tug of war comes, he may be out of power. But this is not the only point. There is a want of executive strength in the present composition of the Canterbury Com- mittee. The only working men are Hutt and Lucas. Mr. Wynne, who was to have represented Godley, has disappeared into Wales. Will it be possible to induce Mr. McGeachy to take a really working part for a couple of months ? We ought to get the future Bishop into harness. On all these points, and various questions relating to the Bill for New South Wales (which does render the Resolutions thoroughly practical) I long for ample consultation with you. Moles- worth won't move the Ee solution unless the Bill be ready : and we want to determine on a lawyer to draw it. In short we are all at sea in consequence of the wide separation of the men who have undertaken weighty practical affairs, which now demand from the leaders as vigilant and incessant atten- tion and action as the business of a Secretary of State. I pray, therefore, that you will allow time for fully con- sidering these matters when you shall come to town for the Canterbury question, and for considering that before the meeting of the Committee. Whenever the Association takes up its position about the ballot, its case should be stated in an unanswerable letter which should exhaust the subject. I think that the Protectionists as a body will probably join you in earnest when they shall see that they have no other means of disturbing the Government. 184 THE FOU1TDEBS OF CANTEBBUBY. Eeigate, 29th December, 1849. MT DEAB YOTJNG, I agree with yon that there is a chance that the Protectionists may throw out the Government, get into power, and try what a dissolution may do for them. But by what means ? Certainly not by a motion in favour of protection. That cock won't fight in the present House of Commons, except to be beaten flagrantly. Then by what means ? By no other than defeating the Government on a Colonial motion. By that means Protection may get an appeal to the country and see what strength there is in it. The opportunity is made for you. Will you seize it ? I doubt. I think that, perhaps, Stanley, who in his heart does not want to turn out the Government, will not let you. But the game is, in a great measure, in your hands, because you are a known colonizer and Colonial Reformer almost the only leading Protectionist who is. You have great power just now, if you will but use it : and you are a clear-headed man of business, not wanting in that courage and self-reliance without which politics are a poor occupation. At any rate it is worth your while to talk the whole matter over with me. That won't hurt you : and I long to tell you of some things which must not be written. Eeigate, 30th December, 1849. MT DEAE BELLAIES, About the force of the call to Mul- barton, I can't offer an opinion ; but if you do not go, I would beg of you to come here as soon as may be : for it is clear to me that somebody must instantly prepare a really informing publication about the Canterbury concern : and I know of nobody just now who can do it well except yourself. "What it ought to be is a subject for viva voce discussion. It ought to be set about without a moment's delay. I am also very desirous that you should be in the way when Adderley and Lord Lyttelton will be in town this week. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 185 So perhaps I might aa well have said at once " Don't go." Hoping to see you to-morrow evening. * # * Meantime, see the inclosed. It is dreadfully meagre except as to the topography ; arid though the topography is a very essential part, so are the moral and social considerations M hich recommend the whole plan of the Canterbury Settlement. Reigate, 30th December, 1849. MY DEAH YOUNG, I send the inclosed, that you may see how strong the Council is in Protectionists. Baring is an out-and-outer ; Stafford, Walpole, and Napier some of the most promising and rising men of the party. I take it for granted that, not to mention their sincere opinion on the subject, they are wise enough to see the necessity for their party of doing something popular and useful for the Empire, besides going for Protection. I hope you may let me tell you one or two facts relating to party considerations, which I do not choose to write for fear of accidents. And I could only tell them in the strictest con- fidence. A knowledge of them would stir your inside. Eeigate, 31st December, 1849. MY DEAB RINTOTJL, I am safe for sending to-morrow a suffi- cient show up of the Pensioner Settlements in New Zealand. But it has got to be so long, that, with your warning against length, I must cut New Zealand in general very short. It shall be so done that you can cut it off altogether for this time if you please. Supposing you will notice the Society, I would recommend an exposure of the gross but imposing fallacy, which pervades the Globe on Godley and the Examiner, and which assumes that " self-government " is necessarily democratic. It may be aristocratic or despotic. Which it would be, if we left the 186 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. whole colony to settle its own local government, would depend on the state of society in the colony. Only let England, a distant power which can't know what ought to be abstain from interfering. Things in the colony will shake down all right, if we do but let the colonists alone to do for themselves what they please and can. There -is self-government in England, but not democratic government. According to the Globe and Examiner, it is a sad pity for England, that some mighty distant power does not interfere to " protect " our unrepresented classes : or, in Prance, to keep down the Reds and Socialists. In the next place it is most expedient to tell the efficient scribes, that whilst they are writing these fallacies, to throw dust in the eyes of the public, which is too indifferent to enquire for itself, the colonies the real off-shoots of England have taken the matter into their own hands, and are pre- paring to cut the connection altogether. The officials are diligent promoters of separation. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 1st January, 1850. MY DEAR HUTT, I am in great hopes that Adderley will come here to-morrow evening ; and if he should, I trust you will do so likewise. Tour last plan is a real ballot, almost undisguised, which would be instantly detected for such by Lord G-rey and every body else. It would do for the purpose, but not so well as a ballot with the best precautions against unfairness by col- lusion. * * * * I conclude that if the Association should be so unwise as to insist now on the ballot, it will not do so without sending a complete and unanswerable statement of its reasons. But I still think if you do not gain time, you will be killed in a trap that has been set for you. E. o. WAKEFIELD'B LETTERS. 187 Eeigate, 2nd January, 1850. MY DEAB FITZGERALD, The prospectus looks better now. I hear your article (copied into the Times) very well spoken of. It has been much read in the clubs. I suppose you will send a copy of the prospectus to every member of both Houses, who has a country address in Dodd's Guide. There can be no doubt that advertising is much needed. "Without it, thousands who would serve the cause if they knew what it is, will never even see the Society's declaration of principles. I hope you may consult Rintoul on Saturday about the Bill. If it should not be ready, we shall be in a mess with Molesworth : and the drawing of it before the meeting of Parliament will task the powers of a very able man. I should like to know exactly what John A. Smith said. Might you not go to Cooke, tell him that you wrote the Colonial Magazine article, and offer to write ? * * * # I can usefully distribute many more copies of the pro- spectus. Eeigate, 2nd January, 1850. MY DEAR BrNToTJL, Captain Bellairs tells me that at his club (the Army and Navy) Fitz Gerald's article copied into the Times was much talked off, with expressions of wonder at the coalition of adverse party men, and of a general opinion that colonial matters are in a very serious state, and that " something must be done." He is a careful observer. I have not seen Adderley's article in the Magazine, but wish it might suit you for the Spectator. "Where it is, it will remain buried unless dug out by somebody. If Falconer should not come to about the Bill, we must find another workman and soon. FitzGerald has a brother from whom I have seen a clever letter on the subject ; and I 188 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. have begged our FitzGerald to see you on the subject of the Bill on Saturday afternoon. His brother is a barrister, and evidently clever. The Eev. J. CECIL WYNTER. Eeigate, 4th January, 1850. Mr DEAR SIE, My brother being too unwell to leave home, and to write just now with, his own hand, employs me in Mr. McGeachy's name as well as his own, to express an earnest hope that you will come here for a consultation by ten o'clock. They hope that they have devised a means of preventing the Eesolution of yesterday producing fatal effects ; but if so, action to-day by Mr. McGreachy, in London, and by the Committee on Monday next, will be indispensable. They are both very anxious to see you. F. W. F. ALLEYNE MCGEACHY, Esq., The Carlton Club. Eeigate, 6th January, 1850. MY DEAR SIR, As you desire I write, but with little to say, because the aspect of matters has changed since your letter was written. In order that you may know the present status as soon as possible, Captain Bellairs and my brother will be at the Carlton Club to-morrow at 1 eleven o'clock or thereabouts. They know all, especially Bellairs, who seems to have done very useful work on Saturday. The present proposal is, in my opinion, sufficient, though it will cause much trouble in explanation. Having filled Bellairs with my view, and seeing him most intelligent and circumspect with respect to the whole matter, I would beg that no alteration of the present suggestion may be assented to by the Association without his concurrence. E. G. W/.KEMi:i,I/S LETTERS. 189 Care should be taken not to make the proposal now sug- gested without being sure that Lord Grey will adopt it with- out altering it. I think it most desirable that you should accompany Hutt at any interview or interviews at the Colonial Office. He is, from official habits, too much afraid of the Office. Reigate, 6th January, 1850. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, I shall be glad to see you to- morrow, as you propose, but wish that you would first see Bintoul, without whose sanction I dare not take any step with regard to drawing the Bill. Reigate, 7th January, 1850. MY DEAR MOLESWORTH, After a correspondence between Rintoul and Falconer which comes to nothing, I this day put your heads of a Bill into the hands of Mr. FitzGerald, brother of the Society's Secretary, a barrister of learning, thoughtful mind, of exact habits, whom I am led to deem competent to turn the heads into a Bill that will stand criticism. We dis- cussed the subject for some hours ; and my mind is now comparatively at ease with respect to having a good Bill ready for you in time. Several additions and alterations have been suggested by further enquiry. Here are two examples. 1st. That the colony, besides having power to federate with others, should have power to split itself into parts, each of which shall enjoy separately the authority vested in the whole. I have no doubt that in many cases, as the desert parts of large colonies fill with people, this power would be used and greatly prized. 2nd. That something (Heaven alone knows what as yet) should be done to relieve the Church in the colonies from its present statutory subjection to Downing Street. One effect 190 THE FOUNDEB8 OF CANTERBURY. would be to disconnect the Colonial Church from the State ; another to gain much Church support here to the very liberal political scheme of government. And the principle of this suggestion is that which is our guide ; local self- management without interference from home. The Society appears to be making a very favourable impres- sion ; but it is early days to judge yet. If the curious coali- tion can he held together, as alone it can be, by mutual forbearance, toleration, and pliancy it must have great power. It distresses Downing Street very much, as I am told. * * * * P.S. Please show this to Baring. Eeigate, 7th January, 1850. MY DEAR ME. ADDEELEY, After a discussion with the brothers Fitz Gerald, I left in their hands the heads of a Bill which were drawn up by Molesworth, with a confident hope that a Bill will be drawn in time, and in a manner to stand the very hostile criticism to which, at all events, it will be subjected. When I say in time, I do not mean by the 18th. That, I think, is impossible. And it is because Mr. FitzGerald appears to me capable of doing the work well, that I cannot expect him to do it fast. It is an important task, requiring much research, and the utmost circumspection. But I trust that it will be so far ready by the meeting of Parliament, as to induce Molesworth to give notice of his intention to bring it in. In other respects the Society appears to me to be in the utmost want of organization, not hasty, but deliberate and very cautious. But I am now relying on Mr. McGreachy for close attention to the subject. I have been very much pleased to hear of a suggestion of Mr. Gladstone's with regard to the Bill. The relief of " the Church " in the colony from subjection to Downing Street, K o. WAKI:FI ELD'S LETTEBS. 191 will, I think, be most serviceable to the colony, very popular tuere, and likely to obtain here very needful and valuable support for the political liberalism of the measure. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 8th January, 1850. MY DBAS HUTT, Pray examine the inclosed, and tell me if it is in the handwriting of any body you know in New Zealand. It comes direct from Auckland, covering a news- paper which contains the report of the Governor's long and elaborate speech on opening the General Legislative Council. It would be useless and is impossible to write about Canter- bury matters. But if I could go to London, you would see many a difficulty (like that badgering by lawyers to which you were subject) would be more easily got over, and some averted, if we could meet oftener ; not because I pretend to know better than you what ought to be done, but because I, knowing your mind, should have better means than you of inducing others to abstain from frustrating your deliberate purpose. Eeigate, 8th January, 1850. MY DEAE EIKTOUL, Tour letter is unpleasant ; the more because I quite agree with you. But what can I do any more than you ? Tour letter is like spurring the flanks of a broken-winded horse. However, I shall let them know our mind ; and if the plan breaks down, as I fear it will, the fault will not be ours. Last Spectator was solid and interesting. I am trying to make holy day as far as possible this week : but next week I will endeavour to proceed with New Zealand. I think it most important that the Society should put out a profession of faith before the meeting of Parliament : but who 192 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. will write it, supposing the creed to be settled ? Not I, from want of strength. Nor could I, if well, do it as well as John Mill. He said he would help by writing. "We could keep his authorship a real secret if he pleased. If he would, could you get him to a discussion here next Saturday ? * * * # P.S. I think that if the creed of the Society were drawn up by Mill after discussion, and in concert with us two, it ought to be as good as any three men alive could make it, and would float the Society in spite of their tendency to sinking. One private meeting afterwards, Mill and you being present, would suffice for the adoption of the creed by the earnest members of the Council, including Lord Lyttelton. F. A. Me GE ACHY, Esq. Eeigate, 8th January, 1850. MY DEAR SIR, In emergencies one can't afford to be par- ticular. So I make bold to send you a letter from Eintoul, which please to return to me. Its operation on me is like spurring the flanks of a broken- winded horse. It frets me into illness. I am persuaded that if Mr. Adderley do not make a business of his Society, and in time, it will break down, and ruin him as a politician, besides deeply injuring the cause. I have not the face to send him Eintoul's letter, though I would if I dared. Very sincerely yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 9th January, 1850. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, I have found and now inclose all the papers which were mislaid through my fault. The proposed address to the Colonists is a Profession of E. G. WAKEFIELD^S LETTEB8. 193 Faith by the Society. Such a document is the most important that they could issue ; and the preparation of it requires counsel, and the greatest care. Pray consult Eintoul on this head. I am sure that it would be fearful to send this letter without consulting the assembled Council : and I think that a Profession of Faith could be drawn up in a better form That done, the letters to colonies might be very short. F-. A. Me GE ACHY, Esq. Beigate, 9th January, 1850. I)EAB SIB, * * * * I now learn that Lord Grey has Officially sanctioned the Association's proposal of his own suggestion to them. So Canterbury may go to work ; and hard work it must be to have effect in the short time allowed. After more reflection on Bintoul's letter, I come to the opinion that the most useful step which the Colonial Reform Society could take, both for itself and for the cause, would be to issue a Profession of Faith, or Declaration of Principles and Objects, just before the meeting of Parliament. But for that purpose deliberate counsel, by those members of the Council who are in earnest, is indispensable. MEMOBANDTJM. Friday, llth January, 1850. John Hutt came here yesterday, on his way to town from Folkestone. Pointed out to him serious errors in printed terms of purchase and form of application, which we cor- rected. Long conversations with him about the Association's manner of doing business, his position, &c. &c. Also about Bellairs, and the objections of some members of the Com- mittee made without having heard his name. Very full, un- reserved, and unpleasant talk. Hutt proposed that Bellairs 22 194 THE FOUNDEES OF CANTEBBT7EY. should write a private letter to him, and wrote to Bellairs to that effect, leaving the letter here. E. Gr. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, llth January, 1850. MY DEAE FrrzGEEALD, I am not well enough just now either to see any one here, or to go to London for any purpose. There is much to be said in favour of Mr. "Walpole's view. Adderley said it in his Resolutions of last year. I have been saying it for years. Even now if I could please myself, I would have England make English constitutions for English colonies. But England won't take the trouble. Without immense pains-taking, people here can't learn what form of constitution will best suit a distant colony. So those here who engage in constitution-making for distant colonies are sure to make sad blunders. Besides, no community will ever be very fond of a constitution made for them without their participation. Besides, the old English colonies in America did make and alter their own constitutions at pleasure. And lastly, if we don't make haste to do that which we are sure will be acceptable to the colonies, they will make their own constitutions with a vengeance. Whilst we are dis- cussing principles of colonial government, they will set up independence. But my present view (which I do not like as well as my old dream of moulding colonies to the British form by means of British-made constitutions) is set forth in the inclosed Tract, which you may leave with Mr. Walpole, if he will do me the honour to read it. But I must beg of you to take care that it gets no publicity, because I wish to confine its publication to the Australian colonies, where copies will soon be. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 195 Reigate, 12th January, 1850. ' MY DEAE ME. ADDEBLET, It is easy to convert me to Mr. Walpole's view, because it is my own so far as liking goes. And so I have written to Fitz Gerald, who wrote to tell uie of Mr. "Walpole's view. But (1) what will Hume, Cob- den, and Molesworth say who have a right to go by the prospectus ? And (2) is it not " too late " this year for what would have sufficed very well last year ? The colonies and the subject have advanced beyond our position of last session : your Conservative allies have only just reached it : some of your Eadical allies would go further still, and give sovereign independence. Under these circumstances (which have been foreseen and foretold) it seems impossible that there should not be a split, unless those of all parties who are in earnest can be got into one room, where, perhaps, pliancy and mutual toleration and concession may yet produce agreement in time. Seeing that Molesworth (who is essential) will not be in England till the 24th, it strikes me that you have no chance of getting matters into a satisfactory state in time, unless you do nothing else but attend to them in London for a week or so from the 24th, inclusive. Reigate, 13th January, 1850. MY DEAE ME. BAEIXG, I am very glad to receive your letter, and more especially to learn that you will henceforth be free from New Zealand Company's responsibility and discredit. The Canterbury difficulties are got over at last ; but it was only done with vast trouble, and chiefly by threats of ex- posing the roguery in which alone those difficulties originated. To please Lord Grey, whose passions the others had moved beyond their control so that when they got frightened and wanted to give in, he would not the real ballot on which we insisted has been so disguised that it may be called something else. Grey will contend that it is not a ballot : we shall have 196 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBTJBY. to prove that it is ; for otherwise those who understand the subject will not buy at all. I think that the Canterbury people would be gratified if you now offered to join them : or, if you like it better, they will move first by making you a member, and informing you that they have done so. - There will be much difference of opinion in the Council of the Colonial Reformers ; but I think that, after discussions, there will be sufficient agreement for all practical purposes. I rely greatly on Walpole's practical ability. As to the Government, you have guessed what I hear they intend ; viz., to speak of Colonial Government in the Queen's Speech, and to propose a very far-going Bill for the Aus- tralian colonies. I am not sure but that they will go beyond the Society. I am assured that it is the formation of the Society which has moved the Government to this purpose. Even as it is, they must make haste ; or the colonies will do the work themselves, and " something more." Eeigate, 13th January, i860. MY DEAB MOLESWOETH, Of course, there is already dif- ference of opinion in the Colonial Council. The objections I hear of, relate to the proposed constituent powers. The novelty startles and alarms. Never mind : they will get up to our mark in time, as we got up to it, by finding out that unless England promptly satisfies the colonies, they will satisfy themselves. But I hear of no opinions likely to stand in the way of your carrying a measure that we should have jumped at last year. For a capital good Bill, such as would be illuminated for in the colonies, and as would ensure all we desire as soon as needs be, I think that the Council will be unanimous. If so, the Government must give way. Pray give me notice of your coming to England. I long E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEES. 197 much to see you, not having strength to write on all the questions that have been raised. Downing Street, I hear, relies on inevitable disagreement in the Council. Let us hope that Roebuck may not realize their prayer. Eeigate, 13th January, 1850. MY DEAE FrrzGEEALD, I am really afraid to interfere. The foretold confusion is now so great, that nobody can well meddle with it and not make it worse. Of this at least I am certain that nothing but more, or more open, disorder will come of any stirring by any body, before the leading members of this Council shall have met in a room and dis- cussed their principles of action. Of course, the Government people are crowing : and you cannot truly contradict them. I am sorry to sickness, but not surprised. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 15th January, 1850. MY DEAE HUTT, It is ticklish work writing, still more meddling, about the Bishopric. Except to yourself in real and strict confidence, I would not utter an opinion. In that manner, I say that Mr. Hawtrey is not " man enough." I mean not of sufficient mark in the Church : and I am sure that with a view to the good of the Church in the colony and the utmost success of the great experiment, the gentleman selected for Bishop ought to be, if possible, of good private property. Many such, I have no doubt, will come forward ere long : and if one of them should be highly fit in other respects, he must be preferred to any who may look to the appointment as a provision. But all this is my private view ; and I earnestly request that it may not be mentioned as mine even in confidence, to any one. I speak to yourself alone. And 198 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. the same knowledge of the ticklish nature of the subject which dictates this reserve, prompts me to warn you of the danger of uttering opinions about it, which might be repeated as yaurs, but in a way to leave impressions different from those you intended. Tour present position is very respon- sible : and too much might be made of any thing you said on the subject. There are several people about here who wanted to pay for their land ; but Felix told them (wisely I think) that no money would be received till after a day of which ample notice will be given by advertisement. I trust you will keep me informed about Bellairs's matter, in which I feel my honour as well as yours concerned. Wynter told me yesterday that he did not obey your call, because it was useless to go to London for the purpose of repeating the complete carte blanche already given to you. He said he was quite sure that the matter had been most deliberately left in your hands on account of your being the only member of the Committee with large experienee of such undertakings. Reigate, 15th January, 1850. MY DEAE MOLESWORTH, I have your letters ; one to me, one to Fitz Gerald. I entirely agree with you, because experience has taught me that it is impossible to make here a Constitution that people at a great distance will cordially accept. The impossibility consists of the impossibility of getting our Legislature to care enough about colonies. I wish they would care ; I have been striving for years to persuade them to care ; but they won't. So I give up the dream about moulding colonies into a British form by means of British- made Constitutions : I am altogether with you and Godley. And I do really believe that so clever a man as Walpole will take this view after you and he get into friendly discus- sion. It may be that only a few (the very few who can be got E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 199 to attend to the subject) will ever embrace this view. If so, that also will be a dream. And then, either we must go on as we are till the colonies rebel, or we may take as much as we can get, standing up always manfully for our principles, and loudly proclaiming that we intend to get more as soon as possible. But how is it possible to settle every thing about it, till we can have a meeting or several ? Reigate, 15th January, 1850. MY DEAE EINTOTJL, To-morrow will be devoted to finish- ing up rough work on New Zealand, which has occupied me all to-day. But I must say a few words about the Society. Entre npiis, I am not, on reflection, so much alarmed about the split. It is not a split yet ; only a wide difference which there will be many ways of reconciling, when we can get Molesworth and "Walpole into personal contact. The settle- ment of such a difference by correspondence is impossible ; and the attempt only makes the breach wider. Both parties are in the right so far that they may easily agree when they shall thoroughly discuss the question as one of policy.. When they do that, I expect that both parties will yield enough for agreement : or rather they will agree by means of Walpole's seeing that his whole plan is impracticable, and of Moles- worth's seeing that his whole plan is equally impracticable. They are both in the wrong, and both in the right. All I desire now, is that nothing shall be done at present to commit either party. Let them meet first. Meanwhile, there is no earthly reason why FitzGerald should not draw a Bill both ways, or rather, as respects the points in difference, two Bills. By that means, time will not be our master. 200 THE FOUITDEBS OF CANTEBBUBY. J. W. PABKEB, Esq. Eeigate, 16th January, 1850. MY DBAB SIB, On behalf of my brother Felix, who is travelling about for the Canterbury Association, I have to offer that if you will spend Twenty Pounds on the enclosed advertisement, or any less sum, he will defray half of the outlay. So, if you agree, please to keep an account, and charge him with the moiety. There are two advertisements now in the papers (which I enclose), and which I think you would do well to print on a fly leaf or slip of paper, and stick into the Sand Book. I would also recommend that you print in like manner, and stick into Colonial Surveying, the words which follow : " The peculiar modes of surveying, selecting, and giving possession of land, recommended in this work, are those adopted by the Canterbury Association in its settlement on the Southern Plains of New Zealand." There is a work on the stocks relating to the Canterbury Settlement, the publication of which I purpose getting into- your hands. It will be ready in a few days. I think it probable that your copies of the Hand BooTc will soon be gone ; for the interest about the Canterbury Settle- ment (now at last going ahead) is likely to be wide-spread. Eeigate, 16th January, 1850. MY DEAB RINTOTTL, Here is as much as I have strength to finish to-day. The rest, consisting of one more point, and a conclusion, is in the rough, and will be sent by to-morrow's early post, if I have a good night ; if not, certainly to-morrow night. The old Bear tells Molesworth seriously, that if the Colonial Reformers out-voted the Groverment, there would certainly be a Stanley Ministry and a dissolution. Cannot you manage to spread a knowledge of this threat beyond the clubs and the E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS, 201 coteries ? Being confined to those circles it works against us ; being spread abroad it would help us. Of course it should be treated as a mere threat. Or if it be a reality, $hen the Government is to be broken up, and the country disturbed uselessly in order to keep Lord Grey in office. Let him go, and then the Government and the Colonial Beformers may easily agree. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 17th January, 185.0. MY DEAB HUTT, "With respect to the question of remu- neration for the Emigration Agent, I have only to report, that since we last talked on the matter I b,ave recollected th.at I wrote on a bit of paper, which Bellairs took, my notion of the terms, as follows, I think, " 100,000 600 200,000 1,200 300,000 1,800 "5 and that my own impression at the time, which I intended to convey, was, that it was not to be a per-centage reckoned on every 100, but reckoned by jumps ; so that, unless 300,000 were obtained it should be only 1,200, unless 200,000 only 600. I did not then know B as well as I do now ; and my wish was to give him the strongest interest in raising 100,000 to 200,000, and 200,000 to 300,000. If I had in- tended a pari-passu per-centage, I should have proposed a lower rate. The higher rate was designed as compensation for the risk that 100,000 might not grow to 200,000, still less to 300,000. Being tired to-night, I cannot write all this over again to Bellairs. So pray show him this letter. I have purposely confined myself to describing my own impressions at the time. 202 THE FOUNDEBS OF CANTEBBUBY. Eeigate, 17th January, 1850. MT DEAB FiTzG-EBALD, Here is Molesworth's letter, of which please to send me a copy at your leisure. If Adderley should come here to-morrow, I hope you will accompany him. Eeigate, 18th January, 1850. MY DEAB EINTOUL, The facts are safe. 1 know the danger, and have been on my guard. It is a sad pity that the Sidney Stephen appointment should not be noticed in this Spectator. It would dumb- found Downing Street and Broad Street Buildings. I will send a Postcript notice of the rumours by the train which leaves Eeigate at 12 . 53. To THE SAME. The enclosed is long for the Postscript, but true, and likely, I think, to be very useful. I should not be surprised though, if Grey did go the whole hog. That would save him : but has he the requisite com- bination of sense and courage ? Desperation sometimes does wonders. FELIX WAKEFIELD, Esq. Eeigate, 18th January, 1850. MY DEAB FELIX, I enclose Dillon's letter in consequence of yours to "Wynter. Bellairs wrote to you about advertisements ; but I suppose you did not mind him. There are plenty for the present ; and they cannot be got into more conspicuous places. At any rate, do nothing about advertisements till you know what I may have to say about it. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 203 Are you not stoppiiig at Birmingham to do the work of him whom you went there to find ? , Your plan is to thoroughly inform one man, and leave him to deal with the rest. I thought till to-day that you were going to Mr. Kinner- sley's and to Manchester. As you said you should return at the end of the week, and have not unsaid it, I keep the only letter for you one from Ipswich. None from the Isle of Wight, which is odd. Don't forget your engagement with Mr. Furneaux for Tuesday morning next. Keep in mind that there is no time for you doing more than cram one intelligent and respected man at each place ; and that you can do this better with the individual alone than by talkiog to numbers. Ever yours, E. GK WAKEFIELD. P.S. Don't mistake your function. You are not a missionary, but only a setter-up of missionaries. J. W. PABKEB, Esq. Eeigate, 20th January, 1850. MY DEAB SIB, The publication relating to Canterbury, which I mentioned to you, must needs go to press immedi- ately. It is a sort of Tracts or Papers, to be published occasionally, with as much matter in each number as 10 or 12 pages of the Spectator ; to sell for 6d. without a stamp. It would have all the patronage of the Canterbury colonizers ; and the sale of a good many copies would be guaranteed. The matter would be supplied gratuitously, by competent hands. But I cannot properly explain by letter ; nor am I well enough to go to town : and yet it is insisted on that the first nnmber (of which all the matter is ready) shall appear next Saturday. So I must beg of you to talk to your father immediately, and, unless he reject the idea, then to come on me without delay. 204 THE FOmTDEBS OF CANTERBUBY. P-.S. I want, besides, to show you a little Tract on "Church Colonization" by a clergyman of mark, which needs a publisher. Reigate, 21st January, 1850. MT DEAR MR. "WYNTEB, Parker has the M.S., and will print away, sending the proofs to you and to me in duplicate as soon as possible. I think you may expect a good bit of proof by "Wednesday morning. I b,ad some conversation on Saturday with Adderley and McGeachy about Canterbury, which it would be a satisfaction to repeat to you when you shall happen to be this way. Till there shall be a thaw for riding, it will be oitt of my power to go to. Gatton, Felix dined with the Bishop of Manchester on Saturday, and speaks highly of his enquiring intelligence. The higher Clergy of the Midland Counties have taken up Canterbury in right earnest. Reigate, 21st January, 1850. MY DEAR BEI-LAIRS, I had the matter out with Parker, with the advantage of Rintoul's presence and earnest counsel. We settled every thing, so that with Parker alone rests all responsibility, trouble, and expense ; save only the trouble and responsibility of supplying him with matter, or, as it is technically termed, " copy." And for this I referred him to you alone ; which throws upon you a greater weight of responsibility than perhaps you imagine. If there should not be room in a single number for a com- plete account, which would inform people of every thing essential to be known, including the whole of the Bishop's letter and G-odley's instructions, perhaps the first number might be a double one, costing a shilling. If so, you might E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 205 get in Godlej 's letter to Gladstone, and passages from Cooke- sley and \Vynter, especially the latter, whose Tract, iu Parker's hands, ought to be enough advanced for_the purpose. But, anyhow, the getting out by Sa'urday (which is moat desirable) will be sharper work than you wot of, I think. Tours ever^ E. G. WAKEFIELD. Beigate, 21et January, 1850. DBAS PARKER, I send the rest of Mr. "Wynter's M.S. Don't forget duplicate proofe, to him, at Gatton Tower, and to me. It is most desirable that the Tract should be got on so as to be sent to Birmingham on Monday next at latest : for a public meeting will be held there next day, on the very subject of it, Lord Lyttelton in the chair : and he would surely mention the Tract if he had it in time. Copies should be sent as they come out of the press to him, to C. B. Adder- ley, Esq., M.P., Hams Hall, Coleshill ; to Mr. Garbett, Eural Dean of Birmingham (I believe, but you will find his proper title) ; and to Captain Tindal, Branch Bank of Eng- land, Birmingham (to the last, half-a-dozen copies). The first number of the " Canterbury Papers " would surely sell at the public meeting at Birmingham on Tuesday. There ought to be a man at the door with a placard and copies for sale. But my brother, who is to be there, will manage all this. Tou ought in the first number to request that persons wishing to receive future numbers will order them. Eeigate, 22nd January, 1850. MY DEAR BELLAIRS, Tou write as if it were easy for me to go into such questions on paper. I have not strength for it, nor time. 206 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. It is ticklish work altering published terms of Purchase (which are a proffered contract) which should only be entered on with the utmost caution and circumspection. And I pity Hutt if he is to be addressed officially in writing with ques- tions on these subjects, every time some new man has a doubt or objection. You should be quite as familiar with the bear- ing of every article in the terms, as Hutt himself, for you helped to draw them besides having made them a study. But at all events, supposing, as is far from improbable, that there is a call for your change, the question should be dis- cussed first in friendly confidence ; not by official correspond- ence. The relations between you and the Association are so intimate, and you are separated by so short a geographical space, that formal written communications on such a point have a very unfriendly look. I cannot write, but will talk on the subject whenever you please. Parker writes that as he could not find you yesterday it will not be possible to do the first number of the Canterbury Papers well by Saturday next. Perhaps it may be as well (though the delay is trying) to fall in with his view of beginning on the 1st February. I should not object, if you had a double number for the first, and real pains were taken to insure to would-be purchasers a facility of buying it. Ever yours, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, January 22, 1850. DEAR PARKER, I take your letter to mean that you can't be ready by Saturday. So be it, if it must. But if you put off till the first February, I trust you will take real pains to improve the interval by organizing that facility of distribution which is all in all for a work of this sort. It should be as well known, and as easy to buy as a first number of one of Dickens's or Thackeray's periodical tales. