[Volume II, July-December 1865]
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HAWKSWOOD
Saturday, 1 July 1865
Fine, though it rained a good deal in the night. Dr and Miss Ford and their friend Mr Hay rode up when we had nearly finished dinner--after they dined we walked round the garden and they then went to Ferniehurst, Mr Hay having come out in the Canterbury with Mr Tinline. 1 Mr Wakefield and Mr Hardwicke from town. Willie had his troublesome tooth drawn today. I had the faceache very badly tonight.
2 (Sunday). Fine day but before we got up in the morning it rained and even snowed a little and it was blowing hard from S. W. all night. The children persuaded me to go for a walk with them--we went across the gully and over to 'Chatty's Hill'--met a traveller who had got off the road by following the Telegraph Poles. Messrs Wakefield and Hardwicke went to the beach this morning. I went up to see Curle this morning,
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he looks more cheerful, having had the other Dr's opinion yesterday 2 and he said he thought the pain in his shoulder was from weakness. Had prayers.
3. Fine and very windy. Kerr came up from the beach, he says there are no signs of the vessel since she left the Kaikoras so he is not going down again till he hears she is in. Mr Wakefield from the beach. Willie's ringworm is spreading I fear for he has one on his neck today. Mr Wakefield was so kind as to read to us from Daisy Chain tonight. 3
4. Mr Wakefield left for town. Mr and Mrs Hartland and William rode up today, we were at dinner when they arrived. We went up to see Curle, he is looking rather better than he was. We were much astonished to see Barnett with the mail this evening instead of tomorrow. I have several letters from John, two from Charley and one from Jane, she was quite well on the 30th. Mrs Edwd Lee had a son on the 22nd. There is a gardener for us, with his wife at Morris's and a man named Poppawell wants my side-saddle for a servant of Mrs A. Thompson's who is on her way up to see her mother at Mr Trolove's. 4 I wrote to John, Charley, Mother and Jane and
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made up the mail bags tonight as Barnett must start early. I had a dreadful headache nevertheless.
5. Fine. Mr Hardwicke came up from the camp and paid his bill. Mr Dobson for the mail, of course what he brought with him are too late for this week. Mr Maxwell and a Mr Sturton from Flaxbourne. Kerr started for the Gardener and his wife. Mr Maxwell says the vessel was being towed into the Boat Harbour when he came by.
6. Fine. Mr Maxwell and Mr Sturton left for Parnassus and Stonyhurst. Mr M. shewed Miss Gray the proper way to stuff birds and skin them. I called to see Curle, he is much the same. Kerr got home by 3 o'clock with the Gardener and his wife. Mr Busk came from town. Johnnie very wakeful and coughing tonight. I had a headache all day.
7. Wet, and occasional showers of snow all day. Johnnie slept very little indeed last night and seemed so poorly this afternoon, that I gave him a doze of Ipecacuanha which made him sick and relieved him a good deal and he had a quiet sleep afterwards. I put him into a hot bath tonight with mustard in it and slept with him down stairs, keeping the fire in all night, Agnes being with us. Kerr fetched home the Bull from
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the second Coldstream this morning. Curle was so much worse tonight, that we had to send for the Dr. Jane went up and stayed all night with Mrs Curle, I fear Curle has caught cold and he will have inflammation.
Mr Busk went on this morning, but I do not think he would get further than Ferniehurst the weather being so bad.
Lord Clyde the boar died some time last night, Joe found him dead when he went to feed them this morning. John will be very sorry I know.
8. Fine. Dear little Johnnie is better this morning but he still coughs a good deal. Jane was down in time to get my cup of Cocoa as usual. Curle had a great deal of severe pain during the night and had two mustard plaisters besides poultices; he was easier when she left and dozing. The Dr came up about 1 this morning, gave him a pill and draught and said they must poultice well. Agnes went to see him at breakfast time, and Miss Gray afterwards, they say he looks very ill, and has a violent headache. The Dr was here before dinnertime, he says it is an attack of Pleurisy and he must be very careful of cold and take plenty of nourishment. I went to see him afterwards, and took a few eggs &c. He could not talk much being worn out with the pain he had
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in the night. Popple came from St Leonard's with the Miss Jones, John wrote about.
9 (Sunday). Fine but a very sharp frost. The Dr and Mr Dobson dined with us, he thinks Curle better today. I went up to see him in the afternoon, he does look much better than yesterday. Had prayers.
10. Fine--sharp frost again. Gardener began pruning the fruit trees and did the rose-tree also. Took Johnnie out today it was so warm, Miss Gray went with us to see Curle after dinner, he seemed very weak. Got the box which Mr Tinline brought for us from Scotland--there are lots of nice shirts and socks for John and pinafores and frocks for the children--collar and cuffs and Teapot Cosie for me.
Miss Jones and Popple started for Dickensons, her Father met them so they sent Tinsman back.
