1961 - The Richmond-Atkinson Papers Vol II - Chapter 5, Self Reliance and Nationalism, 1868-71, p 261-320

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Chapter 5

Self Reliance and Nationalism

1868-71

This period included the final phases of the Maori war. Ever since 1860, in at least one of the provinces of the North Island, soldiers and settlers had been under arms. Month by month the colonials played a larger part in the struggle, until in 1869 the strength of the British troops in the Colony had dwindled to a few detachments of the 18th Regiment, which were employed mainly in aid of the civil power.

Sir George Bowen, who in 1868 assumed the governorship in succession to Sir George Grey, promptly adopted the native policy of the Stafford government which was, in effect, to leave the Maori King alone. In company with the native minister (J. C. Richmond) His Excellency paid a visit to the principal Maori districts in the North Island. They agreed that it was "more politic and more humane" to outlive the King movement than to endeavour to suppress it by the strong hand. The situation at the moment appeared to Bowen as "a doubtful armed truce" or "an undeclared war." Their hope for an early peace was shattered almost immediately by news of hostilies near Patea, where Titokowaru's forces were massing. Thereafter all through 1868 and 1869 the military situation was desperate. In the winter of 1868 Colonial troops suffered heavy casualties at Turuturumokai and Te Ngutu o te Manu without gaining any advantage over the Hauhau. In July Te Kooti, an East Coast native, escaped from internment at the Chatham Islands and landed with 300 of his people in Poverty Bay. Being summoned to surrender he withdrew to the bush, from which a few weeks later he fell upon the settlements and killed 70 civilians and military. The year ended with the combatants struggling desperately for Te

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Kooti's stronghold at Ngatapa. It was captured on 5 Jan 1869, but Te Kooti escaped to the forests of Urewera.

Throughout 1869 two campaigns were waged with varying success and the resources of the Kawanatanga were strained to the utmost. In February Titokowaru's people raided the redoubt at Pukearuhe (Taranaki), killing, amongst others, the missionary John Whiteley. In April Te Kooti appeared again in the settled districts of the East Coast, killing 60 civilians and military at Mohaka and Wairoa. Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore, who had come to New Zealand in 1861 as military secretary to Sir Duncan Cameron, showed great energy and judgment in controlling the campaigns on distant fronts. Te Kooti was eventually brought to bay south of lake Taupo. Porere, the last Ringatu stronghold, was stormed on 3 October, but again the wily leader escaped, this time to the bush on the Wanganui river, hoping to be joined by King people from Waikato. Though this was practically the end of the war, government forces were busy until 1872 scouring the bush in the Bay of Plenty and Urewera area. On 24 February 1870 the last detachment of British troops (the 18th Regiment) left New Zealand.

In February 1869 Richmond proposed making overtures to the Maori king which might lead to a satisfactory modus vivendi with the Kawanatanga. He suggested that the King should be granted a subsidy, that certain lands should be reserved to his people and that the aukati 1 should be removed. On 28 June the ministry resigned and William Fox was sworn in at the head of a government pledged to end the war "with as little of the bayonet as possible." Donald McLean, as native minister and minister of defence, had a part in contriving Te Kooti's defeat at Porere.

That the provinces could not yet feel secure is clear from the letters, which record many alarms of incursions by Te Kooti and Titokowaru, and even Wiremu Kingi, into the settled districts. A large meeting held in October 1870 south of New Plymouth was regarded with such trepidation that reinforcements of Armed Constabulary and H.M.S. Blanche were kept available until the gathering had dispersed.

In a larger sphere there are letters touching on relations between

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the Colonies and the British Empire. In January 1869 Stafford made a move towards inter-colonial cooperation when he proposed to the Australasian governments a conference of delegates to consider matters of joint interest. C. W. Richmond was asked his opinion upon a colonial court of appeal.

About the same time interesting exchanges took place in London. When he was out of office in 1868 H. A. Atkinson criticised severely the management of native affairs, particularly the Patea business, for which J. C. Richmond, as native minister, might be held partly responsible. Shortly afterwards Atkinson, now in England, vigorously complained of the cavalier treatment of New Zealand by the Colonial Office, or by the Secretary of State (who was generally indicted personally). On 23 Apr 1869 when he had been protesting - strangely enough - against the withdrawal of the last regiment from New Zealand, he wrote: "The real truth is they don't care a rap about us so that they can reduce expenditure." The Imperial government was "lowering our authority in the Colony before the natives. The least they could do was upon all possible occasions to express its confidence in the justice, power and moderation of our government in dealing with the Maoris." Finding all his contacts barren, Atkinson told his brother on 21 May: "Our only chance is to stick honestly to our work, for I believe England means us to do it if it is to be done at all."

New Zealanders in London with whom he cooperated, including Sir George Grey, Sir Charles Clifford, Henry Sewell and John Logan Campbell, appointed a sub-committee to write to all of the colonial governments upon their relations with England. "We here have all come to the conclusion that without some such united action England will gradually drop to pieces . . . One thing I have been confirmed in since I came to England, and that is that we have a larger proportion of clever men in the [New Zealand General] Assembly than there is in Parliament and that our ministers are quite equal in ability and honesty to the majority of the English ones." On 3 Dec again: "I think there is no doubt that the present ministry [of W. E. Gladstone] do really desire the colonies to separate and that they are supported in this by a large number of the Radicals. Almost everybody here takes it for granted that we derive some great advantage

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from our connection with England and that England derives no good at all from her connection with us ... I go in for asking for nothing more but separation from England. Once ask for that quietly and firmly and you would then really test the feeling of England. If she thinks as I fear she does we are much better separated from her - if on the other hand she is only sleeping we shall awake her up effectually and know her real mind." When it was proposed that commissioners should be sent from New Zealand to discuss separation within the Colony he disapproved: "If they come they should treat for separation from England, or for making the South Island a separate colony and handing over the North to England."

This correspondence illustrates vividly the state of exasperation to which loyal colonists of English birth had been reduced. Atkinson's indignation was as genuine a declaration of nationalism as that of the Maori leaders who were still fighting against the Kawanatanga. It was a patriotic impulse of self reliance, without any suggestion of renouncing British allegiance. Though fretting to return to New Zealand, where he feared another Maori conflict was inevitable, Atkinson remained in London for some months longer, lobbying actively for the Colony.

In New Zealand feeling against the Secretary of State ran high. Early in 1869 the gentle philosopher J. C. Richmond, resting for a moment from the rigours of the guerilla war, dips his pen in gall to rebuke two secretaries of state: "Who are they to preach or to scold men whom they did not intend to help? We have been irritated into a state bordering on disaffection at a moment when substantial ties are being cut and mutual goodwill and national sentiment are to be really the only remaining bond. This must be execrable statesmanship . . . What have they done to justify their assumption?" The New Zealand colonists, he declared, were being driven towards nationalism and separatism "by the stiff impertinence of a Buckingham and Chandos or a Cardwell."

At the dissolution of Parliament in 1870 none of "the mob" were in Parliament. H. A. Atkinson returned to New Zealand in 1871. H. R. Richmond retired from the superintendency of Taranaki in 1869 and about that time submitted to Professor J. Tyndall his

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theory of the nature of atoms. 2 J. C. Richmond, after representing Grey and Bell in the House (1866-70) was twice defeated in 1871. In one of the contests, by virtue of his Unitarian belief, he was stigmatised by a newspaper as an "infidel." His lecture on Communism and the Idea of Property was delivered in Nelson in September 1871. In November of that year A. S. Atkinson became a partner in the Nelson legal firm of Fell and Atkinson.

The letters of this period exhibit changes in party alignments following the Maori war. With the advent of Julius Vogel in the national sphere the provincial system was doomed to abolition, a reform which none of the family group feared. Jane Maria Atkinson's enthusiasm was now directed to the education of women and advocacy of a girls' high school in Nelson. Writing to Margaret Taylor in 1870 she says: "As for the mental ferment, I rejoice in living in such exciting times, when all science and philosophy seem to be bent on searching to the roots of things."

Of high interest amongst the documents here quoted is the journal of A. S. Atkinson describing the trial in Hokitika, by Mr Justice Richmond, of a Roman Catholic priest, an editor and others on charges of sedition. The cases arose out of a procession and ceremony held in memory of the Fenians who were hanged at Manchester. Though it was feared at Wellington that riots would occur the atmosphere in which the trial was conducted was calm and dignified. As secretary to the judge, Atkinson wrote his narrative from an intimate angle.

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A. S. Atkinson, journal - - - Tu 7 Jan 1868, Off Hokitika

. . . About 7 the tug Favorite came out and took us on board . . . the Capn. told us there had been very heavy floods and that last night the hotel subsided into the river and went out to sea . . . We saw plain signs of the floods . . . among others the Steam Packet Hotel was very appropriately preparing to put to sea, its fore part being supported on temporary props washed by the water . . . The houses and shops are of the ordinary colonial character but of a more makeshift character and the proportion of public houses is rather startling. We put up at the Government Buildings, and the street it is in, Sewell St, is a fair specimen of Hokitika in one way. For about 200 yards from the river, the roadway is fairly made and covered with shingle, a footpath laid off and shingled and between the two a broad and deep ditch with a good deal of dark brown peaty looking water in it. After crossing Weld street . . . the whole of the roadway is covered thickly with stumps, and quite impassable for carts . . .

At dinner met G. S. Sale 3 and Bonar. 4 Sale was a Fellow of Trin. Col. Cam. and later, agent of the Prov. Govt, of Canterbury. Bonar was first mayor of Hokitika. Govt, here is a little undetermined at present as the Canterbury Provincial reign ended a week ago (1st Jan) and the county govt, is not yet under way.

W 8 Jan A little Greek and algebra before breakfast. After walked out by beach to the gaol with C.W.R. who went to inspect and hear anything the prisoners had to say. One (Chamberlain) who is under sentence for perjury in connection with the Maungatapu gang of murderers had most to say being a thorough going sea lawyer. He was heavily ironed for attempts to escape other offences, complained . . . that they put him in solitary confinement and would not allow him any books. 'There were plenty of novels in the gaol but he would not read a novel'. C.W.R. asked him what sort of books he did like? 'Oh it was no use saying because he could not get them.' 'Well, but what did he like?' 'Well what he liked were Locke's or Bacon's works or something scientific' . . . The gaoler afterwards showed us a letter he had written on the fly leaves of books with a bit of stick and his own blood for ink . . .

Came back through the cemetery and through the outskirts of the town . . . characterised by half felled bush, pits dug out for gold, tramways and queer little houses and tents . . .

S 11 Jan A little Greek before breakfast, attended court at 10 and got a little insight into criminal business . . . After the court C.W.R. and I walked out along one tramway for a mile or so and back down the other. J. Hall 5 arrived.

Tu 14 Jan In the evg after a little work C.W.R. read the end of Clough's Amours

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de Voyage, which Hall did not think much of - indeed he wondered what such a man could be for, to which I agreed so far as to say 'that he had not much of the steam engine about him.'

v 37

J. C. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Wellington, 13 Jan 1868

The position of Native reserves is one of great anxiety to me. At present they are almost absolutely in the hands of the Executive, who are subject to heavy pressure on political grounds from friends and foes. e.g. the Princes St. reserve. The Native Lands Act . . . seems to increase the need for providing against the pauperism and despair of the remnant of the race. The public morality is not delicate on such points, and a trust property which stands at all in the way of a public improvement or a public desire would be summarily dealt with by the public if they had the chance . . . I think the trust should be quite independt. of Govt. Yet it would be impossible to maintain a series of private trustees active and careful without paying highly for it . . . Two proposals occur to me. One to make the trust part of the Audit or Control departments work, the other to call in the aid of the Supreme Court. I do not think the Audit or Control are weighty or well established enough to be satisfactory. The Supr. Court would do, but can it be used? There would be no need to trouble the Court with details of administration but only to give an absolute control over expenditure of proceeds and over dealings with the Estate. ... I am getting so very humble in my aims that if I could but leave this one piece of work done so as practically to secure justice and that provision for the early future which prudence requires in the intts. of both races, I shall retire next July in a sort of inward triumph.

1868/1

A. S. Atkinson, journal - - - Hokitika, W 75 Jan 1868

. . . After reading a little in afternoon we walked out along the beach ... a couple of miles or so and picked up pebbles and Hokitika diamonds, also saw the trains of 'packers' horses coming into town. . . .

In the evening Sale came in and we read Browning together - as an interlude going to see . . . two kiwis and a rohi which Rochfort had had sent him from Okarito. The rohi (if that is its name) is not much bigger than the others but its feathers are a little more like feathers.

Th 16 Jan A little Greek before brefst . . . After we had been into town where C.W.R. bought Buckle's Hist of Civilisation we walked up to the Kaniere gold field . . . The ground is of course all pitted and furrowed as if gigantic pigs had been rooting and there are on all sides huge piles of stones taken out and heaped up in the process of washing out the gold . . . The long curved line of trellissed work fluming brings water from a great distance to a 40 feet water wheel which is itself one of the best things I have seen at Hokitika . . . Though 49 feet across it looks beautifully light - it was formerly used for pumping out one claim from which they got about £11,000 worth of gold . . .

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We called on Mr Schaw, the Warden, and had dinner with him . . . The different parties . . . are working at the foot of the perpendicular scarp varying from 20 to 30 feet high, and as the soil is sandy and full of loose stones there is some attendant danger and they have to keep a constant look out above them . . .

Another sight not less interesting was a specimen of the Hokitika mudfish which Schaw has in a bottle. He dug it up himself embedded in the clay a good way from and above the height of the river, and though in the clay under the trees quite alive and healthy . . .

Schaw gave us some account of club life at Melbourne and card playing there and in Hobart town. In the latter place he played 'two guinea loo' with Cap Steward, Des Veux and others and won £70 one night and £40 the next. The day after . . . he was going up the country to see his sister - . . . met Des Veux, who asked him to play again that night and told him he was 'expected', whereupon, though greatly wishing to go, he gave up his journey . . . and stayed to give them the chance of winning - lost £40 and then came to N.Z. In the Melbourne Club ... if you are known or are supposed to have a good balance at the bank and look like a good patient you are invited to a private dinner 'quite a select thing,' after which you are taught how to play loo . . .

Su 19 Jan Read Clough's poems, Greek delectus, etc ... I made a tour of inspection yesterday up Revell St at 8 o'clock to see how the population comported itself on a Saturday evg. There are in Revell St as nearly as I could make out 77 public houses. I looked carefully but did not see one man drunk or disorderly . . . There was no fighting nor did I hear any bad language. I only met three policemen in my walk from one end to the other and back again, and I think only one of those was on duty. This is a creditable state of things considering how a digging population is composed and the large amount of money passing through their hands.

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H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Hurworth, 4 Mar 1868

Dec seems quite certain the natives will resist the mountain road being made. He says the message from the 'King' is the sword will be drawn if the road is commenced. I don't believe it a bit myself but it is a great pity the natives were ever consulted upon the subject. I am in a great hurry for it is not going to rain to day! ! ! and all my hay is not yet in.

v 6, p 77

J. C. Richmond to E. W. Stafford - - - Auckland, 13 Apr 1868

[Discusses arrangements for the Governor's visit to Bay of Islands.] . . . Colonel Elliott goes with his red uniform and I with my bell topper. [Details plan of operations against the Urewera].

2 May. [Complains of the Governor's fondness for ease and comfort and for his day's shooting] . . . The more convinced I am that all combined hostile action is

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collapsing the more anxious I am not to be surprised by any last expiring flash of independence . . . You ask what I think about the East Coast. I say do not yield. You will win yet, and yielding there will invite pressure everywhere.

Stafford Papers

T. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Stockton, 30 Apr 1868

The loss of your old Bishop appears to be much lamented in N.Z. . . . Since the death of the late Bp of Lichfield, another Bishop is dead, so that Bp Selwyn 6 will now be able to take his seat in the Ho. of Lords . . . Whether Gladstone will be able to accomplish his object as to the Irish Church at present is a little doubtful - but he is a determined man, and will not easily be put down.

May 1. The news of Stockton doings ... to you would prove very uninteresting. Our new British schools were opened a few months ago, but I have not been able yet to see them, altho' I am one of the committee. The new Church is to be consecrated next or the following week. A protest against Ritualism has been presented (headed by Earl Vane) to the Bishop, who is unfriendly to it, and a very warm controversy has since been carried on between Archdeacon Prest and our late vicar, the Cape Bishop. The Bp preached at one of the Churches a few weeks ago, and introduced very severe remarks on Bp Colenso, treating him as an apostate from Christianity.

1868/2

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 10 May 1868

C.W.R. and Arthur left for Hokitika the day before yesterday . . . We hope to have them home again in 4 weeks at longest so it is not such a trial as those dreadful session partings, and as we have an electric telegraph from here to Hokitika we could summon them in case of alarming illness and can hear from them in an hour or less. . . .

