1975 - Lush, Vicesimus. The Thames Journals of Vicesimus Lush, 1868-82 - THE THAMES JOURNALS OF VICESIMUS LUSH, p 35-256

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THE THAMES JOURNALS OF

VICESIMUS LUSH

1868-82

28 November 1868. Left home for the Thames: sent my luggage to the Royal Alfred and soon after breakfast Blanche and I went to Town, and after calling on Mr Hill to borrow £10 (which he could not or would not lend me) we went on board the Steamer as she lay alongside the wharf. I took Blanche over the vessel and when the whistle warned intending passengers to come on board, she left me on the deck and went and stood among the hoi polloi on the wharf, where she remained until I had steamed out some distance. I caught a glimpse of her walking alone along the wharf, homeward -- the last sight of my good wife this year I suppose.

I remained on board as long as there was a chance of seeing

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our house at Parnell 1 -- and then our former residence at Howick 2 -- and then I went below, reading until I got almost within sight of Shortland. The fare on board the Royal Alfred is good and cheap. We had today soup, then boiled calf's head and bacon, two roast fowls, sirloin of beef, boiled leg of mutton, salad, new potatoes and turnips; cherry tart, gooseberry tart, and two farinaceous puddings -- charge, 2/0 each person.

On reaching Shortland I hired a cart to take my luggage to the Cottage the Church Committee have taken for 3 months for me; the painter and the carpenter were both busy in it so I merely left my luggage and walked on to the Goodalls' where I was most kindly received. I hear that Goodall is now receiving at the rate of 8000 £ a year from his share in the "Golden Crown" mine: less than three months ago the shares in this claim could be bought for £40! Shall I ever have to report such wonderful receipts from the Freeman's Bay or the Caledonian? Who can say: if I ever can I hope I might finish building St Peter's in the Forest 3 -- endow it with 200 £ a year and then return to England for a season.

29. Last night it rained heavily but it turned out tolerably fine and the Church was crowded morning and evening. The responses were very heartily given throughout and the singing was worth hearing. I thought of the Yorkshire Parson's remark when some friend complained to him of the loudness with which his congregation sang: "I love to hear the bleating of the flock."

I dined with the Mackays. This is the first time I have ever seen Mr Mackay: during the dinner and subsequently at tea from friends who called, a Mr Hogg, Mr Mackay's chief clerk, collected about £10 for a Communion service.

30. Slept last night at the Goodalls'. Mentioned that I was going to get some few articles of furniture for my cottage and requested them to direct me to some substantial trades-

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man who would allow me three months' credit, as I had but 30/0 in my purse and could not therefore afford to pay for anything but the merest trifles. Mr Goodall at once offered to be my banker--to draw upon him for all I might require, and Mrs Goodall volunteered to go and do the shopping for me and to pay for the things herself--I gladly accepted her offer. Went to the School and there met Mrs Mackay who proposed we should commence a subscription for a font and two Altar chairs: I need not say I cordially assented. Visited the Hospital: there I met Dr Weekes. Returned to the Goodalls' to a 6 o'clock dinner: rather amused at two servants handing tea and coffee in the drawing room immediately after dinner, though there was only the family and myself--but then the 8000 £ a year! I forgot that.

1 December 1868. Was to have had possession of my cottage yesterday but could not get in till today after an early dinner at the Goodalls'. Not yet having a table I went to the Restaurant kept by the Champions (who knew us 17 years ago at St John's College) and had tea. They seemed very pleased to see me again.

2. This cottage could easily have been built anywhere in New Zealand for £50--but actually cost the proprietor less than £20 on account of buying the wood at a wonderfully cheap rate, at a sale: the rent he charges the Church Committee is at the rate of £52 a year! The sooner they build me a Parsonage the better.

5. Fitzpatrick, an old Howick pensioner brought me milk -- or rather water and milk -- this morning; his wife will do my washing for the present. Considering these are diggings, the milk is cheap at /6d a quart. Bought of the carpenter an earthenware tea pot (a good one), a large white jar will hold I should think 4 lbs of sugar; and a large pewter basin, suitable for washing up my tea things in, the lot for one shilling. Had tea again last night at Mrs Champion's -- the charge is 1/ 6 -- as much meat, jam, &c., as you like.

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5. Took my first extended walk this afternoon; starting from my cottage I walked along the "flat" -- on the surveyors' maps all covered with streets -- and already dotted all over with small wooden buildings, till I came to the entrance of the Mo[a]nataira creek -- as here called -- but in fact simply a gully or ravine between two steepish hills with a small stream running down the centre. At the entrance of the gully there are three large crushing machines which cause a terrible noise, the ponderous beaters, about 24 in all, keep up an incessant thump, thump -- night and day. Leaving this noisy and busy spot behind I toiled leisurely up the valley, every 100 yards coming on either side to mines, some sunk straight down, looking like very deep, dangerous exposed wells and then driven into the side of the hill, looking from their number like the entrances of a huge rabbit warren. Two miles up I came to the Victoria crushing mill; after a slight rest I walked across the range and came into the Wai[o]tahi creek (gully) and after a far more fatiguing but much more picturesque walk reached "the Rose of the Thames" where Dick Worthington 4 is at work.

The country all about here is very wild and romantic. I followed a new road which led me into the Karaka creek, and going down that, I came out near St George's Church -- so home: tired certainly and somewhat appalled at the work I see before me but upon the whole glad I had at least made a beginning.

7. Last Saturday evening I spent at the Goodalls'. Dr Lethbridge 5 was there also and accompanied me home; it was a stormy night and just as I reached my cottage a sudden high gust of wind carried off my hat into space -- never again to be seen or worn by me! The Doctor and I searched for it with the aid of a lantern, but in vain: two other men lost their hats at the same time close by me, and we three were wandering about hatless, all in the dark and wind, searching in vain for our "tiles". Though it was past 10 at night the

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Doctor went on to Shortland and bought me another hat for which I had to give 7/6.

8. Very tempestuous all last night: and wet up till noon. Most of the afternoon this flat is like a huge vapour bath and I found it very exhausting walking about visiting; however I made a good many calls, meeting with some of my former parishioners, all of whom seemed very pleased to see me again -- among others, Kitty Moore of Howick who, though married, has not as it so happens changed her name. Years ago she was one of the scholars in our school at Howick.

In the course of my walk I met George Arney 6 and Mr Albin Martin 7 -- they have come down for a day to see the goldfield. Mr Mackay who has just returned from Town told me he saw my daughter walking with Mrs Hetley 8 and that she sent a message to me but he had forgotten all about it!

9. Dined at the restaurant and then started for the Halcyon claim some two miles up the Karaka creek: a Mr Gipp lives on this claim, he having a share in it: "when his ship comes home" or, as we must say here, "when his claim pays", then he is to marry Amy Kenny, so I wanted to get acquainted with him.

The walk was remarkably interesting and picturesque but Very fatiguing, up hill the whole two miles. When I got close to the Halcyon I met a young man with a shovel in one hand and a miner's pick in the other and I asked him where the claim was. When I reached the claim and enquired for Mr Gipp I found he was the young man I had met, so I left my card and retraced my steps, making a few calls on my way home at the roadside huts and tents. My washerwoman brought home my linen -- charges 3d for each article -- 3/0 a dozen! So I think I shall set to and wash my own things!!

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12. Went to the Goodalls' to ask Mrs Goodall to buy me a few things: I find when I go shopping I am terribly imposed upon. When there saw a Mr Whybrown, formerly an officer in the Navy: now, through misfortune, come down to be Mr Goodall's clerk. He lives in Parnell and promised to call tomorrow on Mrs Lush to tell Martin whether the A. Alfred will come here on Monday or not. I hope he may be on board on Monday and travel with Whybrown. I think he may act as escort to Blannie or even Mama some day. Mrs Kissling 9 informed me that Eliza Maunsell is coming to Shortland on Monday under Martin's escort.

14. All the forenoon exceeding beautiful so I anticipated that Martin and Eliza Maunsell would have a pleasant trip: however about 3 o'clock it became clouded over and the wind rose. I found they had had a very rough passage and Eliza had been sick all the way. Martin had been all right and had enjoyed his dinner on board.

I got them into a conveyance at Grahamstown and, leaving Martin with all his luggage at my rooms, as we drove on to Shortland with Eliza till I met her brother, Mr George Maunsell. By the time I returned Martin had a good fire burning and had unpacked most of his things.

15. Martin took a long walk with me this afternoon -- we called at the Mission Station to enquire after Eliza Maunsell -- and after Mrs George Maunsell's baby; the latter is not well, has not opened its eyes for the last 5 days.

21. Martin and I have had a delightful trip, thanks to Mr and Mrs Mackay. Mr Mackay has been away up the Thames at Ohinemuri for some time past, treating with the natives about opening their land for quartz digging and last Thursday was the day previously fixed upon for a Steamer to proceed up the Thames to fetch Mr Mackay down. Mrs Mackay determined to go up in her and formed a small party to accompany her: all expected to be back in Shortland on Thursday

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evening, instead of which we were not home again till io o'clock on Saturday evening.

The party was to assemble in Mr Mackay's office at 1/2 past 7 in the morning, so Martin and I were up early and got some breakfast before we left our rooms. The party consisted of Mrs Mackay, Mrs Hetley, Mr McKellar, Charlie Hetley, (a boy near Martin's age), Miss Roskruge, Miss Binney, Mr Beere, Mr Thompson and Mr Tottin. We steamed off about 8 o'clock and had a delightful sail up the river -- very many parts of which are, in my opinion, more beautiful than the Waikato; the banks are not so high as the Waikato banks and consequently one can see more of the country, which is flat for a few miles on either side and then rises gradually into high and broken hills, mostly well clothed with forest.

At 9 o'clock we had a substantial breakfast which I was glad to see Martin enjoy: he and Charlie Hetley were inseperable companions throughout the trip; it took us almost four hours to reach Ohinemuri. After steaming away for 3 hours we passed Bellmount, Mr Thorp's 10 large farm -- in one of his paddocks there was quite an encampment of diggers awaiting the opening of the land. The tents and groups of men among the trees made a pretty picture and made me long for a Photographic Apparatus. The river here makes a great bend so that while it is only 2 miles from Mr Thorp's house to the place of meeting at Ohinemuri, it is upwards of 8 miles by water.

We reached the native settlement by 12 o'clock. This is the largest and most populous native settlement I have seen; the natives were clustering along the banks, watching us with evident interest. We disembarked on the side inhabited by the "Queenites" (friendly natives) and then crossed over in boats to the Hauhau 11 side of the river. On our side of the

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river the Union Jack was flying -- on the Hauhau side a white flag, the Hauhau flag, was hoisted.

We walked through some fields of potatoes and wheat till we came to another native village near the middle of which was a large open "common", one might call it. The natives were assembled to decide the momentous question whether the upper Thames should be thrown open to the diggers or not. A strong party was in favour of this step; these were chiefly Friendly Natives and sat in boothes and open tents on one side with Mr Mackay -- the opponents to the measure sat at some distance opposite, the two parties forming two areas of a considerable span. Between them were placed a line of natives, uninterested in the dispute, to keep peace between the contending parties. All were seated on the ground and great order and silence prevailed, so much so that our own party had to draw near as quietly as possible and [we] squatted down as soon as we could, like all around us -- but keeping in the background.

The large whare opposite was occupied by Te Hira 12 who considers himself too great a chief to be seen, and therefore remained within, out of the sight of the hoi polloi, but able to see and hear all that went on; his counsellors and people squatted down in the form of a large semicircle. Opposite to Te Hira's whare was Mr Mackay's tent. Whenever one of Te Hira's people got up to speak he walked forward towards Mackay's party till he came near to the neutral natives in the middle and then stood, and, stretching forth his hand, began his oration often accompanied by much action; but there was no applause, no interruption -- each speaker was listened to quietly and then, walking back to his place -- up jumped one of the opposite side and, walking forward, confuted the last speaker. Some of these orators looked extremely picturesque as they came forward with a slow, stately step, a Maori mat hanging over one shoulder, with a long spear in the hand.

Mr Mackay spoke often and well, I was so interested that I was sorry when dinner time came and the Ko[r]ero ceased, but the dinner was an interesting feature in the proceedings.

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The natives still sitting in their rows, a native with a long wand in his hand walked forward, followed by a string of Maori women each carrying a small basket full of hot potatoes, on the top of which was a piece of fish. The native with the wand -- the Master of Ceremonies I called him -- advanced to certain spots and marking the ground with his rod, the women forthwith deposited a certain number of the baskets of provisions so that at last there were a slight distance off in front of each division of natives, a pile of baskets full of smoking hot and boiled fish. When all was ready the Grace was beautifully chaunted and the eating commenced in right good earnest. However, here we Pakehas were summoned to our dinner which had been prepared for us about a quarter of a mile away in a whare belonging to a Mr Way (formerly a Lieutenant in the Navy but was living with a Maori wife in a Maori village and after Maori fashion). On this occasion he gave us a good dinner but the whare was small, close and inconvenient -- we had all to stoop to enter and when inside had to squat on the ground to get on a level with the low table. Mrs Way is a good looking native with good manners and speaks English fluently: though I noticed she always spoke to Mr Mackay in her own tongue.

After dinner the Koero recommenced and continued till near sundown when Te Hira sent a message, or rather letter, to our natives, ordering them all "off". Mr Mackay got angry at this and turning round to Ropata suddenly said: I accept the offer of your land and here give you £1000 (handing him a cheque for that amount) as part payment. This at once broke up the meeting, the other party getting so angry that for a short time there was a fear lest the two parties should come to blows. We (the Pakehas) returned to the Clyde and had tea on board.

Mr Thorp was in the steamer and I asked him whether he would accommodate Martin and me in his house for the night; when he left we went with him. To reach his farm we had to pass the Hauhaus who were holding a meeting to consider what they should do now that part of the land had been ceded to the Queen; sentinels were posted here and

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there to prevent any Europeans passing and if it had not been for Mr Thorp, who having lived all his days among them is like one of themselves, we should have been turned back -- if indeed some rougher treatment had not fallen to our lot.

The next day we found that all the rest of our party had passed a wretched night -- no sleep from fleas and mosquitoes. There being no chance of Mr Mackay being able to leave, two boats were secured and most of the party went a row up the river; this was exceeding pleasant but well might have ended disastrously, for the young men from chaffing one another from one boat to the other got at last to rough practical jokes -- and then to almost fighting -- all but overturning both boats in their very rough "play". Mrs Mackay seemed in extravagant spirits and rowed for some distance both going up and returning. Martin and I went to the Thorps' again, and again had a capital night's rest while the others had no sleep -- not however altogether from the Musquitoes but, I am sorry to say, through the sudden and alarming illness of Mrs Mackay. She did not make her appearance on deck till near dinner time and then was laid down on a mattress where she continued, more or less, till we reached Shortland at 10 o'clock on Saturday evening.

Coming back the vessel was very crowded, chiefly with Natives -- all Friday and Saturday Natives kept coming to Mr Mackay to sign the agreement about opening their land so that the greater portion of the district will be available to the diggers.

22. Martin and I went up to the hills: visited a good many tents and gradually worked our way down to the Goodalls' by 5 o'clock, where we stayed and had dinner. When I saw the plentiful help of roast beef Mr Goodall gave Martin I thought he would be for leaving some threequarters of it on his plate -- however it all disappeared beneath his waistcoat so I conclude his appetite is improving. Mr and Mrs Goodall have taken him to the Theatre (ah! tell it not to Maunsell -- whisper it not to Kempthorne) 13 I hope he will thoroughly

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enjoy it. It is an amateur performance given to raise funds for the settlers who have been ruined by the attack of the Maories in Poverty Bay.

23. I went on to Mrs Mackay who asked me and Martin to dinner on Xmas day -- for the which I thanked her -- in my heart more than by word of mouth. At her request I called upon a few of the leading members of the Aquatic Club, to ask them to go out in their boat for Nikau palms and tree fern leaves -- Karaka leaves and Rata flowers for the Church. The gentlemen seemed rather pleased than otherwise at the job.

24. A large number of men began to form a circus close to my house for the Xmas sports which last three days -- Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. Martin leaves on Wednesday in order to be present at the Caledonian games at Newmarket on New Year's Day so he will have enough and to spare, I should think, of athletic sports.

Xmas Day. A fine day but exceeding hot. The sun, instead of shining clearly looked like a round ball of fire, reminding one of its appearance in a London fog -- not that we had any fog. I heard several say that they hoped we were not going to have an earthquake! I was early at the Church, placing in various places the flowers Mrs Goodall sent me last night -- flowers she had imported on purpose from Parnell. Mrs Mackay came at 10 o'clock with her manservant bearing a star made of beautiful flowers and a cross formed of white flowers. Before we had time to finish the decorations the congregation began to assemble and the Church was half full before the bell commenced ringing.

I walked to the Mackays' where I found Martin -- was surprised to see a large gathering of natives, Taipari having invited near 400 to a Christmas dinner. Just behind Mr Mackay's house Taipari had had a huge marquee put up and long tables erected and there the natives were assembled enjoying a thoroughly English Xmas dinner: Turkeys, Roast beef, Puddings, and as far as I could see they all had silver

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(plated?) forks and glass tumblers -- in fact the tables seemed well appointed and the (rich) Chief had engaged a band of musicians (Europeans) who kept playing all dinner time, to the gratification of the feeding Maoris. What extremes! Here a feast with all the decorum and refinement of high civilisation; at Wanganui perhaps a feast might be going on at this very time off the bodies of our Militia!

Old Shortland, Taipari's father -- who was standing near our group of lookers on -- after putting his hand up to his face and coolly removing a set of false teeth, began to address his son's assembled guests, of course in Maori. The substance of his speech was that New Zealand formed one country -- the inhabitants living therein ought to be one united people. Formerly the Maoris had divided this country into a great number of separate states each at war with one another -- like a house under one roof being divided into separate and hostile rooms, causing disquiet, confusion, murder, &c. Now he hoped the time was coming when there would be Peace on earth and Goodwill towards all men: when they would forget they belonged to this hapu or that hapu, but remembering they were all New Zealanders, love one another as Brethren and live together in harmony. Mr Mackay followed, delivering a very fluent speech listened to with marked attention.

In the afternoon we went across the river to another Native Settlement where there was another expensive Feast going on -- or rather the dinner had been some time over and they were enjoying the "dessert" -- and the cherries certainly were very fine and very acceptable. Here speechifying was again the order of the day -- every native is born an orator and when they have an opportunity like the present they delight in making a speech. After a pleasant row on the river we returned to the Mackays' to tea and, sitting on the verandah, Mr Mackay gave us a very silent hint to "be off" by falling sound asleep! So Martin and I made ourselves scarce.

1 January 1869. The row made last night was terrible: bells

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ringing, guns firing -- men singing, boys shouting. The damage done to various shops and houses were also great -- fortunately they spared mine -- and early this morning near two-thirds of the respectable people went in a Steamer up the Thames as far as Thorp's -- a monster pic-nic. The weather is frightfully sultry -- as I lay down on my bed between 12 and 1 o'clock the perspiration ran in streams off me: as Mrs Kinder once said on a similar hot day last summer, such weather takes the starch out of one.

The whooping cough very general among children: my own cough is still troublesome. Attended the Hospital with Mrs Bailley, Miss Maunsell and a few gentlemen to entertain the sick inmates with a little singing, reading, &c., and then a nice tea of cake, &c. I think they seemed pleased with their entertainment.

4. Breakfasted at Champion's restaurant to save myself the trouble of getting my own meal and washing up afterwards and then, assisted by Captain Pye, carried my luggage down to the Graham's town wharf. The Lalla Rookh started about a quarter to ten and it was five before we reached Auckland: nearly 7 1/2 hours -- the Royal Alfred is seldom more than 4 hours doing the same distance. We met the Royal Alfred and four other steamers going to Shortland, crammed with passengers.

7. Took Mamma to a soiree held in the new Music Hall in behalf of St Paul's schools. It was a very gay and successful affair: we left early, getting home by 1 o o'clock for we were anxious about Charlie who for the last two days has been worse again than usual. Heard that since Monday the Steamers have carried upwards of 2000 people to the Thames. Mr Kinder 14 went there this morning, he is to take my duty next Sunday. He has taken with him his Photographic Apparatus; so he will combine pleasure with business.

8. Quite a party of us went this evening to see the Japanese jugglers. Myself and all the children (except poor Charles).

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Philip and Jim Haultain, Charlie Hetley and Mary Abraham. Their performances were perfectly astounding and well worth seeing. All were delighted, but Edward who had never seen anything of the sort before was in raptures. We had a carriage home which we reached about 11 o'clock.

15. My last day at home. Blannie and Martin walked with me down the wharf and saw me off. Blannie came on board for a few minutes but was afraid of being carried off against her inclination by the vessel unexpectedly starting -- not so one gentleman, busy saying the last few words to a friend, he disregarded all admonitions, turned a deaf ear to every scream of the steam whistle. When at last he said to the Gentleman he was talking to: Well, goodbye, I'll go on to the wharf now -- he found it was "too late" -- and amidst the laughter of his friends and the titters of sundry young Ladies, he had to make up his mind to a trip to Shortland and back -- 92 miles.

19. Had a long afternoon visiting: went up Monatauwhiri [Moanataira] Creek. When some way up met Mr and Mrs Kinder, she, as usual, in extravagant spirits -- long before we were close to one another she called out "Ain't you surprised?" They landed this morning and will return to Parnell on Friday or Saturday. She said she was desperately thirsty and was hurrying down (the hill) to go into the first "Public"(!) she could see for a bottle of ginger beer -- I knew she would not do that. However, off she went in high glee and I pursued my upward toilsome walk.

Returning some two hours later I called in at the Honesses', 15 guessing they would be at tea and so had a cup with them. I had not finished my third or fourth cup -- I forget which -- when Mr and Mrs Kinder passed; I called to them. I heard Mrs K. say: Oh, what fun, let's come and look at the Parsonage. She was taken somewhat aback by seeing the room full of people and told me afterwards she thought I was entertaining a party of my parishioners at tea. After sitting

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a few minutes she and her husband and I left to go to the Maunsells'. As they passed my cottage I took them in to shew them my accommodation; they thought it very small for so high a rent - £52 a year -- no doubt about that.

We went through Shortland to show Mrs Kinder the town. It was almost dark when we left the Maunsells' and all the lamps (kerosine) were lighted and the Town looked well. As we passed Butt's Hotel, the finest hotel in the place, and in the busiest and most crowded part of the town, Mr K. said to his wife, "Just look in, dear, and see the Bar of this hotel". I walked on, thinking they were following; when I had gone some 30 or 40 yards, on turning round to speak, I missed them and saw -- mirabile dictu -- Mrs Kinder standing at the door of the Hotel and her husband bringing out to her a tumbler of something -- which I at once guessed was ginger beer -- but which in the lamplight might have been mistaken for gin and water! He vanished inside and again appeared with another tumblerfull which the lady coolly drank -- and then after he had taken back the glass (I suppose) paid his reckoning -- for he was so long I feared he was adding to his eccentricity by lighting his pipe to have a smoke on his way home.

He rejoined his wife and they came up to me where I had been, like scores of others, lounging about watching them! I expressed my astonishment! "Oh", she said, "I was so thirsty and the bottles of ginger beer looked so tempting." And she laughed and thought it a capital joke. Certainly she is a merry but very singular lady. I began to wonder whether she had really gone "into the first Public" at the foot of Monatauwhiri in the afternoon as she said she intended. We finished our walk in a torrent of rain.

As I opened my door saw a note had been thrust under -- the wind nearly carried it away -- it was a hurried scrawl written in pencil, begging me to visit without delay a person dying in Grahams Town, so, putting on my great coat, I turned out again: it was eleven before I returned, very wet and very tired.

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20. In spite of storm outside and fleas innumerable inside I slept well. Visited the sick person, who to my surprise I found still alive though, I think, near her end.

23. Waiting in the cemetery for a funeral, I looked over the few head stones'? (wood) erected there and was not a little surprised to [see] the following lines on a little child, Aliena Butt, who died when only 6 weeks old:

I thought the time for such miserable doggerel was long since passed away -- but here in the year 1869 on the Thames goldfields we have the offence perpetuated.

From the cemetery went to Dudley Eyre's -- spent the evening. Hallett is staying with them: the cause of him leaving Bishop Patteson's party was Pritt's very awkward temper. I think Blannie has met Hallet at the Graces'.

24. Most awfully hot. The Church was inconveniently crowded morning and evening -- it is quite a new thing for me to have to minister to such a number. When in the Inner Waikato district my congregations were more frequently 30 than 50, and now to have 500 every time seems a formidable matter. I have not yet got quite accustomed to it.

27. Called at the Goodalls' about half past twelve; staid luncheon (my dinner) with them. They asked me to join in a picnic next Friday, the anniversary of the founding of the Colony. Thence I walked on to Tararu and was nearly melted with the intense heat. On my return overtook Mrs Greenacre and Miss Falliwell. The former told me that last evening rather late the workmen in the Caledonian claim had struck a remarkably fine reef -- one likely to turn out as rich

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as the celebrated one in the Golden Crown -- a few days will settle that point. She and I were mutually complaining that there were no dividends forthcoming from the last crushing, and thinking and saying all sorts of hard things of the Manager and Directors when, on reaching my rooms, I found a letter from Blannie and, amongst other things, she tells me that Mama had been to Reader Wood for a dividend of 13/4 per share on the last Caledonian crushing -- so, thinks I, here is a Double lesson for me: not to be so hasty in condemning the Manager of the claim, and not to count my chickens too soon.

After tea called on the Roman Catholic Priest 16 who took me into his Chapel to see the alterations in progress: it will be, when altered, the largest place of worship on the goldfields.

28. A thunderstorm this morning: the lightning was very vivid and the peals of thunder reverberated with a strange effect along our range of hills. During a short cessation of the rain I ran across to the shop and got a loaf and in returning, met a native with fish, a flatfish like the English sole. Bought 3 for 6d and cooked them (fried in butter) in first rate style.

30. Still frightfully hot. My washerwoman charged 3/6 for 15 articles, four of which were such little things as dusters. This strikes me as very dear. Soon after breakfast a woman -- a perfect stranger -- came and said she lived some distance off and had come to Shortland to call on a friend who was out and could not be in for two or three hours, and she wished to know whether I would allow her to fill up her time by washing out my rooms. After a little parley I agreed to it, and she went off, borrowed a scrubbing brush and bucket, and gave my rooms a thorough good cleaning -- and the passages and the windows and charged me 2/6. The job took her about an hour and a half. I thought she must be a Scotch woman to be so cute to make a profitable use of two

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hours unexpectedly thrown upon her hands but I found she came from the North of Ireland. She expressed a wish that I would allow her to wash out my house once a week -- she would only charge 2/0. I wish she may get it: why, between the washing woman and the charwoman I should be quite ruined!

31. Paid two or three calls and reached the Goodalls' at 6 o'clock. About 8 o'clock a young woman arrived -- she had travelled all the way from the Hunua beyond Papakura, starting at 5 o'clock this morning. Her brother, she heard, had been injured and was at the Hospital and she said she had come to nurse him and to remove him to Auckland. The Goodalls had employed both her and her brother on their farm at the Wairoa -- this previous knowledge induced her to come to Mr Goodall's home down here, knowing no one else in the place.

1 February. Now her brother died this afternoon. Mr Goodall was afraid to tell her and asked me to take the young woman to the Hospital to see her brother. So we set out and I tried to break the painful news to her to prepare her for the shock, but she would not believe he was hurt so badly and would keep talking of how she would at once remove him to comfortable lodgings in Auckland, and nurse him. I found they were alone in the world -- no other relatives nearer than Ireland. When at last she reached the Hospital and going up to the bed to speak to her brother, saw his body laid out for the coffin, her grief was terrible. After a long time I got her away and took her back to Mr Goodall's and very thankful was I when I landed her safe on their verandah. I was glad of a draught of beer and reached my rooms near midnight.

5. Oh so hot -- really too hot to be active. In the evening walked to the Mission station to decline an offer Mr Maunsell had made me of boarding and lodging at their house for 25/0 a week -- reasonable enough but I should be too far removed from my work. I offered however to sleep in the house next

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week during his absence on the East Coast. Mrs Maunsell is too timid to remain in the house without some gentleman under the roof with her -- and I fancy their offer to me was more for Mrs Maunsell's comfort when her husband is away on some of his journeys than for my special advantage. My offer was eagerly accepted.

On my way back I met a pleasant looking old gentleman and his wife -- they stopt me and introduced themselves as Mr and Mrs Lloyd. They have recently come from Queensland where he says the weather is so hot that he had found today quite cool -- I rejoice I am not in Queensland.

6. Went into the shop I usually deal with for a loaf of bread for my tea and the good woman gave me a jar of peach jam she had been making today. I had not got far from her shop when a man met me and complained that the services of St George's were not attractive enough. He wanted to see the choir in surplices, to have candles on the altar, and to have the prayers intoned. He begged of me to have an early celebration at 8 o'clock every Sunday throughout Lent. I promised to think of this last proposal -- but as to the former, I said we should have a schism at once -- for I feel sure all the Irish Protestants would leave in a body at the very sight of candles and the very sound of intoning. When he wished me goodbye he put a £1 note in my hand to go towards paying off the debt on the Church.

8. Attended the Church school and here I spent a couple of hours. Miss McCarthy, the Mistress, said all the schools in the place were going to give a holiday next Wednesday. I asked why? To enable the children to the Races which begin on that day (Ash Wednesday). I said, well, don't you -- let the school go on as usual. However she assured me not any of the children would attend. This is a great Colonial evil -- the making of a holiday on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday. The wettest day we have had since I have been here: at 11 I went to the Church (also used as a

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school) and read the service, the School Mistress, her two sisters and about 30 children my congregation; had it been fine I would have been disappointed -- being so miserably wet I should not have been surprised if no one had been there.

15. The Races, postponed from Ash Wednesday on account of the rain, took place today -- and I saw one of them, but at a distance of at least a mile and a half and through a good telescope: standing on the verandah of Mr Mackay's house.

Mr Mackay returned from Ohinemuri this afternoon: he brought up from the Steam boat his guard of native Policemen, all well armed with breach loading rifles -- some 12 fine Maories.

The house and land, some 2 acres adjoining Mr Mackay's and now inhabited by Mr Baillie, is offered for sale -- price £500. I have suggested to the Mackays that it be secured for the Parsonage! They seem to like the idea, if the money can be raised. The site is one of the best in the district and the garden and orchard large and fruitful. But the house is like all the houses here, small.

17. On dit there is a child taken off by [w]hooping cough daily -- the average for the last few weeks is six a week. Met Mr Hill: 17 he told me that the Caledonian claim had just had a crushing of 13 tons of quartz and again had 7 ounces of gold to the ton. This is cheering news indeed.

22. Called on the Maunsells. Caught them weighing the baby! The Doctor wants to see how much food it eats in the day -- so after every meal the poor little article is weighed, to ascertain the weight of the food it has absorbed. I went into 6 houses and out of that number found three babies dangerously ill. There is a terrible mortality among babies.

1 April. Called on the Treasurer of the Church to ask for a cheque for £20 for the last month -- he said there were no

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funds, the Church account at the Bank was still overdrawn. I replied that was nothing to me -- money was due to me, money I required and money I must have. So at last he wrote me a cheque for £20. This is one example of the very pleasant working of the voluntary system: they can spend £150 on a new organ. £70 to put backs on the seats -- but begrudge me £20.

7. Found Grahams Town in a state of excitement. Somebody, yesterday, in sinking a small hole close to Mr Willis's store by the roadside, uncovered a beautiful reef of gold; the ground was at once "jumped". Today they are busy pegging off half the public road!! The reef is supposed to be exceeding rich. The small piece I saw was very full of gold, but the point that interests me is the fact that this hole is sunk just on the outside of the boundary of the Caledonian claim -- there are 250 new shares to be offered the public at 12 £ per share, but to the present shareholders at /10 per share.

28. Yesterday was a thorough wet day. The creek at the bottom of the hill was a mighty mountain torrent. I was obliged to go to the Church at 5 o'clock but took the precaution of going over the hill at the back which, though making the walk 3 or 4 times longer, enabled me to escape the creek. To my surprise Mr Stark, Mr Power and Mr Barnsley attended so, a quorum being present, we formed a vestry and passed two resolutions: 1st -- that Mr Woerkman be one of the Vestry -- and 2ndly that I as Chairman should invite the Architects of the place to send in designs for the new Church.

It was quite dark when I returned. To go up the hills at the back the way I came in the dark was impossible, so I went to the creek and after a slight hesitation and shudder, stept into the roaring stream. Fortunately the water did not reach higher than my knees and in 5 minutes I was indoors very speedily in dry clothes -- but all this is a horrid bore and I must ask the "Lord of the Manor", Mr Taipairi, to make a bridge over this creek; the name thereof is Hape --

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which pronounced sounds like "happy" -- anything however but conducive to happiness when it is swollen as at present.

17 May. A long gap in my diary: I must give a slight sketch of the events I remember best.

On the 8th inst the Galatea sailed into the [Waitemata] Harbour and upwards of 2000 of the inhabitants of Shortland and Grahams Town left on the 8th and the 9th. The steamers were each trip dangerously crowded. I went up on Monday in the Royal Alfred: we started a little before 8. The Prince 18 landed at 11; we reached the wharf at half past 12. So all the Reception was over and the multitudes having flocked after the "procession", the wharf was very clear of people when we landed.

I hurried on to the bottom of Shortland Street and went in to Hamiltons (brothers) Chemists, and asked the use of their back parlour -- for fortunately I had my M. A. gown with me in my carpet bag and my best suit of clothes. So I quietly rigged myself out in my best toggery and went up to Government House where I was just in time to join the rest of the Clergy in attending the Prince's Levee. I had a good view of him and thought the Photographs I had seen were very like him. Then I went home.

On the very next day I took Charlie, Anne, Edith and Edward for a walk and we went up the Khyber Pass road and there we were so very fortunate as to meet the Prince, driving a dog cart-- four greys in hand. So the Children had another excellent view of him.

After his conveyance there was a long drag -- or American waggon -- drawn by four greys and containing the Governor and some 7 or 8 gentlemen. The cortege was preceded by two servants (armed) and followed by two, also armed. The whole turn out was very pretty and the children were delighted. On the following day (Wednesday) I took Blanche over the Galatea: the vessel was not open to the

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public, but I sent my card to the Chaplain and as his friend(?) gained a footing on board.

On Thursday morning, by an arrangement with Mr Milner (the Chaplain) I took Blannie, the two girls, Martin and Edward on board and they saw all that Mamma and I had seen the evening before. While they were going over the vessel I remained in the cabin, talking to a young Lieutenant who was very civil, showing me various things, and then accompanied me to search for the children, and showed Martin the rifles and how they were loaded and the large guns --and altogether was very polite. I asked Milner who he was and I found that my chatty pleasant friend was Lord Beresford.

Returned from Auckland to Shortland on the 13th inst in the morning of that day I went on board the Royal Alfred. It was dark when we reached the wharf at Grahams Town and my house struck me as peculiarly dull when I at last lighted a candle and looked round at the empty rooms.

A large party of Auckland ladies came down here on Sunday afternoon. Mrs Whitaker, 19 who considers herself the chief lady in Auckland, after Lady Bowen, if not before her, and who on that assumption gives herself most mighty airs, desired a man who was walking about the deck to desist from smoking as it annoyed her! He stopped short and said: "Madam, if you don't like the smell of Tobacco you can retire to the Ladies' cabin." She said she would not do this, but desired him to throw away his pipe -- upon which he merely said -- "You go to Jericho" -- in truth he used a stronger and more vulgar expression, which so horrified her that she shut up at once.

But not altogether; when her feathers were somewhat smoothed after the terrible ruffling they had received, she had the temerity to interfere with another man who, coolly looking at her, said: "You need not mind my smoking, Ma'am, for if my breath does smell of tobacco you are not young enough or pretty enough, for me to kiss." My informant of all this gossip went on to say that the Grand

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Lady was after that utterly dumbfounded -- and found the "Gold diggers" less subservient than her select circle in Auckland.

18. The Races, which have been deferred times out of number, first for the Prince then in consequence of the rain, came off today and, judging from the deserted state of Shortland, were largely attended.

In my rambles heard a piece of -- scandal, shall I call it -- or gossip -- about the Prince. On dit that at the Citizens Ball, after dancing with Lady Bowen, he retired to the promenade where he walked about with Miss Cleveland -- the actress -- rather a slight on the Ladies of Auckland assembled in the adjoining Ballroom. And that further on in the evening, in what particular locality I did not hear (I suppose not in such a public or crowded one as the Ballroom or its Corridors) Miss? Cleveland's husband was so offended that a slight fracas ensued and the Prince somehow or other left with his nose bleeding -- they say through a blow! The next morning the papers announced he would notgo to the Tamaki for a day's shooting!!

I am afraid that with my tale of Mrs Whitaker and now of His Royal Highness, my sisters will vote my diary very disreputable.

28. Just as I was writing the above I heard the whistle of the steamer -- so I hurried away and caught the boat at the Grahams Town wharf: we were 7 1/2 hours going up to Auckland -- I have been on board when the distance has been done in 4 1/2 hours. Got to Parnell about 4 o'clock and was half smothered with kisses and hugs from the three younger ones.

Mamma and Blannie were anxiously expecting me for they depended on my escort to enable them to attend the [Queen's] Birthday Ball at Government House; 800 invitations had been issued. The carriage came for us at half past eight, and I must leave Blannie to tell her Aunts what their dresses were -- all I shall say is that both Mamma and daughter looked very nice and there were few in the Ball-

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room who had better or more valuable ornaments. Blannie's set of pearls and Blanche's diamond brooch were certainly superior to any in the room as far as I could see -- excepting Lady Bowen's and Mrs Elliott's jewellry.

We got there in excellent time; our names were called out by one of the equerries at the entrance of the Drawing-room, near which stood the Governor and Lady Bowen to whom we made our bow, and then fell back among the crowd of guests and watched other arrivals go through the same formal ceremony. At last the Prince came, attended by a posse of officers and, after a few words with the Governor, offered his arm to Lady Bowen and the whole party moved off to the Ballroom. But so great was the crowd and so slowly did we move on account chiefly of the long trains of the ladies' dresses, that the National Anthem had been played and the dancing commenced before Blanche and I could get in. Fortunately Mr Urquhart had taken Blannie off my arm, so I had only my wife to look after.

The rooms were very crowded. Dancing was dancing under great difficulties -- but it was incessant; Blannie managed to get 7 dances. The Prince's piper came in, in the course of the evening, and marched up and down the room for a short time. The Supper itself was a frightful scramble and we were fortunate to get anything. Our carriage had been ordered for half past one, but, it not coming, at almost half past two we started homeward on foot. This was the only unfortunate circumstance in the evening for we were not prepared for a tramp, Blannie having nothing but thin white satin shoes on. I told Blanche this should be the very last Ball; nothing but the wish of letting her and Blannie see the Prince would have induced me to go this time. I was not the only clergyman there -- Mr Purchase 20 and Mr Kinder kept me in countenance. The next day I took Charlie to the Nursery Gardeners' and bought 12 trees of various kinds -- cypresses, &c. -- and he and I were busy all the morning planting them.

When I landed [at Shortland] yesterday evening I felt in

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my pocket for my house key and could not find it! I thought I must have left it behind me at Parnell. I went to Mrs Richardson to ask her son to go up with me to the house to break open the door: they were going to tea so I staid and had some with them and then he went with me, armed with proper implements to force open the street door. When we reached the house -- behold the key was left in the door -- and the door not only unlocked but ajar! I must, in my hurry to reach the Steamer last Monday, have left it in then. It speaks well for the honesty of the place that my house door has been open for 4 days and yet I have not lost anything out of the house.

29. In doors all day -- rain, steady hard rain all day. Notwithstanding the weather the Grocer's man came round for orders -- the Baker's boy called -- and a man brought round some fine fish -- one snapper I bought for /3d, a large one, will suffice for two meals. So my larder was supplied without the necessity of turning out into the rain. The "Flat" I see is flooded, the roads must be impassable.

31. Had tea with Mr Gibbon the timber merchant and asked him to let me have 5000 feet of wood for the Parsonage (if one is built) on a long credit -- in fact to pay him by small monthly instalments: he agreed to it. The 5000 feet at the present price of 12/0 a 100 will come to, £30. I could not afford so large a contribution if I had to pay it cash down, but by having 12 months to pay it to Mr Gibbon I think I can manage it. Hope to go "home" tomorrow.

1 June. Not a bright day -- literally or figuratively: rainy and windy as regards the weather and as regards myself. I have had difficulty in getting my month's pay -- and but two vestrymen attended a meeting called to consider the plans for our new Church: all this is very disheartening. Hope to go "home" tomorrow.

7. Last Friday we had a meeting of the Congregation to choose a design for our proposed new Church, and fortun-

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ately an exceeding good design was selected out of the four sent in. Last Wednesday I went up to Auckland to fetch Blanche to Shortland on a visit.

17. Calling in at Mr Hogg's office (he is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Church Committee) I found Taipairi, the great chief of this part of the Thames district, signing a cheque for £5. 0. 0 -- being his first half-year's subscription to the "Minita's" salary; i. e. my income. How little I thought at one time, when I was at Farringdon for instance, that I should be indebted to a Maori for part of my salary.

18. Wrote to George Maunsell asking him to exchange duties next Sunday evening. Charlie and Tuohy took the letter to the Mission Station. This Tuohy I find is a proud and lazy fellow and thinks he should do nothing but walk out once a day with Charles and the rest of the time sit by the fire and read. But as I give him £1 a week beside his board, Blanche sets him to clean up after the meals and do sundry jobs about the place, which he does very unwillingly. This afternoon Blanche disturbed him in his reading to polish her boots. He went into the back shed and while engaged upon the boots, sang in a loudish voice "Rule Britannia", giving considerable emphasis to the "Britons never never shall be slaves" -- I fear, poor fellow, he thinks we wish to bring him to that abject state -- one excuse I make for him is that he is American by birth and bringing up.

19. Prince Alfred invested £1250 in 25 shares in the Long Drive gold mine. That is about three weeks ago; the same shares now fetch £2500 and their value is rising. The following paragraph I cut out of yesterday's paper:

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24. Another glorious day but some what cold. I took Charlie a walk and then helped Mamma to pack up. We had an early tea at 4 o'clock and left the house at 5, Tuohy carrying 3 packages, Charlie two and I one. The Honisses have taken a house close by the toll-gate of the wharf and with them we sat till Tuohy came and told us the Steamer was at the wharf. It was half past six when she moved off. The sea was very smooth and the moon very bright.

Mamma went below and I saw no more of her until we reacht the Auckland wharf. She was not this time sea-sick and was able to enjoy a good tea, and then slept, so the journey did not seem so long to her as it did to me who, for Charlie's sake, had to keep pacing about the deck all the 5 hours; however I rejoiced to see him happy and well. I left them on board while I went to Crowther's for a carriage.

It was half past twelve when we at last drove off. As we passed up Shortland Street we noticed Mr Lewis's school lighted up as if a "party" was going on. and speculated whether Martin and Annette had been invited and were there. When we got home Mary was up and was astonished to see us. She said she was sitting up for Miss Blanche and the children who had gone to a "Ball" at Mr Lewis's.

While she was telling us all this there was a rush of many feet and in burst Annette, Edith, Martin and Blannie, delighted to see us so unexpectedly, for the letters we had sent from Shortland announcing our intended return had not come to hand. They were very excited, especially Annette and Edith. It was their first juvenile Ball -- there were upwards of eighty young people and Annette danced to her heart's content. It was nearly two o'clock before our house settled down in quietude and sleep.

29. Took the two sisters "A and E" and Edward to the Nursery Gardeners and purchased 14 shillings worth of trees -- 6 Peach trees, 1 Magnolia, 2 Pines, 1 Hydra[n]gea, 2 Bignolia [sic] or Trumpet Flowers, 2 Laurels. I then spent the rest of the day gardening.

30. Had intended to have returned to Shortland but the

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weather turned out so tempestuous that I was a prisoner (and a very willing one) at home.