11. Fine and pleasant. Mrs Hartland came up with the Dr, she walked up with me to see Curle--he looks better today. Barnett got here between 5 and 6. I had letters from Mother and A. Thomson--none from John, I suppose he has not come up from the south yet. Mrs H. and the Dr waited till the moon rose and then went home. The English mail was at Southland but
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not at Canterbury yet. I wrote to John, Mother, Mrs Lee, Christina and Rebecca Wykes--sealed up the mail tonight--80 letters to ChCh and 9 to Kaiapoi.
12. Dull morning, raining before we got up. I was quite undecided about going to Parnassus but Kerr said it would not be more rain--so we started leaving Johnnie at home with Jane and Agnes. David rode Tinsman and the rest in the carriage. We got to Parnassus about 12 o'clock--rain came on soon after and kept on afterwards. Mr Hartland was out after cattle and did not come in till after dinner, when he had to kill a bullock. It is their 11th wedding day. The Dr lent Kerr his horse to take up Curle's medicine and we started home soon after he came back. It rained all the way but we got in just before dark. Johnnie had been very good and was in bed.
Jane had a son born today, which makes four boys and two girls. 5
13. Wet all day. The Dr came up this evening to see Curle, he thinks him going on well.
14. Wet again and very windy all the evening. N.E. I finished reading The Daisy Chain to the children. Tom has a bad cold and sore throat.
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Agnes went up to see her Father, he feels about the same--not much pain in his side.
15. Fine but windy as it was all night. This is my dear Mother's birthday and Jane and Merson's 14th wedding/day. I wish them all most heartily many happy returns of the day. The Dr came to see Curle. The children would have me play and sing for them tonight, themselves joining in chorus. I discovered this morning that Johnnie has got a double tooth through at the back of the top gum, and will have one on the other side very soon. I was very glad to find that was the case as it accounts for the disordered state of his bowels lately. He is beginning to talk a little, he says 'pretty Nanny' 'dirty Nanny' and one or two others.
16 (Sunday). Fine but it rained most of the night. We took Johnnie in his carriage down the paddock--he enjoyed it, not having been out since Tuesday--it has been very mild all day. Had prayers.
17. Fine and mild. I did not get up today till after dinner, not being well. Charley kept me company till after breakfast, for his powder made him sick twice in the night--but he is quite well today. Aggie and Tom took Johnnie in his
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carriage this morning, it was so fine. Miss Gray went up to see Curle, he was up but felt the pain in his side and under his right arm a good deal. It rained all the evening.
18. Wet though the early morning was fine. Stayed in bed till after breakfast. Let my dear little Johnnie sleep with Agnes last night, he was very good. It was fine all the afternoon. Barnett came about 6 o'clock. Letters from John, Charley and Merson to say Jane had a fine stout son on the 12th inst last Wednesday. Both are doing well. John and Charley expect to be home this week. I answered all their letters and wrote to Mother, Agnes and J. J. Thomson and made up the mail-bags. Mr Sanderson's dray came for fruit trees with a note from Mrs Sanderson. 6
19. Fine and pleasant. Parnassus gardener up early with a note from Mrs Hartland to see if Mr Sanderson's man will take Miss Ford's boxes to Hastie's. 7 I sent for him and he agreed at once to take them--he is not going on today as two of his bullocks have eaten tu-tu. Willie and David rode to Parnassus with a letter to Mr Hartland about his boat for the landing of the Wire for the Telegraph people. Miss Gray went up to see Curle--he is much the same but has a cough. My little
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Johnnie very poorly today. The Dr called in as he came from Curle's, and seeing how ill Johnnie looked, he gave me a couple of powders for him and told me to put him into a warm bath, which I did and remained down stairs with him afterwards by the fire, but he was dreadfully feverish all night and breathed very quickly so that I was quite frightened about him--but my trust is in God our Heavenly Father.
Blick brought the mail, got the Canterbury one and returned to Gibson's.
20. Wet morning. Dear little Johnnie had a very restless night, though he had a great many sleeps, he was burning hot, and the castor oil came up an hour after he took it. Agnes sat up a good deal with him. He seems a little better this morning thank God! and is more lively than yesterday and is not sick. The Dr was here by 9 o'clock, he thinks him better, but is coming to stay all night to see if he is as feverish as last night. If Miss Ford is able to start today, Tom will go with her and he will overtake them tomorrow. Mr Busk from Kincaid; 8 he brought some nice ferns for Miss Gray different to any she has got.
21. Fine. Dear Johnnie was restless the first part of the night but not feverish. The Dr sat up
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till 2 o'clock with Miss Gray and Jane, then he went to bed satisfied that he was better and he slept several hours in the cradle, and is quite lively this morning so that I trust he will soon be well. The Dr and Mr Busk started for town. Mrs Curle came down to see me and Johnnie. Curle is much better. Johnnie woke up tonight and cried a good deal, but went to bed with Jane and Agnes about 9 o'clock.
This is Jenny Shrimpton's 8th birthday. 9
22. Fine. Frost last night but very warm in the day. Agnes took Johnnie out for about an hour in the middle of the day and he came in looking much better. He slept well last night. Curle is a good deal better too--he has been walking out a little in the sun.