I hope you will see Harry and Annie [Atkinson] when they visit England, it would bring you nearer than anything to N.Z. . . . We hope Harry will be able to arrange his affairs so as to attend the approaching session ... if he resigns his seat a rank Provincialist will get in for New Plymouth. Our poor relatives at Taranaki are all rather flat, W.S.A., Harry and Dec are all suffering from empty purses. . . .

Henry . . . has matrimonial views and is living in suspense, but as the young lady (16 years his junior I think) 7 is a conscientious church woman and is really thoughtful, has moreover never felt matrimonially inclined so far in life, I feel doubtful whether a widower of his age with a free Christian creed, or absence of creed, can be very attractive. The father has a high opinion of Hy and approves his suit . . . but what will come of it I can't say. I feel so far guilty of match making that ... I took him one night to Mrs Sam King's to meet her and hear Beethoven. She is the only

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pupil Mrs S.K. has had who has learnt really to appreciate Beethoven. She reads books like the Reign of Law, Mthw Arnold's Essays with real interest and as she has formed her own literary tastes must have something in her head.

1868/3

Emily E. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 10 May 1868

Miss Bartley dined here today. They leave in the Phoebe tomorrow. Judge Chapman has written to Mr Stafford for a resident magistry for his son Charles Chapman. . . . Judge Chapman has taken on one of the young Brewer's as his secretary. Is Mr [C.R.L.] McLean a fit person for registrar of the court supposing Mr Sharp gives it up?

1868/4

A. S. Atkinson, journal - - - Hokitika, Su 10 May 1868

Landed at Hokitika about 1 p.m. having lain enjoying the ground swell for about 12 hours . . . Bonar came off in the Yarra - Abbott and Sale we saw afterwards.

M 11 May The Court was opened pro forma and adjourned till Wednesday. The Attorney General (Prendergast) is here and is at present engaged drawing the indictments of our state prisoners. Ireland, Q.C., of Victoria is also here applying to be admitted to N.Z. bar so that he may be able to defend them.

W 13 May The Court opened at 10 and C.W.R. gave a very good charge to the Grand Jury on the forthcoming political trials. 8

Th 14 May Court occupied all day with the trial of a man named Douglas, a 'mean-white' from Maryland who had murdered a fellow digger at Waimea 12 or 13 miles from here. The evidence was quite clear, the chief being his own confession to a fellow prisoner which the police sergeant concealed was listening to. The jury nevertheless found manslaughter but the sentence was penal servitude for life.

S 16 May Not much doing except preparations for Monday's trial. In the evg I read through the indictment against the Rev Father Larkin and Manning for seditious libel. It is on, though it does not quite cover, 30 sheets of parchment and contains a good many, though by no means all the choice articles from the Celt.

Su 17 May Walked up with Abbott to his place . . . He wanted to know to whom the reference was in The Dream of Fair Women in the verse

It occurred to me that it might be Thekla, and on looking into Wallensteins Tod 9 it seemed to be so.

M 18 May Our 'state trials' began at 10 this morning when the seven defendants or traversers, Father Larkin, Manning, Clarke, Barrett, Melody, Hannon and Harron

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were indicted for their procession to the Hokitika cemetery on March 8, and there setting up a cross to the 'loving memory' of Alan Larkin and O'Brien, executed at Manchester for shooting Sergt Brett. There were 11 counts to the indictment, forcible entry, seditiously assembling, spreading disaffection, etc. The Attorney General (Prendergast) with [C.E.] Button and [G.W.] Harvey for the Crown, Ireland (Q.C. of Victoria) 10 with [W.L.] Rees and [A.R.] Guinness for the defence. The Attorney Gen opened the case in a temperate speech. There was a little skirmishing over the law of some of the counts and a nolle prosequi was entered on the 4th and 5th. Afterwards evidence was proceeded with. About 6 the Court adjourned - the 5 defendants who had been out on bail being let go, Larkin and Manning being kept. Everything so far has gone off quite quietly.

Tu 19 May In the aftn Ireland (who had been very good in cross examination) made a capital speech in defence, the main ground of it being that the sympathy for the men executed at Manchester, which was the gist of the charge against the processionists, was sympathy not for the act for which they were legally responsible but for their fate in suffering for a crime of which they were morally innocent. It was remarkable for a judicious and temperate tone and, as C.W.R. said in summing up, of great force and subtlety. Then came Mr Rees, who had not the sense to see that after Ireland's speech silence was the most eloquent thing of which he was capable. So he shouted (nothing less) for about an hour ... In one of his flights he came to a place he had intended to grace with a flower from the poets - only unfortunately he forgot it. 'Gentlemen, what does the poet say? The poet says - the poet says -(Then, as if scolding some blockhead who was quoting a poet against him, 'Well what does it matter what the poet says? It does not matter in the least what he says'. . .

Then C.W.R. gave them a fine summing up and the jury retired. After being away an hour and a half they came back with a verdict of guilty on the remaining counts -(seditious proceeding and forcible entry) recommending the five defendants to mercy. These were thereupon fined £20 each and let go. Larkin and Manning were arraigned, while the jury were deliberating, on the charge of seditious libel and the indictment, which occupied an hour and three quarters, was read over and they pleaded not guilty. The day's business went over very quietly.

W 20 May At 10 when the two prisoners Father Larkin and Manning were brought up again they withdrew their plea of last night and pleaded 'guilty', i.e. to the charge of seditious libel. When called upon Larkin made a rambling statement to the effect chiefly that he did not mean it. Manning (editor of the Celt) had not been aware what the law was - thought he might write anything - but had not published any original articles recommending bloodshed. C.W.R. after a little fatherly advice fined them £20 a piece for the procession business and gave them a month's imprisonment for the libels. This I think has pretty well satisfied everybody - prisoners included.

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In the evening I attended a dinner given by the Hokitika bar (or rather perhaps the bar of Hokitika) to Ireland. We had some very good fun, Ireland's stories being capital - one especially - which was told him by one of the actors, Cap Fiennes, Commandant of Norfolk Island, when a penal settlement . . . An 'incorrigable rogue' who had committed every variety of offence was at last to be executed for knocking in a man's skull with a pickaxe. Captain Fiennes had a taste for whaling and a whaler then in port was going to sea on a short cruise at 6 on the following Monday, but Pat's execution had been fixed for 8 on the same morning - here was a difficulty. To solve it the Cap went to Pat and said, Pat, I have always treated you well.' 'That you have, yer honour,' 'And always done what I could for you.' 'So you have, yer honour'. 'Well now I want you to do me a favour.' 'Sure yer honour, only name it and I shall be delighted to do it.' 'Well, Pat, you see you are to be hung at 8 on Monday but I want to start on a cruise in the whaler before that - would you have any objection to be hung on Saturday?' 'Ach, no then, not at all - how can ye ask me?' 'Ugh, you ungrateful scoundrel is this the way you serve me after all I have done for you?' And the interview ended with violent abuse from the Cap of Pat's ingratitude.

v 37

J. C. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Auckland, 31 May 1868

I am very glad of the result of the Fenian trials. I have not yet had time to read your charge which is much praised. It appears to me to be right, the violence having abated, that the acts and publications in question should be treated merely as ordinary disorderly proceedings, and punished with a contemptuous mildness.

I enclose you a letter received by the Governor with Nelson date and post-mark. I hardly know how to treat such things. It is not right to assume that there is nothing in them, but a fusty enquiry would be absurd whether there is any mischief meant or not. Perhaps you would speak to Curtis 11 if you think well and he might quietly enquire whether anything noticeable is going on in the Fenian way in Nelson. The letter is sent precisely as it reached the Governor.

I have been up Waikato on a vice regal progress. These things are a great bore to me. I like wandering but to go on a journey of this kind is about as pleasant as a pig tied by the hind leg must be supposed to find a journey to market. You can hardly realise how depopulated the country is. It is not from war alone, for the dying off of Ngapuhi is as rapid as that of Waikato. I think you may consider the native difficulty in its alarming phase as at an end. There may be a mad effort to regain Waikato - one cannot calculate what fanaticism may do . . . but generally I think the trouble will resolve itself into a little cattle lifting here and there, and the murder of an outsettler ... Is it not curious how we are broken in to take a dozen or so of kohurus 12 in the course of the year with philosophic calmness?

I see no royal road out of our financial troubles. My plan would be to reduce in

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detail, and to let such provinces as have no revenues collapse quietly. Hospitals should be supported by land endowments, and by voluntary subscriptions and governed by the subscribers. Gaols supported out of general revenue and managed by justices and municipal officers. Public works mainly left to commercial enterprise or to turnpike trusts. Cut off a minister or two, shorten the session of the Assembly . . . and make the country rely less on and think less about government . . . Crown Lands should be got rid of as fast as possible. I cannot see that the country can bear an income tax, and I think it would be a most precarious source of revenue.

I am starting south in the Sturt by the E. Coast tomorrow. I shall be a fortnight en route. Haultain and I are going to Opotiki and I shall go up to the lakes to have a look at the natural wonders and the Maori schools. It is rather late in the year for the trip but I may never have a chance again and the Arawa are very anxious for a visit and are so interesting and energetic that they repay attention. They [have] three schools of their own establishing and management.

The Governor follows in a few days and the Arawa will hui at Maketu.

1868/5

J. C. Richmond to the Electors of Grey & Bell District - - - Napier, 15 Jun 1868

... I see no royal road out of our troubles which are themselves partly the result of a hankering after royal roads. The cure is to be found I believe, by travelling on the common highway of care and economy, which is open at all times to nations and to private persons.

We pay very highly for our institutions for two main reasons; first, because the population is not concentrated, but sprinkled over a large area; second, that the government of this scattered population is engaged in many things which are not its true and permanent business . . . The . . . landed estate of the Colony is rapidly shrinking and . . . the sooner it becomes private property the better. With the alienation of the landed estate the construction of larger public works ceases to be a duty of Government, and falls more and more into the hands either of strictly local bodies or of commercial enterprise and capital ... So soon as the change ... is complete I see neither motive nor means for retaining the machinery of the Provincial governments. There should then be provision made at once, in anticipation of the gradual dying out of provincial governments, for distributing such of their functions as are essential in a civilised state, among other bodies.

Government proper means mainly the administration of law. This is the highest duty of a state and cannot properly be delegated without control to local bodies. We are all responsible to each other as fellow citizens for the priceless treasure of pure and free justice . . .

Hospitals and asylums are an absolute necessity of our civilisation; there is no public duty which is so freely performed by voluntary labor, and I would commit the charge of them to voluntary benevolence giving endowments freely out of our remain-

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ing landed estate, and meeting subscriptions for a short time by a bonus out of the general revenue.

Provision as I have said should be made for carrying out such arrangements on the decease of each provincial Government; I would not however strike any blow but leave it to the people in each province to determine the point of times at which the existing system can no longer be usefully & economically maintained there . . . The native difficulty is rapidly passing away - I say this although since this letter was first written news of the outrages at Patea has reached me. I would not venture to prophesy that no other outbreak will occur . . . but I am sure no great catastrophe from within can overtake a country inured as this is to self defence . . . The Maori is in a condition of civilisation in which he looks for countenance and help from the Government, and it would be ungenerous, impolitic and in some cases ungrateful to refuse these altogether to a people whose good qualities are as conspicuous as their faults, who have some of them bravely aided as others have bravely resisted us, who will all in a short time cordially accept a rule which they will prove to be strong enough & which they know already to be just, who pay a part of the taxes, and whose progress in civilisation will reduce our burdens by adding an important number to the industrious people who bear them . . .

My deliberate conviction, long entertained and firmly held, is that the true Colonial policy for those [West Coast confiscations] and for all public lands is to . . . settle promptly the largest possible industrious population thereon ... I would part with those lands on any terms that would secure their occupation . . . Any system which barely paid expenses would be welcome if it secured us against their being held on speculation by men without capital or inclination to utilise them ... It must however be remembered the country is but half subdued. The present disturbance at Patea is the justification of caution ... I trust the time is not distant when we may operate without renewing a strife for which the Colony is not in its present financial exhaustion at all prepared.

Put in a very few words my cure for our difficulties is that we should wind up with the least possible delay all affairs in which the Government is concerned beyond the true functions of Government . . . taking care to provide amply out of what public estate remains to us for the endowment of public education & of hospitals and asylums, and for the facilitating and encouragement of railway and similar enterprises . . . We should minimise and economise the necessary departments of government, giving the utmost possible localisation to all but strictly national duties and providing for a distribution of the provincial functions on that principle upon the collapse of any of the provinces . . .

The European population of New Zealand are highly civilised and orderly and therefore require a minimum of Government which is mainly needed to check the disorder of individuals. With a population so orderly the less we hear of government the better . . .

v 6, p 78

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Sir G. A. Arney (Chief Justice) to C. W. Richmond - - - Supreme Court, Auckland, ly Jun 1868

... I presume also that you are aware, an act was last session passed by the Imperial Parliament (the Vice Admiralty Courts Act Amendment Act, 1867) having for its object to provide efficient machinery for the working of that jurisdiction in the Colonies.

When I was in England I corresponded with the framer of that Act, and suggested some alterations . . . which were, I believe, adopted; but I did not recommend the adoption of the principle upon which the act provides for working the Admiralty jurisdiction by means of deputy judges appointed by the 'Judge'. I ventured to recommend that the supreme court of New Zealand should be constituted a court of vice admiralty and its judges be created judges in Admiralty . . . For reasons, however, deemed satisfactory the act was passed in its present shape.

You will not then, I hope, object to be appointed a deputy judge under the act. Assuming this ... I am anxious to receive any suggestions which you may be disposed to afford relative to the following matters, viz;

1. The form of the appointments? ... 3. To what extent you would wish that I should delegate to you as deputy judge the ministerial powers of the judge?

I trust that all the judges will consent to act as deputy judges in Admiralty, and, if so, it will doubtless be convenient that each deputy judge should dispose of all business in Admiralty, which may arise within the judicial district assigned to him as a judge of the Supreme Court. But, as at present advised, it appears to me, that their appointments must be general; and that being once appointed they may . . . exercise all their judicial powers at all times and at all places within the Colony. But it still remains a question whether each deputy judge should receive special directions . . .

In regard to the delegation of ministerial powers, it appears to me, that, when the vice admiralty jurisdiction is once generally set in motion throughout the Colony, it may be well for the 'Judge' to delegate to each of the deputy judges, all his (the Judge's) ministerial powers, to be exercised by such deputy judge at all events within his (Supreme Court) judicial district. . . .

v 6, p 79

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Hurworth, ig Jun 1868

. . . The news is I fear very bad from Patea. A report was brought here yesterday by the Nelson S.S that a mounted man had also been murdered and cut to pieces. . . . I still hope a war may be avoided but Parris is very uneasy as to what may be the end. ... I have very little doubt that our own bad management is being taken advantage of by the bad characters of the district to stir up a new war. I am very thankful the Assembly is going to meet at once. . . .

v 6, p 80

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J. C. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Wellington, 29 Jun 1868

I should be immensely obliged if you could find time to draft a bill to carry out the idea that the Supreme Court should be in some sort a trustee of Native reserves. You shall not appear in the matter unless you are willing. I should like to have it early in the session, that it may have a self denying character. It might be kicked at if Fox should get the reins. . . .

My rambles in the North were interesting but too hurried and I wanted an old friend for company. I saw the historic scenes of the North, and the great 'Ngapuhi' dwindled to a mere handful, and I revisited Waikato and found my memory very distinct after 17 years ... I went mainly to see the schools and the men, not the land, and the Governor, who belongs to a fraternity who are too dignified to make haste, made me waste my time waiting on him, so I shall probably never get sight of the great curiosity.

We called at White Is. on our way back and this time landed. It is a desolate looking place, not at all like Heaphy's prettinesses . . . The effect is grey and sad, not gay and album-picture like.

The greatest treat I had was however, the Arawa tribe, the liveliest most energetic, democratic, noisy tribe in N. Zealand. If some lay missionary with a good income and genial ways would settle there and organise them into a few joint stock companies they might be made something of yet. They have started schools themselves, and I have tried them on to make a large bit of road from Maketu. In a short time we shall be able to get a dog cart from Tauranga to Roto Mahana. The schools are very charming. The little monkeys are so bright, so tractable and so choral in their ways. It is the very poetry of the modern teaching by machinery. One man at Maketu has taught his thirty children to read English more or less distinctly and some of them can translate into Maori, to spell words of 3 syllables almost without a mistake; to say multiplication tables and work sums in the common rules, with money, and to point out all the chief countries, rivers, mountains, cities, etc. of Europe on the map. All the work is done in English and Tait the master began without a word of Maori. It really is a lesson to him that would be instructed. Ohinemutu school is almost as good . . .