1 July. At 5 went on board the John Penn: advertized to sail punctually at 1/2 past 5. It was a quarter to 7 when we started -- so much for punctuality. The passengers grumbled but I held my tongue, for always being taken free it did not become me to complain! The Purser when he came round invited me to take wine with him! So I had my passage and a glass of port besides for nothing.

2. Went to the Treasurer of the Church Committee, Mr Hogg, for my usual monthly cheque of £20. 16. 8. when he informed me there were no funds in hand: so here am I with my month's income forestalled and but a few shillings in my pocket.

3. The Tradespeople, as I expected, sending in their bills, for I had promised to call upon them as yesterday, and settle them. Oh that the Caledonian mine would but begin to yield a dividend that I might not be so straitened. Churched Mrs Goodall and actually her offering was but ten shillings -- and her husband receiving some 1200£ a year from the Golden Crown mine. Oh why did she not give me £10. Ah, why?

4. A miserable wet Sunday -- the roads execrable. The two Services however were well attended, but almost wholly men: in the evening indeed, I imagine, there were about 250 men and a dozen or so women.

5. Twice today got up to the calf of my leg in mud! It is as well that Mamma and Charles have left -- the roads are becoming rapidly so soft that walking is exceedingly unpleasant.

13. Through the Goodalls' and Cochranes' exertions, the owner of the land on which Graham's Town is built has promised to give us a site, 100 feet by 100 feet, for the new Church, if the Church Committee will accept his offer. This will bring the Church into Pollen Street almost opposite the

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cottage in which Dr Fischer lives, a very excellent situation. This land is worth to Mr Graham, if let out into 6 allotments, as much as 200 £ a year; so it is no inconsiderable gift and from a Presbyterian too.

I overtook Arkroyd Beere who after some little hesitation offered me for my acceptance a quarter of a share in the Colonial Gold Mining Company!! That is, he gave me scrip in the Company to the value of £25. This is the young man on whom I called when I first came down here and who seemed so surprised that a clergyman would call upon him, he having lived many years in this country and, as he told me, no Minister having ever taken the slightest notice of him. I little thought that this particular visit and sundry other slight calls since would produce in his mind such a good will towards me, and induce him to give me such a present. I now have an interest in three mines -- the Caledonian, Freeman's Bay and the Colonial Goldmining Company.

14. Spent the whole day out in my Parish. The Goodalls very angry at the site offered by Graham being declined by the Church Committee. She threatens to do all she can to prevent anyone in Grahams Town subscribing to the new Church. How impossible it is to please all!

17. As I was coming home down Rolleston Street in the dark and in the rain, I passed a poor woman lying on her face in the mud. It was too dark to distinguish her features -- she was lying near the door of a Baker's shop. I stopt and spoke to her -- no answer: I stooped down and touched her -- still not a word. I then pulled her over on to her back but she did not speak; going to her head I lifted her into a sitting posture and in doing this I got horribly muddy. Directly I let go, down she fell, flop into the mud, and she groaned. A man now came up and advised me to have nothing to do with the poor wretch; for, said he, "if her husband comes out of that shop" -- it was shut up and quite dark -- "he may attack you, for he is in an awful temper and he has been

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beating his wife until she is in this state, and thrust her out of doors".

"Well," I said, "I can't leave her in the cold and rain and mud; she will die."

"Likely enough," he said and walked away.

So I went round to the back door and by pushing it open confronted the brute of a husband: he was as drunk as he could be, but I managed after a long wrangling to get him to allow me to bring his wife in, to lay her down before the oven; he said I might if I could, but he would not help me. So out I went and, putting my arms underneath her arms, away I tugged and, step by step, gradually dragged her through the thick mud.

But here I was dreadfully puzzled. I knew I was slowly moving the body along but, in the darkness, it seemed as though her body was lengthening out, longer and longer, till it suddenly flashed across my mind that I was gradually leaving all the poor wretch's clothes behind in the mud -- first the gown and then one petticoat, then another, until there was a long streak of whitish clothing lying in the mud. I was horror struck -- my first idea was to bolt. Then I thought, how lucky it is dark and Thatcher is not looking on -- for if he were, tomorrow night he would make the Theatre roar again with laughter while he sang a song of "Parson Lush and the Drunken Woman".

This idea so tickled my fancy that I was near laughing myself, but the poor wretch began moaning so lamentably that I worked away, and before I got to the door of the bakehouse I found no more clothes slipt off. It was no slight trouble to me to get her inside, the brute of a husband sitting on a bench looking stupidly and savagely on, but refusing to help. At last I laid her full length on the floor -- and if she had no petticoats on, she certainly had a thick coat of mud -- but I quickly gathered all the clothes and threw them on her for a covering such as they were: one mass of wet and dirt. Poor wretch!

When I reacht home and got the lamp alight and looked at my own clothes -- well, thinks I to myself, there's a job

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of brushing tomorrow morning. But I don't think I slept any the worse for having placed the poor, miserable woman by the door of the oven, instead of leaving her in the cold and rain and mud.

21. The young Rices called this afternoon: one is going to Queensland and the other to England; he has offered to take a parcel to my sisters at Burford. I shall send by him a letter which came to Maunsell last Tuesday when I was dining there: a letter in Maori written on a flax leaf -- a message from his Native Catechist, asking him to come over to the Kaianga and bury a child. I had never seen such a letter before and asked Maunsell to give it to me, which he readily did, for he often has messages sent in this way. It may be a little more interesting to my sisters than it seemed to be to him.

1 September. Not a single line of diary from 20 July to Sept. 1!! During that time Martin has spent a week with me and when he left, Blannie and her "twin" sisters, as they are generally supposed to be by strangers, came down on Friday the 20th August to make a stay with me of two months; A family lent me a Piano for whatever time my daughters are with me, so Annette and Edith go on with their schooling under Blannie's superintendence. We are very fortunate in having a thorough good servant who lives close by, who comes up to our house about 9 and leaves a little before tea time: when so many of our friends and neighbours are utterly servantless, we must deem ourselves very lucky to have secured "Miss Mary Brownette". There's a name!

3. A doubtful sort of day: however the three girls and I walked as far as the Goodalls'. On our way I took Blannie to see The Thames Gold Mining Company's Battery -- 20 stampers at work -- the noise nearly stunned her. Blannie was glad to get out and away from the din, but glad to have seen the stampers at work and to have an idea how the quartz is crushed into inpalpable particles and as it flows away

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gently over sloping beds covered with quicksilver, loses all its gold and passes away like muddy water.

6. Spent an hour and a half in the school and then went to Mr Mackay's office to meet Miss Carey, to help her choose a site for a residence for a Lady's School she wishes to open here. Mr Mackay and Mr Hogg being away nothing could be done.

Met Mr Goodall -- asked him for £50 for the Church. He said he would have given £50 had the Church been put up near his own residence -- but now he would only give what he would to "any other denomination". Went to the Mackays' where Blannie and her sisters were spending the evening. Had tea and then while Blannie played and sang, Mrs M. and Miss Maling 21 and I prepared magazines for the Sunday School. It was past ten before we got home. I hardly know what Mamma will say to such late hours for the "Twins".

8. I am thankful I made good use of yesterday in outdoor work in the way of visiting for today has been very stormy. I managed however to get to the Post Office though in going there I sank in one place up to my knees in mud.

There has been for some little time past a man of the name of Thatcher who, with his wife, gives entertainments at the theatre; his entertainments, inter alia, consisting of turning local affairs, squabbles and persons into ridicule in comic verse, which he sings in a very amusing manner. I am told that I figure in two of his effusions -- one, in my squabble with Doctor Sam at a Committee meeting of the Hospital Managers.

The second occasion was a little time ago. I was late in reaching the Church which happened to be very full and I entered by the side door, which being near the East end was therefore in the immediate view of the congregation. The evening was very dark and I had taken up as I left home, a "digger's lantern"; this is usually made out of a brandy

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bottle with the bottom broken off and a candle stuck in the neck and which, held by the neck, makes a capital "rough and ready" lantern. With such a lantern alight I opened the Church door and stood for a minute facing the congregation and then blew the candle out and hurried across the Church into the vestry, holding up the brandy bottle all the time -- quite unconscious that on the bottle in large letters many of the congregation were reading to their great amusement the label -- best cognac brandy. Thatcher was one who read and the next night his audience at Butt's Theatre was kept amused by his turning the occurrence into great fun -- and I with my brandy bottle was the subject of his song. I must remove the label another time -- or better still use my tin lantern.

Swartz Kissling spent £200 in shares in the "Long Drive" and now -- a few months after -- is receiving £150 a week!! The Duke's scrip for which he gave £50 is now selling at 200 £. The Speculating Mania is frightfully on the increase.

13. A fine, warm day: a great drying of coats, cloaks and boots. Blannie had lessons with her sisters till dinner time. I bought 4 lbs of apples at 5d a lb. I had just 23 apples -- rather expensive for puddings.

This morning I succeeded in getting from the Treasurer of the Church funds the £9 he had deducted from my first quarter's salary for lodging. Blanche will be glad to hear this: as she will be glad to hear that I have better hopes than heretobefore that the Parsonage will be begun before very long. At tea could not help remarking to Blannie that I had never seen Annette and Edith look so healthy and well, and as to Spirits, they are very extravagant at times.

15. Dear Anne's birthday. Edith decorated the breakfast table with some flowers, and just before we sat down she gave, in the name of all the family, Sunday Echoes in Weekday Hours, a tale illustrative of the Church Catechism, to her sister as her birthday present. Annette never looked rosier or prettier than she did today.

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A Mr Middleton came and asked me to marry him tomorrow to Grace Cashel at Mrs Cashel's house. The plea he advanced was that Mrs Cashel, a confirmed invalid who never leaves her chair, wished to witness the ceremony and could not do so if it took place at the Church. With some qualms of conscience I at last agreed. I have often and often married in private houses in my late charge, but never so near a Church as Mrs Cashel's is to St George's; generally at some distant house in the Bush.

Yesterday, I am told, a man was digging a hole near the Church to put up a clothes line prop, when he struck against a vein of quartz where gold was plainly visible. The land was at once pegged off for a claim and applications made for it at the Warden's office. Ere long we may have tunnels in all directions under our Church!

I had intended to start in the Royal Alfred at half past 12, but Mr Middleton's marriage will keep me now till half past 1 tomorrow.

16. Marriage at half past 11. Left the children well and happy and went on board the Royal Alfred at 2 o'clock. Reacht Auckland at half past 6. Went over to Doctor Maunsell's -- the Clerical Meeting was being held at his house. Archdeacons Lloyd and Williams, Dudley and Heywood, were present.

20. Left Parnell for Shortland. Edward, who had had no change for two years, accompanied me.

21. Called on Mrs Mackay who expressed her satisfaction at seeing me back. "Why," I said, "one would imagine I had been away two weeks instead of two days." "Well," she said, "I wish more and more that Mrs Lush and all the family were here, then there would be no need for you to go to Auckland. Everything goes wrong when you are absent." So I seized the opportunity of urging the building of the Parsonage. After visiting a sick person, and Miss Carey about her school, I went to Mackay's office and saw Loveday. He

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complained of my absence so I took another opportunity of grumbling about the want of a residence for my family.

23. Edward and I took a walk to Graham's Town. I showed him a Battery at work and several of the mines. We returned home wet and dirty, but though the day was dull and, indeed, rainy at times, I thought a second day's imprisonment would be too much.

In the afternoon I went out by myself, Blannie keeping the children indoors. After tea I read some of my first diaries for October 1850. 22 Annette and Edith were very interested, especially when any reference was made to Charlotte or Mary.

3 October. Coming home after evening service in the dark [Edward] stept off the hard dry track and sank up to one knee in mud and water, and then fell down. If Blannie had not caught hold of him he would have rolled over full length in the mud.

Last night a man going along the road at the foot of our hill stept into a deep and very narrow drain at the bottom of which ran a deepish and rapid streamlet and, his arms becoming pinned tightly against his sides, he must have been speedily drowned. This morning about 8 o'clock he was discovered.

4. 10 o'clock. After tea read a further portion of my diary. There seems to be every chance of a rainy night, so I hope our new tank will get filled which will afford us a most welcome supply.

After the children were gone to bed and Blannie and I had settled down for two hours, I with my pen and she with her needle, who should come in but Miss Carey! All in the rain and the dark. I began to think Taipari must be right when he, in a pet, exclaimed "the woman must be mad". She staid with us till ten and then I had to turn out to escort her home; there is a time for everything but surely such a late hour on a wet, dark night is not the time for a call.

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19. A very beautiful day. Off soon after breakfast visiting the sick and others till dinner time. After dinner attended a meeting to devise measures for securing a new burial ground. Then walked to the Mission station and called on the Holroyd Beeres. On my return went to the Greenwoods' where I had expected to meet Blannie and the two girls as we were to take tea there. They did not arrive however till near six, having extended their ramble up the Karaka rather further than they had intended; they too had been making visits all the afternoon and had good appetites for the capital tea Mrs Greenwood and her daughter had provided for us.

At 8 o'clock I went to a meeting of the Church Committee, which sat till half past 9: the contract for the new Church was signed so we are fairly committed to this great undertaking. On returning to the Greenwoods', bade the girls "cloak-up" and we went home, lighted along the way by a most wondrously bright moon.

8 November. Nigh upon a fortnight since I wrote down any doings or sayings. Blannie's visit to the Thames has ended and she and her sisters are again at home, and I am again at Shortland alone -- if a man with so much to do can be said to be alone. It was most gratifying to me to find from the kind enquiries after her that even during the short time Blannie was here she became liked by almost all she came in contact with and I must not repeat, lest she see it, all that Mrs Goodall said of the three girls in general but of Blannie in particular -- and she should thereupon become "puffed up". The weather has been frightfully hot and I have seldom felt more wearied and jaded than I have done today.

10. Very, very hot. Came home after a long afternoon walk to an early tea, hoping to secure a nice long evening for journal writing when first George Thorp came in and stayed an hour or more, and he had hardly left when young Baker called and remained till half past eight. So my nice long evening was frittered down to an hour's work.

Received through the post an anonymous letter enclosing a £1 note: "to be devoted towards the building of the new

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English Church, as a small thank offering Providence for having given me steady work".

12. Party feeling runs high. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Melbourne came in the Steamer this afternoon and there was a fight between the Orangemen and the Fenians -- and at the same time in a different part of the town and from a totally different cause, Mr Mackay was hissed and hustled by a mob of diggers and his partner, Mr Hogg, knocked down and ill-treated. It is expected that next week will be a very rowdy week as the election of a new Superintendent takes place and public opinion is strongly divided between Williamson the late Superintendent and Gillies, the new candidate for the office.

15. The whole town is in a frightfully excited state; there is a general impression that there will be a great fight. But I am glad to find the Magistrate is becoming alive to the danger and has called a meeting of the Justices of the Peace for tomorrow -- when I suppose special constables will be sworn in. It will never do to let the low Irish here rule as they may have been accustomed to do in Tipperary.

16. A letter from Blannie, written last Saturday evening. But a very poor account of all but especially of dear Charlie. How very much I feel our separation. Perhaps when the Bishop comes and things ecclesiastical get settled, an effort will be made to supply me with a house sufficiently large to hold my family, but today Loveday intimated that some of the Church Committee did not care about my becoming too much of a fixture lest when the Bishop arrived and his new curate fresh from England there should be too much difficulty in displacing me, if they liked the "new Arrival" better! I feel greatly flattered!! However I shall try to go on doing my duty, not with eye service but in singleness of heart.

17. Mrs Mackay had requested me to call the "various Ministers" to a meeting in her house, to inaugurate a Ladies Benevolent Society, she promising to collect the Ladies. I

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went at the time appointed: 3 o'clock, no one there: after waiting a time Mrs Mackay came: and when I remarked that the Ladies were behind time she said: "No wonder -- I've looked over both papers and have not seen any advertisement calling the Meeting."

"Why," I said, "you only asked me to get the Ministers together. I clearly understood from you that you would go round and call upon the Ladies."

"Oh," she said, "I was in bed all yesterday -- how could I do it?"

"Certainly not if you were ill, but how was I to know you were laid up and how was I to know you expected me to put an advertisement in the Papers?"

Just then Mr Hill, Mr Wilson and Mr Harper came; they were evidently surprised at not seeing the room full. Mrs Mackay coolly laid the blame on me -- of course I accepted the burden -- my chivalry would not allow me to criminate her before the Presbyterian, Baptist and Wesleyan, so after a little talk we settled that notice should be given from the various pulpits (how I am to do that I don't know seeing I haven't one) next Sunday, for a meeting of Ladies interested in such work, for Thursday next.

18. Went early to the polling place and after a considerable squeeze succeeded in recording my vote for Gillies: the crowd in Pollen Street was, at 9 o'clock, by no means large but rapidly increasing so, avoiding the town, I walked along the beach to Grahams Town. On my return from Shortland went to the Mackays' and then on board the Royal Alfred, bound for home.

19. Got home about 1 o'clock to the great surprise of dear Mamma, who I found had not been long in bed. She and Blannie and all the rest had been to a child's party at Colonel Rookes's. Edith and Edward decidedly the worse this morning for the tipsy cake and other delicacies they had enjoyed last night.

Mamma and I walked to Mr Dudley's to arrange about our

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respective duties next Sunday. While at tea Archdeacon Lloyd came in: Bishop Cowie expected in January.

23. Left Auckland in the Royal Alfred at 1 o'clock. We took down word that Gillies was 16 ahead. The News was received by a large mob of Fenians very sullenly.

Called in at the Brownettes' for my key -- they told me Mrs Mackay had been exceedingly ill: that the Fenians had threatened to attack and burn down Mr M.'s house; that Mrs Braithwaite (Mrs M.'s mother) had fled from the house on Thursday night and that a large body of Maories had encircled the premises, fully armed, to protect the place and Mr and Mrs Mackay -- that Friday, Saturday and even Sunday night the Naval Volunteers had been on duty around the house, and that the fright and alarm had thrown Mrs Mackay into hysterics and a series of fainting fits.

Leaving my carpet bag within my house door, I hurried on in the gloom of the fast approaching night over the hills to Mr Holroyd Beere's to give to Mrs B. the two rabbits I had brought from Parnell. She was delighted -- as delighted as a child -- with the "bunnies" and gave me a nice cup of tea and a capital mutton chop: after which I called on Major Cooper who had been so cruelly treated by the mob -- knocked down and then kicked and trampled upon; he seemed all right now but rather bitter against the cowardly Irish who dare not attack one singly but must in 10 or 12 "rush one". Got home about 11 o'clock very tired. Saw a small note from Dudley who said he had enjoyed his visit.

25. Remained indoors sermon writing till ten minutes to 4 when I went to Smales Building to the adjourned meeting of Ministers and Ladies for the formation of a Ladies Benevolent Society. The only Minister who showed an appearance was myself; the Ladies of Shortland were represented by Mrs Goodall, Mrs Reeves, Mrs Massey and Mrs Fox, so we adjourned till this day fortnight.

3 December. Yesterday I had half a tin of lobster for my dinner and a glass of Porter. About 5 o'clock I started in

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good spirits and health for the Mission Station, to take tea with the Ashwells: soon after tea I began to feel ill and left rather abruptly while Mr Ashwell 23 was out of the way. I had not gone 200 yards when the little tub of a man came rolling and panting after me and said he should see me home and if necessary sleep at my house. I was very sick five or six times on my way home and when we got there I found a letter urging me to call on a Mrs Maclercum whose husband had just died. She lives at Grahams Town; I was going but Ashwell insisted on going in my place and as he knew nothing of Grahams Town I directed him to Mr Lawlor's and directly he left me I went to bed and right glad was I [that] I had not gone further for the sickness all returned and I felt quite done for.

About 10 o'clock Ashwell and Lawlor returned. Mr Lawlor had taken him to Maclercum's and then conveyed him back here. Ashwell soon left -- Lawlor remained and got me some brandy and water, and sat with me for an hour and would have remained all night had I wished it.

Called on Mrs Mackay -- she said her husband had forbidden her to sing in the choir and therefore her sister and herself would go no more to the Practising. Perhaps it is as well: for I have heard that the other ladies had declared they would leave if Mrs Mackay didn't!

Sunday, 2nd in Advent. Mrs Mackay sat in the choir; I went up to her and said: "Why -- you told me your husband had forbidden you to sit here." I was astonished at her answer -- "Yes, that's true: but he has gone to Auckland today. Besides," she added, "I have been thinking and it is not right to leave the choir for a slight quarrel with Mr Oughton. My mother agrees with me that I had better stay here. Moreover I've always been one of the singers and don't like to give it up!" I fear I slightly shrugged my shoulders as I turned and went back into the vestry; the other ladies did sit in their places too, so they all seemed to draw in their talons and become once more "the happy family".

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10. Was out from 11 a. m. till half past 10 p. m.: visited a good many people. Attended at 4 o'clock a meeting at which was formed the "Hauraki Ladies Benevolent Society".

12. Church very crowded; Mrs Mackay did not sit with the choir. She is as changeable as a vane. There were 16 baptisms and 6 churchings: it was a quarter to two when I at last got away.

29. The School feast was to have taken place this afternoon in Mrs Mackay's paddock and while my kettle was boiling for breakfast I looked out at my front door to see whether she was making any preparations in the shape of awnings -- horizontal bars, &c. -- but nothing seemed done so I intended to call after breakfast to offer any assistance I could give and to urge on the preparations. Miss Maling, however, came up soon after and told me a sad tale: that Mr Mackay had written from Auckland to his wife a very cruel letter offering her the house and grounds at Shortland and so much income, but saying that he wished to be separated from her henceforward and would never return to live under the same roof with her.

This letter, Miss Maling told me, had made Mrs Mackay so ill that the school feast at her house was altogether out of the question -- for that she and her Father and Mother and sister were in the deepest distress. I thought on Xmas day the whole party seemed out of spirits and Mrs Mackay in particular from her going oftimes to the window to see whether a steamer was in sight showed her anxiety for the arrival of Mr M. and how she fretted about his absence.

Miss Maling told me he came that same evening and appeared cheerful enough, bringing all of them presents; that he remained all Sunday and left on Monday and then on Monday night wrote back this letter of separation to his wife. This act of his has long been expected and feared by those who knew the unhappy state of their domestic life.

This alteration in the arrangements for the day gave me great trouble. I had to go round all the Teachers -- get boilers -- kettles and all sorts of things, but by dint of hard

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work everything was ready soon after io o'clock and at 2 the Church began to fill with my young folk, all looking very happy and very gay in their best clothes. Teachers and scholars were evidently delighted at the change of place of meeting -- near the Maori settlement instead of Mrs Mackay's paddock. In fact two or three of the Teachers came who had intended to have kept away had the original plan been carried out.

Poor Mrs Mackay -- she would have enjoyed it I am sure had she been present and all the children would have been delighted to have seen her amongst them -- but I am confident her absence did not lessen the happiness of the Teachers, for though she is very friendly towards the children she has a peculiarly unfortunate stiff, haughty manner towards anyone above children.

30. Called at the Mackays' to enquire for Mrs M. Miss Maling said she was still very ill; she added in a low voice: "I hope she will soon be better. A pressure has been put upon Mr Mackay and he has promised to come home next Saturday." A poor prospect of happiness for the wife when a husband requires "a pressure" to induce him to return to her.

January 1870. Of all the hot days we have had of late, this, I think, has been the hottest; the Church most uncomfortably full morning and evening. Omitted the Litany -- well that I did for I had 19 christenings and it was a quarter to two ere I could leave the Church.

Sunday School was very large and very noisy; the Prizes were distributed. After evening Service a woman came forward and begged me to baptize her child. I felt at first inclined to refuse for, I said to her, you should have come with the others in the morning; but when I learnt she had travelled 15 miles! all the way from Tapu, to get the Baby admitted into the Church and had striven to be in time for the morning service, but had failed, I of course gladly consented to perform the Sacrament, though I was sadly done up with my day's work and the excessive heat.

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11. Put on my best "toggery", proposing to be on the Wharf when the Governor and Lady Bowen arrived, but first went to Punga Flat to call on Mary Anne Roberts, nee Brownette; this I found an extremely hot, long and fatiguing walk and my leg still feeling but feeble I was very slow. Fortunately I caught them at dinner so I got some refreshment at once, but on my return into Shortland I found the "Reception" was over. Mary Anne has a pretty little cottage in a very wild district: but she seemed very happy and was evidently gratified by my call.

20. Since last entry I have been to Parnell and spent from Friday the 14th till Wednesday the 19th at home, exchanging duties on Sunday with Archdeacon Lloyd. Blannie returned with me to Shortland yesterday.

27. Blannie and I had tea last night with the Gibbons and thence we went to the Volunteer Hall to hear the first Concert of the Hauraki Choral Society. The hall was full but not crowded and there were about 60 singers and some dozen instrumentalists. The only objection I had [to the programme] was its length and the long spell the working members took for their refreshments between the two parts; it was twelve o'clock before Blannie and I got home. She sang among the trebles and enjoyed the evening much. Fortunately Mrs Macdonald lives close by the hall and took Blannie, Mrs Mackay, and Mrs Kilgour to her house for supper between the First and Second Part. The heat was excessive.

This morning it was peculiarly heavy and sultry, but having promised Mary Anne Roberts, nee Brownette, to have tea at her home, Blannie and I started at 3 o'clock, but before we had got far the mutterings of the coming storm made themselves heard and the pattering of big rain drops warned Blannie to hasten back home.

I ran into the Hospital and, after chatting with each patient, sat down on poor Watson's bed and had a game of chess with him. The rain was coming down in a thorough tropical pour, and in going home though I had a large

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umbrella I got soaked to the skin. Blannie and I made up our minds to spend a quiet evening at home: she got out her work and I lay down on the sofa and was reading to her out of the Ingolsby Legends -- the Lay of St Dunstan -- when a man came to tell me a funeral was waiting for me at the cemetery. I must confess that for a few minutes I was very cross -- but went -- and got wet through the second time.

7 February. A sad gap in my journal. Since the last entry I have taken Blannie back to Parnell and after spending two days with them, returned with Blanche who has come to Shortland on a lengthened visit. Our new Bishop arrived last Thursday and I am today (D. V.) going up again to town to pay my respects to his Lordship. Blanche will remain here by herself so my run up will but be of the shortest posible.

Our new Church is making a show among the small houses on the flat; the builder having pushed on with his work the last few weeks very satisfactorily.

13. Must confess to the being a naughty boy in neglecting sadly my diary -- but no -- I won't make a long string of excuses, though perhaps my sisters would be good natured enough to admit their validity If I did.

The weather is most oppressive: both Blanche and I are far from well and attribute our illness to the extreme heat. The Church was terribly crowded both morning and evening.

23. Last Monday I went up to Auckland, leaving Blanche at Shortland. On reaching home found the house empty. Went from room to room -- no one was to be found, so I washed and changed my dress and as I was about to leave to call on the Bishop, Edward and Edith came in from the lower end of the garden and surprised they were to see me. I had a long interview with the Bishop -- he cannot go to the Thames until the second week in March.

After dinner we all, Martin excepted, walked into Town to visit the ship City of Auckland, in which Mrs Lloyd and children and Doctor and Mrs Weekes and Family -- and

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other of our friends -- are taking their final departure from New Zealand for the Old Country. I fear it will never be my good fortune to follow their example and do likewise.

26. The weather has been still most oppressive. Edward, whom I brought down with me last Tuesday is enjoying his holiday. It was a very sudden thought of mine, taking him away from Miss Kinder in the midst of his quarter, but he looked so pale and thin I thought the change would be beneficial.

The building of our new Church is stopt for want of funds. I begin to fear we shall [have] considerable trouble to finish so large and expensive an edifice in the present depressed state of the Gold field.

It is supposed that the Benevolent Society will net upwards of £50 by last night's entertainment. The Wesleyan and Baptist ministers would not come because the Committee had invited a Roman Catholic Priest! Mamma did not go -- the evening was very damp and very hot -- moreover Edward had to be taken care of.

2 March. This morning we had breakfast soon after 7 a. m. then, the Duke of Edinburgh starting for Auckland at 9, Edward and I walked to Grahams Town wharf. In the first boat I espied Mr Mackay's Interpreter and asked him to take charge of going to the vessel, my little boy, which he kindly promised. Edward and I got into the boat: we went on board and I saw to his coat and carpet bag and then left him in Mr Guilding's care. Poor little chap, he is full young to take such a journey without papa and mamma.

6. The Church was but thinly attended in the morning but very crowded in the evening. I gave notice of the Bishop's intended visit here next Sunday, and of a Public meeting for the 14th, to take measures to ensure the completing of the new Church.

16. The great event with us has been Bishop 24 and Mrs

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Cowie's visit to our cottage at Shortland. Mamma, of course, gave up to their use our bedroom which is a fair sized and cheerful room, and she fitted it up with bed furniture -- carpet -- dressing table -- very nicely and prettily. She also transformed our sitting room from a cold, cheerless looking apartment into a very snug cozy looking parlour and having everything perfectly clean, the Bishop and Mrs Cowie were evidentally agreeably surprised at the comfortable quarters prepared for them.

But I should go further back: the Bishop wrote to me a short note saying he would come by any Steamer that left Auckland near mid-day on Saturday. On referring to the papers I noticed that the Royal Alfred would leave Auckland at 11.30, so I concluded he would come in that vessel, and asked the Editors of our two local journals to announce the fact Saturday morning, which they did. However, about 11 o'clock on Saturday morning I had a note from the Bishop saying he would start from Auckland in the Luna at 10 o'clock, an hour and a half sooner, and the Luna being the swifter boat, he would arrive here at 2 o'clock instead of 4 or 1/2 past 4.

This bustled me about a little and Blanche even more than me. I had to go round and inform all the members of our Church Committee of the alteration, and the livery stable keeper to have the carriage ready at 2 instead of 4. About 20 minutes to 2 the Luna appeared in the far distance and about 10 minutes after 2 came steaming up to Grahams Town wharf. The Church Committee besides several other members of the Church had assembled and were standing about me when one said: "Surely there's the Bishop and he is bowing to you, Sir." "Nonsense," I said, "That can't be the Bishop with that ridiculous helmet on his head." So there was a pause during which the steamer came nearer and nearer and the passengers more and more plainly seen. Whereupon the former speaker said: "I think I am right, Sir, only look at his beard."

That settled the point -- for what other man has such a beard! So I stept forward and, catching the Bishop's eye, I

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took off my hat and gave him a cordial wave which he as heartily returned: but from where we stood he looked as little like a Bishop as he could well do, having a white macintosh over his arm which concealed from us his Bishop's apron, and having on his head a huge white felt helmet as much like, according to the Illustrated London News, the helmets that London Fire-men wear as anything I can imagine.

Directly I could I got on board and went forward to him and shook hands with him and Mrs Cowie, and helped to carry their luggage on to the wharf. Outside the toll gate was (as usual when a Steamer arrives) a huge crowd of miners among them whom there are, very often, very many "Fenians". I feared lest there should be raised by some "Fenian" some remark disparaging to our Bishop or Church when I knew there were "Orangemen" present who would resent it at once -- and thereupon a row would ensure; but I am glad to say that all went off well.

When the Bishop and Mrs Cowie and I were seated (by the by, the carriage was an open one and the owner, for the sake of honouring the Bishop -- or as a set-off against decoration of the carriage that carried the Roman Catholic Bishop, viz: a Green Fenian flag -- our driver had spread all over the seat and the inside of the carriage a large Union Jack which I thought was in bad taste and ill judged, considering the excitable population on these fields) and when we were started there was a waving of hands and hats (the helmet not omitted) between the Bishop and the crowd -- and away we drove to my cottage-on-the-hill.

Very soon after our arrival the Bishop and I took a stroll: during which I ventured a slight illusion to his "head-piece" whereupon he took it off and showed me how light it was, and said it is the same as he wore in India and he considered it the best covering for the head in a hot climate: he went on to say that when he was at Melbourne the Bishop (Perry) had remarked upon his "helmet" and that he (Cowie) had recommended the Bishop to wear one himself, upon which

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Bishop Perry said: "I could not wear your helmet unless I had also your beard!"

On Monday morning Major Cooper joined us at breakfast. Then the Bishop, Major Cooper and I walked to Parawai, the native settlement. On the way I took his Lordship to Mr Pulleine's, who was a friend of several of the Bishop's friends, so they compared notes and had a pleasant chat. Thence we went to the Maunsells' and rested half an hour, enjoying some delicious grapes, and then -- George Maunsell joining us -- we walked on to Parawai. As we approached the Chief's house the natives flocked out upon the Verandah and waving scarves kept shouting out "haeremai, O Pihopa" -- welcome, O Bishop.

It was no little trouble to get through the hand shaking but that done at last, we entered a good sized room and the Bishop, myself, George Maunsell and the Native Layreader sat at one end while the natives, some 30 in number, ranged themselves, some on chairs but more on the floor, at the other end. First we sang a hymn (in Maori of course) to the tune of God Save the Queen.

21. I must go back to Thursday the 14 inst when the Bishop and I were at Parawai. At last we removed to a neighbouring house where they had provided luncheon for us -- flat-fish, turkey and cranberry tart: and for drinks, beer and sherry. When I say that the cooking was first rate and the whole served up almost as well as it could have been at any gentleman's table in England, it is evident that in mere civilization the Maories are improving, whatever they may be as regards their Christianity.

Reached the Parsonage about 2 o'clock when Mrs Cowie put on her bonnet and we went to Grahams Town and visited the Golden Crown mine and Battery and then paid a visit or two and got back in time for dinner at 5. After dinner the Bishop and I walked down to the Church where he presided at a Public Meeting of the Congregation to see what can be done towards raising funds to complete the half finished Church. The meeting was a failure as we only

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elicited promises to the amount of £11. 10. 0 whereas we wanted between 5 and 6 hundred pounds. The next morning the Bishop and Mrs Cowie went off by the Duke of Edinburgh, expressing themselves highly delighted with their visit -- which, by the by, has cost me between 30 and 40 £! True I have carpets, chairs, glasses and china to show for some of my money, but not one of these things should I have bought had the Bishop not come, and part of the expence I have nothing to show for, some three pounds 10/0 being the expence of servants and carriages.

But it is not often I have the honour of entertaining a Bishop, though, as I told his Lordship, he was the sixth Bishop 25 I had received as my guest: viz: Oxford -- New Zealand (him many times) -- Wellington -- Nelson (Hobhouse) -- Newcastle -- and Melanesia.

2 April. The Bishop came yesterday, I guessed he would travel by the Royal Alfred which was expected to reach Grahams Town by half past four.

I passed a very pleasant evening -- he was very chatty -- far more so that Bishop Selwyn ever was -- but he is far from Selwyn's equal. He told me that Annette had piloted him across the stepping stones of Hobson's Bay at low water to Mr Baker's residence, and spoke of her as a remarkably "bright, clever, interesting" little girl. Of course this estimate of his little daughter was pleasing to Papa -- but I hope he did not say half as much to the little puss herself!

The Bishop left this morning for Coromandel. He will have to come back here to get to Auckland -- so he may be my guest again on Monday or Tuesday night.

He told me it was one of the plans of the Bishop of Litchfield to give his New Zealand Clergy, when beyond the hard work of the Colony, any small Living he may have the gift of in his Diocese -- as a sort of retiring pension.

"Indeed," I said, "I hope my turn then may come some day." "I hope so too," he replied, "and I daresay, Mr Lush,

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it will," "I say, old boy," thinks I to myself, "don't count your chickens before they're hatched."

4. The Bishop seems to have enjoyed his visit to Coromandel: he told me he should write to my Vestry to ask them whether they would guarantee £100 a year towards the salary of a second clergyman for Shortland -- or, as the Bishop called him, "a curate for you, Mr Lush". And that if they would the curate should visit Coromandel twice a month, for which the people there will give him £50, and he (the Bishop) expected the Standing Committee would grant £50, so making up a salary of £200 a year. He has written to a friend in England, a young clergyman with independent means, asking him to come out for five years' service at least, so before this year is out my hand may be strengthened by the arrival of "my curate"!

7. I have written to Colonel de Quincey telling him that some years ago I came across a bed of Manganese on my farm [at Cockle Bay, Howick], and that there was a demand for it just now at the Thames; also for cinnabar, which I have picked up on the Howick beach. The hint may be of use to him.

8. Out all day collecting for the Church with very ill success. There are two theatres, one music hall, -- one large dancing hall capable of accommodating 300 couples! And one club assembly room -- all more or less filled every night. So money is found for pleasure but is very scarce for religion. The old tale over and over again.

Met Bohun, a scion of a noble and ancient family, in Norfolk I believe, keeping a small draper's shop. He was utterly hard up, the master of the shop wanted to go to Auckland for a week or so, so Bohun offered to turn shopkeeper for the time the proprietor is away. I thought of Imperial Caesar dead and turned to clay, stuffed in a hole to keep the wind away.

10. When I walked to the lectern this morning to read the first lesson I found a letter stuck in the Bible addressed to me

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with "Private" on it -- so I put it in my pocket. As I left the Church after Service with Mr Honiss, I passed a man standing, as I thought at the time, waiting for me, but as he did not speak I passed him in the dark, not seeing his face so as to recognise him. When I got home I remembered the letter and found it was from that most unfortunate, wretched clergyman Thomson, begging for money, saying "I have had nothing to eat for the last three days". And adding "I shall wait for you at the Church-door after the Service is over". So I fear I must have passed him, and, poor fellow, perhaps he has gone home to his wretched hut with the idea that I "cut" him and would not relieve him.

28. On Sunday I officiated at St Mary's, Parnell: the day was wet, cold and windy and the congregation, morning and evening, very small. The next day Blanche and I returned to Shortland in the Royal Alfred. Since Monday we have had but wintry weather so Mamma and Edward have been much confined to the house; fortunately for him a sagacious little terrier and a small kitten have taken up their abode with us, and they have proved a source of much amusement on several of our wet days. And as far as Mamma is concerned, as we are economising (doing without a servant) she finds her time fully occupied with the necessary cooking, &c., for our small household of three souls.

2 May. Blanche went visiting by herself -- called upon Mrs Mackay whom she found very unhappy -- Mrs O'Halloran (Mrs Mackay's sister) -- and Mrs Massey. In the evening I went to the Theatre Royal to attend a complimentary farewell concert tendered to Oughton, our Organist and Choirmaster for the last 18 months. The Volunteer Band gave their services and played exceedingly well, and Mrs Mitchell, a new arrival from Dunedin, sang very exquisetly, "Jessie's Dream" -- "Tomorrow" and "I'll Follow Thee". I should think in a pecuinary point of view it was a great success for the Theatre was well filled.

4. This morning Blanche and I accompanied by little

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Edward had a pleasant walk to the Mission Station. Mr and Mrs George Maunsell were apparently in depressed spirits -- the lady decidedly ill: I fear in a rapid consumption; their little boy is also ailing.

9. Thomas last night and Bohun today came and said they were totally destitute. The former was once a beneficed clergyman in England -- the latter a few years ago in affluent circumstances -- such are the changes and chances of this mortal life. Took Bohun to the Pyes and asked them to take him in for a week's board and lodging -- but after that -- what then?

23. The skeleton of our new Church standing unfinished for want of funds is a melancholy spectacle. I was recommended to preach a sermon from Luke xiv, 30: "This man began to build and was not able to finish." Captain Pye with whom I had tea said the Dissenters made it quite a butt for their jokes -- but I said I cared nothing for whatsoever dissenters might say, but I cared for the reputation of the Church people which I thought was sadly compromised so long as they allowed the Church to remain unfinished.

27. Went to the Mission Station and dined with George Maunsell. Mrs Maunsell was ill in bed and their little boy still bad with swollen glands. I fear for both Mother and child, but especially the former.

28. Wrote to the Bishop a letter of congratulation on the birth of his son.

Of course I often visit a house where there is sorrow, but seldom have I been to one where there was more sorrow than that which I visited this afternoon -- a Father, Mother and three children. The eldest, a girl of 19 in a deep decline: a son of 15 dying of typhus fever, and the youngest a boy 13 only lately dead and buried. The Mother, poor creature, seemed very broken-hearted.

On my way back from Kuranui where these people lived I called on the Lawlors and had tea with them. Bessie Lawlor

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has been today to the Mission Station -- Mrs George Maunsell very ill -- difficulty of breathing and much pain: the little boy's glands too are going to break.

6 June. Today's paper announces that the Shotover will pay a dividend of 2/6 per share: so both Blanche's investments are bringing in something.

Mrs George Maunsell, poor thing, confined to bed with an attack of pleurisy: and her little boy's glands have so festered that the bone near the ear has decayed. Mamma will be truly sorry to hear so bad an account of Mother and child.

27. Last Thursday, the 23rd inst., while digging in my garden at Parnell I wrenched my back very severely and the inconvenience arising therefrom was considerable, for when I sat down I had great difficulty in rising again: standing and kneeling did not hurt me -- but sitting and rising from my chair occasioned me great pain. So the congregation could not have guessed that anything was amiss, but Mrs Mackay with whom I dined and Dr Kilgour with whom I had tea were considerably concerned for me. I think I have now a touch of lumbago and rheumatic pains are flying all over my body. In one word, I suppose I am getting an old man!

1 July. Went as usual to the Treasurer of the Church to get a cheque from him for my last month's services -- but there were "no funds" -- I am literally without a penny, but my credit is good so I can live on "tick" -- but then I have nothing for giving away.

Had a letter from Parnell -- Mamma says on St Peter's Day, "Mrs Cowie was churched in the private Chapel at Bishop Court. She brought the baby in, in her arms, and knelt down at the altar step with the child in her arms. After she was churched she carried the baby out and returned without it, and staid the Holy Communion." I did not know it was necessary nor have I ever heard it so performed before, but I dare say it looked very "interesting" and most probably will set the fashion to all the young Mothers in Parnell.

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2. Sunday School well attended but Mrs Mackay excessively disagreeable -- complaining of the hubbub and intimating very rudely that all the fault lay at my door. The Ladies of the Benevolent Society are not so patient with her impertinent peevishness as I am, and the consequence is that she has resigned her connection with the Society, her last outburst of temper being rather ludicrous.

The funds of the Society hitherto have been in Dr Fox's hands, but one of the Committee proposed that all monies should be placed at one of the Banks in the name of the Treasurer, Mrs Fox. This was agreed to, then the question arose -- "which Bank?" Mrs Mackay proposed the Bank of Australasia -- another lady proposed the Bank of New Zealand -- which latter proposition after a stormy opposition on the part of Mrs Mackay (what a storm in a tea pot!) was put to the vote and carried by a large majority. Whereupon Mrs Mackay jumped up in a passion, bounced out of the room (her own parlour) and returned no more to the astonished committee she had left behind.

The "Chair" being vacant, Mrs Fox was voted into it and the meeting adjourned, Mrs Fox the next day receiving Mrs Mackay's written resignation of all further connection with ladies who treated her so disrespectfully.

4. Mr Reeves has been across the country between here and Mercury Bay and his Native guides took him to a Kauri tree, which they have tabooued and call the King of the kauris. He measured round the trunk of the tree as high up as he could reach with a tape, and it was 78 feet in circumference -- say 25 feet through, and towered up an enormous height. What an immense tree! The largest in the Manukau and the one visitors and travellers go to see as an immense tree is only 9 feet through -- this was 25!!

8. By letter from Parnell I see that Mamma has dined at Bishop's Court, where she met Bishop Patteson and had the honour of nursing the "bishopling", and a few days after Blannie spent a very pleasant evening at the Bishop's. I am glad Dr and Mrs Cowie are inclined to be thus friendly: on

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all sides I hear he is becoming very popular with the laity, not so much from his capacity as a Preacher or Bishop, as from his kind and friendly manner.

11. Sent a letter to Blanche enclosing my last pound note -- leaving myself 10/6 to last till the end of the month. Just as I was calculating on how little I could live on the next 4 weeks, my castle in the air was knocked down by a loud rap at the door. When I opened it rather a short, strong built man of 35 or 40 gave me a good stare and asked whether I was The Rev. Mr Lush. "Yes," I said, "walk in and sit down."

He did so, and I took a leisurely survey of my visitor. "What do you want, my good man?" I at last said. "Mr Lush," he said, "I have come all the way from Sydney to see you. I am your niece, Ellen Louisa Buckland's husband, and therefore by marriage your nephew and I was hard up and so determined to find you out to see whether you could help me."