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 207 In that case too, I think that it would be well to make the first number a double one, with a complete lot of information and a map of the Settlement, costing a shilling. But all this requires vigorous activity ; and I. wish it may suit you, but have doubts whether it is not too much out of your line. I mentioned the double first number, in writing to Captain Bellairs last night. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Beigate, 22nd January, 1850. MY DEAR HTJTT, I have only time to write a line to say, (entre nous), beware of getting into any official correspond- ence with the colonists about Terms of Purchase. Eeigate, 22nd January, 1850. MY DEAR ADDERLEY, The inclosed book was found to-day. Having seen that it contains some of your handwriting, I con- clude it to be yours. I also enclose a New Zealand newspaper, which contains matter that will disturb our friends in Downing Street. Seeing the very critical nature of the next week in London as respects Colonial politics, I have resolved to accept Moles- worth's invitation, and shall go to his house in Eaton Place, on Saturday, intending to stay there till the meeting if well enough. Do you think you could get Walpole there on the following Monday, to see Molesworth, when I could see him. The intelligence from New Zealand richly confirms the Spectator of Saturday last. 208 THE FOTHrtJEES OF CANTEEBTTEY. Tuesday Night, 22ud January, 1850. MY DEAR ME. WY^TEE, I hope you will have some proof by post to-morrow morning. Having the great critic of Wellington Street here on Mon- day at the same time as Parker, I ventured to consult both about the title : and then we three ventured further, subject to your pleasure, to substitute " Hints on " for " A Tract." I also struck out the word " Section " every where, as being apt tb be called eccentric or peculiar. The numbers I., II., III., fte., remain, with the titular headings of the sections ; the sections remaining bul without the word. In the matter itself you will only find one material altera- tion. It is an addition about the Herald's College which pray strike out, if you don't think it very pat. We ought, somehow, to compare our corrections of the press. Will you send yours to me, or shall I send mine to you not later than six o'clock ? I don't meddle with Greek, and am nervous about Latin : so much for Westminster school ! Eeigate, 23rd January, 1850. MY DEAE HTJTT, In consequence of a talk with Bellairs, I feel bound to give you my opinion on the question. It is, 1st. That any alteration of the Terms of Purchase would be most unwise : it would deprive the Association of public con- fidence ; and it ought ; for such a body ought to have finally made up its mind on all points before issuing a sort of contract. Secondly, That the provision for letting those who like it best, take pasturage without buying land, is one of the best in the whole plan, and the one, more than any other, which is likely to increase rapidly the market value of the land that shall be bought. I have not time to explain ; but would refer to Felix's Beport to the New Zealand Company. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 209 Eeigate, 23rd January, 1850. MT DEAR MOLESWOETH, The crisis of colonial matters next week will be so very important, and I so much long to be on the spot, that I have commanded myself to accept your invitation, and resolved to be with you on Saturday. If serious illness should come on, I must run away. I shall have to live in my own room, and abstain from all business except in quiet with you of a morning. You won't get a meeting to suit you on Sunday ; but you may on Monday. There will be plenty of time. I am satisfied now, that one or more Bills may be very well drawn in time. This being secured, the grand point now is discussion of the principles. The Bill that you are to bring in will be drawn complete in less than 48 hours after the questions still pending shall be settled. At all events, I think you ought to prepare for speaking out, and thoroughly explaining your own principles. But expecting to see you so soon, and being sure that now there is no pressure for time, I will stop. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 24th January, 1850. MT DEAB HUTT, Pray do let Godley's instructions be published. They were written with a special view to their being published ; and I am sure that their publication will be of the greatest service. In the greatest haste. Thursday morning, 24th January. MT DEAE ME. MCGEACHT, * * * * "Wynter's Tract will be out on Saturday. When you shall have read it, I hope you may be disposed to think it expedient and prac- ticable, that the Canterbury Association should hold a public 23 210 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. meeting to explain its principles, objects, and plans. Place of meeting, Exeter Hall ; Chairman, the President of the Asso- ciation. Present and speaking, Lord Lyttelton, Bishops of Oxford and Norwich, Adderley, Wynter, &c. It would do a world of good. Only something of this sort can make the undertaking vulgarly known, as it ought to be. CHARLES CLIFFORD, Esq., 56, Micklegate, York. Eeigate, 3rd February, 1850. MY DEAR MB. CLIFFOBD, My brother (who has been travelling about, and will be away again to-morrow) has given me your letter. So I write to say that I much wish to see you. Unless somebody shall make a business of attending specially to New Zealand matters in Parliament, they will surely be neglected : and I trust that you will do this whilst you shall be in London. * * * * Tours very truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. JOHN EGBERT GODLEY, Esq., Canterbury, N. Z. Eeigate, 2nd February, 1850. Mr DEAB GODLET, It is really not in my power to add much to the news which various publications will take to you by this time. TJpon the main point of interest for you the prospect of making the Canterbury undertaking a reality I am not afraid to say, that I think that more than the indispensable quantity of land will be sold. Still it is early days to speak with confidence. All depends on the number and quality of the colonists. So far (for in consequence of Lord Grey 'a obstinate objections to the ballot, we have only been a fort- night at work) the colonizing enlistment looks well. One provincial agitation that of the Midland Counties has been E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 211 tried by Felix ; and with apparent success. The worst part of the matter is the old-womanish feebleness of 41, Charing Cross. Hutt wants the power of leading or commanding; and yet he does not like others to meddle with him ; and old Alston is a mere let and incumbrance. But we have got the Colonists, headed by Captain Bellairs, into a separate domicile, and that shop works well. The zeal of your friends Adderley, Simeon, Wynne, Cocks, &c. &c. is unbounded ; but there is not a man of business amongst them. It has ended in my going to Town, and meddling at a great rate both in Charing Cross and the Adelphi. "With the exception only of helping in " the Society for the Reform of Colonial Govern- ment," I attend to nothing else but Canterbury. Lest others may not do so, I send copies of Wynter's Tract, Cookesley's, and the Canterbury Papers, Nos. 1 and 2, which, with the Spectator, will give you some notion of our where- abouts, both as to Canterbury and Colonial Government. Lord John told Molesworth last night, that the Australian Bill of this year will be substantially the same as that of last session. So we shall have to fight them, tooth and nail. I also enclose a copy of your Letter in the Tract form, which Adderley and I produced. The letter has been most successful. I trust you will approve of the liberties which Eintoul and I took with it. I send Tracts to most of the leading people in New Zealand and the other colonies, by way of making you notorious and influential. We all take for granted that you are some way across the Line, and quite well. Nothing new about the Bishop, because we stave off deci- sion, in the hope that Wynter may be the man. Just at present I am working to have a Public Meeting at the Mansion House, for Canterbury. I got Wynne to send your father a copy of Wynter's Tract. Protectionism seems done for at last. The present Govern- ment is safe, except from Colonial assaults, which may turn out 212 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBT. Lord Grey, and so break up the concern : but I doubt, myself, whether anything will induce Stanley and Cobden (I put the names for parties) to join in a vote of censure even on Lord Grey. But, at all events, we shall work the Colonial ques- tions : and good must come of that. Augustus Stafford, when talking the other day with FitzGerald about what his party would and would not do, said, " Of course any party would rather lose a colony than a division." That beats Maidstone in truthfulness, and is very clever into the bargain. How " the Council " of the Colonial Reform Society was ever got to let such an advertisement as their Address go forth with their names to it, is one of those mysteries that will never be cleared up. Though it was done by four at the most, they even cannot tell how it was done. Though I had a great hand in it, I can hardly believe it now. I hope you won't fix the site of the capital till the colonists arrive ; and that Thomas will work at the general survey, instead of wasting precious time and money on other matters. Extensive and accurate survey is the first point ; one to which, all else should be sacrificed. With heartfelt good wishes, ever yours most truly, E, G. WAKEFIEXJX Eeigate, 7th "February, 1850. MY DEAB WTNTEB, I give it up finally. But, therefore, you will, I am sure, admit that we have a claim on you to assist in getting a good man preventing the choice of a bad one, of which last there is danger. I heard of a good one yesterday ; a brother of Lord Hardwicke's, who has a living at Birmingham ; and I am told that Lord Lyttelton has one in his eye, also a person of high connexions. But unless there be active doing at once about a good man, some unfit person will probably get a footing that may enable him to carry the post by storm. One of this sort, who is just made for such an enterprise, is hard at work. So, I purpose going to see E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 213 you this morning to talk over the matter. And pray, in order to make me comfortable in your house, assure Mrs. Wynter that I have entirely given up the hope of her being persuaded to relent. Ever yours most truly, E. Gr. WAKEFIELD. Mas. SOMES. Beigate, 7th February, 1850. DEAB MBS. SOMES, I had thought of going to see you, when I heard that you had done me the honor of goifag to look at Mr. Collins's picture. My object was to ask you for a copy of the picture which you have of my good friend and your dear husband, which I desire to possess in order to place it among a little collection of portraits which I am endeavouring to form, of the real Founders of New Zealand. These portraits I should like to present to the Municipality of "Wellington, as ornaments of the principal room in the Town Hall, and memorials of the exertions of those who snatched " the Britain of the South " from the grasp of Louis Philippe, and established the British colony. Among these^ who would comprise Mr. Baring, Lord Durham, the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Wm. Molesworth, and two or three more, (I take only the most prominent and influential of the Founders), the late Governor of the New Zealand Company ought to have a very conspicuous place. Independently of his official position, we could never have succeeded without his personal courage and energy : and his large share in this really great enterprise is notorious. So, I trust that you, whose affection for his memory is, I know, unbounded, as was your love of him alive, will sympathise with me in this object. But if you wish to know any further particulars about it, I would go to see you the first time I shall be in town, and strong enough to bear conversation on a topic which always disturbs me, and which, being held with you, would revive 214 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. very painful recollections. If you consent, we must have the copy made more like than your portrait is, which 1 fancy that my vivid recollection of the original would enable me, with your assistance in making suggestions to the artist, to put Mr. Collins or some other clever artist in the way of doing. The pictur3 that I remember is far from doing justice to the expression and spirit of the original, though the mere forms are very like. CHARLES CLIFFORD, Esq., Hawthorne Hill, Maidenhead ; 20 Baker Street. Eeigate, 7th February, 1850. DEAB MR. CLIFFORD, If it were possible for me to com- municate with you usefully by letter, I would gladly do so ; but writing at sufficient length is out of my power. As the case of New Zealand is very urgent, and there is no one here who can so well as yourself represent the colonists who desire a change in their mode of government, I have hoped that you would be able and willing to talk the matter over with me here. I would gladly go to you if I were strong enough. At present the intention of Government is to make no change as to New Zealand ; but if any one person will act with vigour for the colonists, thus early in the session before the House of Commons becomes tired, I have a confident hope that some great chinge may be brought about this year. There is now a body organized for the purpose of moving Parliament in &uch cases ; but unless that body be moved by some special organ of the Colony, they will only deal in generals, and nothing will be done. My hope has been that you, with such co-operation from me as I can give, would undertake for the colonists, as a business, the task of moving the Colonial Reform Society in their behalf. Very truly yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 215 JOHN HUTT, Esq. Beigate, 8th February, 1850. MY DEAR HUTT, Bellairs's retirement is a great nuisance, more especially after all the trouble taken about him. But patience. It is very necessary though to look out instanter for a substitute. For there is nobody at the Adelphi capable o^ leading there. JOHN SIMEON, Esq., M.P., 4, Eaton Place "West. Eeigate, 8th February, 1850. DEAR MR. SIMEON, Being very desirous of seeing you and other friends of Godley to-morrow if possible (in consequence of the retirement of Captain Bellairs, which I deem " a heavy blow and great discouragement," considering- when it takea place) I purpose going to Charing Cross at half-past twelve, and trust that it may be in your power to meet me. If you could get Mr. Wynne and Mr. Cocks to do so likewise, it would be a satisfaction. I will endeavour to bring Adderley, with whom I am going fco breakfast at Sir Wm. Molesworth's. Ever sincerely yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 8th February, 1850. MY DEAR WYNTER, In consequence of receiving the enclosed (which please return to me), I am going to London to keep an appointment wh-ch I have made by letter with Godley 's friends for half- past twelve to-morrow at Charing Cross. They will probably all be chere. So, I nowr regret that your visit bad ooc oeeu postponed till to-morrow. And ignorant of what ou have done to-day, I suppose it possible that you may wish to avail yourself of this meeting. My business will be the subject of a lay leader in the Adelphi : I 218 THE FOTJ1TDEBS OF CANTEEBURY. yours would be that of the religious leader. But if you have pleased yourself to-day, this idea is good for nothing. The LOBD BISHOP OF NOEWICH, &c., &c., Athenaeum Club. Beigate, 10th February, 1850. MY DEAE LOED, In consequence of a letter received this morning from Mr. John Hutt, I lose no time in submitting to you an account of Mr. Wynter's standing in this neighbour- hood. He has a parish almost without parishioners (the little church of G-atton being almost filled by LoM "Warwick's family,) a good house, and a comfortable private income. Having so little to do in his own parish, he is very active elsewhere, both as a Poor-law guardian and a magistrate. I don't know how it is, but he seems to rule the neighbourhood ; but if it is ruling, the kind is very gentle ; for he accomplishes his objects by a persuasion that none can resist. The secret of his influence both on clergy and laity, which people wonder at, consists, I believe, in a combination of singular goodness, with a sound judgment, and perfect earnestness and frankness. Everybody, high and low (not excepting Quakers, and some bitterish dissenters of the Independent connexion), speaks well of him. If you ask whether he is a Puseyite, or Low Churchman, or High Churchman, or what not, the catechist looks puzzled, and says " he does'nt know ; he never heard." And yet he is a very zealous clergyman, whom the most religious families respect and love. He does a favour to the neighbouring clergy by preaching for them ; and people go for miles to his little church. He has kept up his Oxford learning, and deals in racy English as well as Greek. He is very winning, by means of kindliness and openness. Mrs. "Wynter is a very superior person ; a thorough gentlewoman, with solid accomplishments and nice manners ; a good com- panion for men of sense. She is the oldest daughter of Mr. Lyall, late M.P. for London, and a niece of the Dean of E. O. WAKEFTELO'S LETTEES, 217 Canterbury. Her uncle is a resolute objector to the proposal of a foreign appointment. She oifers to give up her objection if Mr. Wynter insists upon going ; but this is just the way to prevent him from insisting : and so they are both very unhappy ; Tie because he cannot realize his earnest wish ; she because her dislike is the only obstacle. Nothing, I fear, out a pressure from without, that would overcome them both, can prevent a permanent diminution of their happiness in conse- quence of what has passed. I may add in confidence, that I have seen a letter from the Bishop of Oxford, who was Wynter's Archdeacon, in which he says that if the latter should be the Canterbury Bishop, he hopes to have the pleasure of consecrating him. Bintoul is slightly acquainted with Mr. Wynter, and likes him much : my brother-in-law Torlesse has a very high opinion of him. Believe me to remain, my dear Lord, Very faithfully yours, E. Q-. J. E. GODLEY, Esq., Canterbury, New Zealand. Eeigate, 10th February, 1850, MY i)EAE GODLEY, I am in hopes that this and a copy of the Chronicle (which has the last report of the debate on Friday) may be in time to reach you by the Poictiers j but the prospect is so unfavourable (the wind being now N.W.) that I will only add that Molesworth, Adderley and others are very much pleased with the day ; and that we hope to get the Australian Bill referred to a committee up stairs, where it may be improved. The new Society works harmoniously thus far. Reigate, 13th February, 1850. MY DEAB FuzGEBALD, Mr. Clifford leaves me after a long talk about New Zealand. He is better informed than 218 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. any body here about that colony : and he is ready to work for it in concert with the Society. I strongly recommend that he be deemed i s organ Tor the present. * * * P.S. What could Adderfey mean by writing to me that there was a rebellion at Sydn,ey ? JOHN HCTT. Esq. Eeigate, 14th February, 1850. MY DEAR HUTT, I think it would be most useful if Captain Godley could be induced to represent his brother for a time at the Adelphi rooms. The want of a man of the world and a gentleman constantly there to receive applicants for information of his men class, is much felt, and very hurtful. Eeigate, 16th February, 1850. MY DEAR WYNTER, After what you said yesterday, and after some talk with George Lyall, whom 1 met at the widow Somes's, I should have been surprised, however delighted, if you had been able to come to the other conclusion. As it is, I can only deeply regret the issue, which, J. have a presenti- ment, will be very hurtful to what you call " the best design the mind of man ever framed for the reproduction of an English nation." But I give it up once more, because needs must, and this time finally. But your postscript ! If you cannot help us in the one way why not in many others ? I thought your first refusal had set you free to join the Association and take an active part in its proceedings. Such part is the more required now ; because when it shall be finally settled that you are impos E. o. VTAKEPIELB'S LETTERS. 219 sible, the danger of a falae step in this most essential matter of the Bishopric will be more urgent. I therefore pray of you to reconsider the postscript. If you could not, i should be cut off from consulting you. Trusting that you will, I wish you to assure Mrs. Wynter that she need not fear that I shall importune you further on the grand point. I give it up, and will not return to it. But that being settled, she, I trust, will be glad to see you taking the prime part that your " Church Colonization " has made for you in this great Found- ing work, and will not mind seeing me approach your house. * * * # If you have no objection, I should be glad if your decision could be made kno.vn to the Association not through me. Lord Courtenay came from London in the train, but I was able, Lady C. being present, to avoid alluding to your letter. Eeigate, 21st February, 1850. MY DEAE FITZ&EBALD, I am worn out to-day, and cannot answer your letter. Nor indeed have I any power to answer its main question. But I may say that I think you have not been made aware of the part that Bellairs was to have taken in the Canterbury affair. It is a part for whic-j only a man of some considerable fortune is qualified. Bellairs and his father together (this in strict confidence) would have taken some 70,000 to the colony. But I must not write more to-day. "We will talk on the matter. 22nd February. MY DEAE WINTEB, I was at Charing Cross to-day. The report at the Adelphi was very favourable : many colonists of the best order coming forward. The chief impediment now the only thing, I believe, that 220 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. prevents a large success is the wide-spread notion that this is a Papistical project. I hope to have placed myself in com- munication with a leader of the calumniating party ; and I wish to consult you as to what it will be best to say to him. At Clapham the main seat of anti-Popery they have it that John Hutt, who is known to lean their way in theological views, is made Chairman for a blind, being himself a dupe of the Jesuits who really direct at Charing Cross. The seal of the Association is Papistical. "Wellj all this, monstrous nonsense as it is, goes about and is believed as truth. Nothing will put it down but the selection of the Bishop. Reigate, Saturday Morning. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, I am worn out at the end of this week, and have not strength to write about your new project. As we cannot meet immediately, however, I will tell you now what I intended to say yesterday if you could have met me at Charing Cross, whither I went in quest of information on the subject that I believe the Canterbury Committee have offered the post of Leader of the Colonist Body to more than one person for his consideration. I do not know to whom ; but I do know that they desire to find somebody resembling Bellairs as respects property and the sacrifice which, in the common view, he would make by emigrating. I dare not seem to lecture you ; but your sudden resolve to give up Colonial Eeform for emigration any how, has dis- turbed and fretted me on your account. Pray come on Tuesday. Ever yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 221 Beigate, 25th February, 1850. MY DEAE HUTT, FitsGrerald wrote to me very earnestly about the post of Leader of the First Body, &c. In answer, I begged him to come and see me. He is coming to-morrow. I shall tell him that in my opinion, which is Godley'a (for we talked about FitzGerald's wish to have some office of mark in the affair) , he wan,ts some of the essential qualifications. The main objection is, that he has not position enough in this country. He is a younger brother witho.ut property and looking for a provision. He has uncommon abilities, is a very good fellow, and I lik.e him very much. But if I gave way to a strong liking for him it would be jobbing for a friend. Instead of that I have been diligently trying to find a stranger that would 4o instead of the Bellairs family for I regard them as one. Fit^ Gerald is unfit, according to my view, to. be a substitute for them ; as I shall tell him plainly to-morrow. And moreover I hope to hear to-morrow that the Bellairs obstacles are completely at an end,. Eeigate, 27th February, 1850. My DEAB MB. McGEACHY, * * * * You will be glad to learn that Mr. "Wynter has felt himself authorised to suggest Mr. Maddock, the Rector of Kington in Hereford- shire, for the Bishop. Wynter considers him very signally eligible ; and I take for granted that he will accept the offer if it be made to him. There is no so pressing want for the whole undertaking as the nomination of the principal clergy. Till that shall be done, sincerely religious people of all shades will be afraid of the predominance of some strong party-spirit in the settlement adverse to their own theological views. My brother meets this fear everywhere, and finds it a most serious obstacle to the enlistment of good colonists. 222 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEEBUBY. JOHIT HUTT, ESQ. Beigate, 27th February, 1850. Mr DEAE HPTT, I am delighted fco find that Wynter has proposed Mr. Maddock. Of course he did not do so without feeling sure that if the oifer were made ifc would be accepted. Wynter, to-day, gave me a full and particular account of the Eector of Kington ; and I have made some inquiries in another quarter, with respect to disposition, habits, and manners. The result of all is a confident hope that Mr. Maddock is more fit than there is much chance of any other person being whom you are likely to find in time. I asked Wynter to write down two or three things which he told me ; and here is the paper. My own channel of inquiry was as good as can be for getting at the truth. Considering Mr. Maddock's position and connexions (a great point), we must attribute his readiness to be enlisted at once to Wynter's persuasions. He says that Maddock will be as much of a Church-colonizing Bishop as he should have been himself. MEMORANDUM for ME. HUTT, not given to him. 28th February. The Committee, or rather its members individually, could easily find out a clergyman or two, or more, in every county, who, if he only knew about the Canterbury settlement, would take a lively interest in it, and would be able to excite curiosity with respect to it in his neighbourhood. There are hundreds of such clergymen in England men of religious zeal, combined with judgment and weight of influence arising from character for intelligence and goodness. Suppose the names of a hundred such men to be got, being persons resi- dent in various parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, but especially England. Then a letter should be written to each of them not a printed circular, but a sort of confidential letter, signed by the Chairman enclosing Canterbury Papers E. o. WAKEPIELD'S LETTERS. 223 Nos. 1 and 2, and Wynter's Tract ; and asking the gentlemen addressed to help the Association, by making known its objects and plan to persons of the best order as respects chai'acter, for whom he should deem colonization in person a suitable career ; and more especially respectable heads of families of the gentry class, having an income small in pro- portion to their large number of children ; people whose means are inadequate here, but would there be sufficient, not merely for living at ease, but for establishing children in com- fort, and for founding a family in the colony. 1 am sure that this would have a great effect, if trouble were taken to find out the best men to address. The LORD BISHOP OF NORWICH, 7, Park Street, Westminster. Eeigate, 28th February, 1850. MY DEAR LORD, If you could without inconvenience allow me to see you for a little while on Saturday, or, if not then, early on Monday, I should be much obliged by your letting me know at what hour you will receive me. My object is to obtain your counsel, for several of Mr. Godley's friends and myself, with respect to a Church matter of pressing moment in the Canterbury enterprise. I remain, my dear Lord, Very faithfully and truly yours, E. GL WAKEFIELD. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 1st March, 1850. MY DEAR HTJTT, I had the enclosed in my pocket yester- day, intending to give it to you as a mem. for consideration. It is pleasant to find that the Norwich clergy have formed a Branch Association. This might be done in many places if the Committee would bestir themselves. 224 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. I have written to the Bishop of Norwich for an interview, and shall probably see him to-morrow. If I go to town, I will call at Charing Cross, in order to ascertain more dis- tinctly than I now know, what course you wish the Bishop to. take. Bellairs, I hear, is all but free. I wished to talk with you yesterday about Fitzgerald, whom, both for liking to him and for Godley's affection to him^ I would gladly aid. in hi# emigrating vie\? for himself. But of this to-morrow. P.S. I hope the Committee will get over its impatience to announce that it is ready to receive applications for land. No good could come, and some considerable harm might come, of receiving applications before the thing is ripe in the public mind. At present it is quite green : and though it is true that one month out of the three is gone, yet the receiving of applications would not extend the time an hour. What the committee have to do is to work at ripening the affairs in the public mind ; making as much stir as they can about it every where ; and removing without delay the grand obstacle of fear and uncertainty with respect to the party theology of the Settlement. And I am sure that if they are wise, they will say nothing about land and money till those subjects shall be obviously mentioned from necessity. To my fancy, the Tancred circular is considerably spoiled by the sort of P.S. about land. Would you like to have a meeting of Godley's friends, which I conld attend, in the " two pair back " room, for the purpose of stimulating to that personal exertion, without which this affair will not be got through in the time ? If you would, ask Wynne, Cocks, Simeon, McGreachy, and Adderley to meet on Monday at an early hour, so as to allow some time before your committee meeting. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 225 Eeigate, 1st March, 1850. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, I shall be glad to see Mr. Monsell as you propose. He ought to mister the actual constitutional law of New Zealand in its two Provinces and general Government. With respect to yourself, I am really anxious to make out some way of promoting the success of your emigrating pro- ject. But the idea of the last week is not reasonable. There may be reasonable ideas on that subject ; and I wish that we had spent our time when you were here in endeavouring to find them. Can you think of anything else that would meet your objects, except taking ^ hat was intended for Bellairs with his family ? I wish you would tell me precisely what your objects are, and what you require or desire. I am sure that all Godley's friends, and none more than myself, would be glad to see you pleased, and embarked in a good career. Neither can they doubt that you have talents that might be of great service to the colony. But what can they do ? What, precisely, do you think of, supposing always that you had never heard of such a post as that which was destined for Bellairs ? These questions are fit to be answered, rather orally than by letter : and letter-writing to any purpose is out of my power. Eeigate, 3rd March, 1850. MY DEAR WYNTER, Pray understand that I only wrote the enclosed as a note of the sort of thing that needs to be done to-morrow. P.S. I have been thinking for some days that it would not be difficult for the Association, by means of the Bishop of Oxford for Windsor, and the Bishop of Norwich for the Premier (who would have to assent, I imagine) to induce Prince Albert to preside at a meeting of the Association held for the purpose of making known the objects and plan of the Canterbury Settlement. Why not ? H.E.H. has taken the 24 226 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. prominent part on many occasions (such as the Niger Expe- dition and the Philanthropic Farm School) far less worthy of his patronage than this measure for extending the Queen's dominions. If he could go to the opening of the Coal Exchange, this Elizabethan enterprise surely might attract him. [ENCLOSURE.] "Resolved. 1. That in consequence of the peculiar nature of the plan of the Canterbury Settlement as respects provisions for Religion and Education, it is of the utmost importance to the ultimate success and early progress of the undertaking, that the Association should be enabled to state, in answer to many and anxious inquiries on the subject, the name of the clergyman whom it is probable that His Grace the Arch- bishop of Canterbury will recommend to Earl Grey to be by Her Majesty appointed Bishop of the Settlement as soon as the requisite sum shall be raised for properly endowing the office without assistance from Parliament. 2. That having reference to the interviews which deputa- tions from this Association had the honour to hold with the Archbishop of Canterbury on the and the , and with Earl Grey on the , this Committee do wait upon the Archbishop of Canterbury as a deputation, and present to His Grace the expression of the wish of the Association, that His Grace may see fit to recommend the Eev. Maddock to Earl Grey as a fit and proper person to be appointed Bishop of the Settlement as soon as the endowment fund shall be duly invested to the satisfaction of the Archbishop and of Her Majesty's Government. E. H. W. BELLAIRS, Esq. Eeigate, 6th March, 1850. MY DEAR BELLAIBS, I am truly glad to hear that you are so nearly free. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 227 I foresaw the probability that FitzGerald would be appointed to succeed you ; and partly because J. Hutt wanted to give a proof of independence by doing something to which I have objected. But I only objected to the attempt being made to invest Fitz Gerald with attributes which he cannot possess those of a leader, leading by means of his position in this country because the attempt was sure to fail. I wished to spare Hutt and the others a self-delusion. But as regards the fact, I am well pleased. FitzGerald will make a very good Emigration Agent as good probably, as the best they could find and it is a great satisfaction to have so good and clever a fellow thoroughly enlisted as a Canter- bury colonist. Let us always remember that as respects yourself, the Emigration Agency was rather cooked-up than otherwise, as a means of meeting your father's prudential view with respect to your being officially employed somehow. The post of leader is still open : and the chances are that if you find a man fit for it, he will not have a father disposed to insist on his being in office, but will prefer being a " pure colonist." Let us look out for him with all our might. If he would but turn up, he would take the position of leader without having any appointment, and, indeed, would do so the more easily and usefully for not having any appointment. FitzGerald will be of great service in various other ways before you sail, and a great acquisition after you land. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 6th March, 1850. MY DEAR HUTT, I begged Bellairs to tell you of his father's final indecision, so to speak. It is a great nuisance, because we have lost precious time in the expectation of having got a man of some consequence to put forward as leader of colonists. And I am afraid that now such a man will not be found in time. If he should turn up the chances 228 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. are a thousand to one against his wishing for any office either for himself or an eldest son. So, the office which we rather cooked-up than otherwise to enlist the Bellairs family, may now enlist somebody else : and there is nobody whom I con- sider more fit for it than FitzG-erald. He will do the work of Emigration Agent well ; will be of service in various other ways ; and will be a great acquisition to the colony as regards talents. Only let us beware of imagining that he will supply the place of a country gentleman of the highest character for prudence who would have taken 70,000 to the colony. That sort of man, may, I trust, yet be found. Wynter's account of your proceedings on Monday was most satisfactory. Eeigate, 6th Ms.rch, 1850. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, The final decision of Sir Wm. Bellairs against pledging himself to emigrate, has set me free to explain something. All the while we were writing and talking about the Emigrating Agency for you, I knew that it had not in fact been given up by the Captain. But my know- ledge of this fact was a secret, which I was deeply bound to have kept from a nearest relative or dearest friend. * * * * You will now understand some things which may have seemed strange. Nobody more than myself will rejoice if you are enlisted for Canterbury by being appointed to the Emigration Agency. It was a whim of Sir Wm. Bellairs that his son should hold some office of work and responsibility ; and if another emigrant of the same class should turn up, the chances are a thousand, nay a million to one, that he will not desire any office either for himself or his eldest son. So, now, your appointment cannot hurt the undertaking : it would have done so, if it had prevented such a family as the Bellairs from taking 70,000 to the colony : you know I think it will do much good ; and I hope you believe that I sincerely rejoice in it for your sake. It gives you a real and fine career. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEES. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 7th March, 1850. MY DEA.E HUTT,* * * * With respect to Lord Lyttelton's question, it is most desirable that people should not be pressed for a decision, and that the list of first colonists should not be closed against people wishing for delay ; but how to manage it is a difficulty which I do not at present see any way of overcoming. You can hardly require A. B. to pay up, and leave C. D. with an option of losing his deposit and not paying, without giving some advantage to A. B. If not, A. B. will complain that C. D. is favoured, and will ask to be placed on the same footing with him. Lord Lyttelton's object is to secure for people not yet ready the privileges given to the first bodythat is, the buyers of the first 100,000 acres. An excellent thing to do, and very necessary, perhaps, in order to sell the maximum ; but how can it be done save by extending the time for all ? That ought to be done if the Company were reasonable and really wished for the utmost success of the Association. But we hardly know yet where we are. Let us bear in mind that the scheme has only been a reality for five weeks. And unquestionably more publicity is much needed not advertising, which is at best regarded as puffing whatever it may be but some such fact as a public meeting the report of which would be generally read. That would happen if the Association could induce Prince Albert to take the chair. Why not ? He has done so frequently or w hat comes to the same thing as taking the chair, viz., " attending " at the opening of the Coal Exchange, and " laying the first stone" of all sorts of things as to matters of far less public moment, and far less interesting to the Queen, than this extension of the Queen's dominions. We have been very unlucky too about Bishops and Bellairs Ecclesiastical and Lay Leaders but I trust that next week will remove the former difficulty by the nomination of some- body. I saw a lady yesterday who had heard at the house 230 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. of a barrister at Balham, Mr. Lucas, the whole scheme denounced as ultra-Puseyite. Is it any relation of our Lucas? Eeigate, 12th March, 1850. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, I shall be happy to see you when- ever you please : for I am writing to Godley, and would gladly tell him by way of postscript to a gloomy account of Canterbury prospects, that there is a likelihood of that sort of work which carried through the first colonizing proceedings of South Australia and New Zealand. The Canterbury enter- prise will not do itself : it needs incessant and earnest atten- tion from the managers, of the same kind as that which makes a large and complicated private business succeed. Above all, it needs the constant origination of fresh exertions. I am afraid that when Godley left, it lost its soul ; and I am no longer disposed to press this view on his friends, because I fancy that my urgency is not very welcome to some of them. And indeed, I do not know them well enough to put myself in the light of interfering with them. But I can speak plainly with you, and will in confidence as I write this. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 12th March, 1850. MY DEAR HUTT, There is no class more disposed to emigrate as colonists than medical men with families ; and they make, generally, very good settlers. I fancy that an advertisement like what follows would be apt to enlist many of this class ; perhaps many more than the Association would be able to employ as Surgeon Superintendents. " To Medical Men disposed to emigrate as colonists. Notice is hereby given, that in the selection of Surgeons Superintendent of their emigrant ships, the Canterbury Association intends to give a preference to gentlemen who, E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEES. 231 being properly qualified professionally, shall intend to settle with their families as colonists in Canterbury settlement. By order of the Committee of Management. " H. ALSTON, Secretary, " 41, Charing Cross." " Date I have thought much on this suggestion, and feel sure that it tfould be very useful. * * * * P.S. The advertisement should appear in the Medical Journals as well as ordinary newspapers. Eeigate, 15th March, 1850. MY DEAB WYNTEB, Tour letter just received alarms me. I thought you felt quite sure that the Bishop of Norwich had already proposed Mr. Maddock to the Archbishop. So you said last Thursday week, after the meeting at Charing Cross. I had a letter since from Hutt, in which he says something about Maddock's name being submitted along with others. But I thought it such nonsense, that I paid no attention to it. But it must be attended to now. As I understand the case, Mr. Maddock, at your earnest instance, consented to be proposed. That is one thing : but it is a totally different thing to be proposed along with others, or as a candidate : and to that Mr. Maddock did not consent, and probably will not consent now. If so, some other person will be proposed, and you and Mr. Maddock will have been " made fools of." Probably, too, the " other " name may not be, in the Archbishop's eyes, so unexceptionable as Mr. Mad- dock's : and in that case, his Grace will probably take the affair into his own hands ; whereby those may be grievously disappointed who now think of proposing another name along with Maddock's. So there is great impropriety towards you and Maddock (not to mention the Bishop of Norwich, whose adoption of Maddock is a great feet in the case), and great 232 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBY. impolicy also in the putting of any other name along with Maddock's. That is, there is both impropriety and impolicy, unless it be done in a form of respect towards the Archbishop ; the selection appearing to be his, though you know beforehand that he will select Haddock. If we were together you would say What would you do ? The answer is Were I in your place, I would go straight to the Bishop of Norwich,. tell him the whole case, and ask him to direct you. He is sure, I believe, to advise the wisest and most effectual course : and though his willingness makes one ashamed to put trouble on him, yet in a case of such urgency (which almost involves the success of tbe whole enterprise) I thought that you will not be shy. Indeed, considering his gallant adoption of Maddock on your recommendation, I fancy you are bound to make him aware beforehand that is, in good time before Monday next of the state of the case. He may have got the Archbishop's assent to Maddock : and if he should begin on Monday by reporting that fact to the Committee, all will be right. At any rate, too, my impression is, that when the awk- wardness towards the Bishop of Norwich, and Maddock, and yourself, of proposing any name along with Maddock's that is, of turning Maddock into a candidate without his consent, when he has been Bishop elect so far as the Association is concerned shall be explained to those who think of another name, they will at once abandon the idea. If I am not right as to the facts, let us meet. I will go to Town on purpose, if you do not do duty at Gratton on Sunday. Keigate, 15th March, 1850. MY DEAB WYNTEB, When getting towards the end of the accompanying letter, it occurred to me that your shyness might induce you to wish to send it to the Bishop of Nor- wich, when writing to ask for an interview. E. o. WAKEFIEI/D'S LETTERS. 233 But it would be better for you to call, and send up your card. You might then give him my letter if you liked. Writing to ask for an interview would be too formal. So, I kept what is to follow for a separate sheet. FitzGerald has been here ; and we have fully discussed the state of the Canterbury affairs, and what ought to be done. One of the first steps, in my opinion, after settling who is to ~be Bishop on Monday, would be, on Tuesday, for your Com- mittee to make FitzGerald a member of it, so that in working at the Colonists' rooms he may have the weight which nothing but his being a member of your Committee can give him. As a mere salaried officer that is to be, he would have less weight than a pure colonist. I write about this to insure your support of the proposal, which may not be quite agree- able to everybody. But of course you won't say a word about me, whose interference is not quite agreeable to that same " every body," whom I do not very precisely know, and it would be better not to name if I did. At the worst, it is only a very common suseeptibilite in the form of rejecting needful aid, lest it should look like prompting. The " aid " of an earnest, active, very clever man, like FitzGerald, is much needed in your Committee of what shall I call them ? delightful amateurs. I have spoken out to FitzGerald about Maddock, and the necessity of a single nomination which he will promote with Godley's friends. Pray, don't say I write to you : for the dislike of being prompted by me is an influenza just now at Charing Cross. * * * * P.S. It is far better that you should not mention me even to the Bishop of Norwich. Eeigate, 19th March, 1849. MY DEAR FITZ GERALD, No letter from you has come to my address. 234 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. I will work to-morrow at the advertisement, which really needs careful concoction ; and have a draft ready by when you come. C. B. ADBERLET, Esq. Beigate, 19th March, 1850. Mr DEAR SIR, The enclosed is all suggestive and attrac- tive according to my understanding of your purpose. It is not necessary that all the subscrioers should be " eldest sons " ; but it is well to call them so for the suggestiveness of the expression. I think it indispensable that some such name as Mr. Cocks's should appear. Otherwise the very people whom you invite would be afraid to come forward : they might think it a hoax or a silliness. Tours very truly, E. Q-. WAKEFIELD. P.S. It is so worded that it might appear at once ; and the coming forward of a very good man might greatly help to complete the subscription. It will have a very good effect on Canterbury generally. To YOUNGER SONS OF THE HIGHEST FAMILIES. It is the intention of several gentlemen to purchase at Canterbury, in New Zealand, an estate of sufficient magnitude for founding a colonial family of the first importance as regards property in land. Being persons of condition in this country, but, as eldest sons, not intending to emigrate, they are desirous of meeting with a gentleman of their own station and ideas, to whose honour they should be satisfied in trust- ing the management of the property under arrangements which would enable him to acquire it for himself by means of his exertions in augmenting its value. Personal communica- tion may be held with the advertisers by addressing T. Somers Cocks, Esq., Messrs. Cocks, Biddulph & Co., Charing Cross. E. G. WAKEFIELD'R LETTEBS. 235 To THE SAME. Eeigate, 20th March, 1850. I think the advertisement would be much improved by adding after the word " value," the following sentence : " The colonial enterprise here indicated demands ability, sense, and energy, no less than the motives of ambition and honour." I feel sure that unless a name of some mark appear, the advertisement will be deemed a hoax, or nonsense, or a mere decoy to opinion not a reality. As a reality it is a capital puff of Canterbury. Lots of rascals will answer it ; all sorts of scum and dregs ; but it is not unlikely to send a dozen first-rate colonists to join Godley. A banker's name is the best to appear. (MEMORANDUM.) 20th March. Drafted advertisement for public meeting. Fitz Gerald came to Eeigate. Long conference with him, and planned all sorts of things to be done or prevented. Eeigate, 21st March, 1850. MY DEAE FiTzQ-EEALD, Though I intend to be at IA to-morrow about noon, it seems well to suggest this, that there should be added to the advertisement after Alston's signature, the usual reference to the Colonists' Booms for information. It should not go as part of the announcement of the meet- ing ; but if added, by way of a note, it will largely circulate the reference without any additional cost. I think Molesworth not at all unlikely to join Adderley in the subscription. The best person to mention the subject to him is Eintoul ; or I could tell you how to do it in the best way. 236 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. Eeigate, 25th March, 1850. MY DEAR EINTOUL, Hearing that you have been con- sulted about the state of the Canterbury matter * * * I write to beg that you will try to be at home * * * * Being intimately acquainted with the facts, I know what ought to be done according to my judgement: but I labour under this disadvantage in giving advice that I cannot rely upon the men who would have to do what I deem necessary. The affair lost its soul and body when it lost Godley, who till then had both thought and acted for every body. John Hutt was intended to fill the gap created by Godley 's departure. Godley and I were conscious of his deficiencies, but hoped that they might be effectually counteracted by my constant advice, and the doing of some other people. Now, instead of this, it has happened, ever since Godley left town, that Hutt has never taken my advice without reluctance, has often dis- regarded it wholly, and has prevented others from supplying his want of action. I say deliberately that he has behaved continually as if he wished to mar the business and prevent the success of the scheme. I am quite sure that he has not intended anything of the sort. What to conclude then ? I have reluctantly concluded that his intellect and temper are in a state of decay or disease. His wrongheadedness, stupi- dity, jealousy of his own consequence, and irritability of temper, have been forced on my most reluctant belief by his conduct for nearly three months. The first intimation I had of it was by the enclosed letter from Godley. Yet he is the leading man in the affair. The others have left everything to him : and now, when they are frightened and wish that some- thing instead of nothing may be done, he threatens to retire if they disagree with him. He is an old and close friend of mine : but I have for some weeks almost ceased to communi- cate with him, because I thought his brains dried up, and his temper incurably soured. You have now the facts for reflec- tion before we meet. E. O. WAKEFTKU)'S LETTERS. 237 Kdgate, 25th March, 1850. MT DEAR FITZGERALD, No letter from you at noon. So I know nothing about an appointment except what you say in the letter by Felix. This is not enough. I cannot go to a meeting without knowing why and by whom invited. I, therefore, purpose being at Eintoul's at 'eleven. Pray meet me there, if you wish me to go further. At present, I rather agree with Hutt about the 100,000. It would, I think, spoil the whole affair, to close the applica- tion box and settle priorities when only 30,000 was sold : and so far, Hutt is right, I think, about Q-odley. Nor do I think it is time you want ; certainly not more than to the end of June. What you want is certainty say that the first body of colonists will be dispatched by the end of summer : then do as we did before with Adelaide and Wellington that is, fix a day, not too near, for closing the box, and settling priorities : do this, and you will sell 200,000 or 300,000 worth. I am sure of it. And the way to get this done, is to send without delay the letter you drafted yesterday. But come to Eintoul's. Eeigate, 27th March, 1850. MT DEAR FITZGERALD, I think it would be well if Brittan composed the Colonists' letter. Its style should not resemble that of the Association's letter, which it would do if' you composed it. Dead beat. Ever yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Beigate, 28th March, 1850. MT DEAR MR. SIMEOW, Hearing that Hutt has resigned his seat as Chairman, I cannot help writing to urge the 288 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. importance of persuading Lord Lyttelton to put his name at least in the vacant place. That done, if your Committee would elect a Deputy Chair- man, and meet frequently for business, there would be plenty to do, and it would be done. I have a very favourable report of the reception of the Association's letter by the Directors to-day, but shall know more about it on Saturday. P.S. I venture to express an opinion, that at Norwich and other places the clergy have been too prominent, as compared with the laity ; as if the colony were intended to help the Church, instead of the Church being sent out to help and make the colony. It strikes me, therefore, that the chair of the Island meeting should be taken by a layman ; if by Sir Richard Simeon, it would be as well as could be. Eeigate, 29th March, 1850. MY DEAB J. A. SMITH, Bowler being here, I showed him your letter, in order to learn his opinion of its proposal before he knew mine. When we both spoke, we agreed 1st. That the proposed guarantee would not be less onerous on those who gave it, than one for insuring the sale of 33,000 acres by the end of April. 2nd. That, with the sale of 33,000 acres so insured, the Association has nothing to ask of the Company. 3rd. That leaving matters as they are (the 33,000 acres being sold by the 30th of April) the Company will only be entitled to its sixth of 100,000, and not to immediate re- payment of its present advance. 4th. Consequently, that whilst the Company makes no concession to the Association, but in fact demands full com- pliance with the 30th April condition, it asks for a concession from the Association ; viz. immediate repayment of most of the present advance. E. o. WAKEFIEF/D'S LETTERS. 239 Instead of granting soinethiog, you ask for more. But suppose we say nothing about immediate repayment of the advance, still, in asking for this private guarantee, you really ask Godley's friends to do that which the Association begs you not to insist upon. You really concede nothing ; and Q-odley's friends might as well take what they want without giving it the form of a concession by the Company to the Association. Being unable to see the proposal in any other light, I abstain from even showing it to Godley's friends : because as it can do no good, it might do harm. I must, however, write to the three men whom it was pro- posed that the three on your side should meet, to say that the private conference is off. Eeigate, 29th March, 1850. MY DEAB J. A. SMTTH, On further reflection, it strikes me that with the going on of Canterbury made a certainty in the way that would most effectually promote sales, you would have a much better state of things to represent to the share- holders than if you could tell them that the sale of the minimum quantity had been guaranteed or accomplished by the 30th April in the manner least likely to inspire confidence. You seem much impressed with the difficulty of facing the shareholders. Surely that difficulty will be less if you are able to tell them that a formidable obstacle to the success of the Canterbury Settlement has been removed. They wish that every possible aid should be given to the Association : for they know that on its success their own escape from a call depends. If you force the Association to take its own way of only just complying with the agreement with you as to the 30th April, you will get some cash a little sooner ; but the whole state of relations between the Company and the Association, and of the Canterbury scheme, will be such as to give the shareholders no comfort, but the reverse : and you 240 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. will forego all the advantages which the shareholders might derive from your strengthening the hands of the Association as much as possible. It looks to me like killing the goose that might otherwise lay you golden eggs ; that is, one of those narrow views by which great affairs are apt to be marred. It resembles cutting the green corn in order to get something by a fixed day before the natural harvest-time. So I conclude that this view is not yours. If so, and you cannot influence those whose view it is, I implore of you to tell me, so that I may not mislead those who trust me, by holding out hopes that cannot be realized. Ever yours most truly, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. P.S. -I have begged all the leading Canterbury men to assemble on Monday morning, to hear the final result of my communication with some of the Directors. Three or four of them, including Lord Lyttelton, will come from the country on purpose ; and I must needs say to them either " I advise so and so," or " I have failed " : for delay in decision is in fact the worst of all decisions for every body. Reigate, Saturday, 30th March, 1850. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, J. A. Smith is confined to his bed ; and I am going to Town to-morrow to see him. I pur- pose drinking tea at Eintoul's at his dinner time. If you were to call, he would perhaps ask you to dine there. But indeed everything is so paralyzed by the present negociation, that I see but little use in our meeting before Monday, when I will bring a Tea or Nay from the Company. I am very anxious that Lord Lyttelton should be at Charing Cross on Monday. Don't over number your Committee. It is too full already to look like a real Committee of Management : and every name added to it will give it more the appearance of being nominal. E. a. WAKEFIELD'B LETTEES. 241 Eeigate, 1st April, 1850. MT DEAB J. A. SMITH, To my great surprise, the idea of a guarantee was not scouted, but seriously considered and deemed possible to be realised, provided it should not bear hard as to time ; that is, provided the Company, being quite secured ultimately, should allow ample time for putting an end to the guarantee by means of selling the land. But I must tell you that two or three of those whom one should expect to join were not present. Their view of the subject will be ascertained before Friday next, when it is proposed that a meeting of some on both sides shall take place at the New Zealand House. I have therefore to suggest, that it would be very useful if the Directors could, before that meeting, put their notion of the sort of guarantee into vriting, and in such words as to make it as little onerous as possible with respect to time. The entertainment of the guarantee proposal was spon- .aneous ; nay, in spite of my view of its unreasonableness, which I fully expressed. So, G-odley has _rare ^friends, who are also rare backers of their opinion. [Most confidential.] J. A. SMITH, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, 2nd April, 1850. MT' DEAB J. A. SMITH, I expect that the Canterbury Committee will send to day a letter to the Directors, to which their answer in private will be " Yes, provided you give us the guarantee." But it is proposed that the whole subject shall be discussed by the parties on Friday next at the New Zea- land House. Until after that discussion, the Directors will not, of course, reply to the official proposal of the Committee. It would help things forward if you and Aglionby and I could meet here on Thursday : and, at any rate, you must settle for my being present at the meeting on Friday, in Broad Street Buildings. 25 242 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. A mere accident has put in my way the most favourable opportunity of propounding the idea of a grand New Zealand Colonization, to those who could give effect to it if they would, and if the Government would let them. The latter "if" is quite as important as the former. Bu.t there is a question as to which party should be spoken to first. At present, I only wish to tell you, for your own information, that the very opportunity I desired of fully developing the idea in, th,e rjght quarter, has tumbled into my hands. Tours ever, E. G. WAKEFIELB. P.S. Lord Lytteltou has told me that he will gladly co- operate with you and the Bishop of Norwich about the Norfolk squire. That would settle all Canterbury questions, and would help New Zealand colonization, not to say colo- nization in general, in a remarkable degree. JOHN HUTT, Esq. Eeigate, 2nd April, 1850. MY DEAB HUTT, What can I say? It is a distressing affair altogether, but is somewhat redeemed by your most becoming resolution to resign nothing but the Chairmanship. Let us still do all we can to save poor G-odley's scheme. If we succeed, all personal disagreeables will soon be forgotten : and in the midst of my anxiety, I have one comfort in believing that the honorable and magnanimous spirit in which you are acting, will help towards that result. I cannot finish this scrawl without expressing, though I hope it is not necessary, that my respect for your virtues and my personal affection for you, remain as they were before this unhappy business ; not to say that they are increased by your conduct in it. Believe me to remain Ever yours most truly, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. E. a. WAKEFIEXD'S LETTEBS. 243 Eeigate, 2nd April, 1850. MY DEAE GTODLEY, The full occupation of my strength with Canterbury matters just at present, compels me to be very brief in writing to you. I wrote some weeks ago, vid Sydney, in melancholy strain, in order to wash my hands of responsibility to you, because your friends, as I supposed, were letting the whole affair go to the dogs, and quite indisposed to listen to my repre- sentations in favour of a different course. I had almost retired from the concern, disheartened and perhaps a good deal displeased. But things have had a turn. I have not cleared up, and do not wish to fathom, the mystery of a repugnance to my aid at Charing Cross, because now it seems to be completely over, and I wish to forget it. So let that My grand complaint against your friends was, that they left every thing to H utt, who would neither do anything him- self, nor let any body else do anything. The work of the Association was nil ; and all seemed blind to the inevitable result a perfect failure. At length, in great measure owing to FitsG-erald, they perceived the danger, and found out its main cause their reliance upon Hutt because he was called " Chairman." Since then, they have really acted as members of a Committee having a task in hand. This was so new and unpalatable to Hutt, that he retired : and (Q-od forgive me, if it is wrong, for saying so of an old and dear friend) that mar- all is out of the way. But he has retired in a manner highly creditable to him : so that happily, though I am sure that his" understanding is decayed, I can admire and love his goodness as much as ever. Hutt gone, there is a prospect of work : but two months out of the three are gone ; and it is now too late to do the thing in time. The grand point is to get more time, and to do away with the most mischievous provision for contingent total failure and abandonment. All about this you may learn from the official documents, copies of which I earnestly 244 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEEBUET. begged FitzQ-erald to send to you. Shall we carry the point ? I think we shall ; or rather not we, but your friends, who are asked to incur some personal liability in the form of a guarantee so as to satisfy the Company, and who, to my surprise, and in spite of a stiff argument by me against the Jewish proposal of the Company, seem disposed to do the needful. I firmly believe that the understanding will be only nominal. So, having said what I think of it as a proposal from the Company, I shall be glad if your friends give the guarantee. If they do and if they work (of which now I have no doubt) we shall get through nay, you may probably have a larger first colony to plant than if this awful hitch had not occurred. I am resting now at home from killing excitement in London, and am to be there again on Friday. " So no more at present," &c. &c. &c. "With this S. W. wind just set in after a month of N. E., you will probably know the result by this ship. I imagine you every day approaching the land of promise. God bless you. Now that my aid is courted, I will stick to this one object till success or utter failnre prove the result. Copies of the following Memorandum were sent yesterday (2nd April) to J. A. SMITH and JOHN SIMEON, enclosed with Letters which were not copied. WE, the undersigned, in consideration of the abandonment of the New Zealand Company of the provision in their agree- ment with the Canterbury Association, whereby the latter body is bound to sell 100,000 worth of land by the 30th April instant, hereby undertake that in case the quantity of land sold by the Association before the 1st September next shall be less than 100,000 worth, we will place the Company in the same position, with respect to the present financial engagements between them and the Association as if the E. o. WA.KEFIELD'S LETTERS. 245 whole 100,000 worth had been sold according to the aban- doned provision. But it is understood between the parties that in case it ehould become necessary after the 1st September next to give a legal form to the present honorable engagement, the instru- ment to be executed for that purpose shall provide 1st. That any monies for the payment of which we may engage shall not be made payable before the 185 . 2nd. That in the meanwhile the pecuniary amount of our engagement shall be diminished by every payment which the Association may make to the Company in pursuance of existing agreements between the two bodies. 3rd. That in case any land forming part of the Canterbury settlement should revert to the Company for the purpose of sale by them, and in case at the time of such event any part of the guarantee shall not have been redeemed by the Asso- ciation's payments to the Company, such unredeemed portion of the guarantee shall be a charge upon such unsold reverting land, to be redeemed, as sales shall be effected by the Com- pany, at the rate of one-sixth of the purchase money. Eeigate, 3rd April, 1850. MY DEAK RINTOTTL, I have not heart to go into the coming Amendments : nor would you have room for it. The sort of stuff which I enclose is more likely to be read if it were solid, and may thus help to promote some useful dis- cussion. Beyond discussion we shall not get this year : nor any other year, I believe, till the colonies take the matter into their own hands. That will be promoted by the enclosed. It would be well if Gladstone said his say to you, before mine shall be said to him or Sir W. James. He must have something to say ; and it might prove a guide. Proof by return of post, as I go to Town on Friday, but shall have time here for correcting. Ever yours, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. 246 THE BOUNDERS Oft CANTEEBUEY. P.S. I enclose your last cover, with the seal exactly as it came to my hands. Having once known something about opening letters, I believe that this one was opened inten- tionally by somebody. It contained your information about meeting Gladstone at Sir W. James's. lieigate, 4th April, 1850. MY DEAE GODLEY, Though the Mariner was to leave GraVesend to-day, a S.W. gale assures me that this will go by her. The prospect improves of getting Canterbury made a reality by means of the guarantee. From both sides I hear this morning in approval of a scheme of guarantee sent by me to them. To-morrow will decide ; and I shall surely write if this wind hold. I have a miserable letter from Hutt about his retirement. It is very distressing, as was the necessity for knocking him out of the Chair : but if you saw your own child boring a hole in the bottom of a ship full of passengers, and you could not stop him any other wayj you would shoot him, would you not ? I would. I have written kindly to Hutt, as his manner of retiring enables me to do : and I would beg of you to write to him in a way to soothe his feelings. Even a year hence such a letter from you will be grateful to him. I am now in full swing of work for Canterbury just at this moment helping to complete the guarantee measure, which, after your friends entertained it, became the only possible means of getting things right : for of course when my objections to the unfairness of asking for a guarantee were disregarded by Lord Lyttelton, Simeon, &c., the Company was sure to insist on the acceptance of the proposal as a sine qud non. This settled, I shall go to Town as often as strength will E. O. WAKBFIELb's LETTEBS. 247 allow ; perhaps openly join the first body of Colonials ; at any rate, attend to nothing else but Canterbury. You, I fear, will be stopped for a while by want of money. I trust that whatever you have will be spent on the survey. That is the main point. Felix's Eeport to the New Zealand Company ha? been much canvassed by intelligent minds ; and the universal verdict seems to be, that he is right in all his points. Freedom and facility of selection by means of extent and completeness of survey that is the grand point. I have an intimate persuasion that the first Colonists will be grievously disappointed if the capital town be any where but at the best port. Why not mark out the 1000 acres at Port Lyttelton ? The town the^re would have much more level land than Genoa the Magnificent : and there are many noble cities, such as Lisbon, Naples, and Constantinople, the main part of the site of which consists of hills more or less steep. On the other hand, if you put the Capital away from the Port more especially if the road between shall not be level the Capital, so called, will be an uninhabited "Washington fo* years and years to come. At Adelaide, the distance between Port and Capital is mitigated by the perfect level of dry land of which it consists. It was a fair road, miles wide, before a sixpence had been spent on it. If you have a steep road from Port to Capital, the Port will be the Capital in spite of you. Upon the whole, barring nervousness about this guarantee, I am in very good spirits about Canterbury. Keigate, 5th April, 1850. MY DEAB FiTzGEBALD, I am afraid it is all over with the guarantee project, and with New Zealand Canterbury : for when once the guarantee proposal was entertained, it became vain to hope that the Company would not insist on it. The right course would have been to scout it at first, and throw on the Company all the responsibility of failure. As this was not done, I see no alternative but either the guarantee in 248 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. time, or failure which will be that of the Association. I strongly objected to the guarantee at first : the present fright at it, now that it is reduced to a nominal liability, surprises me. But I can do no more. Neither rejecting the guarantee at the proper time, nor consenting to it in time, the Canter- bury scheme will fall entre deux chaises par terre. I grieve for Godley and the frustration of high hopes for colonization. What I expect is that nothing will be decided, but that the affair will die out by lapse of time : and then will come repentance. Ever yours, E. Gr. WAKEFIELD. Beigate, 6th April, 1850. MY DEAR J. A. SMITH, I enclose an extract from a letter just received from Lord Lyttelton. It is all he says on that subject. In order to comply with his request, I ought to see you, about drawing up the paper. I would meet you any where early on Monday morning. Notwithstanding his good will, I believe that time will defeat the object of both parties. I firmly believe that every week's delay throws away 15,000 cash. Eeigate, 7th April, 1850. MY DEAR J. A. SMITH, Harrington's official letter to the Association differs from your brief memorandum, which I gave to Lord Lyttelton at Charing Cross ; as you will see by comparing it with the enclosed copy of your Mem. Tour Mem. appears to me to be perfect : and, at any rate, it is what your deputation was told should, if possible, be done. I have therefore taken it (together with the Reso- lution passed by the Company) as the basis of a form of guarantee which Lord Lyttelton has begged that I will con- coct with you, and have ready by Tuesday. I enclose a copy, and send one to him at Brighton. E. o. WAXEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 249 If both sides approve of this form, Harrington's letter will have to be altered so as to agree with it. (ENCLOSURE.) MEMORANDUM drawn up by J. A. SMITH, and given to LORD LTTTELTON by Mil. WAKEFIELD, on Friday, 5th April. A guarantee for 15,000 (in the several amounts set against their respective names), to meet deficiencies of sale on or before 30th June. Such guarantees not to be payable in money before 31st December, 1851, and diminished by any receipts after 30th June. Considering that the New Zealand Company has waived the provision in its agreement with the Canterbury Asso- ciation, whereby the Association is bound to sell 100,000 worth of land on or before the 30th April instant, we the undersigned, referring to the existing pecuniary engagements between the two bodies, engage (each of us for the sum which is below set against his name) that in case the quantity of land sold on or before the 30th June next, shall be less than 100,000 worth, the Company shall then be placed in the same position with respect to the financial engagements between the Company and the Association, as if the whole 100,000 worth had been sold under the waived provisions. But to this engagement we attach a condition ; viz., that the New Zealand Company shall not be entitled to any money payment from us before the 31st December, 1851. It is of course understood that the amount of this engagement shall be diminished by and in proportion to all payments in respect of sales of land made by the Association to the Company after the 30th June. LORD LTTTELTON. Eeigate, Sunday night, 7th April. MY DEAR LORD, In pursuance of your Lordship's letter, I have sent to Mr. J. A. Smith a copy of the form of guarantee which is enclosed. 