You will be sorry to see my work at Patea is not perfect. We have done a great deal, however, and I think the majority of Ngatiruanui will remain firm . . . The Bay of Plenty is a sorer point, but I think Tawhiao - Matutaera will not with his friends be the instigators of outbreak. It is Hakaraia and Kereopa that are the firebrands now . . .

1868/6

H. R. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - 5 Jul 1868

I write to tell you that I have sold my Hurworth land to Harry ... He has given me in payment a flock of 450 ewes, and £125, part of which I take in furniture.

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I should hardly have ventured on an investment in sheep if I had not had an experienced friend in Mr Parris, who will help me to look after them . . . The land was likely to do little more for years to come than pay its own rates and thistling expenses and I therefore felt it better to be rid of it.

1868/7

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 23 Jul 1868

... I fear the worst in native matters but don't like to give up hope yet although I have not heard a single thing since I came to make me hope a war can be avoided. Fox, Bell and Vogel only took their seats on Tuesday. No parties are yet formed and no one likes to say or do anything more than he can help till a little more is known of the real feeling of the House. Hall has begun again with some of his Bill, with the view I suppose of attaching the would be supporters of the Government firmly to the party! I have had to vote in horrid company. . . .

The Chatham Islanders 13 managed their business well, did not they?

v 6, p 83

J. C. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - 8 Aug 1868

What shall I say of our politics - Ditch water! said Creepy Crawley. All the disorganisations of older times tenfold increased . . . The governments for years past, certainly ever since Weld took office, have been systematically punished for every attempt to lead. A man is only allowed a lead at the moment when the House is prostrate and weary after a fight and a crisis. The fact is the elements are most difficult to handle. The country has not weight enough to go steadily through trouble, it sways from side to side like a light American cart drawn by half trained horses . . . At this moment ... I believe no policy of an active kind can be carried. Stafford has a very positive belief that rest is the one cure ... It is likely we may attempt the Stevens finance ... I wanted it last year, and it was mainly Fitzherbert's steady resistance that overruled all of us without much argument. I think he was politic. It could not have been carried and it was vital to consolidate loans. That done I wish to try the dissolution of partnership now. It would be a good respectable thing to die for . . . It will be no cry for the hustings without reduction of taxation which can only 'grow to guerdon after days'.

1868/8

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 7 Sep 1868

. . . Stafford called a meeting on Saturday at which a committee of one from each Province was appointed to consider details. It reported to day, and proposes to give Nelson £150,000 Otago £40,000 & Wellington £58,000. I am inclined to support the Government but I must say I can see no ground upon which anything should be

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given to any of the Provinces. I should say Southland is to have £9,000 a year stopped from its land fund. Nothing is to be done for Marlborough or Taranaki whose debts are only £3. 5. 0 and £6 a head, because their customs duties are no longer to be collected by Auckland, Nelson & Wellington. Clearly they are both entitled to something if anything is to be given at all. Auckland is very shaky and Napier holds back. . . .

We have pretty [well] made up our minds to go by Panama on the 8th Novbr. I think Annie ought to be in England as soon as possible ... I am very low and wretched at times on her account and my wounded pride, which I find hard to fight against. . . .

v 6, p 83

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 23 Sep 1868

. . . Bell's speech fell rather flat . . . James made a good speech but of course no words can now hide Haultain's incompetency. Brown and I have decided to vote with McLean, feeling that the time has certainly come for us to put on record our opinion that Haultain is quite unfit to retain to direction of the defence at such a time. Our position is a very difficult and painful one, but at present we are parties to the gross mismanagement of affairs at Patea and we are bound, I think, at once to put ourselves right on this point publicly, having done everything we can think of privately to get things altered. Haultain has at last found out that drunkenness and disorganisation do prevail at the front. That they have existed, and did exist from the first, was well known to all who have taken the least pains to learn what was going on. Haultain was completely hoodwinked when at the front some time ago. I dare say you remember his having reported to the House that things were in a most satisfactory state. He still seems determined to retain McDonnell. James has written to him very strongly expressing his views as to the necessity of removing McDonnell from the command.

I can't tell yet for certain what will be the result of the division but am inclined to think the Government will be beaten by a small majority . . . Several men will vote for the Government from their fear of Fox. I quite sympathize with them in their fear of the mischief Fox might do, but I have come to the conclusion that the retention of Haultain in office is an evil so enormous and certain in the present state of the country that come what may we must get rid of him. Not one step has been taken by Haultain to prepare for what has now overtaken us. The Armed Constabulary are a failure, as you predicted they would be. The Militia law is defective and unworkable.

24 Sep. The result of the division depends now upon how Cox, Patterson & Hepburn vote . . . Whitmore has only gone as a Volunteer to the front. I need hardly say he is Commandant of the Armed Constabulary. It is therefore all nonsense about his having taken Von Tempsky's place. . . .

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Hall made a very weak speech last night. 'We have done the defence so cheap' was the burden of what he said.

v 6, p 84

Mary E. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 15 Oct 1868

Did you have a bad earthquake at Wellington. I do not believe I should have waked up at all if I had not been sleeping with Mother. Anna jumped out of bed with the greatest alacrity, rushed down stairs and opened the front door . . . Mother, Anna and Margie put on some clothes and went into the garden to see what had happened to the landslips while I was left inside with the three smallest children who had been brought into Mother's room ... it was confusion worse confounded and I rather enjoyed it than otherwise. There were several slight shocks in the night. I do not believe Mother and Anna slept much more.

The college chimneys were so injured that they have had to be pulled down and the boys had two or three holidays in consequence. The earthquake was felt very much at the college. The bell rang, the plaster cracked, the boys jumped out of bed and ran downstairs, the chimneys tumbled down and Mr Mackey jumped smash into his window at least so I understand but whether it was fright that made him do it or whether he was trying to get out of his room I do not know. Mr Simmons is so ill today he had to send the boys home.

1868/9

Emily E. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 19 Oct 1868

The whole house was waked up at about 1/4 past 12 by a severe shock of earthquake and a second less severe came at 1/4 past 1 . . . I feel dreadfully anxious about you and also about how I am to guard the dear children in case there follow more shocks which I expect and dread. I know you would remind me that we are in God's hands but every human creature must shrink at such terrors as the poor people in Peru went through before death put an end to them. . . .

20 Oct. No school for the College boys. All the College chimneys were twisted by the earthquake and were being taken down yesterday. Mr Simmons does not think it is safe for the boys to come till the chimneys are down, some are 'hanging by a thread'. The earthquakes continued all night at intervals and we had several shocks last night. I am afraid we have not seen the end as the tide is not ebbing and flowing as usual and the prophets yesterday were prophesying more shocks and the sea was a bright green as it was at the last tidal disturbance. . . .

We had seven or eight shocks on Sunday night and three or four last night. Being up nearly all Sunday night we could not happily keep awake last night for long, only just while the shakes lasted. . . . The earthquake did not seem nearly so severe to me as that in 1855 but Maria and Lely think it was as bad or worse.

1868/10

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J. C. Richmond to E. W. Stafford - - - Turanganui, 12 Dec 1868

. . . The look of things at Whanganui makes me unwilling to delay Whitmore's departure, and I must stay to see things put in order here for defence ... I think it essential to crush Kooti and we must be at the expense of keeping this place if we are to retain the sympathy and help of the tribes here . . . We cannot dispense with them at present ... I am trying to reassemble the old Defence Force men in a blockhouse giving them land and allowance for rations. Also to plant a post of Ngati-kahungunu and one of Ngatiporou. I have told the settlers if they do not help me in obtaining the necessary cession of land I shall remove all help and leave the place to take care of itself as the country cannot possibly afford an army to protect eighty settlers ... I tell [the natives] there are three governments, Kooti's, Ngatiporous' and Sir G. Bowen. I offer them the choice. I don't think they have much doubt but they keep haggling and want to retain the very piece which I propose to give to the tribes and the Defence Force. About half of the resident natives have come in to my proposals and the rest will do so when they see me beginning to pack. It is of political [? importance] not to our own ministry only but to the country that I should carry my point without McLean or any Maori Doctor, so I hope you and Haultain will be patient under my absence for a few more days . . . Whitmore is a capital fellow full of energy. What a thousand pities he should be so impaired in his usefulness by incurable and extreme egotism. I never met his equal in that fault . . .

Stafford Papers

J. C. Richmond to E. W. Stafford - - - Turanganui, 26 Dec 1868

[An important confidential report in the eve of Ngatapa] . . . Yet after all success is precarious. If Kooti stands he will be extirpated incontinently. But the delays attending a Maori force have given him opportunity to learn our strength and I dare not let myself be sanguine of catching him.

23 Jan 1869. There is absolutely no news here - which is a good job ... I believe the blow fell heavily enough to make it probable we shall have no more trouble for some time. I think not less than half the Chatham Is. men have died or been killed one way or another . . .

Stafford Papers

E. W. Stafford (First Minister) to C. W. Richmond - - - Colonial Secretary's Office, (Judicial Branch) Wellington, 29 Jan 1869

This Government has proposed to the Australian Governments the advisability of a conference of delegates being held for the purpose of considering certain important matters of joint interest to the Australasian Colonies.

Replies have been received from the several Governments expressing an unanimous assent to such proposal, and it has been suggested that one of the subjects of deliberation should be the establishment of an Australasian Court of Appeal and legal comity between the Colonies.

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Anticipating that such a conference will shortly be held ... it is important that the New Zealand delegates should be fortified by the opinion of the judges of the supreme court in this Colony on the advisability and, in that case, the best mode of affecting the object proposed; and I shall feel obliged if your Honor would . . . favor the Government with your views in reference to this project . . .

v 6, p 85

J. C. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Wellington, 26 Feb 1869

I wish I could talk with you just now for we need all the thought that can be brought to bear on our case, and decisions have to be arrived at quickly. My present idea is to seize the moment of an extreme party having taken action in defiance as we are led to believe of the Tokangamutu Chiefs for making decided overtures to the Maori King. I have drafted a letter proposing an interview and a treaty, the basis to be the return of the unsold or alienated lands in Waikato, the establishment of regulations as to trade and intercourse similar to those in the Indian Territory in America, and the subsidising of the Tokangamutu government. On their side the chiefs to withdraw their aukati and openly and public[ly] disavow and excommunicate the murderous tribes of Hauhau, to allow needful roads and royal rights over the territory etc. etc. I hardly like to include active measures against the murdering party of Ngatimaniapoto. Time flies fast and mischief with it, and these proposals may not at fastest ripen in time to serve any good end. Please telegraph to me any general expressions of opinion on the question, and write to suggest any details or modifications that you would recommend. I should of course include our peaceful Ngatiawa and Taranaki in the same policy.

I agree with you entirely on the Imperial aid question. Duties of the kind claimed against Gt Britain are obscure, and must be limited in degree and in period. Who shall decide absolutely? My only complaint is that our imperial statesmen have been so silly as to preach at and scold men whom they did not intend to help. The only ground on which a father claims to reprove his children is that he protects them and has wisdom at their service. We have been irritated into a state bordering on disaffection at a moment when substantial ties are being cut and mutual good will and national sentiment are to be really the only remaining bond. This must be execrable statesmanship. All that the Impl. Govt wanted might have been done gracefully if men dressed in a little brief authority would keep Shakespere's account of them before their eyes. Who can wonder that the uncultivated public are irritated at the stiff impertinences of a Buckingham and Chandos, or a Cardwell. What have they done or who are they to justify their assumptions? Do not think I am nursing these feelings. The bitterness of death is passed with me. I think better of England than of Sir F. Rogers or Sir E. Lugard and I hope we shall keep alive some love for the old idols notwithstanding that so much is cast down.

1869/1

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J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 12 Mar 1869

There is very little blue as yet in the sky. A break every now and then but the ugly wet clouds roll in again and fog hides the lighthouse. One sometimes is inclined to cry out is there any lighthouse, any sky - anything but wreck in the howling water and wind? Thank God for the big wheels! They come on inexorably behind and shove us through else I don't know what would come to the world. Perhaps a new avatar is approaching. Haultain inclines rather to a brimstone conclusion a la Dr Cumming.

He toronga ringaringa i te tau ki nga hoa i te motu e manakohia nei e au.

1. Te iwi e e moe, kei tahuri mai ki ahau, kei te moe te motu.
1. Te iwi i roto e moe maaku koe e kawe ki te whare o tou tupuna o Iharaira
2. Tera e hoki te ia ki toona marinotanga.

Na Taawhiao 14

This letter came down the river to Putiki. Mete Kingi says it means peace. Old Hemi Parae has just paid me a visit and I read him the letter. His remark was 'He toronga ringaringa ki nga tangata kohuru'. Booth interprets 'te ia' to mean the Europeans. Puckey does not know why nor does Cooper.

We hear Kooti is active again at Opotiki and has taken some, perhaps all of our Arawa garrison prisoners. This if true is a terribly bad job. 15 They have killed Pitcairn too. W.S.A. and Serj. Ferris enlisted 70 Ngatiporu as constables and Rapata came with them. Unluckily the vessel had to go to Napier for coal and Ormond and McLean persuaded Rapata not to come on, he and 50 stayed behind only 20 have started again.

I have done no more in the Tawhiao negotiation, but overtures are being made indirectly through Tamati Ngapora by Pollen. . . .

E mahi nau e taha e hokia

I was a few days away just now at Otaki and Horowhenua. Had several frank conversations with Hauhau. The condition of their minds is curious. I have indicated it in the penny Advertiser today in a simile of two dogs. They were everywhere most civil. The Waikanae men had an impromptu meeting to receive me. They said, 'Haere mai ki te iwi kino ki te iwi hauhau', and then said that they were so shy, they could not speak because of their bad name. I said who knows that I am not a Hauhau and then I quoted the geography book the religion of the British Empire is protestant but all others are tolerated Speak on I knew Te Ua he was not a murderer, Ngatiawa is not a murdering tribe. Then they went into their desire for peace. Withdraw your soldiers from Waitotara. I took up my parable of the causeless fighting of the E.C. Hauhau and the murders of Maori and pakeha by Kooti, and asked can I lay down my sword before such men. They replied leave Kooti, we disapproved of the E[ast]C[oast] Hauhau and we went down (Hohepa and W. Tako) to stop the evil but they said go and talk to your own tribe. But Titokowaru is fighting for his land which you took by

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theft. I said let us be clear. It is easy for me to be friends with Tawhiao, he is not a cannibal, and with Wi Kingi and Hapurona and W. Tamihana, they are not murderers. They fought for land. I could easily give them back land, but do not dirty your tongues with talk for Titokowaru, I took his land not by theft but the sword. He had ten times as much land as your Waikanae and would have had more if he had rested quiet. But his throat thirsted to drink the blood of Europeans. Do not talk of him. They said that was wrong but you provoked him. I replied that Ngatiruanui attacked in 1860. They replied, ah but you broke our tikanga about land and took Waitara. I said what was that to them? They replied the Ngatimaru feared for their land too and you took it. Draw back your soldiers and restore the land. I said, this is all confusion. First you excuse Ngatiruanui for murders because they are Maori tikanga and then you blame me for taking their land. Is not that a Maori tikanga. Which of you stands on land that he did not take from some one. Where are the former people of Waikanae. They laughed and said that was long ago, things had changed, there were new tikanga. I answered. You are like a flag flapping backwards and forwards but always in one direction that is mauahara 16 to me.

They denied this, but I went on, leave Titokowaru and consider of peace with Tawhiao. I am glad Wi Tako is going to Tokangamutu. He can tell Tawhiao he need not fear the government. He can say I come from a little tribe at Waikanae,, if the pakeha bore ill will to the Maori they could destroy us but we live unmolested, our land is ours, the law covers us as it does the pakeha. He has been also at Canterbury lately and seen a tribe yet weaker. Their lands are not being diminished but enlarged. No one injures them, the Governor helps them to build churches and to support schools. This rather stumped them, but they began again. At last I said I am a Hauhau I liked Te Ua and many of his words. Kooti has written some good words in a book I got at Ngatapa. I do not like the folly of the Hauhau - the wana tua tiri teihana, but many of the thoughts are those of the Bible. I am not a pikopo or a Church man. But I hate cannibals and murderers of women and children and I will continue to destroy them whenever I can. We parted in the best of good humor. The Ngatiraukawa and Muaupoko were extremely cordial.

1869/2

Harman and Stevens to C. W. Richmond - - - Christchurch, 19 Mar 1869

Your tenant Crocker wishes to have a lease for either five or seven years. . . . He would prefer, he says, to have only the 55 acres leaving us to find another tenant for the remainder. ... He proposes that the new rent shall be 13/- (thirteen shillings, per acre for the whole term and that the purchase-money shall be at £10 per acre) We think that under all the circumstances 13/- per acre will be as much as any tenant could possibly pay unless great changes in markets should take place. The price £10 per acre will be as much as we could possibly expect to get for the land within the term unless unforeseen improvements in the state of things generally should come about.