I felt very much inclined to give a long whistle, but restraining myself I simply assured him that he had far better have remaind in Sydney, for that I was completely "shelled out" and that hundreds were unemployed in Shortland, and penury and want the order of the day. "Where is your luggage?" I said. He had not any -- no more earthly goods than those he stood up in. When did he arrive? Half an hour ago. Have you had any breakfast? Not had a mouthful to eat for the last two days.

So I took him into the kitchen and soon had the satisfaction of seeing him make good use of a knife and fork and drink with zest some cupfuls of strong coffee. Anne and Eliza think our Colonial ways singularly free and easy. What will they say when they hear that upon so very slight an acquaintance I told him he must sleep here and share my meals and, moreover, shewing him where he would find all things for his dinner and tea, left him "Master of the House" for the remainder of the day, I not returning home till past ten.

My anxiety was uncalled for -- all was safe on my arrival

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and he dosing [sic] over the fire so I showed him where he was to sleep.

15. The arrival of my big "Nephew"(?) has made me rather busier than usual. After several Journeys, conferences and visits, I think I have "fixed" him at Parawai. Mr George Maunsell has granted the use of the Mission Church as his School-room: then he is to have a select class of girls and little boys from 9 to 12 a. m. and a mixed school, Maori, half castes and Europeans, in the afternoon from 1 to 4, and as soon as the days are sufficiently long, an adult class (Maori men) in the evenings. I hope to get him some grant from Government for the European children, and George Maunsell will get him a grant from the Church Missionary Society for his services in behalf of the Maories. Then Mr Spencer will let to him at a small rent a cottage close by the Church: if all goes well I have succeeded for him far better than I anticipated.

18. Found the advantage of having Edward Bowren in the house this morning for having had a wretched night I kept in bed and left him to light the fire and get breakfast. At a quarter to nine he started for Parawai -- I do hope he may succeed for that neighbourhood's sake.

19. Bowren came back from Parawai in high spirits about his school.

30. Saturday night and at home, looking forward to a "Sabbath" tomorrow -- not, however willingly, but by constraint. The fact is I have had a bad attack of bronchitis and should have ceased work sooner, but on Monday 25th I escaped from Shortland feeling very ill. I need hardly say I have had a week of incessant coddling, and I think the inflammation of the bronchial tubes is all but gone. Dr Goldsborough forbid my doing any duty tomorrow, hence my stay over Sunday away from my charge. Sarah, our servant, has gone to Shortland on a visit to her friends, and she has taken letters from me to my Lay-reader and to Mr George Maunsell.

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31. All went to St Mary's in the morning excepting Mamma. Doctor Maunsell read prayers and Bishop Patteson preacht his farewell sermon; as I had to stay at home it was fortunate for me that I had the privilege of hearing him. His allusion to the recent foundering through a collision of the steamer Tauranga with the loss of all on board, and to his own perils, not so much from the winds and the waves as from the angry passions which unscrupulous whalers and slavers had stirred up among the Islanders against all white men, was very touching. Blannie went round to offer to take Mary Abraham's class at the Sunday School, thinking she would not be equal to it; poor Annie Abraham has been engaged for many years to Edward Hector who was one of the passengers on the Tauranga.

1 August. It was quite dark when I landed [at Grahams Town wharf] and when I reached my house there was no sign of Edward Bowren [the nephew from Sydney]. I knocked again and again but no response: searched for the key under the door mat but it was not there; so I went next door and borrowed a light and a strong knife and after a little trouble managed to open the Kitchen window -- and so, like a thief, entered my own home.

2. It was late, I had been I fancy some time asleep when Bowren returned -- he was not a little surprised to find me at home. After the evening service three of the leading men in the Choral Society had come and begged him to join the Choral Society -- from this circumstance I conclude that they had heard him sing in the choir. He is expected to be at their practice in the Volunteer Hall this evening.

Bowren returned from Parawai just as I was getting my tea: he looked terribly dirty. On enquiry I found that in the dark he had missed his footing three times and tumbled down in the mud: on suggesting that a good brushing would set him all to rights and that the Choral Society did not begin their practising till near 8 o'clock, I at last elicited the fact that he had no shoes! The ones he had on his arrival I had noticed were very old, and this morning he stept into a mud

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hole and got up to his knees in mud, and when he extricated himself he left his unfortunate boots -- or remnants of boots -- at the bottom of the hole where they are safe not to be disturbed. I never saw such an unfortunate fellow as Bowren for getting dirty. I suppose he cannot see very clearly but it would drive me wild to have got into half the mud larks he has managed to tumble into, the short time he has been here.

3. Gave Bowren a note to Hawkes the bootmaker: he cannot go about bare-footed. In the afternoon stept into the shop and found that Bowren had selected a pair of boots, value 35 shillings, so he may whistle a long time before I make him a present of another pair of boots.

It was agreed that Bowren should come back from Parawai early to take down all his things as he was to leave me today -- but no -- he was late -- the road, he said, was very muddy and he could not get the tenants out of the cottage he is to have. I suggested he might sleep in the schoolroom and rough it for a few days -- no -- he wanted this and wanted that and at last asked me to give him a note to Lichfield & Osborn Restaurant for a few weeks (at the cost of 30/0 a week!). I positively refused and moreover told him I insisted upon his sheering off not later than tomorrow. I called upon the Maunsells: it turned out tempestuous and I remained and slept there.

4. Found the door key under the mat. I presume Bowren slept here last night and has had his breakfast, but the fire was out and the place looked very dirty and uncomfortable; after dinner, while waiting for another funeral, Bowren came and with him a lad to help him carry his things down to Parawai. I gave him some dinner and then had to go off to the Cemetery, charging him to take all his belongings with him -- but few as they were I found on my return that he had left a number of his things behind him, and a box full of groceries and bread and butter and candles which I had laid in expressly for him. I began to wish I had saved the cost as he seems so utterly indifferent to them.

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9. What I suspected and feared is true -- Bowren was drunk one day last week. They have forgiven him on the clear understanding that if he becomes so again the school will be broken up and he turned adrift. I wish he had remained at Sydney or Shaftesbury and not come here to plague me. Called on Mrs Mackay; there is but one room in that large house with furniture in it and that is the servant's bedroom, which the servant, Mrs Mackay and little Beatrice occupy together. I have seldom known such a sad reverse of fortune.

17. Heard a rumour that Jones & Hill whose tender of, £979 for building the New Church had been accepted by the Vestry, had this morning "declared off" and refused to ratify their agreement.

16 October. Such a Gap! From August 20th to October 16th! Well it is no use trying to give even a sketch of what has happened during those two months. I must pass over all that time in silence and hope to be a better boy for the future.

17. Spent most of the day visiting among my people, and in the evening had tea with Mr and Mrs George Beere and then accompanied them to the Volunteer Hall, where a Tea Party was to be held, followed by a Concert, and that followed by a Dance! And what for? To raise funds for furnishing two of the stalls at the forthcoming Bazaar for the funds of the Ladies Benevolent Society. The Tables were being removed when got there, and I made my way on to the platform and fraternized with the Wesleyan and Baptist ministers. And sat for two mortal hours listening to very indifferent singing and still more terrible recitations by lads who forgot their "h"s and spoke in the sing-song style of a badly educated school boy. But all things come to an end and when God Save the Queen had been sung and the forms were being removed for the dance I slipt away, glad to get back to my cottage and my bed.

21. On receiving my newspaper at Breakfast I noticed that there would not be any Steamer on Monday to Auckland

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until late in the evening so I determined to leave today for I am anxious to be present at the opening of the Diocesan Synod; the determination put me in a bustle. I hastily arranged my house locking up, went to Mr Lawlor, my Lay-reader, and got him to take the services at St George's and then I walked on to Taruru; the Steamer started from the new wharf there at 3 o'clock.

5 November. As busy as a hen with one chick all day, preparing for the Bishop's visit. Laid down the carpets in the sitting room and bedrooms and made both rooms look almost as comfortable as Blanche did on his Lordship's first coming in March last. Dr Seth Sam sent me a magnificent nosegay to ornament my table and Mrs Manton a yet more beautiful one: so for flowers -- still rare here -- I was well off.

Then I undertook to roast a sirloin of beef -- the second joint I have ever attempted to cook -- chops, steaks, kidneys, I now think nothing of but was doubtful about my joint. I had arranged with Mrs Fick, my poor German neighbour to come across (directly she saw a white towel hung over my fence) to wait at tea, &c., and I sent old Purchase to Tararu to wait for the Bishop's arrival and give him a note I had written asking him to come to my cottage: moreover I had put two "locales" in the evening papers informing the Public that the Bishop would be at St George's tomorrow, when, after all my expectation, trouble, cooking, arranging -- and expense -- he never came. And with considerable chargin I took out my unfinished sermon and had to sit up late to complete it.

6. A most glorious day. I foresaw a crowded congregation. Fortunately for me I had written to the Bishop telling him of my expectation from what my wife had written, and how disappointed I was, and hoping he would come on Sunday next with Mrs Cowie and the Baby. And on entering the Church, the Verger gave me a note the postman had left with him (and which I ought to have received yeserday morning) from the Bishop: "My dear Mr Lush, I told Miss Lush when I saw her two days ago that I was hoping to be

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able to spend Sunday next at the Thames. I find, however, that I must remain here to take St Matthew's, as Mr Jones is going to Otahuhu and Panmure. Yours faithfully, W. G. Auckland."

It was very fortunate for me that I had written to the Bishop and also had received this note from him. The evening service was also well attended and the singing very hearty: the choir wanted the Miners' Hymn but I shall keep that back till the Bishop is present and then it will be introduced apparently with his sanction.

10. Such a bright hot day, and no water to be had nearer than Weymouth's, so it is fortunate my household is so very small. I quite begrudged the pail of water I had for my bath this morning, thinking of the toil of carrying water up our hill.

11. The first good shower of rain for the last eight or nine weeks: most acceptable. I only hope there came down sufficient to fill my tanks.

There is a report rife today that Mrs George Maunsell is dead. Poor young thing -- her days have been few indeed.

12. Rain as far as I can judge all last night. Had the great pleasure of filling my bucket at my own tank instead of toiling up hill from Mr Weymouth's well.

13. Very sultry all day: Church very full and the heat very oppressive. We had the "Miners' Hymn" and I think it was liked from the hearty way in which it was taken up by the congregation.

14. A most sultry day. Had tea at the Lawlors': heard that some of the young men made great fun of the "Miners' Hymn" which was sung in Church last night: that one had even made a ludicrous parody on it. I pity the state of that young man's mind.

Had a vestry meeting at 7.30 to determine who should go up to Town to buy the site on which the new Church is

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commenced. Mr Lloyd was selected and I think a better man for the purpose could not be found.

Had a letter from Blanche in which she tells me a deplorable tale of Mrs George Maunsell. "Blannie saw her today being drawn in a chair round the garden. She was laughing and singing at the top of her voice, does not know anyone and her child she has quite forgotten. Strange to say there are several in Parnell ill in the same way. I fancy this sultry weather is in fault." This is not pleasant news to read.

16. While sermonising after breakfast I received my first Telegram: so I tore the envelope open and was quite taken aback, for the message was: "Take no notice of my letter of Monday until you hear again." The sender's name I could not decipher!

On my way to the Post Office I met Rowley who gave me two letters, one from the Bishop written on Monday the 14th: "My dear Mr Lush, I am unable to accept your invitation to the Thames for last Sunday, but shall be happy to spend next Sunday the 20th with you, or, if convenient to you, as your substitute. Mrs Cowie will not be able to avail herself of your kind offer of hospitality on this occasion; and I shall be quite vexed if you forgo the opportunity of spending a Sunday with your family, to stop and entertain me. I am an old campaigner and can shift for myself and will be glad of a bed anywhere and the plainest fare. Yours very faithfully, W. G. Auckland."

17. Such a delicious rain all night, as far as I can judge from the little I heard of it in my waking moments during the night and from the deal I see of it in the tubs and tanks this morning.

This evening on return home found two letters thrust under my door: one from Bishop Cowie. "Dear Mr Lush, since I wrote on Monday a small abscess has developed itself in my right ear, and may prevent my leaving home this week. Be so good, therefore, as not to say anything about my coming to Thames on Saturday until you hear from me

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again. If I am well enough on Saturday I shall certainly come."

So I am still in a state of great uncertainty.

It seems my "Miners' Hymn" has been the subject of a good deal of talk -- the Goodalls very much object to it and Mrs Goodall repeated one verse of the parody which I told her was shockingly irreverent and I didn't wish to hear any more. She hoped I would not have it again. I said I certainly should.

19. The absorbing question with me is: Will the Bishop come? And shall I be at Parnell tonight? Mr Roberts is to be here at 2 o'clock to take charge of the house: I shall go and meet the steamer: if his Lordship arrives I shall then and there take my departure, and his Lordship must find his own way to my house and Mr Roberts will wait upon him till he takes his departure on Monday or Tuesday.

21. Well, the Bishop came. I had just time to shake hands with him and give him a letter I had taken the precaution to write explanatory of my Sunday duties, when I had to hasten on board the Duke.

25. We were to start in the Edinburgh at 11.30 but nearly missed the Steamer through Crowther's man driving to Mr Lusk's instead of Mr Lush's. We had a pleasant trip, Blannie keeping quite well till we neared Shortland, when she was sea-sick. Securing a cart to convey us and our luggage to the cottage we there found Mrs Roberts waiting for us with tea prepared, so we were able to attend the practising at St George's.

27. In the evening we were detained a long time in the Church after the Service was over and it must have been past eight when we reached the Hape Creek Hotel. As we turned round the corner of that Hotel and faced the hill on the top of which our cottage stands I said: "Why, Blannie, there's a light in our house." I then saw the light move into our sitting

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room and I said: "Surely some one must be robbing the place"; and we both set off running up the steep hill.

At that instant the light went out and I rushed to the door, opened it as quickly as I could and expected to run up against the intruder, but on reaching the back door I found it ajar and saw a man within a few yards of me, making off -- I instantly gave chase, shouting "Stop thief -- stop thief!" Blannie was running parallel with me but outside the fence and she joined in the hue and cry, but he was too fleet for us and, half turning round said: "I'll shoot you, Sir, if you come on." This I did not at the time distinctly hear, but Blannie did. So I pressed on but had to give up as he got altogether away.

I went at once to the Police office and a detective returned with me to the house. The detective questioned me and Blannie, who had a side view of his face for a few seconds, described his whiskers and head as far as the dim moonlight would enable her to see him. The detective thought he knew the man, it being the same that he suspected of having committed several robberies of late. It suddenly occurred to me that I would borrow a lantern and see whether the thief had thrown away or dropt any of the articles and, accompanied by the detective, carefully examined the fern and teatree scrub we had run through. And not in vain; we picked up at various places my trousers, my great coat, a brown paper parcel the thief had not opened and which he no doubt thought contained clothes but I knew contained Illuminated Texts -- my pocket Communion service -- 2 forks -- 2 spoons -- and the miscellaneous contents of Blannie's workbox and -- three bottles of whisky.

After this the detective left -- it was now past eleven o'clock and the running and excitement after my long day's work made me feel tired and glad to have a glass of hot whisky and water -- a little drop of that same I had recovered from the thief.

28. I was up a little after 4 -- dressed quickly and at once went over the ground I had searched with the detective last

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night, and at a much further distance, in Taipairi's paddock, found my billhook and my alpaca coat: after breakfast I made another search yet further off and found the two bunches of keys -- so excepting the watch, chain, two brooches and the money, we have recovered the stolen property.

1 December. On Wednesday I had the great pleasure of seeing a sparrow hopping about the road not far from my house: and as some finches have built in the Kinders' garden and, I am told, some sparrows about the Bishop's stables, my hope is that very soon I shall have the happiness -- after 20 years of hoping and waiting for the same -- of seeing some English birds permanently settled in my own garden -- and woe betide the cat if she kills any of them.

25. Xmas Day. The weather magnificent. Church crowded morning and evening. Blannie took Annette and Edith to the hospital to see the inmates sit down to their Xmas dinner: we met at 1 o'clock to our Xmas dinner -- cold beef and a lettuce and cold plum pudding -- the humblest Christmas dinner I have ever had -- but Blannie and I agreed everything must give place to the Church and having no servant. Such as it was we enjoyed it, thinking and talking much of those absent.

28. Had a letter from the Inspector of Police requesting me to call at the Station to identify some articles which had been found on a man lately arrested -- the only article I claimed was my old garden hat! They showed me a chain which I thought was Blannie's, but on bringing it up to the house she decided it was not hers, though very like; however I trust the Police are now on the right track and will recover my watch and the girls' brooches, as well as convict the burglar.

1 January 1871. A Happy New Year to all my friends. I wished my congregation the same in the first clause of my sermon: the weather was fine and the Church, both times, well attended.

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2. Very unsettled weather: but Blannie, Annette and Edith went out in a boat to see the Regatta. The two little ones enjoyed themselves much -- I doubt whether Blannie did.

3. Still unsettled weather: high winds and frequent showers, but the buns and cakes being made there was no alternative but to have our School picnic. There were more than 200 children, and more visitors in addition to the Teachers than there were last year. As we had fixed upon a spot at Parawai we had two vans to take the smallest children to and fro: upon the whole the Feast went off better than I expeced.

4. Went to Auckland in obedience to a summons to give evidence about the robbery.

5. Spent most of the day at the Police Court; the first time in my life I have stood in a witness box and had to give evidence. Declined to "swear" to my old hat and that is the only article of mine as yet recovered; but the man was committed on 7 other distinct charges, so whether mine is brought home to him or not he will have a long term of imprisonment, I doubt not.

8. Astonished when I went to the Sunday School to find that most of the Teachers were so offended at the printed account of the School Feast that two had left and three more were talking of leaving. They thought I had written it and sent it to the Paper and, thinking this, they considered I had slighted others by inserting "Miss and Master Lawlor's" names and omitting theirs. What terrible, petty jealousy! However when I assured them I was as innocent of the paragraph as any of them -- that I knew nothing of it till I read it in the Paper the morning after the Feast -- they were somewhat pacified.

25 February. Last Monday, 20th, I took Edward back to Parnell. On Tuesday I took the coach to Papakura and called upon Mr Mellsop 26 on a little business connected with the

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Kings of Waiuku. I was glad to see the old place again and some of the old faces, but my stay was short -- not more than 3 hours.

Now I do hope my Caledonians will enable me so to enlarge my cottage that not only the party at Parnell, but poor dear Charlie too, may come to live at Shortland. I have made a vow -- which I trust I may be strengthened to keep -- to devote one half of my Caledonian dividend to works connected with the Church -- the other half to paying off many long-standing debts.

On reaching home the children met me in a "state of mind" for the "Box" had arrived from the Queen Bee! I told them it was too late to open it then, but they must get up early the next day and we would unpack it before school hours. So we were well on the move by six and by a quarter past seven had finished breakfast, and then--!

Well, Selina will be glad to hear that every thing in the case came safe and sound and gave unbounded pleasure to all. I am glad that there is the prospect of speedily sending to them the money they must have expended on the electrifying machine.

3 March. A splendid day. The returns from the Caledonian mine are still very wonderful. The amount of gold for the week comes to 6566 oz. 19 dwt. I took Blanche to the Battery yesterday and we saw some of their rich specimens. One seemed almost all gold -- certainly there was more of the precious metal than quartz visible.

I also went to the Una and saw some of their choice specimens -- one small piece of quartz, thickly studded with gold, I asked the Manager to put by for me if the Directors would allow me to buy it; my object being to send Eliza and Anne a small specimen that they may see some of our riches.

7. Yesterday and today Blannie and I have spent at the Supreme Court: through the courtesy of Sir George Arney we were allowed to sit in the Library, a comfortable carpeted room with plenty of books around us, instead of the usual

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witnesses' waiting room furnished with merely a deal table and a few chairs.

But oh! the weariness of those two days has been something terrible and after all the man, Dunne, pleaded guilty, so we were not wanted to appear against him. We had our expenses paid -- the Crown Prosecutor gave me £8. 17. 0 and Blannie (to her great astonishment), £4. 5. 0. Each day after we were liberated I managed to do a little business, yesterday receiving my Caledonian dividend of £100 (only ten days ago I received £60).

10. I first of all rode to Auckland and called at the Police office to get possession of the watch and chain Dunne had stolen -- the watch Mr Cleaver gave me -- and the chain the one Eliza had given Blannie.

I then pushed on for Howick: as I approached the Panmure Ferry I met a two-storied house -- a house of, I suppose, 10 rooms -- on its travels! It was being moved bodily along the road from its old site on the top of the hill overlooking the Tamaki to a new position in the village of Panmure, a distance of about 800 yds. The foremen of the gang of men at work on the removal said they did about 150 feet a day. I have often before seen small cottages moved but never such an immense building as this.

Went to the De Quinceys' and had a very unsatisfactory visit, for Mrs De Quincey assured me they must give up the lease they have of my land at Howick, and could not pay me any more rent.

From the De Quinceys' I rode down to the Beach and so round by the sea to Maungamaungaroa Creek, where the ferry man put me and my horse across to the Maraitai 27 district -- and reacht the Trices' a few minutes too late -- the brothers had left for a distant part of the farm and Mrs Trice was clearing away the dinner things. She was very much astonished and, I think, very pleased at my visit. I had a good dinner and then I walked over to where the Trices and their assistant were busy thrashing; and after their surprise

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was over, Mr William Trice accompanied me to the spot where they were mining for gold!

The mine is upwards of two miles from their house, in a wild thickly wooded ravine. They have made four drives in all -- one upwards of 150 feet long; they have met with quartz but hitherto the yield has not exceeded 6 dwts to the ton. I was very pleased with all I saw -- the drives -- the one stamper battery -- the furnace for smelting the gold and the retorts for separating the amalgam -- all showed great industry and a great spirit as well as intelligence. I brought away with me a few pieces of quartz which I promised to show to some of the miners at the Thames for their opinions thereon.

It was almost dark when we got back to the house, where I was glad of my tea. I then paid the Trices £15. 3. 6 for rye grass seed and wheat and potatoes I have owed them ever since 1863. They evidently had long since given the debt up as a bad one and were not a little pleased at receiving the money -- though so long after date -- I told them they were indebted to the Caledonian mine for the gold and the silver.

The next morning I left for Auckland. There was -- as in days long gone by -- a trouble in getting man and beast across the water. I looked at the dear children's graves and was pleased to see them the best kept of any in the Church yard. The Church showed signs of decay and looked dirty and neglected. I paid a flying visit to a few of the people and then trotted to Auckland reaching Ewelme cottage at 2 o'clock.

At 4 we all started for the city as I had promised to treat the children to a visit to the Exhibition of Society of Artists. This is their first Exhibition and the Society have sent no less than 362 pictures -- very many of them painted in the Colony and views of localities in this Province. The children had never seen such a collection of pictures and enjoyed nearly two hours' inspection of them very much; of our more immediate friends and acquaintances who sent specimens of their artistic skill there were -- Mr Martin -- Miss Outhwaite -- Miss Kenny -- Dr Lethbridge and Mr Kinder.

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The whole evening we spent in trying Martin's electrifying machine which some how or other did not act well.

12. Good congregations both morning and evening. I had tea at the Puckeys' -- met our new Warden, Captain Fraser. He remarked he had been to the Presbyterian Chapel after an absence from their form of worship for many years and he was much struck with the changes that had taken place -- Music -- standing when singing -- kneeling when praying -- and a chaunt, the Te Deum.

16. No rain, but cloudy and exceedingly hot. Out most of the day visiting. Blanche bought 8 fine rock melons for 4/0 -- and one exceeding fine one was sent to us as a present. Blanche has reduced 6 of them into jam; one we had after dinner: one we shall give to the Maunsells and the "exceeding fine one" we shall keep for Mr Brooke should he come here on Saturday. Melon jam is good, no mistake.

18. In today's paper I see the Caledonian will pay another dividend next Tuesday. On Tuesday it will be exactly a fortnight since I received my last dividend (£100) and as they have more gold in hand than they had then, I look forward to another £100 next week; £50 a week, and all from an investment of less than £100 -- how wonderful! How long will it last? Some say for many months. If it does the result will be the sending of Martin to Cambridge, and perhaps the paying of a visit to her aunts by Blannie.

I had not written the above long when I met Mr Spencer and he told me that the reason the returns from the mine have been so great is that the Manager has been selecting the best of the stone and that he (Mr Spencer) expected the dividends in future to be far more moderate. So down falls my castle once more.

21. My last sheet of paper I finished with speaking of the wonderful proceeds of the Caledonian mine -- I begin this only the day after with the news that scrip has fallen from

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£100 to £75. Such are the uncertain and unaccountable [fluctuations] of mining shares on this field.

I advertised yesterday in both our local papers that Rev. C. Brooke would deliver a lecture on Melanesia this evening at St George's; and lo! he has not put in an appearance: the Golden Crown came to Taruru and no Missionary on board. I dare say he can give a fair excuse for his nonappearance, but it will make me very shy of advertising his coming for lecture or Service for the future.

23. I went to the Caledonian office and received another dividend (£120). This makes since 20th December 1870. 355 £ which this company has paid me on my ten scrip.

25. When I reached Hape Creek on Thursday I found Blanche quite the invalid so I was glad I had not prolonged my stay at Parnell. I fancy it is her usual attack -- bilious.

As I returned home about 10 o'clock I felt a few drops of rain and the wind began to rise, but we went to bed little dreaming of the terrific storm which shortly broke over the goldfield and before daylight this morning had done an immense amount of damage. Among other things blown down is the skeleton of our new Church.

Captain and Mrs Davis were awoke by their bed suddenly swaying to and fro as the water which had rushed into their room lifted the bed up and set it afloat -- their house was so damaged that they have removed all their furniture. All the gardens along the beach are destroyed and two out of our three wharves are considerably damaged, so much so as to be unusable until repaired.

1 April. Yesterday Blanche and I paid several visits among my parishioners -- among them we called on the Manager of the New Zealand Bank; he showed Blanche a block of quartz about the size of my writing desk 28 so saturated with gold that it is estimated to be worth 1600 £. This specimen is from the Caledonian mine: in colour this piece of quartz

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looked like light gingerbread, such appearance arising from the quantity of the precious metal found in the quartz.

11. On the Wednesday before Good Friday, Martin and Edward came here on a week's visit. Martin brought with him two friends, Charles Hetley and Cuthbert Mitford. The four lads are enjoying themselves greatly. I secured a boat for the week, so they are spending much of their time rowing about -- chiefly up the Kaueranga Creek.

My Church was well attended at both services on Good Friday and crowded on Easter Day. The new chair on the north and the bench on the south of the altar gave a finish to the east end which I hope all admired, though there is no calculating on the caprices of the low-church Irish party. The chair and the bench I gave as a thank-offering for the unexpected yield of my Caledonian scrip.

18. I have had such a busy week -- work -- work -- all day long, day after day, but I have been greatly gratified by finding I have not laboured in vain. The day after the Soiree (in aid of the new church) four men gave me (unsolicited) £25. So with my £50 and the proceeds of the entertainment we have started with nearly £200.

19. Blanche and dear little Edward accompanied me to Taruru -- we called on the new Warden's wife, Mrs Fraser, with whom we were very pleased.

21. Blanche and I went servant hunting -- servants are getting scarce. One wanted 15/0 a week! Another 10/0 and nothing to do. However I hope we met with a girl that will suit, for she was more reasonable in her demands of wages and more rational in her expectations of the work required of her. This important domestic business being settled we got into an omnibus to ride to Tararu.

I had today a wedding in the Schoolroom at 12. We got there at ten to 12 and on entering the room we were struck "all a heap" by seeing a long table loaded with really a very good wedding breakfast and knives and forks laid for some

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score of guests. After a few minutes the bridal procession came in (from an adjoining cottage), two and two, and I taking my place behind a table placed at the end of the room performed the Service. The Bridegroom (a Prussian -- who had for his best man a Frenchman) 29 invited me and Blanche and Edward to stay and breakfast, which we were very willing to do. So we sat down and had a good dinner, where and when we had expected to have been compelled to fast! Directly the party began to be rather loud in their talk and broad in their jokes I got up and wished them goodbye, and then we three walked up the Tararu creek to see the big water wheel, 45 feet in diametr. Blanche admired the scenery exceedingly, but she was desperately tired when we got home.

30. Alone once more. Last Monday I took Blanche and our little Edward to Auckland. On Thursday I returned to Shortland and found my cottage uncommonly dull -- but I have not much inclination to dwell on my solitary life down here, for I have plenty to do.

1 May. Met a number of children carrying a short pole covered with flowers and ornamented with a hoop of flowers on the top in the middle of which was a handsome doll. I was told it was a "May-pole". The youngsters seemed highly to enjoy it -- whatever it was.

Had tea with the Goodalls -- Mrs Goodall said they would give £1 (!!!) towards the Church: if, she added, the site had been where Mr Goodall wished, our gift would have been £50 -- "If" indeed! This is like Reid the draper who, now the time has come for the church people to put their hands in their pockets, gives up his seats in the Church and takes others in the Wesleyan Chapel and boasts that he would have given £20 to the new Church "if" it had been erected nearer his own house!

2. Today I received another dividend from the Caledonian: the highest the shareholders have as yet received -- £14 a

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scrip; my share, therefore, comes to £140. From what I saw and heard I went off to Mr Lawlor and asked him to buy in the name of "Blanche Hawkins Lush" eight scrip in the Una mine -- these eight will raise her interest in the "Una" to ten shares -- with which she must be content. She will then have five in the "All Nations" and ten in the "Una": and the proceeds of these I trust will be sufficient to make her independent of her Mamma for books -- clothes -- pocket money and "pin" money, whatever that means. But she has been a good girl and has well earned what ever I can give her.

4. Again begging for the new Church. Banked 232 £. Dined at George Maunsell's -- Mrs Maunsell more cheerful than I have seen her for a long time. Met Mr Brown -- I hope I have secured from him a good Broadwood piano which he has for sale. Lawlor cannot get me the "Una"s!

5. Had a letter from Blanche in which she reminds me that this is the anniversary of our wedding Day. Blannie in her simple brown holland dress, early one morning this week went to a Mrs Tinge to see whether her daughter would suit as our servant; the "young lady" came sailing into her "Mamma's parlour" prepared for a walk, decked out with feathers, flowers, flounces, ear-rings, gold chain, necklace and braceletes. Blannie says she was fairly overpowered -- she felt very small, quite extinguished -- and beat a retreat as quickly as she could, declining the young lady's services. But that is the style of the "Helpers" we are fast coming to.

18. Yesterday left Parnell with Blannie for Shortland. Earlier in the morning I had called on the Manager of the Bank of Australasia and bought three allotments close by the site of our intended new Church. The three allotments together are but 167 feet by 55 and yet the Bank had the assurance to ask me £200 for this little strip of ground -- and I had the weakness to give it! But I do so greatly desire to have my family down here and I had fixed upon this particular site for my residence. Having bought a site I now must save up all my Caledonian dividends till I amass £500 to build my

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house. What a "sell" it will be if the mine should now suddenly cease yielding any gold and the dividends should come to nothing: I hope not.

As we landed on the wharf at Grahams Town the Agent of the Enterprise handed me four Pheasants which he said had been hanging up in his office some days. They were "too high" to take inside the omnibus and when we got to the cottage Blannie declared they were not fit to be eaten -- but I engaged Mrs Frick to prepare them for cooking and we had one hot for supper, which Blannie thought very fair and I thought most excellent. This morning we went to Church and Lawlor returned to breakfast with us, and we had one of the Pheasants: and at dinner Blannie and I had the remaining two -- and so far from being not fit to be eaten she really made a hearty meal off them.

Blannie accompanied me to Church at 7.30 and most unfortunately we were caught in another sudden and violent storm: it was 10 o'clock when we got back home, tired and cold: but a bowl of hot gruel seasoned with a little rum soon restored us to a comfortable glow.

20. I went to Grahams Town on a begging expedition for my new Church. The share-brokers seemed in a state of excessive excitement: the Caledonian scrip has risen to 180 £ and is said to be rising yet higher. Moreover the report rife just now is that the next dividend will be £40 per scrip; but I cannot believe it will be so much.

I shall soon begin seriously thinking whether I can send Martin to England -- either to enter at Keble College, Oxford, or the Theological College at Lichfield.

27. Magnificent weather. Blannie and I have been out a great deal, she visiting among the poor: I begging among the rich. I am progressing with my collection for my new Church. We are pledged not to begin until we have banked £500. One gentleman has promised £25 directly the subscriptions have reached 475 £: since which promise another gentleman has promised £50 when the collection reaches, £450, of which amount I suppose we have in hand about £370.

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31. I called on the Bishop, but as he was just about to start for St. Paul's, Auckland, for a marriage, he begged me to come and dine with him.

I am far from thoroughly satisfied with the Bishop. He is too much guided by Doctor Maunsell, his Archdeacon: and the great object of the Archdeacon seems to be to undo as far as he can all that dear, good Bishop Selwyn with so much toil and care and expense, did.

14 June. Yesterday Blannie and I paid some calls -- one being on the Puckeys. Mrs Puckey asked Blannie whether she was going to the Ball that evening. We had not heard a word about any ball. It seems that the "Upper ten thousand" have commenced a series of "Pic-nic Balls"; a Committee of gentlemen issues invitations to married ladies -- each married lady who accepts the invitation is expected to provide something towards the supper -- cold ham, fowls, ducks or whatnot, cakes, &c. -- and in return can bring with her any young unmarried girls, daughters or guests. The Gentlemen all pay so much, which payments cover the expense of wine, paying the hire of glasses, spoons, &c., &c., so a large, pleasant party is got together at very little cash or trouble. It was to take place at St George's Hall. Mrs Puckey offered to take Blannie and assured us that Mrs Kilgour expected her to go home from the Ball to her house, for a bed. So Blannie accepted the invitation, and I took her down, looking very nice, to Mrs Puckey.

This morning at 11.30 she returned home apparently none the worse for her dissipation.

13 July. Blanche has (perhaps with reason) taken me to task for my negligence of late as to my diary -- the reading of which is, now that we are separated, often interesting to her. I am now on board the Golden Crown returning with Blannie to Shortland; some six months hence I hope it will be to reside altogether, for at last I have commissioned Mr Baber to set to work on the working drawings for our Shortland house. I have now £548. 18. 6 safe in the Bank towards the payment thereof -- thanks to the Caledonian.

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24. Mr Otway came and dined with us. I hear that the Wesleyans are very sorry they let him "go". Bishop Croke (the Roman Catholic Bishop) tries, I fancy, to preach after Spurgeon's style: last Sunday evening he was dilating on the subject of Angels and speaking of the Angel who visited St Peter when in prison (as related in 12 Acts) the Bishop said that the Angel came and slapped Peter on the back, and said to him: "Come now -- look sharp, Peter!"

1 August. A Vestry was held in the Church last night and the working drawings and the specifications for the (2nd) New Church were inspected, so I do hope if we confine our expenditure to £1000 we shall not this time fail.

12. On Friday morning I sent Martin to Auckland for a carriage and Blannie and I left Parnell in a torrent of rain. It rained all the way down so we were confined to the Saloon. Blannie could not eat any dinner but took a glass of sherry and a biscuit.

On reaching Grahams Town, Mr Baber (who had been a fellow passenger) and I walked to Mary Street to examine the site of my proposed house (the Parsonage) and I sent Blannie and the carpet bags on in a 'Bus, directing her to wait at our Grocers (Litchfields) for me. When I got there at last I was glad to see her comfortably seated by a good fire in the back parlour and enjoying a good tea; I need not say I speedily joined her.

14. Last night a Vestry was held at which we opened no less than nine Tenders from Builders for the erection of the New Church: the highest was £2465. 0. 0, the lowest, £979. 0. 0. Mr Melrose the architect was present and stated he knew Messrs Jones & Hill who had sent in the lowest tender and that in his opinion their estimate was a fair one. So a resolution was passed accepting Jones & Hill's tender.

15. The afternoon being tolerably fine and the pathways dry, we had a fair muster of Ladies in the Church this afternoon: after a long absence from the place Mrs Mackay made her appearance among us again.

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18. A Gas Company has been started: I called at the office and left an application for 25 shares. In the afternoon about a dozen Ladies met me to decide finally about our projected Bazaar; it was settled that it should take place in December next.

19. As beautiful a day as it is possible to imagine. I had to go to Tapu where there is a small mining population of some 300 souls.

I left home in ample time and yet when I reacht the wharf was chagrined to find the Steamer had started and was already a quarter of a mile on her way; this misfortune occurred through my being stopped by various parties on my walk down: Mrs Mackay was the first and chief delinquent -- though I am sure she meant no harm.

There was now no alternative but to walk -- a distance of 15 miles and a very hilly, rough road. I was in good walking trim so I tramped on -- most of the way slowly in consequence of the steepness of the hills. It was a lonely walk -- after I got fairly away from Tararu there were, I think, but three cottages throughout the last 12 miles. When I at last reached the village of Tapu (sometimes called Hastings), enquiring my way to the Lintotts' I received from them a very warm welcome and have seldom enjoyed more a long rest in a comfortable arm chair.

The next day we went to the only large room in the place -- a hall built by the young men for dancing, which Mr Lintott uses in the week days as a schoolroom: this was neatly arranged for Service. There were about 50 present in all. In the afternoon there were about as many as in the morning. I was glad to go to bed early after tea.

On Monday Mr Lintott was to have rowed me half way to Shortland, but fortunately two young men were going in their own boat to Grahams Town, and offered to take me. So I returned without any labour and landed on the Wharf quite fresh.

24. Had a Vestry last night. Letters from the Architect read: one enclosing another tender for the New Church for

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960 £ (omitting "Tower and Spire") was accepted; so I hope even now that the Church will be begun before the "Parsonage", as I shall call my house -- though it will not, strictly speaking, be "St George's Parsonage" inasmuch it will be my own private property and not in the slightest degree the property of the Parish.

27. I have no doubt Blanche is kindly thinking of me today. I have never yet been able to recollect dates and I fear I never shall. I am always making a mistake between my wife's birthday and our wedding day -- so I am incorrigible. It is in fact a matter of surprise to me that I remember my own birthday. Let me see -- I am what? Forty five today? Now I'll lay any bet Blanche adds thereto ten years: she is always making me out so much older than I am and that's not fair, for a man is only as old as he feels and a woman is only as old as she looks -- if therefore I feel 45 that is my age; if Blanche only looks 35, why it stands to reason that is her age.

Somebody judging me morally by his own want of morals has written to the Editor of the Evening Star asking whether I have misappropriated any of the Funds I have so laboriously been collecting for building our New Church -- the ugly scamp! I should like to have a quarter of an hour's "quiet" talk with him, whoever he may be.

It had been proposed to hold a Gift Auction next month and a Bazaar in December -- but all that is now changed. I have come to a decision at last! I shall put off the Gift Auction till the month of November and then will try to get up a Horticultural Show and ask the Volunteer Band to discourse their sweet music at intervals. All the Ladies down here are going to work vigorously for the "Auction" -- I hope dear Mamma will do the same at Parnell.

29. It began raining about 10 o'clock last night and it has rained steadily and incessantly ever since. I notice that Pollen Street was flooded and as I crossed the Hape Creek, the great blocks of rock which the swollen current was rolling and banging along sounded like distant reports of thunder.

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I should hardly have turned out in such a decided downpour had I not called a Vestry together to consider what was to be done as Page has declined to fulfil his contract! This is the second time we have been disappointed. To my surprise there was a good muster of Vestrymen and fortunately Mahoney was also present and brought with him a Mr Cole who offered to do what Page had contracted for, if we gave him 1100 £ (a hundred and four pounds higher than Page's). The Vestry agreed to it. So I have now £500 to raise. Baber today sent me the Specifications for my new house, which I shall call St George's Parsonage.

5 September. The building of the Church has been recommenced today. I do hope the workmen will not leave until the fabric is completed; now I shall be impatient for my own house to be begun. I certainly do marvel I don't hear from Baber.

23. I have seldom had a more fatiguing week than the last and now, on Saturday night, find myself rather knocked up and suffering from the severest cold I have ever had.

Our little cottage is full: Edward, Tui and Sophy 30 being here in addition to dear Blannie. I took Sophy into Hollis's office to see the elevation and plan of my new house. I am more and more pleased with it and think it an immense improvement over the design furnished by Mr Baber: Sophy too admired it very much.

2 October. Our late Concert -- Blannie had remarked to me how foolishly "exclusive" some of the ladies were towards the other ladies (all being singers) during the interval of 10 minutes between the two parts, when they adjourned to have some refreshment -- she, am glad to say, made herself useful by looking after all, seeing that all had something to eat and drink. I greatly commended her, for any influence for good which she may have among the womenfolk of the place would be at once at an end were she to attach herself to any

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one of the miserable cliques into which the Society of this place is divided.

The starting of a (Sunday) School at Parawai is the consequence of Mrs Mackay not liking to be in a subordinate position at our Shortland Sunday School: she wanted to be Teacher, Superintendent and Minister, and finding that impossible and unattainable, she asked my permission to have a school at Parawai where she will reign supreme -- and alone I imagine. But if she can gather together a score or two of the children it will be a good work and I shall be glad -- glad to have got rid of her from St George's and glad to make use of her at a safe distance.

19. Mahone the architect is down -- he is busy drawing designs for my Altar, Credence tables, Lectern, Reading desk and Pulpit. Directly I have secured these articles I shall try hard to get a Font and three stained glass windows. Blanche will be delighted to hear that as I stand on my Verandah and look over the town to the New Church towering above all the neighbouring houses, I can distinguish our own house: the basement story is up, and the upper story will be completed and probably the roof on before Blannie returns.

6 November. After one or two disappointments I had the pleasure of seeing dear Blannie once more at the Thames. She was to have returned with me on Thursday the 26th of last month but her Mamma was too ill for her to leave home, and twice last week she was unable to come through sickness, so that when I did at last see her walking down the wharf, carpet bag in hand, I was not a little relieved and pleased.

7. Blannie and I very busy today canvassing for "Gifts" -- the Auction is to come off on the 4 Dec: so there is not much time left to work it up.

13. Out all day, Blannie all the afternoon. We met at tea and compared notes and then went on to the practice of "The Messiah"; there were about 40 performers present and most of the Choruses went off remarkably well.

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Went to the "old" Church at 4 o'clock; met the Churchwardens and a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen parties who had applied for sittings in the New Church and had paid one half year's rent in advance. Their names having been written on pieces of cardboard were placed in a bag, well tossed about, then a lad began to draw and handed each card to Mr FitzGibbon, who gave the name, which I called out. The person so called came to where I was standing with a large "map" of the New Church in my hands and then and there chose his or her seat or seats; the labouring man had by this plan the very same chance of selecting a good seat -- i. e. one that pleased him -- as his richest neighbour. So that this allotment of seats which at one time I feared would have caused no small amount of heartburning passed off very quietly and gave, I believe, general satisfaction.

30. I don't know how long it is since I wrote a word of Journal but I have been so busy during the day and so very tired by evening for this past fortnight -- more that I have only been able to do what necessity compelled me to do.

Mamma returned with me to Shortland: she was much surprised at the progress of the works both at the Church and our house.

On Monday the 27th we held our Gift Auction: 31 though not uncommon in Australia, here at the Thames it is a novelty and all the vain, frivolous and ostentatious young ladies who had looked forward to a Bazaar as a capital field for the display of their skill in fancy work and their skill in wheedling money out of the pockets of soft young men, were very wrathful with me for changing the projected Bazaar to a Gift Auction. Many foretold a failure -- many circumstances were against us -- we could not secure a suitable room; then we had suddenly to anticipate the advertized day by a whole week which lost us many contributions of fancy work, but in spite of this we netted, I believe, about £150.

I am not dissatisfied with the result and I am very, very thankful it is over and a thing of the past. Now I am busy

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about our projected Oratorio, which will take place in the unfinished Church on Thursday the 14th.

6 December 1871. My dear Lord, We are anxious to know which Sunday will suit you to open our new Church. Will the second Sunday in January suit you? I think it will be completed in every respect by that time.

The Parsonage also will be finished by that time, and I trust your Lordship will henceforth on all your visits to the Thames, honor us by taking up your quarters at the Parsonage which is most conveniently situated as regards the Church. (When I wrote this I was thinking of his "taking up his quarters", as he himself calls it, at Buller's, The Wesleyan Minister's.)