250 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. It is in strict agreement with the Resolution passed by the Company, and with the Memorandum in Mr. Smith's Writing which I handed to you at Charing Cross, and of which I enclose a copy. I understand frotti Mr. Fitz Gerald that the guarantee ia now nluch objected to by some of Godley's friends. They cannot object to it more than I did until after it waS enter- tained : but if their objections should now prevail, I am per- suaded that the Company will not give way (nor can I consistently now ask them to do so) ; and that the Association will practically come to an end on Tuesday next. I have the honor to remain Tour faithful servarit, E. G. WAKEFIELD 1 . )OHN SIMEON, Esq., M.P. Eeigate, Monday night, 8th April. MY DEAR MR. SIMEON, "With reference to the Canter- bury crisis to-morrow (which will determine whether or not the undertaking proceeds), I am very desirous of saying some things to those who take the deepest interest, which I cannot say to Lord Lyttelton because I am so much a stranger to him ; and I therefore beg that you will let me say them to you. They consist mainly of suggestions as to what ought to be done instantly in order to make success certain. I can see the way to complete success ; but all depends on vigorous and prompt action. My time is so engaged to-morrow as the medium of communications between Association and Com- pany, that I cannot offer to go to your house : but I shall be at the Colonists' Eooms at eleven o'clock, and should be very glad indeed to see you before you meet Lord Lyttelton at Charing Cross. LORD LTTTELTON* Eeigate, 8th April, 1850. MY DEAR LoED,-^In order to put your Lordship in pos- session of the state of the guarantee subject, I enclose the E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LET-fEtta. 251 Copy of a letter Which I sent to Mr. J. A. Smith on receipt of yours of the 6th. * * * * I have made inquiry about Chapman's communication to Mr. Wynne, and am satisfied that it was not an opinion con- cerning the price of land that ought to weigh with anybody, but merely one of the many forms of fretful and half-angry complaint, in which intending colonists, preparing for a wreck of their hopes, are apt to express themselves. I have the honor to be, My dear Lord, Very faithfully yours, E. Gr. Eeigate, 8th April, 1850. MY DEAR J. A. SMITH j I have your letter of last night. My object in wishing to meet you early to-morrow was, that we might agree about the form of guarantee before the meeting at Charing Cross at twelve*, when, I suppose, the guarantee question will be settled one way or the other. But if you approve of the form I sent to you last night, there will be no need of our meeting : it will only be necessary to make Harrington's official letter agree with the form. What I want to know is, whether the Company will agree to the form ; so that it may not be objected to after being signed * # # # P.S. I was distressed at seeing in the Times to-day, that a convict ship, with " exiles " from Parkhurst and Portland has sailed for New Zealand. Tuesday night, 9th April, 1850. MY DEAR WYNTER, I must tell you that at last, just before I left Town at half-past five, the arrangement between the Association and the Company was completed, by which it is settled that the colony goes forward at all events ; the most 252 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. injurious contingency, which produced a port of palsy, being removed. At the public meeting, therefore, it will be an- nounced that the first body of colonists will positively sail for their destination this coming autumn. Thanks to the head and heart combined of Lyttelton and Simeon in particular ! But the great present satisfaction was dashed by the grievous and most unexpected news, that Mr. Haddock declines. "We cannot succeed without the Bishop. The anti- Puseyite run against us is too strong. After glorying in the downfall of the only lay obstacle, I am' in dismay at the revival of the clerical one in all its force. (Private.) W. G. BEITTAK, Esq. Eeigate, 9th April, 1850. MY DEAR Mfi. BRITTAK, Lest in the hurry you might not hear it so soon otherwise, I write to say that the guarantee has been accepted by the Company ; and that as soon as the Government consents (probably in a day of two) the mis- chievous contingency will be at an end. Please tell Chapman. The work was not over till five o'clock in the City ; and I was too much beat to think of any whither but home. Ever yours truly, E. G. WAEEFIELD. LOED LYTTELTOW. Eeigate, Tuesday, 9th April, 1850. MY DEAE LOED, I saw the draft of the answer which the Company will make to the guarantee letter. It was satisfac- tory to me. Mr. Cox, the Commissioner, took away a copy of the guarantee letter, in order to expedite as much as possible the official consent of the Government, which is still B. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 253 required before any announcement can be made of the change in the position of the Association. ' hive the honor to remain, My dear Lord, Very faithfully yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, Tuesday night. Mr DEAR WINTER, Not being sure but that I may have to go to London to-morrow, I am tempted, after refreshment by " 40 winks," to add to my former letter, the expression of an anxious hope that the removal of the contingency may enable you to induce Mr. Maddock to withdraw his refusal. Two good men declining the offer must prove " a heavy blow and great discouragement." Maddock's name as the intended Bishop has spread through the religious world. His refusal of a notorious offer casts a slur on the appointment and the settlement. What can we say ? " That we felt ^ure he was going to accept : otherwise the offer would not have been made." But that, though a good apology for the blunder of the Association, will in no degree blunt the sharp point of the offer long entertained and deliberately refused. Add to this the running down of the enterprise by the Low Church party, the common belief that it is a " Puseyite affair," and the ill- will, not inactive, of Selwyn's friends together with the goring of each other by Gorham and Philpotts : put all these things together, and you will see that the affair is, ecclesias- tically, in a desperate mess. Nothing can put it right in time, but relief from the heavy burthen of Maddock's deliberate refusal. That will be attributed to his having found out that it is " a Puseyite affair." It is simply impossible to get the Association and the Primate to adopt a third good man in time. " In time " means before Wednesday the 17th, when the public meeting will attract foes as well as friends, and if there is not a Bishop to present, the grand distinctive feature 254 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. of the New Zealand Canterbury will be exhibited in a wounded and miserable plight. This is sober truthj, though I write sp.outingly from being greatly moved. JOHN ABEL SI^ITH, Esq., M.P. fieigate, Tuesday night. I cannot go to bed without asking you to forgive what you took, but what on my honor was not meant, as an offensive expression towards you. How often have- I said more and worse than that of the Board, and you have heard; me without the slightest offence, because you knew that I did not include you in the offensive expression ? Neither to-day, nor ever before, have I to your face or behind your- back uttered a word, because I have never had a thought, injurious to you. I hope you were angry to-day from some other cause : but if not, let me remove the sup- posed eause by solemnly assuring you that I was thinking of others when I spoke of " taking advantage, &c>" I was jaded and ill, and all the more so because I had just before declared that if the guarantee were not given after having been enter- tained against my opinion,, I should feel bound to go altogether with the Company in inisting upon it according to the terms of your slip of paper, and in colonizing Canterbury if the Association failed on the 30th April. But how much soever hurt at the partial rejection of my day's work by the Board, J never meant a word nor had a thought of, offence to you, whom, even if you treated me ill, I must always regard with gratitude arid affection- AU this so help me God. Ever yours, H GL WAKEFIEIJX Eeigate, "Wednesday morning, 10th April. MY DEAR WYNTER, The post brings a letter from Lord Lyttelton, charging me to deliver the enclosed, which I E. G. WA.KEFIELD'8 LETTEE8. 253 cannot do immediately because a first-rate colonist is coming to breakfast with me. But I almost know its contents, from what I heard in London about Maddock'a refusal, and the despair of com- mittee-men and colonists. Whether it goes further than I did last night I cannot tell ; but whatever its exact purport, it is evidently sent through me, in order that I may urge its object. That was done with a pen last night by anticipation. I will go to you as soon as possible this morning. Meanwhile some impulse forces me to say IF you feel your honor engaged to give us a good man in time and if Maddock won't the decision first and discussion afterwards would be the happiest course for every body. And it is not necessary that a Bishop or a Governor- Greneral's wife should go wiih> her husband the first time of his going. The chief Presby- terian clergyman of Australia has sailed round the world, six times in pursuit of the planting of his Church. E. J. S. HA.BMAN, Esq., Dr. De Senzy's, Cronyhorn, Carnew (Co. Wicklow). Eeigate, 12th April, 1850, MY DEAB SIB, I am not well enough to answer your letter at any length. The points are two 1st. A new colony is a bad place for a young single man. To be single is contrary to the nature of a new colony, where the laws of society are labour, peace, domestic life, increase and multiply. The hospitality is so great that a young man who can make himself agreeable, may live in idleness : and the most common lot of a young single man is to do this, till he becomes unfit for marriage by becoming wedded to his pipe and his bottle, not to mention the billiard-table. Whereas if he is nicely married, he has a sweet home to go to after his day's work, and his mind is kept tranquil enough to bear without injury the intense excitement of sharing in the 256 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBY. creation of society. All the best colonists of Adelaide, Wel- lington, Nelson, were either married, or they came home for wives. The good ones who were single the gentlemen, such as Petre, Clifford, Dillon, Molesworth could not bear to remain single. The success of a young colonist who remains single is a rare exception. Marriage is the most economical : the same capital goes further with a wife than without one. It is her moral influence that both saves the money, and stimulates her husband's energy and prudence. 2nd. There are no hardships in colonizing now-a-days. I have known most of the ladies who emigrated with the first colonists to Adelaide, Wellington, &c. ladies who had been brought up in luxury and ease : and I never heard of a serious complaint from one of them especially the best, and those who belonged to the highest rank in this country who entered cheerfully into the spirit of the thing, and enjoyed the roughing for a few weeks. In that climate, the roughing is a sort of lark. But in this case there will be no roughing. At Adelaide and Wellington, the first settlers landed in a desert country, 1000 miles away from civilized habitations. In this case you will be close to mature Wellington and Nelson, and growing Otago : and by when you get to Canter- bury, there will be a small town there. Marry by all means. My mother had one and my wife two children before their 18th birthday. At your age to go unmarried is a misery and a great risk : to go married to a nice girl, is the best means you can adopt to make sure of happiness and prosperity. Yours truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. P.S. Referring to your letter, I add that the scale of means does not affect my opinion. Whatever may be the rank and capital of the young colonist whether a nobleman's son worth 10,000, or a labourer, let him be married for the sake of economy as well as peace and comfort. There will be no drudgery for the wife of a man with small capital none that the daughters of men of rank and fortune have not cheerfully undergone. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 257 THE LOUD LTTTELTOK. Saturday night, 13th April. Mr DEAR LOBD, I had a long conversation with Mr. Brittan, arid fully hope that he will be able to submit to you, on Tuesday, a satisfactory solution of the difficulties which he mentioned. Moved by the emergency arising from the double refusal of Mr. Wynter and Mr. Maddock, I recollected an interchange of letters which took place last year between a clergyman and myself ; and I mentioned the fact to Mr. Simeon and Mr. "Wynne. I take the liberty of enclosing a copy of the letters, by which your Lordship will see that he holds opinions about colonization congenial with your own. His courage in so writing to me, an utter stranger, led me to suppose at the time that he is of the sort of men who alone are capable of important achievements. Since then he has married a Tas- manian heiress, the only child of poor Sir John Franklin, and I have heard a good deal about him from friends of hers, clergymen in Suffolk, who are friends of his most intimate friend, Dr. Nixon, the chivalrous and masterly Bishop of Tasmania. He is a gentleman by birth as well as manners, and is, I hear, fast making a reputation in the Church. I never saw him till to-day, when, after some conversation with Mr. Simeon and Mr. Wynne, I fouud boldness to call upon him, and tell him the state of the Canterbury Bishopric question. He received me very cordially, expressed the warmest interest in the undertaking, and spoke in high terms of Dr. Selwyn's friend Mr. Abraham, whom he thought ex- cellently fit for such an office. I explained to him that the subject was long ago mentioned to Mr. Abraham, who had already made his election to carry on the work of grafting the Church on to the fading Natives, instead of planting it along with the English race. He saw at once the force of this important distinction, and then said that the task of the Can- terbury Bishop was indeed great and noble. His conver- sation and manner (not to mention his fine person) impressed 26 258 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. me with a belief that he is of the class of leaders of men. I told him that I was nobody ; that what I said was nothing but my own talk, uttered without official concert with any one, and even without the knowledge of your Lordship, the real head of the Canterbury affair, to whom I was all but a stranger : and then, with many apologies for having intruded upon him, I asked him, as I was then ill and worn out, to let me know on Monday whether he would like to hear more on the subject. If he should say " Yes," it may be inferred (but more from the manner than the words of our conversation) that he would be disposed, not only to take, but to avow his intention of taking, the vacant office : for I fully explained the emer- gency and the want of a man having not only the theological and episcopal qualities, the colonizing spirit, the right sort of wife, and the private fortune, but also the courage to run, for his Church's sake, some risk of being laughed at in case the endowment should not come as soon as is expected. If he should not express a wish to see me again, my con- versation with him will go for nothing : the same if your Lordship should not ask to see his letter. I thus hope to have done as much as the emergency and the pressure of time dictated, without placing myself or any body else in an improper position. Beigate, 14th April, 1850. MY DEAR EiNTotrt,, You may have heard that " the Guarantee " has accomplished its object. It will enable the Association to publish some such letter as the enclosed draft, which pray take the trouble to read. I will call for it shortly before eleven, on my way to Charing Cross to morrow. I am not sure whether I told you that although Lord Lyttelton and Simeon are jointly and severally liable for the 15,000, that is only because there were not enough people E. G. WAEEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 259 disposed to sign for dividing the liability into respective sums. This for Sir W. J., in case you have not already informed him of the exact state of the case. I am in hopes that the meeting on "Wednesday may justify Spectator in giving Canterbury a lift. Think of my being in London every day, and hard at work ! It is not because I am well, but because I can't resist the temptation to help in saving what will go to pot if I don't help. [ENCLOSURE in above.] (Circular Letter from the Committee of the Canterbury Association, to intending purchasers of land who have already paid money into the Banker's hand.) MEMOBANDTTM for MB. BEITTAW. A representation from . the Colonists to the Committee, setting forth the ill effects of lincertainty as to the character and opinions of the Bishop. This in some detail, with a state- ment of the facts concerning the manner in which the under- taking is maligned by several parties in the Church, each of which seems to expect that the Bishop and Clergy of the settlement will be men holding views antagonistic to its own. It is a serious impediment, which at one time there appeared to be only one means of removing ; that is, by the announce- ment of the Bishop by name. The disappointment of Mr. "Wynter's wish to be the Bishop prevents this just now : but it has occurred to the Colonists that another means might be employed as effectually. This is a public assurance by the Association that in recommending a gentleman to the notice of the Primate and Her Majesty's Government, they will use their best endeavours to select one who shall be pleasing to the First Body of Colonists, and in possession of their confidence and respect. 260 THE FOUNDEES OF CANTEEBUEY. THE LOED LTTTELTON. Eeigate, 15th April, 1850. MY DEAE LOED, To-day I came to a complete under- standing with Mr. Brittan as to what will satisfy the Colo- nists. It is embodied in the draft of a proposed letter from the Committee, which I beg leave to enclose. It has Mr. Brittan's entire concurrence. In drawing it with his co- operation as to tender points for the Colonists who want to get away, I seized the opportunity (a natural and easy one) of stating all the changes it is desirable to make, and of announcing the principal change from contingency to cer- tainty. If your Lordship should approve of this letter, and if the Committee will then be so good as to pass it without material alteration, it ought, I think, to be printed to-morrow, so as to be of service at the meeting, where it might be distributed, and some of it perhaps read aloud. I have taken the pains to weigh all of it ; because it would form the basis of the new articles of Terms of Purchase, and would, in fact, mark the new starting point of the Association under more favourable circumstances. As to-morrow's proceedings of the Committee will be very important, I intend to be at Charing Cross at eleven o'clock, with the hope of seeing your Lordship before the Committee shall meet. All sorts of matters relating to the meeting have been attended to to-day, including some precautions for having a good Report in all the papers except the Times. An article in the Times as well as a Eeport would be most valuable, and would very likely result from a proper appli- cation in the right quarter. Articles in some other papers have been secured. THE LOED LYTTELTON. Eeigate, Tuesday morning, 16th April. MY DEAE LOED, I had a line from Mr. Gell, expressing his wish to see me again ; but have not kept it. And I now E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 261 resolve to send my brother to him (in whose judgment and word he has confidence), to express his (my brother's) firm persuasion that a large extent of land will be sold. With respect to the appointment, I, of course, shall hold no more communication with him. I will mention one point now, on which I intended to dwell in conversation. It is that the Bishop's way in the colony would be smoothed, and his power maximized, if he should obtain the respect and regard of the leading colonists before being chosen for them by another body. In Mr. Wynter's case (and in Mr. Maddock's through faith in Wynter) this was done. The announcement of a total stranger as having been selected would startle them, and rouse the Englishman's blood. Wednesday, 17th April. Mr DEAR FI:TZ&EBA.LD, I took for granted you would take for granted that Brittan and I, with 's sanction, had settled the right thing for a Notification. If we had con- sulted you, who had already undertaken more than you could possibly get through, the Paper would not have been done in time. There must be a division of employments. The most urgent and important thing was the Notification : if Brittan and I (who are intimately acquainted with the Terms of Purchase and the feelings of the colonists) had called you (who are not) to help, it would have taken a long time to explain for your information ; you, with your hands already full, would have neglected something else ; and the important object would have been defeated after all. As it was, we had but just time to be ready for Lord Lyttelton. I have not time or strength for further apology. I never heard of a more flighty proceeding than for Hutt to take you to Harington to confer about shipping. If you go as private people, well : but if as members of the Com- mittee, there is no doing business in this way. 262 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. There are things to be done of the greatest urgency, of which I shall bring a list to Charing Cross. But really you must trust to me in these matters, not requiring me to write beforehand with long explanations. I am old and experienced, you young and quite without expe- rience in such things : and besides, I have not an atom of strength to spend on anything but essentials. It will be difficult enough to get the thing done, but it may be if I am let alone, and cheerfully helped as much as possible. You must not lecture me. After the 30th of June, you may manage yourself ; and I will ask no questions. Here's a waste of strength writing all this. (Confidential.) Eeigate, Friday morning, 19th April. MY DEAR WYNTER, I am very glad that we met yester- day ; for I had fancied that you were over-bored by me and shy of seeing me, which distressed me not a little. Seeing you as warm as ever about Canterbury, I want to talk about the all-important Church matters ; with respect to which I am quite in the dark, whilst others, far less inte- rested and concerned, have information which they say they cannot communicate because it has been confidentially com- municated to them. This, of course, is_not pleasant. Is it quite fair ? But my only object now in writing is to let you know what it is that I purposed mentioning to you on Sunday afternoon, and to beg that you will prevent me from going, if you have the least objection to conversing with me on the subject. Eeigate, 19th April, 1850. MY DEAR BELLAIRS, My time is so fully engaged, going to Town every day and working at both shops, that I can only write briefly and in haste. E. G. WAKEFIELB'S LETTEES. 263 It is very unfortunate, if you really desire the temptation for your father, that you were not at St. Martin's Hall, where the three men met whom 1 have induced to act in the matter, and wondered at not seeing you. What can I say to them ? That you have changed your mind twice, and that I really cannot say with confidence where you are in the matter now. The only remedy is for you to take your own business in hand, if you care about it enough, You can see any of the three men when you please Lyttelton, Norwich, and John Abel Smith. I had rather not meddle further. I took a fancy to you for a friend at starting, and have, I fear, been too friendly ; that is, of too abounding a confidence and desire to have you for a brother-colonist ; so that you may have been led to misinterpret my object, and fancy that you were absolutely needed for the public object. That was not the public object. That was not the case : my great confidence and intimacy arose from individual liking ; and you have behaved in return as if you thought I wanted to make use of you. Even now, by this perfect frankness, I am treating you as a valued friend. Thank God, the affair now needs the help of no individual. But if you wish to go, and feel sure that you shall not be again rebuffed by some adverse circum- stances, then I would say, come at once to London and pro- ceed to Belgrave Square, My part in it was done, according to promise, long ago. THE LOED LYTTELTON. Eeigate, 19th April, 1850. MY DEAE LOED, After a four hours' discussion at the New Zealand House, the proposed alterations in the Terms of Purchase were unofficially adopted ; and as Mr. Cox was present approving as we went along, and he took away a draft of the proposed new Terms, it is expected that the official sanction of Company and Government will be given on Monday, if not to-morrow. 261 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTEBBUBY. There is nothing else pew of much importance ; but the number of applicants for information has been considerable to-day ; and every thing looks well. WILLIAM HUTT, Esq., M.P. Beigate, 20th April, 1850. MY DEAB HUTT, Notwithstanding my sense of the ex- treme disagreeableness of meddling with what does not pro- perly concern one, I resolved yesterday, after some talk with John Simeon, to tell you that in our opinion your brother is ruining his health by attending to the Canterbury matter. I conclude you know that he has resigned the Chairmanship of the Committee of Management. Yet he works away as if he were still mainly responsible, after a course has been adopted to which he had insuperable objections. And his health suffers visibly. I was quite pained to see him yesterday at the New Zealand House, and am sure that if you had seen him you would neither be displeased nor surprised at my writing to you about him. I have a strong regard for him, but am afraid to speak to himself, because he would resent it, and his irritation might be increased. If you want to judge for yourself, as is very desirable, you might be present, un- officially as I am, at one of the meetings ; when you would see that he has not strength to bear the strain and excitement of business. He sinks under it and becomes, to my expe- rienced eyes, fearfully ill. My hope is that you may persuade him to rest, as I did when work threatened to operate like poison. At any rate, perhaps you will speak to Simeon. Ever yours most truly, E. Gr. WAKEFIELD. Reigate, Thursday. MY DEAB WYKTEB, We must do as well as we can a common resource in this world. My reception must go on for Saturday and Sunday ; and I hope you will meet my party E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 265. here at dinner on Saturday at six, when you can yourself invite whom you please to dine at Grattou on Monday. I saw the Bishop of Norwiqh to-day, who admires your plan of a quasi-election by those who are by far the most deeply interested. It promises to make all smooth and comfortable. Very large meeting of Colonists to-day, with several new recruits. Even if you can't come to dinner on Saturday or rather at some quieter time before Tuesday I must see you about symptoms, which I perceived to-day, of the Canterbury Assp r ciation getting into sharp theological trouble, and quite needlessly. London, Thursday, 25th April, 1850. MY DEAB JOHN A. SMITH, I have just left the Bishop of Norwich. He is perfectly satisfied by his inquiries ; thinks the gentleman most unexceptionable ; and is ready to accom- pany you and Lord L. on a visit to Lord Grey. I am sure Lord L. will come to Town on purpose. Eeigate, Friday night, 26th April, 1850. MY DEAB FiTzGrEBALD, I forgo.t to suggest the, exper diency of giving, in the Report, a much fuller list of names than appeared in the newspaper Reports. But they should all be names of some mark, except those of a few colonists, such as Brittan's, the Rev. Dr. Rowley's, &c. Don't omit Wynter's : but indeed the names of all Members of the Asso- ciation who were present should appear. Among the attached advertisements there should be one of Felix's, now in the papers, of the Canterbury Papers with contents, &c. &c. Tours truly, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. I can find nothing in Sidney's speech that it is worth while to contradict. Myself, I would not touch it. 266 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBUBY. Eeigate, Saturday, 27th April. MY DEAB FITZGERALD, As you wiU probably have time, I would suggest the, wisdom of showing the Preface ta Eintoul. "Whether or not it meet his ideas, I have no con-, ception. According to. my view, that part of it which relates to contradicting Sidney, should be left out, because I see nothing in Sidney's speech that it is worth while to contra- dict. Excep.t for some manifestly useful purpose, it is far better that there should be no preface. If you could get Eintoul himself to write a short description of the meeting a sort of critical estimate of it that would be very useful. Tours truly, E. Q-. WAKEFIELD, Eeigate, Saturday night, 4th May. MY DEAR MR. BRITTAN, A thought strikes me which may prove a bright one. Sp I put it on paper to-night, in order that you may to-morrow submit it to Mr. Jackson, if Albert Allom, who, is going to St. Paul's, should be able to find you there. The next public occasion for helping on Canterbury will be a meeting at Ipswich, for the purpose of forming a branch of the Canterbury Association for Suffolk. The Bishop of the diocese (Norwich) is to preside ; and the time is some day not yet fixed, in the "Whitsuntide holidays. Now, Ipswich is a great focus of dissent and of lowest Church ill-will to Canterbury. It is a grand field, therefore, for the exercise of our Bishop's peculiar talents. "With his courage and eloquence, he would overcome the enemy in a stronghold ; and the effect, elsewhere as well as there, would be great. The whole management of the meeting should go on the principle of giving Mr. Jackson a grand opportunity. I feel sure the Bishop of Norwich will lend himself to this ; and Mr. "Wynter, to whom I mentioned the subject this morning, almost promises that the Dean of Canterbury (who E. G. WAKEFIE^D'S LETTEE8. 267 was long settled at Hadleigh, in Suffolk) would be there to assist. We could procure a large attendance of friends, and a great number of others would attend from curiosity, whom it would be our Bishop's task to enlighten and persuade. His success (of which I feel confident) would be a great triumph for the cause : and to that triumph we would give the utmost eclat by carefully attending to the business of preparation for the meeting. If you have a good opportunity to-morrow, mention the, idea to Mr. Jackson. If he thinks well of it, I will see the, Bishop of Norwich immediately, and set all the county ma- chinery to work. The mere proposal to the Bishop of Nor- wich and Lord Ly^telton might expedite the measure for giving Mr. Jackson the character at least of Bishop Designate. I intend to be at Charing Cross at eleven on Tuesday, but, if necessary, should be glad to hear from you by parcel early pn Monday, when I shall probably see Lord Lyttelton either at Brighton or here. Tours very truly, E. GK Reigate, 7th May, 1850. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, Lest I should not find you to- day before your Committee meets, I write in answer to yours of yesterday. Full occupation has hindered me from properly considering the Emigration Rules, except on one point ; and indeed, that did not require consideration. It is the separation of the Rules from the Application. The bad effects of separating them are not easily foreseen, but would be most serious. In numerous instances that is, whenever there was the least discontent the emigrant would deny the validity of the Rules by denying that they were part of his agreement. There is but one way of making them part of his agreement j 268 THE POUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. and that is by letting them be so mechanically. It is a fundamental point of great importance. But in this and many other paints, it is most desirable that you should sjt down with rne and Bowler to quiet discussion. I ca.nnot discuss such matters in the hurry-skurry of the Charing Cross Office. I can only do it comfortably here, I am unwilling to attempt it with the, Sub- Committee : it is far better that you should master the subject, in both generals and particulars, by carefully investigating it with Bowler and me. I have (after four years' rest), more faith in Bowler's judgment than my own, and should be unwilling to say either Yes, or No on any point without hearing what h.e had to say about it. J. would therefore suggest a postponement of decision by your Committee, till after we three shall have met here in peace, and really " considered " the subject. But of course you would not give this reason for postponement, as I wish, to be kept out of the way as much as possible. The Kev. THOMAS J^CKSON^ Training College, Battersea. Beigate, 7th May, 1850. MY DEA.R SIR, In consequence of Mr. Brittan's intimation of your readiness to take part in the intended proceedings of the Canterbury Association at Ipswich, Mr. Wynter and I waited on the Bishop of Norwich this morning. His Lord- ship, besides conferring with Mr. Wynter on matters re- lating to yourself, which it is not my business to report, though I was much gratified by being one of the first to hear of them, entered warmly into the idea of making the Ipswich meeting (which is fixed for Monday the 27th instant) serve for enlightening and moving the Eastern Counties generally, by means of preparing for it on a large scale, and of pre- senting you to the public on that occason in the character of the future Bishop. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 269 The Committee of the Association, Afterwards, at Mr. Wynter's suggestion, resolved to incur the expenses requisite for gathering attendance at the meeting from the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and Essex. I am now, therefore, desirous of consulting you personally on the subject. There are other matters also ; which I should be glad of an opportunity of mentioning to you, because you are now virtually, though not yet in form, the leader of the colony which is preparing to depart, and which on very many points Will hesitate in coming to conclusions without your sanction. The state of my health prevents me from going to London when the task can be avoided : but I am going thither on Thursday, and would wait upon you at any time and place that you may fix, after eleven o'clock. I remain, my dear Sir, Very faithfully and truly yours, E. GK WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 8th May, 1850. MY DEA& J. A. SitttH, I am going to Town to-morrow by appointment, and shall write to you afterwards, proposing to meet somewhere on Friday. Meanwhile, I must communicate a thought which has been uppermost since yesterday. It is, that if what you said to me about Lord Lyttelton could be communicated to him, so that he should feel that he had the power, by means of a sacrifice, of putting New Zealand colonization on the best possible footing, his strong sense of right would very likely induce him to make the sacrifice. It is one thing to consider such a question hypothetically, with an " if " ; another to decide it practically, when it is put thus " You may if you will." My own impression is that he would say " Yes," if he knew beforehand that his offer would not be rejected. 270 THE FOtTNDEBS OF CATTTEEBTTEY. THE LOBD LYTTELTON. Eeigate, 8th May, 1850. MY DEAE LOUD, A question has been raised about takirig up a Canterbury ship for the 1st of September. The effect would be very good and great, as a following-up of the important proceedings at St. Martin's Hall, by adding to the reality which was then given to the affair. Mr. Brittan pledges himself to fill a ship of the largest class. But such a ship (and one of the finest in the merchant service, a teak- built Indiaman of 1400 tons, is now open to engagement) might be so engaged as not to bind the Association abso- lutely. She might be conditionally engaged, but fitted upj and laid open to inspection by the public, as if absolutely engaged. I am very desirous of going further into this subject with your Lordship. Eeigate, 8th May, 1850. MY DEAE ME. ADDEELEY, Tour messenger gives me no time for drafting both Resolutions ; for I suppose that you think of two, because Mr. Gladstone's goes for delay, yours for expedition. So I send such an enlargement, rather than any thing else, of Mr. Gladstone's, as would, I think, make it palatable to the colonists, and better understood by the indif- ferent public at home. If you tell Mr. Gladstone that I had any hand in it, please to add the above statement, and to say that I had not time for sufficient reflection. By td-hight's post from Eeigate I will send to the same address a draft of the other Resolution as you propose it. enclosed. That on comparing the alternative evils of either more delay in bestowing constitutions of representative government on the colonies of Australia, or framing such constitutions E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 271 without really consulting colonial opinion on the subject, it appears probable that the colonists would rather suffer the delay than the many and lasting bad effects of such legis- lation ; wherefore this House is of opinion that, except with regard to what may be necessary for guarding the interests of Port Philip as distinct from those of New South "Wales, which ought to be immediately secured by a separate Act, it is not expedient to proceed further with the Australian Colonies Government Bill until the Governors, Legislatures, and People of the said Colonies shall have had time to consider the provisions of the Bill, in comparison with the several proposals varying therefrom which have been submitted to the notice of this House. Eeigate, 8th May, 1850, MY DEAB MB. ADDEBLET, The enclosed draft realizes, I hope, the intention of your rough note. It is long, but could not well be shorter, to be, as it ought to be, explanatory of its object. Of course it would only be moved in case Mr. Gladstone's were rejected ; and this perhaps ought to be expressed in the notice. I have felt uncomfortable at working without a fuller knowledge of your object. But, at the worst, this Eesolution would surely be very agreeable to the colonies ; and either it or Mr. Gladstone's would lay a good foundation for opposition in the Lords, if indeed the Lords should care a straw about the subject, which I think improbable. BESOLTTTION enclosed in the above. That whereas some provisions of the Australian Colonies Government Bill are based on the following assumptions that final legislation by the Imperial Parliament is inexpe- dient by reason of a deficiency of information in this country 272 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. as to the state of colonial opinion, that the delay occasioned by waiting for ample information on the subject would be mischievous, and that the evils both of delay and of finally legislating without sufficient information may be averted by means of delegating to the colonies some important powers of constituent legislation therefore this House is of opinion that the said Bill is self-contradictory in making the exercise of such powers of constituent legislation subject to the sanc- tion of the Imperial Government, and that the same ought to have immediate and final effect in the colonies without the hurtful delays of reference to the Colonial Office in London, and the still more objectionable risk of disallowance by that distant authority. REVEREND THOMAS JACKSON. Eeigate, llth May, 1850. MY DEAR SIR, On looking at the Charter of the Canter- bury Association this morning, I found a passage of which a copy is enclosed. It seems to show that the founders of the Association fully contemplated the receipt of funds from other sources than the sale of land. You will find the Charter at page 248 of the New Zealand Papers, presented to Parliament this year. Eeigate, 12th May, 1850. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, If you should be so fortunate as to pass the Emigration Eules to-morrow, it would be very satisfactory to see the enclosed advertisement in the papers on Tuesday. Indeed, there would be no harm in advertising this at once ; for you must have done with the Regulations in a day or two. I have drafted the advertisement with a view to general purposes, which it would help not a little, as E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 273 exhibiting reality and progress. Nearly half of May is out ; and nothing has yet been done for the public but getting rid of the fatal contingency. "With this advertisement out, and one for tenders of ships, and another addressed to cabin pas- sengers, we should be moving. Bowler has prepared one for the cabin class. "We so knocked about the Emigration Eules on Saturday, that I should like to have a glance at the last proof before it returns to the printer : but do not stop the press for that : expedition is the grand point. Reigate, Tuesday night. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, The Ipswich meeting advertise- ment ought to appear in the London Papers once, not omitting the Weekly and Eeligious Papers. Pray get Bowler autho- rized to that effect. I am going into Suffolk myself on Thursday next, to organize the Meeting. Tours ever, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Stoke by Nayland, 19th May. DEAR MR. JACKSON, Mr. Torlesse has handed to me the letter from yourself which he received this morning. Although as the important question of emigration is now submitted to him for the first time, he must needs ask for a few days to reflect upon it, I cannot let a post go by without writing to thank you for your letter to him, and to say that if it should not be in his power to avail himself of your offer, I shall consider myself laid under the same personal obligation to you, as if he had accepted it, for you have, both in substance and manner, completely granted my request. I went to Ipswich on Friday, with Mr. Torlesse, and found reason to hope that, on Tuesday next, there will be formed a Committee of the Clergy and Gentry of the town and neighbourhood, for 27 274 THE FOTINDEBS OP CAffTEBBTTBY. conducting the meeting on the 30th, in which all parties, even men of extremely different views, will meet to co-operate on neutral ground. I shall be in London at the Colonists' Booms to-morrow from tbree to four, and again on Tuesday at eleven. On the latter day I would either wait for you or go to you anywhere you may fix, in order to mention several particulars about the state of information (or rather ignorance) and feeling in these counties with respect to New Zealand and Canterbury, a knowledge of which you may turn to account in the great address which we all expect you to make at Ipswich. Believe me to remain, with repeated thanks, Very faithfully yours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, Saturday morning. MY DEAB WYHTEB, If I were not going to London to meet Mr. G. and Lords L. and C. on the greater New Zea- land question, I should have taken the enclosed to you, though I trust you will be induced to give Jackson this help without persuasion from me. I shall try to see you to-morrow afternoon, but send this now in order that you may write a line to Jackson by to-day's post, which by the new arrangements he will get on Monday morning. Tours very truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. (ENCLOSUBE in above.) (Private.) E. G. WAKEFIEXD, Esq. 23, Cornmarket Street, Oxford, 23rd May, 1850. MY DEAB SIB, I am here in Oxford, making enquiries relative to the best means of obtaining a satisfactory donation E. 0. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 275 from the tfniversity Chest, in behalf of the new Christchurch College. I much want Mr. "Wynter to join me here on Monday. Can you help me in persuading him to come ? His help will be very valuable. Ever yours truly, THOMAS JACKSON. Beigate, Saturday night. DEAB MB. JACKSON, You have, I conclude, received the Ipswich Journal, with the report of your speech ; and a miserable report it is. Indeed, it is to me, having heard the speech, a report of something else than what you said : and the worst of it is, that the best parts are the most spoiled. My object, therefore, in* writing to you, is to afford any aid that may be in my power towards making a good report. Tour memory may, I trust, have enabled you to record the most important passages : but as I recollect them almost verbatim, I have thought it worth while to say this, in case you should be aware of any deficiency in your own report which I might be able to supply. DBAFT of a LETTEB from the COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT to MB. GODLET, given to LOBD LTTTELTON. Tuesday, 18th June, 1850. SIB, With reference to my letter of the , relating to Mr. Brittan, 1 am instructed by the Committee of Management to inform you that, whilst they adhere to the principle of abstaining from interference with your judgement and discretion in the selection of persons to be employed in their service at Canterbury, they are desirous of giving you as good means as they themselves possess of forming an opinion with regard to Mr. Brittan's qualifications for holding an important office under you. 276 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. I am therefore desired to mention that this gentleman has taken, naturally as it were, the position of leader of the Body of Colonists who are now preparing to depart from England as the founders of the settlement. His popularity and in- fluence with them, and the marked confidence with which they regard him, have manifestly been occasioned by no design on his part to win their good opinion, but have resulted from their own observation of his valuable and amiable qualities : and I am directed to assure you that the very favourable m impression which he has made on the Colo- nists has been so fully extended to the Committee that they would not have hesitated, if the entire responsibility of making local appointments had not been deliberately imposed upon you, to place Mr. Brittan in the most important trust and position, next to your own, in the local administration of the affairs of the Association. The Committee are unwilling to dwell on the services which Mr. Brittan has rendered to them in the execution so far of their difficult task, because it is not on the ground of reward for past services that they think you would properly act in this case, in which superior capacity should be the only recommendation : but they place before you the fact of Mr. Brit tan's assiduous and very useful labours in the organi- zation of the colonists, and in acting as a medium of commu- nication between the Colonists and the Committee, as the best possible evidence of his ability and worth. "With these remarks, however, the Committee leave the subject in your hands, in order that your power in such matters may be as unfettered as in justice it ought to be, considering that you have to bear the weight of an un- limited and undivided responsibility. Eeigate, 22nd June, 1850. MY DEAR GODLEY, In order to avert pressure for time at the end, which mars all, I already begin to write for the Phoebe Dunbar. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 277 The topics are so many, and my strength, or rather weak- ness, so occupied that I must impose on you the task of finding out the meaning of but few words. And, indeed, between us it ought to be verbum sap. After all the trouble, my infidelity to Canterbury has totally missed its aim. No advantage for New Zealand in general and universal colonization will be taken of the death of the Company on the 5th proximo. All depended at last on your posthumous correspondent. The Company was ready to yield all, provided he would have taken the lead in a reconstruction of New Zealand affairs. Of course an Act of Parliament was indispensable ; and this could not have been obtained without the special aid in the Commons of his mastery of the subject. Neither could the Act have been worked, when got, half so well by any other man as by him. He is the only man with great Parliamentary talents and position, who holds the true faith. Netherby has the talents and position, but * * * * . So, of fitting men not in office, your P. C. was the only one we could think of. If he had consented he would, to use his own words, have had the working of a special Colonial Office for New Zealand. Fancy a Colonial Office for New Zealand bent on carrying into effect the true faith ! It was too good to come true. Tour P. C. refused. Perhaps he suspected Whiggery of intending to occupy him, and so nullify his general opposition to them ; but if so, why not ? He would have been doing great work, and, when he spoke, would have spoken realities. If a trap was intended (as it probably was), not he, but they, would have been caught in it, I think. That he was over shy is not surprising ; for there was risk : but when was anything really great ever accomplished without risk ? Moreover, and no wonder, he could not bear to touch the Company, even for the purpose of putting it out of existence : he shrunk away from the defilement of that very stinking pitch. And thus my dream of making New Zealand a model, as respects both colonization and government, has come to an end. Whether 278 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY, or not in technical form, the Company will be broken up in July, and superseded by the Colonial Office. Every thing in New Zealand will be in a mess, except only Canterbury as respects land only. And there is no chance, I fear, of another opportunity so great and favourable as that which has been lost. The missing of it was a bitter disappointment to me, besides the distraction of my thoughts from Canterbury at a time when it needed that close attention which, in my present feeble state, I can only give when I do one thing at a time. At any rate the Canterbury affair is a pleasanter theme : but I will commence with some disagreeables. The baronetcy fell through. After infinite pains had been taken to get the promise, the old gentleman wanted the thing lefore he emigrated. This was impossible, and would have been useless besides : for if his demand had been complied with, the promise of a mark of honour for doing a public service would have been degraded into a bargain for a title on the one hand and a sale of land on the other. Since the negotiation was broken off, the family have given indications of a wish to renew it ; but I did not respond, having had enough of them when they got me to " make fools " of Lord Lyttelton, the Bishop of Norwich, and Lord Grey. It was really a great point gained to get the Hinds principle adopted ; and Canterbury would have gained largely by being the subject of its first application. And further, the retreat of young , after publicly announcing himself as a colonist, has been very hurtful to us. The same sort of injury has been done us by my connexion, ; and it is greater in degree, because the renegade has turned preacher against Canterbury ; and his connexions are far more numerous and influential than those of the small squire. You won him, or rather his wife ; but when she had completely overcome his Low-Church scruples, his own family made a dead set at him, and frightened him with Papish bugaboos, till at last he bolted quite out of sight. No loss, you'll say. Truly : but, on the other hand, his defection E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 279 has proved very mischievous, because his kith and kin abuse us in order to excuse him. The impediments and drawbacks have been serious. After my letter by the Eden, I need only say of the Jackson trouble, that he is such a host at work the hardest sort of work that he wins his way by storm. I mean his personal way, by making a favourable impression wherever he goes. As respects the episcopacy of Canterbury, it is as I feared it would be : the Church Settlement is, to a great extent, lost in the Island See. As the Settlement alone has ecclesiastical funds, the Bishop must needs beg for the rest of the Island ; and a most masterly beggar he is. But this is not exactly what we desired : for it is like a common colonial episcopate infinitely too large in area, and only maintainable by begging. Neither (putting Church matters aside) does it conduce to the enlistment of good colonists. We ought to have taken higher ground, and might have taken the highest that of refusing eleemosynary aid if the See had been confined to the Settlement. Then why, I hear you ask notwithstanding my previous account of this mistake, was the See extended to the Island ? I partly told you before, but may now add that the objections to this step were not seen till the time had gone by for giving effect to them. They were not seen till Jackson had set his heart on the larger See, which he supposed to have been offered to him. It was a most critical time when this question arose. Two Bishops had already been announced and withdrawn : the risk of a third refusal after announce- ment was too great to be run : and so we (or at least I did) reluctantly swallowed the unpalatable measure of a too-large, vulgar, make-believe, episcopate. It was a case of doing as well as you can without liking it ; the commonest of cases in this world, where people, and especially such fastidious people as the Godley lot, should be content when they get much less than their desires. For the unavoidable short-coming I know of but one remedy, which I suggested to Mr. Jackson by way 280 THE FOUNDERS OF CAJTTEEBUET. of preventive, but he would not take it ; namely, making the whole Island an Arch-episcopate, with Jackson for Arch- bishop, and Bishops for Canterbury, Nelson, &c. But this is too far off to engage anybody's thoughts now. There has continued unabated the monster drawback of no official organ of the Association. You can form no just con- ception of the bad effects. While John Hutt was Chairman he was both legislature and executive, all by himself ; and he did nothing but to use a former simile " cut holes in the bottom of the ship," being out of his mind. So we shot him down. But since he disappeared, there has only been a legislature. The decisions of the Committee are sagacious, brave, earnest, and pertinent ; but their execution is almost nil. Nay more, that important part of executive business which consists of timely preparation for legislation, is any- body's business, and therefore nobody's. Or rather it is done by anybody in a strange scrambling way, because it is no- body's business in particular. The whole thing would break up if Lord Lyttelton, Simeon, and Sir Walter James did not stick to it, legislatively speaking, as if their all were at stake. It is as if the Government of England consisted of a good House of Commons without a Ministry. There never was such an institution before, as a corporation so important as this, without an able, responsible, and trusted Secretary. Poor old Alston is no younger nor wiser than when you saw him last He really performs none of the functions of Secre- tary ; and the whole of them would be unperformed if Lord Lyttelton did not undertake a good many of them when he is at the office. Except what he does, the executive part is all make-shift work, got through somehow, and but in small part, by such means as irresponsible services, first of Fitz Gerald and now of Brittan as members of the Committee, and of intrusive aid by anybody, myself included, who is willing to take some of the Secretary's proper work. So of course it is all a great scramble, only saved from failure by the amateurs' honesty aud zeal of purpose. The evil is generally seen, and B. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 281 by some much complained of ; but nobody proposes the only- efficient remedy the appointment of a capable Secretary. I think if there had been one there three months ago, the body of colonists would have been two or three times aa large as it is now. Head-quarters is the proper place for enlisting colo- nists, being the place to which all enquirers naturally go in the first instance. But from that place namely, the office of the Association, 20, Cockspur Street enquirers have been repelled by lazy, twaddling, nincompoopery, except when by chance they happened to light upon a member qf the Com- mittee or other good- willed amateur. You will remember the case of ' : there have been many like it : and though it is difficult to get at these eases, enough of them are heard of to establish a suspicion that perhaps hundreds of good people have been repulsed, and not a ew of them made detractors, who would have been good colonists if they had been properly received at head-quarters. But I hope that this may soon be remedied : for the time is at hand when the public men of the Committee will be leaving town, and a substitute for them must be provided. There has been talk of making colonists members of the Committee, because they would work, having a personal interest : bnt there are, I think, fatal objections to this plan, the main ones being first that though colonists would work, they would have no weight from station and character as Lyttelton and Co. have ; and secondly, that they would be suspected of working only for their own interests as first colonists, without regard to those of subsequent colonists, as they would very likely do in fact, if they got possession of the Committee-room. The difficulty is to find a ready-made Secretary. I see one who has all tha qualities except knowledge of the subject, which he is ac- quiring ; but then he is an intending colonist. At present I think of suggesting him to Lord Lyttelton, who might perhaps induce him to take office for six months, which would be an important benefit to the whole affair. As respects government, there ia only the bad news of no 282 THE FOUNDERS OP CAtfTEBBUBY. news. The state of the general subject you will gather from newspapers, &o. It shows more than ever that the Colonial Office can have its own way in spite of anything that anybody here may do to the contrary. We have no colonial public and never shall have one. Redress for the colonies can only be got by themselves. The Cape for ever is now my only thought. You will conclude therefore that I have no hope of a good, separate, provincial government for Canterbury. It will be tried for, but in vain, I think. If I should be agree- ably disappointed, it will be by means of the fine body of colonists whom we may expect to see preparing to depart in the first week of September. The fact of the emigration of such a colony may move opinion at home to operate on Lord Grey as we wish. This brings me to an agreeable topic. Assuredly nothing in modern times is to be compared to our first body of colonists, actual and probable. In spite of all impediments and drawbacks, this part of the work will prosper. It is hard work, and facilitated by nothing but the religious ele- ment. But its very success makes one nervous. Tou know it is constitutional with me to be more afraid of prosperity than adversity more depressed by success than defeat : and this may be at the bottom of my anxious fears lest our most prosperous beginning in the enlistment of good colonists should be nipped in the bud by some untoward event. A trifle could do this great mischief, because buds are essentially tender and liable to destruction by the slightest cause. So I watch the recruiting service with intense interest. Tou may be sure that I know the state of the case, actual and probable. It is very satisfactory and more promising. Con- sidering the difficulties it is really wonderful. I feel certain that if no great error be committed in any quarter, there will be sent out this year, and resident at Lyttelton in 1851, a far more important colony than were, in the first year of their existence, all those put together with which I have been personally concerned, namely, Adelaide, Wellington, New E. G. WAKEFIELD*S LETTEBS. 283 Plymbuth, Nelson, and Otago. I speak advisedly. Even now, we beat either Adelaide or Wellington hollow ; and I am persuaded that on the average, for every higher-class colonist who has taken the shilling, there are eight or ten who are taking beer. The enlisting process is slow, but sure in proportion. The plan somehow repels desperate and bad people, such as commonly form a large proportion of the materials of a new settlement. Those whom it attracts are circumspect, cautious, and slow to decide. But then this, which is the real foundation of all, is real and solid, not puffed out and apt to burst. I am not acquainted with a single emigrant who goes as a money-grubbing speculator, though of course there must be some. "We are sure that nearly all go to do something as a steady pursuit most of them to cultivate the earth, breed horses and cattle, and grow wool. This is chiefly owing to the nature of the people whom the plan attracts, who are steady, prudent people, of quiet, moderate tastes, and simple habits ; but it is also a good deal owing to the agricultural and pastoral enthusiasm of Felix Van Diemen, who has infected many with his Tasmanian tastes. Besides preaching the Canterbury plan of coloni- zation, he preaches getting up with the sun, gardening, farm- ing, dining at one o'clock, teetotalism, and going to bed before night-time ; and as he does so without the least intention of making converts, he makes them at a great rate. I am sure you will have a fine horticultural show on the first anniversary : I believe you will see, not merely a nice, but a choice society of English people assembled there. Not that more than a very few of the really bettermost class in habits and manners have already declared themselves, but many of that sort families of the very nicest description (or shall I say after your own fancy) are preparing slowly, and not without pain, to take the step which will commit them. At present there is certainly too large a proportion of people who, however estimable, are deficient as respects manners good and satisfactory, but not refined and polished people : 284 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. but I feel quite sure that if no important check should occur, there will be a larger proportion of the most agreeable sort of people than one commonly finds in a country neighbourhood here. The best are the most hesitating, and need the ten- derest handling when they first allude to their own purpose. I ought to have said before, that the most novel and curious feature of the whole case is, that about five out of six, perhaps more, of the intending colonists, declared, known, and ex- pected, are truly religious people. Neither of us ever expected this to the extent in which it is now manifest. Judging by the case of the New England Pilgrimage, which this Canterbury Emigration really and truly resembles in the religious feature, the effects must be immense if nothing untoward should happen during the next two years. When I think much about it, and feel ill as usual, I grow quite afraid of not living to see the plant firmly rooted. The last topic is not foreign to that which just now mainly occupies our thoughts. This is the probable sale of land on the 1st of July. Opinions on the subject differ greatly, both in different persons and in the same person at different times. The alternate elations and depressions of opinion in the same person amuse me who have witnessed all this before, and who have quite made up my mind that the sale will be satisfactory but not very large. It might be larger and yet very unsatis- factory. You will remember the large proportion of absentee purchases at Wellington and Nelson, especially the latter. Jlere they are exactly : WELLINGTON. Sections of 100 acres sold 1000 Bought by absentees ... ... ... 595 colonists- ... ... ... 405 NELSON. Sections of 150 acres sold 432 Bought by absentees 352 colonists ... ... ... 80 It is no wonder that Nelson has stagnated. Now, I expect E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 285 that in the present case the absentee purchases will not exceed one in seven, perhaps not one in ten : it will be nearly all colonizing sale ; scarcely any of it of the merely specula- tive kind. If this expectation should be realized, of which I have no doubt, we shall have done as much as you desired, and more than we expected, in the way of giving to the sale a most satisfactory character. The whole matter has been under controul, and the plan of confining agency work to one person has completely succeeded. Nothing has been done to encourage, everything has been done to discourage, stock- exchange and other speculative purchases. I enclose a printed paper drawn up by Felix and me. This is now being cautiously circulated among the colonist class only : if the old South Australian and New Zealand speculators were to see it, and know of my hand in it, our sale might be twice or three times as great as it probably will be. But it is used so late in the day as not to allow time for putting its ideas into that class, whilst we hope that it will stimulate the colonist class. Its circulation at all is a venture ; but I am not afraid, because, without commission-pay to agents in the speculative circles, it is impossible to stimulate these classes in a short time, and Felix has in a great measure promised commission to agents in respect of sales to actual colonists only. We have also allowed the speculating classes, whom I know well, to continue in the belief, which they formed long ago, that this is not a colonizing but only a Church enterprise. I hear it is said amongst them, that they should consider buying Canter- bury land-orders the same as subscribing money to build a church or found a Bishopric in the colonies. That will do. Felix has endeavoured, however, with my aid, to induce some people to buy largely, who would not be emigrants, but would sell the land here at a profit to actual colonists. Success in this move would increase all our funds for immediate use, without hurting the colony ; but it is difficult to make the move successfully without exciting real absentee purchases ; and I almost wish nothing had been done in it. However, I 286 *HE FOUNDERS OF CANtEEBTTRT. mean to submit the whole question to Lord Lyttelton in time to let him, if he chooses, have absentee purchases stimulated as much as possible ; but I hopd he won't, and I think he won't because his personal interest in the question suggests that all means should be used to increase the sales on 1st of July. Everybody asks me how much will be sold ; but of course I am not such a goose as to answer. The estimates vary immensely ; and even Brittan, who knows most because Felix plays all probable purchasers into his hands as the leader of the colonist body, has alternate fits of elation and despondency. My own estimate I will tell you for fun ; it is about 35,000, supposing always that absentee purchases be discouraged to the end. Even that would be nearly as much as the colonist purchases at Wellington before any New Zea- land disasters had happened, and three times as much as the colonist purchases at Nelson. Taking into account this solid reality of the colonist body and the smallness of the individual purchases (very small as compared with Wellington and Nelson) in consequence of the unspeculative character of the colonists, I shall consider this sale equal in promise to a sale of two or three times the amount under ordinary circum- stances. You will see by the last number of the Canterbury papers, that the colonists have attempted a kind of self-organization. It is not very real, but on the contrary partakes largely of the character of make-believe. For this there are two reasons ; first, those who intend to emigrate this year are so deeply occupied with their own private affairs as to be really incapable of attending seriously to anything else ; and secondly that the desired organization is of necessity voluntary, not binding upon any body, and without effect. It is playing at organization and the exercise of authority. But it is not without its uses. For example, there was a pretty general opinion against the name of " Christ's Church " for the Capital of the Canterbury Settlement ; the main objection being that the application of this sacred name to a commercial E. G. WlltEFlEtD's lETfERB. 287 and political metropolis savoured either of profanity, or cant, or both. You will hardly understand this objection, because the name is associated in your mind with cricket, rowing, drinking, smoking, swearing, &c. ; but most of those to whom the name is not profanely familiarized by college recollections, preferred that the place should be called " Lyttelton." So the nascent nation divided itself into Whig and Tory about a name. But Lyttelton had it hollow. John Simeon made a manly and persuasive speech for " Christ's Church," and was supported by FitzGerald with Conway Eose ; but all the rest, I think, voted for Lyttelton, not a few of them, you may be sure, being moved by the wish to pay a compliment to him who, since the great danger of Hutt'a no-administration was discovered, has been the soul and body of the enterprise. K or is the mere appearance of organization without good effects. It reminds the colony on the move, that they ought to be lawfully organized for important purposes concerning them as a body, and that when they reach their destination, they will have to concur, differ, decide, and act in all sorts of matters of a public nature, and with results of the utmost practical importance to themselves. It thus steadies, and probably fortifies their minds and prepares them for contending with the difficulties which they will of course have to contend with. It has the further good effect of bringing out men's characters, testing their qualities, making them known to each other, and putting every one into his proper place according to his deserts. The scene is curious. It is the very beginning of the forma- tion of a new society, in which no one can take a place by means of factitious or extrinsic aid, but each must find his place according to his properties. As they are all really strangers to each other by superficial appearances, some necessarily rise too high in the scale of esteem and position, and have to be pulled down to their natural place ; whilst on the other hand, some worthy but humble natures sink too low, and have to be lifted up by the manifestation of their good qualities. The ups and downs are amusing ; the envy and 288 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. jealousy no worse than the inevitable consequences of exposing poor human nature to such a trial as she undergoes when a number of people are uprooted from their old places in society, and shaken into their relative positions of distinction and importance amongst their kind, which they will have to occupy for the rest of their lives. There has been no quarrel- ing yet ; but I suspect, judging by former cases, that the present absolute harmony will not be preserved after gentle- men shall have obtained their land orders, or, in other words, after they shall feel that the dream of half a year has been turned into a reality. It will not surprise me if then the first body, so called, shall exhibit the same evil passions as I have seen at work in other like classes ; but I do believe that in this case they will be unusually tempered by the religious element. At the worst they will be kept down by the feeling of common interest ; and there will be but little time for their operation before the chief members of the colony will be dispersed into their several ships, not to meet again for evil or for good till it will be your business to describe what happens. It is perhaps fortunate, looking so far forward, that there baa not yet appeared among the colonists any one superior enough to the rest to be capable of taking the part of leader and commander morally speaking. Unless there should turn up some man of this kind who has not yet been heard of, you will have to compound and mould the new society, and will be able (for its materials are good enough for that) to give it the impress of your own character. The future Bishop, alone of all the colonists, seems to have the qualities of a natural leader of men : and even of him I am not sure but that the qualities which mark him for a valuable instnment of the Church, do not predominate over those which would make him an original power rather than a powerful machine. I will not conclude this chapter without warning you to be on your guard with respect to a colonist who has been inadvertently too much trusted by the other leaders, and whom you will see when you receive this. The very last words of this chapter shall consist E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 289 of a promise, which I hereby make, to send you by the main fleet some estimate of the character of the principal people, such as will at least expedite the task of forming an estimate for yourself. Since the above was written I have been too much occupied and fatigued for writing more. Many things have happened, and the topics crowd upon me. I have submitted the question of absentee purchases to those who have the greatest personal interest in a large sale ; namely, Lord Lyttelton and John Simeon, who with Mr. Cavendish and myself, are the parties to the guarantee. They understood and considered the question; and Lord Lyttelton spoke. He said (I compress the meaning a little, but preserve it exactly) that it was a good, true, real colony, and that he would not have it spoiled by stimulating sales to absentees and specula- tors : things must take their course ; no stimulus should be applied. 