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Would it not be well, in granting a fresh lease ... to specify that some system of cropping shall be carried on?

1869/3

C. W. Richmond to Thomas Purdue, Middle Temple, Lond. - - - Nelson, 24 Mar 1869

Before leaving England for this Colony in the year 1852 I called at the Treasury office, and after discharging all duties then owing by me to the Honourable Society I arranged with you that my name should be placed on the absent list.

I understood at the time that the effect of placing my name on this list would be to exempt me from further payments to the Society. From the tenor of a communication which I received from you in the course of last year I learn for the first time that I am considered a debtor to the Society . . . Although from what passed . . . in 1852, I certainly believed myself to be relieved whilst abroad from pecuniary obligations to the Society . . . the usages of the Honourable Society are ancient and intricate, and I willingly suppose that I misunderstood the information afforded to me. So, however, it was, ... as I perceive that compositions are sometimes admitted, I desire that you will have the goodness on my behalf respectfully to submit to the Masters of the Bench that mine is a fair case for such an arrangement. I have now been for six years a judge of the supreme court of this Colony, and my return to the English bar is a thing altogether out of the question.

I propose that the Honourable Society shall accept from me the sum of £20 in lieu of all dues, duties, payments whatever due or to become due from me to the Society.

v 42

J. C. Richmond.to A. S. Atkinson - - - New Plymouth, 5 Apr 1869

I came up here very much a propos if the news from Mokau proves correct. My telegram to Haultain . . . gives all the facts. You need be in no fear about my being in earnest or about [Colonel] Whitmore hanging fire. He made a miss at Ngahere but his getting there was a great stroke. He reached within three hundred yards of Ahitana's people unperceived, having made the track practicable for packhorses, and constructed hurdles for the swamp. He crossed the first arm of the swamp. Ahitana's people had the white flag flying, and believing them to be neutral he held his hand, only ordering them to go outside. I have directed that they shall be placed under the care of Hone Pihama at Oeo. It seems Parris had warned them to leave or that they would be treated as enemies. If Whitmore had known that he would have attacked, and probably found Titokowaru was there, sheltered by them. He is in a very destitute condition and short of ammunition as well as clothes and food, so unless Hapurona is playing false he may be looked on as almost harmless for the present. Kemp [Major Kepe te Rangihiwinui] will see that he does not get succor from the Upper Whanganui if the lower natives can prevent. Probably by this time Pollen has set the Arawa on again after Kooti - some quarrel about pay - and also I should think

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want of commissariat transport - turned them back. I think Wairoa, Turanga and Opotiki are quite safe as mere defensive posts, and Hawkes Bay can defend itself with well armed Taupo men to fall on the rear of any attacking party . . .

I had a small battle with Hulke, W. Bayly (who said some good things), Upjohn, Dingle and others on Saturday. The meeting went against them. At first what applause there was, fell to them and Dingle drew down the house by a statement as to the ministry 'We have a tilled mun, we have a sowed mun, we have weeded mun, we have a dunged mun (prolonged cheering) - they haven't returned us, not a great deal not as yet, but let us wait another six months etc. etc'

1869/4

J. C. Richmond to E. W. Stafford - - - Tauranga, 16 Apr 1869

[Reports with satisfaction the arrival of a force from Taranaki] . . . the want of a good second in command causes great confusion. Whitmore's manners discourage everybody one from taking up such a position. When he is away from his force they are bewildered if any new circumstance arises to make his orders impracticable, for he is sure to scold unreasonably.

Stafford Papers

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Upper St Germain's Terrace, Blackheath, 23 Apr 1869

. . . Annie is, I am thankful to say, still going on steadily improving . . . Dr Kidd has yet to perform another operation but nothing like the former one, either in pain or extent.

I am very uneasy about the removal of the 18th Regnt. at so critical a time and did what I could here to stop it. Wrote to the Colonial Office and have seen [John] Bright and [W] Monsell, but the real truth is that they don't care a rap about us, so that they can reduce expenditure. We only obtained the information quite by chance that, orders had been sent which left no discretionary power with the Governor. I would not believe it was true, so got Sartoris to put those questions in the House. You saw what a very foolish answer Monsell gave. I had a long interview with him yesterday and told him that the form of his answer might do us much harm by lowering our authority in the Colony before the Natives, and that the least the Government could do was upon all possible occasions to express its confidence in the justice, power and moderation of our Government in dealing with the Maories. He said 'Certainly, certainly he would do so whenever an opportunity presented itself.' We shall see. He told me that the despatches were entirely in that tone: 'probably what I should have dictated myself if I had had to write them.' He finished up by inviting me to dine with him the day after tomorrow, which I am going to do.

Bright said I suppose [Governor Sir G] Bowen is no good.' I said I thought very little. He did not seem altogether adverse to guaranteeing a loan, but Monsell is

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very much opposed to it. Did you see that Sir W. Denison has been making some nice remarks about N.Z. and the Maories at the Col Society? I have written him asking him to read a paper upon the subject before the Col Soc. and undertaking to answer him . . .

v 6, p 87

C. W. Richmond to Colonial Secretary - - - Nelson, 5 May 1869

I have to excuse my seeming discourtesy & neglect in not sooner replying to your letter [regarding] ... a general court of appeal for all the Australasian Colonies. ... The fact is I... have not known, nor do I now know, how to reply to your enquiry ... I believe the general opinion of the judges, in which I fully concur, is, that they should have the opportunity of confering together before attempting definitively to advise the Government on the subject . . .

I presume that no one would think it desirable to take away the final appeal to Her Majesty in Council. The only measure which can be contemplated must, I apprehend, be the establishment of a general court of appeal, either in addition to, or in substitution for, such courts of appeal as already exist in the several Colonies. At present, I confess, it appears to me, that litigants in our courts would not be benefited by such a measure; and that the advancement of the science of jurisprudence in these Colonies (which might be one end of the measure) would not be so greatly promoted as to compensate for the necessary expense of time and money which must be incurred.

Another important subject is the question, whether the barristers & solicitors of each of the Australasian Colonies should be admissible, ad eundem, in all the other Colonies of the group. I see no objection to such a measure provided it be settled that the terms of original admission in each Colony shall be the same. In any case, I am strongly inclined to think, that, on a special retainer, the barristers of any of the superior courts of Australasia should have audience in the courts of all the Colonies.

I forward these imperfect suggestions for your consideration, feeling . . . that these questions may involve wide political considerations, and probably ought not to be answered from a merely juridical point of view.

v 6, p 88

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Blackheath, 21 May 1869

I enclose an address to the electors of N.P. for you to look over ... I am not quite sure whether it would not have been better to have addressed it to the settlers generally. If you think so and have time please make the necessary alterations. . . .

The English Government and people really care nothing about our affairs and their main idea at the present time is to avoid all expenditure upon the Colonies. They don't believe in us, nor in what we say, but seem to hold in a loose general way that we have somehow or other wrongfully got the land from the Maories, and are now crying out wolf in order to live at the expence of the English people. Sir George Grey

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was telling me (I often see him) the other day that a few nights before he was present at a dinner at which Lord Clarendon was. After dinner they were talking about N.Z. and Sir G. G. was urging upon him the necessity of at least guaranteeing us a loan and showing him that the Home Government could not be losers in doing so, when he said with a smile: I am, unfortunately, one of those men who don't believe in what Colonists say'. As Sir G. G. said, I felt inclined to kick him. It is, I think, very important that the Colony should understand how very [little] people here care about our affairs or what we suffer so long as we don't cost them anything . . .

Since I wrote I have dined with Mr Monsell and several M.P's at his house but the only interest they seemed to take in N.Z. affairs was on account of the Church there not being an established one - this of course in connection with the Irish Church bill.

I do not think it altogether hopeless that we may get some pecuniary help but it will be very hard work. Sewell and I hope to get an interview with Gladstone in about a week, but as far as I can learn Lowe is the great stumbling block in our path. It is said that if he does not write he inspires all the Colonial articles in the Times . . . I send you the Daily News of yesterday in which you will find an article on N.Z. This is the only notice it has taken of the murder of poor old Mr Whiteley - that looks very like giving us troops and money if we only ask properly.

Weld has sailed for Western Australia, a great loss to us, but it is a good sign the appointment of such a man as Governor. He seemed to think there was little or no chance of our getting any help from home. So does Richard Hutton, although he thinks we ought to. Sir G. G., Sewell and Morrison (the N.Z. agent) are of the same opinion. Our only chance is to stick honestly to our own work, for I believe England means us to do it if it is to be done at all. . . .

I often see Aunt Mary and young Dick and his wife Katie (a Miss Cobden she was) . . . Dick knows Gorst; I dined with him at Dick's the other day. He (Gorst) asked very kindly after you all especially Maria. Col Browne is home all well . . .

v 6, p 89

Lord Granville (Colonial Secretary) to H. A. Atkinson - - - London, 15 Jun 1869

I shall be much obliged if you will take into your consideration what kind of reward - whether a present or a decoration - might be offered to Major Kemp, better known as the gallant Maori chief Te Kepa. You are doubtless aware that Col Whitmore speaks of his services as having been of the highest order, and that much of the success which I am happy to learn has attended the Colonial arms, has been due to the exertions and bravery of this chief.

Her Majesty's Government are anxious to mark their sense of his conduct by some timely and appropriate recognition, and before coming to any decision I should be glad to be favoured with your opinion as to what particular form of distinction would best meet the case. I have addressed a similar request to Sir George Grey.

(Atkinson papers in Turnbull Library)

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R. R. Parris to W. S. Atkinson - - - New Plymouth, 24 Jun 1869

I am in receipt of your favour with enclosures for Ropata and Hone. The latter has on several occasions expressed himself as disappointed at not hearing from you in reply to his last letter - Ka ki - 'Kua tae taku hoa ki te whenua rangatira kua kore ona mahara ki te tangata i waiho ai ia ki te whenua taurekareka'.

Poor Hone is still the same genuine good creature, and if there is one part of McDonnell's pamphlet that I feel that deserves special notice more than any other, it is the wicked libel upon his character in charging him with having been guilty of extorting black-mail from travellers on the coast. Henry thinks that some of the palpable falsehoods should be contradicted but my own feeling has been to treat it with silent contempt. It is known to be Taylor's production of the Whanganui Times, McDonnell of course supplying the rough material. I borrowed the pamphlet and read until I become sick with the fulsome egotism of the would be author.

Kelly's question in the House had reference to four Natives who came in with the Puketapus under our old friend Tamihama, which four had been with Titokowaru's party in the Patea district, but not at Ngutu-o-te-manu - and also to a party of Ngaruahines, Titokowaru's own tribe, who seceded from him in the Ngatimaru district and came to Pariaka and put themselves under Te Witi. Kelly is a catspaw for Hulke who as you know is very fond of agitation and opposition to any ministry, matters not who is in office. The question of returning rebels is no doubt a very difficult one, and one that cannot be met in all its bearings by mere abstract justice, but must be left to the Government to deal with as a political offence. The Government have drawn a distinction between those who were coerced by various influences to join Titokowaru after the Kitemarae murders, and Turuturumokai and Ngutu-o-te-manu disasters.

I went last week to Oeo to see the Tangahoes, who have all come in to join Hone, numbering altogether 117. Tito Hanataua came in from Ngatimaru by way of Te Arei and came through the district by night, and was in a back house in my premises when we got up in the morning. You will have seen by the papers that the Pakakohis have all come in. Titokowaru at the present time has not more than 40 of his own tribe with him, he has sent for those at Pariaka to rejoin him but they refuse, and he has now sent to invite Te Kooti and Urewera to come and join him.

What think you of opening negotiations for Fox's one million? There is mischief to be done yet. Face to face policy is the sort of thing. P.S. Poor old Pirika of Turangi is dead.

1869/5

J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 30 Jun 1869

Things look anything but satisfactory. We resigned after long and earnest discussion and I really think with a single eye to the public service ... It was the work of many days and several cabinet councils to arrive at a decision. I for one was ready

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to face any amount of obloquy if I could see my way, and I gave my voice finally with my mind on a balance ... I hope we have done right, but my mind is not yet clear.

Fox's folly of yesterday morning has awakened the doubts which I had put to sleep. He has given us an outline of his 'policy' ... He tells us his colleagues and he were in consternation at the magnitude of our undertakings: they propose to withdraw from them, taking up defensive posts within our own 'frontier', reducing the armed constabulary, for they have 'no sympathy for a standing army', 'to demilitarise the force', to accept of the 18th Regiment and ask to raise another within the British army, to be officered by British officers and organised for special colonial service, to pay for these defensive arrangements out of current revenue! and to charge sums raised for military roads against the provinces in which they are made.

You cannot overstate the consternation on our side. Two of Fox's majority are cured already by the 'withdrawal' . . . The blind Southerns and Ultra-provincials will support him through all. My idea without consulting the party is to force an immediate dissolution and leave to the Northern constituencies the responsibility for their own interests . . . but I doubt whether we can upset Fox, who hints that he has an absolute promise of a dissolution. This may be only 'a weak invention of the enemy' but Bowen is not a man of nerve or patriotism and may have promised.

Rolleston still believes that war or peace are optional with us. Sir W. Martin thought so before the interviews of Wilson and Firth with old Tamati Ngapora . . . Pollen, a quiet and reliable man, believes our chances of peace are exactly proportioned to our preparation for war and firmness of attitude. He is strongly for occupying Taupo as we had designed. Herrick and the Waikare Moana force with all their preparations for crossing the Lake just finished are by this time recalled. Brown and Lyon will no doubt be recalled by the Phoebe. The 18th will very likely leave Taranaki per Phoebe . . .

I cannot yet settle whether to take up my abode at Nelson or at Taranaki. There is much to be said on both sides.

1869/6

J. C. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Wellington, 12 Jul 1869

... In my opinion Stevens is right in the idea which I suppose he holds that our war and native question will continue as long as the powers and means of the Colony are dispersed as they are now ... It is monstrous to think that there is some £50,000 a year of taxation and £250,000 a year of land fund spent on comparative luxuries while we bleed to death under the wounds of the Northern island which we cannot find money to staunch.

1869/7

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J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson - - - H. of R. Wellington, 27 Jul 1869

. . . The whole revenues of the Colony should be available for the work for a few years - i.e. of course the land fund - and instead of drivelling about 'demilitarising' our forces we should encourage them by a five years term of service, to be cut short only by bad conduct or incapacity, and by every attention to the wants of the men consistent with the work. We want more good officers sadly, but even that defect might be supplied by stern and constant selection. There are some very good . . .

I should not be surprised to find 5,000 men on pay in September after all the talk about demilitarising and reducing. I am afraid they are quite unable to grasp the matter . . .

How much would you give for a row between Rewi and Kooti? If that should come off and Kooti get used up, the Govt, may exclaim, 'Our indiscretions often serve us well!' It would have been worth while to let Kooti stop at Tauranga on the lake three weeks unmolested and then pass onto Tokongamatu to have him disposed of by the King people. You could hold out the hand to them then in some hope . . . We shall get into the thick of the mess and it will cost under McLean twice what it would have cost under us to get the country through . . .

1869/8

J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 7 Aug 1869

You will be glad to hear that I delivered myself of a column and a half of small pica in the Independent yesterday and also of eight or nine pages of Hansard. I took up 'the whole question,' as old Sewell used to say, from the dawn of history ... I left out most of my points which I propose to insert when the proofs come. By omitting the points the asperities of debate were avoided and the thing went off smooth in one hour and three quarters by the House clock. Our side clapped loudly when I was done, and C. Wilson waked up when I referred to Ghoorkas. I feel virtue has gone out of me and am rather seedy today. I think of reviewing the blue lecture for the benefit of Wellington in Tuesdays Dependent. . . .

By the bye I addressed some remarks to the ladies' gallery yesterday. I wrote a 'funny' article in the Dependent a fortnight ago: a natural history article. I have gone heavy into finance. Also I have paid up my Dawn of Hope shares.

1869/9

R. Abbott to A. S. Atkinson - - - Hokitika, 16 Aug 1869

. . . This morning I have been reading the protest of ex-authorities of N.Zd. published at home against Granville ... If the greatest darkness be before dawn, surely dawn isn't far off now. But I still hope we shan't get any Imperial help. We shall certainly be better men and better Colonists without it, especially if it is only to be had by infinite asking for. We shan't be thankful for it and England surely now won't be able to feel any pleasure even if She have yielded to entreaty against her convictions & helped us ever so. ...