Supposing you decide upon coming here on the second Sunday in January, could you stay to preside at a Soiree on the Tuesday following: or I daresay we could have the Soiree on the Monday if that would suit you better: I am, my dear Lord, Yours very faithfully, V. Lush.

12. On Sunday we had crowded Churches though every one of the other places of public worship had advertized largely an "attractive programme" for the day's entertainment! I can hardly speak of their advertisements in any other way. The Roman Catholics led the way by announcing that Signor Rosnati, &c., &c., would sing the Stabat Mater at Mass; the Baptists proclaimed that the "seventh trumpet would be sounded and the mystery of God finished". The Wesleyans informed us that an especial address would be given to the school children in the afternoon and to the aged in the evening -- followed by a tea party on Tuesday evening. To a stranger conning over our Saturday papers, it would appear as though the population gave itself up to religious dissipation on the Sabbath day -- and that the English Church was the only one asleep.

16. The Oratorio 32 is now a thing of the past and that is a comfort. Now the Dedication Festival on the first Sunday

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in '72 will be the great object of my anxiety during the ensuing fortnight.

Our new house is far from finished; it will be a question for Mamma to decide next week whether she will spend another Xmas day apart from me -- or endure the discomforture of carpenters and painters. 33

31 January 1872. There's a tale of neglect towards my sisters told! We have been for some time past settled in our new home. It is the largest and handsomest house, 34 of our own, we have lived in since our marriage: and if the Caledonian had gone on paying for this year alone even, as it paid last year, the house would not have been disproportioned to my income but, most unluckily, there is every appearance of the mine not only not paying so much but not paying any more!

The Church was to have been opened on the first Sunday in the year -- just at the last I had to telegraph to the Bishop informing him that the Contractor could not possibly get it ready -- so, at the Bishop's own request the opening was deferred to till Sunday the 28th.

The whole township was on the qui vive. The Volunteers determined to march to Church in full uniform; the Scotch (kilted) corps forsook their Presbyterian Chaplain for the occasion, to swell the number: and my candidates for confirmation were looking eagerly forward to the evening service when they were to be confirmed.

The Bishop arrived -- Martin went to Tararu to meet him. He seemed well and in good spirits: admired my new house very much and the Church still more: pronounced a decided approval upon the arrangements inside, and gratified me extremely by saying he considered it the foremost Church in the Diocese. Of course I had so much depended on the

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Bishop officiating both morning and evening that I had not given a single thought to a sermon; think then of my dismay when on Saturday evening the Bishop coolly informed me he was going back to Auckland on Sunday afternoon and that I must give notice in the morning that the Confirmation would be put off till the following Sunday. I ventured to expostulate -- saying, independent of the disappointment the congregation in general and the candidates in particular would feel, I thought it was very hard lines upon myself to have on so short a notice to preach at the opening of a Church -- but all in vain.

Sunday came -- a very, very hot day. The Church was crammed; a hundred of the Volunteers were unable to get in and upwards of 200 civilians went away after vainly trying to secure seats. The evening Service was well attended and, taking an old sermon, I did my part to the best of my power. Almost everyone was pleased with the new building.

The next morning we were all astir very early, for all but Mamma were to be engaged in the School Feast -- the whole city wore an excited aspect. Soon after eight Taylor with 40 children from Tararu came to our house and had a cup of tea and half a bun. Then they marched on to the old Church to join my school children there: we had 250 of our own -- these 40 made 290 -- and at 9 they started with Banners flying, headed by Blannie who walked with her first class girls, but I need not say much about it as the Paper has given a pretty full account of the festival itself. 35

1 February. Yesterday was fearfully hot. I kept within doors most of the day: today Mamma, Martin and Edward leave home for Parnell. Mamma goes to the Bishop's, Edward to Mrs Heywood and Martin to the Kinders'. It is the first time the two boys have been away from home to a boarding school.

8 p. m. Another most sultry day gone by. Mr Power, my organist was overcome by the heat and went off in an epileptic fit -- FitzGibbon sent for me as being the nearest

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neighbour. How truly sad, a young man with a delicate wife and two young children; when he had partially recovered I persuaded him to go home.

I took Mamma, Mrs Warrington and the two boys to the Steamer -- the same Steamer brought down Miss Robertshaw; poor Annette has had several long, bitter cries, chiefly on account of losing her brothers but partly also because her governess has arrived!

2. Last night Annie, our servant girl, went home to a little birthday party. At 11 o'clock Blannie wished me good night and went to bed and I promised to sit up for Annie. Twelve o'clock came and no Annie, so I went to bed. Thinks I to myself, everything goes wrong directly Mamma leaves.

I got up at 5.30 this morning and did all Annie's work -- expecting to see her arrive every minute: at 7 o'clock I awoke the household and said to Blannie, "Now be quick, we have no servant."

"How is that?" she said.

"Why, she did not return last night."

"Oh yes, Papa, I let her in just after I wished you good night -- she must be in her room now, fast asleep!"

I knocked once -- twice louder, and a sleepy voice replied -- and I must say she was very soon out of her room, surprised I dare say, to find all her work done for her: but was it not provoking of Blannie to forget to come and tell me she had returned, so tired and so sleepy as I was last night?

While I was in the Church this afternoon, helping to set things to rights the Bishop walked in, having just arrived at Shortland. The Rev G. Maunsell was with him. The Bishop took up his quarters with us.

4. Maunsell sent a horse for the Bishop's use and as he is a terrible fidget I was glad when he was off.

5. Went with the Bishop and George Maunsell to the Native Settlement at Parawai: we dined at one of the Natives' houses and had roast goose and peach pie for our repast -- and bottled ale (English) to drink, so we fared well. When we

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reacht home we found the Rev. Mr Ashwell and Rev. Burrows -- Archdeacon Maunsell and Archdeacon Williams and two Native Deacons had arrived by Golden Crown to be in readiness for tomorrow's Native Synod to be held at Parawai.

6. After breakfast the Bishop started (on a horse the natives sent for his use) for Parawai. I followed shortly after: I was delayed on the road, trying to introduce peace between man and wife, but reached the Mission Church just after the service had ended; so I was in time to witness the opening of the Synod. The only Europeans present were the Bishop, the two Maunsells (father and son), Ashwell and myself and young Baker. The Church was full. Many of the Maories were fine grown and remarkably intelligent looking men.

25 April. Annette and Edith seem very unhappy with their Governess; she is certainly the most disagreeable young woman we have ever had reside with us. I have given her notice to leave at the end of the quarter. I cannot have Annette's and Edith's existence embittered and Blanche's domestic comfort interfered with by Miss Robertshaw or any one else.

30. Blannie and Miss Robertshaw went to a party; home very late.

2 May. Mr Lawlor and I spent the day at Tararu. We selected the site for our proposed Church -- I do think it is the best we could have secured: on a high piece of ground commanding an extensive view on all sides. The Church when built will be a beacon on a hill -- not only for those inland but specially for vessels coming up the gulf.

10. Amy Kenny came on a visit. Though we have often had Sophy, this is the first time we have had Amy -- indeed, though she is at least two or three and twenty this is the first time she has ever been from home.

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21. Mr Lawlor and I went again to Tararu. I got back by dinner time to hear that Mrs Puckey is dangerously ill. Blannie, Amy Kenny, Edith and Mrs Power went a row up the Kauweranga Creek; Mr Macdonnell and Mr Wiseman being the Gentlemen. They returned to tea.

24. Queen's Birthday. Mamma, I and Amy Kenny went to Grahams Town to see the Volunteers muster. Being rather too soon I took them over the Caledonian Battery; we then went on to the new Goods Wharf on which the Thames Scottish were mustered and where the entire body with the exception of the Naval brigade were soon drawn up. At 12 the "Navals" who were not far off on the sea shore, fired the big guns 21 times -- immediately after which the other corps -- numbering about 300 more -- fired the feu-de-joie: then came three hearty cheers for the Queen, in which I joined.

By this time the Naval Brigade, headed by their band, had come on to the wharf and the whole body moved to the large T at the end, where they formed a hollow square and certain prizes and medals were presented. Mr Macdonell joined us -- somehow he always finds out where and when Amy is about and meets us in the most innocent-looking manner possible -- and somehow the sun shines all the brighter in Amy's opinion, when "Mac" makes his unlooked (?) for presence. Of course I asked him in to dinner and of course he was "very happy", &c. After dinner I proposed taking Annette and Edith to Parawai to see the sham fight -- Mamma was too fatigued with the Morning stroll -- Blannie didn't care as her adorable Miss Robertshaw had a toothache and could not go -- so I suggested that Amy might come -- adding slyly: "I suppose, Mr Macdonell, that you do not wish to be left behind." We went to the Goodalls' house which being on a high hill gave us a very extensive view and we saw the fight to great advantage and to the very great amusement of us all.

When we got home I gave "Mac" my hand as he was about to enter the garden gate, and said "good bye". He

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looked wistfully after a certain retreating figure but had to go -- and glad I was he went, for our servant was out and Mamma very tired and we were all, I think, glad of a quiet evening.

30. Yesterday we had our first party in the Parsonage: we have constantly had people in to breakfast or dinner or tea with a short notice and without ceremony, but yesterday we attempted something more formal and our party was a great success. Amy, Annette, I and Edith went out in the afternoon, leaving Mamma, Blannie and Miss Robertshaw busy making preparations: our friends came at 7 and left at 12 and -- must I confess it? -- danced in the school room most of that time; among the company was Miss Buller, the only daughter of the Wesleyan Minister, who because her opportunities are very rare and very difficult to attain, danced I should imagine to her heart's content -- but surely no one enjoyed himself or herself more than my bright, happy girls Annette and Edith.

15 June. Last night I took Annette and Edith to hear some readings by a Miss Aitken -- the Garden Scene from "Romeo and Juliet" -- Hood's "Song of the Shirt" -- Jerrold's "Caudle Joins a Club' -- and "May Morning", "New Year's Eve" and the death bed from Tennyson's "May Queen", and many other readings interspersed with three beautiful songs from Mrs Mitchell.

Last Monday Blannie and Miss Robertshaw went to a private subscription ball and enjoyed themselves much.

17. Last Friday Miss Robertshaw left us, and Martin and Edward came home -- two events exceedingly agreeable to all of us, with the exception of Blannie who seems to be most unaccountably infatuated with Miss Robertshaw.

19. On Sunday last one of the Clerks in the New Zealand Bank here, told me the situation of junior Clerk would be vacant in a day or two and seeing Martin at Church, it had occurred to him that Martin might like the post. On Monday

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Martin and I saw the Manager and by his advice I and Martin wrote each a letter to him, asking for the situation. These applications he forwarded to the Bank in Auckland and told me we should have an answer by Wednesday (today), but yesterday afternoon a Clerk came round to say the Manager had received a telegram directing him to take Mr Lush's son on at once! So this morning Martin began the battle of Life -- poor fellow, he came down last Friday only, for his holiday -- had three days -- and now has commenced work again.

6 July. The whole week has been wet, cold and exceedingly uncomfortable. The subject of most interest has been the introduction of the smallpox into Auckland. This is a calamity we little expected: people are rushing by hundreds to be vaccinated or revaccinated. I have taken no steps at present that way but I suppose the children must be done sooner or later.

16. Last night had our second great fright since our settlement in the Colony. The first was years ago at Howick when we expected to be attacked by the Maories -- this second one arose from the cry of "Fire" and the loud ringing of the Bells in the dead of night.

On looking out of our window a truly terrific sight presented itself -- a huge, fierce fire apparently not far off. Our household was speedily awake and dressed: Martin went off to the scene of the conflagration, promising to hasten back whenever the flames seemed to travel threateningly our way. Mamma and I and the girls hastily packed up jewels, plate, papers and a few clothes, and then watched the progress of the fire. The wind was blowing due west at first and therefore the flames were driven towards the sea and the fire seemed likely to be confined to a small space -- but the wind veered round to all the quarters of the compass which at the time I thought would have a most disastrous effect but which, I am told, saved many houses from catching fire by the heat being shifted from quarter to quarter; the houses in danger were thus saved from becoming excessively heated. Mamma

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was sadly upset by the sight and so was Blannie; we were glad when Martin returned and reported that the fire was in a fair way of being put out. I doubt not we were all very, very thankful that our residence had been spared.

22. Our children have been vaccinated.

27. Blannie left us yesterday and reached the Kennys' at Parnell at 5.30. There was a party there that evening so she must have gone very tired to bed: her arm was very painful from her recent vaccination; from the same cause Martin, Annette and Edith are suffering, Edith far worse than the others. Martin is getting on very well at the Bank. I was told today he had been gazetted Lieutenant in the Cadet force: but I think there must have been some mistake.

8 August. Last Sunday the Volunteers in a fair muster attended Church. We had two young men in to dinner -- Basley who is a fellow Clerk of Martin's in the New Zealand Bank, and Garbett, a son of Archdeacon Garbett in the (I believe) Winchester Diocese. It is astonishing how many sons of highly respectable people are to be found here, digging in.

17. Last Saturday I exchanged Duties with Mr Nelson, the Incumbent of St Paul's, Auckland. I returned to Shortland on Monday and Mr Nelson went back to Auckland. Tonight I took Anne and Edith to hear Mr Severn lecture on Gases -- Oxygen -- Hydrogen -- and Carbon. The lecture was illustrated by experiments, some of which were very brilliant as he burnt charcoal, sulphur, phosphorous and steel wire in Oxygen. But I fancy one part of the proceedings which highly gratified the two little girls, was seeing their brother Martin associated with Mr Severn and helping him in all his experiments. Mr Severn has taken to Martin most kindly and his notice of the lad has greatly fostered Martin's love of Chemistry and Electricity.

26. We have had a small Greenhouse added to the side of our Drawing room: so that the side window thereof will look

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out into the Greenhouse. There I propose having an aquarium and a fountain, and a cage of canaries, for Annette and Edith's special amusement.

29. Last night Martin, by special request from some of the Committee of Management of the Industrial Exhibition, took his electrical machine to St George's Hall, and for a couple of hours amused a large number of people from successive crowds, giving them "shocks", &c. I am thankful I bought the machine. It is a source of continual amusement to him.

5 September. Mr George Maunsell spent the evening with us: his Native Lay Reader, Wiremu Turipona, is to be ordained and the Bishop has determined to hold the ordination in St George's Church. He has written to me and asked me to have a programme of the services "drawn up and printed". I think this very unnecessary but in compliance with his wish I sent to him today a letter:

"Mr George Maunsell had, previous to the receipt of your letter, spoken to Mr Power, organist of St George's Church, and Mr Power, who understands Maori, has already had several practises with some of the Natives; consequently I deem it would not do to speak to Mr Mainwaring as your Lordship proposed: though had I known that Mainwaring would have been here at the time I would have greatly preferred him as organist. I hope we shall see you and Mrs Cowie as our guests."

What a fidgetty man the Bishop is! His military life in India has not improved him for his Office as Bishop.

4 October. On September 21st Mr George Maunsell and I went to Tararu to meet the Golden Crown -- on board of which we expected there would be the Bishop and Archdeacon Maunsell. On our way thither we met Wiremu Turipona and he turned back and went with us. The Bishop brought with him his wife and his Chaplain (Mr Nelson) besides the Archdeacon, who was to have been our guest but having Mr Nelson I asked him to take up his quarters with

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Mr Buller, the Wesleyan Minister -- as I knew they were great friends.

Mamma was not a little surprised to see the large party I brought back with me, but somewhat relieved when she found she had not to get ready another bed-room, Nelson occupying that which had been prepared for the Archdeacon. A fortnight before the Bishop had fallen from his horse and injured his knee and he could hardly walk.

Sunday the 22nd was not sufficiently bad to affect the attendance at the Church for the building was full from end to end. We had a large party to dinner -- the Bishop and Mrs Cowie, Dr Maunsell, Mr Maunsell, Mr Nelson, the Rev. Wiremu Turipona, his wife and daughter, another Native called Browne, and Mr Wildman; making with ourselves sixteen. The next day the Bishop and his party returned to Auckland and we were once more reduced to our home circle of six.

14. I left home for Tararu wharf and went on board the Golden Crown for Auckland. Got into a Parnell omnibus and was put down opposite Dr Goldsboro's -- doubtful about how far I might be successful in securing a night's lodging for I had not previously written to announce my arrival or to enquire whether my coming would inconvenience them -- caught the Doctor and family at Supper and was cordially welcomed.

15. After breakfast walked to the Grammar School and asked Mr Adams to let Edward have two or three hours with me. The little fellow was delighted -- the more so as he privately assured me he was not well up with his lessons that morning. We walked together to Town, he chattering incessantly. I was pleased to find he was so happy. Last night he and a considerable number of his schoolmates had gone to some public hall to see a Magic Lantern; he dwelt with considerable gusto on the "row" they had made -- stamping and hissing according as they liked or were disappointed in the scenes -- till the owner of the Lantern was so annoyed that he closed the show, thus deprived them of

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some 50 views more than those they had already seen. I remarked: "Now you see, Edward, how much you lost by not being quiet when desired." "I don't think so, Papa," he said. "The row was much more enjoyable than the extra 50 views would have been."

16. Called on Sir William Martin, Messrs Burrows and Chapman. Dined at the Bishop's. Attended the Synod in the Evening and again slept at Dr Goldsboro's.

17. Started off in the Golden Crown on my return to Shortland for, having caught cold on my up voyage on Monday I have nearly lost my voice and have a grievous sore throat.

22. Blannie went to Parawai this evening and invited several young folk to a party tomorrow evening: Anne and Edith went to Grahams Town on the same errand, while I went in the direction of Hape Creek after a few young people there. In all we have invited 22 young persons with ages varying from 7 to 17. Anne and Edith are in a state of great excitement. Martin has been busy making Oxygen and Hydrogen gases for experiments with his Electric Machine, for the occasion. I am glad there are no days intervening -- Wednesday evening must soon come -- and go.

26. Well, Wednesday evening came and is gone and our Childs' Party -- thirty in all, including my own five -- "went off" first rate. The children came in rapid succession about 6 and had tea. Then for about an hour, Martin exhibited his Electric Machine in my study and they all adjourned to the School room where they had dances, a charade and round games, at 9.30 came down to supper and by ten the house was cleared -- and -- Blannie, poor Blannie -- knocked up.

30. This morning's paper gives us English news of October 21st: only 10 days ago! When once the ocean between Auckland and Melbourne is traversed by the "cable" we shall have news from London of 48 hours -- or less!

6 November. Martin has been busy with the Aquarium: he has had some trouble in making it perfectly water tight. It is

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a fair size, about 3 feet long by 1 1/2 feet wide: holding about 16 gallons of water. We are anxious to have it in good order with the fish disporting therein by dear little Edward's holidays.

Yesterday the two girls had a famous holiday. In the morning I took them by "Rail" to the Elysium (tea gardens at Tararu) where we strolled about for two hours, enjoying the views and eating strawberries. In the afternoon they went to a croquet party at Mrs Puckey's, and in the evening Martin took Annette to the Theatre Royal to see Donato the one-legged dancer and Zuila perform on the trapeze, &c., and hear Mrs Mitchell sing. That I call a day of dissipation for my little girl.

9. Prince of Wales' birthday. Being Saturday will be kept as a holiday on Monday by the public at large, but Annette and Edith joined a Pic-nic given by the Binneys and have spent a long and seemingly happy day in the forest.

11. A fine day, warm but cloudy. Martin, Anne and Edith went off soon after breakfast to see the Volunteers muster. Annie soon followed to join some friends at a Pic-nic. Blannie and I remained at home till a Carriage and pair came dashing down Mary Street; on the box with the coachman was a member of the Naval brigade with the two colours in their cases -- so he and they were conspicuous objects. Blannie and I got in and drove (with Mr and Mrs Lloyd) to the Cricket ground where the Volunteers were assembled. Blannie and I drove back -- so Blannie had not much fatigue.

We had a hasty dinner and then the three sisters and Martin walked to Grahams Town to the Lloyds', who took them in a carriage to Tararu. The children enjoyed their out very much: the gardens were crowded.

18. Wiremu Turipona dined with us today. I took him to Foys' and had his photograph taken: he makes a capital picture.

25 December. A goodly number of us were very busy all yesterday afternoon and to 11 o'clock last night decorating

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the Church which this morning really looked very beautiful. Annette was indefatigable and went to bed so tired that Blannie had to take her a little wine. Just before daylight was awakened by the Cornwall Glee Singers singing very sweetly, opposite our house, "Christians awake, salute the happy morn".

Miss Carey and Mr Garbett (does not his father live somewhere not far from Hastings?) joined us at dinner. After dinner Mamma and I walked to Parawai -- the rest of the party walked up the Karaka. We all met at 6.30 and were just sitting down to tea when the fire-bell clanged out its most unwelcome alarm and put us all in a flutter -- for owing to the extreme heat the wooden houses are just now peculiarly combustible. The fire was very near but I am thankful to say was speedily extinguished.

After tea Martin amused us with his electrifying machine. Mr Garbett thanked us much for the pleasant Xmas day he had passed -- as also did Miss Carey.

7 February 1873. I have had a short but severe illness: I was but boasting a few days before I was taken ill what a long spell of uninterrupted good health I have had. About a month ago I went up to the cemetery on a hot boiling day and, having to wait for the funeral party, I unfortunately lay down on the ground to read and -- fell fast asleep. I slept for nearly an hour -- and from that sleep have not been since well, but ailing with fever -- loss of appetite -- and constant light-headedness. This went on till Wednesday, 29th January, the day of our grand annual school feast, when on getting up I found I could not walk through severe pain in the calf of the leg I broke years ago. I procured a chair and in that I sat under a tree all day in great pain and suffering, and seldom felt more thankful than when at last the carriage took me home again. Blannie, Martin and Mamma say the "feast" was most successful and everything passed off very well -- I hope it did but I am thankful to think that 12 months must elapse before we have such another.

On the 30th the pain all down my leg increased and on the

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31st it had been arranged I should take Edward up to Auckland to return to Mrs Heywood, for I began to be seriously wishful to consult Dr Goldsboro; I was to have been the Bishop's guest but I stopt at the Doctor's house and thankful was I to find he could give me a bedroom. He said I had just escaped a bad rheumatic fever and that I was suffering from rheumatism in the sciatic nerve. Saturday I was very poorly -- not once off the couch and unable to stand to wash my face and hands -- but the Doctor began to take active measures; I have now had 5 injections of morphia just beneath the shin in various parts of my leg and thigh, and what with medicine and embrocation today -- Friday February 7th -- I am wonderfully better, able to stand to dress without pain and to walk without my stick. So I am looking forward to returning to Shortland on Thursday next.

18. It is now a week since I returned home and I have been daily getting better, but I am weak and my poor leg is soon sadly tired.

17 March. St Patrick's Day -- a great day here where there are so many Irish Romanists. It is a general holiday, so we have the pleasure of having dear Martin at home all day; he is busy making some small boxes for the ear rings and brooches and crosses he has been carving out of Kauri gum, and which he is intending to send to England to his aunts and cousins. Unfortunately Martin does not like the Thames -- and I am hardly surprised at it -- and I think he is not overfond of his present employment at the Bank.

29. Martin is beginning to be interested about Photography: he is thinking of purchasing an apparatus. Should he leave us to go to other spots in New Zealand it will be pleasant to have the view of the house he lives in and the Church he attends.

31. An alarm of "Fire" disturbed us last night. All got up and Martin rushed off to learn particulars -- fortunately for us it was about a mile off. The conflagration, however, was

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so bright it seemed much closer. Five houses were burnt down in less than one hour.

7 April. Blannie been in bed all day with a very bad cold.

14. Last Friday -- Good Friday -- we had two services in the Church. I was made painfully sensible of the divisions in Christendom by a party of men and boys and girls with a band playing and flags flying passing our Church (shortly before the bell began ringing) on their way to Parawai for a pic-nic, cricketing, &c. It so happened that they returned more noisily even than they started as my congregation were assembling for the evening service. Whether they timed their starting and returning so as to clash as much as possible with the "English Church" I know not. They were "Israelite Christians", whoever they are. The Primitive Methodists, within a hundred and fifty yards of my Church, held a Soiree!

23. St George's Day -- a Bank holiday so a redletter day for dear Martin. Mr and Mrs Kensington (Mrs K. nee Amy Kenny) called on us this morning. Blannie still very poorly -- Mamma rather better than she has been of late.

5 May. All the singers (amateur) who are to sing at Mrs Mitchell's farewell concert came to our house this evening to practise -- there were in all thirty. The School room, notwithstanding so many, did not look too crowded. There is certainly an advantage in having a good large room in a Parsonage -- it may be used for so many useful purposes -- and as I sat in my Study at the other end of the house the singing sounded very beautiful. There were occasionally many listeners in the street -- for such a body of voices were heard very plainly outside.

7. The singers came again this evening for their last rehearsal. Mamma, I think, is glad enough it is the last time. I like to listen to them too much to care for the dirt they bring in and the interruptions to the ordinary evening readings and work,

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&c. Blannie again takes a part -- she is to join Mrs Mitchell in a duet.

12. Left the Thames for Auckland by the Golden Crown. Reached Auckland about 10 minutes to 9. Got into an omnibus and drove to Parnell. Went to the Bishop's -- servant said his Lordship was ill in bed -- had been in bed all day -- and that Mrs Cowie had sat up for me till she was tired, and she too had gone to bed. One would have fancied I had not arrived till 12 or 1 o'clock instead of 9.15. However I got a capital supper and should have liked to have sat up a little reading the Guardians I saw on a side table -- but as the Host and Hostess were both gone to bed I thought it best to go to bed also.

13. Up at six. Servant came and said Prayers would not be before 1/4 to 9. I took this as a gentle hint to keep my room till that time, so I had two hours' writing and reading: fortunately I came prepared with paper and books.

Went into Town and did almost all my Commissions. About one o'clock walked up to St Paul's Parsonage to call on Nelson -- he was about to go to the Church for a wedding so I went with him merely to look on. The Church was more than half full of spectators and there were four or five carriages containing the wedding Party. Just at the last moment Nelson, who was suffering from a severe cold, asked me to read all the service from the Psalm -- so, most unexpectedly to myself, I found myself officiating in St Paul's.

When the wedding Party came into the Vestry to sign the Register, the Bride's father, Colonel Balneavis, 36 whom I have known to nod to -- and occasionally speak to -- for the last 20 years, asked me to join them at Breakfast: I got a lift in one of the carriages and in a few minutes more found myself seated at the sumptuous Breakfast and as I had had no dinner I enjoyed myself on the good things before me. I was the first to leave, going to Archdeacon Maunsell's.

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They were all going to a special service at St Mark's, Remuera, and asked me to accompany them. The Church has been enlarged and the organ renewed and this was a sort of reopening service: there were eight clergyman present. Mr Pritt, the Incumbent, asked me to read the 1st Lesson so I was again unexpectedly called into requisition.

Walked there with Mr Swartz Kissling who is very high in the New Zealand Bank: he seemed to wish Martin to learn assaying from Mr Severn -- he said the Bank would be so glad to have some of its own Officers able assayists instead of depending on outsiders, as they are at present. I must talk to Martin when I return home about this.

14. Went to the Grammar School. Saw Mr Adams, paid him his Quarter's schooling and told him I should remove Edward at the end of the quarter.

1 June. I see from the papers Mr Selwyn and Mr Still have arrived. How pleased Sir William and Lady Martin will be to have with them the Bishop of Lichfield's younger son.

3. All the Hauraki natives have assembled at Parawai to decide what their course shall be in the event of a war breaking out in the Waikato. It is supposed that the result of their korero will be that they shall remain strictly neutral -- that they will avoid going to the Waikato and will not allow the Waikatoes to come here.

Martin remained at home this evening he took his Mother's sewing machine entirely to pieces -- cleaned it -- and put it together again as nicely as any mechanic could have done.

9. Called on Madame Caradini -- asked the sisters "Rosina and Fannie" to sing in my choir next Sunday. They are to come and dine with us tomorrow and look over my anthems and select one.

Mamma had a letter from Lizzie Bell -- inter alia she said a report was current in Parnell that George Maunsell had informed his Father that he was engaged to be married -- but that he had refused to inform them to whom: Lizzie said

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there were two young ladies mentioned by the "Gossips", a Miss Keiting and (who do you think?) Blannie. The voice of the public was pretty equally divided between the two. Lizzie went on to say that she had stoutly denied that it could be Blanche Lush -- Lizzie knowing full well how much Blannie dislikes him.

10. Mrs Palmer (Miss Rosina) and Fannie Carandini [sic] came and joined us at our family dinner at one o'clock -- we found them very pleasant people. I had to leave soon after dinner to attend a funeral but first had the pleasure of hearing them both sing. After I left they sang a good deal to Mamma and Blannie.

14. Yesterday afternoon went to Tararu and bought a scarlet passion flower, a nice growing plant in a pot for which, however, I had to give 5/0 -- and 4 rhubarb plants at /6d each: the first was as much dearer as the latter was cheaper than I expected. Last year for similar rhubarb roots I gave 2/6d each.

As I was returning by the "Train" to Grahams Town, a Passenger told me that in the next carriage was Mr Still: he had just come down in the Golden Crown, so we met on the platform when the train stopt. He is a tall, good-looking young man, every inch a clergyman: we got into a car and drove to Shortland. Mamma was very surprised to see me return with a stranger, but we found that the Stranger quickly turned into a very pleasant friend. He greatly admired my Church. After tea Mamma, I, Martin and Still went to the Caradini concert which I think we all enjoyed. He said he thought he was coming, in coming to Shortland, to the end of the world and was astonished to find "the end of the world" so far advanced in civilisation.

This morning I took him over the hospital, to see the old Church, and to the top of the hill to see Parawai. After dinner he left us for Tararu to return to Auckland in the Golden Crown.

7 July. The whole family has been laid up with very bad

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colds -- Annette has been the worst and Mamma nearly as bad, but we have in this respect been fashionable for hardly anyone has escaped.

Edward's first day with his new Tutor, Mr Waincop; (Annette and Edith call him "Wallop" and tease Edward that he will be well walloped).

14. All last week Mamma and Annette have been very poorly -- Mamma is still ailing. Edward likes his new Tutor and likes being at home and we are as well pleased with the arrangement as he could be.

5 August. There is just now a great mortality among the children: of the last 5 burials I have taken, one was a child of five -- two more were three years old, the rest Infants; the cemetery is a long way off and a funeral involves an hour's work and is a sad hindrance to my visiting, which grows in importance: were it not for Blanche and Blannie who go a great deal among the people I don't know what I should do.

Mr Waincop has suddenly thrown up his own school to to take the situation of second Master at the free school, Grahams Town. So, just now, Edward is not going to any school -- I take him from 9 to 11, Blannie from 12 to 1. Then his Mamma gives him a music lesson in the afternoon. We shall try to go on in this way for a time. Mamma went into Grahams Town to look up some Crockery we shall want when the Selwyns come here next Friday.

15. A day of expectation. Mr John Selwyn and his wife had promised to come by the Golden Crown. Unfortunately I had a funeral at the very time I ought to have been going to Tararu to meet them on landing: so Martin being engaged, I asked Mr Lawlor to go to meet the Golden Crown as my representative. I was summoned to visit a sick woman far up the Tararu creek, so it was about two hours after the time they should have arrived ere I was at liberty to go home.

I went in by the front gate and passed the drawing-room window on my way to the kitchen door, but saw no sign of our expected guests in the drawing-room. However, as I

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turned the corner of the house I came very unexpectedly upon Martin and Mr Selwyn: and the likeness to his father was so strong that for a moment I thought it was the Bishop himself. He seemed in wonderful spirits and he and Martin took a stroll together down Shortland.

I went indoors and was introduced to Mrs John Selwyn, a tall agreeable woman, with whom Blanche and the three girls seemed especially pleased. We had Mr and Mrs Puckey to tea to meet them.

16. After breakfast Captain Goldsmith, the Government Inspector of Mines, took Mr and Mrs Selwyn, Blannie and Mrs Kilgour a tour of inspection of mines, batteries, &c. After dinner (by the by, Mrs Lethbridge dined with us), we had a carriage and drove to Parawai and visited the Revd Wiremu Turipona and then accompanied him and his wife to their Church where his choir (Maories) were assembled to practise for tomorrow. It is surprising what a revival of religious feeling has taken place among the Maories here since Wiremu was ordained deacon in St George's Church. A Native Ministry is beyond all doubt the right thing to establish in all these islands, as quickly as practicable.

18. Before dinner was over I had to wish them goodbye as I had to hurry off to the cemetery and they were going back to Auckland by the afternoon boat. Mamma and Blannie and the two girls are especially delighted with both Mr and Mrs Selwyn -- but particularly so with the lady who made herself very agreeable. Altogether their visit has been the pleasantest we have had of any of our friends and we all felt very sorry they were obliged to return to Auckland so soon.

31. One of the most fatal weeks to very young children -- not a day has passed without a death. Out of the last 27 burials I have had, 21 have been infants: and every day have I had to walk to the cemetery, no slight walk, taking up a deal of my time. Martin's case has at last arrived from Melbourne -- it had been left at Sydney. He is in high spirits -- the articles are just what he wanted -- and yesterday and this

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morning he took several views of the immediate neighbourhood of our house and took them most successfully. I hope the time is not far distant when he will be able to send his aunts some of his own photographs.

29 September. We have had a most uncomfortable September -- cold, wet and stormy. The mortality among the children has been very great. I have had, long on me, a worse cold than any I can remember: very much like the whooping cough, but without the whoop, and we have all been ailing, especially Blanche. I long for some fine warm weather.

1 October. Very stormy. After dinner went to Parawai and attended the opening of the new free school: then called on Mrs Mackay and from her house walked to the cemetery where taking a funeral in a bitter cold wind, I think I have sadly aggravated my cough.

17. Last Thursday I went to Auckland, the Synod having met the Tuesday before. Jim Haultain was on the wharf waiting for me, and carried my carpet bag to his father's, where I found Fanny alone, the rest of the family being at the Cathedral Library to witness the proceedings of the Synod. Fanny gave me my supper and I went to bed and was nearly asleep when I heard the others arrive.

In the afternoon I went to Parnell to put in an appearance at the Synod. The Bishop told me I could stay over Sunday if I liked, as Mr Nelson would go to Shortland in my place. This offer I thankfully accepted.

The next day, Saturday, I again called on the Bishop and gave him, at his desire, an account of Dr Lethbridge's admittance into our Church. While waiting for dinner I looked through a beautiful telescope the Bishop has, at the shipping in the Harbour, and saw the vessel in which Mr and Mrs Selwyn have sailed for Norfolk Island weigh anchor and start for his future Island work. I could distinguish Mr Selwyn steering -- and Mrs Selwyn sitting by his side: Amy Purchas: and Miss Manning -- the latter vigorously waving her pocket handkerchief at somebody, I suppose in a boat or

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on the shore. Miss Manning is the tallest lady I have ever seen, being fully 6 feet high and proportionally large and fat, an immense woman -- a half-caste -- her father an Englishman and her mother a Maori. I called on the Harrops -- the tenants who occupy "Ewelme Cottage". They were unfortunately out so I did not like to walk in or about the gardens, but the trees and shrubs seemed very much grown. On Monday the 13th I had time to visit the great improvements being made in the centre of Auckland on the site of the old barracks before the Steamer started for Shortland.

28. Edward and Anne and Edith were thrown into a state of pleasurable excitement by the arrival of the case containing the stained glass windows. I sent round to Kennan 37 to ask him to bring a man with him tomorrow to open it. I determined not to touch it without him being present.

29. Soon after breakfast Kennan and his man came and the case (admidst great curiosity and some little anxiety as to the state of the contents) was carefully opened and I am most thankful I can report the window came in perfect order: uninjured in the slightest degree. The group of figures in the centre window I consider remarkably good and much larger than I had expected. Kennan was delighted and at once set two men to clean the glass of the chancel windows, he having determined to let the "old" window remain to serve as a guard (instead of wire) to the stained glass. The plain glass already in is in one huge plate, very thick. Tomorrow we begin the pleasing task of putting up the stained glass within the present one.

30. The central window was safely placed today. Everybody who has seen it -- and many came into the Church during the afternoon -- expresses great satisfaction at the improved appearance of the chancel apse. The sheet of thick glass on the outside just softens the colours without throwing any shadow, as there must be more or less with wire.

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31. So interested are my children in the new window that the wish to see it with the sun streaming in from behind it got the young ones out of bed at least an hour sooner than usual. Kennan's man came and finished all he had to do to it this morning.

6 November. Kennan's men cleared out of the Church this morning, leaving the three windows (without, I may say, a crack or the slightest damage) in their places in the Chancel of St George's, where I hope they may remain for many years uninjured, a monument to Kennan's liberality and to the great adornment of the Church. They look so well that I expect the great improvement they have made will keep down a "row" which my Churchwardens feared the Orangemen [would] try to get up on account of the Crucifixion staring them in the face right over and above the Altar.

11. Martin brought me eight different Photographs of his own taking and printing, to be sent to Hollington for his Aunts to do with them as they see fit: he would like one of the Church to be sent to his uncle. In my opinion they are capitally taken, and considering he is so young a novice, I think he gives promise of becoming very shortly a tolerably good Photographer.

18. All Sunday night and all Monday there was a steady downpour of rain. My garden already looks greatly benefited and my peas about three times as large as they did 3 days ago. There was a heavy "fresh" in the Kaueranga Creek and some 2000 large logs, prepared in the Kauri forest some 20 miles up the creek for the Shortland saw mills, were floated and then suddenly commenced their journey down the Creek. I am told that the sight was magnificently grand: these huge logs of 20 to 30 or 40 feet long and most of them 18 ft in circumference, and many more, bounding along with the roaring current until they came near the boom placed across the stream to check their career. This boom consists of several huge logs firmly linked together and moored securely to each bank of the creek, together with a very thick

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chain stretched across -- but the pressure became too great as log after log accumulated on the upper side, and suddenly the chain snapt and away careered the 2000 logs down the remaining two miles of the Creek, past the Mill, alas, and out from the Creek into the open estuary of the Thames; 50 only were by great exertion retained within the Creek -- some 1500 floated away: a fearfully disappointing spectacle to the shareholders of the Mill.

The Manager telegraphed up to Auckland for 2 or 3 Steam tugs to be sent down at once, to go in chase of the runaways and tow back as many as they can secure. A goodly number of Boat men have been busy at the same work, for the Manager offers 5/0 -- 10/0 and 15/0 for every log recovered, according to the distance they may have floated away.

Mamma and Blannie have been very busy preparing for the largest and grandest party we have ever attempted -- we have invited nigh 50 people to a dance!

20. Our large Party has come and gone: 44 came -- 9 declined. With our home party of 7 we made 51 -- very nearly equally divided between Ladies and Gentlemen. We had the large School room and the spare bedroom (cleared out for the occasion) as the two rooms for dancing: the Piano was so placed in the passage between the two rooms that the Player could look into both and the instrument could be heard in both. Then Blannie's bedroom (cleared out) served as a lounging room, and the table with strawberries and cream and water and lemon syrup stood in the Passage. Mamma and I received the guests as they arrived in the Drawing room -- they then passed on up stairs; the supper -- a grand supper I call it -- was laid in our dining room. Tho' the Party was so large our rooms were not crowded and all went first rate.

2 December. Letters from England -- one from Alfred to me: from Anne to Blanche. I am glad the Kauri (cow-rie) gum ornaments reached them safely. The Kauri gum from which ornaments are made is now found in places where Kauri forests have once been and the "gum-diggers" search

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the ground with a long, sharp rod which they thrust into the ground -- if the rod strikes against a hard substance they guess it is gum and forthwith dig for it, and nine times out of ten come to a patch or a block of Kauri gum. They cannot procure it in a state for use as merchandize from the living Kauri tree. When a living Kauri pine is wounded, the gum gradually oozes out, in substance and appearance as a very white and thick cream which gradually hardens, but so slowly that it must have taken years and years to have brought the gum to the hardness in which the "diggers" find it.

Thames was the name of the river which, rising many miles above Ohinemuri, empties itself into the Hauraki Gulf near, very near, to where Shortland is built. When this district was found to be a goldfield it was at once called the Thames Goldfield, and a Town was quickly run up on land owned chiefly by an old Maori Chief (still alive and living close by us) who had been years before called "Shortland" after a then Colonial Secretary of that name -- a Doctor Shortland. Before the town of Shortland was built a speculator of the name of Graham 38 bought a piece of land on one side of the town and called it Grahams Town. So the two in reality form one city -- and very many people who walk from one end to the other don't know when they leave Shortland and enter upon Grahams Town. We live at Shortland but within 50 yards of Grahams Town -- the part called par excellence "Grahams Town" (being the nest of all the best shops -- banks -- offices, &c.) is perhaps half a mile from our house. [This information is in reply to enquiries from the Rev. Alfred Lush, a brother of the Vicar of Thames.]

20. Martin has a week's holiday this year -- beginning on the day before Xmas Day -- he was in despair as to how he should spend it. While we were at tea his friend Charles Spencer came and told us he too had a holiday, so they agreed to go for a week's walk -- somewhere -- place undetermined at present. Martin's horizon cleared wonderfully --

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the prospect that half an hour before looked so uninviting now looks bright and jolly.

Last Saturday a house occupied by a young man of the name of Stoney was burnt down: he was a single man, living with a young brother and a friend named Burgess, a former school-fellow of Martin's. Mr Wildman took Burgess in, Mr Macdonald Mr Stoney, and we have had Walter Stoney, a nice quiet boy about Edward's age -- he and Edward have become great friends.

Last night Martin went to a Ball and was not home till 2.30 -- he was up soon after 7 and at the Assay office by 8.30. Till Xmas day he will be very busy at the Assaying -- all the mines that possibly can sending their Gold in before the holidays, to lay in a store of money.

26. Xmas day has come and gone: as regards the family it was very "jolly" -- we had young Garbett and Miss Carey as our guests: Miss Carey is a poor, lone Irish lady -- rather twisted above the eyebrows. We had our usual orthodox dinner, roast beef and plum pudding and our New Zealand addition, cherry pie and custards. After dinner we all went out in a small omnibus (which I had engaged for the occasion) and spent two hours driving to Tararu gardens -- this ride nicely occupied what otherwise might have proved to us a heavy afternoon.

After evening service we had singing and music till near 11 o'clock when we had supper; so it was far advanced to midnight ere Garbett and Miss Carey left us. Many were our surmises during the day as to the whereabouts of Martin, for he (and three of the Spencer boys and Wiremu Turipona's son) left us early on the 23rd for a walk of a fortnight across the country to T[a]uranga. They took blankets to sleep in and provisions for 14 days -- each had a swag to carry, weighing about 20 lbs. Hitherto they have had magnificent weather, but alas for the musquitoes -- those little pests are enough to mar the pleasure of all country excursions.

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26. Boxing Day. A broiling hot day -- we all, except Annie the servant, kept indoors until 6 o'clock in the evening.

28. Still very sultry: a few minutes before 11 o'clock Edward came into the Vestry and gave me a letter from the Telegraph office. It was a message from dear Martin, from Tauranga: "All well; off immediately for the Lakes." We forwarded it to Mrs Spencer who has been in a state of painful anxiety about her boys, ever since the weather had set in so very hot.

5 January 1874. Last night I was woke up out of my first sleep with Martin's noisy but very welcome footsteps on our verandah. Mamma was not asleep and Blanche was not in bed; they were quickly dressed and I too and we let him in and then found his four fellow travellers standing in the Garden, hoping they might be allowed to come in to rest and have some supper. Of course we very speedily had them sitting round our dining table, supplying them with cold mutton, beefsteak pie and plum pudding -- they had walked 42 miles since daylight, over a most rough route and with very little food. So they ate as I have never seen Martin eat before, for as a general rule he is a very little eater. I think I said in a former journal that they had gone for a 50 mile walk, but the trip has been altogether upwards of 400 miles, to and fro. As the Editors of the two papers have asked Martin to furnish them with some particulars of the journey I need not here write all I heard. 39

8. We had last night a large "young" party -- the invitations were from 7 to 11; they came punctually enough but it was past 1 o'clock before we could get rid of the greater number. And I think if I had not insisted on Mamma (who was playing) closing the Piano at the end of "Sir Roger de Coverley" the young people might have gone on another hour. The greater number thanked us for "a delightful evening". There were in all, including the home party, forty-two.