1 told him that the amount of sales might perhaps be doubled if the means used on former occasions were employed ; but he said no ; he would rather have a solid colony of colonists than lead mere speculators into the affair by any means. John Simeon entirely concurred, as did after- wards F. V. D. who has the greatest personal interest in a large immediate sale. Nothing consequently will be done to move the Absentee class ; and as no encouragement from me or my intimates amounts to discouragement from us, who alone have influence in that market, I expect that speculative purchases will bear a very small proportion to those by colonists. It is a pity that the public spirit of the parties should not be known ; which I say without boasting because I have always regarded my signature to the guarantee as impos- ing on me no real pecuniary liability. Poor I should have to pay only when Hagley, Swainston, and Mr. Cavendish's estate could not. I am continually tempted to write about our hopes and fears with regard to things on your side ; as if that could do any good. Wherefore I will only repeat the expression of my 28 290 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTEBBTJET. confident trust that you have sacrificed every thing else to the one essential thing the survey, the survey, the survey. Every other defect could be remedied when the colonists arrive, save only that of a deficient survey. No day passes withou^ my thinking of your being there with urgent work to do, and no money. Still I fancy that somehow or other, if you all live on nothing but wild pig, you'll get enough of the survey done for enabling the first lot of colonists to choose their land satisfactorily. It is certain now that the sale on July 1st will add but little to our resources ; and indeed I have heard, though I am not sure, that an undue proportion of the miscellaneous fund has been recently promised to the Company in satisfaction of their advance for miscellaneous outlay. The thought of Thomas's roads and buildings drives me wild. But indeed both roads and buildings ought to have been secured as well as the survey ; and the whole deficiency of money must be treated as an unavoidable misfortune, unless you and I are to blame for having thought of founding with twenty-five thousand pounds a colony whose proper founda- tion on the plan adopted requires a capital of two or three hundred thousand. However, courage ! It is a good plan ; there is a good colony of people ; an excellent prospect, on this side, of the largest and best emigration that we ever hoped for ; and we Englishmen are not apt to faint. I rely on your English blood. I often say to Felix, it is well Godley is not Irish, meaning faint-hearted Celtic. The anxiety to hear from you will become intense at the beginning of next month, when we shall look out for Canterbury news by the Overland mail. Tour money destitution reminds me of the New Zealand Company. Since I mentioned it before, its end on July 5th has, I think, become inevitable. Great efforts of the smallest kind are being made to save it, but without a chance of success, I believe. If I had my own will and there were meu in the Company capable of giving effect to it, I would have them keep the Charter, stop all expenditure, prove the E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 291 fraudulent character of the terms granted to the Company in 1847, and compel the Government to go to Parliament for a reconstruction of New Zealand matters. But this course would involve upsetting the present direction, and forming another as independent of Downing Street as the Aglionby Board is completely subservient to B. Hawes ; and this is impossible. J. A. Smith and Aglionby therefore will have their way, which is to sell the Charter for some base considera- tion. It will at any rate be a comfort to have the great sham out of the way ; and I do not see how Canterbury can be affected by the change except beneficially. The first benefit will be that the sending of passenger ships to all the Southern Settlements will fall upon the Association, and many an emigrant intending to go elsewhere will stop at Canterbury as being his first landing-place. Another break since the foregoing sheets were written. Both the 1st and the 5th of July have passed. The sale of land is less by eight thousand pounds than I counted. The deficiency arose from the drawing back of some who had left no doubt of their intention to purchase ; and, strange to say, there is not a single absentee or speculative buyer. I feel no depression in consequence of the smallness of the sum realized, and hear of none in other quarters. Lord Lyttelton, with his usual courage, resolved to establish without delay, and with- out regard to other things, the main stay of the whole affair, which is the Bishopric as evidence and guarantee of religious and educational provisions. Every body, so far as I can learn, is in good spirits ; though of course the Hawes- Aglionby set crow over us, and speak of Canterbury as a miserable failure. They little know, the low-minded jobbers and Whig- hacks, where or what its roots are. The rage of some of them when I mentioned the determination to discourage specula- tion, was amusing to behold ; for they wanted the money down on the nail then, at any rate of usury as respects the future well-doing of the Settlement. I hear they say we checked the sale at last in order to withhold the money from 292 THE FOUNDEK8 OP CANTEEBUHT. the Company. Their last word in expiring (as you will see by the inclosed copy of their report) was to cast upon C. Buller the blame due to somebody for the defects and frauds of the agreement of 1847 Aglionby, sitting in the Chair of the Court of Proprietors, took pains to fix this charge upon Buller's memory. I longed to expose the ineffable meanness (for Aglionby knows that Buller hated the arrangement of 1847, and only accepted it because he could get nothing better) ; but I had only strength to propose and carry a Committee of Inquiry, which however had not the courage to report the truth though I informed them of it. I cannot recollect to have been ever so much disgusted as by the unworthy, contemptible manner of the Company's death; but the death itself is a great satisfaction. Another death has saddened every body. I believe it will have a marked effect on the national affairs. Though Peel was not liked, and not much respected, he was greatly valued as a disagreeable watch-dog may be. Our politics since the Reform Bill have been Aristocratic Conservatism and Demo- cratic Movement tempered not to say blended by Peel. Peel gone, I expect to see the naturally antagonistic parties separate into distinct and hostile camps. The "Whigs, or most of them, will go with the movement, I think : if the Tories have sense enough to go with the times to consent with a good grace to inevitable changes they will be in office and may avert a Revolution. Will Stanley be guided by Gladstone and Graham ? If not England will be in trouble ere long, I fancy. I fully intended to sail for New Zealand by one of the Canterbury ships in September, but am now hesitating for two reasons. Though rest from excitement has become more than ever a condition of prolonged existence, I want to see whether the new state of parties may afford a chance of realizing colonizing dreams to some extent ; and I do not like to abandon Canterbury Settlement till it shall have got a broader foundation of colonists going and intending to go. I think that if I accompany this first body, I shall scarcely keep E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 293 my engagement with you by which I am pledged, so far as health permits, to work for your scheme until it shall have taken root enough, and grown enough, to be past the need of such help as my feebleness can give. But the time has hardly come for deciding with judgment. I must see what the next two months will do. If we can double the present body of colonists, and can set in motion a continuous stream proceed- ing from springs unlikely to dry up, then, unless there shall be the fairest prospect of seeing your friends in power next year, I will depart before the end of October next. Bowler informs me that it is time to seal up. Since the last paragraph was written I have heard that which enables me to conclude with a piece of very good news. The Committee of Management is about to appoint a Deputy Chairman with a view to the performance of those responsible functions which J. Hutt did not perform. The gentleman selected is Mr. Henry Sewell, a brother of William of Exeter College ; a conscientious and able man of business, of high character, with his heart in the thing as an intending colonist, and with no defect that I know of unless his Puseyite name should prove hurtful. If so, the Bishop of Lyttelton must counteract the evil, as he well knows how to do, by making New Zealand Canterbury a piece of neutral ground in the domain of the Church. I expect that this appointment will prove as com- fortable for those who are really responsible to the public, by making somebody responsible to them, as it is satisfactory to me who believe that the want of a trusted and responsible officer has prevented good and produced evil incalculable. But here is another bit of pleasant news ; for you in parti- cular most pleasant, I suppose. It has been discovered that Mr. Cornewall Simeon is, and is deemed by high authorities, well qualified for the judicial office ; and that he would like to be a Canterbury colonist. The colonists accordingly have written to him (without his brother's knowledge) to beg that he will come to England immediately for the purpose of enabling them to press with effect upon the Association and 294 THEFOUNDERS OF CANTERBTJBY. the Government, their wish that he should be the first Judge at Lyttelton. He is in Spain, but may, I trust, be induced to return quickly. There are several candidates and will be many more after the Bishop shall be consecrated ; but both colonists and Association are so much interested in identifying the Simeon family with the Settlement, and getting so true an English gentleman at the head of their judicial magistracy, that I think their selection must almost necessarily outweigh less worthy influences as all others must be. I can see no formidable obstacle but the Colonial Office, which may inter- pose its own, unreasonable, pedantic rule with respect to years' standing at the bar. I send with this : 1. Another copy of Lord Lyttelton's lecture ; 2. Counsel to Canterbury colonists ; 3. New Zealand Company's last Report ; 4. Molesworth's speeches this session ; and, 5. Complete set of Canterbury Papers. Bely on it I will miss no opportunity of writing, and believe me to remain, My dear Godley, Ever yours most truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. P.S. I have added a pamphlet on Colonial Policy, by an old friend of mine ; and a posting bill which please to stick up at Lyttelton. "Wednesday, 26th June, 1850. MY DEAB SIMEON, Has the question ever been asked, whether some land should be bought for Godley ? I have often thought of it, but am not intimate enough with any of his family to mention the subject to them. It might prove a subject of great moment to Godley. My own impression is knowing how charmed people are when things go well that he will probably set up in the Britain of the South a better E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 295 place any how than Leitrim. And if he did, it would be a sad pity that a good property had not been secured for him by means of such a comparative trifle as it would cost in the first ballot. It is a question for relatives, and perhaps friends who are rich. Yours truly, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Beigate, 27th June, 1850. MY DEAR ME. SIMEON, -With regard to the land for Godley, I wish to supply an omission. I omitted to say that it is not proposed to make G-odley a present of the land, which perhaps he would not accept, but only to buy it in his name, because he is absent, and to let him pay for it by and by. The advantage for him, according to my deliberate view, would be obtaining for one or two thousand pounds what, when he pays for it a year or two hence, may be worth eight or ten thousand or more. Moreover, I am quite satisfied that, unless the sky should fall, land in the first ballot will be saleable in England for more than it cost, and before the second deposit shall be due. So that if Godley's friends should (in a case supposed for argument's sake) change their mind, they might sell out at a profit. I mean to show that this great service to Godley may be done without any risk of losing a shilling. Tours, E. G. WAKEFIELD. P.S. Myself, I cannot spare any money just now, but I am so sure of the safety of the move, that I would join in such a security to Messrs. Cocks and Co. as would induce them to enter Godley's application in their books as having the deposit of 50 per cent. paid. 296 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. HENRY SEWELL, Esq., Newport, Isle of "Wight. Eeigate, 7th July, 1850. MY DEAR MR. SEWELL, I have had a long talk with Lord Lyttelton and Sir Walter James about a responsible official organ ; and I ventured to suggest the expediency of their endeavouring to induce you to stop for six months, and take the part of Deputy Chairman of Committee of Management. Lord L. will write to you ; but as he is overworked, and time presses more than he ia aware of, I am most desirous that you should be on the spot immediately. So, I trust you will come to Town to see me as soon as possible. Very truly yours, E. GK WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 3rd July, 1850. MY DEAR BRITTAN, I want to speak to you on a matter of personal interest to yourself, but am likely to be kept in the City to-day (being in attendance by the death-bed of the New Zealand Company), and therefore propose that you come to dine and sleep here, leaving Town by the half-past-four train, as I shall. As the matter requires serious consideration, it is also desirable that we should be able to discuss it in peace, which would not be possible at Adelphi or Cockspur Street. I am glad you have got such good numbers. Tour first is as good as No. 1. Eeigate, 12th July, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, Lord Lyttelton is out of Town. There is a hitch about the Bishopric ; Dr. Selwyn's " con- sent " being said to be indispensable before the Bishopric of New Zealand can be diminished. If the objection should hold, it will be a good illustration of the misery of distant government, and of the unbusiness-like ways of the Asso- ciation. Tours truly, E. GK WAKEFIELD. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 297 Eeigate, 13th July, 1850. MY DEAR FITZGERALD, Sony you can't come. This mess about the Bishopric is a good illustration of the need of a circumspect man of business, officially responsible. But my object in writing is to pray you will get some people (as many as you can) to join Adderley's dinner on Wednesday next. He talks of only thirty. If it be so, it will be called a proof of the downfall of the Society for the Reform, &c. If I were well some more should be got ; but I cannot exert myself in this hot weather. Eeigate, 16th July, 1850. DEAR MR. JACKSON, Not without a fear of being deemed impertinent, and not forgetting the proverbs which threaten meddlers, I am tempted, as an old navigator in the waters of colonial politics abroad and at home, to say that I fancy there may be doings at the Colonial "Reform dinner at Greenwich in which you would not like to participate, even by your presence, without speaking ; still less by speaking. Consi- dering who is to be in the chair, and what are the feelings of disappointment and anger, of some who will attend and speak, the tone of the meeting is almost sure, I think, to be very hostile towards Lord Grey : and it has struck me, though nobody dislikes him more than myself, that if you were aware of this probability you would not be disposed to attend the meeting. So I venture to say my mind. In other directions I am beating up for diners, in order that the meeting may not prove a falling off from last year in point of numbers. Eeigate, 16th July, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, Simeon passed yesterday here ; and a very pleasant day it was for me. He told me that he considered your official position settled in fact, and that it would surely be settled in form this day. 298 THE FOUNDEBS OP CANTEEBUBY. After much talk we " concluded," as Jonathan says, that you might work this thing into so prosperous a state, as to make it desirable for the Association to retain your ser- vices permanently, with a salary like that which our Consul at Hambro' had when he was the first Secretary of the New Zealand Company. THE LQ.BD LYTTELTON. Reigate, 18th July, 1850. MY DEAB LOBD, May I suggest that the Colonists' leave- taking at Blackwall would, be graced by the presence of the Colonial Minister, and that Lord and Lady Grey would be likely ta come if in the firs I instance privately invited by yourself ? Much good, in several forms, might grow out of their acceptance of the invitation. May I ask alo if this is not an occasion out of Mr. Glad- stone's rule against doing anything out of the House of Commons that may be more properly done there ? Perhaps if Mr. Gladstone did this kindness to the departing colonists, Lord Stanley might he induced to co-operate in it. Whilst the occasion is of a nature to render it difficult for any body to refuse, it seems to make a piece of neutral groand where^ several ex-ministers for the colonies might suitably meet notwithstanding party differences. Eeigate, 18th July, 1850. DEAB MB. JACKSON, It seems likely that the Colonists' leave-taking fete at Blackwall on board the ships will be made an occasion of the most careful publicity for Canterbury. The very smell of the pitch will help to give reality to what most people still consider only a pretty dream. You will then be Bishop of Lyttelton, and will have to make the speech of the day as true leader of the departing colony. But my object in E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 299 troubling you now is to suggest that you may be able to get Lord Wharncliffe and Lord Harrowby to be present, and to speak as relatives of one of the Colonists. It has been suggested to me that Mr. Ernest Hawkins might induce Dr. Hook to make a striking speech in pro- posing your health. The BISHOP OF NORWICH. Eeigate, 19th July, 1850. MY DEAR LOEB, I have been complimented by being asked to request a favour from you. It is supposed that you may be inclined to oblige me, though if they did but know how often you have done so, they might think that I have exhausted your kindness. The petitioners are the body of Canterbury colonists about to sail for their destination : and a very remarkable body they are as respects numbers, educa- tion, station and personal character. I have seen nothing to be compared with it before. Their request is that you will honour them with your company on Saturday next, the 27th, when they are to have a sort of leave-taking party (or break- fast) on board the ships at Blackwall. I have reason to believe that many people of the first distinction (ladies as well as gentlemen) will be present ; and I rather hope that Lord and Lady Grey, and Lord and Lady John Eussell may be induced to come. There is to be speaking. I know from experience that the occasion is very interesting. If there should be any ladies of your family disposed to witness the curious scene, I will beg that their names may be inserted in the formal card that will be sent to you. Eeigate, Saturday Night, 20th July, 1850- MT DEAR FITZ&EBALD, Here is the notice I mentioned of colonizing Ladies Patronesses ; though it would be still worse 300 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. if Simeon's idea were adopted of announcing them as such in due form. I implore of you to do what you can to prevent it. The notion has probably been suggested by such cases as Almack's and other balls ; but even in those cases, nine times out of ten, the object is charity : and in all cases the means is a kind of patronage, such as would degrade the Canterbury colonists. I feel sure that Simeon will perceive this if you draw his attention to it : for at his own house he took special care to avert any appearance of separating colonists from the rest 6f the company, or, in other words, patronizing them. Reigate, 22nd July, 1850. MY ,DEAR BRITTAN, I hastily acknowledged this morning the receipt of your letter of Saturday, You will recollect I told you, when we conversed on the subject of it, that Felix wished to avail himself of my greater intimacy with you in order to ascertain how you would take his suggestion. When you adopted it, there was an end of that delicacy which prompted him to employ me in broaching the subject to you. I might now, therefore, decline without impropriety any further interference. And very glad I should be to do so on my own account, for obvious reasons besides my real incapacity for bearing any kind of worry. But the last part of your letter is an appeal which I cannot resist : and 1 therefore hasten to say that I will do my best towards putting this now very unpleasant affair on to a comfortable footing. Felix is not here ; and I therefore write in much ignorance of his view of the question. Begging you to allow for this, I mention my first impression ; which is that his first offer to you was baaed on the assumption that his own arrange- ment with the Association as a distributor of agency-com- mission for them would continue till the end of August, and that he has found it unavoidable to offer one-fifth of the com- mission on the same condition as has been imposed on him E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS 301 with regard to two-fifths of it. Certainly, when I spoke to you, it was taken for granted that he would have five per cent, to dispose of unconditionally. It appears to me, there- fore, as I am at present informed, that an act of the Asso- ciation has simply deprived him of the power of carrying into effect the wish he communicated to you. But on this point I feel that I am writing in ignorance ; and I should like to converse with you and with him before expressing my fixed opinion. I know nothing about the motives or intentions of the Committee in making the change, except that Lord Lyttelton hastily and laughingly told me they had made it in order to put the screw on to Felix. I suppose that you know all about it. Upon another point, I can be in no doubt ; viz., the justice and propriety of your being remunerated for your laborious services to the Association. To some extent, though not fully, you know how anxious I have been, that some remu- neration in money should be given to you, and that your wish for an appointment in the colony should be realised. For it was not a sense of justice only that impelled me, but also a belief in your being highly qualified for the post you desired. These matters would have been long ago disposed of to your satisfaction, if my influence had been equal to my good- will. All I could do was to express my opinion warmly whenever the opportunity offered. An outside invalide amateur, with- out either responsibility or power, could do no more. Tou shall see a piece of writing which shows how earnestly I did it. But now I must (having resolved to meet your appeal in the spirit of friendship which you invoke) say that of late I have observed a change in your manner towards me, which led me to suppose that you no longer cared to be on terms of confidence and intimacy with me. I cannot be mistaken about this : the facts are too plain. But of the cause of the change I have not the least conception, save by guesswork, which is likely to be erroneous. Sure I am, however, that the cause was not of my producing. I trust you will tell me 302 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. unreservedly what it is. And now, as such things are awk- ward to write about, and as, moreover, I am incapable of writing fully on any part of the subject, I propose that you manage to come here to dine and sleep to-morrow or on Wednesday as may suit you best. By that time I shall have been able to see Felix ; and we can then exhaust the various topics without too much overtasking my strength. Ever yours very truly, E. G-. WAKEFIELD. LORD LYTTELTON. London, 23rd July, 1850. MY DEAR LORD, As Mr. Sewell is writing to you, I need only say, in acknowledging the receipt of your letter, that I think his keenness in foreseeing difficulties is accompanied by much courage in dealing with them. And though he is unsanguine, I fancy that he is very tenacious of his purpose, and far from being inclined to despond. His presence here in your Lordship's absence is an inde- scribable comfort to my mind. Reigate, 1st August, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, I know very little about Mr. Abraham ; only that he is a clever, shining, and, I believe, taking man in society. He was not clever enough though to learn, from a good deal of teaching, that New Plymouth cannot soon become great, because Natives and Flocks cannot live to- gether. With respect to money, I have no doubt that the Customs at Lyttelton will yield an ample revenue for Judges and other officers. All the settlements have done so from the first, except Otago. I have rather a fancy for this gentleman, so far as I know him. Is he, or will he be, married ? One should like to meet him, and soon. E. o. WAKEFIEI/D'S LETTEBS. 303 See the enclosed, which came this morning. Fitz Gerald, I suppose, has spoken to you. The account of Honours looks well : but is there the churchmanship ? We ought to take care that all the first officers are churchmen : for these will be the seed of the social future. I am engaged to be at Cockspur Street at three o'clock, to meet Dr. Williams, and should be glad to present him to you. THE LORD BISHOP OF NOBWICH. Eeigate, 1st August, 1850. MY DEAK LOP^, Knowing that Mr. Sewell is to see you to-morrow, I am induced to mention ; 1st, that he is now that is in Lord Lyttelton's absence more than any body else, the Canterbury Association itself; 2nd, that his accept- ance of the post of Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Management has provided the Corporation, for the first time, with a capable, trusted, and responsible officer ; which it has, all along since Grodley's departure, very much needed ; 3rd, that I have had the best means of estimating Mr. Sewell's talents and character from boyhood till now, though I only know him through the colonizing business ; and, 4th, that I have learned by degrees and experience to believe that he is highly gifted with acuteness, circumspection, judgment, in- dustry, elevation of view, and refinement of taste, all governed by strong conscientiousness and a single-minded, disinte- rested, unambitious wish for the success of the work which he has undertaken from love of it. This is a very high character, but I really believe, not above the truth ; and my means of forming an opinion have been as good as could be. Mr. Sewell little knows what I am writing ; but I told him that I should venture to trouble you with a line about him- self, as it might perhaps accelerate the time when he would be able, in ecclesiastical and even political difficulties, to obtain the advantage of your friendly counsel. 304 THE FOUNDEBS OF CANTEBBUBY. Eeigate, 2nd August, 1850. MY DEAB FiTzG-EBALD, * * * * I am getting nervous about filling the ships at last with good emigrants. Unless the good be obtained early before there is any pressure for time the rubbish is taken up at last for want of better. The whole number ought to be booked, with some over for vacancies that may occur by change of mind before the 15th of this month. Saturday, 3rd August. MY DEAB FITZGEBALD, I am unable to go to London till Monday or Tuesday, but will then proceed to your office as you desire. Meanwhile, let me say two things. The first is that the paying of agents in the country for " selecting" emigrants is a practice condemned by experience : it is always jobbed, not only as respects the pay, but by means of the selection of such people as are easy to get ; viz., very inferior people. The second point is that Sewell has spoken to me about the College man, and has made it clear to my apprehension that nothing ought to be done by any body without the assent of the Bishop first had and obtained. Eeigate, 3rd August, 1850. MY DEAB FiTzGEBALD, Felix gave me your letter, which is alarming. I have no doubt that Wilcox would get the number of emigrants ; but assuredly, considering the pressure of time, they would be the sweeping of his Emigration Agency for Devon and Cornwall. The paying of Emigration Agents is murder as respects the quality of the emigrants. It is just what the Park Street fine gentlemen do to save themselves the trouble of a real selec- tion. It always succeeds as respects numbers always breaks down as respects quality. On talking the matter over with E. o. WAKEPIELD'S LETTEES. 305 Felix, I am pretty well satisfied that he can use with effect for this purpose the agency for land-selling which he has established in numerous places, and without paying any body for emigrants. I have questioned him closely, and he all bub undertakes to find the requisite number and of the right quality in time. But the time is very short. If you choose to let him go to wprk, decide promptly, and give him the requisite authority and papers, with a clear account of exactly what you want in point of numbers, sex, calling, &c., &c. He says that he must be paid expenses out of pocket, rendering you an exact account of the same. STou may trust him for proceeding frugally. But his hands are already quite full of business, and he can only spend odd hours and a day now and then. It is there- fore indispensable that not an hour should be lost, if the people chosen are to stand the scrutiny to which all will be subject when they get their roast beef and plum pudding. I therefore recommend him to see you the first thing on Monday morning. It will be sharp and difficult work at best. I know all about Wilcox, who is a good and useful man in his way, but too much accustomed to the selection of inferior emigrants to serve your turn, more especially in the short time. I do not think that sending a colonist about at the public expense would answer, except for his amusement. With the peasantry a stranger has no weight, or rather is deemed a mere kidnapper. There is no way that I can think of but letting Felix immediately use the instruments that are ready to his hand. It would be a terrible thing if the ships were detained for emigrants ; and you, at all events, as Head Emigration Officer, would have to stay for the last ship. If all the ships were not full, there would be a loss and an out- cry. The hasty picking up of rubbish would be worse than all. I am very anxious about it. P.S. Since the above was written, I have seen Bowler who 29 306 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. is greatly alarmed by your letter or rather the state of things He speaks as if nothing was finally settled with regard even to the Seymour and Charlotte Jane ; and says that he feels altogether behind hand with respect to the Association's emigrants. The other emigration that which the Associa- tion does not pay for is going on as well as he expected, and seems to be growing in importance. Beigate, 3rd August, 1850. MY, DEAR SEWELL, I inclose a letter from Fitz Gerald, with copy of my answer for your private inspection. They relate to a danger which has been foreseen, and can now be averted only by prompt and vigorous measures. Felix will go to work, and will probably be able to get through successfully, if there is no delay : but he is, naturally, unwilling to act without being protected by some official direction to act. It is an object, therefore, that the subject should at once come before your committee, and some decision be made. All this mischief might have been averted by common business-like attention in time. Felix will ask FitzGerald to obtain for him an official authority to act ; and thus, I suppose, the matter will be brought to your notice without reference to this. I had a long talk with Wynter. It ended by his engaging seriously to work in the Ecclesiastical Committee for some time to come some months, he said. But on Thursday he is engaged (as chaplain to the High Sheriff ) to dine with the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey near Guildford. He will come to town from Guildford on purpose. He is very much in earnest ; and I am sure you will find him work smoothly with yourself and the Bishop of Norwich, whom he resembles in sense and courage. * * * * I shall want Fitz Gerald's letter. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 307 I have made enquiries about this want of emigrants and have little doubt that it has arisen from want of good manage- ment in the Association. "When shall we meet ? Reigate, 7th August, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, For your private information a letter has come to the Company from the Colonial Office, saying that as the Company has not replied to the last letter of the Office, it is taken for granted that the correspondence is at an end ; and that, as a ship was going, the Secretary of State has written to Governor Grey desiring him to take possession, &c., that it has become a function of mine to write or speak to you only when there is something unpleasant to mention. He thinks that he has been misapprehended ; and upon enquiry, though I have not seen your letter to him, I think so too. But I also think that he caused the misapprehension of his object and motives by not being explicit enough. Very 308 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. plain-speaking is always difficult when the superior is addressed. I mean the sort of difficulty which is proverbially hurtful to princes. If Mr. Sewell had spoken out, as distinctly as the moat faithful of adherents will do when he sees the need for it, he would have said that in truth there really is no such body as the body of colonists ; and that he saw much danger of the proper function of a body of colonists being usurped by two or three persons, who would thus dispose of the appointments, though themselves far less fit to dispose of them than the Committee of the Association. And this is, or rather was, a fact. Two or three weeks ago, Mr. FitzGerald and Mr. Brittan had formed or taken up the idea that the sooner Mr. Godley came home the better ; and that then the sooner the whole working of the Association could be trans- ferred to the colony, the better also. But the latter view (in which all would probably agree abstractedly) utterly dis- regarded the condition that there must first be a colony of people to whom to transfer the powers of the Association. The theory also disregarded the fact that the present body of colonists is unreal from its smallness and want of real organ- ization. But in this blind way the theory was formed, and so far acted upon as to cause much jealousy of FitzGerald and Brittan among the rest who knew any thing at all about the matter. An explosion was imminent when I " had the matter out" with Brittan, who presently saw the error and greafc danger, and wholly abandoned the notion that he and Fitz- Gerald were to take Godley's place and do as they pleased in the Settlement. But that notion was not abandoned by FitzGerald (if it is quite abandoned now) until he discovered at the end of last week, that his Emigration Agency had entirely broken down in consequence (I believe, and told him, and may therefore repeat) of having been quite neglected for all these matters relating to politics and government, and the return of Godley, and a grand dream of his fertile imagination which pictured himself as the Lord Baltimore of the Canter- bury Settlement. Now, Mr. Sewell was aware of these things. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 309 He knew my opinion of Fitz Gerald's character ; which is, that he is all imagination and no action an immense promiser, quite sincerely ; ready to undertake every thing, but for per- formance, except in writing or talking, singularly feeble and heedless : and he (I mean Mr. Sewell) had seen enough (by means of opportunities denied to your Lordship) to have formed an opinion in some measure resembling mine. He was therefore very much alarmed about this question of appoint- ments. And I only wish that he had spoken his mind as plainly as I have made bold to do. With respect to his own views, or rather a view for himself, I am persuaded that he came into the plan of Emigration bent upon carrying into effect his own plan of Eeal Property Registrations, which has been his hobby for years. On this point, I think he resembles Mr. Wakley, who would not have foregone the Coronership of Middlesex for any office under the Crown. But this is his ultimate object. Since he took office in Cockspur Street, his mind, I believe, has been singly bent on performing what he undertook to perform with a view to the earliest and greatest success of the undertaking. And I am bound to assure your Lordship that after watching him with the greatest anxiety, I see that he possesses high quali- ties for varied and difficult business, and that I quite respect in him a want of personal ambition with which it is not in my nature to sympathize. I have poured out these thoughts without any object or care but that of letting you know what I believe to be the truth : and trusting to have your pardon of the manner in consideration of my motive. P.S. On reading over the above and seeing how imperfectly my view is expounded, I determine to send the inclosed dupli- cate of a letter to Grodley, intended for the next ship, together with an extract from the letter to the Bishop of Norwich by which I introduced Mr. Sewell to his acquaintance. 310 THE FOTWDEBS OF CANTEBBUBY. LOUD LYTTELTON. Adelphi, Monday, August 12, 1850. MY DEAB LOBD, There are two or three points in your letter of Saturday on which I shall take a leisure moment to trouble you with a few remarks : but being hurried now, I confine myself to saying how very glad I feel at your approval of my letter, and to informing you that various reports this morning (especially from my "brother who has been to Canter- bury in Kent) almost satisfy us that the requisite number of labourers will be obtained without any relaxation of the law as to high character, and with no great relaxation as to pay- ment of a share by the emigrants themselves. Indeed, it may be said that our fright about the emigrants is at an end. Eeigate, 13th August, 1850. DEAB MB. JACKSOK, After being disturbed all day by learning the opinion of Law Officers in your matter, and greatly disturbed because I saw in the delay, and in the temporary authority of another as the founder of your diocese, various and grave evils, I have caught a glimpse of something better than that nay, perhaps, from the greatness of the idea, of something greater for you as a Church Founder than we have yet imagined in Mr. Sewell's statement that you talked about mastering the adverse circumstances, by going out with the First Body, and coming back for your consecra- tion after really yourself laying the first stone of this only Church Colony. I pray that this thought of yours may grow into a resolu- tion ; as such, it would substantially avert the evils that I dread for you and the colony ; and it might even raise Canterbury higher than almost any thing else could in the public regard. If you sailed during all September, or even October, that would be with the First Body : for many of the First Body will not go with these ships which only take the first batch. E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 311 What such an action would do for the Church may be con- ceived by reflecting on the effect of martyrdom. Excuse me for uttering these thoughts. They grow out of my knowledge of New Zealand, which tells me that the arrangement now proposed that of handing the Canterbury colonists over for a time to somebody not their own bishop, will be full of discomfort and evil for everybody : besides that I seriously doubt whether Bishop Selwyn may give the required consent if the matter is so left that he may himself supply the vacancy in the Canterbury Bishopric. I remain, Very faithfully and truly yours, E. Gr. WAKEFIELD. LORD LYTTELTON. Reigate, 14th August, 1850. Mf DEAR LORD, There were three points in my late letter which I wish to correct. 1st. The discrepancy between my views of the colonists in the letter to Godley and in that to your Lordship, arose from my not sufficiently explaining that the disparaging expressions in the letter were applied only to the Body as such ; that is, to the organization. This agrees with the letter to Grodley, in which it is said that the organization partakes largely of the character of make-believe. But the colonists are both good and numerous as individuals. They have not been organized as a body, because no natural leader has turned up ; and therefore one cannot get at their collective opinion. 2nd. "With respect to Mr. Brittan, I did not intend to speak of him very differently from my estimate of him two months ago. He has valuable qualities ; and although his head had been a little turned by his seeming leadership and the suggestions of FitzGerald's ambition, he showed excellent good sense in profiting by my lecture on that subject ; and I 312 THE FOITNDEES OF CANTERBURY. still think him the fittest man, of those whom I know well among the colonists, for a business charge in the settlement. 3rd. I was aware of Lord Grey's objection as being the main obstacle to the Bishopric co-extensive with the Settle- ment, but did not allude to it in my last letter to Godley, having fully stated it in a former letter. The report yesterday of the opinion of the Law Officers about the Bishopric had a. most unpleasant effect on me until Mr. Sewell told me that Mr. Jackson talked of going out nevertheless, with the First Body of colonists, helping to plant them along with Dr. Selwyn and coming back to be conse- crated. If this should happen, good would indeed come out of evil : for the greatness of the action the sort of martyr- dom would raise the man and the colony above all others in the public regard : and instead of losing or having to wait for our Bishopric, we should at once have its influence with far greater force than if we now had the technical thing. It would not be merely good, but much-better out of evil And to this effect I have ventured to write to Mr. Jackson. The idea is his own. Beigate, 19th August, 1850. MY DEAR WYNTER, In doubt as to meeting you in Lon- don, I send the enclosed which came to me from Sewell, who goes to-day to Hagley and perhaps to Howick to see Lord Grey. I hear that Jackson positively goes immediately; which makes it the more necessary that a basis of ecclesiastical legis- lation by the Association should be laid now the more general the better, because the more comprehensive. It is only needful to have it established now that there is to be legislation. I shall be at Cockspur Street before one, when I have an appointment there with Lord Mandeville. Felix dined at E. o. WAKEFTELD'S LETTERS. 