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Ther's no end of queer things here, and it really is a most interesting neighbourhood, which according to all historical precedents must have in the future a most magnificent career - if only for contrast's sake. To have been suckled by a wolf as the founder of Rome was won't be a circumstance by the side of our suckling when our history long afterwards has come to be fairly & credibly written. . . .

v 6, p 91

Archdeacon H. W. Harper to C. W. Richmond - - - Hokitika, 16 Aug 1869

I have read your lecture which you so kindly sent with great interest and pleasure ... At the time you chose the subject I did you the great injustice to think that it might be an unwise choice for our local Coast people ... for fear of materialistic views which might disturb minds utterly incompetent to discuss them. And I wish to make this confession to my own complete shame . . . because the issue shews how much good may be effected in these days of thought by such a truly large and reverent handling of the subject as yours is. Please do not put me down as a 'Divine' who prefers reticence on these matters I do not plead guilty to that - but to a very uncharitable and ignorant presumption of the line you might have taken - and having done my penance will you pardon me if I venture to suggest one or two points in your lecture which are not quite clear to my mind.

page 8. 'that it not possible in the present state of Science to establish any anatomical or physiological distinction between Anthropoid Apes and Man', together with page 12. 'Anatomy it is said can detect no difference between the brain of a Newton and a gorilla. There exist no physical signs - of an enormous disparity - perhaps science is at present unable to detect the physical indicia.'

It occurred to me on reading this that it is said, I believe by Huxley himself, that the largest scull yet found of a gorilla has a capacity 35 cubic inches, whilst the smallest known human skull has 46 inches . . .

Is not this a real distinction of anatomical kind? And if you take it together with the existing and known difference between the Ape and Man as to their mental powers, may it not be the distinction between the two the physical indicium of the whole organisation - and it may be borne in mind that, whilst in man ... all varieties of human mental and bodily powers are found so in Apes . . . nothing but 'Apish' powers are to be found. The self consciousness, the conscious devising of means for ends, the evolving of new out of old matter by reason, the capacity of misery, the gradual advance - or retrogression of condition, are never found in correlation with skulls below a certain size of certain shape - not in the largest of them, whilst some if not all of these crucial distinctions of being are found more or less in connection with human skulls - not below a given size. Is there not here a physical indicium, which God in nature has assigned to the structure of the Man - and Ape? Or, if you take the hand of a monkey, and contrast it with the hand of a man, is there not real correlation between the human hand and the works it is intended to, and does do, and the simple objects of the monkey's paw. Isn't one a hand, the other a paw? and isn't this

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anatomically a difference when you look at it in this way? I don't know anything of anatomy, and so can only ask the question. Next - page 8.

Do you think that Darwin's Development theory has no effect on the question of our affinity with brutes?

Of course it is evident that Man is in Nature - as the brute is i.e. he belongs to this cosmos and is one of its species ... he is plainly one of the animal Kingdom in this general signification. But the question at stake appears to be - has he any nearer affinity to the brute than this general one? Is he specifically different? and Darwin's Theory of development cuts at the root of specific difference, because it assumes development and merges the origin of the species Man (by implication) in the brute. If it be possible that the species Man or the species fish, or reptile have no distinct origin of Creation then we are indeed very near to the Ape - and doesn't Darwin aim at the denial of such distinct Creation? ... I believe it can be proved, that Science knows of no origin of species whatever except by birth, yet Science has never heard of or seen one distinct species produce another by birth. The species are distinct as far as Science goes. There is no indication in Geology of a Mollusca producing by birth a fish ... If Science knows of no Creation except by birth - each of its kind producing its own kind and no other - how can you account for the origin of distinct species - at first - save by the simple knowledge which the humblest Bible student has - God made them . . . Until Science can shew and demonstrate the production of an ape by a man or vice versa I may justly assume in the two a specific difference of, even, anatomy . . . and claim origin by separate Creation. It is no escape from the Marvel of Creation to rush to the entirely undemonstrated theory of development. Species are distinct as 'he who runs' may see, however analogous they may be in points, and their existence, specially their 'whence', is a marvel - but the sight of one of these distinct species producing another and continuing so would upset all knowledge of nature hitherto attained, and would be rightly termed in that sense in which the word is so often wrongly understood a 'miracle' or contary to the common course of nature; whereas origin by creation of distinct species is not contrary to the common course of nature, however much it may be above the power of man to produce or to explain. I should be then rather jealous of any language which seems to favour the development theory ... If we keep strictly to the true use of analogy there would be no danger of this: in such an analogy as St Paul draws between the corn of grain that dies and revives, and the body dead but rising again - the mind instinctively seizes on the true notion of an analogy - viz: that the resemblance between the corn and the body is only a resemblance of conditions which each goes through. The resemblance in no way necessarily implies sameness or identity of the two things and thus analogy occupies its proper place in the argument, and I believe it ought to hold the same place in the comparison of man and brute. But as the two things in that case more nearly approach each other, it is but natural that the mind should conclude that analogy here implies identity, and I suppose it is very hard to avoid the appearance of implying it. Now I have

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somewhere . . . met with a criticism of Tennyson on the score that such language as you quote - 'more upward working out the Beast and let the Ape and Tiger die' - is an acknowledgement of a Development Theory, whereas, I believe it is no more than a poetic use of analogy - thoroughly 'orthodox' . . .

I should take all scriptural expressions such as that of St Paul too, which you quote, in the same way - it is not literal but strict analytical argument; bearing in mind that the affinity between the brute and man, however startling, is not real, not an affinity of identity, but only of resemblance of conditions. It can only be this - if Man was separately created, and I believe that the larger scientific knowledge becomes, the more it will tend to prove the simple assertions of Genesis and the Psalms etc. which imply distinct, separate creation.

I suppose men's minds will always stumble at 'Creation'. It is 'through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear.' (Heb. XI. 3) To that reason says, 'ex nihilo nihil fit', and it often seems to me only another development of this same doubt which hinders many from believing in the second creation - the re-creation of man in Christ - after his fall. The work of Redemption by God Incarnate, so as to recover for man what he had lost, viz: the capacity of holiness and of moving upwards - the two great epochs of human history: the two archai or starting points are equally difficult to comprehend, and I fear that minds which accustom themselves to doubt the first creation of man - fresh and pure from the hands of his Creator and reduce him to the development of a brute, naturally doubt the re-creation of Man, and ignore that which follows out of the Incarnation, viz: the sacred responsibility of Man's condition now as redeemed in Christ and made capable of ultimate salvation.

1869/10

J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson Wellington, 16 Aug 1869

I have bought an interest in the Jupiter claim which is being 'formed into a company' and thirty shares in I forget what. The best plan will probably be to share all the tickets between us . . .

You will be amused by the sudden change of the Dependent. It published an article rather warm against Vogel one day and the next against me and then against self reliance. 'Jock' is displaced. The 'star of Dr Featherston is again in the ascendant'. We had a division upon the Ghoorkas and £70,000 for them or other disciplined force to be raised in England. It was pretty near, but [Archibald] Clark, [James] Farmer and [Charles] Brown deserted, and the combination of Provincialists who want Fox at any price and of men who in spite of experience believe everything of Imperial troops and nothing of our own men was too strong ... I am gladder every day to be out of the mess, but it is anything but satisfactory to see such impotent men in command. Happily more than half the decision of events humanly speaking is with Kooti and Co!

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There is a very interesting article by Charles Leveque in the Revue des deux Mondes - on Nouvelle philosophie de la Nature, bearing on C. W. R's subject and H.R.R's theories. Recommend William to read it.

1869/11

J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 22 Aug 1869

General politics look better . . . There is a good prospect of a burst up of the Provincial alliances with squatters. The P. Govts, will have to abandon their friends to save themselves - see protests from Otago on Hundreds Regulation Act. I voted the right way.

Whitmore has sent an article to Elliot. It was given to me to edit before sending, but I had not time. Please see Elliot and edit it. It is too highly flavored for impress-iveness or for the columns of my sober friend Examiner. 17

1869/12

J. C. Richmond to A. S. Atkinson - - - Wellington, 25 Aug 1869

. . . There was much to find fault with in the late team . . . but we had underlying all some considerable common purposes, and a cautious habit of mind in regard to changes. These fellows are 'jest a Ministry in short'. Bell & Vogel have more or less of opinions on several topics but except where interests are concerned they think the exact opposite, and Bell sits silent, over-borne by the stronger will, while Vogel kicks up his heels and leads his dumb majority into loans and systems of account & all sorts of action 'without raising the question,' . . .

We have engaged to pay for one regiment for 5 years - say £350,000, another for 3 210,000 and we have engaged Branigan 18 to organise our Irish police, who says that permanence of enlistment and high pay & other costly conditions are necessary & must be insisted on by him before attempting the reform. . . .

There is a revival of the disposition to trumpet about our resources. I don't say we have not immense undeveloped resources, but it has to be proved that they are of a nature and in amount such as to warrant us in calculating on a sudden mushroom growth even if that were desirable. . . .

My review of C.W.R. was to have been somewhat in Giles' line. I have been reading with much interest a number of articles by Leveque, Quatrefages and others, in the Revue des deux Mondes, and was thinking of taking up the question with some suggestions about the necessity of a reconciliation of physics & metaphysics, the probability that differences are differences in a hierarchy of existence and the certainty that nature is one. . . .

v 6, p 91

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H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Harrogate, 9 Sep 1869

... It is very curious how I have fallen in with N.Z. and other people since I came home. One day at Charing Cross I met Chevallier of the 65th Regt; you remember him he was paymaster to the T. Militia for some time. A day or two after I met Major Butler, 57th Reg, also at Charing Cross. Shortly after this Col Warre and then Dr Mackinnon. The Dr. . . . pressed me to go down and see him at Netley Hospital, where he has a good appointment. I also saw . . . one day Herbert; he was looking rather seedy and had his two boys with him. I also met Cookson in Hanover Square; he had come over from Ireland . . . and was going to sail for South America in two days on a visit to his son who has a large run there . . .

The more we see of the doctrine of the Plymouth Brothers the less does it commend itself to our hearts or minds. At one Bible reading I attended at Dr. Kidd's they were reading Hebrews. They all appeared very much struck with the wonderful love of God in saving from everlasting punishment a 'remnant' and thought we could never thank him enough for his love and mercy in this matter. I can't see either the love or mercy of God in saving a 'remnant' if . . . the bulk of men are lost. Ideas such as these of God are to me shocking and revolting. When I hear the wonderful things they can find in the Bible, especially in Daniel and Revelation, I cease to wonder at the visions of Te Kooti, Titokowaru. They consider it wrong to use the Lord's Prayer, but I must confess I am quite unable to understand either their canons of interpretation or the logic of their deductions . . .

We appointed a Committee, or rather a sub-committee, to write to the whole of the Colonial Governments upon their relations with England. We here have all come to the conclusion that without some such united action England will gradually drop to pieces. I am very grieved at the course Fox is taking but still I am sure N.Z. will get through all right. This is the price we have to pay for free Government. One thing I have learned, or perhaps been confirmed in since I came to England, and that is that we have a larger proportion of clever men in the Assembly than there is in Parliament and that our Ministers are quite equal in ability and honesty to the majority of the English ones.

I don't envy Fox his position when he tried to catch Whiteley's murderers. My only doubt is whether the King, or at any rate his men, will wait for Fox to begin his defensive policy, or allow him to get over his amusement at the gigantic schemes of Stafford before he finds him work on a still larger scale. I am sorry Gisborne has joined Fox. Could not Fox get Bell to discover a new fact or two about the Maori rebellion as he did about the Waitara block, viz - that it is all a mistake to suppose that we are at war with the natives or that there were or will be any turbulent natives to keep in order . . .

Stafford should have gone to the country upon our relations with England. . . .

v 6, p 93

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C. W. Richmond to Emily E. Richmond - - - Hokitika, 10 Sep 1869

. . . We arrived at Westport yesterday at 10 and stayed the whole day there, leaving at 1 o'clock at night. We had luncheon and dinner at Dr Giles'. 19 In the evening the Bishop of Nelson 20 came in, and there was some vague talking about metaphysics, a propos of Man's Place in Creation. The Bishop and Giles have had a good deal of friendly discussion. Giles has lent him Channing, whom he likes, and Martineau whom, evidently, he does not so well like, if like at all. . . .

Mrs Satchell is quiet and clean and punctual as ever. We have just finished our first luncheon on whitebait . . .

Mrs Giles is a lady-like person and her table nicely set - everything (linen, silver etc) beautifully clean. But she has no Tindals.

Giles is coming up to Nelson shortly, and is to lecture on Woman's place in creation. . . .

I thought James looking very ill on Wednesday. ... I am not at all easy to see him so much out of sorts. His bad condition joined to the sudden cessation of the tension of official life and excitement of political struggle, may result in serious illness if he does not attend to himself . . .

Westport looks half abandoned, and this place very dull.

1869/13

C. W. Richmond to Emily E. Richmond - - - Hokitika, 15 Sept 1869

Will you send down by the first boat . . . the second part of Biglow? 21 I can't get it here, and I have to give a lecture and shall dish up something as light as I can out of Biglow, and see if the people take it better than our friends in the Baptist Chapel seemed to do.

1869/14

H. R. Richmond to Professor John Tyndall - - - Taranaki, 28 Sep 1869

[13 pages in H.R.R's writing and 6 pages typewritten submitting the writer's atomic theory as developed subsequent to the publication of the pamphlet Ether is Matter.]

. . . After a long search extending over more than 23 years I believe I am in possession of a key which will unlock all the chambers of physical science besides connecting it indissolubly with Metaphysics and Theology.

I have neither mathematical skill, nor a sufficiently accurate knowledge of the details of Physical Science to work out my idea at all completely at present, and almost my whole attention is taken up by political duties and the editing of a newspaper. I therefore think it best to entrust the theory in its present immature state to the charge of yourself and such physical philosophers and mathematicians as you may

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think proper to confer with on the subject, in order that it may be brought before the Royal Society in a somewhat more finished state. In so doing I know that I may rely with confidence on your fairness, to award me such part of the credit as may rightly fall to my share: having observed your desire to do strict justice in such matters.

I do not pretend to doubt that I really have the clue to the labyrinth; for having been as I said in anxious search for my whole life since boyhood (I may almost say), having carefully weighed all theories hitherto put forward that I have seen described and framed, and rejected many of my own, I feel competent to judge when the mark has really been hit, and though I can only dimly trace the more complicated results, the connection at once established between the leading phenomena of gravity, cohesion, chemical affinity, heat, light, electricity and magnetism, appears too perfect to admit of doubt. . . .

I enclose a pamphlet written three years ago when I somewhat prematurely imagined that I had found a solution of the great riddle. I adhere to much that is there said, (or indicated) about the purely dynamic conception of matter, the nature of contact, friction etc., though as you will perceive, I found the insufficiency of my view to account for the transmission of light etc., and have greatly changed it accordingly.

It is difficult to think without dizziness of the results of such a theory when established for if mine should not be accepted, another probably will be found sooner or later to link all the sciences together and perhaps almost destroy the function of inductive science by crowning its work.

Whatever my success may be, the conclusion of the preface to my pamphlet will always express my feeling as to my debt to others and my desire not to usurp more credit than is fairly due to me. Should you think well of my theory please communicate with me as soon as convenient, for you will readily understand that I shall be anxious for a verdict by return mail if possible, although well schooled in bearing failure and disappointment. 22

v 6, p 94-7

Sir W. Martin to C. W. Richmond - - - Taurarua, near Auckland, 28 Oct 1869

A short time ago a friend put into my hands a copy of a lecture delivered by you at Nelson in June last on 'Man's place in Creation'. I have read it with so great an interest that I cannot refrain from expressing to you my hearty thanks.

The notions against which you contend have been of late brought forward with an increased boldness. They appear to be put forward by a few leaders, who probably see what they are doing; and are apt to get a certain degree of assent from many persons, who neither reflect on them nor see the consequences. In whatever degree imbibed, they tend to weaken faith and undermine the spiritual life. I have long felt

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the need of an accurate statement of these notions, followed by a clear and forcible exhibition of the fallacy on which they rest. Being now put by you in possession of what I have desired, I pray you to accept my best thanks for what you have already done, and to allow me to hope that you may yet do more in the same direction. I shall endeavour to circulate the lecture in quarters, where it is needed.

1869/15

T. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Stockton, 25 Nov 1869

... The orthodox Stocktonians are all up in arms. Our minister has been delivering 2 lectures on Eternal Punishment which have excited great attention. He had a crowded congregation the first evening, and on the 2nd he would have had double the number had the Chapel been large enough to contain them. A number of tract distributors surrounded the chapel during the evening, with their publications in favour of Eternal Punishment - and a number of persons remained about the chapel for an hour after service discussing the subject. A good impression has been made in the minds of many persons regarding our sentiments, by these sermons.