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30. Martin has repaired the aquarium and we have now a small fountain playing at the top of some rock work in the centre thereof: no sooner was it all done and some carp placed in than Tommy, Edith's pet cat, took such a fancy to them that he plunged into the water after them, knocking down the rock work and frightening the fish fearfully. The brute has entailed an extra expense on me for I have had to stretch wire work over a portion of the conservatory to keep the cat out when the window is open.

27 February. The great event of the past week with us has been the sudden and wholly unexpected removal of Martin from the Thames to Coromandel. The Bank authorities at Auckland sent work down that he was to proceed at once to the Head Office in Auckland and receive instructions as to where he was to go and what he was to do. For myself I miss him greatly but his removal must be viewed in the light of the Bank's approbation of his efficiency already as an Assayer -- and may possibly lead to his promotion and consequent increase of salary. So I am content to part with -- trusting he will be as steady away from us as he has been with us.

7 April. Blanche went to Auckland, chiefly to see and wish good bye to Sir William and Lady Martin who, it is said, sail for England on Monday via San Francisco; she is staying at the Haultains'.

Martin arrived late on Saturday evening. He and a young friend had ridden (on borrowed horses) over the rough country that lies between here and Coromandel. Lynch (his friend's name) came in and had supper and then went to Grahams Town for a bed at the Pacific and we saw no more of him, for being a Romanist he did not come near St George's on Easter Sunday.

The horse Martin rode was borrowed from Mr Basley -- most unfortunately in clambering down a rock an oyster shell cut a long, deep gash on the back of the near hind leg; the poor beast was on Monday morning utterly unable to leave the stables and Martin and Lynch left here with one horse

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between them -- so if they share the beast fairly they will have about 25 miles rough riding or 25 miles severe walking: the distance being 50 miles of as bad country as they could well have. In the meanwhile the poor maimed horse is left on my hands -- fortunately the bone is not hurt and no sinew injured -- it is only a very ugly flesh wound; but it will be an expensive trip for Martin, poor fellow.

8. Martin reached Coromandel at 11 at night -- walked almost all the way!

9. Made up my mind rather suddenly that I would go to Auckland to wish the Martins good bye. On the Golden Crown I saw Rev. George Maunsell on board, spoke to him, and then I went into the cabin and remained there till the vessel reached Auckland. At tea the Captain astonished me by telling me Mr Maunsell had his bride with him and seemed surprised I had not noticed her. They were married yesterday.

10. Called on the Martins. Called on his immediate neighbour, Mr Swainson -- he seems to feel the approaching departure of his oldest New Zealand friend very much. In the evening I accompanied Doctor and Mrs Goldsboro' to an "at home" at the Bishop's. There was a large assemblage -- a sort of farewell party to the Martins (who are staying at Bishops Court). Here I met Blannie and saw Lady Martin and again Sir William. The Doctor, his wife and I stayed but a short time.

11. Went down to the Queen Street Wharf and on board the Crown -- met dear Blannie, she wishing to return home. She seems to have had a pleasant visit.

21. Last week Martin again paid us a flying visit -- a sailing boat was coming from Coromandel to Grahams Town and he took passage in her -- they took all the night sailing the 50 miles: he reached here at daybreak, disturbing me by opening his brother's bed room window and speaking to him. We were all quickly up. His object was to take the horse back.

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After breakfast he and I walked over to Parawai to look at the poor animal and he saw at once, what I had told him in a letter, that it would be at least a month before the beast could take so long a journey. On Saturday he had breakfast at 5.30 and started soon after six to walk back. He assured me that the distance on foot is not more than 40 miles -- but what a walk for one day -- we are curious to hear how he got on.

23. Heard from Martin -- his walk took him 10 hours, exclusive of stoppages for rest.

25 May. Last Tuesday, the 19th, Anne and I left Shortland Wharf in the small Cargo steamer Enterprise: altho' several persons prognosticated that we should have a wretched trip in the Enterprise, I determined to venture it. We had a quick (for that vessel) passage -- and very pleasant, so getting to the Haultains' in time for tea.

Anne and I left Auckland in a small steamer for Coromandel, which we reached about 6 o'clock. We had a very pleasant trip -- the sun was bright, the sea was smooth -- what little wind there was was favourable and the scenery was new to both of us. Martin was not at the wharf to meet us and in the confusion of landing I lost Annette's carpet bag! However, by insisting on the luggage of all the Omnibuses (3) being taken out and looked over, I found the missing bag in the lap of an old woman who thought it was her own! We had not gone far in our omnibus when Martin stopped us and got in, and we all went to Mrs Scott's 40 who had tea ready for us.

During that night the weather changed and there was a violent storm: Anne kept indoors, I took a stroll and saw where Martin lodged: at a chemist's shop kept by a young man of the name of Day. But I was soon driven home by a heavy downfall of rain. In the afternoon Martin brought

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two horses, one with a side-saddle, and he and Annette took a ride -- it was the first she has ever had and she did enjoy it.

30. At home at last. Never so thankful to be here as I felt yesterday. Could not get away from Coromandel till Thursday at noon. Reached Auckland and went again to the Haultains'; they had had tea as two of the Miss Haultains, a brother, Colonel and Miss Bell were going to the Birthday Ball (Queen's) at Government House. Annette had the pleasure of watching the young ladies "dress" for the occasion.

Coromandel is, I think, beyond a question the most picturesque place I have ever seen -- the scenery is varied and beautiful -- but business is very dull and there are no gentle-people in the place. This is unfortunate for Martin -- but his occupation at the Bank and his love for scientific pursuits will, I hope, keep him so engaged that he will not have the time -- as I hope he will not have the inclination -- to mix much with whom it is his present lot to dwell.

8 June. On Saturday Mr John Kempthorne arrived at Grahams Town on a visit to his brother. He was born in New Zealand and brought up in Parnell and educated at the Church of England Grammar School. He was admitted to holy orders by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He preached for me both morning and evening -- he has a fine voice and gave good sermons. He and his brother dined and had supper with us.

1 July. Nearly a months since I wrote the above! I have no excuse to offer and therefore confess myself in fault.

2. A very bright but remarkably cold day. Had letters and Papers from England. The Marlborough Times, containing the long and interesting report of the dedication Services of St Mary: ("under the fatherly care of the curate, the Revd A. Lush, an excellent choir seems to have been formed") forcibly impressed on me that I must be getting to a grand-fatherly age.

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6. This afternoon Mamma and I payed a wedding visit to the Rabbi's sister (nee Elkin), married about a fortnight ago in the Synagogue at Auckland. She seemed uncommonly pleased at seeing us and showed us all her wedding presents.

Blannie had a letter from "Tui" Hargreaves -- now Mrs Hall 41 -- I fear her wedding has been against the wishes of her parents, for she says no one was present but her brother Willie, who gave her away. Tui was our God daughter -- I baptised her 23 years ago.

8. Having heard that the Rev. G. Maunsell and his Bride were at St George's on Sunday evening, Mamma and I went to Parawai this morning to call upon them. They have come down but a few days and are "roughing it" in an unfurnished house: their permanent residence will be at the North Shore on the side of the Harbour opposite Auckland. I think this Mrs George Maunsell is far inferior in every respect to the late Mrs Maunsell: however I am sorry I shall not have them as neighbours.

21. Lucy Spencer has been staying with us from last Tuesday till today. Kate came in her sister's place and Lucy has returned to Parawai. Lucy told us that this morning all the upper part of "Gentle Annie" (the hill at the foot of which their house is built) was covered with snow! And Mrs Wright, our next door neighbour, says she saw it from her garden! Poor Annette and Edith -- they have never seen snow and greatly are they disappointed they missed the opportunity today. Curiously enough I was in my garden an hour before Mrs Wright was in hers and though I thought it uncommonly cold, I was so busy sawing up fire wood and then digging that I had no thought about and no eyes for the Gentle Annie -- for had I seen her with a white mantle on I would speedily have called up the girls.

8 August. The Bishop came by today's Steamer.

11. The Bishop took a marriage which happened to be fixed

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for this morning. When the party were in the Vestry signing the register-book the Bishop found out that the Father of the Bride came from close by Stafford, his late parish, and of course they mutually knew a number of people living there. Ensor, the man in question, was so pleased at the Bishop officiating at his daughter's marriage and at finding out he knew many of his English friends that he begged his "Lordship" to accept "a bottle of his best port wine"! (The man is a Publican.) The Bishop was evidently taken a little aback but thanked him and said he could send it to the Parsonage and he would request Mr Lush to give it to the sick poor as they needed it. After dinner I accompanied the Bishop to Tararu and he went off in the Golden Crown. On returning home I found an unusual large piece of wedding cake and the Bottle of wine.

7 October. A Public holiday, ostensibly to commemorate the landing of Captain Cook, 105 years ago, but really to accomodate a few Settlers who wanted to get up some races (a Spring Meeting) in the neighbourhood of Auckland.

11. Heavy rain all night and from daybreak to n o'clock occasional heavy showers: the consequence was a thin attendance at the morning service. Notwithstanding the weather, [a] newly married couple were at Church, Doctor and Mrs Payne (nee Miss Preece from Coromandel). Payne having been a Quaker, Miss Preece would not listen to his proposal till he could speak to her as a Churchman -- so he applied to me for Baptism and I admitted him into the Church some three months ago. Miss Haselden came and dined with us: she has been appointed to Kaueranga girls' school. Mamma has had a letter from Mrs Cowie asking her and me to stay at Bishops Court during the sitting of Synod: but we declined as it is anything but a pleasant house to stop at.

28 November. I went to Tararu to meet the Bishop who was coming down in the new steamer, the Hauraki. He brought with him Archdeacon Clarke and a Mr Cross

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(brother to the Member for Balton), a Clergyman travelling for his pleasure, and a Mr Stuart, Secretary to the Church Missionary Society, Calcutta. Also three Maori Clergymen -- Piripi Patiki, a Priest, and Turipona and Pomare, two Deacons. Cross got a bed at the "Pacific". Clarke and Stuart and the Bishop we accommodated; while Pomare, Patiki and George Maunsell had their quarters at Turipona's Parsonage at Parawai; the spare two hours before tea at six I took Clarke and Cross and Stuart to see the "big pump" and one of our larger batteries -- with both of which they were greatly pleased.

On Monday the Natives sent over ten horses for all the clerical party to ride to Kerikeri -- such a large party assembling at and starting from my house caused no little attention from the neighbours and there were several groups of people watching our proceedings. After the Service we adjourned to a Native's house and had a very sumptuous dinner, and on our way back we stopped at "Katty's" 42 and had tea and strawberries and cream, getting back to Shortland about 6 o'clock. The whole party returned to Auckland at 7. I think we all felt it was a great relief to be quit of so many -- though the visit altogether has been exceedingly pleasant.

9 December. We have all been much concerned at this day turning out an exceptionally cloudy day -- so I fear all stations fixed in this Island for marking the transit of Venus have been money expended in vain. Mr Severne especially we feel for -- for the last three months he has been preparing for this important event and his disappointment must be very great. The afternoon has turned out rainy and boisterous. Edith and Edward have gone to a juvenile party: Blannie managed to get to the Thames School to give all who remain voluntarily after school hours, an hour's religious instruction. She had more than usual -- nearly a hundred -- and as I write I hear a number of girls going upstairs to the School-room for her private girls' class. Poor Blannie -- she lives not for herself -- I cannot be too thankful I have such a good and

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efficient "Deaconess" in one of my girls. I think her duties as "Temporary Organist" will cease on Sunday next.

11. Had letters from England from Alfred, from Selina and Edward, from Aunt Anne to Anne, causing great excitement by telling her of an intended Box -- which is always a great event.

After the choir practising this evening a Vestry was held to appoint an Organist: a Mr Trewheela was present and played several pieces, and gave so much satisfaction that the vestry without hesitation appointed him to the office. They then gave a vote of thanks to Blannie with a cheque for £6. 6. for her services ad interim. When I went home and told Blannie she seemed inclined to refuse the money -- but her Mamma advised her to take it.

12. Had two funerals this afternoon, one at Taruru, the other at the Shortland Cemetery. Consequently I had a good deal of walking and was unable to meet the Steamer which brought Mr Bice: so I asked Mr Lawlor to meet him and show him the way to our house. After tea I took a short stroll with him to visit a sick child.

13. Mr Bice read the Lessons and preacht twice: his voice is weak and not very distinct. In the afternoon Mr Bice gave my Sunday School children an account of the mission work in Melanesia, dwelling for a short time on Georgina Manengela, a Florida girl supported by St George's S. S. children at the Mission house, Norfolk Island. It seems she is engaged to be married to a native of Florida, a student at Norfolk Island and one of the most hopeful pupils, a young man preparing for the Ministry and among other "acquisitions", able now to play the Harmonium and lead the singing in the College Chapel. So my Sunday School is doing a good work in helping to educate the future wife of the Native Priest of Florida and thus fitting her to be a companion and helpmeet for him. I asked the elder girls to form a working party to make two sets of clothes annually for Georgina -- in addition to the £10 a year we must send for her support at School.

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21. Took Anne and Edith to Tararu to witness the Shellback 43 school children receive their prizes and have tea and cakes in the public gardens. We spent two hours there very pleasantly. Edward spent most of the day at Parawai with the Spencer boys getting birch and karaka leaves for our Church decorations against Christmas Day.

28. We began our decorations on Tuesday afternoon: that same evening Martin arrived to our great joy -- it was near eight o'clock -- he had been caught in one of our unexpected tropical showers and arrived wet to the skin, looking very tired and very deplorable; he had been walking 14 hours in which time he had accomplished 40 miles! After a bath and a good tea he began to look more himself -- the next day he was pretty well rested. At all events he was rushing about all day to see his acquaintances -- so much so that Mamma complained that she could not see him and could not speak to him.

On Wednesday afternoon we nearly finished the Church, several willing hands having come to help. Martin was glad to go to bed soon after nine and got up the next morning quite himself.

31. At Breakfast I suggested that as Mamma and Edith had decided to defer their trip to Coromandel, Blannie and Edward should avail themselves of the Manaia going there today; which after a little consideration was agreed to: whereat Edward's face wore a broad grin upon it the rest of the time he was in my sight -- which was until I waved my hand to him and his sister as they sat on board the steamer off the Grahams Town wharf at 1 o'clock. The lad was very happy. It is seldom a Steamer goes direct hence to Coromandel. When Annette and I went there we had to go via Auckland which doubles the time and quadruples the expense.

6 January 1875. Blannie and Edward had not been gone three hours when it began to rain and has rained incessantly all the night -- the whole of the next day (1st Jan.) and all

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the night up till noon of the 2nd, the very day Blannie and Edward were to return -- by the date of their return tickets. But an hour ago a Telegram came from Colonel Haultain saying Blannie and Edward would return at the latter end of next week, and asking us to send clothes, &c., for Blannie. So we concluded they must have left Coromandel yesterday and gone to the Haultains' and been pressed by them to remain.

25. Last night, just as I was in the middle of my sermon the fire bell rang out and there was a rapid stampede of at least a third of the congregation, added to which one lady (in the choir) fainted away.

Sophy Kenny is staying with us. She is the nicest girl (?) -- can a woman of thirty be called a girl? -- we have had as our guest. She came a week ago and I hope she will remain with us until the 30th. Today I took her and my three girls to Parawai to see the "Firing", the Colonial Prize Firing. The Representatives (some 90 in all) of the Colonial Volunteer Corps are encamped just across the Kaueranga Creek. Kate 44 had asked us to dinner at 1.30 but I could not remain as I had a funeral at Tararu at 2 o'clock, so leaving the four girls in Nicodemus's garden I hurried back to Shortland and had a hasty dinner with Mamma and Edward.

It was Edward's first day at St George's Grammar School. I hope he will now have more regular tuition than he has had of late from me. While at Parawai we were introduced to a Captain Macfarland, a hale old gentleman of 85 who had fought at the battle of Waterloo! We (Thames) now have two men here who were in that battle: I suppose no other district in New Zealand could boast the same.

26. A telegram from Martin: "Can I draw £5 from your account -- leaving Coromandel." -- This has put us in a fright for we heard yesterday that the measles were raging in Auckland, and no less than six of the Clerks in the Bank of New Zealand then were laid up and we surmise that Martin

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has been summoned to Auckland to supply the place of one of the sick men. Mamma is in a fright lest Martin should take the fever.

27. Took Sophy to the Academy of Music last night to hear a Rev. P. Clark lecture on Dickens, his life and writings: he had no MS or book and for two hours talked fluently and well about his subject, giving from memory whole chapters from various tales in a manner which rivetted the attention of the audience. In Melbourne the entrance fee to his lecture on the Tower of London was £1. We had to pay 3/0 each, and I must say I thought it rather dear at that.

Martin wrote yesterday on board the Hauraki on his way to Auckland: he says, "I got notice yesterday afternoon to proceed to Auckland. I was rather unprepared to go, not being over flush of money, hence my telegram which I sent this morning. I am sorry I was forced to do this and I hope I shall never have to do it again! I had to break off here to play a game of whist with three others, one of whom was the Coromandel Roman Catholic Priest who managed to make himself very jolly. I have to put up tonight at an Hotel, which I don't like and tomorrow I shall endeavour to get into lodgings. I fancy the reason I am wanted here is that some of the clerks are ill with measles. I hope I shan't get them."

30. On Thursday evening Blannie and her two sisters spent the evening in the School-room with some dozen of Sunday school teachers, cutting up sandwiches for the School Feast the next day. The morning was bright and clear with a cool breeze. I was up at 4.30 and got the School room swept out and a 400 gallon iron tank sent off to the site of the picnic before 7. Last year we suffered for want of water; I took care to have a plentiful supply this year.

The different schools mustered at their respective school houses at 8, and the procession started at 9, the army forming on a vacant piece of ground in the centre of Shortland looking, not terrible with banners, but gay and joyous. Our flags were very numerous -- 6 or 8 really good and beautiful --

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made of the best bunting. When all were assembled the united schools sang "Jesus shall reign" -- and God Save the Queen and then the schools filed off to walk to Parawai.

My Sunday school was the largest: we numbered 350 children -- Wesleyans 250 -- Presbyterians 230 -- Baptist 155 -- Methodists 90 -- Congregational 50. The following is our list of fare for the children: 120 lbs of rich cake, 100 dozen buns: 100 lbs bread: 25 lbs lollies: 50 lbs ham: 6 lbs tea: 25 lbs sugar: 10 lbs butter: 6 gallons milk -- then Mrs O'Keefe and Mrs Spencer sent a large quantity of peaches and Mamma sent sausage rolls for the teachers. There were swings and merry-go-rounds and materials for games -- altogether the Feast this year was a great success.

4 February. Edward has the measles. Yesterday I took Annette and Edith a walk beyond Parawai to a farm kept by people of the name of Grainger -- they have a large peach orchard. I ordered 10 dozen of peaches to be sent to us for jam -- we shall have to give 2d a dozen for them -- last year we got them at 1 1/2d a dozen.

6. A good deal of rain has fallen and the atmosphere has been like a vapour bathe -- so very enervating. Edward is better.

13. Colson has taken twelve of the eldest boys in my school a pic-nic up the Kaueranga Creek. They started yesterday afternoon and are expected back this afternoon: they went in a boat. Edward seemed rather disappointed that his illness precluded him from being of the party, which I dare say was jolly enough.

20. Got the three youngest children and Annie the servant up early for I wanted to meet the Steamer at Grahams Town. It was a magnificent morning and at 6.30 we were having a merry and somewhat noisy breakfast. The walk was very pleasant along the long wharf carrying us into the cool, fresh sea breeze. The Steamer had not arrived from Shortland when we got there so we watched some men catch

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"snappers" and had a chat with those men we knew. Very punctually the Steamer arrived and I started for Auckland.

I think I have seldom had a more enjoyable trip down the estuary -- the water was so calm and the sky so bright and the few passengers on board sociable. The girls had gathered a large ripe rock melon which in the heat of the day I cut up and divided among some of the ladies to their no small satisfaction.

The City had all the appearance of its being Sunday -- the shops closed and the streets almost deserted, for today the Superintendent 45 was to be buried and almost all the population had gone up to Ponsonby to either attend or see the Public Funeral. I got into a Car and drove to the Burrowses' at Parnell -- and after depositing my carpet bag in their "Prophet's Chamber" (a comfortable bed and sittingroom built in the garden, away from their house) I walked off towards the Cemetery to see, if I could be in time, the Funeral procession.

It is a long walk from Parnell, but I was in time and saw the largest crowd I have witnessed since I left England: and the largest funeral. There were 28 mourning coaches besides a much larger number of private carriages and a large body of country settlers on horseback -- and the Good Templars, Free Masons and Odd Fellows -- all following a man who had killed himself with hard drink. I was back at Burrows's by six and enjoyed my tea, for I had had no dinner.

21. Up at 5. About 6.30 I was surprized at someone knocking at my door -- went to it and found the servant girl with a cup of tea and two thin slices of bread and butter -- for which I thanked her with many thanks. She told me they breakfasted at 8.30.

I had a long quiet morning in the Prophet's Chamber, the look out from which is exceedingly beautiful across the Waitemata. I started early for All Saints' Church, Ponsonby -- after Church Colonel Kenny came into the Vestry and I walked with him to his house where I dined.

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22. Felt inclined to have an extra hour's rest in bed, but the recollection that the servant might soon be bringing the early cup of tea made me hurry up -- so I again secured a long quiet morning before breakfast. The "early cup" came as I had expected at half past six: this is quite luxurious. At 1.30 I dined at Bishop's Court. The Bishop seemed pleased to see me but is greatly puzzled as to how he is to find a Clergyman for Ohinemuri.

8 March. Notwithstanding the exodus to Ohinemuri my Church was really well attended both morning and evening yesterday and the offertory was only 5/0 less than the average. Letters came today -- Edith also received in good order Lady Cust's little book on the Cat.

11. Edith, who has Catamania, wrote these lines to be placed at the head of the grave of two cats she has buried at the foot of a weeping willow at the bottom of our garden. Selina was a very favourite one -- Thomas a stray cat which fraternized with Edith as all cats do, apparently knowing instinctively who is their friend:

14. In the afternoon a poor lad of 17 who was drowned in the harbour a few days ago was buried. He was in the Bank of Australasia, had been here but 7 months and it was the first time he had been away from his home at Wellington, whither he had received orders to return this very week; he is, I hear, an only son. The Church was nearly full -- half the people being mourners. The Hymn was beautifully sung and when at its close the organist commenced the Dead March in Saul, many of the Choir (young ladies) shed many tears. I have seldom had a more quiet and solemn burial

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service. The Manager of the Australasian Bank had intended to have the body taken straight up to the Cemetery, but at my request he, just at the last minute, agreed to bring it to the Church first. I don't think he will regret doing so.

27. Yesterday, Good Friday, was spent very quietly as far as I can judge, by the community at large. St George's was hung in black: as I was busy arranging it on Thursday evening a rough looking man came in, and coming up to me asked if I were the "Praste" of the Church. I said yes. He said he had just come from the Bush where he had been some months, and would like to say his prayers. "By all means," I said. I guessed he was an Irish Romanist and had mistaken St George's for the Roman Catholic Chapel.

On entering the Church he had evidently been struck with the picture of the Crucifixion over the Altar, for he kept looking at it -- he went and knelt down at the west end of the middle aisle and remained kneeling for some few minutes -- then he came halfway up the Church and knelt again. And then he came up to the lectern and knelt there a longer time, gazing with streaming eyes at the Saviour on the Cross. He suddenly rose, came across the Church to me, stretched out his hand and said: "Thankful I am -- I'm off to the Bush but glad I came in here."

8 April. A somewhat sick household, which is not to be surprised at as illness is very prevalent -- last Sunday we had 100 children less than usual, almost all of whom were absent because of mumps or measles, and the various schools are similarly affected. With us -- Mamma is ill in bed -- Edward feeling too poorly to go to school -- Annette ailing and Edith only convalescent.

10. Mamma still in bed -- ill, but better than yesterday. Annette has, most decidedly, the measles.

13. Annette a little better: she has been very ill. Sunday night and last night she could not be left a moment. To add to our trouble, Annie Joslin went home yesterday, sickening

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for the measles. Blannie is in the same state while Edward is almost as bad as Annette. Edith however is now quite well again and Mamma is much better. So if we three keep well, we shall manage.

We have turned our sitting room, which is large, lofty and has a fireplace in it, into our temporary domestic hospital. Mamma sits up till one or two o'clock and then I get up and take charge of the patients till breakfast time. To show how prevalent the measles are there were 150 children away from the Sunday school last Sunday, all (I believe) laid up with this complaint.

16. Such a week -- all sick and all in bed except Mamma and me. Blannie is very poorly: her face is one large patch of dark purple spots. Edward is decidedly better and today he has amused himself with a book and sat up in an armchair for an hour -- we tried Annette but she is too weak and we had to lay her down again -- unfortunately I fear she is going to have the mumps. Edith is better but very weak and hysterical and that with Annette's tendency to delirium makes the night watches rather trying.

There is hardly a family on the Thames that has not one or more laid up. One man who has 13 children has his wife and 10 children all down with this complaint.

19. The children are progressing. Blannie is our worst patient: she is so very nervous and has taken it into her head that she will not recover. This present illness of all the children evidently painfully reminds her of the sickness of all the household in 1854 when Charlotte, Mary and Alfred died; 46 a shock to dear Blannie which in my opinion she has never thoroughly got over.

20. Annie Joslin returned, if not quite well yet sufficiently convalescent to be of great use. I think we never missed a servant as we have done the last week. I think it has created no little surprise that we did not call in one of the Doctors

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-- we must have saved about, £20 by keeping out of the Doctors' books.

24. Typhus fever has now made its appearance and, should it spread, it may carry off many who are weakened by the measles.

3 May. The subject uppermost with us just now is still the measles!! No one in England can have an idea of our present visitation; very few houses have escaped: in many cases all but the Parents have been prostrated and for the last month past, I think not a single day has passed without a death -- yesterday there were six funerals, today there were four -- all children, mostly under two years of age. Edith is decidedly the most delicate, just now, of the three girls.

4. Today there were three funerals, two of them young children.

11. The weather is again fine and the sickness and mortality continues much the same. A day does not pass without a funeral -- and today I have three.

Yesterday Mr Crump the Wesleyan -- Mr Davies the Baptist, Mr Laishley the Congregationalist and Mr Hill, the Presbyterian, called upon me to ask me to cooperate with them in establishing, if possible, a High or Superior School for young Ladies. I gave my cordial assent and we spent a couple of hours in a preliminary talk and resolved that each of us should ask 3 or 4 influential laymen of our respective congregations to meet us at my house. I have asked Mr Tyler and Mr E. Macdonald, the two principal solicitors -- Mr Severn, the Bank Assayer and Mr E. Cook the Post Master -- and Mr Puckey, the Native Government Agent. They all seem to enter keenly into the matter.

18. Last night the second meeting about the establishment of a High School for young Ladies was held in my study -- there were about 15 gentlemen present; a sub-committee was formed to draw up a prospectus for circulation. The most

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eligible building for the institution would be this house -- and under certain circumstances I feel almost inclined to offer it.

19. The post brought us news that Mr Burrows and Mr Willis will be with us at the end of the week, Mr Willis on his way to Ohinemuri where he is to hold service next Sunday and Mr Burrows to spend Sunday with me.

27 June. A splendid day. The Volunteers mustered in considerable numbers and marched to Church at 11. The native Volunteers came for the first time: they are a fine soldierly looking set of men -- their uniform is a dark blue trimmed with black and with their dark skinned faces they looked rather a dismal patch amidst the rest of the congregation particularly when contrasted with the Scotch brigade, bright in scarlet and plaids.

17 July. Last Thursday Mamma and the three girls went to a private ball given by the Binneys. They had sent out 80 invitations: 75 had accepted so it was a large and gay affair. Mamma brought them away at 1 o'clock, much to Annette's disgust -- for she said to me next morning: "I was just beginning to get into the full swing of the dances and it was a great deal too bad of Mamma." However her looks belied her words, and I told her I thought Mamma did quite right.

30 August. The third decidedly fine day -- very busy in my garden; My peas are just up and strawberries coming into blossom.

The measles have left the children more susceptible to colds than they were before -- however if we have a lengthened spell of this fine weather I hope we shall see a decided improvement.

4 September. Splendid weather all this week but illness, chiefly severe colds, still very prevalent. This evening we had two letters from Lady Martin -- to Mamma and Blannie -- also one enclosed to Mrs Nikorima Taitangaru (alias Katie), Lady Martin's adopted Maori daughter. I sent

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Edward with it at once -- he took his dog with him (one I gave him a few days ago) it was the first time he had taken this animal out and I am glad it followed him so nicely. Having no brother I thought a small intelligent terrier would be somewhat of a companion to him in his walks.

8. Illness still in the family, and in the Parish. I have within the last fortnight buried two beautiful children who died of diphtheria. Martin, we find, is just now in Auckland. I think he has gone to see the Chief Director of the Bank about his salary, with which he seems dissatisfied.

14. Martin has succeeded in the object of his visit and has his salary increased -- how much I don't know.

21. Went round to four of our largest schools and spoke to the older children of the "Spelling Bee". 47 They seemed to relish the idea exceedingly.

28. Busy all day preparing for the Bee. I had ten pieces of original poetry sent in: I transcribed them and gave my copies to Doctor Kilgour who decided which he considered the best; Colson procured the Prizes -- nine handsome books: and he and Mr Severn and Doctor Kilgour assisted me in managing the Entertainment. The School-house was not more than 3/4 full -- it was thought that the (Methodist) Soiree had greatly diminished the attendance. However my Hive produced nearly ten pounds and the "Bees" swarmed homeward about 9.30, apparently well pleased with their hour and a half entertainment.

5 October. I and the two girls left home at 9 o'clock -- it was blowing but nothing to deter one from a trip to Auckland. The boat was rather crowded and no less than twelve ladies -- all married women and members of my congregation -- were on board. Such a stampede of women folk from the Thames astonished me. I found out afterwards that a very grand Bachelors' Ball in Auckland was to come off, and some

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at least of the passengers had received invitations, and others perhaps were going in the hopes of being invited.

I might have had my curiousity gratified could I have got into a chat with some of them but we had hardly loosened from the wharf when sea-sickness commenced and such a scene as ensued for the whole way up I have seldom seen. The whole deck was strewn with prostrate forms and moans and groans the order of the day -- Annette and Edith were on the sick list and I had enough to do to help first this one and then that, and to nurse Mrs Wright's baby!! We reached Auckland about 5 o'clock having endured 7 hours of misery: the sight of the wharf brought every one to health and their feet. We three speedily got into a carriage from which I alighted in Queen Street and directing the Driver to take my daughters to Colonel Haultain's, I walked on to Parnell.

The next day I walked down to the Auckland wharf where I had agreed to meet Anne and Edith at 11 o'clock. As I reached the wharf, up came the carriage with Anne and Edith looking very bright and happy. The steamer, the Gemini, we were to go in started at eleven; it was a very small boat but tolerably quick: it took us two hours to steam up the Harbour due north. This was quite new to me for all the years I have been here I never was in the parts I was about to visit. So all three of us were interested in every mile we traversed.

At one o'clock we reached Riverhead -- a settlement so-called at the very head of the Waitemata -- the native name of the Harbour. Here we landed and entered a small roadside Inn where we had dinner in a commercial room, our Companions being the Captain of the Gemini, the Driver of the Omnibus (in which we had to continue our journey) and a commercial traveller. Annette was highly amused -- she said it was as good as a story in a book. They asked me to take the head of the table so I carved for them all. The dinner was good, a capital piece of roast beef and a custard pudding. At two we started in the open van, the Coachman, Ostler and commercial traveller on the box in front, Anne, Edith and I with another passenger behind with lots of

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luggage. We had four splendid horses -- the distance we had to go was 12 miles -- no formed roads, only a well worn track up and down hill and dale, going most of the way full gallop and having to hold on to save oneself from being tossed out by the bumps and thumps. Anne and Edith were in the humour to enjoy anything and everything. So much which would have been sources of grievous annoyance to many were thought jolly fun by them.

We reached Helensville at four o'clock. This "Town" (!?) consists of a very large Inn containing 26 rooms, a lodging house and about 6 small houses. Here we had to remain till three o'clock a. m. next day, the tide not suiting sooner. We strolled down to the bank of the Kaipara river and placed our carpet bags on board the small steamer that was to take us the rest of our journey and then we walked a small distance along the unfinished railway which connects (or will soon connect) River-head with Helensville. We returned to the Inn about 5, and while we were sitting reading in the Parlour, who should walk in but Mr Tomlinson, the new Incumbent at Onehunga.

Our tea, like our dinner, was at a Table common to others -- some half dozen men, all well behaved: we had hot roast ducks and a ham, besides eggs, so we fared very well.

6. Not long after tea I sent the two girls to bed as they had to be up so early -- or I might say in the middle of the night, viz: 2 o'clock. At that time we were all aroused by the Captain knocking at the front door. I at once struck a light and dressed and knocked at the girls' wall and they told me they were dressing. When we got outside at 2.30 it was very dark and we had to grope our way down to the jetty and thankful I was when we were safely stowed away in the tiny cabin, dimly lit by a kerosene lamp.

When we had started I felt cold and then became conscious that I had left in my bedroom my great coat -- that was a great misfortune, for more than the cold I feared I might lose it and it cost me £4 not long ago. We dozed till daylight came and then we emerged out of our hole on to

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THE KAIPARA HARBOUR

deck and looked about us. The Kaipara Harbour is a immense inland sea -- the land on our right hand we could not see, the coast on our left was not interesting at first but as the light increased and we progressed further north the scenery improved.

At eight I went forward to the forecastle to a breakfast that was so dirty and greasy that it made me almost sick to look at it. The man wanted to take "the young ladies" some, but I declined. When I returned to them I told them how unpleasant the food was and they contented themselves with some apples and biscuits with which most fortunately we had supplied ourselves. When the sun got well up the deck was quite warm and we began to look forward to the end of our journey with interest and good spirits: it was ten o'clock before we steered across the harbour to the mouth of the deep inlet (called here a Creek) up which we were going to the Hargreaveses' farm. We steamed about 6 miles up the Creek -- the land on our left hand was Mr Hargreaves's all the way. When we approached the point where the Steamer stops to put ashore any of the Hargreaves people or their visitors, we saw Mr Hargreaves himself standing on the shore, watching us. I had not sent word that we were coming this particular week so I should not have been surprised if there had not been anyone here to meet us. The greeting was a cordial one though I was surprised to see how old and feeble he was compared to what he was when I last knew him at Howick.

A quarter of a mile's walk along a beautiful white sandy beach brought us in sight of his house, which we could not see for a projecting headland when we were on the Steamer. The Steamer had gone on to the upper part of the Creek where Port Albert is situated, and was to call at the Hargreaveses' for me on its way back. The Captain told me I had only two hours, so after I had had a good wash, I accompanied Mr Hargreaves round his homestead and gardens and a short walk into the forest, which at one point comes close up to his garden.

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His estate, some 20,000 acres, is a peninsula with a narrow neck of land joining it to the main land, so that a fence of only one quarter of a mile long encloses the whole block of land in securely. I was delighted with all I saw -- the Pohutukawas, magnificent trees which at Xmas are covered with scarlet blossom, are large and numerous and must be splendid when in full flower.

Dinner was nearly ready when the whistle of the Steamer announced her near approach and so, having nothing but a tumbler of excellent beer I, accompanied I think by every member of the household, went down to the beach, got into their boat and was rowed away amidst a waving of handkerchiefs and loud farewells. The steamer went down the Creek again into the Kaipara and then, coasting along the headland of Hargreaves's estate, went up the next Creek. We then called at a station to deliver and collect the mail and then proceeded to a place called Pahi -- a township on the map: in reality consisting of about six houses of which one, the largest, is Boarding House and Hotel.

Here I got out of the Steamer and went ashore and asked if a Mr Hill had come over from his farm for his letters, &c., Pahi being the Post town for miles and miles around. He had come and my informant pointed out his boat moored to the shore. In a few minutes I met him, introduced myself. My name was familiar to him and he was evidently pleased when he said: "Ah, your godchild, my wife, will be delighted to see you." At last we started, his little boat heavily laden with stores: he pulled me about a mile and a half and then pointed out his house -- a small cottage on a low hill. Tui, with her baby in her arms, came running down the hill to meet me.

I had tea and they made up a bed for me; again I had to get up at 2 a. m. as the Steamer would leave Paparoa about at that time and be at Pahi at 3.30. Mr Hill kindly got up and lighted the fire and got me a cup of tea, and then Jack Stoney, his man, rowed me down the creek to Pahi. It was quite dark and very quiet -- the only sound the splash of the

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oars -- then suddenly when about 1/2 way to Pahi, we heard the Steamer whistle.

I have seldom been more frightened in my life. I thought we should miss her -- that we could not possibly be in time and if not, then I knew I was a prisoner there for a whole week, the Steamer only coming to Pahi once in seven days. So I cooied and cooied as loud as I could, hoping that in the stillness of the night and over the water the voice would be carried even to the Steamer. Afterwards on enquiry I found that such had been the case -- and so the Captain waited for me and most thankful was I when I stept on deck and my anxiety was at an end.

8. Soon after I got on board it commenced raining; of course being dark as well I kept close to the cabin. We reached Hellensville about 12 o'clock and as there was no coach until 6 a. m. the next morning, there was no alternative but to spend a weary day at the Inn. Had it been fine I could have roamed about; as it was I merely exchanged an imprisonment in the cabin to one in the parlour -- a trifle better and but a trifle.

I got my great coat and that was a comfort -- at 5 those going in the coach got up and had a hasty breakfast. Fortunately the man had brought a covered van, for it still rained. All the streams were swollen and at one point the coachman feared the water would be too high for him to see the bridge -- the rails, however, were visible and thank Providence we crossed in safety, though to see the driver send his 4 horses full gallop down the hill and charge right through the foaming stream made me hold my breath in surprise expecting -- I hardly knew what -- not certainly a safe transit. All however ended well and in a continued down pour we dashed up to the little Inn at River head.

Here we had to remain seven hours for the starting of the Gemini for Auckland. Right glad was I when near 3 o'clock I heard the Steamer whistle and I felt as though I was really nearing home when he left Riverhead behind us. I was still cooped up in the tiny cabin -- fortunately I had it all to

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myself. It was five when we hauled alongside the Auckland wharf.

11. Dined with the Bishop. In the evening took the chair at a "Spelling Bee" and a contest in singing between young people under 16 and those above 16. There were three sewing machines as prizes -- 2 of them valued at £5 each, the prize for the spelling bee valued at £3. It was somewhat amusing but I viewed the whole thing as a bore for had it not been for this "entertainment" (?) I could have left Auckland this morning and been at Shortland 24 hours sooner.

12. The Hauraki left Auckland at 11 -- I was at Home about 5. As usual when I go away I was "wanted" more than usual. There had been three funerals, one that of an old Pensioner I had know 25 years ago at Howick. 48 I deeply regretted I was unable to be present and read the Service.

The house seems very quiet and empty without Annette and Edith, and Tom, poor Tom, is positively unhappy, and I am certain Dick also misses Edith.

25. Meeting at my house of Ladies interested in the establishment of a Superior Ladies School determined to hold very shortly a Gift Auction to "raise the wind".

2 November. When I got up this morning at 5 o'clock it was a calm, promising looking morning and seeing from the Paper which comes generally after 6, that the Enterprise left Grahams Town wharf for Auckland at 11 a. m., I got all up in good time for our 8 o'clock breakfast, thinking that as Mamma and her luggage had been ready for a start for the last 48 [hours], she had better be off. The Enterprise is a cargo boat and to our dismay had 7 large cart horses standing on the deck immediately over the Ladies' Cabin; the fore part also was encumbered with 3 or 4 great drays, and amidships there seemed a pile of Household furniture -- however the

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sea looked as calm as a mill pond and the little wind there was being favourable I persuaded Mamma to sit down on her portmanteau on the deck amidst the furniture. Fortunately George Lawlor and his sister Mary were going up, so Mary sat herself on a chair close to Mamma, and George promised to look after both.

There was quite a crowd of people (passengers) on board. Blannie had accompanied me to the wharf to see the Enterprise off. On returning home I called in at the Telegraph office and sent a message to Colonel Haultain that she was coming -- and to Crowther to send a Carriage to meet the Enterprise. Then I went to Last's, the dentist, and had almost my "last" tooth extracted. I have but two more -- what a happy invention it was, the forming of artificial sets of teeth!

6. Heard from Mamma -- as I expected she had a miserable journey last Tuesday. She says: "For about an hour after the Enterprise started it was pleasant and calm. One of the sailors then began moving all the luggage below, saying it was going to be wet. I laid myself down on the deck and though the wind was cold I was tolerably comfortable. Then George Lawlor said the rain was coming and advised our going below, so he very kindly gave me his arm, took me to the Cabin then returned for his sister. I directly felt queer as the Cabin was close and full of people. However I managed to lie down on one of the bunks opposite the staircase and thus got more air than the others.

"The storm then commenced and it was rough!! Added to which the horses made such a noise overhead trampling with their feet, and they got frightened with the insecure footing on the slippery deck, and began plunging and kicking, and at last broke all the glass in the skylight. This frightened all the children and such a squalling and crying ensued! I was dreadfully ill and was most thankful George and Mary Lawlor were on board."

The next day Mamma rested -- on Thursday she called at Bishop's Court where she dined: the Bishop says the weather

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prevents his going to the Kaipara, so how to get our children back somewhat puzzles me.

15. Had letters from Kaipara -- Annette and Edith are still enjoying themselves but evidently longing to come home. A letter also from Mamma -- she goes to St John's College this afternoon. Took Blannie to the Theatre Royal to see "Hair at Law" performed by amateurs in aid of the Thames Mechanics Institute.

1 January 1876. To our very great joy about 8 o'clock on the evening of the 24th December a Telegram came from Coromandel, informing us that Martin had sailed at 6 p. m. and might be expected home some time during the night. This good news seemed to complete Anne and Edith's Christmas happiness. It was however 2 o'clock on Xmas morning before he arrived. Mamma however got up and had a long korero with him while he had his supper for he was very hungry. We had a right pleasant gathering round the breakfast table -- Anne making many saucy remarks on Martin's handsome bushy whiskers. Mrs Warrington is again our Xmas guest.

13. I had to attend the funeral of Wiremu Turipona's only son, the Maori lad who accompanied Martin and Charles Spencer that long walk, two or three years ago at Xmas-tide. Fortunately the Revd Heta Tarawhiti was on a visit to Parawai and took the service (in Maori of course): the only European beside myself was Mr Hogg. The gathering of Maoris was considerable -- Heta gave, to judge from the fixed attention of his hearers, an effective discourse just before the committal of the body to the Grave; and when he commenced the Lord's Prayer all knelt down on the ground and remained kneeling to the end. On the coffin the Natives had placed a large cross made of white flowers. The whole Burial was conducted with far more decency and order than many and many a European funeral that I have witnessed. Poor Wiremu Turipona, how I feel for him. Waranaki was just Martin's age, a little over 21.

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5 April. Yesterday, shortly after midnight, I was lying awake and suddenly became sensible of an increase of light in the room. I jumped out of bed and saw all Mary Street illuminated by a strong fire somewhere near -- roused Blanche and ran through the house rousing up all the Sleepers and then rushed into the Schoolroom, and a glance from the window showed me that the fire was in Pollen Street not, I should say, 200 yds from us.

Before I was quite dressed the fire bells were ringing and all Shortland seemed to be on the alert and running to the fire. We gathered a few valuables together and I sent them by Edith and Annette to the church yard across the road for safety, but almost immediately friends came running up, assuring me that nothing on earth could save my house and, in I should say twenty minutes, everything in my house was carried out and deposited in heaps on the opposite side of the mud road and in the Church yard. In the meantime the fire was rapidly consuming house after house till it had destroyed the corner house in Mary and Pollen Streets -- here there was a vacant allotment and then next came the Congregational Chapel in Mary Street only four doors off mine! The Chapel was speedily in a blaze from end to end and then I thought I was a ruined man -- for I was not insured and I knew that if my house went the Church would go, and my furniture would have to be removed again or be consumed also.