313 Lady Olivia's on Saturday, and found all the family inclined to sending out the young man on the best footing as a colonist. Eeigate, 22nd August, 1850. Mt: DEAB WY.NTEB, Sewell and I were much disappointed at not finding you in the express train this morning. How- ever, time pressed so that it was needful to go on. Tour paper, altered but not materially by Sewell, was assented to by Simeon and Jackson, but not by a quorum (for there Was none) of the Ecclesiastical Committee, and was communicated to the colonists as a semi-official document of Mr. Winter's composition, which doubtless would be formally adopted by the Association with no material alteration. It was mightily well received by, and made a strong impression on, the best meeting of colonists we have ever had, the rooms being full to overflowing. The whole proceedings were most gratifying, and I felt quite sorry that you were not present. Most of the best colonists and their relations were there. Sewell, Simeon, and Jackson made capital speeches ; and Rintoul described the scene as being most remarkable and interesting. A ship is getting ready to take Jackson (and probably Lord Mandeville and his brother) from Portsmouth on the loth September. Now you must fulfil the promises of this minute by doing the legislation. MB. BOWLEB. Cockspur Street, 22nd August, 1850. DEAB BOWLEB, The only difficulty about getting the whole emigration matter placed under your sole direction, is that you have let FitzGrerald expect that you would help him as a helper. As long as he hopes that you may undertake the work under him or subject to his interference, he will not 314 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. give it quite up : but when he finds that you A* ill not under- take less than the whole power, responsibility and all he will be glad to give up altogether : and this will be done to- morrow if you stand firm. Eeigate, 23rd August, 1850. DEAR SEWELL, Seeing how deeply you are occupied, 1 am tempted to urge the need of settling the FitzGerald-Bowler business to -morrow, and not later. For on Monday morning the whole Emigration business ought to be taken in hand with a view no less to filling the 17th Septenlber ship in timej then to putting the people comfortably into the four ships. It is all one business, and would all go on together if properly guided. The happiest thing for FitzGerald, whose time is nearly up^ would be to take his wife out of town. If he is on the spdt, he will be mortified, or will meddle and spoil all : and it would be mortifying to him to see the work going on in other hands. Did he not seem to like the idea of having leave of absence ? That would be best for every body. Eeigate, 31st August, 1850. MY DEAR SEWEI/L, Nothing has been settled about the mode of introducing speeches after the dinner. Resolutions would be quite out of place. Toasts would be anomalous, not to say ludicrous, without wine to drink them in, and for most of the party, before dinner. I see no way of doing it with propriety, but by Lord Lyttelton calling upon So-and-So to adoress the meeting. In common circumstances this might be a tame mode, but not so on Monday, when the feelings of those who have any will be all-alive-Oh by means of the occasion of the scene. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 315 But you may think of a better mode. Then who is to be called upon to speak ? and in what order ? Keigate, 8th September, 1850. DEAR SEWELL, Tt was impossible to persuade Brittan that he had better not try for the 300 : so I had no choice but to report his view of the subject to Lord Lyttelton. Bowler wished much to see you to day, but could not Wait. Hutt is worrying him about the emigrants, having installed himself in FitzGrerald's place, where he protests and dictates most absurdly. The clerks were all laughing at him to-day : it is too absurd. Bowler told me that Jackson is to go in the Castle Eden, which surprised me ; for he seemed bent to-day on being done as Bishop coadjutor. LOUD LYTTELTON. Cockspur Street, 6th September, 1850. MY DEAE LORD, I have again spoken to Mr. Brittan ; and I find that less than the price of 100 acres will not meet either his own estimate of his services, or his understanding of what was at one time held out to him : but that amount, he assures me, will " perfectly satisfy " him. Per " Charlotte Jane," 6th September, 1850. Eeigate, 17th August, 1850. MY DEAR GODLEY, It is high time to begin writing for despatch by the Fleet ; though I do not intend to give so full an account of things on this side as you will, I trust, receive by the Phoebe Dunbar, and perhaps in duplicate and triplicate by other vessels. On the contrary, I purpose confining myself 316 THE POUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. now to those matters on which I shall think it probable that you will not be informed by others; Some of these matters are of so confidential a nature that I wish we had established a cypher. However, I shall not hesitate to run the risk of making mortal enemies in case this letter should fall into any hands but yours, out there, where, as it is a colony, I cannot help feeling that every body will be apt to sacrifice every- thing to Number One; Apropos of that number, you will perhaps remember my criticism on Colonel Campbell, when you sent to me a long letter from him to you. I said or wrote that it was too full of Number One to please me. And so is the man. Indeed, he turns out, so far as we can learn, not only to be a mere self-see Ker, but hardly a respectable, perhaps a very discre- ditable one : all wrong about money-matters, and very incom- petent to boot. Our Mr. Brittan got too thick with him at first, and is now in danger of being the personal victim of some shindy : for the Colonel seems disposed to fight his way to the appointment whicli he is beginning to see that he has no chance of reaching by fair means. However, as this is for your use only, I need say no more of him than that I hope he will not go ; and that if he should, you will have to keep him at full arm's length in order to avoid any disagreeable trouble. Let me add, that with all his seeming resoluteness and real troublesomeness there is a look and tone of voice which never fails to quiet him. I am afraid that, from want of knowledge of the world on Brittan's part, some false hopes have been given to him. He says to many, and once said to me, that you almost engaged that he should have the appointment of Government Officer, whatever the name may be : but he has only said this once to me, and will never say it again in my hearing. So now, you ought to know the man. Having begun with personalities, I may as well go on with the hateful subject and have done with it. Eecurring to what was said in my letter by Phoebe Dunbar about the unreality of the organization of the departing colonists, yet E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 317 you will find Mr. Brittan possessed of a kind of leadership^ and one that will not be unreal for some short time after his landing. He has deserved it by hard work, but will not be able to keep it because he wants the main faculty of leader- ship disregard of Number One and because to a consi- derable degree he did not acquire the position by himself, but was lifted into it, and kept in it by others principally, be it observed, by myself, who seeing tb,e great need of an osten- sible leader, cultivated Brittan for that post because there was no other so fit for it, on the whole, after Bellairs gave up. But the elevation the sudden prosperity has been tpo much for him ; and his head is very much turned. My ex- pectation is (and I very much regret it) that he will not be three months in the colony dealing with realities, before he will be generally, as he is now by some, called Great Brittan, and be pulled off his perch by the rude hands of some one whom others will set on. His first troubles will arise from an anomaly in his position on the one hand as Chairman of the Council of Colonists which exists for the purpose of guarding the interests of the landowners against the Asso- ciation, and, on the other, as a servant of the Association. He is blinded to this danger by the accumulation of " power and dignity," reminding one in that respect of a Hobson or Shortland suddenly invested with sovereign attributes. The enclosure (marked A) is the copy of a draft which I prepared long ago at Lord Lyttelton's desire and gave to him. It expressed my opinion at the time. I still think Brittan the most useful business-man among the colonists, so far as we know them : but his incapacity to bear elevation and success (the commonest of failings) has since become so manifest that I am sure he will not be able to remain long a chief among the colonists. And now, lastly, two or three things have happened since the enclosed draft was written, which lead me to think, or rather satisfy me (for it is best to speak out), that his ruling motive is the common one of self-aggrandise- ment, and that he has what I have learned to call City 318 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. notions about the use of power, or, as you would call it a turn for jobbing ; the Scotch expression is, " if you scratch me, I'll scratch you." So, now, you are on your guard. And now, further, that being done at all risks, let me add that for use in subordination, and especially for routine work, he- is not only the most valuable person I have seen among the colonists, but would be valuable here in public business : Ben Hawes, without the bumptiousness of him who lost his seat for Lambeth by Jack-in-office airs : and, lastly, he has richly earned any proper reward that you can give him in the form of employment, first by much and hard work hitherto unpaid ; and, secondly, by unvarying strong-heartedness when, on several occasions, others fainted and were disposed to, give up. There have been two or three crises when all depended on the sustained courage of a few (as when the 30th of April was surmounted) ; and on these occasions our Brittan has been invariably up to- the mark. Not so Fit&Gerald, who. has been up and down all along like the steam-engine piston. That was according to his truly Irish nature. But there are other points of disparage- ment which must be mentioned for your safety's sake. You knew some of his faults, and will remember our illustration (I think it was mine, but you adopted it) that he would hunt his sheep. He is nearly the most provoking man I have ever had to do with : for he combines with great and quick ability in writing and talking, and very agreeable companionable qualities, a perfect incapacity for doing business. He is immensely presumptuous, believing himself that he can do everything better than any body ; and when it comes to the doing, he is a very child. I enclose the copy of a letter from myself to Lord Lyttelton, leaving out, however, his name and what would show that it was addressed to him. It was absolutely necessary to speak this truth to him, though I think it must have hurt him greatly : for he had got to trust in FitzGerald, and the disparagement was all news. His answer is great, being simply a return of cordial thanks, and E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 319 the expression of a desire that the truth may be always as plainly told to him. Since that correspondence (I am writing on the 24th August) Fitz Gerald's utter break-down in the collection of emigrants has been remedied by great exertion and considerable cost in money : and now when it comes to receiving the people, and placing them comfortably in the four ships a difficult job requiring particular order and patience we are obliged to persuade FitzGerald to resign the whole matter into Bowler's hands ; and ostensibly too, because Bowler and the clerks refuse to be subject to FitzG-erald's wild and changeful orders. The work will be done somehow : and, on the whole, I consider the break- down fortunate, being of opinion that if it had not happened FitzGrerald might have caused you infinite trouble. With his gifts of writing and talking, and h:s unbounded ambition, he would hardly have failed to influence the colonists for a time, if he had not been tamed by these events. And even as it is, I expect to see him, in less than three months after landing, at the head of a party at war with the Association : or rather I should have expected it if you had not been thus forearmed by fore- warning. You will know him, and without his being aware of it ; what is more important, without having found him out yourself and he knowing it. For as he now dislikes me cor- dially for having found him out without concealing my know- ledge (for I have spoken to him almost as openly as I now write), so you may escape the ill-will he bears me on that account. His worst behaviour has been the endeavour to instill his own jealousy and dislike of me into others. The attempt was to some extent successful some time ago, when I was not aware of it : but time and patience do wonders patience et longueur de temps font plus que force ni que rage and now, except in one or two quarters of no great moment, that confidence is placed in me to which I am entitled, and which is needed yet for a while, for the good of the whole affair. Let us now change the theme, but holding still for a time to personal matters. Indeed, the founding of a colony 320 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. is so essentially and chiefly a dealing with people, that per- sonal considerations must needs fill the head of him who engages in such work. I shall therefore proceed with that estimate of the character of the principal colonists which was promised in my last. The most trustworthy man in the four ships, so far as I can judge, ia Mr. Townsend, aged 61, and taking eleven, children, to the colony. I never heard his name till he was an, intend- ing colonist, but have since made particular enquiries about him, chiefly with the view of learning if he was fit to take- charge of some youths, whose parents wished me to advise them in choosing a good guardian for them, I call him now " th.e Vicar of Wakefield," whom he resembles, I believe, in simplicity ajid goodness. His children are all good. Three sons have been ten years in the Tythe Office as clerks, and leave it with the highest character. One of the daughters is a good musician, having been first teacher at the Naval Orphan Asylum at Eichmond, where the education is high_ She leaves it with a high character. They are a plodding and industrious family, of excellent common sense, and proper conduct. By the death of a brother the other day Mr. Towns- end's capital is trebled, but he adheres to- his wise resolution of saving money by going in the second cabin. He is too old, and too much engaged with his family, to undertake any responsible oifice ; but he is a shrewd observer of men, and altogether so considerate and reasonable a person, that I think you can hardly fail to profit by his friendly counsel, which I have bespoken for you. He is par excellence one of those alluded to in my letter of the 22nd of June, who being of a humble nature, need to be lifted in order to be in their proper position. I should add that Mr. Townsend has had good opportunities of observing others among the leading colonists. If he had a little more active self-reliance, the best man of the lot would be Mr. Ward, who will take Irish letters of introduction to you. He is as un-Irish as yourself. He is most steady, good, and prudent ; and a true gentleman. I E. O. WAKEFIELb's LETTERS. 321 consider his individual success as certain: and I think him better qualified than any other body to help in conducing to yours. Latterly just at the end I resolved, for your sake, to open my mind to him about other people ; and I intend to charge him with the delivery of this letter, and with the duty of destroying it, and a duplicate of it, which will go in another ship, in case you should be absent. Toung "Wortley is too young. I see no other fault by the side of many good qualities. His success or failure as a settler will deeply affect the colony either way. I trust that he may not imbibe on the passage notions of speculation and hasty fortune-making which Fitz Gerald's head is full of. He needs bridle more than spur ; and yet the holding in must be very gentle. His immediate danger is that of being misled by the brilliant qualities of Fitz&erald, rather than infected with the sober ones of*Ward. In the colony his danger will be the one most common in new communities that of falling into the go-a-head passion. With Mr. Phillips I am not well acquainted : but I hear from several quarters excellent accounts of his uprightness and goodness. He has been, I fancy, a little soured by dis- appointments, and seems rather peppery ; but I have seen nothing about him indicative of selfishness or design, and my impression is that he will prove a valuable and successful settler. I have got to think well of Willock one of those slaves of the Church whom she never thinks of rewarding, just as, in the Navy, one sees Lieutenants wear and tear themselves into a premature grave from sheer work, without ever having a chance of promotion. They are not promoted because they deserve it more than others, being purposely kept as drudges. So Drudge Willock had no chance of preferment any where, till I, meeting him by accident just when his application for duty at Canterbury had been plumply refused, advised him to prefer himself, by marrying and going as a colonist. And the end is that he is now in office at least on board ship. 30 322 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. Young Watts Eussell will be a good settler for the colony if good for himself; but I doubt. His Clydesdale stallion will be worth its weight in money if it should get out well. I do not put this young man along with several who are sent out by their friends to be got rid of. One of the latter goes from this place, with a letter to you, I expect, from " our member." He will do no good anywhere ; nor much harm to anybody but himself, being silly as well as idle and dissipated. In spite of every effort to prevent it, there are two or three downright scamps, I fear. They must be frowned and cut out of the colony, being fitter for Sydney or some whaling station in New Zealand. 5th September. Incessant occupation has prevented me from writing latterly ; and now, the ships being on their way down channel, I must be vexy brief. The prospects of Canterbury are better than ever on this side. At last, the public is beginning to think that it is not merely a petty scheme of some white-waistcoated young Englanders, but a reality likely to do well. I think that there are symptoms of a sudden and important reaction in our favour. If the Committee seize this opportunity during the next few months, the thing will be done, and all their labours (the trouble and anxiety have really been immense) will be fully rewarded. If they let the opportunity slip, there will be a long stagnation : and then Canterbury Settlement must die of Finance. But I expect that all will go right : for Lord Lyttelton is always up to the mark of doing ; and Sewell is a treasure. These ships away, and then I hope to see the Com- mittee itself improved : for at present (Lord Lyttelton and J. Simeon being away) it does no good except what Sewell does. Bowler's management of the shipping has been capital : but we shall not hold him long, so bent is he on setting up as a colonist, though I think that the Grammar School and College (in prospect) are leading his mind away from Wellington to Canterbury. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 323 The arrival of your journal (conveyed to Adderley) has been a great comfort : for your dry despatch and private scrap to Cocks by the Cornelia had led me to fear that you were ill : and I did not receive a line about you from E. Jerningham, who, colonist -like, forgot to write in duplicate by the Cornelia. I am waiting anxiously for his letter by the "Woodstock. I have not yet read your journal, being so busy and knowing that I cannot alter it ; but this punishment of my curiosity ia diminished by hearing expressions of satisfaction from all who have read it, and from Kintoul in particular, who, with his wife and daughter, .sat up over it till two in the morning. Adderley sent it to him. Strange to say, all the work and worry into which I have been dragged, seems rather to agree with me than to do me harm. Still I feel very much worn out ; and it is my firm purpose to depart for New Zealand within six weeks after the time when I shall see Canterbury is fairly launched. The idea of stopping for the chance of participating in the settle- ment of the question of government, though still pleasing, has less hold of me than it had two months ago : and my present intention is only to see Canterbury safe so safe that it would not be unsafe to transfer the Charter to the colony and then to take my passage. If I could have my own way in all things, this time, I do believe, would come before the end of the year : and it may at all events by means of the passion for Canterbury which has just sprung up. Reigate, 7th September, 1850. MY I>EAE SEWELI, I was wholly unconscious of having left out the " My " : but, in my turn, let me ask, why do you put in the " Mr. " ? You were sadly pressed to-day, and worried, but never mind ; for your being there saves the Association and the colony. Now that it has come to realities, all must have gone to pot, without you, saving your presence. 324 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. I disagree about Lord Lyttelton. For he tells you to act for yourself, and only to call on him in case of need. If you can't get your own way, and then he won't come to help you, it will be time to say he deserts you. I wish you would put a cypher of your own and a Canter- bury (mad) man on to the Committee, so as to make unattached cyphers of Hutt and Hals well. If you fix one day a week for getting through the forms of business at an early hour, Wynter will always attend : and with such an arrange- ment, the substance of business may be done by yourself individually every day. Either Alston must be removed or somebody got to do his work whilst he makes holiday. He murders the affair. I saw him doing so over and over again to-day ; and Halswell is nearly as bad because Alston is ass enough to let him : Hutt worse than both, also because the Secretary is any body's cypher. This is paying too dear for the whistle of tenderness for poor old Alston. Pay him in hard money : he would be delighted with a tenth of what he wastes. The more I reflect, the more alarmed am I at the proposed substitute for the single responsibility which G-odley will have appointed to succeed his own in case of need : but I comfort myself by supposing that you have called it a merely pro. tern, arrangement : let the tern, be very short till the sailing of the Castle Eden, I pray. I shall go to Town on Monday, hoping to bring you back for discussion in quiet of points that need to be disposed of and done with. Let us beware of a stagnation. "We should die of finance. Reigate, 7th September, 1850. DEAR PARKER, I can think of nobody peculiarly fit to write an article on Canterbury Settlement for Frazer. For it is not mere writing you want, I suppose. The way to instruct a capable writer, who is also a thinker, E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 325 is to tell him to DIGEST the six Canterbury Papers, with the additions of Godley's Journal and the Eeport of the sailing of the squadron. I am told that Dr. Jeune of Oxford could do it well. The work requires a bettermost hand, to make it both sensible and interesting. Any one who would take the trouble to pass two or three days at the Colonists' Rooms after reading the Canterbury Papers, would be in a condition to write something good and creditable. LOED LYTTELTON. Reigate, 10th September, 1850. MY DEAE LOED, As you employed me to speak to Mr. Brittan, I write to express a hope that you will approve of his Second Thoughts, the result of which appears to me very satisfactory both for him and for the Association. He did it with a very good grace at last. Mr. Sewell wishes me to write to you about seDing town land by auction. In the first place, I would observe that most of the objec- tions to selling by auction as a general practice apply with much less force to town land ; and some of them do not apply at all. Secondly, though enough of them apply sufficiently to make me prefer throwing in the town land, as has hitherto been done in the Canterbury scheme, yet this is now for- bidden by the Act of Parliament : and as you must dispose of the remainder of the town by sale, and at a price of not less than 24 per acre, it strikes me that the case has become quite exceptional that is, out of the reach of the appli- cation of every general principle. Assuming that I look to the practical conveniences and inconveniences of different methods : If the land is to go at the fixed price of 24 per acre, who 326 THE FOUlTDEnS OF CATfTERBTTBY. is to get it ? For some of it for all that is now worth more than the fixed price there will be a scramble. Some means of determining who shall get it mwt be adopted. You might receive applications up to a fixed and published day ; and then let the applicants draw lots for who should get the section which many had applied for : but inasmuch as many would also pay for one section, and indeed nearly all would apply and pay for the best, it would be necessary, in order to carry out this plan, to have fresh notices, a fresh set of applications, and a fresh ballot, for almost every section, one after another. All this would cause much delay, and, I fear, much discontent. I fancy that jobbing could hardly be excluded from it. Therefore, in the peculiar circumstances of the case, I pro- posed that there should be periodical auctions, at which a certain number of town sections should be put up at 24 the acre and knocked down to the highest bidder. I dislike the plan, because it has a look of giving in to the general principle of selling by auction ; but the look is unreal because the cases are widely different ; and this case that of a remnant of town land, on which an Act of Parliament compels you, against your will, to put an immense price is so completely excep- tional and sui generis as to be out of all rules. But in order to reconcile one's general dislike to auction with the particular case, including the Act of Parliament, I have at last got to prefer a plan which has resulted from dis- cussion between Mr. Sewell, my brother, and me. It is, that for the present, new buyers of rural land should have the privilege of taking town land in proportion to their purchases of rural at the old rate of a half-acre of town for fifty acres of rural on paying for the town land at the rate of 24 per acre, but not being compelled to pay for it immediately at any fixed time. That of it which was worth 24 the acre they would immediately pay for ; and they, or their transferees, would pay for the reet as soon as it became worth the price which the Act of Parliament insists upon. This plan would also maintain, though to a less extent, the E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 327 old inducement to buy rural land, by eontinuing to attach to every rural purchase, though not gratis, a certain proportion of town land. Reigate, 12th September, 1850. MY DEAR SEAVELL, We are doing very wrong to allow of this discontinuance of active operations. If the interval be much prolonged, you may as well shut up shop. It is most unpractical work. P.S. Letters are coming here from Hutt about emigrants, who seems to have taken that correspondence on himself. Eeigate, 17th September, 1850. MY DEAK GODLEY, The reflection in your Journal upon Amateur Associations is amply confirmed by our experience ; and I am now more and more convinced, the more I see of the Canterbury Association, of the wisdom of Lord Lyttel- ton's doctrine that it is expedient to transfer the powers of the Charter as soon as possible to the place where alone there will always be people self-interested in using them effectually. As I told you before we got on somehow when the Chairman was here, by dint of his sagacity and assiduity in business ; but why ? not because he had these qualities, but because, having them, he is who he is. He, being Lord Lytteltou, could have his own way whenever he pleased. When he left, the capacity for business was amply provided for by Mr. Sewell's appointment as Deputy- Chairman ; but it has turned out to be a capacity which could not be made available, because the utter incapacity and worse which had got posses- sion before Lord Lyttelton took the chair, and which he then sat down upon and smothered, recovered itself as soon as the weight was removed, and now refuses subjection to the authority of Mr. Sewell. The only Committee men besides Sewell who now attend, are Cocks, when sent for to make a 328 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. quorum or sign a check, Hutfc and Halswell. Thus Messrs. Hutt, Halswell and Alston, one cracked, one a mere jobber in the smallest line, and the third an imbecile in desperate circumstances with one foot in the grave, form a sort of Board which though useless for good, is, being in constant attendance, powerful for impediment and mischief. The sight of it vexes me so that I get seriously ill at Cockspur Street, and make a daily resolution not to go there again, but am led to break it by the fear that something horrid may be done if I do not keep an eye on these noodles and worse, who, at any rate, are very much afraid of me. I am telling you the plain truth. The grand Canterbury Association the highminded, enlightened, and now important, because successful colonizer is in a great measure, I will not say administered, but taken and held possession of by these creatures, not one of whom is capable of governing an infant school. Alston is there for hia pay : the other two deserted and gave no trouble during the time of adversity and danger ; but now when there is money at the banker's, and the shop has got a name and fame, they are always there, crawling about, muddling the business, and driving away customers. 1 declare to you seriously that this is a true picture. A remedy is to be attempted this week, by means of invest- ing the Deputy- Chairman with so much formal authority as will give him real power in all things subject to the Chair- man's approval. For this purpose only, as I understand, Lord Lyttelton, Simeon, and "W. James are coming to town on Thursday next. If the object be accomplished, the real effect will be to make Sewell an efficient administrator for Lord Lyttelton ; an excellent arrangement the very one I can most fully desire so long as it shall last. But what security is there for its permanence ? None ; for the good- ness of the arrangement, which is composed of the conjoint qualities and willingness of the two men, is itself an accident. Thus, in order to save the Canterbury Association, it must be made to consist of the individuals Lord Lyttelton and Mr. E. a. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEES. 329 Sewell (for the arrangement is worth nothing unless all real responsibility and power belong to these two) ; and there is no hope of inducing both or either of them to represent or rather to be the Association for more than a year or two at most. The inference is plain, at least to my apprehension. Kealize Lord Lyttelton's theory (which is only a piece of the great doctrine of self-government for the colonies) and transfer the Charter to the Settlement. But when ? As soon as possible. When will that be ? As soon as there shall be in the colony a set of men fit to be the Association. All the people there will be qualified by self-interest. But, for certain reasons, other and very rare qualities are no less necessary. By the constitution of society, its members are irresponsible to the extent of being chosen without any qualification. Absolute is the irresponsibility of a corporation so self-elected. Now, here in England, this irresponsibility is bad enough, as leaving you nothing to rely on but the public-spirited enthusiasm of a few gentlemen, friends of yours, and of one in particular whose social position makes him very responsible to public opinion ; but in the Settlement, where the powers of the Charter might be immensely jobbed for private ends, this total want of responsibility would be fatal, unless a majority of the members say four in five were highminded gentlemen of a public spirit and a religious conscientiousness like your own, and also unless some of them were men of a really statesmanlike ability. Such compensation for irresponsibility would, (I think, because in things new^ far more depends on people than on institutions) b e better than the best responsibility. But what is the inference? that you cannot transfer the Charter till there shall be in the colony a dozen or two of men widely different from nearly all who have hitherto emigrated. I know not of one colonist except yourself who possesses the requisite combination of goodness and talent. There are several probably with the goodness, and several with the talent, but not one with both. Therefore, I say, Lord Lytteltou must wait, and be himself, with Sewell, the Association, for a 330 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBUBY. time ; and they (Sewell is bent on emigrating) must direct all their efforts to promoting the emigration of men fit to be the Association in the colony. Most assuredly, as things stand at present, the person who ought to be the most fit to work the Charter in the colony, is the most likely to counterwork it if he had the power. I mean the intended Bishop. Whether any other will tell the truth about him, I cannot know ; but I will, to the best of my judgment ; and fully, at all events, for great evil might ensue if you were left in the dark on this all-important point. Considering the nature of the whole plan, what can be so important as the personal character of the first Bishop ? "Why I have not entered fully into this subject before, needs some explanation by way of apology. It was but lately that I made tip my mind to such a necessity for speaking out as could not be resisted. I would gladly have kept silence about minor disagreeables, and left you to find them out for yourself. And so I would now as to great ones, were they not so great as to persuade me, that great mischief might be done before you had time to find them out, if I left them untold. They are two in particular. 1st. Mr. Jackson does not care, and never has cared, about the plan of the Canterbury Settlement. He undervalues it, or even regards it as only pretty nonsense. It is, and always has been, the Bishopric of the Middle Island th"t he regards with complacency. And, therefore, naturally, he regards the particnlar Settlement with a kind of dislike. E. Hawkins, who is the Propagation Society, has always so regarded it, though for a different reason because this new Association, so far as it has religious aims, sets up for doing something better than his Society has ever done, and is either a sort of reproach to it, or a sort of poacher on its manor, or both. So Hawkins, being human, treats the Association as a well- mea'ning, well-sounding fancy, in which such men as the chiefs must needs be indulged, but which will and ought, to come to nothing. Down to the meeting in St. Martin's Hall, when E. a. WAKKFIELD'S LETTERS. 331 the scheme was made a reality, he did what he could to thwart it. Then, when he saw that we should go on somehow, and that there must be a Bishop, he selected Jackson, and filled him with his own views, among which was his disparaging view of your motives and position, which you told me about, and which Jackson let out at a meeting of the Committee not long ago when there was nobody present to rap his knuckles. This is a good sample of the state of their mind. I regard them both as enemies in reality. This is not the less true for being so shocking to tell. The conclusion as to Jackson has come slowly by the process of fact-accumulation. I feel quite sure now, that he will merely use Canterbury Settlement as a ladder for climbing to the Middle Island Bishopric, and when, the latter is attained will kick down the former as far as ho can. It is impossible that you should be convinced of this by jny writing ; but Jackson himself will soon convince you of it, and the sooner because I tell you of my opinion. By this plain-speaking I do not hope to do more than expedite your own discovery of wbat I believe to be the truth. 2nd. If Jackson had admired and loved the plan ever so much, he would not have been the man for Bishop of this particular colony. Not merely has he not enough of eleva- tion and refinement of thought and manners, but he has none at all of either refinement or elevation in either manners or mind. Tin's you will find out for yourself the first day, as I and some others did who had good means of judging, which. Lord Lyttelton never had. In one word, he is not, and never can be, a gentleman. Still one can suppose a person of far less refinement, of infinite coarseness if you please, capable of doing the part of Bishop with good effect ; and here I mean the Bishop as founder of the Church in this only Church Settlement and even as chief colonizer in the lay sense : for the Bishop might be and ought to be both. But Jackson would not do this part if he loved the plan as much as he dislikes it. His main reason, I think, for disliking it is that it (the plan) assumes to be of more importance than any indivi- 332 THE FOUNDERS OP CANTERBURY. dual or office, lay or clerical ; and consequently that if it were really carried out, its success would cost even the Bishop himself, individually, into the shade. Now, Jackson's idea of being a Bishop is the idea of being always in the broadest and brightest light. I think I have hardly ever known a man more beset with the weakness, let us call it vice, of disliking all positions but that of cock of his own dunghill. Accord- ingly, instead of courting, as he -ought to do, the order of men, both lay and clerical, whose emigration would soon make this the most prosperous and pleasantest of English colonies, he actually repels them. He has surrounded himself by people of a very inferior stamp : and he will never, I feel persuaded, be either able or willing to invite and lead a higher sort of colonization. Gentlemen, whether lay or clerical, cannot get on with him for one day : and those who keep about him seem to be either very dull or very crawling people, whose mere presence makes one feel uncomfortable. The private secre- tary, who will be my Lord's chief organ of communication with others, and who is to lecture in the College on constitu- tional law, is intolerably mean and vulgar. Apropos of the College, you will find Jackson's ideas about it not rising above the poorest conception of what the institution ought to be : a sort of school for teaching " a little Latin and no Greek," absolutely subject to the Bishop's incessant rule in details as well as generals. With this sort of " College," so-called, no scholar of eminence, no man of self-respect, will choose to embark his fortunes. The scheme of such a College as would soon grow up into an University, the nursing-mother of intelligence and manners for the Southern World, has been utterly frustrated ; and that which was intended to be, and might have been, the most efficient means of attracting the highest emigration, turns out to have been a dream of our fancy. The whole evil is beyond cure by any remedy at the dis- posal of the Association. For they are pledged to Mr. Jackson, and even bound in honour to obtain for him the E. o. WAKEFTELD'S LETTERS. 