1869/16

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Blackheath, 3 Dec 1869

. . . There is not much new as far as Colonial politics are concerned except that I think there is now no reason to doubt that the present Ministry do really desire the Colonies to separate, and that they are supported in this by a large number of the radicals. Almost every body here takes it for granted that we derive some great advantage from our connection with England and that England derives no good at all from her connection with us.

I am greatly delighted to hear that Maori matters are looking a little better but I fear there is yet a great deal to do and that the despatch of the 7 Oct will make what there is to be done much more difficult to do . . . The conservative press are trying to make it a party question but as far as I can hear the conservative party at present care nothing about the matter and if they do take the matter up I believe it will only be as a party question.

I go in for asking for nothing more but separation from England. Once ask for that quietly and firmly and you would then really test the feeling of England. If she thinks, as I fear she does, we are much better separated from her - if on the other hand she is only sleeping we shall awake her up effectually and know her real mind.

v 6, p 100

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Blackheath, 31 Dec 1869

... I have not been well either since my last and have not been able to go to any of the Colonists' meetings. I have sent you a paper with the report of the deputation to Lord Granville. Sewell was very much opposed to having one, but was over ruled, only going so as not to break with the men he has been working with. It is, however,

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something to have Lord Gr's statement. The colonist to whom he refers is Kynnersley. 23 You know him I think. I met him two or three days before he left at Sewell's. I hope now that the commissioners will not come home ... It is I think quite ridiculous sending Bell at all. If any commissioners are sent now they should be empowered either to treat for separation from England or for making the South Island a separate Colony and handing over the North to England. I am for the former. . . .

Sewell leaves for N.Z. in the Somersetshire in January - I have not seen Sir G. Grey since we came back from Scotland you will I think be amused with his pamphlet which I have sent you by this mail. . . .

v 6, p 103

H. R. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - New Plymouth, 1 Feb 1870

I write to let you know something about the condition and prospects of the News and about my monetary affairs generally . . .

I believe you know that I am renting the paper from the 1st Octr. for one year at £100. I have no further agreement with Pheney, and believe that he has an absurd notion that the good will of the paper is worth something considerable beyond the value of the plant . . . Although by employing only one or two boys, paying them when it suited him, using wretched paper, and altogether sending the newspaper out in a most disgraceful style, he might possibly scrape a few pounds out of it, it became at once a very losing concern as soon as I took on a proper staff to publish it respectably . . . For the last few weeks I can shew a profit, but this is entirely attributable to my own exertions ... I have therefore told Mr Pheney that unless he asks reasonable terms based almost entirely on the actual value of the plant, I shall prefer sending for new plant at the end of the year, and starting a paper with a different name. I think he sees the force of this and will not be unreasonable in his demands.

But as I consider myself now fairly in for it . . . and as I have already invested some £280 in the business... I should very much prefer to come to terms with Pheney... I cannot think that I ought to pay more than £500 or £600 for the old plant including nominal good will . . . By paying interest at 10 per cent on £600 I should be better off by £40 per annum than paying as now £100 a year rent: and as I do not think the whole of our household expenses including clothing exceed £100 a year, this saving would be very important to me ... To go on renting the paper even at a lower rate, whilst improving and establishing its business for another, will not be satisfactory ... and as I do not see any opening in other directions, and sincerely hope to be able to avoid all official positions for the future, I believe my right course is to make up my mind to go in for it and make it pay . . .

No criticism will enable me to write powerful political articles. My gift, if any, is sub-editorial . . .

1870/1

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E. W. Stafford to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 15 Mar i8yo

With reference to the proposal that the Ida Valley run sho'd be offered for sale in London I consent (should no higher price be obtainable) to its being sold for £24,000 . . .

A portion of the price might, if desired remain unpaid for say - three or four years, bearing interest at the rate of per cent per annum . . . [Memorandum added, in handwriting of C. W. Richmond]

Maximum term of security 8 years provided principal payable by equal annual instalments ... 6 per cent minimum interest, if principal paid off within 3 years; otherwise 7 1/2 per cent to be the minimum.

v 42

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 23 Mar i8yo

Mrs Sewell is one of the most delightful of women. He is clever and energetic and means well I dare say, but is a capricious, shifty, unreliable politician. His sister it is who writes the novels. 24 The Hy Sewells are on their way out to N.Z. for the 20th time it seems to me. I do pity her, she must long to settle down at home near her and his people, it seems sheer restlessness that carries him round and round the globe every few years.

When I read your letters I.feel as tho' I must misrepresent affairs in N.Z. strangely. I do get angry very often at the wretched party spirit, and the low views which too often interfere with the Colony's progress, but yet I like the life take it altogether, and prefer the prospects before our children to any they would have at home. If we had 10,000 a year tomorrow I should only wish to visit England, not to settle there. The dense population, the over-grown towns with their vice and misery, the ever increasing pauperism, seem to me to present difficulties and dangers for the next generation to deal with far more perplexing and alarming than any we have to surmount in our struggle with the Maoris. As for the mental ferment, we feel it as you do, and, I, like you, rejoice in living in such exciting times when all science and philosophy seem to be bent on searching to the roots of things.

27 Mar. As last mail from England brought no news of the ill-fated Matoaka 25 I suppose we must give up all hope of our dear cousins having survived, yet I find it strangely difficult to think of them as dead and I do not know that I shall ever realize their loss. The latest supposition is that the vessel perished amongst the icebergs, of which unusual numbers were encountered in rounding Cape Horn last year by vessels passing nearly at the same season. There were sixty passengers, whole families amongst them, but those swept away together are often to be envied ...

What could I have said that made you think I did housework instead of teaching? We have had servants for years now. I only don't teach all my own children because

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I cannot manage two ages - or separate classes, and we have not room. I have taken Edie because now she can join the others in many lessons and when most of the pupils are not my own children I find it easy to resist interruptions and keep to fixed hours. I still long for men teachers and a system like that of the College here for our girls, but see no hope of it at present, tho' doubtless it is coming. In Dunedin the Scotch, as usual foremost in educational matters, are moving for improved education for girls and propose using their endowments for both sexes. Something in England needs reforming, even your conservative mind must admit, or girls would not be the objectionable creatures you and common report depict them. You can hardly attribute 'the girl of the Period' to the agitation for Women's Rights as it is called. She is rather what the old system in its latest development has brought us to, when the increase of wealth and leisure for large classes, enables woman to fulfil the ornamental end of her being! I have not a grain of sympathy with the American aspect of the Woman's Rights question. In fact our worthy brethren and sisters there have a knack of dressing up the most important truths so nauseously that they turn the strongest stomachs. There was something so 'creepy' about much of the Abolitionists' talk and writing that one needed to be very clear in one's conviction of the sin of slavery to stand it.

Whether we like it or not I feel certain the next century will see an enormous change in the position of women. It is a part of Democracy. I am not sure I like Democracy. Power coming without, or long before, wisdom must always be bad. Whatever influence I might have in the world I should wish to use it in the cause of education. I want my girls to have a boy's education because it is a better education than what is called a girl's, since it better exercises the faculties God has given girls as well as boys. I certainly approve of any woman studying medicine or anything else she selects provided she does it earnestly. I only wish I had studied medicine myself; the mental training would have made me an infinitely more valuable member of society, to say nothing of the advantages special knowledge of the kind would have given me. I don't see how any study which strengthens the mental powers can do otherwise than make women fitter for their own special work, sick nursing included, and I believe that Nature has so provided that their own desires and affections will always lead them to discharge those duties first, except in cases where luxury, idleness and frivolity destroy Nature's promptings. My experience in the Colony shows me that the most solidly educated women are the most useful in every department of life, and that so called 'feminine refinement' is fatal to female usefulness. I dare say we should agree at bottom, only that you imagine (as the Confederates used to do about the Negroes) that Liberty would lead our sex into all sorts of wild vagaries and to the neglect of our own work, and I have more confidence in us. I believe the more we are educated, the higher we aim intellectually, the better we shall discharge our own special functions in the world. Just take my own imaginary case. Had I studied medicine till I was 28 when I left England, would it have prevented my marrying? I believe not, but it would have made me a ten times better wife and mother and a more respectable human being altogether . . .

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Mar 28 ... I begin to build airy plans for settling down at the Beach as a sort of double household in one, allowing James privacy for the evenings and when he chooses in the day with his children, but yet allowing me to act as a mother in all matters especially needing a mother's eye and care. I dare say all my schemes will be scattered to the winds and that if we succeed in getting back to Taranaki in /71, James will be snapped up before then and put into harness again somewhere for the public service. He dreads the thought of the session rapidly approaching and would like to resign his seat, but dare not lest his example should offer an excuse to two or three of our best members who long to cut politics, for resigning likewise. He will not be easily dragged into office again, even if his party are in the ascendant, as seems not unlikely as already there are murmurs arising that the Fox Ministry has broken its promises and spent as much or more money whilst effecting far less than the Stafford Ministry had done.

The 18 children of three households are all flourishing - the boys going steadily ahead at their school work . . . Maurice has an amazingly good memory and is wonderfully neat and finished in all manual performances. His writing is clear and spotlessly neat in his exercises and he already sketches of his own accord perfectly recognizable outlines of the landscape and hills round us. Arfie [Arthur R. Atkinson] will I hope do credit to our name . . . compared with much taught English children he is far from forward but he has the gift of spelling and of language too I think and is wonderfully quick at figures ... He is a child you would like, I fancy, not a bit handsome but lively and active and with deep sensible eyes.

1870/2

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson

Brighton Terrace, New Cross - - - London, 25 Mar 1870

. . . Gisborne's memo in answer to Lord Granville's despatch of the 7th. Oct has been published in the Standard which has also written a fair article upon it. Richard Hutton is also writing an article which will be in Saturday's Spectator ... I have seen Featherston several times . . . He is in a horrible state of savageness and disgust with the Home Government and has come to much the same conclusion at which Sewell and I arrived some months ago. He says that when he left Wellington he was very much opposed to separation from England but that the despatch of the 7th. October, which he saw at Melbourne, shook him a great deal; he is now of opinion that we have no other course open to us - this is pretty strong & Bell of course is not yet clear about anything nor will he ever be so long as questions continue to have two sides to them. Featherston told me that a short time ago they had a long interview with Earl Grey. He put some questions to Bell about what it was probable the Colony would do under certain circumstance which required plain answer, but Bell 'kept on so long whipping the devil round the post' that he (F) was obliged to interrupt and answer for him. Rather like Bell, this.

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I asked Featherston what he thought about Fox arming Topia. Well, he said, Fox consulted me about it. I told him Topia was one of the greatest scoundrels in N.Z. but he might be of some assistance and if there was a general rising fifty rifles would not make much difference either way!! Pleasant this? but I suppose we must run some risks. This however is not one of the risks I would run, nor do I think any Government can justify such a proceeding. Featherston seems to think the fighting is in Waikato and that the King party is defending Te Kooti and he added, 'if so of course Topia has gone over' as far as he (F) can understand 'all that Maclean got out of the Waikatoes was that he released a murderer to them'. I think that what annoys Featherston so much is that having eaten humble pie to an almost unlimited extent at first he now not only sees it was all useless but that if anything is to be arranged with England it will have to be in opposition to this Government.

Have you seen the opening speech of the Governor at the Cape in which he says amongst other things 'that the severance (from England) has already begun in N.Z. under very painful circumstances.' We are taking steps to bring this before the English people. Hutton tells me that Granville has expressed in writing his great desire to get rid of Canada, but this cannot be used publicly. Hutton has had a long talk with Featherston and F. talked to him most freely about every thing so much so as quite to surprise him. I of course keep Hutton up in information as far as I can.

In a semi official interview with members of the Government the following amongst other things occurred. Lowe in his nasty way said in reply to Featherston 'Well all I can say is, that if you are as weak as that you have no business there' (in N.Z.). F said - that argument will apply to Ireland, if you are so weak that you can't protect life and property what right have you there? No no, broke in Bright, I don't agree with either of you; if we had not given the landlords so much help they would have agreed to something reasonable long ago. Well, said Featherston, you really mean then by your despatches to drive us out of the Empire. No no, said Granville, that is not what we mean - is it Rogers? (to Sir F.R). Well, my Lord (said Rogers in reply) I think that is what we mean.

There is to be a debate on Tuesday next upon 'Our relations with the Colonies'. I shall try to go and hear it. I see Gladstone says the Governrnent are prepared to go thoroughly into the question. Whatever you do look out that what I have told you about Featherston does not get about as of course all he told me was in confidence.

I am very uneasy about the state of affairs in New Zealand I cant help thinking we must again fight the King party before things are settled, if indeed the fight has not already commenced. I think you are quite right in not troubling yourself to write in the papers, you must have quite enough to do without that, your business now is no doubt to pass, [your legal examinations] and there will be plenty of time to go in for public affairs again. . . .

We think we now see our way pretty certainly to returning before many months. Annie is I firmly believe slowly but surely mending and Dr Kidd has done so much

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already that one feels entire confidence in what he says and he now sees his way to a satisfactory end to most of Annie's troubles. We have indeed much to be thankful for. ...

v 7, p 1

C. W. Richmond to F. D. Bell (London) - - - Nelson, 28 Mar i8jo

... as to the sale of Ida Valley Sta. Stafford had great diff'y in making up his mind to particulars. He has, moreover, been absent from Nelson on a prolonged visit to the North . . . This letter is to try the new route via San Francisco.

I think ye best way of instructing you will be to send you the original of Stafford's letter to me. I myself agree to all the terms stipulated for me by Stafford.

Stafford desired me particularly to say that you were to get more if you could.

v 42

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 30 Apr i8jo

I am in advance of you having . . . mounted a mushroom, as the only hat affording any shade and comfort in this sunny climate. I only wear it for country walks, expeditions and picnics, always thinking a bonnet needful for dignity at my age in town or making calls, tho' why, now they are so hideously insignificant, bonnets should seem less girlish head dresses than hats I cannot tell.

If I had only known you would be in Dublin I should have asked you to get me an Irish poplin. The one the angelic tailor at Dresden made exists yet as Edie's petticoat, or portions of it exist I should say. It was dyed golden brown, I wore it, then Edie wore it as a dress. They are invaluable, far before any silks we can now get, for durability . . . Lely had one got from Dublin by the John Martineaus in 1850, pieces of it I have yet . . . The colour should be violet or deep blue, as Arthur likes rich colours tho' sober in his tastes otherwise. He objects to the economical neutral tints to which I am addicted . . .

We are just entering on cold weather and short days but have had a most lovely autumn. We have made some delightful excursions and I find my walking powers not by any means gone, tho' I have to take my time for steep ascents. William has found benefit from staying a fortnight at a deserted house which stands about half way on the ascent to the Dun Mountain, by a tramway constructed at great expense to bring chrome and copper ore from the Mt. and now nearly disused except for bringing supplies of firewood into Nelson. This tramway . . . forms a safe bridle road for about 12 miles winding round the sides of the hills, creeping along steep wooded gorges, and almost everywhere affording lovely views out to the sea and the mountains at the far side of Blind Bay. Pack horses take up the things wanted, and Wm and Ar set up house keeping at the Saddle House . . . We went up to the top of Fringe Hill, (about the height of Snowdon but only a hill here) the path was at first very steep and rugged . . . but at the top of the slip we had a gentle ascent along a lovely wooded

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ridge tolerably clear of undergrowth and more like an English park in appearance, but for the endless variety of ferns and mosses more luxuriant than English growth . . . on the top a magnificent panorama rewarded us . . .

Poor Wm's asthma has returned in the lowlands. He and Arthur leave for the Hokitika session next week . . . James is busy with his little tribe to whom he is mother and father in one . . .

Harry and Annie have moved to lodgings at 7 Brighton Terrace, New Cross and speak of Jan 2/71 as the earliest date for leaving England . . . We have just had a peep at the Henry Sewells passing from Melbourne to Wellington. She is sweet looking and good as ever, but so aged since I saw her last, Janry 1862. He is as lively about politics as a boy but he will find a new state of things here in the political world, and I fear a lower set of men to deal with.

1870/3

Emily E. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 15 May 1870

Captain Rough is in Nelson. He has taken a small house near the Sinclairs. Mrs Rough is coming down to stay here for a few months. Captain Rough speaks with delight of Martineau's preaching. The whole service at his church is everything that can be desired. He had also made the acquaintance of the Ed. of the Enquirer, who is also a preacher it is pleasant to listen to. He, Capt Rough, says he can never bear an office in the church again. To be able to hear Mr Martineau is the one thing which he desired to remain in England for. He says they no longer call themselves Unitarians but Free Christians. This perhaps you know already.