Blanche was so agitated our neighbour Mrs Hall got her in her house, for she was not fit to witness the excitement, confusion and noise outside. Annette also was taken in to Mrs Hall's: when the welcome news came there were great hopes the fire would be stopt at the Chapel. My "many friends" began taking in -- but much more leisurely -- all the things they had so briskly brought out. Before daylight my goods and chattels were replaced, but in most indescribable confusion in the house and on the verandah, and all fear of fire was at an end -- but we had had a fright we shall not forget as long as we live.

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20. Good Friday and Easter Day were kept by us as strictly as ever I remember them to have been observed in England. All Saturday, Clara Day, Annette and Edith were very busy decorating the Chancel and very beautifully they accomplished their labour of love.

On Easter Monday we had a gathering of all our Sunday School scholars and a considerable number of their Parents, in the Schoolroom. Prizes were distributed, songs -- recitations and dialogues by the children -- each of whom (and there were 340 present) received an apple, and very many of them a shock from Mr Severne's Electric Machine: so we got through two hours to the infinite amusement of the children and the delight and satisfaction of my three girls who have identified themselves so much with "the children" that their enjoyment is theirs also.

Tuesday we all felt tired. I had a bad cold and a sore throat. Edith also complained in the same way. Wednesday Edith preferred remaining in bed, but we thought nothing of her complaint. After dinner Blannie, Annette and I walked to Parawai and made several calls and did not get back home till tea-time: when Mamma met us with the startling news that Edith had the scarlet fever. We sent for Dr Fox and he confirmed Mamma's opinion.

All yesterday she was very drowsy and wandering in her mind and her body, they tell me, is like very red mahogany. Mamma is naturally very anxious: she tells me the illness has made Edith look the very picture of our poor dear Charlotte when she was struck down by the same disease. I do sincerely hope, however, that Edith's attack will not end as did poor Charlotte's; our present medical attendant is very different from the coarse, brutal and ignorant fellow we had at Howick. Up to the present moment Annette shows no sign of taking the disease. Edward has had it. The Doctor has just been. He says she is not, in his opinion, worse than last night -- but she is still "seriously" ill.

21. After we were all in bed last night (all except the Nurses Mamma and Blannie) a hasty knock came at my study door.

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Blannie went, and in walked Mr Binney -- he wanted then and there to take off Anne and Edward. "But they are in bed," said Blannie. "Never mind, bundle them out. Mrs Binney and the girls are in Auckland and they can go home with me and keep house for me for the next 2 or 3 weeks." Blannie got off the best way she could but he went away disappointed. It was intended very kindly but was out of the question, for many reasons.

22. "The Child is not dead but Sleepeth." This has been the burden of my thought ever since nine o'clock when my dearest Edith fell asleep.

Oh what a three days we have had, with no hope to anyone in the house but dear Annette who would not believe that she was in danger: and when a quarter of an hour before she breathed her last I admitted her and Edward into the interdicted bedroom to have a last distant look at their much loved sister. Poor Annette, I sent her and Edward to Mr Binney's after all, within the hour after all was over. I wish now we had not been in bed when Mr Binney came before and then perhaps they would have left the "house infected" at the first break-out. If Annette should take it Mamma is firmly of the opinion that she will succumb, if possible, more easily than has Edith.

My dear Brother and Sisters,

You must accept my journals in lieu of letters to you separately: beside Blanche and Blannie I know are writing fully to you. I think the Mail goes out tomorrow. I shall keep this open to say at the last moment how Annette is.

All well.

30. Annette and Edward left our kind friend Mr Binney's house yesterday afternoon: Edward, to my great joy, came home: Annette went to Dr Fox's -- by the by it is rather singular that Dr Fox is a relative of the Quaker Ladies with whom I went to school at Tottenham when I was 10 years of age! I have not spoken to Annette today but Mamma says she seems very well. Laus Deo.

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2 May. This morning brought us a copy of the Coromandel Mail of April 26th. The Editor has seen fit to insert the whole of the paragraph from the Advertiser of April 24th, relating to poor dear Edith's death and burial and in a few words with which he introduces it he says: "We take the following from the columns of the Thames Advertiser which records in affecting terms the death of Miss Lush, the daughter of the Rev. V. Lush and sister of our most respected and much esteemed Mr Lush of Coromandel, who holds a confidential position in the Bank of New Zealand." It was a pleasure to have Martin thus spoken of.

5. Heard that Annette was to have a ride with Dr Fox -- this will be a treat indeed. Called on a few of my Parishioners -- I foresee I shall have a great number of painful interviews during the next few weeks. I shall be thankful when dear Blannie has been the rounds for to her these tears and regrets will be more unrestrained and will be the harder to bear. I had also much difficulty in controlling my feelings in the afternoon Sunday School, the majority of the Teachers making their appearance in slight mourning: verily I never imagined that any one of my daughters would have had so many outward marks of respect shown to her memory, at least not one so young as Edith.

22. The Bishop came after tea and went straight back to Mrs Mackay's after the service, so I saw very little of him. He came, however, at 1.30 to dinner today; we learnt from him a bit of news that greatly interested us.

Mr Still, Mr John Selwyn's college friend, and now his associate in the Melanesian Mission, wished to marry Miss Nihill -- she however refused: and he came out here with the Selwyns some 2 or 3 years ago now. Last Xmas Still was in Auckland and telegraphed to her, asking if she still remained in the same mind. The reply was "No" -- she would come out to him at once. He went back to his Island home and his Missionary work a happy and rejoicing man and will shortly return hither in time to meet Lizzie and her mother on their arrival from England. Annette (who has kept up a

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correspondence with Lizzie ever since she left New Zealand -- when Bishop Selwyn left) is exceedingly pleased at the idea of seeing once more her former friend.

When Still comes over from Norfolk Island, John Selwyn will come with him and after seeing his friend married he will proceed to England, where his wife and children are. There he will remain until our next General Synod meets, when they will sanction his nomination as the new Bishop of Melanesia (Patteson's succesor) and the Primate will telegraph to the Archbishop of Canterbury requesting him to allow John Selwyn to be consecrated Bishop in England. The object of this is to let the Bishop of Lichfield have the pleasure of assisting at the consecration of his own son as Bishop of Melanesia.

16 July. A spendid day but cold, and consequently my poor leg was in constant pain, though I daresay my congregation knew nothing of it for I struggled hard to stand and kneel as usual.

17. Another splendid day and again very cold, and consequently my sciatica again very bad. I went to the Hospital at 12 o'clock and had an electric shock from my right hand to the toes of my right leg -- the shock was kept up for a couple of minutes and for a couple of hours afterwards I was quite free from pain.

I bought Anne a couple of sea-gulls to run about our garden; they are as useful as "plovers" are in a garden in England, feeding constantly on insects.

22. Today has been a most magnificent day, bright and calm and warm. Annie O'Keefe was to have been married this morning at 8 o'clock, but it was suddenly put off till next week. When we were at breakfast we saw several ladies congregating about the Church, so Annie Joslin went across and told them there was not to be a wedding -- at which they seemed very much disgusted, thinking they had been wronged to have been beguiled into getting up at six o'clock -- "all for nothing" as they said.

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29. Last night it began to rain, fortunately unaccompanied by wind and, more or less, all today the rain has fallen, greatly to the disappointment of all Miss O'Keefe's friends who wished her to have a fine day for her wedding; from the subjoined account, however, it will be seen that the "affair" went off very well indeed. Blanche and Annette were in the choir. 49

3 August. Cherry Fox spent yesterday and today with us -- her Mamma is moving into a smaller house, having sold to her late huband's successor at the Hospital, Dr Perstone, her large house. Cherry is a darling little thing and so fond of Annette and Edward.

23. Last week I took a trip up the river to a Settler's house about two-thirds on the way to Ohinemuri. The weather was fine and while I was away from home my rheumatism left me so I was enabled to enjoy my little outing. I went on Friday and returned on Saturday: the cutting annexed explains the object of my visit. 50

Last Tuesday Annette, Edward and I had breakfast at 7 o'clock in order to get to the Shortland wharf by 7.45 to see a small Steamer 51 launched. It was the first vessel I have seen launched and I was greatly interested.

25. I went to Ohinemuri by the Effort today. Being on duty I went "free". I reached Ohinemuri about 10 o'clock and walked straight to Mr Mitchell's house where I had Dinner and, the afternoon being far from fine, I remained in, sitting by a good fire all the afternoon.

26. After breakfast walked to Mackaytown -- 4 1/2 miles -- the roads were very muddy but by picking my way I did not any where sink deeper than my ankles. I called at almost every house but found the great majority of the people

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Romanists who all received me very cordially and I had a cup of tea at one place and dinner at another, and Allom lent me a horse to ride back, sending Piper, their hopeful son of 12, on ahead to reach the Mitchells' before me and wait there to bring back the beast. The two Miss Alloms rode with me so I had a pleasanter trip in the afternoon than morning. When I gave up the horse to Piper I did not go to the Mitchells' but walked on to Paeora [Paeroa] and finished the day by visiting all the Church people there. I got back to the Mitchells' by 5 and enjoyed my meat tea and a quiet evening.

27. Service at 11 a. m. at Paeroa and at 3 at Mackaytown. Mr Mitchell lent me a horse, otherwise I know not how I could have got to Mackaytown, for it had been raining heavily all night and the roads were impassable unless you were prepared to wade knee-deep in liquid mud. I had about 30 people in the morning and 26 in the afternoon.

28. Left the Mitchells' in the morning at 10 o'clock and called on a few people, ending at Lipsey's Hotel, 52 where I took possession of a tiny, neat parlour and sat down at a good fire. Shortly after one the maid brought in (unordered by me) my dinner: a roast fowl and mashed potatoes -- she asked what I would take, sherry or port! But I said I preferred beer, so I had half a pint of good ale.

I ate and read, leisurely and luxuriously, and about a quarter to two the maid came and cleared all away. Then about half past two Mrs Lipsey came and told me the Steamer was in sight, and asked after Mrs Lush, &c. I at last said, "I am sorry I have no money with me but I will settle with you for my dinner next time I come up." Out flared all her Irish feeling: "Now, your Riverence, do you think I would take a farthing from you? You're welcome to a dinner whenever you come up" &c., &c. So I thanked her and told her she was very good, and we parted good friends, at least as far as my own feelings went.

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The Steamer proved to be the Ruby, so I had an opportunity of judging for myself of the new boat and I must say she is a great improvement upon the Effort and the Pearl. I had my passage free -- moreover my tea also, as one of the Passengers insisted on paying for me! I don't know whether they all take me for a very poor man, but whatever motive induces this generosity, I take it all very thankfully and make no protest.

2 September. The weather is again very cold and wet and my rheumatism today has been very severe. At the earnest wish of a Lady I have today commenced using a remedy which she assured Blanche was infallible and the remedy is -- what do you think? If you guessed for a week I don't think you would find out -- a raw potatoe to be constantly carried in the "pocket of my pants" as the Lady expressed my trousers: I must confess that already I am in less pain, but whether through the efficacy of my vegetable "charm" I cannot say.

Mamma has just sent off two boxes this week: one a large one full of clothing for Mrs Rookes and children; in consequence of our mourning there has been a large quantity of coloured things to give away. The other box was but a small one and contained three wedding gifts for Jane Haultain who is to be married next Tuesday. The presents were a handsome drawing room inkstand from Mamma and me -- a sofa cushion really beautifully embroidered by Blannie, and a bread plate and knife to match from Annette.

16. Annette, Edward and I walked to the Cricket ground this afternoon to see a game of football -- between a team from Auckland and twelve of our own club. I don't admire the game -- it is frightfully dangerous and violent.

19 October. On going my round of the Hospital I thought to myself I would subject my rheumatic leg to the electric-magnetic battery, and the Dispenser gave me a continuous shock for 10 minutes. It has certainly given me much relief -- for how long, time will show.

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20. The Newspaper tells us that yesterday Mr Still was married to Miss Nihill; she was quite a fragile little girl when we first came to the Island and her mother looked in a rapid consumption. But her mother is still alive and Lizzie is now married. I suppose mother, daughter and son-in-law will all reside in Norfolk Island.

28. This morning's post brought us the following letter from Mr Basley, Coromandel. "Rev. and Dear Sir, Mrs Basley and myself will be very glad to see Miss Annette and we shall endeavour to make her comfortable for as long as she will stay with us and, as you say, our pure and fresh air is sure to make her strong again. I have a cow and will be able to give her as much new milk as she may wish for, beside fresh laid eggs and other country delicacies. I have the pony still, as well as a very nice rowing boat and so Miss Annette will be, with her brother, able to occupy her time very pleasantly, because when she is here I will let Martin have occasional days from the office."

That sounds all very nice for dear Annette. She left yesterday in the Steamer for Auckland.

7 November. I went up to Auckland and I was very thankful I had sent Annette up the week before: for I had a cold journey and did not reach Auckland till near 11 o'clock at night. I got a bed at the first Hotel I came to and the next morning walked to St Matthew's Parsonage in time for breakfast. Then went to the Haultains' and saw dear Anne, none the worse for her change -- in better spirits certainly -- though still looking too white and fragile. She accompanied me to the Bishop's where we dined, meeting Mr John Selwyn who looked very thin and seemed out of health.

From the Bishop's we called on Mr and Mrs Still (nee Nihill) and Annette was taken rather aback when in the tall, stately aristocratic lady she had to try to realize her former friend, Lizzie. However they got on very well together, but a separation of many years makes such a difference that the two quondam friends were hardly the same as when they parted.

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22. We have had a fortnight of unusual bustle. I went to Auckland to attend the Synod: when I returned home I found that Mamma had had a slight attack of English Cholera, sufficiently bad however to alarm Blannie who had Dr Payne in. Even now, three weeks after, she is very weak and can manage to take but a very short walk. On Saturday the Bishop 53 came and we had a confirmation. The Bishop left us for the up country on Tuesday the 14th.

27. Spent a long day visiting in the Parawai district. At 1 o'clock called in at the Joslins' and asked for a cup of tea and bread and butter. Louisa (our Annie's sister) speedily got me what I asked for and two eggs besides: then I had a plate of strawberries at the O'Keefes' and a tumbler of light wine at the Murrays', so I was not, as Mamma feared I would be, starved, though I was quite ready for my meat tea when I reached home at 5 o'clock.

30. Our house quite lively again: Annette is back and sunshine and gladness illuminate and cheer us all. The dear girl is, I think, wonderfully benefitted by the change she has had. I got Mamma up to breakfast on the plea that she would lose so much of the "narrative" if she were not at the table to hear Annette's account -- she kept us highly amused and interested. Speaking of Mrs Scott she called her a great tease, and said she so often said: "How would you like Miss Jervois as a sister-in-law?"

I glanced up at Mamma, and half a glance showed me a very grave and thoughtful expression on her face, nor did she say much the rest of breakfast time, but was evidently startled and alarmed at the idea of Miss Jervis for a daughter-in-law. The Jervises are a family -- Father, mother, one son about Edward's age and six daughters -- though all younger than Martin. They have only lately gone to Coromandel and, though very poor, are gentlefolk, and as there are very few gentlefolk at Coromandel and the girls play and sing, Martin naturally goes there a good deal. Annette says the eldest Miss

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Jervis (whom she describes as a very nice girl) is evidently making a dead set at Martin. "But," she added, "Martin is a darling discreet boy and pays attention to all the young ladies impartially." However Mamma has taken alarm and I doubt not will write a cautionary epistle to the "discreet boy"!

6 December. Mr and Mrs Tomlinson came here on a short visit: they reached the wharf about nine at night. I had to exchange duties with him and as the Steamer left for Auckland at 9.30 a. m. on Saturday, I saw very little of my guests on their arrival.

I had a pleasant trip up to Town which we reached about 2 o'clock: the train to Onehunga did not start till 5 so I had three hours to spare and walked up to Colonel Haultain's and the Hassards'. When at last I reached Onehunga I went to the Parsonage and the Cook and Housemaid had tea ready and waiting for me -- much to my satisfaction. The Housemaid had on a "cap": it struck me directly she came into the room -- I have not seen a servant in a cap since our own Betsy left off hers shortly after we landed in 1850.

The next day -- Sunday -- was very showery: the morning congregation was bad and the evening worse. I dined at the Symondses' and had tea with the Waylands where I met Mr Purchase. The next morning I left Onehunga by the first train, leaving Auckland by Steamer at 2.30. I got home in time to join the family and the Tomlinsons and Mr and Mrs Lawler at supper.

8. Had the following letter from the Bishop: "My dear Mr Lush, Mrs Cowie and I have decided that we shall be doing right in entrusting the Cathedral Altar cloth to your keeping, to be used at St George's until I or my successor shall ask for it to be returned. My sending it to St George's must be regarded as a token of my appreciation of the manner in which the services at St George's are ordered by you. Be so good as to let me know how the Altar cloth can best be sent to you.

"I leave for Taranaki tomorrow and expect to be back before the 17th. Mrs Cowie and I rode last week from

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Whangarei to Mahurangi, almost 150 [miles] (including detours) Moody and Sankey fashion, she doing the singing and I the preaching, in all the settlements on our route in churches, chapels, schoolrooms and halls. Yours faithfully, W. G. Auckland."

9. Wrote to The Bishop and thanked him for granting to me the privilege of being the custodian of the Cathedral Altar cloth. Further I expressed a hope that I might use it for the first time on Xmas day. As the Cathedral is not begun -- yea, nor thought of as I know of -- this committing the Cathedral Altar cloth to my care is practically making a present of it to S. George's. The Cathedral may not be built till the 3rd or 4th generation hence, and then the Bishop and Clergy may wish to beautify their Altar with a new cloth and not be content to receive back for that purpose one that will the have been in use many years at the Thames.

11. The congregations were good yesterday morning and evening. Katie 54 a native woman -- Lady Martin's protegee -- sat with Blanche in the choir and helped the singing much as she has a fine and strong voice.

20. Came today from the Bishop a parcel containing the Cathedral Altar cloth -- we eagerly undid it and spread it out amidst many exclamations of "Most handsome -- beautiful -- magnificent". We took it at once across to the Church and tried it on the old Table which proved too short and too narrow. So I went for one of my choir-men, a Cabinet maker and he took the dimensions and promised to have the new Table on my Verandah by Saturday night, so that we may smuggle it into the Church late on Xmas eve, in order that the new Altar cloth may be first seen on Xmas morning.

What the Orangemen will say to such a gorgeous piece of workmanship remains to be seen. They will have to get accustomed to it, though they should never like it. It was the work of one of the Sisterhoods in England: I must learn from the Bishop which did it -- whoever manufactured it, it

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must have been a great labour -- the work of many loving hearts and skilful hands.

26. I have had a busy time of it since Saturday last. Sunday the 24th my church was nicely filled both morning and evening; we had the Carols, and the congregation, I imagine, were very pleased from the attention they paid and the amount of the offertory collected -- £9-14-6.

Xmas morn broke bright and warm and I foresaw we were going to have splendid weather. The Services were as musical and joyous as we could make them and I think I have never heard the choir sing better. On the Sunday night when the Congregation had at length left the church -- for they went slowly and reluctantly, as though they wished there were more carols -- Mamma, Blannie, Annette and Edward, with a few more friends, remained behind to do our Xmas decorations. The old Altar was carried over to my house and the new one with its gorgeous covering fixed in its proper site.

Then I had to finish my sermon for Xmas morning -- then went very tired to bed: just as I got into my first sound sleep, awoke to a large party of men singing carols in the road opposite our bedroom windows. Again I went to sleep and a second time was disturbed by a party of men and women who sang carols, accompanied by some musical instrument and the effect I thought was good. But nothing equal to a third party of Cornishmen who for the third time woke me up out of my sleep by singing carols! So nicely that it was quite a pleasure to listen to them. I was thinking whether I ought not to go out and at least thank them, when I heard my immediate neighbour go out to them and invite them into his house for (I doubt not) a drink. I was glad to keep in bed for I am suffering from a bad cold.

20 January 1877. After living with us 5 years Annie Joslin has left us; she says to set up dress-making. Several -- I may say most of our parishioners who have spoken to Blanche on her leaving -- have said, "What a good servant Annie must have been to have staid so long in one place!": giving all the credit to the girl and none to the place. Blanche said to one

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person "Do you think however good Annie may be, she would have staid 5 years if the 'Place' had not been good also?" This shut that person up.

We have been 27 years in the Colony and have not yet known what it is to be without a domestic -- nor have we ever had, as a neighbour of ours often has, 3 servants in a fortnight!! There I should think the Place must be at fault as well as the domestics. We were repeatedly told before we came to the Thames that we could not keep a servant 6 months -- no one could -- and yet we have kept Annie 5 years. Now we are going to see how we can manage without one: Blanche thinks we can do very well. I give her a week: at the end of 7 days I prophesy she will be heartily tired of being without a servant.

22. Well I must own our first 24 hours in a servantless state has passed off very satisfactorily. The only domestic duty entailed upon me is to light the kitchen fire early in the morning and see the kettle is full of water. The supply of wood I have always looked to, so the loss of Annie goes not affect me much: excepting that it is a saving of 12 shillings a week.

4 February. This evening Lucy and Edith Hargreaves called upon us. Their visit was unexpected and upset dear Anne who has not seen them since she and Edith were staying with them at their home at Kaipara, a twelve month or so ago. The two girls have come here on a visit to their brother William, who is a clerk in the New Zealand Bank; I dare say they will stay a month or so.

We have had a letter from Sophy Kenny who wishes to come and stay with us towards the end of this month. She is Blannie's oldest and firmest friend. You ask about the Haultains -- when we went to Howick in '50 Captain Haultain, as he then was, lived at Panmure and we at Howick. We at once became acquainted with his family and have been intimate with them ever since. He is now Colonel Haultain and a Widower, Mrs Haultain having died a few years ago. His eldest daughter (a married woman, Mrs

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Swartz Kissling) is a little younger than Blannie: there are 4 other daughters and 4 sons. Colonel Haultain now lives in Auckland, close to the Hassards and St Matthew's Church, and whenever any of us go up to Town we can sleep there if we like. Another daughter, the 3rd, lately married her cousin, a Mr Wood, and it was on this occasion of her marriage we gave the wedding gifts you allude to in your last letter.

Our dear little Edward has left home and gone as a boarder to a Mrs Woolcott (sister to Dr Goldsboro's wife). He attends the Church of England Grammar School. The house is very quiet without him and our family circle smaller than it has ever been in New Zealand; 4 only! In this large house -- 10 large rooms beside Kitchens (2) and Servant's room (1) -- we are lost. But in this sultry weather we keep cool and have now for 3 weeks done, actually done and done admirably, without a Servant'. I hope it may last for 12 months -- the saving of 12 shillings a week servant's wages and the difference in grocery and butcher's bills will almost pay all dear Edward's at School and at Woolcott's.

Edward has written -- of his lodging he says: "I like lodging here, I think, pretty well. I had my first music lesson today." He means his first with Mrs Woolcott. He tells us also that he spent an hour in the Museum.

9. This is the first year we have hardly bought a kit of peaches, our own garden has yielded a good crop. This morning to please Blannie more than from necessity, we bought a Kit full from a native -- 48 magnificent peaches for one shilling.

13. This morning Mamma had a letter from Martin. "I gave," says he. "a party last night -- or rather I invited a few of the Choir here after practice, with Mrs Scott and Mrs Lloyd to play propriety and we had a very jolly evening. I forgot all about the size of the room when I asked them and as for seats, I had at the last moment to improve an old colonial sofa and made a very comfortable and respectable sofa of it, 'licensed to carry seven outside'. I gave them cake

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and biscuits and sherry and lime juice, and for amusement they sang glees for about two hours, and then home at about half past eleven. I got some Passion fruit for supper. I found myself with only two spoons, so I managed by gathering the Passion fruit at the last moment and giving them to them when they were just going, so that one half were inside putting on their shawls and the other half were using the two spoons. And the first lot came out and the second lot retired and reversed the order, do you see? I had no plates and only a mustard tin as a sugar basin, but did not apologise, as I told them they would have to take a Bachelor's quarters as they found them, and be thankful for what they could get! I almost think I was foolish to ask such a 'crush' but it gave me some opportunity of returning kindnesses to many who had shown far more to me!"

Poor fellow, I wish his Mamma or his sisters had been there, to have had things a little more comme il faut.

3 March. Persuaded Sophy to stay till Monday so yesterday, Blanche, Sophy and I made another "early" attempt to reach the Ohinemuri steamer in time: had breakfast at 6.30 and, fortunately, was on the wharf in good time. The weather has been splendid -- perhaps a trifle too hot -- but Blannie and Sophy saw our beautiful river to great advantage. It takes between 4 and 5 hours steaming to Paeroa (the chief town in the Ohinemuri district). They were both struck with the magnificent willows growing on the banks and the miles of peach trees, very many loaded with fruit. Had we been in a rowing boat we might have done what Martin has often done at Coromandel -- filled his boat with peaches. As it was we had a rapid passing glance at them.

We went to the chief Inn and had luncheon, and then started for Mackaytown, 4 miles off. The dust was fearful and the heat very oppressive. After walking about 3 miles I called in at a cottage occupied by a man and his wife who used to live in Shortland and we were most kindly welcomed and had a nice refreshing tea. After a long rest we set out again and reached Mrs Allom's at Mackaytown about 4

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o'clock: the Alloms used to live at Parawai -- he is J. P. and under-Warden, so the chief personage in the little community.

This morning we left the Inn at 7 and went straight on board the same Steamer, which brought us back to Shortland by 12 o'clock. The trip has cost me in all £2-5-3 but I am very glad Blannie should see the upper country and that she should have had the trip in company with her friend Sophy.

5. Sophy left us this morning per Steamer Rotomahana. I telegraphed to Colonel Kenny (her father) to meet her on the Auckland wharf at 3 o'clock.

24 April. A delightful letter from dear Edward. Inter alia. -- "I went to the Museum and read the account of the rock paintings Dr Haast discovered down South -- they are very ancient and very curious, 27 in all. A Maori was there today who showed me how they captured seals when he saw the stuffed one, and then went capering and Maori-war-dancing about with spears: called a Melanesian one 'no good' but the Maori ones 'Ka-pai', and he used them each differently."

When I see so many of the Colonial youths of his age smoking cigars and lounging about, aping fast fellows, how thankful I am Edward has taken up so keenly Natural history as a recreation.

3 July. This evening I am alone in the house: Mamma and the two girls have gone to a Ball at the Binneys' and I daresay will not be home till the small hours of tomorrow.

4. It was 2.30 before the three Graces came home. More than half my night's rest was over, for I rise at 5. They enjoyed themselves greatly -- there were between 70 and 80 persons present. I suppose Mamma will enter fully into the affair in her next letter.

16. Within 10 days Mamma and the two girls have been to three Balls!!! Each was a grand affair and from each they did not return till 2.30, 3, and 3.30 a. m. I could not have believed they would be guilty of such excessive dissipation!

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I hear from all sides that dear Annette was the "Belle" of the evening -- each evening. She was in great requisition for dancing and the result of all this unwonted excitement and tremendous exertion has been an utter prostration of body accompanied by severe neuralgia in the face.

19. The plumbers have come to lay down, throughout the house, pipes for the introduction of Gas. At first we are going to have it in our long passage and hall -- next into the Kitchen for a Gas-stove -- and ultimately into my Study. Dining room and Drawing room. I think it will be safer, less dirty and less troublesome than Kerosine lamps.

20. Lighted our passage with Gas. I think we were all as pleased as children with a new toy.

21. The gas-fitters finished their work this afternoon so just before tea we had three burners alight, one in the passage, another upstairs on the landing which illumines all the passages on that floor, and a third in our entrance hall.

24. I forgot to mention that Mamma and the two girls last week went to another great Ball, coming home at 3.15. Annette was, I am told, the decided Belle of the evening. I only hope she will not hear half of what was said of her, or I fear she might get conceited.

2 August. Splendid weather. Blannie and Anne walked to Tararu, I visited in Grahamstown and Mamma in Shortland. As far as visiting is concerned the "Three" are equal to one Curate -- and perhaps more amenable to my wishes than a curate might be.

4. Dr Payne last Monday went up to Auckland to be married to Miss Brewer. During his absence this week, his house has been in the hands of 3 or 4 women under Mrs Mackay's supervision, clearing, routing out and setting in order. What do you think they discovered under his bed -- two skeletons!!! What a horrible thing it would have been for his

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Bride when she comes "home" next week to have unexpectedly found two skeletons under her bed!

31 October. Such a gap! I can't help it. I have been to Auckland for a fortnight and have been more than usually busy. I had to return to Thames -- got home about eight -- there was a choir practice going on in the larger upper room and the street door was wide open -- lamp lighted -- so I walked in and took off my great coat and looked in all the downstairs rooms and then walked upstairs into the midst of the assembled choir ere Blannie and Annette knew I was in the house -- but I thought it would be easy for a thief to rob the lower rooms while the singing and music were at their height upstairs.

3 November. I had a letter from Blanche: she writes from Otahuhu where she is staying with our old shipboard friend Mrs Warrington. She says that on Tuesday, 30th October, Mrs John Kinder drove her from St John's College to the Newmarket station where she took a train for Penrose. "When I got there I found the driver of the Otahuhu omnibus was very ill, and his 'Bus had not been to Penrose for 2 days and would not be likely to be there before 6 p. m. if then. No conveyance to be had. The Station Master was very civil and said I must wait until 2.30 and I could then take a train to Otahuhu -- so I waited over two hours. When I got to Otahuhu could not get a boy to carry my luggage and did not know my way.

"I went as far as Hall's shop where I scraped acquaintance with him by telling him I knew his Father and Mother and asked him to get me a boy to show me the way to Mrs Warrington's and carry my baggage. Hall was very civil and did all I wished and here I arrived about 3.30, hot and tired with my long walk. Mr Warrington is well and pleased to see me. Her place is so pretty I am quite charmed with it."

24. We had peas at dinner -- and strawberries at tea -- today: both a great treat. The peas were exceeding good and the strawberries some of the largest and best I have ever seen -- a

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large number were altogether too big to be taken as one mouthful. Annette and I went to see a vineyard owned by a man of the name of Gough. The show of grapes was wonderful. I found he had several hogsheads of wine still left from a former vintage: having become rather disgusted with the beer I have lately had, I ordered of Gough 5 gallons of his homemade wine: if we like it, I think I shall drink wine and water this hot weather, instead of Ehrenfried's strong, heavy and heady malt liquor.

5 December. Poor Miss Haselden was assaulted by an angry woman, who was told that her daughter had been savagely beaten by the Mistress: well-knowing that she was alone here, her father at Mahurangi and her brother at St John's College, I volunteered to accompany her to the Magistrate's office -- which I did yesterday when the "case" was heard. The woman was fined £2 and costs -- altogether amounting to £2. 12. 6. -- and Miss Haselden shown to have been very gentle with the obstinate hysterical girl.

This morning the post brought me the following singular letter: "Pollen Street, December 5 1877. Dear Revd Sir, Allow me as a member of the human family to tender you my most sincere Thanks for the great kindness and consideration shown yesterday to a young Lady who, by force of circumstance, was placed in a position Never intended for her Program. Most respectfully yours, Edward Roeunau." This man is a German, a single man. Mamma has at once jumped to the conclusion that he was an admirer of Miss Haselden.

29. Left Thames by Rotoiti, a very long narrow steamer, at 11 a. m. and reached Auckland at 4 a. m., a very awkward hour. Walked up to the Hassards' but was unwilling to arouse the servants -- fortunately saw the Church door was ajar so I spent 2 1/2 hours in the Church -- infinitely better than pacing about the empty streets. Then went to the back of the Parsonage and by making a slight noise, set off the dogs (which were indoors) barking, and so effectively roused up the woman servant who quickly came and let me in and

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shortly let me into the dressing-room where I had a good wash.

About half after seven Mr Hassard appeared and told me he was going to an early celebration at St Sepulchre's -- so I went off with him. A quarter of an hour's walk brought us to Mr Dudley's Church: on our way he told me that Mr Still had determined to retire from the Melanesian Mission -- that Mrs Still (nee Nihill) could not "get on" with Mrs John Selwyn -- in fact that the two ladies had most sadly quarrelled and the upshot was that Mrs Still, baby and nurse, were going to England with the Hassards. Mr Still will then go back to Norfolk Island and take one more voyage among the Islands and then take his departure for a permanent residence in England.

12 January 1878. Letter from Edward written last Sunday evening. "... I have some sad news which you will be sorry to hear. Poor Mrs Kinder, the old lady, is fast sinking. Dr Goldsboro says she won't last long. Today the Cathedral bell was tolling and there is a report, for Mrs John Selwyn at Norfolk Island'." I sincerely hope Edward is altogether wrong about Mrs J. Selwyn: that would be a terrible blow to the Mission -- her removal so soon after Mrs Still's -- and Mr Bice an invalid, and now Mr Still withdrawing; if it were a mercantile speculation instead of a branch of the Church, I should expect a regular break up and abandonment of the Islands. But being what it is, through all these deaths and departures there will arise a new life and new strength: but for a time depression and mourning.

18 March. The chief piece of news is that dear Blannie is going on a visit to Norfolk Island! She sails in 10 days and may be away from home nine months.

It has come about thus. On Friday the 8th inst Mr Bice and his wife (nee Eliza Maunsell) and little boy, came here on a visit. They staid from the 8th to the 14th and on the evening of the 13th they asked Blannie to go back with them on a long visit, and to our surprise and delight she accepted the unexpected invitation, and today she and Mamma have

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been up to their eyes in needlework -- cutting out, fitting, &c.

Mrs Bice is the counterpart of Blannie -- they are almost as alike as two peas: this is the first time she has visited us since her marriage. It is true there have been very few opportunities, for the far greater portion of her married life has been spent in Norfolk Island. Their little son, Charlie, 5 years old, is a dear little fellow, talking English with difficulty but Motu fluently. We were quite sorry when they left but Mrs Bice had to visit many friends and do a great deal of shopping, and only the remainder of this month to do all in for the Southern Cross sails on the 1st of April I believe. I do hope I may be able to go up to Auckland with our dear Blanche and see her safe and comfortable on board.

Martin writing from his new quarters, Wai-pu-ku-rau, says: "I am rather pleased with my first impression of the place: the whole tone is considerably higher than of Waipawa. The village and part of the surrounding country belongs to the Hon. H. R. Russell and he will not sell any property but leases it all to revert to a town council in 99 years time, so as to make the place when we are dead and gone, the richest city in New Zealand as he says. He will not allow any public house in the place beyond the one now here, and indeed he will not allow a house to be built before he has seen the plans, so we have a small but pretty clean looking and prosperous village but very much under the thumb of his Lordship, as he is rather irreverently named. He gave a ball last Thursday -- I was favoured with an invitation but did not enjoy it much. I am going to call there this afternoon."

19. Mamma and Blannie very busy trying to get ready for her trip to Norfolk Island: it requires almost as much preparation as tho' she were going to England.

20. Edward's letter is all but utterly illegible. I must have a row with somebody soon about his horrid writing, but am uncertain whether to attack Mr Adams or Edward. I can with difficulty make out: "Mr Bice told me he had a splendid

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ride with you and Annette one day and enjoyed himself prodigiously."

22. Yesterday was a gala day at the Thames. The Governor came. There was a general holiday and the weather was superb but we spent most of the day indoors, Mamma and her daughters still very busy work work working.

I attended the Levee -- that is all the part I took in the festivities. Just before I went into the large room of the Pacific, where the Levee was held I asked Captain Goldsmith what sort of looking man was the Governor -- how should I know him? Goldsmith said: look out for the ugliest and fattest man -- a man just like a burly English farmer and you are safe, that that is the Marquis of Normanby. So I went in and truly there he was, very big -- very good tempered looking -- stretched out his hand, shook mine heartily and exclaimed, "What a glorious day we have had." I was so taken aback I almost forgot to make my bow. We did not go to the Ball -- partly because it was Lent -- partly because we thought it would be very mixed: as it was.

9 April. For the last fortnight we have had most glorious weather: so I hope dear Blanche had a pleasant voyage to Norfolk Island, and has commenced her sojourn there in comfort. The Southern Cross left the Harbour on the 2nd of April about 2 o'clock. The Mission Party and a few friends assembled at St Mary's Church at 10 o'clock for Holy Communion, and then we all walked down to the wharf and went on board. The intention was to weigh anchor and start at 12 -- but the "Cook" was not to be found and the chief mate and a seaman had to go and hunt him up. So it was 2 before they took ship and we returned home again. Blanche seemed in good spirits: Mrs Bice and Mrs Vanguard will be her lady companions -- Mr Bice, Mr Penny and Captain Vanguard the gentleman on board, a small but very-likely-to-be pleasant party.

From a letter we received from Edward this morning we learnt that "the Southern Cross after sailing put back and

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anchored off the Bream Rock", but Edward does not say for how long.

10. Mrs John Selwyn left behind her four children -- the infant 10 days old, also a very fine little boy now with the Bishop of Melanesia, and two little girls which Mrs John Selwyn left at Lichfield under the care of their Grandmother.

12. My day for holding a Bible class at Mrs Addey's Girl school and Schofield's boy school. These are the two chief Private Schools on the Thames. There are six large Public (Government) Schools, but in them not a word of religious instruction is allowed to be given.

13. Startled this morning by hearing the Bishop of Litchfield had died on the 11th. The news of course came by Telegraph. 55

17 May. While in my dressing room, shaving at the "Windsor" I saw a carriage and pair drive up to the Post Office opposite, and a Maori (Gentleman) alight and go into the Money department. The Driver, an Englishman, was very -- I was going to say obsequious -- but decidedly civil to the Rangatira. I don't mention this as an extraordinary sight -- far from it -- but illustrative of the well-to-do condition and civilized ways of the Natives. The air of assurance and independence with which this Native came out of the Post office and quietly waited while the Pakeha opened the carriage door for him, could hardly have been exceeded by a West end aristocrat.

18. The Bishop and Edward arrived by the Rotomahana this evening at 8 o'clock. A native Church Board is to be held at Parawai on Monday and some dozen native clergymen came down from Auckland with them. I had provided a carriage

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for the Bishop, and Edward and Wiremu Turipona provided two carriages for the Maori clerics who went on to Parawai, the Bishop coming to my home.

About 10 o'clock the Bishop retired to his bed-room and after a short talk with Edward I was about to go to bed when a violent knocking took me to the front door and a woman entreated me to go with her to Sealey Street as a lad 12 years of age was dying from croup and had never been baptized. I at once went with her and when we got close to the house I exclaimed, "Why, the house is in flames!" I rushed to the back door and called out, "Your house is on fire!" Two young men came out and the confusion which ensued was for a few minutes terrible -- but fortunately 2 or 3 young men, close at hand, extinguished the fire; a few more minutes to get a firmer hold and the flames would have had the mastery.

The Boy was very ill -- I at once baptized him and before I had finished the Doctor arrived and took very active measures but had to leave to go to another child a few streets off who was dangerously ill with croup. I staid with the lad for about an hour and then was glad to get home.

19. Very cold. Nikorima Pototara brought the Bishop a horse about 9 o'clock and he and Nikorima rode off for Keri Keri where the Bishop holds a native confirmation. I went to see the lad I had baptized last night -- he had got over the worst and was quietly sleeping, but had been very ill all night.

The next day the Bishop, George Maunsell (who slept at our house) and I walked over to Parawai to attend a sort of Maori Synod. It began with a Celebration at 9 -- and ended at 5.30 or thereabouts with a recess of 1 1/2 hours for dinner. The Bishop and I and George Maunsell and the chief Maories -- numbering about 40 -- dined under a long tent put up in Wiremu's garden. The rest, some 40 more, dined in two smaller tents pitched close by: I had pigeon and ham -- potatoes and kumaras and a capital rice pudding (baked) with plenty of eggs and milk in it. All was of course native

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cooking and excellent. Nothing stronger than water to drink -- which as it was not filtered the Bishop refused to drink. Directly we sat down to tea at my house, I suggested to his Lordship a glass of beer -- I believe he enjoyed his -- I know I did mine and not one but two!

29. Letter from Alfred dated 9th April; also after a silence of almost 12 years I received a long letter from Anne Sainsbury! 56 She seems to have a flourishing school and teaches music!!!

31. A day or two ago Captain Fraser sent me a Hare. I sent to him the following letter: "My dear Sir, Many thanks for the Hare. It is now close upon thirty years since I tasted one, so you may imagine I am looking forward to my dinner with many pleasurable anticipations. Yours faithfully, &c."

Yesterday Pussy was placed on the Table, beautifully roasted and splendidly stuffed, with lots of gravy -- red currant jelly -- melted butter and everything proper for the palate of an Epicure: and the Epicure enjoyed his dinner while his wife and daughter thought it nought. Today I had for dinner the remainder of the Hare hashed, and some being left I shall finish it for supper -- for if it be that another 30 years pass before a Hare is given me again, I should be, if indeed alive, too much like Barzillai, a very aged man unable to taste what I eat and what I drink, so I shall make the most of the Hare given to me in the year 1878!

5 June. Annette received a letter from Mrs Warrington, saying as she needed a change of air she thought she would run down to the Thames if we could receive her: Annette will write and say we are very pleased she should come.

Now we have gas in my study -- dining room -- drawing room and kitchen -- and the bracket of the gaslight in the kitchen, I have a long flexible tube reaching to a table beneath -- on which is placed a small stand (circular) perforated with minute holes and when the gas which comes out of these holes is lighted, it forms a circle of minute jets of

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flame and a small kettle I had made on purpose will boil in 5 minutes: so now when I get up at 5 I can without trouble or loss of time make myself a cup of tea. We shall use this small gas stove also on Sunday afternoons, to boil the water for tea: and so let the Kitchen fire go out after breakfast or after Dinner.

25. The day long looked forward to of our own Organ Recital -- and now, 9 a. m., such a day -- a leaden sky and raining in bucket fulls: should it continue it can hardly fail being a great failure. However in the midst of our gloom and depression we were cheered by receiving a letter from dear Martin.

26. Well, the 25th has come and gone and, mirabile dictu, the Organ recital has been a great success. I say "wonderful to say" because it rained heavily and steadily from early dawn up to about 4 o'clock. When it ceased -- and though it was dark overhead and frightfully muddy beneath, we had to open the Church doors 10 minutes before the "7.30", there were so many people standing outside, waiting for admission. Before 8 o'clock the Church was comfortably filled and all the Choir were present except two -- a treble and bass -- both prevented through illness. Pomare (a native priest) sat with me in the chancel, vested in surplice and stole.

Pomare came and had supper with us. His "people" or parish is far from here, to the north. Wherever I went today I was congratulated on the performance and the large number who attended: as many said--"if so many could be found to turn out in such miserable weather, how large a number would have assembled under favourable circumstances." Two gentlemen who had staid at home said to me: "Of course you will repeat it when the weather takes up" -- but I told them that they need not expect it, and this evening's Star expresses a hope that the Recital will be repeated. But I have no wish to pander to the selfishness of such Fair-weather Xtians.

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27. Our new servant Eliza promises to be an excellent one: she is very painstaking and respectful and good tempered -- and gets up early without calling.

2 July. The long wished for letters from dear Blanche came from Norfolk Island this morning. The Wolverine, a Man of War, touched there a fortnight ago and took all their letters to Sydney and from Australia they were forwarded to us. When she wrote she had not heard from us and was therefore beginning to feel home-sick. I do hope the many letters we have written to her have reached her ere this "all in a lump" just as five or six letters reached us. I have numbered them in red -- 1, 2, 3, &c. -- so my sisters will have no trouble in reading them in order. The few people who have as yet heard of our joy in hearing of the long absent one have seemed as pleased as ourselves, for beyond any question dear Blannie was a great favourite with all who knew her.