333 Bishopric of the Middle Island. lam so strongly impressed with this obligation on their part, and with my own full share in it as an efficient meddler ever since your departure, that in talking with Jackson on the subject I have counselled him to take the course which in my opinion is the most likely to accomplish his object, and to defeat in a great measure those objects on which our hearts have been set. I have always thought that the Bishop of New Zealand would probably object to the particular re-arrangement of his diocese on which Lord Grey insisted, and that if he consented to any- thing it would be only to that which the Association desires ; viz., a new diocese commensurate with the settlement of Can- terbury : but I have felt bound to tell Jackson that, in my opinion, the step most likely to influence Selwyn as he wishes, is his own voyage round the world on purpose to obtain the assent which he desires. Seeing him there, come out for the purpose, Selwyn can hardly, I think, refuse the required assent, and send Jackson back without the means of getting his consecration. But I feel convinced that if Jackson had remained here, Selwyn would have refused. Jackson's pre- sence in New Zealand may not have the effect which I deem probable. If so, there may, not improbably, be an Act of Parliament to set the Crown free from the disability con- tained in Selwyn's Letters Patent. Anyhow there will be delay and trouble. The best thing that could happen, in my opinion, is that Selwyn should only consent to the Canter- bury diocese ; and that Jackson disliking that, should be provided for somewhere else, so that there might be got fox? Bishop of Lyttelton a true-hearted Canterbury man, and one capable of making Canterbury what it ought to be. But whatever may happen, this I must repeat that the Asso- ciation is bound to Jackson, bound to help him in getting his own way, and so bound as to be incapable of setting itself free. It can only be set free by Jackson himself acting on his own free inclination. If you, strictly observing this obli- gation to Jackson, can nevertheless make anything good out 334 THE FOITNDEKS OF CANTEEBTJBY. of the mess, by inducing Jackson and Selwyn to agree upon something good (such as for example an exchange between those two, which if Selwyn had sincerely taken to colonization would have given Canterbury a perfect Bishop, and would give the Natives a Bishop better suited to them than Selwyn. is,) I shall set you down as the cleverest and most handy of managers. It seems well I should tell you that in the estimate 1 1 have formed of Jackson, I have been influenced by nobody. Some people agree with me ; but each of us formed his opinion separately. I do not mention their names, having no right to commit them. But of this I am sure that all of us came very reluctantly to the conclusion. On myself in particular it has been forced sorely* against my will. Eor I am very " good friends " with Jackson, who has shown a great willing- ness to oblige me ; and I was much taken with his remarkable power of addressing assembled numbers. Be sure that as a preacher find platform orator he has no living superior per- haps hardly an equal. Altogether, at one time, though my first impression was not agreeable, I managed to hope for the best by dint of trying to do so ; aud even now I cannot doubt that in some positions (for example, among the rude popu- lation of Tipper Canada) Jackson would be a powerful instru- ment of the Church. It is only for what the Bishop of Norwich called " the Belgravia of Colonies " that he is so remarkably uhsuited. E. Hawkins, knowing him, ought to be whipped for having proposed him. The two sprigs of Nobility who go in the Castle Eden will merit your particular attention. If the intending settler should do well, a great effect will be produced for Canter- bury ; if ill, a great effect too, but of the opposite kind. I think the chances are that he will not do very well. He is too young and too wild ; not bad, but heedless, and apt to be misled by hangers-on, with a turn for that kind of extra- vagance which belongs to ignoring the value of money. Having had the young man here for a day in order to turn E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS 335 him inside out, and see what he was made of, I told Lord Mandeville that the case was dangerous unless the Tele- inachus had a Mentor, and one not too old for leading, since driving was out of the question. This led the elder brother to resolve on a voyage round the world. The brothers seem much attached to each other and to their Grandmother. The best thing that could happen for Lord Frederick is, that Lord Mandeville should be induced to remain for some time in the settlement ; and I rely much on your obtaining a very bene- ficial influence over both. My immediate 'fear is that the Bishop Designate may, during the voyage, set Lord Man- deville against Canterbury. Besides the Isabella Jlercus, two more ships are chartered to sail early in November. There might have been four if the Association were not in chains to the Colonial Office. Here, nearly a month has passed after the last sale was completed without the issue of any new Terms of Purchase. The delay is solely occasioned by Downing Street, which hates us, and whose chief, apparently friendly to us, is holiday-making in Northumberland. The new Terms ought to have been issued the very day on which the old went out of use. "We wanted above all things to keep the sale of land, which means emi- gration of all classes, on the move. The mouth's stagnation leads to a notion among the public, that no more colonization was expected till reports should come from the first batch. A Bank is established, does business for a short time very successfully, and has every prospect of a great increase of customers, when it is shut up for a month. Clever, is it not ? And by and by, when the ill effect comes, the blame will be cast on the plan ; and the very people who stop us will say that our price of land is too high, and our Church extremes are nonsensical. Tou may think me a sad croaker : but the truth is that I deliberately let the pleasant things tell them- selves, as they are sure to do not without exaggeration, and confine myself to those matters of which 1 fancy that you will not hear much from anybody but me. 336 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Bowler departs presently. His eldest daughter lias an attack of very serious illness, for which the Doctors recom- mend a sea voyage ; and at any rate his engagements at "Wellington would compel him to go soon. Not attempting to hold him, my only difficulty with him is to induce him to give up working some time before he goes, so that somebody may learn from him, and practically, how to do his work. It will never be as well done as by him ; and, at present, we have no promising substitute in view. If he should leave before some plan has been arranged for filling the vacancy, the Association will be in a terrible mess. Here again, I am brought to the conclusion that the Charter would be best worked at Lyttelton, where the old Bounty System of New South "Wales, carefully improved, might be a good substitute for the best possible management at home. * * * * You will perceive that this letter has been written at different dates. The closing date is the 27th of September. P.S. I find it necessary, on reading over my letter, to supply an omission. Among the schemes for settling the Bishopric question nicely for Canterbury, it has occurred to some of us that if Jackson cannot get the whole Island, he would much prefer the whole Island except Canterbury to Canterbury alone. The difficulty would be the endowment ; but for getting the funds here he has immense powers : and I fa^cy that his peculiar talents might enable him to induce the Nelson people to petition for an Act of Parliament, with the view of turning the dead College fund into a living fund for a Bishopric and College. I have some idea of writing to the Nelson people on this subject : but the letter would be enclosed to you, for use or the fire as you should see fit. Beigate, 1st October, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, Hutt's object in asking me to go with him yesterday, was to propose Lord for a colonist. I K. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTEBS. 337 strongly objected that the emigration of " the pauper peer " would throw ridicule upon one of our main pretensions. He seemed to give way but not willingly ; and I should not wonder if he persevered in urging that folly. With my own eyes and ears I witnessed the frustration of our objects both by him and Alston. Two probable colonists I saved myself who were going away, the one alarmed and the other disgusted. Names of both at your service. Reflecting on the question discussed before Mr. Nugent Wade, I have come to agree with Wynter that it is the plain duty of the Committee to resolve that, caeteris paribus, clergy- men having private property, and the more the better, are greatly, and for many reasons, preferable to others. Is there not too much discussion of this point ? I can assure you, and I have no doubt that Wynter will recollect the fact, that the first view of this question as taken by himself, Godley, and me, was that all the clergymen ought to be, and easily might be, men of property. But what is needed is decision and action. Eeigate, 2nd October, 1850. MY DEAR WYNTEE, * * * * P.S. Very disagreeable Jacksonian money-matters at Cock- spur Street to-day. John Hutt talking about the Bishop being arrested at Plymouth. Eeigate, 3rd October, 1850. MY DEAB, SEWELL, I want your opinion on the following point. Bintoul is going on Saturday to the Bishop of Nor- wich to pass two or three days with him : and I have a great mind to beg that he will take a copy of my late letter to Godley and get the Bishop to read it. I should do so with- out hesitation, but that you ought to have the opportunity of saying, " Don't," if you object. But myself, I am so clear 31 THE FOITNDEKS OF CAJsTEKBTTRT. that you will have to find a substitute for Jackson, that I wish to keep the Bishop of Norwich informed from time to time, instead of keeping him in the dark till it shall be unavoidable to enlighten him all at once, and so to shock him. Told all at once, the story of Jackson's unfitness is incredible. "Write one line by return of post, lest I should not be able to go to town to-morrow. If J should be arrested at Plymouth, Canterbury may lie down and die. Tours ever, E. G. WAKEFIELD. Eeigate, 5th October 1850. MY DEAE SEWELL, This would be painful, not to say dreadful, if it were true : for I must needs pursue the course we are on notwithstanding the kindness of the man to me^ Only in that case, I would be quite plain with him, and tell him exactly my thoughts. But it is not true. He writes it only because he feels that he is in a mess, and that my support might be of use to him. So, it is humbug ; and so disagreeable, both on Canterbury and personal grounds, as to give me comfort by helping to justify and necessitate the steps that MUSI be taken if the Church principle of Canterbury is to be saved. I have a very distinct view of the first step ; which, if it be properly taken, will be followed up as a matter of course. It is that letters to Jackson and G-odley, by the Isabella Serous, should make Jackson aware of his extreme danger. If he should be fully conscious of it, he will readily fall into any plan that Q-odley and Bishop Selwyn may hit off for the saving of Canterbury as respects the Church. Pray think of it. Eeigate, 16th October, 1850. MY DEAB WYNTEB, The enclosed from the Daily News may amuse you. E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 339 But my real object in writing is to express an opinion which keeps me awake o'nights ; viz., that if there should be any wavering in the blow to be struck for Canterbury Settle- ment and the Church, those who strike will not break any- thing but their own knuckles. Only one objection should be be urged the incapacity for dealing with money- matters, amounting to aberration of mind but that one should be urged with equal resolution at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. If the objectors should ever shrink a hair's breadth, or only seem to hesitate, it would be all over with them. The objection is all sufficient if firmly maintained ; if not, it would recoil on those who made it. Captain Simeon (who will be there to-morrow) told me of a case in which all the money subscribed at a meeting had been taken off, and the getters-up of the meeting left in the lurch for expenses out of pocket. Adelphi, 19th October, 1850. MY DEAH, SEWELL, I am very sorry to say that Eintoul, for mighty reasons which he urges, pronounces an irrevocable " No." His judgment is clear that the whole matters of Jackson's money mess, very clearly and drily, but completely stated, in its bearings on his fitness for the office, should be commu- nicated without delay in writing to the Bishop of Norwich. "Without delay, says Rintoul, in order that it may be done before the attacks in the press which, he agrees with me in thinking, are almost sure to echo in public the talk in private that is now going on. He considers the present state an utter but secret dissatisfaction as most dangerous for all concerned, and unfair to Jackson. He adopts my distinction of execution and assassination : and, above all, I think, he seems to think that the concealment from Jackson, and those who recommended him, of the true impression of yourself and Wynter, is wrong. 340 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEBBTTHr. Keigate, 19th October, 1850. MY DEA.B GODLEY, There will be nothing uncommon if it should fall to my lot to stand alone in telling you fully of the most disagreeable circumstance that has yet happened in the Canterbury aifair. This is the discovery that Mr. Jackson is as loose and reckless about money-matters as can well be imagined. His state of mind on the subject of money may be compared to that of the late Duke of Marlborough, of whom it is related, that having got his carriage with post horses to the door for a grouse- shooting journey to Scotland, he recollected that he was without money ; that he walked out to borrow or beg some, and at last persuaded Dram- monds to let him have 500 ; and that having, on his way back from Charing Cross to Hertford Street, spent 300 in Christie's Auction Boom, and given 200 to a woman in St. James's Street, he had after all to send away his travelling carriage, and remain in town on the 12th of August. The anecdote, whether true or not, implies that the Duke was pecuniarily out of his mind, as indeed he was. The unques- tionable facts in Mr. Jackson's money-matters lead to the same conclusion with regard to him. Some of the particulars will get before yoa officially ; all those, that is, which appear from the dire disorder of his so-called accounts. But these are facts which you ought to know, that will not be commu- nicated to you officially. The partners and clerks in two Banking establishments know, that, after Jackson had left Town for Plymouth, his cheque for over 300 was dis- honoured, with the answer " no effects." I hear that Cocks and Co., having given cash for the cheque to Mr. Jackson, not as Bankers to the Association but as between man and man, have to bear the loss. The fact is known to eight or ten members of the Association and all the clerks. Perhaps not less than fifty people knew it at the time ; and as it was a fact to move wonder and gossip, it has become what may be termed public, short of appearing in the newspapers. An outfitting firm in the City which deals for " cash" is out of B. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 241 pocket over 300, and cornea to the Association for payment, which is refused. The same firm talks of orders to a much larger amount, and will not execute the same without a guarantee from the Association, which ia refused. Hence, talk, talk about the " Bishop Designate," which cannot be stopped. A hungry, vulgar, chattering ship-bcoker has been, to use his own kind of language, " let in " for something under 50, and demands payment from the Association, which is refused. This man was warned in the City to beware of Mr. Jackson, whose looseness about money is no stcret there. There are other claims which appear equally well founded as claims on Mr. Jackson, but not on the Association, which has already paid (so I bear in general terms) somewhere about a thousand pounds, to or for Mr. Jackson, more than it was justified in paying as a trustee for dealing with the money of the colonist land-buyers. All this broke upon the Committee suddenly, after Mr. Jackson had left London, though not too late for satisfactory explanation and adjustment if either had been possible. In answer to calls for both, Mr. Jackson's letters are most unsatisfactory ; and those of his Secretary, Mr. Calvert, would be called shuffling, if they were not ludicrous from a mixture of childishness and absurdity. One of Mr. Calvert's, addressed to the aforesaid ship-broker, must be seen in order to believing that it was written by one in his responsible position about money-matters, who is also the Designated Professor of Mathematics in Christchurch College, and Bursar thereof. I would add some more melancholy details of the same kind if it were worth while. The effect has been to dumbfound the Committee. Two impressions in particular are made on them ; first, that these circumstances are evidence of a habit of mind in Mr. Jackson, which renders him totally unfit to have the chief part in dealing with a fund (the Ecclesiastical and Educational Fund) which, if the plan of the Association should be carried out, will amount to two millions and a half; secondly, that the notoriety of the facts is such as to render it impossible that 342 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. the plan of the Association should be carried out if Mr. Jackson is to be at the head of the Ecclesiastical and Edu- cational Administration. The bluntest conscience has become afraid to receive money (in payment for land) which it believes will be recklessly squandered : the dullest appre- hension perceives that the character of the Bishop Designate is blasted, so as to render his connection with the colony a stigma and a fatal impediment to success in the colonizing operation. Turn the matter how you will, these two con- clusions are inevitable. Those of us who are most in earnest hold down our heads when the Bishop is mentioned by a stranger. This applies to intending colonists as well as members of the Association. We are ashamed of the very feature of the plan, to which the most importance has been attached, and the most prominence has been given. Two or three leading members of the Committee, whose retirement would break up the Association, declare in private that they will retire if Mr. Jackson is to be the Bishop. They say that if he is to be the Bishop, they shall not only lose all interest in the undertaking, but shall decline to take part in a great delusion, not to say a great cheat. They are disgusted and ashamed : they would jump out now if they could do so without deserting and leaving in the lurch those who have embarked their fortunes and whole future in the colony on the faith of the character and pledges of these same men, and some of their colleagues. In one word, the Committee, such as it now is in the absence of Lord Lyttelton, the Bishop of Norwich, Sir Walter James, John Simeon, Adderley, &c., is completely PARALYZED. Paralyzed, I am afraid, to no less an extent than that of being incapable of doing aught but let matters take their own course. And what does that mean ? It means, I fancy, the worst that can be. If nothing be done by the Committee, by way of remedy, there will come gradually, but not very slowly, a sort of public discredit and disgrace which must ruin both Mr. Jackson and the Association. If he and his personal E. G. WAKEFI ELD'S LETTEUS. 3i3 friends here, and those who recommended him, who are the Venerable Society represented hy its organ, Mr. Hawkins, are left in ignorance of the real impressions made on Com- mittee and Colonists by this money mess if the scandal be allowed to work its own way, the Association being merely passive Mr. Jackson will, I say, be destroyed along with the Association. What then would I do were I master ? I would tell Mr. Hawkins and other friends of Mr. Jackson the whole truth, showing them distinctly the impossibility of going on with him as Bishop, and the unavoidableness of scandal, and ruination if he were not withdrawn by them. I would say to them, " Withdraw him, and so avert the scandal. He has some talents of a high order, which qualify him for important office in the Church, if it be office unconnected with finance. He could walk through such a colony as Upper Canada, and, as the Bishop of Nancy did with the habitans of the Lower Province, preach the public-houses empty and ruin the dis- tilleries by an episcopal crusade against intemperance ; but if large money-matters should be in his w.ay, he would ruin them and himself. Take him from this most unsuitable field of labour, and place him in oue where his talents would be highly useful and his honour would be safe. Do it promptly, so as to avoid scandal. Let the act be that of his friends, which is the same as his own : write to him by the first ship, and tell him all. If you do this bravely, without wavering, and promptly so as to stop the detraction which can be stayed in no other way, you will save your friend, and spare the Church a heavy blow which, if it be not averted, will be of your infliction. If you will not do this promptly and quietly, we must wash our hands of responsibility by laying the whole case officially before the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will then become respousible by having to determine what shall be done." This course would be the best for everybody for the Association, for the Church, for the Archbishop himself, and most of all for Mr. Jackson : it would be the best, that is, provided Mr. Hawkins and the Society adopted the proposal. 344 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTEEBUEY. If they should reject it, the appeal to the Archbishop would be doing execution upon Mr. Jackson : whereas the present course, or rattier no course will be an assassination of Mr. Jackson. If it were not killing him yourself, it would be letting him be killed by stabs in the back, which you con- sciously allowed to be given without warning him and his friends of the danger. If I were to write for a month, I do not think it would be possible for me to express more clearly my own clear and deliberate view of the question. As respects the Committee it is a question of moral courage ; for (though I speak only of those with whom I have conversed on the subject) I know that they take precisely the same view of what ought to be done. But what an individual thinks ought to be done, and what a corporation will do, are very different matters. So again, for those who hoJd the above view of what it would be right to do,the question is merely one of resolution. You and I have often argued that many of the worst things that happen in the world, arise rather from timidity than from either vice or error. After my letter to you of the 17th September, I need not acknowledge a strong prejudice against Mr. Jackson on grounds unconnected with finance: but I now refer to that prejudice in order to say that my consciousness of its strength has prompted careful deliberation, including counsel with Eintoul, in arriving at my present conclusions on the finance question. 21st October. Having slept on it since the above was written, I wish to add what will follow. If my present fear of the Committee's infirmity of purpose should be realized, it may be your task to determine the very question which now puzzles them : you may have to decide whether you will make Mr. Jackson fully aware of his own position, by letting him know all that I tell you, or will only go with him into that " settlement of accounts " which the Committee call for officially, but which E. G. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 345 they are quite sure beforehand will be neither settlement nor explanation, but merely authenticated defalcation and dis- grace. Know theu, that since Jackson's departure we hear of stories about money to his prejudice, which concern the Association indirectly. Take for sample a complaint by people who at his instance got up a " Lyttelton Bishopric " meeting for him, and whom he saddled with the " expenses " by taking alt the money subscribed at the doors. Heedlessness, I have no doubt, but such heedlessness as amounts to a sort of money madness : for being " left in the lurch " in this way is apt to make people sore to vindictiveness. Such people cry out to such a colonist as Captain Simeon (and a first-rate colonist he is ; the best hitherto, by far), who, knowing the other facts, holds his tongue, but looks and sighs assent to a charge which implies more than heedlessuess. Thus Jackson's vast power of begging, which has been noticed in former letters, becomes the ground-work of horrid sneers. Mrs. Candour has plenty to do. The two places of business, where Canterbury people congregate, are schools for scandal. Of course in other places (for Canterbury has plenty of very Low Church and Dissenting enemies, spread over the country) the same sort of thing goes on. Nobody any where, that I see or bear of, stands up for Jackson. Hi* proper defenders, who are the Canterbury people, confirm the worst that is said, and imply worse still, by their mournful silence. Even Ernest Hawkins produces a letter from Jackson, begging him to pay 20 which he was under the necessity of borrowing at the lasC moment from a clergyman at Plymouth. Bintoul, one of the last men to indulge in scaudal or report idle gossip, says he hears that Battereea Training College (which is dead) died of Finance and Jackson. If Ernest Hawkins knew this at the time, he has been deeply to blame. I have a dread, and Kintoul partakes of it, that some of our unfriends (and to those mentioned above must be added the under-class of officials represented in the Examiner) will be letting fly at us in the newspapers ; first, perhaps, with nice little paragraphs, 346 THE FOTJXDERS OF CAXTEBT31TRT. and then with pleasant articles. I think you may be quite certain when you receive this, that if things have been allowed to take their own course, Jackson is thoroughly blown upon. This is the deliberate opinion of some of our soberest judg- ments. But suppose it is not so bad as this : suppose that Jackson returns with the requisite documents from Selwyn, and sets to work, as he fully intends, on a grand begging agitation by sermons and meetings : a grand blow-up and break-up would then be inevitable. Suppose less evil than this ; that the Committee and such colonists as we can influence, manage somehow to put down the stories, and resolve to go on cordially with Jackson for better or worse (as I think they are bound on their honour to do if they do not act on their convictions) still they must, by means of bye-laws, put him in chains with respect to the Ecclesiastical and Educational Funds. In other words, they must make the Bishop a cypher with regard to, I was going to say this or that, but it really means everything. I can see no way out of this wood of disasters except the one above indicated : and if the Com- mittee do not take it from fear of lions in the path (there are lions in all paths which lead to much good) the least bad of the others will, I think, be for you to tell Jackson all, and so give him the opportunity of retiring instead of being dis- missed, as, sooner or later, if he should not be withdrawn and will not retire, he most assuredly will be, unless I and others, not donkeys, are afflicted with judicial blindness. Eeigate, 21st October, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, You will not keep both Jackson and Wynter. I am writing to Lord Lyttelton and the Bishop of Norwich. The latter, I see by the papers, is to be in London to-day. I take this step after full consultation with Eiutoul yesterday. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 347 It may do no good, but cannot make things worse, and will be a relief to me individually. LOUD LTTTELTON. Beigate, 22nd October, 1850. Mr DEAR LORD, After much hesitation, arising from a natural dislike to the office, I resolve on sending to you the enclosed extract from the Letter- Journal which I keep for Mr Godley. I have also felt bound to send a copy to the Bishop of Norwich, who, as the only Bishop in the Ecclesiastical Com- mittee, ought t j know the facts. The communication has not been made to any other person. It explains itself so fully that I need not add any comment. The BISHOP or NORWFCH. Eeigate, 21st October, 1850. MY DEAR LOKD, The enclosed extract from a sort of Letter- Journal which I keep for Mr. G-odley's information and send to him from time to time, explains itself so fully, that I have only to request that you will be BO good as to read it. A copy is sent by this post to Lord Lyttelton. Neither from yourself as the only Bishop in the Ecclesiasti- cal Committee, nor from him whose station, character, and chairmanship make him very responsible to the public, did I feel justified in any longer withholding the impressions set forth in this paper ; though it is very disagreeable to be always the person to tell unpleasant things to the great men. * * # * I must add that Rintoul urged me to communicate freely with you on the subject, with which he is fully acquainted. 348 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. Eeigate, 23rd October, 1850. MY DEAR SEWELL, Here is the statement by the Arch- bishop of Canterbury, that the Training School at Battersea was not to be preserved. The fact, whilst it shows that Mr. J. ought to have prized the Canterbury berth as a most fortunate accident, and there- fore aggregates his folly in so soon risking the loss of it, is so far comfortable as it relieves one of the fear that he was induced to give up a good berth for that which he cannot hold. The question whether he destroyed the Battersea berth by financial inismaiiagemeut is only interesting as, if it were resolved in the affirmative, E. H. must assist in the only step by which Canterbury colony can be saved from destruction in the same way. That question is well worth prompt and care- ful enquiry. By the way, how do you reconcile this statement of the Archbishop's with Mr. J.'s assurance that he " gave up " a thousand a-year to accept the Lytteltou Bishopric ? LORD LYTTELTON. Eeigate, 28th October, 1850. MY DEAR LORD, Tour Lordship's two letters reached me together on Saturday. I proceed to notice those points in them which seem to require that I should trouble you with a letter. I have no reserve with Mr. Sewell, to whom I beg that the paper may be communicated if you see fit. I was alone deterred from showing him my letter to Mr. Godley by a fear that it might somehow embarass him. So great is my faith in him, that I wished him to take his own course, even in com- municating with yourself, undisturbed by a knowledge of the terms in which I had written to Mr. Godley. But I sent the extract to your Lordship because I wished E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 349 you to know facts which I thought Mr. Sewell might not state in plain enough terms. I mean in particular facts relating to the impressions which Mr. Jackson's conduct has made on others. In doing this by means of sending what I wrote to a familiar friend, I am afraid that the impatient Irusquerie which ill health makes me apt to be guilty of, but for which Godley will make due allowance, was not redeemed by the distinctness of statement which is its only merit. I deliberately intended, however, to understate the facts, and to abstain from giving them the worst colour. There are some facts not mentioned by me, from which any stranger to Mr. Jackson would infer his dishonesty. Knowing him> I sincerely believe only in his utter recklessness. But most people (as detraction never wants a large and partial audi- ence) will not take that view : and thus the present state of things is a sort of killing of him by scandal and half-killing the colony at the same time. I therefore rejoice to find that your Lordship is going to apply your mind seriously and practically to the question, because some definite course will by that means be settled upon. The present evil is much scandal, and no remedy at alL If it did not appear from my letter to Mr. Godley, I am the more anxious to disclaim any profession of indignant virtue. If the facts in the case were known only to me, nobody else should ever know them. I disagree, or at any rate I do not go along, with those who take the strictest moral view. Even when thinking aloud to Godley, I have gone altogether on the grounds of recklessness in the individual, and of danger, policy, and possibility, as respects the Association. With this feeling still, which may be called the expediency view, I trust that the whole of the facts and their bearings may be considered by your Lordship and any whom vou choose to take counsel with, in private before the subject shall be again mentioned at the Board table : for after a sort of trial iu the Board Boom, if all the facts are to come out 350 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. there, the alternative of " making the best of it " would hardly be possible. I would further beg for an opportunity of stating to you viva voce the accumulation of facts, not relating to money- matters, which have gradually counteracted my earnest wish and endeavour to make the best of the appointment : for I feel that the abrupt statement of impressions which have taken months to grow, may naturally appear to you like inconsiderate passion. Tbe enclosed copy of a former out- pouring to Godley will in part tell the disagreeable story. * * * * P.S. On reading over the above I find that from disorder of mind to-day, occasioned by fretting about this matter, I have left out two main points. The first is, that the dis- honesty which appears to some is really almost disproved by the recklessness, for the manner of some of the misappro- priations rendered exposure inevitable, and there appears nowhere any attempt at concealment ; whilst in one or two cases it would be said of an ordinary man that he had taken pains gratuitously to get into scrapes. This goes to negative the culpability which some infer ; but then it shows such a state of mind in Mr. J. as should induce his brother or closest friend to get him made something else than Bishop of Lyttelton, if that is possible. I cannot help trying to sup- pose that it would be possible, by means of some effort on the conjoint part of Mr. Hawkins and the Bishop of .Norwich. The second point is, that if it be impossible to obtain the desired change, or, indeed, at all events, the monies due ought to be at once paid by the Association, so as to stop the mouths of complainers and gossipers. The audit of the Board of Trade appears to me no serious obstacle to that politic step. I am not quite sure that a copy of my former letter to Godley will be ready to send by this post.. E. o. WAKEFIELD'S LETTERS. 351 LORD LYTTELTON. Eeigate, 31st October, 18(50. MY DEAR LORD, Will you allow me to express a hope that, in consideration of that point in Mr. SewelFs character which you have exactly hit, you may induce him to tell you fully and clearly his own views and feelings about Mr. Jackson ? It is so 'painful to him to say what he thinks another is pained to hear, that he will not speak his real mind if he observes that you are disturbed by hearing it. I have learned to admire his fine and most valuable character ; but the amiable weakness in question belongs to his con- stitution, and can only be overcome by showing a sympa- thizing interest in anything of a disagreeable nature that he wishes but hesitates to express. But this offence to the Somes family, who are very in- fluential in the City, is not the only point. Inasmuch as nobody can choose his land till No. 1 shall have chosen, it was of great importance to the land buyers generally, that the <\.wp\'\cate-for-selection order No. 1 should be sent out with the first ships. Its retention may stop all choosing for a while, and so prove very hurtful and very irritating to the colonists. This was fully explained to Mr. Jackson by my brother before the first ships sailed. He must have forgotl en all about it. He has also carried away the transferable order, which Mrs. Somes did not mean to part with at all for the present. The only comment I offer is, that this is a good sample of his suicidal heedlessness in dealing with, matters of business. I venture to suggsst that Mr. Sewell should be authorised to pay Mr. Filby's bill without waiting till the end of next week. These outstanding claims are making it every day more difficult to take with good effect either the course of rubbing on as well as may be with Mr. J., or that of trying to get him otherwise provided for. It is some satisfaction to be able to fill the rest of this page 352 THE FOUNDERS OF CANTERBURY. with the statement, that I yesterday attended the weekly meeting at the Adelphi ; and that it reminded me of some of the best meetings before the first ships sailed. There can, I think, be no doubt that a wide-spread interest about the colony has been established, and that colonists of a higher description than most of the first batch are coming forward. Mr. Bowler reports that the six ships have taken away 1,200 people ; that the whole cost is about 22,000 ; that of this sum about 12,000 is contributed by the public ; that the two last ships have made a profit of about 200 each ; and that it is, in his opinion, perfectly safe now to engage two ships in addition to the seventh now preparing for sea. 1 1 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. DEC 3 1968 KK'D 5 1 6 196ff FormL9-39,OJO-8,'65(F6234s8)4939 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES LIBRARY oo,