1870/4

W. K. Hulke to T. Gilmore - - - New Plymouth, 1 Jun 1870

I shall esteem it a favour if when you return to New Zealand you would take charge of, for me, a hutch of rabits which I have requested Major Atkinson to procure for me - and have everything in the way of hutch and food ready - so as to give you no trouble. All you will have to do would be to get them taken at as low a freight as you can and as you would have yourself goods by the same ship, they could go in your name, and by 5/- or 10/- promised the butcher or the cook if landed safe they would look after them, thus saving you trouble. Of course all charges I will pay on arrival. Could I procure the variety in Melbourne I should not think of sending to England for them, but I cannot . . . The flax company at Opunake are, I may say, ready for work . . . tiding over the winter and then going hard at it, the drying floor is so very difficult in the winter. I am glad to perceive that the price of good flax is at £37 per ton - this will pay, and so give employment to many. Trade in all its branches is very dull, and it is so through all the colony.

1870/5

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H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - 32 Lee Terrace, Blackheath, 18 Jun 1870

Seventeen years to day since we landed from The Sisters in N.P. ... We cast anchor and were watching the boat and hoping that it would be able to reach us. You remember it all, I know. However, I must not go into reflection for as one goes on in life the remembrance of lost opportunities are apt at times to weigh heavy upon one . . .

I have really forgotten whether I reported to you Featherston's interview about the loan ... He found that they were only shuffling with him and putting the matter off so he spoke very plainly to them and told them that he must be back soon and requested some sort of a decided answer at once. They then said that if he likes to ask for £500,000 G'ed loan they would grant the request. He said that not only would he not ask for such a sum but if offered he would not take it and would strongly advise to the same effect. They then offered the 1/2 mil and requested him to telegraph the offer out to the Colony. He did so, sending them a copy of the telegram he proposed to send . . . They did all they could to induce him to recommend the Colony to take the loan or to strike out the recommendation for them not to have it, but he was firm and so the telegram went. Then all of a sudden they gave way and offered him the million. This certainly is the statesmanship of expediency. I believe it was nothing but the fear of our going in for separation that has made them help us.

I saw Featherston and Sir G Grey yesterday they are both well but both seem to think we must fight the King Natives. I can't get rid of this feeling myself . . .

Sir G Grey told me a very good story of himself the other day and seemed to enjoy it very much himself, but hardly I should think from our point of view . . . [Sir G. G.] has discovered or thinks he has discovered some scheme of the present Government with regard to the Colonies and the concentration of troops in England, which if true is certainly very bad, but which I cannot now go into. He has written a paper upon it and has been in doubt as to the best way of making it public. The Standard would be willing to publish it in a series of letters but he considers that he belongs to the Liberal party and does not wish to go over to the Tories or to be considered as having gone over to them. He determined to consult Mr Murray, of the Quarterly who is an old friend of his. Mr Murray strongly advised against publishing in a pamphlet, as nowadays they are never read and produce no effect. It should appear in a daily paper or one of the periodicals. It might come out in the next No of the Quarterly if Sir G. G. liked but this would be too late for the purposes of the session so that was given up. (I am only reporting) Sir G. G. then said he did not much like offering it to the Standard as that would be like breaking with his own party, whereas Mr Murray began to laugh very heartily and said 'Well, Sir George, this is the first time I ever heard of your having any party - except yourself.' . . .

v 7, p 2

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H. A. Atkinson to J. C. Richmond & A. S. Atkinson - - - [England], 18 Jun 1870

. . . Should the £500 which left here in March have been in time to enable you to have done anything to redeem Hurworth I shall indeed be most thankful . . . We heard from Mary and from Henry by last mail that the Building Society had advertised Hurworth for sale. I suppose they are acting legally but I do certainly think I ought to have had some notice before this was done. I have never received a word of notice except from you. ... I do deeply feel that there was not one person in N.P. who cared to let me know the B.S. meant to sell before the property was advertised.

v 7, p 2

A. Eccles 26 to J. Hector F.R.S. Dunedin, 29 Jun 1870

Can you tell me whether Mr James C. Richmond will accept commissions? I am desirous of getting examples of each of the best of our N.Z. artists, and I should like to have one of his water colours of a New Zealand scene very much. I was unable to go to ChChurch to the Art Exbn. but was told his 'Milford Sound' was a very nice picture and that for Art Union purposes it was valued at £10. I subscribed for 4 tickets and got another Gully - 'From Mt Egmont looking towards Tongariro' - which I have not yet seen. If you see Mr Richmond and he is not too deep in politics would you kindly ask him the question and let me know. And if you have been looking over his sketch book lately and could suggest a good sketch from which to get a picture about the size of Gully's 'Mt Cook', I shall be very much obliged, and if his terms are not too high I sd. like to give the commission. I am hoping before very long to go to England and I wish to have some good specimens of New Zealand work and scenes.

Do you know anything of Heaphy, and can one get any of his? I liked those of his in the Auckland Court of the N.Z.E. /65 . . .

1870/6

Emily E. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 11 Jul 1870

We are all well. A little frightened by the earthquake . . .

Mr Strode came the day you left. It was a great pleasure to hear of all the Dunedin people again. In church affairs, James Smith and W. Carr Young have been calling each other bad names 'in the cause of Christ', says Mr Strode and have taken each other into court and had a trial before Judge Chapman and then a new trial, and have had at last to pay each their own costs.

1870/7

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 3 Aug 1870

Arthur ... I fear will not be strong until he can get more out-door exercise. Happily he has passed the first part of his examination preparatory to admission as a barrister, with flying colours, having a highly complimentary private note from

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Judge Johnston announcing the fact. I never had any doubt as to his acquirements being sufficient, but I felt he might be out of his element in answering examination questions, having never been trained at any school or university. The examination is meant to be similar to that passed by 'B.A's' at home. The judge set him the 'general knowledge' papers, and some Wellington classical scholar those for Greek and Latin. Arthur expects to be examined as to his legal attainments in Dec . . . after which we shall be free to return to Taranaki when convenient.

The last mail brought us news of the death of our good old uncle Thomas Richmond ... To insure the bulk of his property going to the descendants of his favourite brother Christopher (my father), he has tied the capital up so curiously that it may be 1900 before it can be divided. The interest is to be equally shared by his seven nephews and nieces but the capital is to be equally divided amongst the grand nephews and nieces on the youngest of them becoming of age ... As Henry's wife is young . . . for anything we know to the contrary the capital may remain intact for another 40 years!! It would matter little if the terms of the will allowed of investment of capital out here but unfortunately the legal terms used compel the trustees to keep the principal in government or real securities at home . . .

[James] has earned the applause of the advanced Liberals by his bill for amending the law respecting married women's property. I believe the bill is to be burked for this session by some old 'duffers' of lawyers in our House of Lords, alias Legislative Council, but it will be passed in next session as it is not a party question and the best men of both sides in its favour.

Did I tell you our hop-o-my-thumb little Arfie has become a collegian (for college here read grammar school) as he was found up to the mark in acquirements, tho' 9 years is the usual age for admission - (he will be 7 on the 5th). He has just commenced Latin and is very lively and vigorous about it and evidently enjoys his school, having got to the middle of his class of 15, which includes of course various ages up to 13. The girls show no great avidity for knowledge but Ruth and Mabel are doing better at Miss Mackays. Her teacher, a German girl (Miss Kelling) seems inclined to be thorough and the system is better than in colonial schools generally. Miss Mackay has got up a singing class on Hullah 27 principles led by Mr Walcott a good musician, and all the older St K's [Katherine's] children . . . and various friends attend . . . Oh for a girls' college! Emily's motherly ambition would I know compel her to see the girls had proper leisure secured at home for preparing lessons if they attended any public institution.

1870/9

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 2 Oct 18 jo

I see you hoped to reach Syrgenstein in July, the very month in which this horrible war broke forth. As your side has been from the first victorious I hope you may have only had mental disturbance to endure . . . The excitement, at this distance

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and knowing not a soul personally engaged in the contest, has thrown us all off our balance completely and deprives one's ordinary occupations of interest. What your condition must have been, with hourly reports reaching your ears of bloodshed and misery, and with most likely many acquaintances in danger, I can in part at any rate guess . . .

Of course at the outset I was German to the backbone, but now that we hear the Emperor is a prisoner and the Prussians are marching on Paris flushed with success, my sympathies incline to the French so far as to long to hear that Prussia has proved a generous enemy and consented to fair terms of peace instead [of] pushing a fallen foe to extremities.

The commencement of the quarrel had such a personal aspect that but for the animosity of race and old grudges one might hope Napoleon's fall would afford a good opening for foreign intervention. If Germany's success is pushed too far I should dread other countries becoming involved in war in dread and jealousy of her predominance. God grant that England may not be drawn in, if neutrality can be preserved without, however, sacrificing honour to love of peace.

On our small affairs this gigantic calamity has a great effect, apparently for good, inasmuch as it puts a stop for the present at any rate to all hope of borrowing more money in Europe for wild projects of railroad making, public works and immigration to which schemes the Assembly had rashly consented . . . We may hope a little time for reflection will enable the Colony to see thro' the gambling nature of this Fox-Vogel Ministry's projects, and refuse to burden the Colony with a ruinous debt which must before long raise taxation to a depopulating pitch. James has made a manful stand all thro' the session backed by a handful of rational members whose common sense was not stifled by dread of their constituencies, and rejoices that the three months spent by the House in doing mischief may ... be reckoned as spent in only doing nothing!

. . . James returned from Wellington on the 14th after just 3 months absence. He . . . feels little confidence in the management of Native affairs by the present Ministry. It was known in old days as the 'sugar and flour policy' and consists in a system of largesse or blackmail administered to discontented tribes and chiefs with soothing effect at the time ... A very large native meeting has been held just now, a little south of Taranaki and some anxiety was felt as to the result, as the arch-rebel Titokowaru attended with a small armed following. H.M.S. Blanche with a company of armed, constabulary went to N. Plymouth and remained till the meeting ended peacefully to all outward appearance. 'Let me alone and I'll keep out of your way' seems the present temper of Titoko. Long may it continue so!

We still talk of February or March as the time for our return to Taranaki. I am glad that I feel no responsibility about choosing our course in the matter ... If Arthur did not unhesitatingly decide on returning as the right thing to do. I should feel fairly puzzled . . . Emily begins to groan and scold a good deal at an approaching

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removal, but happily thinks Arthur so near perfection in most ways that she has to forgive his infatuated attachment to Taranaki. She hopes James will not be so weak minded and short sighted as to accompany us, but of course I hope that he will . . . If we ever do all get settled again at Taranaki, Henry has some idea of beginning a school for the sake of his own boy and nephews, as there is no good boys' school in the place. He would take a few outsiders and might easily make the employment as remunerative as editing the News, which only clears its expenses . . .

I wish you could see more of her [Mrs H. A. Atkinson], You could not fail to find much to like and admire; great life and warmth of intellect and heart, which makes her a refreshing companion. On various subjects we think and feel very differently, but since dear Mary was taken there is no one whose society does me more good (of the female sort that is) here . . . The children are all flourishing, the girls growing in stature, the boy in knowledge. His real love of learning is something I have never yet seen at the same age.

1870/10

J. C. Richmond to H. A. Atkinson - - - Nelson, 4 Oct 1870

The elections are not yet fixed ... It will suit Vogel's policy to hasten them before the country has time to think soberly on the great bubble he has blown. The chances are that there will be a majority in the new House in favour of the scheme . . . If Featherston and Bell disapprove I should think they will be able to break up the Ministry . . . My opinion grows stronger day by day that we are setting out on a ruinous course, and I feel justified in taking the strongest steps I can to arrest it . . . I shall enclose slips of the articles in the Examiner to the editors of the Times, Economist and Money Market Circular lest the discussions on the scheme should be lost sight of altogether, and the large majorities by which they were agreed to should weigh too entirely ... I took much pains to look up figures and to order my mind for debate. I was very well treated by the House, which is personally favourable to me, and whilst voting for having money, did so with that sort of good temper which accompanies calm disbelief in the future, and a resolve to 'gather the day'. It was uphill work nevertheless, but it seemed right to record the objections and arguments as fully as possible and I never allowed myself to forget 1863, when you and I stood in a position of isolation, not altogether unlike mine last session.

I am in doubt about coming forward again for the Assembly. The care of the young ones weighs on me . . . Distracted by double duties, I do neither efficiently and often get into great depression. If I could afford it I should come over early to England, and try to place Alla where she might get the training which her industry and sense deserve. She is a fine young thing but rough and wild to an extraordinary degree. How she learned it puzzles me, for she has seldom been for long together without precise and 'proper' persons about her . . .

You will be pleased to hear that a Nelson lady, Mrs Goulstone wife of the manager

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Bk. of N.S.W., distinguished herself and the place by producing three healthy little ones at a birth about ten days back . . .

The Government . . . have done well in their first appointment of Blackett as engineer. He is a little timid and conservative and has not yet got over prejudices about railway gauges, but his timidity is a virtue when added to the ignorant audacity of Vogel and Co. We passed a land transfer act almost identical with the Torrens act of S. Australia. I daresay the old Cairns act was good enough but for the regulations with which Sewell overloaded it, 'to let the profession down easy'. They have loaded the new act with Moorhouse! as registrar genl. - a man who cannot sit still in an office and apply himself to steady plodding work. The system of 'jobbing' off members of the legislature is rapidly growing. We have now Moorhouse, Williamson, Heaphy, Macfarlane, and half caste Russell, all but the last rewarded for services rendered . . . It is useless to fret over it. The cure is slow - some day when education and political morality have made great progress it will be seen how much of good government depends on a perfectly independent body of legislators. We can do only a very little in our days to bring on the time.

Tudor 28 ... is a capital boy, spry and active . . . and exceedingly good tempered and obliging, He gets on fairly well at the College but he and Maurice having been promoted to a higher class, they do not make the show they were able to do formerly when Monnie was a frequent 'list' bearer.

1870/11

A. S. Atkinson to H. A. Atkinson - - - Nelson, 22 Oct 1870

. . . The war news is terrible and oppresses me greatly . . . The remembrance of young Ninety's death enables me to realize faintly what this war must be to hundreds of thousands who have taken no part in it - leaving out of sight the poor mangled creatures who have - and what for? It is, of course, absolutely inexplicable except on the ground that all we do here is made subservient to the great end for which the world was made. We know there must be such an overruling purpose - what or how it is I suppose we are not meant to know except that it necessarily involves the ultimate triumph of good. God help us all . . .

1870/12

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 24 Oct 1870

I feel you must all be getting to England for the winter and for safety in these terribly disturbed times ... I cannot understand how the King of Prussia's declaration that he would only treat with the non-existent Imperial Government could be reconciled with his earlier statement that it was not the French people but the Emperor and army with whom his quarrel was! . . . Whatever of good stuff there is in France

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will surely come to the surface in the hour of deadly need. Are there any statesmen capable of wise and prompt action or has she nothing to rely on but orators who rant and spout patriotism? Who is Gambetta? It is not a French name and new to me. Will Italy use her opportunity wisely and Rome be secured without bloodshed? . . .

We are going along quietly here enjoying the most exquisite spring weather, the country all radiant with tender green and snowy blossom of fruit trees and hawthorn and the larks singing as tho' wild with joy. The wickedness of men's doings seems to oppress one all the more from the contrast with the beauty and bounty of Nature's .. .

James is looking old and suffers just now from lumbago, the result partly of long walks and hard beds whilst spending ten days at the Collingwood diggings. He returned on Saturday (22nd) having done the mining business and inspection he went about, but having failed to accomplish any sketching, as he hoped to do, owing to his rheumatic pains. I think he will not abandon politics just yet ... He is going to visit Taranaki soon to meet his old constituents and see if his services are required at the old post as if they wish for a narrower and more provincial member he can easily get in to the Assembly for one of the Nelson constituencies 29 . . .

Our Taranaki friends are reckoning on our return . . . When once the dread of further native outbreaks is over we feel confidence in the future of Taranaki, and just now all places are suffering from deadness of trade, partly reaction from over-speculation and rash provincial expenditure. Almost as important as getting rid of the Maoris is the question of how to do away with our Provincial Governments. The double system is most cumbrous and expensive and gives rise to such mean jealousies and selfish struggling for the best share of the loaves and fishes among the provinces that all energetic and far seeing policy ... is thwarted and rendered useless by the action of petty cliques, but what an anthill N.Z. seems now one is taken up with European affairs, only that as C.W.R. reminds us, the beginnings of nations may be as important altho' hundreds instead of millions figure on the scene, for the circumstance surrounding the sapling make or mar its future career . . .