12. A very fine day -- a wonder as times go. We all (Mamma, I and Anne) went out after dinner in various directions. I was the first to return and finding it getting cold went towards the drawing room window to take down Dickey's cage, to hang it up in the Greenhouse, when to my surprise I saw a Lady sitting in the room, reading. I went in and beheld Mrs Warrington. She had just arrived and had her bonnet and wraps on and her luggage around her. I speedily showed her into Annette's room and went and told Eliza to hasten the tea. Eliza it seems had somewhat demurred in allowing a perfect stranger (to her) admittance and I dare say was somewhat relieved at finding the "Stranger" was cordially welcomed by me. We, Mrs Warrington and I, sat down to tea before Annette returned and she in her delight gave Mrs Warrington a somewhat boisterous welcome, and then shortly after Mamma returned and Mrs Warrington had no reason to complain of her reception: for I doubt if her own mother and sister could have received her more kindly.

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Her visit was wholly unexpected -- she came self-invited and from her luggage I hope will stay two or three weeks.

22. Mrs Warrington is still with us: she is very fragile, easily upset, cannot walk but very short distances, and cannot bear a noise. Blanche thinks she is fast failing. She is no trouble to us and I hope she will make a long stay.

Annette was at another Ball last week: she came to me before she left home and I thought I had never seen her look so charming, so I was not surprised when told she was thought the nicest looking girl present. She is not by any means beautiful -- but she has beyond all question a very intelligent face and she enters into the enjoyment of the evening and looks highly animated and happy, and being entirely free from all self consciousness, no one can fail of being struck with her bright expression.

I have had made for her a large aviary for her canaries. It is about 12 feet long by seven feet broad; adjoining our greenhouse, in fact the glass front of our Greenhouse now forms the outer side of the aviary and the Aviary is separated from Greenhouse by wire work: so looking into the Greenhouse from our Drawing room windows the birds seem at first sight to be flying about among the flowers. It looks very pretty from the drawing room and the Birds seem charmed with their big cage.

7 August. Mrs Warrington, after staying with us exactly a month, left this day at 11.30 a. m. The morning was the calmest and brightest we have had since she came and we thought of the pleasant trip to Auckland. As she had but very little luggage I carried her things and we started to walk to the steamer: it looked so summer-like that I left my umbrella behind and went out in my usual thin alpaca coat -- but I should have remembered the Quaker's maxim of always taking his umbrella when fine -- and doing as he thought best with it when decidedly raining, for Mrs Warrington and I had got about half way to the Steamer when, most suddenly and unexpectedly, there came down a sharp shower -- almost

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a tropical shower, so I placed her in a shop and went and called a carriage and thus secured her reaching the Lady's Cabin dry and comfortable.

17. We have heard sad news. First that the Macdonalds are going to live at Napier: then that a young girl 21 years of age, on a visit down here, has not been heard of since 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon: she went out for a walk and it is supposed she has lost herself in the bush. The departure of the Macdonalds is a terrible loss to us. Mrs Mac was Blanche's best friend and we are all fond of Flora.

19. The girl who missed her way and was lost in the bush was found about 5 o'clock on Saturday evening, lying in the fern about 2 miles beyond Puriri, "lying quite unconscious and almost near death's door", to quote this morning's newspaper. As she left her friend's house on Friday she was wandering, without food and shelter, for upwards of 24 hours, during the whole of which time it was very cold, and the greater part it rained heavily.

20. Yesterday evening I went at 7.30 to a meeting at the Governor Bowen Hotel, called by our Warden Captain Fraser for the purpose of deciding upon some way of testifying to the high esteem in which Mr J. E. Macdonald has been held. A committee was formed and got 98 £ collected in the room.

Last night Blanche, Annette and I went to a farewell supper given by the Puckeys to the Macdonalds. It was rather a large gathering -- we went about 8 and returned about 1.

21. We have had another packet of most welcome letters from dear Blannie. I need not say more of them as all will forthwith be forwarded to Hollingdon -- excepting this -- that the Mission party seem very sensitive of their doings being made too public, so Alfred must be careful how he introduces any portion of B's interesting letters at any Soirees or Missionary meetings: avoid names if possible.

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29 October. We had a practical illustration of the proverb "Birds of a feather flock together" this morning. Annette went as usual immediately after breakfast into the Greenhouse (attached to which is the aviary) to feed her canaries and she noticed a remarkably fine dark green canary clinging to the wirework on the outside -- a stranger -- some pet perhaps lost by a neighbour. She opened the Greenhouse door and the Beauty flew in -- then she called me and I ran and closed the Greenhouse door and we opened inner door and by a little manoevuring succeeded in driving it into the aviary: it is a fine bird, larger and much darker than our canaries.

Last night we had a little party which ended with an impromptu dance. Among the few there were 2 Jews, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Romanist -- the rest Anglicans.

30. Another small party tonight. I hope Carry [Haultain] won't think us dissipated, but these gatherings are for her amusement. This morning she and Annette, under Mrs Murray's care, went out for a two hours row in the Naval Brigade boat -- 8 Oars -- As the men wore their summer costume, it looked like a man of war boat and presented a very pretty object on the water.

5 November. Martin still here but may be recalled any day. He has been a great happiness to us during his fortnight's stay. It was singular that the Bank should have sent him down just at the time Carry Haultain was on a visit. I think beyond a question his presence has added vastly to her enjoyment. He is very quaint and original in all his remarks and there is more laughing than eating at all our meals. Poor dear Annette will sadly miss his perpetual plaguing and his accompaniments on his flute to her songs in the evening.

We have had a second small party (on Martin's account) and very pleasant it was: a few dances to prevent the young people getting dull but over and all away by 11.30.

6. Martin still here. The "Three", Martin, Annette and Carry, went to Tararu this afternoon. The Gardens were

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brilliant in flowers and strawberries just coming in -- so they had a large plateful for a shilling and Martin brought home a shilling's worth (1 lb) for tea. We were able to send a few to a sick neighbour. The strawberries in my own garden are hardly formed yet. The weather has come in very sultry.

9. Carry left us this evening. She, Annette and Martin had hardly left our house to go to the Steamer when the Postman brought a letter from Norfolk Island from dear Blannie and one to me from Mr Bice. Blannie's will be forwarded very soon -- Bice's I should like to keep and therefore will here jot down the paragraph which refers to Blannie.

"Your daughter is well and the greatest help and comfort to us and to everyone else. Our children are all down with whooping cough and her services are more than usually precious. I sincerely hope she has enjoyed her visit. We shall be very sorry to lose her. She has taught little Robert to play so nicely and I feel very grateful to her. I hope she will spend Xmas with you and in this she cannot fail unless the vessel is more than usually detained."

30. Blanche, dear Blannie, home once more. Thank God; her return though long expected came upon us rather suddenly. Last Tuesday, 26th, we had a Tea fight and concert in aid of the Sunday School. In the midst of the eating and drinking a lad came to me and said: "Please Sir, Mr Purnell wants you at the door." I thought there was some quarrel and that Purnell wished me to act as peacemaker but when I reached the porch I found a telegram for me. I was nearly putting the envelope and its contents into my pocket, thinking it would keep, whatever it was, till the entertainment was over, when I altered my mind and opened it to see what Martin or Edward had to say -- to my great astonishment and delight I read: "Boysie and I hope to be down tomorrow by Rotomahana." This was news and I think I displayed wonderful control over my feelings by keeping the "good news" all to myself -- with the exception of my wife -- till I got up just before the concert commenced to say a "few words". This

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announcement was received by all with much applause which testified to dear Blannie's popularity in a way that gratified me exceedingly.

But when I sat down I found myself just behind Annette who greatly amused those of the Choir within hearing by giving me a "sound rating" for being able to keep the news to myself.

Blannie however did not come the next day for the Rotomahana ran to Coromandel instead of Thames, so we had to wait till Thursday and then till 9 p. m.! All the luggage came to hand this morning -- excepting the Parrot -- and we have been very busy unpacking on the Verandah -- not in the house -- in order to capture and destroy any cockroaches and ants which might be hiding among the things, and it was a good precaution for we killed many. One box was full of ripe bananas and we have taken a few round to many of our friends. I never liked them -- the bananas, not the friends -- before and I now know why. I never before tasted the fruit that had ripened on the tree: all I tasted before had been gathered unripe, to stand the packing and the keeping. These Blannie bought were but a week off the trees and when gathered were already ripe.

8 December. Boysey, or Robert, is gradually domesticating himself with us. Blannie manages him chiefly and has the sole arrangement of his Schooling: he begins to play the piano, little tunes, very nicely. It is really very gratifying to witness the cordiality with which Blannie is welcomed at every house she enters.

About a month ago I had a letter from the Sir Winfred Lawson Lodge of Good Templars stating that "they" (who?) had after long deliberation passed a resolution that all the Christian Ministers on the Thames should preach a sermon on Total Abstinence on the 2nd Sunday in December and asking me to let them know if I would join as they wished to advertize the Churches in which the "Temperance Sermons" would be preached!

I simply acknowledged the receipt of the circular but said

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not a word as to acceding to their request -- for -- what next? The Protestant alliance might in solemn secret conclave demand a sermon -- then, the Orange lodge -- where is it to end if you once admitted their right to use the pulpit on the Sunday as a vehicle for the spreading of their own peculiar views? However, though I ignored the S. W. L. lodge of G. T. I am going to preach, and if any rabid Total Abstainers are present hoping I shall be delighted to advocate their extreme notions, they will be taken rather aback when I give out as my text the 28 v. of Ecclesiasticus. 57

1 January 1879. A general holiday and a decidedly fine day for picnics by land and water, and every one is out but those who can't get out: Edward and Annette for instance are on the sick list -- the former worse than the latter. Mamma and I of course are at home -- we are too old and staid to go junketting about, but dear Blanche and Martin have joined a large party who have gone up the Kaueranga Creek, where I dare say it will be pleasant enough barring the terrible plague of musquitoes.

Martin arrived at home in the middle of last night. He has now left the bank -- he spends one month at home and on or about the 1st February he joins Mr Tyler as an articled clerk! He already seems happier than he has been for some time back.

2. Mamma and Annette went to an afternoon "tea" from 3 to 5 at the Ehrenfrieds'. There was a large party in the garden: plenty of nice cake: tea: and small talk (I hope not scandal). When we were finishing our tea they returned and were ready for some more!

3. Martin most of the day reading for his Law examinations. He seems in good spirits.

4. The weather very sultry. Martin has a bad sore throat: in all other respects he is very well. But there is a case of scarlet

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fever in Shortland and we get terribly fidgetty when we hear of scarlet fever.

8. Martin, Blannie, Annette and Edward and Boysie all went to Parawai to witness a cricket match between a team of eleven from Taranaki and our local club. A more than usually strong hit sent the ball flying high through the air towards the bench on which Blannie was sitting. Her little protege Boysie was standing about 6 feet off in front and, singular to say, the ball descended exactly on the top of dear little Boysie's head, knocking him down with violence. There was a rush of many to the screaming lad to pick him up and carry him to Blannie who was terribly alarmed -- but fortunately he had a stiff straw hat on and we think the rim saved the boy's head, for when he had recovered from his fright he did not seem the worse for the blow. "Auntie" however as a precautionary measure gave him a dose of castor oil (poor boy) on reaching home.

14. Mrs Nihill came this evening: she went on board at 4.30 -- but did not arrive at the Goods wharf, GrahamsTown, till 11 o'clock. Six hours and a half! Poor lady, she seemed very exhausted when she got here.

15. Blannie, Boysie and Mrs Nihill paid a visit to the Dentist; the three needing his professional services.

16. A splendid day, the heat being tempered by a refreshing breeze. Mrs Nihill, Mamma, the two sisters and Edward and Boysie took a carriage drive to KeriKeri -- and enjoyed it exceedingly.

18. Very hot. Much sickness about especially among the children. Had a letter from Lady Martin, written from Torquay. She says: "We were much pleased to make acquaintance with your brother while at Ilfracombe, and Mrs Selwyn saw him too for your sake. He has very cosy lodgings on a hill overlooking the pretty village; he made us have afternoon tea and then we walked down to look at his

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Church which is small but very pretty and the surroundings are all in perfect order. He kindly let us see Blanche's journal letters from Norfolk Island: I felt sure that the dear child would allow me to read them."

Mrs Nihill left us this afternoon. The Steamer started at two o'clock, so she will get to Auckland at a pleasanter hour than she arrived here: 7 o'clock in the evening instead of 11 at night. Next Monday night she starts for England.

20. Teddy Heywood came from Auckland to spend a week or so with Edward. Martin took Anne to Foy the Photographer a day or two ago -- and the card came to us today. She is taken in her hat and Mamma, Blannie and Edward think it abominable!

25. An exceeding hot day. This morning we all got up early for we were to breakfast at 7, as the Steamer was to leave at 8, and Anne was to go to her Godfather's, Colonel Haultain, for a fortnight's visit. I, Martin, Edward, Teddy and Boysie accompanied the "Joy of my heart" down to the Wharf and there learnt that the Steamer met with an accident yesterday and had to return to Auckland under sail, last night, and that there would be no means of leaving Thames until this evening. The Alloms were in the same disappointment for Amy was to be Anne's fellow traveller.

Another Steamer, the Enterprise, left for Auckland at 11 p. m. (!) and Annette and Amy were in her -- a night trip but the sea was perfectly calm and the night very warm.

30. We had a telegram from Mr Gudgeon who promised to look after the two lasses on the Sunday, to say he had seen them safe in a carriage at 7 o'clock. We had a short note from Annette written about noon on Sunday saying she was quite well and that she arrived at the Haultains' very unexpectedly to them -- before anyone was moving -- but that the Colonel and Nelly and Carry seemed very pleased to see her.

5 February. I articled Martin to Mr Tyler, paying £100 premium. Edward and Teddy reached Auckland rather late

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on Monday. They walked to Teddy's mother's house in Remuera, getting there before 11 p. m. Mrs Heywood however was sitting up for them and had tea ready.

14. St Valentine's Day. At breakfast the Postman came: Boysie ran to the door and came in loaded -- not with foolish Valentines but with the English Mail which came to the Thames last night.

18. Yesterday we heard from Anne: her letter is dated from Otahuhu. "On Tuesday we went to the Martins' 58 -- we got there about 7 p. m. On Thursday Mrs Martin, Mr Warrington and I drove to Howick. First we went to the Macleans' 59 who have made a first rate place of their farm, such beautiful trees growing up and all so tidy and nice, Mrs Maclean as jolly as ever. She did not know me, but was very affectionate when she found out who I was.

"Afterwards we drove through the village and stopped at the Parsonage where we saw the Halls -- the place I recognised at once: the laburnum tree and the Norfolk Island Pine in the corner are there yet, and the round bed -- but it looked very neglected. The Martins were so kind to me I quite enjoyed my two days there. What do you think is the report -- Miss Thorp 60 is to marry Bobby White?"

Bobby is very small, short and thin. Charlotte is six feet two and proportionately stout -- if they do marry we may say of them "extremes meet".

3 March. The most cheering part of yesterday's work (1st Sunday in Lent) was my Sunday School, though I had to speak very strongly about the conduct of some boys attending St George's Church. I have however an idea that the worst behaved of these overgrown louts do not belong to my Sunday School at all.

14 April. I hear that about 600 of the Thames residents left

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Thames on Saturday evening by the Rotomahana and Enterprise, 400 of whom at the least were Volunteers -- the voyage was made in a little over 6 hours. After getting a breakfast they started from Auckland by Train at 7 and reached Hamilton by 2 o'clock where they were received by the Mayor and Corporation. With the Waikato Volunteers they mustered nigh upon 500. There was a Church Parade at 5, Calder 61 officiating. But what a desecration of the Sunday! The Paper says the men are very jovial and the residents along the line turned out to cheer the train as it passed. I fear most of the men forgot the solemnity of Good Friday in the excitement of preparation and thought nothing about the glorious events of Easter Day in their new pleasure of "going to play soldiers".

16. A very lovely day. After dinner I went to Grahams Town wharf to shake hands for the last time (?) with Wildman. 62 There is now as far as I know only one M. A. of Oxford on the Thames -- Mr Perry -- and only one of Cambridge (myself). At one time there were sufficient University men to man two boats: five in each, but that did not last long.

23. A very cold, wind and wet day -- shortly after breakfast a carriage and pair drove up to our door and Nikorima called upon me to ask me to go at once with him to Parawai to baptize a child 3 months old, dangerously ill. "Yes," I said, "I will go but I must read the service in English." "All right." Then I said, "But where is Wiremu, your own Minister?" "Oh, he's at Mercury Bay, ill, and roads too bad to travel." So I was quickly ready and went with him.

At the Rob Roy Hotel we got out, the road for the rest of the way being unfit for any vehicle: Nikorima took me across some fields to a nice looking house and I went into a bed-room where I saw Brown, a nice looking old Native, the Lay-reader, two women, a man and a little girl, one woman

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crying and nursing a pretty babe evidently suffering from inflammation of the lungs. I baptized the little kotero 63 "Elizabeth Wynward" 64 and after a short stay returned to the Rob Roy with Nikorima who told the Driver to take me back to my house. Thinks I to myself -- why -- this Maori has behaved more civilly to me than any of the white people would have done.

I thought I should have the carriage to myself, but it stopped and the driver got down, opened the door and let in two very old, very ragged and very dirty natives: who smiled graciously at me and each held out a paw for me to shake. This done we went on a bit further and the carriage stopped again and this time the driver (an Irishman I think) touched his hat as he opened the door to a very grandly dressed Maori lady, who took her seat by my side, but without noticing me or her two poor humble country people on the seat opposite. The Lady was a long time putting on her violet coloured french kid gloves -- I noticed she had handsome jewelry -- ear-rings, brooch -- chain and rings. Thinks I to myself, what a pity I can't talk Maori, I would find out who you are.

Suddenly she turned round and looking at me said in very good English -- "What sad news this morning's paper contained." "Indeed," I said, "I have not seen the paper. What is the news?" "The death of the Prince Imperial of France." I asked for particulars -- she said: "The details" (laying a stress on the word) "are not of course given, as the news was telegraphed but he was out reconnoitering and was surprised by the Zulus and shot." And then after a pause she said "Poor Mother, how very sad for her." Here the carriage stopped and she and the two others got out and I was again alone and shortly after reached home.

8 July. Since my last entry I have made an excursion to Ohinemuri. I left here at 1.30 on Wednesday, reaching Paeroa about 8 o'clock. I went straight to a Mr Phillips, a

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store keeper who has lately built a large house: by him I was hospitably entertained until I left on Friday at noon. Thursday fortunately was fine and though the roads were very muddy I managed to make good round of visits -- baptizing 4 infants. I was on foot, walking and talking, from breakfast till tea at six o'clock and I fear I am beginning to get old -- or to feel old -- for I must confess I missed my dinner and my 1/4 hour's sleep after dinner, and felt slightly disgusted that the Phillipses had only bread and butter for tea -- no meat! And, bread and butter for breakfast and Ditto repeated for tea, and no nice supper to make up for it, was rather hard on me after a toilsome day's work -- however I slept well and the next day, Friday, I had a piece of cold chicken at 11 o'clock just before I left their house for the Steamer. This boat, the Pearl, was too small for a canteen or kitchen or Steward, so nothing was to be got in the shape of creature-comfort till I got to Home Sweet Home about 7 o'clock. Annette was the first to meet me and throwing her arms around my neck she exclaimed, "You dear old man!" Didn't I enjoy some cold mutton and a glass of beer!

10. I found out that the Maori lady who got into the carriage on the 23rd ulti. is the wife of Major Cooper 65 who lives at Parawai -- she is a Romanist and was that morning on her way to the Roman Catholic Chapel.

15. After a deal of wet weather we have had two gloriously fine days. Annette and Edward have taken advantage of the improved roads and taken long walks as botanists and naturalists. Mamma, Blannie and I have been much engaged with the sick, of whom there are more than usual in the Parish just now.

The Memorials of a Quiet Life and the Life of Bishop Selwyn have been the "reading aloud" every evening since Edward came home.

7 August. I went to bed tired but got up the next morning at 5 as I had to start for Auckland by 7, the time advertized for

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the Steamer to leave. Mamma and the two girls got up at 6 and we had breakfast -- Boysie however remained in bed. Annette walked with me to the wharf.

Soon after we started it began to rain so I remained down in the Saloon all the trip, and read my John Bulls. We reached Auckland at 1.30 and I went straight to Tyler's office and saw Martin, who was looking well and happy. I had tea at St Mary's Parsonage and here I must record as a singular fact that not one of Boysie's relatives -- from Archdeacon Maunsell downwards -- has asked after the poor little boy, though he has now been in New Zealand living with us for nine months!! As I sat at tea and spoke of the little chap I did expect that the Grandfather or his Aunts would have said "how is he?" "I hope he is quite well." But not a question and during the whole nine months not a single letter letter of enquiry.

I slept at the Bishop's. The next day there was a Clerical meeting at the Bishop's in the evening. Eleven clergymen (beside the Bishop) and their wives and daughters, sat down to a meat tea at 6 o'clock. At 7 the "meeting" or korero began; to show how extremely low the Irish clergy are, amongst other things it was proposed that in every Church Gazette circulated in the Diocese, one number of the Dawn of Day should be slipped in, so that the country settlers might find something attractive for the junior members of their families. This was violently opposed by Archdeacon Maunsell -- Mulgan -- Kidd and Hall -- on the ground that the Dawn of Day was a High Church publication and would lead young people astray -- i. e. towards Rome! And they would not allow such an erroneous publication to go forth under the implied sanction of the Clergy, as would be the case if enclosed in the Gazette. I not a little disgusted them by stating I circulated 200 copies every month.

Yesterday, the 27th, was cold and showery. Annette painted in sepia a view of Farringdon Church and Mamma and Blanche framed it -- and the picture was given to me as their joint birthday present -- it is now hanging in my study

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immediately beneath a photograph of St George's Church. Boysie came up to me the first thing yesterday morning and, offering me a kiss, wished me "many happy returns of the Day", adding shortly afterwards "he had been considering how old I was, and he had concluded I was a hundred and fifty one years old!"

Last Friday my immediate neighbour told me that a Surveyor, Mr Bayldon 66 and two of his linesmen had been shot by natives near Ohinemuri. I thought at the time that the report was probably greatly exaggerated and so it turned out. Bayldon escaped unhurt and so did 3 of his men, but one had a bullet right through his body, but wonderful to say is thought by the Doctors likely to recover. This event has caused great excitement.

5 September. Yesterday evening we had a small party. I mention it because, for the sake of economy, we made a great innovation -- it is the first party we have given without beer, wine or spirits. We had a particularly nice supper, but instead of beer or wine, Eliza handed round tea and cocoa. The gentlemen looked slightly surprised, but as far as I could judge all seemed to enjoy the supper as much as if they had Ehrenfried's XX ad libertum.

7. A doubtful day -- as usual affected the attendance at Church, more in the morning than evening. Mr Kenrick, our new Warden, came in after evening Service and had supper with us.

1 October. Last Sunday the Bishop held a Confirmation in St George's Church. He arrived at 5 o'clock a. m. on Saturday having travelled by Steamer all night. He was more than usually kind and gracious.

He told me that Adams, the Head Master of the Church Grammar School at Parnell, was wishful to leave and that if he left, Mr Bates, the Clergyman at the North Shore, would be his successor and that he (the Bishop) would offer me the

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charge Bates vacates. The work would be light compared to this -- there is a house and a certain stipend of 250 £ a year, and a probability of a higher income. I am to think about it and let him know when I go up to the Synod.

There are many pros and cons -- some of the pros are a convenient distance from Auckland -- Anne and Blannie will not be such "prisoners" as they are now: 2nd, Martin can live at home, an increase of pleasure to his sisters and of comfort to him, and a considerable saving of expense to me; 3rdly a more healthy place than the Thames: 4th the possibility of more frequent intercourse with my Brethren in the Ministry, &c., &c.

Some of the cons are -- giving up my beloved Church -- and my yet more beloved Sunday School and my poor. The Bishop reminded me that if the removal was made, I should leave the largest Sunday School in the Diocese to go to the next largest.

If I left here I should try to sell this house: I ought to get £1000 for it -- that invested would go far towards paying Edward's expenses at Cambridge.

I told the Bishop of my intention, about Xmas next, to send Edward to England. I have also written to Dr Kinder and the College Trustees -- informing them of the same -- and further to Purchase enquiring whether I had heard truly that his son Arthur was going "home" at the end of the year and if so whether it might be managed that Arthur and Edward might travel together.

14. A letter from Edward, the first we have had since Mamma wrote to tell him he might now speak of his intended visit to England. "In the exuberance of my joy I made the fact known to the other students: every one knows it now. Oh, it is delightful to think about it. You are not to be all piping your eyes when I come home because I shall be about to be going away, for I am mad about it, jumping and shouting for joy -- though I don't like the idea of going away from home for so long a time, and who knows what may happen in five years."

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NOVEMBER 1879

10 November. Again a sad delinquent -- a month has passed and no diary kept. Of the few domestic and parochial events during that time I will now give a short record. The one which is most impressed on my mind was, through my own act, the setting fire to our kitchen chimney. The chimney is not straight from bottom to top but has two bends zig-zag, and on the sloping bends the soot (from kauri-wood and therefore containing much gum) took fire and blazed and roared in a terrifying manner. Fortunately for us the milkman came (it was about 7.30 a. m.) and at once took off his coat to assist in extinguishing the fire, but he and I would have been powerless (almost) had not 2 or 3 neighbours run in and, having two ladders at hand, and plenty of water, they poured water down the chimney from the top and kept the shingles around wet and at last, I thank God, succeeded in putting the fire out. But we had a great fright -- wooden houses and wooden roofs may take fire under these circumstances in unlooked for places, and our house is so high that the difficulty of carrying pail after pail of water was great.

Dear Annette worked hard, but while the chimney roared the smoke came out in a dense volume, she looked deadly pale. I am more especially thankful that no damage was done, because it happened that about two months before, I had for the first time insured the house for £500, and some people might have been malicious enough to have thought that had it not been insured the fire would not have happened!

Another thing -- we have settled that he [Edward] shall go by the Waikato, a very fine vessel belonging to the New Zealand Shipping Company, of 1053 tons, and which the Company is expecting to reach Auckland now, every day she being due, and which they hope to despatch about Xmas, the very time we all along wished. By going in the Waikato he will have as fellow passengers young Purchase (about his own age, going to London to "walk" one of the great hospitals), young Amphlett (Mergie Martin's eldest son -- about 12), Mrs Mitchell's eldest son (about 12), Miss Macpherson, a very nice lady (about perhaps 40), and a Miss Fairburn,

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about 25 and anything but nice -- but all acquaintances. Miss Macpherson is now, and has been for several months past, staying at the Thames at Mrs Fraser's. Annette was at Tararu yesterday and had a game of croquet with her and Mrs Fraser. Directly the Waikato is in I shall go to Auckland and take his passage by her. The Saloon (including bedding) is 50 guineas.

The next is: that Blannie, Robert Bice and I went to Auckland on Friday the 24th of October. I telegraphed to Martin to have a carriage ready to meet the steamer, so he accompanied us in our drive, first to Haultain's to leave a large bundle of asparagus which Annette sent her godfather, then second to the Purchases' to deposit Robert's luggage and let them know that he was coming there on the 27th -- and thence we went to the Swartz Kisslings' where Martin and I left Blannie and her precious charge. And then, driving down Parnell, I left Martin at his lodgings and I went to the Nelsons', who through my coming so late had given me up. They had from their verandah watched the Steamer from the Thames come in and had at once ordered tea to be got ready, but had waited and waited till they came to the conclusion I had remained behind.

13. Blannie decidedly the better for her change. She has been away nearly three weeks and has stayed at the Swartz Kisslings' -- Tylers' -- Haultains' -- and Purchases' and called upon and seen very many acquaintances, leaving Robert Bice safe and sound at the Purchases'.

19. Heard that the Waikato would not sail for 3 months -- that may be in reality 4 months! A Miss Williams, an exceeding pleasant lady, about 40, a daughter of the late Bishop Williams, came by this evening's boat on a visit to Doctor and Mrs Rowbottom -- but the Doctor's house being in disorder, the chimney pulled down and the bricklayer and carpenter in possession, Miss Williams came to us for a bed. And glad we were to accommodate the Doctor and to make acquaintance with the Late Bishop's daughter.

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20. While at breakfast the Postman brought the following letter from Martin: "My dear Mother, I was going to write when I could send you tidings re the Waikato. Edward and I have looked over the ship. All ordinary cabin requisites are provided -- sheets -- blankets -- towels -- soap, &c. She goes on the 15th of December, 4 weeks hence or as soon after as possible, so don't believe the Haultains or any one else. They told me the same story but they don't know anything about it. Edward may take one ton of luggage free. The boat is a beautiful one: the officers look nice sort of men: she is well spoken of: the cabins are roomy and clean. Edward has already made the acquaintance of a Miss Fairburn who I know is a musician in a small way and if as they say there are a good lot going it will be very jolly. I have bespoke the cabin (conditionally)."

9 December. Had a very civil letter from the ship's agent, advising me that the Waikato could not sail before the 20th and promising to send me a telegram 4 days before she started.

10. Letter from Martin -- inter alia he says: "We shall I think meet at Xmas as the Waikato is not yet full -- all the cargo is not yet down from the country. The Captain is hoping to be away before Xmas but is evidently not certain and I think the chances are against it."

Then speaking of Mrs Glover's pic-nic he says: "We had to go down to Motu Tapu" (a very pretty island a few miles down the harbour) "as it was too rough to land at the Lake. There were about 150 or 200 ladies and girls on board and only about 1/2 dozen gentlemen: the 'work' in consequence was heavy, as were some of the ladies when they had to be carried back to the boat!"

I ought to explain that Mrs Glover has the largest and "most fashionable" young Lady's School in Auckland, and once a year she gives a grand pic-nic to her present and former pupils -- Mammas, &c., &c. -- and it speaks well for her good opinion of Martin that she should have asked him. She chartered a large Steamer for the day's pleasure.

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27. Last Thursday, the 18th, while at breakfast a letter came from the Agent of the ship Waikato, stating that she would sail on the 20th or at the latest on the 21st and advising me not to be in Auckland later than the evening of the 19th. This letter put us all in a flutter. We had so depended on Edward remaining on shore till and over Xmas Day. But at last and before 10 o'clock at night every thing was ready for a start on the morrow.

Mamma took leave of Edward in the house, wisely refraining from going out in the damp to see him off. Dash came, of course, and he and Blannie returned in the carriage when the Rotomahana at last steamed away, but we had great difficulty in getting Dash to leave us and return with Blannie. He evidently thought I, as well as Edward, was going to England!

It rained off and on, all the trip up: and was very rough and all the passengers, more or less, were sick -- so I was glad when we reached Auckland. I returned to Queen Street and saw the Ship's Agent and paid him. £52. 10. 0 for Edward's passage and ascertained that the Waikato would not sail till Monday the 22nd, but that she would leave the wharf at once and drop down the harbour and then anchor, and that on Monday at 10.30 one of the North Shore Ferry boats would take all passengers and their friends on board the Waikato.

On Monday morning I left the North Shore by the 8.30 boat and remained on the Auckland wharf where shortly after 9.30 a tolerably large crowd of people gradually assembled and went on board the ferry boat. Who should come down to wish Edward and Frank goodbye but Bishop Cowie! And poor Colson also came to wish his former pupil farewell.

The Ferry boat was full: we steamed direct to the Waikato but from some order given by somebody the Devonport turned about and made straight for the North Shore, landed the passengers for that place and then returned to the Waikato where we all went on board. The Jewish Rabbi, his wife and 8 or 10 children were on board -- going to

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London: I know him and I asked to teach Edward Hebrew during the voyage -- which he gladly (apparently) promised to do. We staid on board about 1/2 and hour and then parted, steaming away in the ferry boat. There were great wavings of pocket handkerchiefs but no noise -- I think our hearts were too full to have spoken. Edward, dear boy, kept up to the last. The Waikato, however, after all did not finally get away till Wednesday the 24th -- the day before Xmas day. On the evening of Xmas day, at the request of my Choir, we had the hymn for those at Sea -- "Eternal Father, strong to save".

3 January 1880. Today is dear Edward's birthday -- we have all wished him many happy returns of it and wondered where he is, how he is and what he may be doing. Martin suggested he was still leaning over the side of the vessel!

23. Mrs Macdonald and Flora came on the night of the 20th -- or rather morning of the 21st -- for it was 2.30 when the Rotomahana drew alongside the wharf. I was there to meet them, and a carriage, so we were but a few minutes driving to the Parsonage, which looked a welcome "haven" with the sitting room brightly lighted up with its gas chandelier and dear Blannie sitting up to receive our sleepy, weary guests. They had travelled all the way from Hamilton, which place they left at 8 a. m., so they had been about 18 hours on the move -- first by rail and then by boat: after a hasty supper they were glad to go to rest.

Flora is a favourite with Annette, chiefly I fancy because she was her sister Edith's great chum, and Mrs Macdonald and Mamma get on marvellously well together, so altogether they are very desirable guests and I hope they will stay with us two or three weeks. Mrs Fraser came today and joined us at our early dinner.

My sisters will see that my annual meeting was not to me a pleasant one. The people find themselves in a difficulty and instead of frankly acknowledging that they have been shabby and mean -- have not given as they should at the offertory -- they coolly try to throw all the blame on me, and as they

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could not accuse me of being lazy they said my sermons drove the people from Church.

However this abuse runs off as rain off a duck's back: I see no falling off of the congregation -- certainly not in my Sunday School -- no diminuition of outward tokens of regard, such as the touch of the hat as I pass from all whom I meet in the streets. In consequence of the Exodus which is constantly going on from the Thames, the Baptisms -- the Burials and the Marriages -- have been considerably less this last year than the year before -- they might as well attribute that falling off to me!

6 February. If there is no diary -- no letter -- no anything that requires thought and exertion -- it must be put down to the heat, the terrible raging heat -- day after day. They say that a large comet is to be seen every night -- I have not yet seen it, though we all looked for it up to 10 o'clock. In the middle of the night, unable to sleep for the heat, I got up and scanned the heavens again without seeing it -- perhaps this extreme heat is due to our erratic visitor (if there be one?).

Seeing by the paper that Mr Adams, the Head Master of the Church Grammar School, Parnell, had accepted the Headmastership of the Thames High School (Government) I wrote to the Bishop, reminding him of the promise he made me when he was last here. This morning I had his reply: "My dear Mr Lush, I have received your note marked Private and shall be very glad if the change you write about can be effected. I have received Mr Adams's resignation and Mr Bates will probably be offered the vacant membership."

"The ball given by his Worship the Mayor to the Waitoa visitors was a great success last night. Fully 80 persons were present and the dancing was kept up till 5 o'clock this morning. (After supper the health of the Mayor and Mayoress was proposed by Mr Campbell of Waitoa.)" This cutting is from yesterday's Herald which reached us this afternoon. I knew it had been kept up all night for shortly before I got up I heard the party pass our house. Then after breakfast I heard a great noise -- singing "For he's a jolly good fellow"

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and cheering, &c. Going on to my verandah to see "what was up" an omnibus and four drove by with the Waitoa men inside and I guessed that they had driven to Ehrenfried's to wish them goodbye, and had cheered them for their hospitality -- as was the case.

You may ask why was so much fuss made with these Waitoa settlers? 1st -- a party of Thames men about a month ago travelling through Waitoa were very hospitably entertained for 2 or 3 days: 2nd -- Waitoa is situated about halfway between Thames and Waikato and as these settlers have very large farms of wonderfully rich soil they will in a year or so be great producers and it will be a question which way they shall send their produce -- via Waikato or via Thames. The Thames people now think the Waitoa people will be sure to prefer this way. I have just heard accidentally, that Wildman, Warden of St George's and Captain of the Naval Brigade, had the big gun boat out on Sunday and took all the Waitoa men a cruise about the harbour! No wonder I missed him from Church and had to remark that the Waitoa men had not put in an appearance.

23. Any expectation we may have entertained of my removal hence to the North Shore is at an end. Bates either declined the mastership or the Governors, preferring Hammond, 67 passed Bates by and made the election as stated. Hammond is a relative of General Gossett and the Bishop's marked preference to any thing and any body relating to the Army may have had something to do with the decision arrived at. I shall perhaps find out in time -- Psalm 118; 8, 9 68 for vain is the help of man.

Annette and Blannie went with Mrs Payne to the Orphanage: such is its disgusting inaccessibility that they had to wade through the [Kaueranga] river to reach it. Returning, the rain overtook them -- so they have had plenty of water for one day.

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In the midst of our grumbling the Evening Star came and the first thing I read was this proposal to raise sufficient funds to erect a bridge over the river! What a poverty stricken Borough-council we have, to be obliged to have recourse to a concert to raise the few pounds necessary to build the bridge.

25. We have had a fright about Dash, who has been lost to us from 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, till about 12 today, when a little boy brought him home, leading the poor beast with a heavy chain -- but the boy could not or would not tell who sent him, or to whom the collar and chain belonged. Perhaps the disturbance I was making, enquiring of everyone whether they had seen the Dog, setting all the Police on the look out, might have something to do with the dog's restoration -- however I am very glad he is safe at home. He is such a remarkably handsome Gordon setter that if any scamp could smuggle him to Auckland, he could easily sell him for at least a pound.

Kenny this morning gave orders that the Steamers and sailing boats were to be watched -- he making sure that if the Dog were stolen, the thief would endeavour to take him to Auckland or Ohinemuri. His supposed loss so disturbed us that none of us could eat much breakfast. If he were a "very" sensible dog he would give us another fright by and by, in order to receive again any amount of petting when he returns home -- and such a kissing from his young mistress, Anne.

27. "WANTED -- A Wife. -- A young Gentleman holding a lucrative position in one of the loveliest islands in the Southern Pacific, several hundred miles from Auckland, handsome, educated, of good family, well and favourably known to a leading Auckland firm, and a Protestant, is desirous of possessing himself of a wife in the person of a young lady of from 18 to 26 years of age, with a fair share of good looks, tolerably educated, of spotless character and the same religion as himself. Any young lady inclined to entertain this by calling or writing to Hannaford's Registry, Upper

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Queen Street, will not only be furnished with abundant proof of the foregoing, but shown that, positioned as he is, it is absolutely impossible for him to obtain a wife save through the intervention of an agent. He requires no fortune with his wife, having enough and to spare for both."

Martin, assuming the handwriting of a Lady has, for fun, answered this advertisement. Hannaford, thinking his letter genuine, has written to him (her) revealing the whereabouts (Chatham Islands!!) of the gentleman and asking the young lady to call at his office.

9 March. Martin amused Anne by giving an outline of another letter he had sent and received from Mr Hannaford who as Agent for a young man at the Chatham Isles had advertized for a wife: "I wrote to Mr Hannaford again telling him that my wish for arranging the preliminaries in secrecy would prevent my calling on him. Got a reply in which he stated: 'I suspect, young lady (if young lady you are) that you are having a quiet laugh at my expense' and among other things he stated that my wish for a phrenological chart was preposterous, as he would require a Phrenologist with an arm 700 miles long to reach his head -- meaning, I suppose, that the Chatham Islands were 700 miles from Auckland.

"I replied indignantly and asked him if he doubted my being a lady or being young, or which or both: and told him I doubted his being such a respectable business man as his letter stated or he would have properly stamped his letters -- and I enclosed a penny stamp for his expences. I would send you his letter which is about the best bit of composition I have ever seen, but, as I wrote for another young lady -- no sham but a real one -- I had to part with them." Annette indignantly enquires who has dared to make him a cat's paw?

26. The steamer was advertised to leave Auckland at 8 this evening. And by that vessel we expected Mrs Colenso and Martin. The Rotomahana left, however, unexpectedly at 2 o'clock and Mrs Colenso, hearing of it, came by it. Poor Martin was left behind.

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27. This afternoon the Cavalry (volunteers) reached Thames after a ride (or march) of 80 miles from the Waikato. Almost all are well-to-do settlers and were mounted on splendid horses: the whole town turned out to welcome them and in the evening Martin took Annette to the Pacific to see the fireworks and hear the Bands.

28. The Church looked gloriously beautiful. At 10.30 the Band was heard in the distance and the people began to come into the Church. Myself and one of the Churchwardens stood in the nave and requested all to go into the side aisles -- which soon became inconveniently crowded but left the whole of the nave clear for the 5 or 6 hundred men whom we expected, and we were not disappointed. From the front seat close to the choir, back to the West door, the whole body of the Nave was closely packed, chiefly by the Waikato cavalry men and a detachment of artillery men from Auckland, and then by portions of our own local corps.

The Church was full again at 6.30. Afterwards Colonel Lyon (the officer in command over all) and his wife spent the evening and had supper with us.

30. The artillery returned early to Auckland, the cavalry remained. This afternoon there were races and a cricket match at Parawai and a Ball at the Academy this evening. Annette went under Mrs Allom's care.

The Box -- per Earl Granville -- came safely to hand last Thursday 25th. And was not opened till this morning, chiefly because we wanted dear Martin to have the pleasure of unpacking it.

31. About noon the Cavalry left -- in marching order as they came -- amid the cheers of a large multitude. I have been told that several of the men said it was worth the ride (80 miles) to attend such a Service as they had on Easter morning!

8 April. The Herald this morning had the very welcome telegram in it -- from London dated only 2 days ago -- viz.

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"the 6th the Waikato arrived"; two little words more, "all well", would have made the announcement complete.

20 May. I have had several unpleasantnesses this month past. That I have some enemies in the place I have long known, but recently they have taken to writing anonymous letters. And though I try hard to care little or nothing about them, I see they fret Annette and annoy Blanche and Blannie greatly.

On the 18th April I preached a sermon not longer than 20 minutes and on the next day received by post the following: "Sunday evening, Thames. The Parish Priest. Please cut your ebullitions of oratory short in future. You talk such twaddle the less we have of it the better. Vox Populi." Blanche and I think it came either from Dr Kilgour or Nathaniel Brassy -- a young Lawyer -- both no friends of mine.

The Bishop's intention of giving me the North Shore if Bates went to the Grammar School was all in good faith. It fell through, 1st because Bates never applied for the situation of Head Master -- and the Board of Governors would not offer the post to any one who did not send in an application -- and 2nd, the Vestry made the district of the North Shore into a "Parish" and therefore have the presentation in the hands of their own Nominators -- the Bishop now having no voice in the appointment except the extreme one of rejecting the nominee.

26 June. Annette came, looking better than when she went away, very bright, very happy, and has been greatly entertaining (and shocking?) Mamma and Blannie by her wild "goings-on"; the house is another place with her in it.

The following, marked "Private" I received from the Bishop: "My dear Mr Lush, you will see by tomorrow's Herald that Dr Kinder has resigned the Mastership of the College. The Governors are going to advertise for a warden, who, if he be a Clergyman, will receive a stipend of about 275 £ a year with a house; the teaching being done chiefly by visiting tutors. If you see your way to applying for the office and are appointed, I shall be very glad."

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[Undated] Saturday evening, 7 o'clock. The Governors met this morning: and I think that if I had been chosen Warden his Lordship would have sent the result of the voting to me -- no sign being forthcoming I can conclude I am still to remain here.

5 July. On returning home this afternoon about 4 I saw through the window of the sitting room Mamma start up at seeing me, and walk quickly off towards my study. Ah! thinks I to myself, she has the expected telegram, and so she had: sent from Auckland at 3.7 p. m. It ran thus: "Private. You are appointed -- letter coming. Hope you will accept. W. G. Auckland."

6. About one o'clock the post brought two letters, one from the Bishop and one from Burrows -- these and my replies complete this unsettling business of St John's.

The letter from the Rev. R. Burrows was -- "Dear Sir, At a meeting of the Board of Governors of St John's College held this morning it was resolved that the application of the Rev. V. Lush for the Wardenship of that College be accepted, and that the Secretary be instructed to write to Mr Lush, notifying such fact and also that the appointment is made only for a term of one year: that in the event of the arrangement being agreeable to Mr Lush, he is requested to meet the Governors and Tutors at the Diocesan office on Thursday next at 9.30 a. m. Please wire at once to say whether you accept the terms and if so, whether you can be present at the place and time appointed."

Without a second thought I wired at once the following: "I positively decline unless guaranteed for five years."

That I suppose brings the matter to an end as far as I am concerned. Miss Kinder says I have escaped a hornets' nest. She naturally regards the Board of Governors in that light after what her brother has suffered from some of the Body -- and I fear me I could never for long please Doctor Maunsell.