1870/13

A. S. Atkinson to H. A. Atkinson - - - Nelson, 5 Nov 1870

I shall be glad when we can both be back again and at work. My desire for making money is increasing, and if I can only discover the art I shall stick to it industriously. Perhaps you will think that the legal business of Taranaki will not provide fortunes for seven, and there are already six there, (more or less) 'learned in the law' . . .

You asked whether cattle could be landed here from England. I saw Greenfield (Prov. Sec.) this morning and he says there is no prohibition here . . . Canterbury I see has just proclaimed the greater part of the world infected, but not I think England.

1870/14

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J. H. Hutton to H. A. Atkinson - - - Hove House School, 19 Nov 1870

With Dunstan's report I wish to write a few lines ... I think Dunstan is gaining steadiness and application and losing something of his eccentricity. I am going after Christmas to adopt the three-term system now commonly adopted by the schools here and elsewhere, believing that such is necessary - that one must conform to the customs and demands of the age. There will therefore be only four weeks holiday at Christmas henceforth, three at Easter, and the long seven weeks will no longer fall at midsummer, but in August and September.

1870/16

A. S. Atkinson to H. A. Atkinson - - - Nelson, 4 Dec 1870

... What miserable work it is - without so far as I can see a grain of compensation, and humanly speaking, just because such pirates as Louis Napoleon and Bismark are allowed at the head of affairs . . .

James has been to Taranaki and was very well received by his electors and got a vote of confidence from his Town meeting, old Dingle being conspicuous in approval - but since Peter Elliot has reported to Henry that he is not likely to be elected. It seems Charles Brown and F. Carrington are to oppose him and each other and possibly Whitcombe. Some people here have wanted him to stand for a Nelson constituency but I say he must take the opinion of his leading supporters before he gives up the old place.

1870/17

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 31 Dec 1870

Henry and Emma have been here with the two children since the 21st .. . We wanted a family consultation now the time draws so near at which we have always proposed returning to Taranaki ... I doubt its being really decided whether we are to go back in March or stay another year, until after Arthur's legal examination is over. He hopes to pass when he accompanies William to the court of appeal in about a fortnight . . .

J.C.R. is looking often grey and weary but with more political fire left than seemed likely when he first came back sick of the session. He has received a very 'influentially signed' requisition to ask him to stand for Wellington city; as it has hitherto been the very citadel of his enemies this is flattering. For the first time in our N.Z. lives we have all been with Granny at Xmas and the 20 grandchildren have been for the first time assembled together . . .

The News does not not pay him [Henry] and he is at a loss what to turn to next. Emma I like very much . . . She is very quiet and undemonstrative but I can see a devoted wife to Hy, and a kind judicious mother. She is quite a lady in feelings, manners and language, tho' Taranaki born and bred. She plays well and likes good music. I fancy her religious views have become much the same as Henry's.

1870/18

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A. S. Atkinson to H. A. Atkinson - - - Nelson, 4 Jan 1871

We have been in considerable doubt what we ought to do ourselves about going back to Taranaki . . . Halse . . . said he had thought of a partnership with me, but that now though there was work there was no money to be got for it and it seems generally agreed that money is exceedingly scarce. T. King speaks hopefully of the future but agrees about the present. This being so, and there being a possibility of more war owing to the murder of Todd the surveyor in Waikato (Pirongia - the little mountain) I am a good deal drawn to stay here and learn a little more . . .

James has got a requisition from Wellington City and has accepted. They are said to prefer C. Brown for the Grey and Bell. I should like to see him in for Wellington -it would be treating Fox properly. They (the Wellington Reform League) are talking of putting up Travers with him against Featherston and Borlase. Featherston was through here the other day, but I missed him. He expressed much the same views about Vogel and his scheme that we have - but don't say he did. Vogel is said to be going Home, nevertheless, by this steamer to represent the Colony at £2000 a year it is said. Sir D. Monro will be returned for Motueka instead of Parker I think.

1871/1

J. C. Richmond to H. R. Richmond - - - Wellington, 18 Jan 1871

I have begun my campaign very successfully. Last night a meeting of fully six hundred assembled in the Odd Fellows Hall, not a bit of standing ground was vacant. I had prepared myself including several jokes, very well, and held on for about two hours, the hall being very responsive and sympathetic. If they return me, as I rather think they will, it will not be for want of knowing what I mean. I charged my opponents - who as you know are two respectable old established merchants - home about their silly infatuation in following a policy which must . . . end in the confiscatory taxation of their clients' and their own large estates ... I advised them to think how they could compromise the bargain, bad for both sides, which had been made in locking up the territory in the hands of the squatter and large free holder . . . I . . . got real good storms of applause throughout and prolonged for a good minute at the end. I believe the speech gained me votes. It ought to have been good, for it was the pith of all my meditations on politics for 18 months past.

I am to be pummelled tomorrow ... as a setter of class against class. It will be a hot and I dare say a close fight, and money is subscribed against me. I am going to get my speech accurately reported for distribution . . .

William is only moderately. He has a lodging opposite Judge Johnston's of a most palatial kind. I breakfast with him every now and then.

1871/2

C. W. Richmond to Emily E. Richmond - - - Wellington, 20 Jan 1871

The Johnstons had a dinner party last night. I did not go, but Arthur and I could hear distinctly the performance of 'the bob-tailed nag' and other negro ditties by the assembled company . . .

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Arthur continues his remarkable course of diet. He has now found out that neither the middle of the day, nor from 6 to 7 o'clock is a proper time for dining. He postpones his eating until 9 or 10 at night. He has procured me a bottle of square gin, and for himself some sour ale, which he quaffs, with soda, from a wine glass . . .

James is up to the eyes in electioneering. The Independent cannot stomach him at all . . . His meeting under the presidency of the Mayor was very successful. Last night he met the working men in Barrett's Hotel. I do not know with what result. 30

1871/3

Jane Maria Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Nelson, [Jan 1871]

A friend here informs me that Wellington is the proper sphere for your professional career to commence in, so you had better look around and see what is to be seen there; for you may find if James is called on, as my political friends expect, to form the next cabinet that if you do not take up a humble position on the wheel of the state coach, it can never be got out of the ruts. I feel certain that as secret and unsalaried member of the Executive you would be almost as much in your element as when directing the Bush Rangers when full private. It seems probable that by rushing on Taranaki at once our present impecuniosity may be 'fixed and frozen to permanence' and my lively sense of the desirability of say £500 per annum obliges me to pause 'ere I shut your life from happier chance'. Still if you choose to take the decision on your own shoulders I am content to abide by it ... if you give orders for up anchor I shall by no means sing 'naked we go and void of cheer' . . .

We went to the Amateur Theatricals last night, the performance was an improvement on the first ... Mr Pitt and Mr A. Scaife showed a great deal of talent for acting.

1871/2a

Jane Maria Atkinson to Margaret Taylor - - - Nelson, 4 Feb 1871

Jan 26 ... I got a telegram from Arthur to say he had 'scrambled thro', which was his way of announcing that he had passed a highly creditable examination. His next letter was signed 'Your affectionate Barrister'. It is just about (11) eleven years since Emily and I first cherished the wish that he should become a lawyer, and now after various checks, and one or two abandonments of the scheme, our object is gained . . .

Emma [Mrs H. R. Richmond] is rather a wonder to me, she is so solid and well balanced for one so young and having seen nothing beyond the Colony. I never detected in thought, movement or expression anything one would call underbred or common . . . Tho' she might be my daughter I could quite look on her as a sister and contemporary. Granny and I do feel thankful Henry has got such a wife. Life to him at Taranaki without a companion must have been a dreary affair . . .

James has been over head and ears in electioneering business . . . We had a

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telegram in answer to Ar's enquiring last night, 'how are you getting on'? 'I think well, hands 200 to 50', 31 so I hope he may be returned; it will be a great triumph for the party of prudence as Wellington City election is looked to from all the Colony, and generally it has gone in favour of our enemies . . .

It is curious to note how completely Napoleon's fall, or the too complete success of Germany, has changed the tone of the English nation but I suppose John Bull always has had the noble weakness of sympathizing with the losing side in any strife. If there must be such a horrid thing as war it does seem fair that the nation beginning it should have it carried on within its own boundaries, but I confess my German enthusiasm has cooled down a good deal, perhaps because I have an unreasonable hatred of Bismark and can't endure all the credit of success, which must be due to the wonderful spirit of the people, being placed to his wonderful genius. I look to you for a little political insight. How will Germany's own future be affected by the amazing increase of her power in Europe? Will the people be tamer than ever in gratitude to Bismark, or will not the feeling of power their admirable organization ought to give them induce them to take the reins into their own hands? Is it true that in dread of the progress of liberal ideas Prussia is reconstructing her educational system on obscurants principles? and that in all ways the government uses its influence to oppose true progress for the people? It is my utter ignorance of the real internal condition of Germany since /66 which makes me very doubtful that Europe, or she herself, will gain by such a huge accession of power and influence as this war is giving her, or perhaps only her rulers . . .

Arthur has determined to keep on as associate for a time before beginning practise for himself, so I suppose we are for another nine months at anyrate.

1871/4

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - 13 Lawn Terrace, Blackheath, 13 Apr 1871

. . . We have taken our passages in the Halcione for Wellington Capt Bishop's ship . . .

The small-pox is very much about still so we have all been revaccinated. Tom did me and Annie and I did the children and nurse ... It made me very poorly for some days. My arm took in all three places and looked like a first vaccination - so I am glad it is all over . . .

The trees are just breaking out into leaf and everything begins to look beautiful, but I am sorry to say I can't enjoy it half as much as I ought to through the terrible feeling of unrest which will keep breaking out within me, do what I can. It will be a great comfort to be back at work once more - yet am most thankful for the many mercies which have been heaped upon me. Yes, forward we must look. . . .

v 7, p 7

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Emily E. Richmond to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 12 May 1871

Mr Mackay had made an offer to teach a class of girls one evening a week, if we can gather 12. He will give two hours and teach arithmetic and physical geography. James is going tomorrow morning to see the College Governors to find out whether they can or will do anything towards setting a school for girls on foot.

Maria and I saw Mr Simmons today and he seems to think that a proprietary school is the most possible and most manageable as the shareholders can regulate who is to be admitted. He advises seeing all the people who have daughters, to see if they are willing to combine for such an object, and how many children are to be had. Dr Irvine has been to see Maria and speaks hopefully of both the willingness and the ability of the Governors to help in starting such an institution. We have made out a list of about 40 pupils. Dr Irvine says there either is or very shortly will be a sum of £400 a year at the Governors' disposal.

1871/5

Edmund Tudor Atkinson (aged 12) to C. W. Richmond - - -St Katherine's Nelson, 14 May 1871

I am very glad you arrived safely at Hokitika. The college had a match against the town on Saturday. All the college boys had on blue hats with white rims round them, and a white pair of white trousers and shirts. The town had on black caps with red tastles on the top of them, and some of them had knicker-bockers and red stockings. The town won both games (with a great deal of cheating).

1871/6

D. Pollen to J. C. Richmond - - - Auckland, 15 May 1871

I rejoice to see the Examiner again in its old literary form, and will most willingly lend you all such help as I may; but there are no positive facts with which to supply you just now; the negatives, however, abound. Donald [McLean] 32 has gone away disappointed. He has in truth succeeded in no wise, the walls of the Maori Jericho still stand and old Manuhiri at the gate with his tongue protruded at his 'Ma' still keeps that beloved one outside. Rewi was to have come to Auckland. Rewi has not come; a deputation of Ngatihaua chiefs, Hakariwi and another, sent specially to the King brought back an answer a week ago, they had seen Tawhiao and Manuhiri but Todd's murderers will not be given up. A chief who was present at the meeting told them that the kaikohuru were at Houtoru and asked tauntingly why we didn't go and take them.

With the Thames people Mackay is paramount, Donald nowhere. I urged him once and again to give Mackay employment and secure him to the Government side, but McLean is never able to rise above personal resentment or a taste for having only toadies and slaves about him, and the consequence is that Mackay is master of the situation and, in spite of flour and sugar, really rules a large section of the Thames people.

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I think it may safely be said that the tribes in the Bay of Plenty are maintained at Government expense. Those who are not on pay with Preece and Mair are employed on road work or, with the surrendered rebels, are in receipt of rations. How Ropata and his lambs are petted you may surmise. It is, I believe, true that before the last expedition started some hundreds of them were at Poverty Bay in receipt of 1/- per diem and rations collecting 'grass seed' for whom? I don't know and didn't like to ask.

I hear men who have embarked in the flax business in the Bay of Plenty complain of the difficulty of getting native labour at any price and declare that they must shut up their establishments until the rain of government money has ceased. This is the peace-at-any-price policy, and if it were seconded by a vigorous effort to pour people into the country I for one would not complain, but I have very small hope that that is going to be done by the 'present' Government . . .

The gold from the Thames comes out as you see in heaps. Several other mines as well as Caledonia are producing, and money becomes plentiful and interest decreasing at Auckland. Farmer 33 has taken Nathan's house in town and has been made a 'Lord'. He receives I don't know how many thousands a month from the gold fields and is glad to lend I hear at 7 per cent.

Remember me to Stafford. I am glad to find that there is still adhesion between you. It appeared that you had diverged at the close of the session. I am very sorry you are not in the House.

1871/7

C. W. Richmond to E. W. Stafford - - - Nelson, 1 Jun 1871

I return the press copy accounts of receipts and expenditure of Ida Valley. . . . It ought not to be forgotten that, at the time our understanding with Bell was come to, it was supposed we had a paying concern. If any of us had been asked whether we meant anything beyond an extra allowance to F.D.B. out of profits, we should surely have said no. Nor would Bell himself have thought of taking anything on any other terms. It used to be represented, you recollect, that we might each confidently count on £1000 a year as our share of profit and though I, for one, never gave credence to these magnificent anticipations, yet on the other hand, I never contemplated paying in addition to the enormous cost of management that has swallowed every penny of profit, a special manager of my own interest at the rate of £100 a year out of my own pocket, with interest of 10 per cent on arrears of his salary. ... If I am unjust, I am desirous of being set right . . .

I anticipate no difficulty in carrying on with Stronach, and the occasional attention of such of the partners as can make it convenient . . . No accounts are worth keeping which do not distinguish between capital and income. Before we treat anything as annual income we ought to be assured that our capital stock is intact.

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This can only be done by periodical valuations ... of the live and dead stock, writing off losses and depreciation by death, lapse of time, wear and tear etc. As regards sale of live stock, I should regard the proceeds as income only in case the stock or herd remain unimpaired, comparing year with year.

v 42

Margaret Richmond [daughter) to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 10 Jul '71

Great expectations are entertained of the lecture on 'Rome Ancient and Modern' to be delivered by the Rev Mr Johnston on Friday, it is sure to be amusing. Sir David Monro's lecture on the 'Anatomy of the Foot' was very interesting . . . The Shakespeare readings are well attended when the weather permits. We read Comus the other day, but only a few people came as Mrs Suter thought it no good beginning a new play. We are now reading Richard II again. Mrs Pickett, Mrs Johnson's sister, is going to open her school on Monday with the assistance of masters.

1871/8

Anna Richmond (daughter) to C. W. Richmond - - - Nelson, 12 Jul 1871

Miss Mackay has got Uncle James to take a drawing and French class, and Mr Smith of the government school is going to teach arithmetic and Latin if Miss Mackay likes ... Mr Brunner has sent a brace of phesants as a present to you, I don't know if they will keep till you come home, I expect they will be rather high.

1871/9

H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Hurworth, 23 Oct 1871

We are jogging on here, it is very refreshing to see the things in the garden coming up. I am having about 2 acres ploughed up by W French, 3/4 of an acre for potatoes . . . the remainder sundries, and I mean to lay up about 20 or 30 acres for hay. I have agreed to let Brown have about 8 tons.

The grass is terribly short, not a bite anywhere for a cow or bullocks and hardly for a horse through the season being bad and the sheep having a free run over the whole. This will now be altered . . .

v 7, p 8, t.s.

C. W. Richmond to Mary Richmond - - - Nelson, 25 Nov 1871

Take care to keep a diary. Get a little M.S.S. book - it is all the better for not being divided into days . . . and take care and make regular entries. You will find it a great comfort, and it is an admirable discipline. It is sad to think how we let our time - our most valuable possession - slip away without taking any account of it, or so much as even remembering what we have done with it.

1871/11

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H. A. Atkinson to A. S. Atkinson - - - Hurworth, 30 Nov 1871

... I do hope you will be able to come up at Xmas with Maria and the children . . . not to mention the pleasure and profit it would be to me to see you once more at Hurworth. We could manage capitally up here with you all. Do come.

I fear the steamer will pass, the day is so rough, but I am delighted with the rain for the grass and cabbages and other things I was planting yesterday.

Stapp will send on your application for medal, 34 which is the regular course, without I hear from you to the contrary. . . .

v 7, p 8