19. Parsonage, Devonport, North Shore. In a few minutes I shall cross the harbour and post this, and then go up to

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Bishop's Court to call upon his Lordship. I am curious as to my reception. I fancy he will have been -- and perhaps still is -- displeased that I declined the office of Warden. Perhaps I have failed in faith and should have trusted the Bishop more fully.

6 August. A high gale and heavy rain all last night and all today. Tonight, notwithstanding the storm, Mamma, Mrs Eden, Annette and Carry (Haultain) are now, 7 o'clock p. m., dressing for a Ball! to be held at the Academy of Music. Baker's carriage is ordered to be here by 8.30. I shall presently go across to the Church to see if any of my choir venture there: Blannie and Mrs Warrington wisely remain by the fireside.

7. They returned at 2 o'clock in a heavy downpour even as they went. However they did not get wet and seem to have greatly enjoyed themselves. Annette and Carry did not make their appearance downstairs, Carry till dinner time! Annette not till tea time!! Mamma and Mrs Eden were at Breakfast.

8. Felt so poorly that I asked Mr Lawlor to read the Lessons in the morning and take the whole of the Evening Service.

This is now 9 September. On the 3 July Miss Kinder came and from that day till today we have had one or more visitors in the house -- 9 weeks and 6 days! A very, very little pressing and Fanny and Carry would have staid on till Xmas!

This morning I received the following letter from the Bishop: "My dear Mr Lush, If you go to the opening of the Memorial Chapel at Norfolk Island as I trust you will, you will probably be away from the Thames on Nov. 21 and 28 and Dec. 5, for which Sundays I expect to be able to provide a locum tenens for you. The Governors have offered Mr Still the Wardenship of St John's College, but we shall not know until the end of October whether or not he accepts the offer.... I was asked last month to take the office of Assistant Bishop in one of the largest English Dioceses, but

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Mrs Cowie and I have decided on remaining in New Zealand."

6 October. The changes in the Constabulary throughout the Colony will cause the removal of Sub-Inspector Kenny from here. Thus we go on losing all our better class -- as Blannie said this morning "there will soon be no one left but the labouring class".

Three days ago the Waikato reached Auckland. When I go to the Synod I will go and visit the vessel and see the Captain and first mate, and also Nicholls, the sailor whose daughter was our servant 11 years ago. Mrs Williams (another of Nicholls's daughters) who lives in Grahamstown, did not know that her father had left New Zealand for England till I told her from Edward's journal, and then the old man was on his way back.

11. As I said in my last budget of news, the Waikato has returned. I met the seaman Nicholls in Grahamstown this morning: his report was, "Your son, Sir, did enjoy his voyage home not a little." I am afraid he is a drunken old fellow.

Annette is greatly elated: she expects to accompany me to Norfolk Island at the opening of the Memorial Chapel next month, and she has just heard that Carry Haultain is also going!

19. Rained all last night. I hope tomorrow will be fine to enable Mamma to accompany me [to Synod in Auckland]. Went round all my sick folk to tell them I would be away for the rest of the week.

23. Safe home again. The older I get the more I dislike going from home. Yet I actually accepted an invitation from the Melanesian Mission to be away from home for 3 or 4 weeks!

Mamma and I had a pleasant trip to Auckland last Wednesday: mirabile dictu she was not sick. On reaching the wharf I put her into a carriage and she drove off to the Haultains', and I saw nothing more of her till Friday morning

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when I took one of Crowther's carriages to the Haultains' and she and I went and called on Dudley, Young, Amphlett and Puckey -- that made a long drive and then I told the Driver to take us to the Bishop's but on passing the Grammar School we got down and dismissed him and we walked down the road to inpect our house. The house itself looked clean and in good order but the garden was a wilderness.

The Grammar School is greatly improved in external appearance: the two short gables have been considerably elongated, giving internally two good additional class rooms and externally making the building appear more like three sides of a quad than one long barn. Then there is a long stable for the pupils' horses, for those boys who ride in from the country, and the whole has been improved -- ground levelled -- fences made good -- in fact Hammond like a new broom has begun his work better than the old 'un did.

I returned home by myself -- Mamma I hope will stay a bit.

29. Yesterday the anniversary of the opening of the Thames Orphanage was celebrated by a treat to the children. Blannie who is one of the Committee of Management bought a large cake and Annette made two or three dozen of little tarts. Each member of the Committee in like manner contributed something and all brought flowers, so that the long dining room of the Orphanage was very gaily decorated and both at dinner and tea, loaded with sandwiches, pies, tarts and puddings, to the great content and satisfaction of the children -- excepting the youngest, a fine sturdy boy who had eaten so much of sandwiches and tarts that when the rich plum pudding was served out, found he could not eat thereof, and forthwith burst out into a fit of crying.

2 November. It seems so strange to me that if all be well, I shall actually be in Norfolk Island before the end of this month. From a letter Annette has just received from Nellie Haultain we shall be frightfully crowded in the Southern Cross, upwards of 30 guests going from Auckland alone.

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I think Mamma will now remain in Auckland to see me and Annette off on, I suppose, the 18th or 19th of this month. Martin, it appears from her letter, is known as the "Wit of Parnell".

Just before tearing to fragments one or two scurrilous Observers I cut out two sketches of men Edward must well remember, Nelson of St Paul's and Jim Coates, Nelson's brother in law.

Annie Puckey and Amy and Lisa Allom spent the evening with Blannie and Annette; the girls had two grand quarrels. The first quarrel was on the arrival of the Alloms, Amy being very indignant that she should have first heard of Annette's projected trip from Mary Puckey and not from Annette herself: and then when poor dear Annie Puckey arrived, Amy attacked her very furiously for daring to write to Mary Puckey that her sister, Lisa, was engaged to Mr Weston. It was 9.15 before I came home and the kissing and the reconciling had taken place, and all was so calm that I knew nothing till the visitors had departed soon after ten o'clock.

Amy spoke to me of my trip to Norfolk Island and I, not knowing what had just occurred, said "I shall believe it when I am off -- sometimes I half repent having accepted the invitation." "Oh," said she at once, "if you don't go, let me take your place. I should so like to go." I am sadly afraid a little jealousy is at the bottom of her exhibition of temper about Annette's going: and some people are so strange -- they forget that every invitation must come from Bishop Selwyn -- no one should think of going aboard the Southern Cross and living for 3 or 4 weeks at the cost of the Mission without a special invitation from the Head of the Mission.

18. After all Mamma did not go to the Puckeys' but got to Mergie's (Mrs Amphlett, nee Martin) about 5 in the evening and had tea with her and Isa Outhwaite, and the next morning drove to Howick -- it must be more than 12 years since she was there. Mr and Mrs James Wilson (nee Anlezark) were delighted to see her, as were also Mrs Maclean and Mrs

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Bailey (Ellen Maclean). Mrs Amphlett and Mamma reached "home" -- Epsom -- about 8 o'clock.

[The next few entries are written by V. L.'s wife, Blanche.]

22. "Dear Vi has asked me to finish this sheet of his journal -- as he is from home. This morning he left the Thames by the Rotomahana with Annette for Auckland in readiness to board the Southern Cross for Norfolk Island. Blanche [Blanney] and I went to see them off.

"Miss McTavish went with them, which I was glad of for Annette's sake. She is a very nice old maid, very pleasant and sensible, and such a worker; embroiders so beautifully, positively paints with her needle. We are very dull without 'Master' and Annette. Annette is quite a sunbeam, she has such good spirits. I have quite come to the conclusion that a house is much pleasanter with menfolk in it -- how glad we shall be to have the travellers back again.

26. "Heard from Martin today that dear Vi and Annette sailed for Norfolk Island yesterday the 25th at noon. He saw them go off in the North Shore ferry steamer which took the passengers on to the Southern Cross -- he then had to be back at the office; the visitors are 48 in number. I fear they will be sadly crowded as the vessel is not large. I believe but am not certain that 'tis 90 tons. Carrie Haultain is the one that has gone with Annette.

"Friday's post brought a letter to me from the Rev. W. Teble, saying he would send his Curate, Mr Hitchcock.

3 December. "Mr Hitchcock came: he is only recently out from England and has been lay assistant in a North Country parish. He has been a few months with Dr Kinder before the College was shut up; Bishop Cowie has ordained him about 3 months since. He is a gentlemanly young man, but too conceited to please me. He will be better when he has seen more of the world and found out that other people know more than he does.

"I had several of the parishioners in to meet him -- Vi always likes to invite them to meet strangers -- Mr Wildman,

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Mr Lawlor and Mr Tizard, also Miss Chitty. On the 1st December Mr Tizard (who is one of the Church Wardens) behaved like a gentleman -- enclosed Vi's monthly cheque in an envelope and sent it to me. I thought it very nice of him as I might have been in want of money during my Husband's absence. I am afraid the Journal will be sadly wanting in interest as it is written by me instead of the usual writer. We are leading such a very hum-drum life; however we have had several people in, in the evenings, so that we might not be so very quiet.

"The other part of the day has been chiefly taken up with going to see the sick folks, hospital, &c. Next Wednesday we are to have an Oratorio in the Church for the benefit of the debt fund.

4. "This morning's post brought a letter from the Rev. W. Tebbs saying that owing to Mr Bree's continued illness and the scarcity of clergy in Auckland just now, my Husband's place can not properly be supplied on Sunday. This is very annoying as we shall only have Mr Lawlor the Lay Reader and he is not liked, also 'tis the Sunday for the early morning Communion. I shall have to send someone to the Church door to tell the people and turn them away.

"The people here are going crazy about a new goldfield near to the Thames, called Te Aroha. I don't know yet if it will turn out any gold worth the labour, but the mere name of gold causes the greatest excitement. The surrounding country is very lovely but the gold will be most laborious to get at, for the best places where it has been seen are on the tops of precipitous hills."

30. [V. L. continues.] I am ending the year very badly as regards keeping up my diary for my sisters: one reason for not writing is that Annette has compiled so voluminous a history of our trip to Norfolk Island that I felt there was nothing for me to add on that subject.

I am very glad I have seen the Island and the Mission --

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and old Mr Nobbs 69 -- but I would not go again -- no -- not for £100.

1 January 1881. A Happy new year to all is my hearty wish. To our great joy Martin spent his Xmas holidays with us: he seemed happy enough but unfortunately the weather was very bad and several of our plans for pic nics, excursions and visits came to grief. A storm raged without intermission for 4 days -- we had it cold but Auckland must have felt it colder for in the Green-lanes near the Grafton Road snow!! and hailstones were lying thick on the ground the day before Xmas day, and yet strange to say the heat is so excessive at Sydney that the people there are alarmed about their supply of water, the great majority of inhabitants being reduced already to one pail per day per house -- and the summer not half over!

12. Last night the children and many parents assembled in the school room and a large number of prizes were distributed. The heat was great, the noise greater and the dust and confusion greatest. I was truly thankful when it was over. How is it I don't enjoy these gatherings as I used to do? Am I getting too old or is it that I see more clearly the little real good this system of prize giving is effecting -- is it not bribing the children to attend Sunday School to such an extent that soon none will come as a duty, but for what they can get?

25. In the Paper we read of the severe cold in England: here we are suffering from severe heat -- today has been remarkably hot.

26. Thoroughly done up by the great heat.

27. Annette and I gathered a good quantity of peaches -- magnificent fruit. She climbed up into the trees and one large dish full we sent to Dr Callan and another to Dr Huxtable.

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Neither of them has a garden and Eliza says they were very pleased.

4 February. The last week we have had most enjoyable weather. Last night about 9.30 Nelly Haultain (Anne's special friend) arrived. Annette and I were on the wharf to meet her.

5. The long looked for blow has come at last. The Church Warden has sent me a cheque for £15 (instead of £25)-To lose £120 a year is a rather serious matter.

19. Nellie Haultain left us yesterday: she has staid for a fortnight -- I think she was very happy. I am sure Annette was. I could have wished her to have staid longer but she goes to prepare her trousseau (is that right?) for her marriage which is close at hand.

20. A few weeks ago I saw lying in bed in the Hospital a poor sickly looking youth apparently about 18 (really more than 21) who, on conversing with him, I found came from within a mile of Hallington: his father, so he says, is the manager of a Bank at Hastings. The lad's name is Frederick Bernard O'Neill: he seemed to know the Church in the wood, and my sister's house quite well. A few days ago he left the Hospital, and he staid for the Holy Communion, and after Church came and dined with us, and went to Sunday School and took a class. His profession is that of an architect but here his talents have no scope and he is utterly without employment. Poor fellow, he is dreadfully homesick and hopes next month, when he receives his next remittance, to return to England. Possibly he may call on my sisters: but we know nothing of him -- either for or against -- he seems a very simple, homesick lad: more than that I cannot say.

21. Mr Weston has given me a large medallion of the late Bishop Selwyn. It is 9 inches in diameter, cast iron bronzed: an excellent likeness; we have had it set in a frame, black and gold. Between the frame and the medallion there is black

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velvet: the whole looks remarkably well. We have hung it just below the large old oil painting of Mr Hawkins.

5 [February]. 70 Edward I think was too young when Miss Maling, Captain and Mrs Rough's adopted daughter, used to come to Howick on visits to Blannie and dear Charlotte -- the Captain and his wife and Miss Maling have long been lost sight of by us, having returned to England and taken a house in London. Wonderful to say a few days ago Captain Rough called upon us! He, I think, has paid a flying visit to New Zealand on account of some landed property he has in Auckland. But what has led me to allude to him and his visit is a remark he made about a walk he took along the north shore of Devon and Cornwall and so round to the Lizard. I told him I had suggested the very same walk to my son Edward who was with his uncle, the Vicar of Lee. He told me to tell Edward he was charmed excessively with his tramp and thought a more charming walk could not be laid out for him.

Mamma is brewing -- she has made some beer -- most delicious! And she is now brewing 6 1/2 gallons of peach wine. How it will turn out we shall not know for, perhaps, six months hence.

For the last 8 days we have had a Mrs Hampson, who styles herself an Evangelist, holding Prayer meetings every morning in the Congregational Chapel, and "Preachings" every evening at 8 o'clock at the Academy of Music. The people have gone wild after her. Screaming -- screeching -- groaning and shouts of "I have found Him!" -- "I am saved" -- &c., &c., take place in the body of the Hall.

Anne Towers (perhaps Edward remembers the family) yesterday told Blannie that she had been converted twice during the week, and Mrs Gardiner boasts of her conversion! Annette says she will believe it if next children's festival she abstains from stealing the children's buns and cake and taking home a big kit full of these things as has been her custom on every 29 January heretofore.

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14. Among others gone crazy is Dr Payne. Having been a Quaker the greater part of his life perhaps he is so delighted to hear a woman hold forth that he cannot refrain from going every evening to the Academy. He too boasts he is converted! When I was told of his conversion, I said "a good thing too" provided only it extended to his horrid habit of swearing: all his patients will rejoice if henceforward he offends not in word.

27 March. Charles Buffet 71 had the opportunity of witnessing the Naval Brigade march to Church. "Little Misery" as Annette has nicknamed O'Neill (my sisters' neighbour's son) came to dinner. He and Buffet walked to the cemetery between dinner and tea.

28. "Little Misery" called after dinner so I persuaded him to accompany me and Buffet to the Big Pump -- Imperial Crown Battery and Kuranui Hill tunnel. When we had thoroughly inspected them -- neither of the lads had seen anything of the sort before -- the Rotomahana was steaming up the harbour, so I wished them goodbye and they walked off up the wharf to meet her, Buffet going back to Auckland this evening. "Little Misery" can't escape till he receives a remittance from the Banker at Hastings.

31. Still wondrously fine -- still very hot. A good many pastoral visits paid today: my 3 female curates going in various directions while I walked to Shell-back and baptized 3 children.

19 April. This morning I awoke Martin and Annette at 4.15 a. m. I returned to my bed and to sleep, but they got up, by the aid of the Gas made themselves a cup of hot cocoa and had a slice of bread and butter and -- accompanied by Dash -- sallied forth while yet dark for the upper part of the Hape Creek! The reason for this eccentric proceeding was this: Martin had promised two ladies in Auckland some particular ferns. He was obliged to leave us at 10 o'clock and unless he

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made this very early occasion he must have disappointed them. They came back laden and Martin took back with him 3 fold more luggage than he brought -- and what we all felt much, he took with him Dash, my loving friend! My constant companion! Dash is still mine, but Martin thinks a change of Masters for a time will do him good, as they all say I am too indulgent. Poor Dash! Poor me!!

20. Martin writes to say that Dash is much admired: he has been told that, were he "broken in" his value would be about £15. Martin talks of sending him to the next Dog show: he is confident the animal will gain the 1st prize for Dogs of his kind: i. e. Gordon Setters.

27. Mrs Kenny, Sophy and Blanche went a walk (quite an event for Mrs Kenny who is very feeble) about a mile up the Karaka Creek. Sophie and Blannie secured some beautiful ferns: after dinner they two walked to Irish-town. Mrs Kenny had a long sleep and I don't think is now any the worse for her unwonted exertion this morning.

28. Annette had the following kind letter from Miss Manning (one of our fellow passengers in the Southern Cross in our late trip to Norfolk Island). She is a half-caste, the daughter of Judge Manning, the author of Old New Zealand.

"My dear Miss Annette, That 'Miss' was a slip of the pen, so it must be forgiven. Thank you so much for the thoughts of me, and the 'card' from under your very own hand which makes it still pleasanter to my eyes. I sent all my friends a silent Easter greeting on Easter-day, and our ship's company had my thoughts you may be sure, but I was out of the way of getting the more visible means of doing so. But thoughts are in themselves sympathetic, else how could you have thought of me? Good Friday and Easter Day were the first dull days they have had here since December, which seemed to me a pity. The Church here is pretty for so small a place, but there are seldom more than 6 or 7 at the Lay Reader's, Mr Ireland's, and so tho' I am enjoying being here so very much, I missed a bright service and the festival spirit of

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Easter-tide. I hope your flowers were fit for their honourable duty and that you had a day good for body, soul and spirit."

The Key to this letter is this -- it is written from Paihia, Bay of Islands, where there are no shops.

18 June. Annette tell us today is the anniversary of Caroline's 72 birthday. Mamma had a very nice letter from her this morning, and I a note from Mr White.

21. Garner and I busy all day cutting down trees around the Church. They had grown too luxuriously and had been planted too near. "Bluff" Allom came this evening to spend the rest of the week with us, in order to be my "Edward" in climbing the trees and lopping this and cropping that for, as I told Mrs Allom, I had no son now to be my "reach me, come fetch me", and must borrow one of hers; so she graciously sent Bluff to the lad's great delight.

23. Ceased tree felling for Garner could not come. Bluff, I fancy, has found the day somewhat long though it has been the shortest in the year. Visited my three most seriously sick folk. Edward will be sorry to hear that Wildman is very ill.

Last, the dentist, came by appointment this morning and dear Annette, brave girl, had three (3!) teeth extracted at one sitting and without a single cry.

27. Had breakfast with Annette and Bluff Allom at 7. Bluff, I and Dash reached the Rotomahana by 7.30. When I went on board Dash was very restless and when about 8 o'clock the steamer moved off, he got frantic and I feared would have bitten Bluff who was holding him back.

Reached Auckland at 1 and went straight to the Nelsons' who, though I arrived unexpectedly, received me very cordially. Finding dinner would not be ready till near 2 I ran down to Tyler's office and astonished Martin by my sudden apparition -- I having arrived the day before due. He

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walked with me to St Paul's Church and our talk was chiefly about -- of course you can all guess -- he seemed very happy. I pleased him by saying I intended to have tea with the Whites and should reach their house about 5.

After dinner I strolled into Queen Street and in due time found my way to Parnell and spent a very pleasant evening with the Whites. Mr White is a particularly nice man: I like him more than his better half. Caroline is really a charming girl: she was however ill with a bad throat but got up when she heard I had come. Some of the sisters draw beautifully and Fanny showed me a large silver medal she had received for a drawing she had exhibited at some annual competition of local artists.

When tea was over Martin put in an appearance and was agreeably surprised to find Caroline visible; he had heard she was to keep her room and did not imagine that the "Father in law prospect" would have had so much attractive influence. So the poor boy who came simply to see me safe through Parnell, it being a dark night, was rewarded for his thoughtful filial conduct (?) by a long pleasant korero with his Lady-love. Reached the Nelsons' in time for supper.

30. Called upon the Goldsboro's -- Mitfords -- Maunsells -- and Tylers. Mrs Tyler spoke warmly in Martin's praise -- said her husband called him a "splendid fellow". It seems a fellow lodger had typhus fever and when he was about again, told every body if it had not been for the kind attentive nursing of Martin Lush he did not think he could have recovered. Martin sat up with him, night after night -- and we should have heard nothing about it, if the lodger had not proclaimed the good deed.

No wonder Caroline is in love with him! Perhaps however she doesn't know it -- not the love but the good deed.

1 July. Deposited my carpet bag in the office of the Rotomahana and then I went over to the North Shore. Called on the Binneys and Bates and then on the Macdonalds and the only one at home was Mrs Mac's niece, Miss Newby, a girl of about 10. She however was equal to the emergency for

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she asked the servant to get me some dinner and I made a good repast on oysters and mince pies, washed down by Ehrenfried's best XXX bottled ale -- which I thought not half so pleasant as Mamma's home brewed hop beer. Miss Newby came with me to the ferry boat and I reached the Thames Steamer in the nick of time.

It was 9.30 when I got home: I was really hungry but could hardly get a mouthful for the multitude of questions put to me by the 3 excited females -- how do you like her? &c., &c., &c.

20. About 8 o'clock on Saturday 16th Annette came to me in my study and said she thought something was amiss at the Creek (the Karaka) for she heard shouting and loud talking and saw many lights from lanterns moving about: it was then still raining heavily and I knew the tide was about high-water and so would back up the overflow from the creeks.

I at once put on my great coat and thick garden boots, and, lantern in hand, sallied forth via the back garden. The first thing that astonished and somewhat alarmed me was meeting with a broad and deep stream of water pouring through the bars of my back gate! From this I guessed the street must be inundated far more than it had ever been before: and so it was -- the creek had overflown its banks and the water had risen and risen up Mackay Street till it reached my gate. To get to my next neighbours, the Stones, was impossible except by wading up to the knees in water. The sight was really terrible -- I could not understand how it had all happened.

Afterwards I found out that the stream had brought down so many tons upon tons of debris -- logs, fences, &c., that the Karaka bridge in Pollen Street was choked up and the swollen stream had instantly risen till it found exits in all the allotments, right and left, and as these allotments form the back yard of the shops in Pollen Street the water rushed through to the house, carrying with it tons of clay and sand and causing alarm and ruin to many of the tradespeople.

Failing in going to the creek down Mackay Street I went down Mary Street intending to reach the Karaka bridge in

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Pollen Street, but I was indeed astonished to find that from about Ashman's (Edward will recollect his shop) onwards towards Grahams Town it was impossible to go, unless by wading in water up to one's knees -- indeed several men by missing the pavement found themselves at once up to their waist. And besides logs, &c., were impelled along by the rushing waters and one man had his shin very severely lacerated by a floating piece of wood -- so I was persuaded not to attempt to reach the Bridge. The rain having ceased and the tide beginning to ebb I thought the worst was passed and returned home, had supper and, thankful that no water had entered our house, went to bed.

17. Up at 5. Had my biscuit, apple and cup of tea. No sound of rain, but sounds of many people on the move. When it was daylight I saw men in their dirtiest working dresses going towards the creek: looking thitherward from my gate a wonderful sight I saw. The road up to a few yards of my back gate strewn with broken timber, drift wood and boulders -- half the fences on the left side of the street more or less broken and mud, yellow and beastly, a foot deep everywhere -- a picture of misery and desolation. There was no Sunday look about the place or people. As the day advanced, work -- work became more visible.

Immediately after service Blannie with her usual thoughtfulness took a tin (quart) of hot oxtail soup to the Jeffersons, our bookseller (two old people who live alone without a servant). She found them in a truly woebegone state; mud a foot deep in every room, nothing but water on all sides, no fire and no dinner, for what they had prepared for their Sunday repast had been washed away by the flood: they were nearly crying.

After dinner we all walked down Pollen Street -- every shop was open and at almost every shop one or more persons were busy -- without shoes and stockings, and trousers rolled up to above the knees -- shovelling out mud or baling out water. Our progress was slow for we had to say a few sympathetic words to many as we walked on. I have since

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heard that they had no rain to speak of in Auckland nor at Coromandel -- nor Hastings -- nor Paeroa -- and that Captain Farquahar in the Rotomahana, coming up the harbour on Saturday evening had no rain till he had passed Chamberlain's Island, and then only slight till he neared Tararu -- but he was struck with the unusual blackness of a cloud which hung over the hills at the back of the town.

After tea Blannie took to the Jeffersons a quart of hot cocoa and found that the poor old couple were just thinking of going to bed without tea -- for the water being still about a foot deep in their house they could not light a fire. The hot, nourishing beverage in the evening seemed, if possible, more acceptable than the hot soup at noon.

28. Mrs Bull, who lives in Pollen Street, at the corner of Cochrane Street -- and therefore a long way from Karaka Creek or Waiotahi Creek -- had the water two feet all over the floor of her house -- and, poor woman, she has a family of 10 children and was having a fortnight's wash. All the clothes were soaking in the tubs and that evening the contents of the tubs were washed away and all the clothes of the 10 children and other household linen lost. The only article saved was one large sheet.

29. A letter from Anne: she says -- "I do like Carrie White -- you and Mamma will, I'm sure, like her exceedingly. Martin doesn't do any spooning in public but they were an awful time coming home from Church -- it always takes them half an hour to say good night in the dining room. Jim is also studying the stars, so we say, with Alice Munro! Altogether I have fine opportunities for seeing what people in love are like. I don't like Mrs W. as much as Mr., but she is so handsome."

"Jim" is Jim Haultain and Alice Munro an intimate friend of Carrie's and a near neighbour to the Whites.

3 August. The cat is out of the bag: Mrs Puckey has found out dear Annette's little secret -- and so we need not hire the Town Crier to let every body know the same, for her clapper

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will wag fast and far enough. She (Annette) has had a cheque for, £2. 17. 0 from a Mr Smith, the publisher of the Monthly Packet'. The first money she has ever earned. And sent to her without even a hint that any payment would be expected or acceptable. I have not yet seen her "Trip to Norfolk Island" -- so I am naturally rather curious to see the Monthly Packet and read her effusion.

20. A few weeks ago I tried to sort into the proper years my diary and I found it no easy work through a general neglect of which I was guilty, of omitting the year and sometimes the month.

We, the trio, Mamma, Blannie and I spend our days very quietly -- there is really just now hardly anything to record save purely domestic news. We, Blannie and I, have been busy gardening, she in the flower, I in the kitchen garden. She is anxious that our little slip of flower borders should look their best on Annette's return next week and I really must say that the garden in front of the house has seldom looked neater. I intend to beat Alfred with my asparagus. I gave my beds a good coating of salt and they are responding gratefully -- for already there are many poking their heads above ground.

23. Mamma was alarmed yesterday by finding she had a mild attack of Erysipelas in her right cheek and side of her head. Doctor Payne came last night and again this morning; she has kept her bed today. We are in hopes it will pass off -- having been taken in time -- but there have been three cases in the town, decidedly serious.

27. Mamma still poorly: but I think it is chiefly a bad bilious attack. We have had an interchange of civilities! between the Halls and ourselves. Mamma broached her two kegs of Peach-wine, her own manufacture last January. Eliza and Blannie bottled it: one lot was particularly good -- looking at it as it appeared in the wine-glass it looked like clear port wine: the flavour of this was also good. The wine from the other keg (made at a different time and from different

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peaches) was not so nicely flavoured and of a dull reddish colour. Now Mr Hall is an enthusiast about peach wine making, thinking it might become a profitable local industry, and Mamma sent across for his opinion thereon, one bottle of her best wine. After a few days Nellie came over with her Papa's thanks and high commendation of the wine -- considering it most excellent -- and desired Mrs Lush's acceptance of the specimens of his -- three bottles labelled 1879, 1880 and January 1881. The three samples were decidedly better than Mamma's inferior, but not in my opinion better than her best. If life and health be spared to us, wine-making will become henceforth like jam making and fruit tinning, one of the fixed employments of the Autumn.

Yesterday (answering to 26 February in England) had my first dish of asparagus, about 20 head. Did Alfred begin so early in the spring?

8 September. I reached Auckland at 10 o'clock on the 5th (in a storm of rain), reached the Nelsons' where supper was ready. The next morning saw the Bishop at the Diocesan Office in Queen Street, but finding he was busy I suggested I should dine with him at 1 o'clock! This he agreed to and I went to Tyler's office and astonished Martin by my presence: enquired eagerly whether anything wrong had compelled me to come to town -- evidently thinking of the scarlet fever which is so prevalent. I met Calder at the Bishop's and after dinner the Bishop, Calder and I had a long korero: the upshot being that I have agreed to go to Hamilton, where my work will be easier than here, if the people will agree to receive me (!) and give me £200 a year. The Bishop has promised to visit Hamilton next Wednesday 14th and Thames on Wednesday 21st.

Walked down to the Rotomahana. at 11.30 where I met Annette: Martin came to wish us goodbye. It was 5 o'clock when we reached home and Mamma and Blannie were overflowing with delight in having Annette safe home again. Besides giving Carry a handsome engagement ring, Martin

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has given her a pair of silver bracelets, and Annette tells me she has bought for him a gold watch chain.

9. Martin's birthday: he will have his first present from Carry today -- his gold watch chain.

19. We are again in an unsettled state: the Bishop comes here on Wednesday to consult St George's congregation, even as he consulted St Peter's people last Wednesday: it is more doubtful whether Calder come here than it is that I shall go there. But Wednesday is so near I will refrain from the subject till the Meeting is over.

21. Bishop came, arriving about 5. Had "meat" tea: at 8 we walked over to the Church. There were about 150 people present, all very quiet and in no way offensive to myself -- rather the contrary. Yesterday the Bishop left about 4.30. He was very friendly with us -- Very.

24. We are now expecting the arrival of Martin and Carry White. In half an hour I shall go to Grahams Town wharf to meet the Steamer. How many hours Martin will stay I know not, perhaps 12, perhaps till 8 a. m. on Monday (26th). Carry, I hope, will stay a week or longer.

27. Carry grows in our affection and esteem as we know her better. She is also getting over her shyness and so some of her good qualities come out more evidently. She certainly seems very amiable and she sings sweetly and plays nicely. Today the Three (A., B. and C.) have gone to the Orphanage: it is a lovely day but a long walk. D. has also accompanied them -- I hope he will not run after the Sheep.

7 October. This day, with Blannie, I left Thames about 11 a. m. One day during my stay in town I had tea with the Heywoods. Edward will be glad to hear that his friend Teddy is getting on well and is delighted with Edward's letters. I also dined with Dr Kinder -- he has bought a beautiful site near to where Sir George Arney lived. The Kinders are erecting a handsome house.

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10. Mrs Eden and Tom have left us for the Paynes. And now we are hourly expecting Mrs Macdonald.

11. Mrs Mac arrived last night: the house has been quite alive, she has such good spirits.

14. Sold my house!! to Ehrenfried the (Jew) brewer. I asked him on Monday £1000 for it: today, Friday, after considerable haggling in the intermediate days I accepted £600. And I am thankful I have got rid of it at that price. If the place goes down for the next 2 or 3 years as it has for the last 2 or 3 I might not have got £400. Mrs Mac left yesterday.

17. Annette went up by Rotomahana to the Haultains, to be present at Nellie's wedding on Wednesday 19th. No one was to be invited, so Annette accidentally(?) called in.

19. Annette wishes Carry Haultain to return with her: rather thoughtless of the little girl seeing we are in the bustle and confusion of packing up.

26. I hope tomorrow to send off by Rotomahana nine or ten cases -- chiefly books -- to Baber & Rawlings store, Auckland, to be stowed away till we are well settled at Waikato and then we can have them sent to us gradually or all together. We are going to sell a large quantity of things -- a catalogue I will forward by the next mail. A large number of the people seem really very sorry I am going -- but for many reasons I am glad.

Airey, one of the Church Wardens, a few days ago told me that some of my friends were thinking of getting up a testimonial. I begged him to put a stop to any such movement. I reminded him that for some time past I had been mulcted of my stipend and that to be "tea-potted" under such circumstances seemed to me to be a case parallel to that of allowing a man to starve and when he is dead to give him an expensive funeral: so I plainly said I would positively refuse any testimonial so long as my arrears remained not paid up.

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The Vestry met -- what was said I know not -- but what they did was this: to pass a resolution that the arrears (viz. £45) be paid to Mr Lush at once. And that further the £38 Mr Lush advanced to the Standing Committee of the Diocese on 19 July, 1879, be refunded to him. This £38 was interest due to the Standing Committee on Church debts which the Churchwardens in 1879 were unwilling to pay, and for the credit of the Church I advanced. So, most unexpectedly, I shall receive £83 -- a far more useful and acceptable "testimonial" -- if what is my right can be called a testimonial -- than a silver tea-pot. This £83 will I hope suffice, with what our "auction" may bring in, to pay expenses of removal -- repurchase of furniture and the buying of a horse!

31. I have just received three letters from Norfolk Island -- one from David Ruddock. 73 I give two passages from Ruddock's: "I have had the pleasure of reading Miss Lush's paper in the Monthly Packet. Mr Codrington thinks it to be the best account he has seen." The next extract deserves a corner -- "It is just ten years ago since Bishop Patteson's death. Mr Codrington told me that then there were only 4 permanent native schools. Six years ago there were 15: now there are 41."

1 November. Annette spent the morning with Mrs Tizard: both are fond of painting flowers and spent the time painting. Mamma, Blanche and I very busy packing.

2. Annette all the forenoon at Tararu: a large Bible class: and then dined at the Frasers', had tea with us and immediately afterwards rushed off to Annie Puckey. I am persuaded that Annette abominates this move and gets out of the way of the "packing up" as much as she can. Blannie, Mamma and I have been hard at work and since dinner up to 5 o'clock two carpenters have been packing our pictures. Martin writes, congratulating me on getting £600 for my house.

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10. Sent off to Baber & Rawlings ten more large cases, one of them our Piano. As Edward may suppose, 19 cases full of books and chattels sent away begin to make even this large house look very empty.

11. Annette, as usual with her on Friday mornings went to the Kauaeranga Girls School for her Bible class: it was well attended. Just as she was about to begin in walked Miss Haselden and a posse of Teachers. At the same time one of the children stepped forward and in the name of the class presented to her two volumes -- nicely bound -- as a token of their esteem.

What do you think my little puss did? She sat down and had a good cry! Then suddenly starting up ran to her class (45 girls) and gave every one of them a hearty kiss. I doubt not they will all remember that salutation much more vividly than the neatest speech she could have made.

12. Still busy packing up though the end thereof is visibly very near.

20. A very trying day. The weather was fine. The Naval Brigade had a Church parade. When the volunteers had left the Church I found that about 70 communicants had remained. I was Celebrant and got on very well till, unfortunately, when giving the Bread to Emily Day she began sobbing, and I was upset! I soon recovered myself and at the end gave the Blessing bravely. Then I walked down the aisle and took up a position in the porch, and shook hands with each communicant as he or she passed out. And so I brought my connection with my people at the Thames to a close -- as, in my opinion, a Priest should close his ministry.

In the afternoon christened 3 children and then walked with Mamma to the School, which looked suspiciously altered: not divided into classes and a pleasant hum of many voices reading and saying lessons, but children and teachers and outsiders sitting very silent on forms ranged close, one behind the other from the dais to the entrance door where Gerring was standing to receive us. When we reached the

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dais Mr Gerring speedily enlightened us as to the cause of the change which had come over the school.

He made a speech, the sum and substance of which I could not for the world recall to mind and only know that in the names of the Teachers and Children I was to accept a Library chair, my wife an easy chair -- Blanche a writing desk and Anne a box of paints: each article handsome and good and such as greatly pleased us individually. Of course I had to "return thanks" -- somewhere I got speaking to them of Farringdon and Coxwell and my remembrance of children there. When all was over Mr Gerring told Blanche he had no idea I had ever been curate at Farringdon: that he should so liked to have talked with me about the place for his father held the great farm at Great Coxwell. And now, said he, "it is too late!"

At Evening Service I sat alone and in silence in the chancel. Tebbs read prayers and preached. Then Captain Wildman gave at my request my photo to each member of the choir -- Mr Tizard gave one to each member of the Vestry -- and Mr Gerring one to each Sunday School Teacher.

29. St Peter's Parsonage, Hamilton, Waikato! Here am I, 6 a. m., sitting near the window of our dining room, occasionally looking out upon such a different scene from that to which I have been accustomed for the last 13 years. 74 My present view is very extensive: stretching across a broken unreclaimed land, while quite close flows rapidly and grandly the wide Waikato river. The sun is shining brightly but the air is very fresh.

Perhaps my sisters and Edward will not object if I go back to November 18th. Mr Tebbs came to the Thames as my guest -- he slept at the Pacific but had his meals with us at Doctor Payne's, where Mamma and I were staying. At 7 o'clock he accompanied me to St George's to hear the Choir commence their practise -- I say commence because we were both invited by Major Murray to a public dinner at the Governor Bowen Hotel to meet the officers of the Volunteers

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who had that very afternoon returned home from the South and therefore we could not remain long in the Church. When we got to the Church we found it half full of people and the Churchwarden told me I was to be presented with a testimonial. 75

It was all over by 7.45 and as we left the Church the Choir were taking their places -- so Tebbs did not hear them, at all, at all.

We had a very good dinner -- to me it was a supper: there was plenty to eat -- more to drink -- and most of all to hear, in the shape of toast after toast, and so it went on till close upon 11, every one patting every one on the back, and if the Band played the first verse of "For he's a jolly good fellow" once, I should imagine they must have played it a dozen times, I wanted to leave but Tebbs was indisposed to move, so I stopt till I was very weary of it all.

The next day Mr Tebbs was taken in hand by Mr Weston and went hither and thither -- and most fortunately left me free to make any last calls on some old and some sick people. On the 21st we left the Thames: Steamer did not sail away till 6.30 p. m., so we had Monday to look up a few we had missed -- to show to many my tea service, Mamma's chair, Blanche's desk and Anne's paint box. It was 11 when we reached Auckland -- Martin was all there, for his activity in looking after our luggage and his attention to his Mamma could not have been surpassed. He had secured a carriage -- so Mamma and the two girls and Tommy and the canaries were soon safe under the hospitable roof of St Paul's Parsonage. The Carriage then drove me to Colonel Haultain -- all in bed -- did not expect me -- fortunately Fanny was not asleep. She got up and quickly made me a bed in the drawing room, and would have got me supper had I allowed her.

It was 2 o'clock the next day when I called at the Nelsons' and to my great satisfaction I found Mamma and the two

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girls not yet up -- they had been completely "dead beat" and had determined to have a day of rest. I went on to the Bishop's who gave me a very cordial reception. There I dined and returned to the Haultains'.

Up early the next morning -- got to the Nelsons' at quarter to eight. Carriage at the door, Martin all there again, very active, very useful. He accompanied us to the Train and saw after our luggage, cat and birds. The Train seldom goes more than 20 miles an hour and as it stops for a few minutes at many stations it was between 3 and 4 in the afternoon before we reached our destination: "Hamilton Station", but a mile and a half from Hamilton. To my great surprise a Mrs Hume had driven over her buggy and pair for Mamma and my daughters, quite a stranger to us. When I had seen them safely started I got into an omnibus, having for my fellow travellers Mr Sandes, a Church Warden of St Peter's who had come over to welcome us to the parish -- and poor Tommy who mewed and cried most dolefully, and the 4 canaries.

We alighted at the Parsonage and then walked to a charming cottage built in the garden of the chief hotel: that was Wednesday the 23rd and here we have been in comfort and luxury till today, Tuesday 29th. During those six days we have been chiefly unpacking, varied with a few short walks and making acquaintance with some of our neighbours, and may I say, future Friends. I think I may from the warm cordiality with which every one I have spoken to has welcomed me and mine to the Waikato.

On Sunday 27th I felt very poorly but I got through the service very well -- so my wife says. The Church was well filled morning and evening. Blannie went to Sunday School on this side of the river (west): Annette to the Sunday School on the other side or East Hamilton. I felt too sick to move off my bed and it was an effort to read the Prayers and Preach in the evening.

On Monday, to my great astonishment, I received the following letter from the Bishop: "My dear Mr Lush, When Archdeacon Pritt left the Waikato in 1872 he did not resign

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the Archdeaconry of that portion of the Diocese, as there was at that time no suitable clergyman there resident to be appointed in his stead and the duties of the office were then few. Things are now entirely changed; and it has become necessary that the Archdeacon should be resident in the Archdeaconry. Archdeacon Pritt has accordingly resigned and I offer the appointment to you. I make this offer not only because you are one of the senior clergy of the Diocese and resident in the Waikato, but also because I consider you specially qualified for the office -- by your long experience of New Zealand Church-work, and by the faithful and efficient manner in which you have ministered in the several pastoral charges hitherto held by you in the Diocese, by the high esteem in which you are held by our brother clergy and by the readiness you have always shewn to assist me personally in my many responsibilities. Be so good as to inform me by return of post (if possible) whether you accept this offer; and if you do, I shall consider you one of my Archdeacons from December 1st. Yours faithfully, W. G. Auckland."

What could I do but acquiesce?

30. A telegram from "Eliza Cowie" (the Bishop's wife) -- he is, I suppose, up the country somewhere. The telegram was: "Do you accept Archdeaconry -- waiting your reply for Church Gazette." "Yes. Letter in post for Bishop."

Hamilton, both East and West, seems in an excited, festive state, every omnibus, every trap, public and private, driving furiously about -- and every horse and rider galloping to and fro. It at last dawned on my benighted mind that it was "our" Race day. The weather is truly beautiful but had I prepared to go 8 miles to the course yesterday, I must have remained at home for I still feel very poorly.

2 December. We have received numerous letters from Thames: in almost all warm congratulations on my "promotion". I expect the Bishop here as he had signified his attention to institute me on Sunday next. I shall be glad when he has come and gone.

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The people here seem very kind. The Gwynnes wish us to send for vegetables (they have a large, well stocked garden adjoining ours) every day or whenever we like. Annette has just gone to gather gooseberries -- and I am looking forward to a dish of scarlet runners and broad beans; the privilege is a free gift. Another neighbour has offered to supply us with milk for nothing, but as that involves the sending for it a long way at serious inconvenience, we have declined the offer with many thanks.

When we left Thames a large number of the Congregation accompanied us to the end of the Goods Wharf -- or rather, were assembled there before our carriage got there -- so there was another leave taking.

Another gratifying incident occured on the Wednesday we left Auckland: as I have stated the Train leaves at 8. There we saw the last of dear Martin and imagined we should see no more familiar faces till we reached Hamilton, but when the Train "pulled up" at Newmarket who should be on the platform, looking out for us, but the Bishop and Mrs Cowie and their little girl, each with a beautiful large bouquet for Mamma, Blanche and Anne, and their good wishes for our safe arrival were very hearty. I thought this was very kind of the Bishop.

At the end of Vicesimus Lush's life his mind went back to the hard years of progress he had spent on the Thames goldfield. He remembered, factually but with the uncritical affection he bestowed on past memories of places and faces, that the town of Thames had aged rapidly and ungracefully in the first thirteen years of its life. Also that, for those who had known it and its colourful, restless population as he had, there was finer gold to be found in the shabby houses than ever came from the richest of its mines. And a touch of magic in its air that may be felt still.

The Journal entry that follows is believed to be the last written to his sisters and brother and his son, Edward, in

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England. He left for Auckland to consult his friend and physician, Dr Goldsboro' in June, and died in lodgings at Parnell on Tuesday, 11 July 1882.

31 May 1882. The other day, skimming over Waterton's Wanderings, I came across the following account of St John's, the capital of Antigua, and though the description refers to St John's in 1824, it so exactly corresponds with the present aspect of Grahams town, as you see it on landing from the Steamer, that it is difficult to believe that Waterton did not write it now -- and for Grahams town.

I dare say Edward will think with me that the above suits St John's, Antigua -- and also Grahams town, Thames.

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