23 (Sunday). Fine. Mr Flogg from Parnassus this afternoon. Charley got here soon after him, I was disappointed that my dear Husband was not with him but he will be here very soon. I have a note from Jane--she was very well, Mother was with her. Charley has a bad knee from a fall from his horse. Jane and Agnes took the children for a walk. Agnes had Johnnie out more than an hour in the forenoon. Mr Hogg had service tonight, 18 attended--he preached a very good sermon.
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24. Fine. Sharp frost last night. Mr Hogg left for Ferniehurst. Aggie and I took Johnnie in his carriage down the garden but the wind was cold so we did not stay out long. School commenced today--Willie and David go with the others. Curle was able to walk up to Kerr's today. I wrote five letters, viz to Mother, Jane, Sally, Mrs Alabaster and the Dr to let him know how Johnnie is. I suppose Miss Ford was married to Mr Hay this morning. 10
25. Fine--very cold. Agnes had Johnnie a very short time. Barnett's black boy came with the mail. English mail this time. I have letters from cousin Fanny, Mother and John who hopes to be home very soon now. Made up the mail bags tonight.
26. Showery. The boy started with the mail before 8 this morning. Willie had his first music lesson. Charley began to clay the sides of his bedroom, which will make it much warmer.
27. Wet morning and sleet once or twice in the day. Charley finished his room, and whitewashed it too. I took Johnnie out in his carriage but we had hardly got him to the garden when it began to rain again. Mr Green the overseer of the Telegraph Wire department came from the
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Greta to see about getting some more poles laid down.
28. Fine but windy. Charley got in some horses--he called at Parnassus. I got some Towelling from Mrs Hartland and made the six towels tonight.
29. Fine and pleasant. I took Johnnie out for nearly an hour after breakfast, I was so glad to do so for he looks quite pale from being indoors so long. Mr Green went back to the camp. After dinner Miss Gray, Aggie, Tom and I took Johnnie in his Carriage up to Kerr's house. I had not been along the cutting since it was finished, it is very nice. We saw Curle. Charley got in some wethers for killing. I began some slippers for little Charley in purple and scarlet wool.
30 (Sunday). Fine and pleasant. Went with the children for a walk down the dipping gully. Miss Gray had a bad headache so she stayed at home--left Johnnie also with Jane. Mr Robt Laurie came this evening from St Leonard's with his brother Mr Patrick Laurie, Mr Todhunter, and Mr Day. Had prayers in the kitchen with the boys and servants.
31. Fine. The gentlemen went out shooting ducks, but had not much sport. We had more
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arrivals this evening, Mr Boys from Stonyhurst with Mr Sturton, Mr Innis and M. O'Connell, and soon after tea my dear husband himself, he drove up in his new buggy.
Tuesday, 1 August 1865
Fine. There was a heavy shower and a good deal of wind in the night. Mr Boys and his friends left for Mr Keane's 11 and soon afterwards Messrs Laurie, Day and Todhunter left for St Leonard's.
2. Fine. Mr Bruce and Mr Dryffe came from Motunau. John took me for a drive down to the river in his new buggy and afterwards took Curle--it was very cold.
3. Fine. Jemmy the halfcaste came with the waggon from town, bringing two laughing jackasses and six magpies--3 of the former and 7 of the latter died on the way up from ChCh.
4. Fine but windy and cold, there was some rain too.
5. Fine. Heard yesterday that Mrs Hartland was ill so Johnnie and I went down with Charley in the small buggy. Mr Hartland brought up a friend of his, Mr Cave, and they stayed to lunch. There was a race this afternoon between Mr
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Dobson's mare and Alfred Bowen's, won by the latter. We got home soon after 5 o'clock and found Mr and Mrs Mcllraith there. John not so well--he was obliged to go to bed early.
6 (Sunday). Wet or showery all day. John not able to get up till evening. Had prayers.
7. Fine. John better, he drove Mr and Mrs Mcllraith and me down to Parnassus this afternoon but it did him harm I fear for he is ill again tonight. He spoke to Johnson the carpenter about making the addition to the house. The Dr was up, Mr Busk with him. Put the magpies into their cage in the garden.
8. Fine though dull early in the day. John was not well enough to drive to the beach so Charley drove Mrs Mcllraith and I and Willie. Mr MeIlraith and Mr Dryffe rode on horseback. We took our luncheon with us and the horses were taken out on this side the mouth of the Conway, a very pretty spot. The three gentlemen rode on further, and Mrs Mcllraith, Willie and I walked along the beach but found no sea-weed worth picking up, and we had to sit a long time waiting. We got home comfortably by 5 o'clock. Barnett came. I have letters from Jane and Sarah Anne.
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9. Fine. Mrs Mcllraith and I walked all round the garden and paddock this morning. After dinner Mr and Mrs Mcllraith left for Parnassus in our carriage--it is a beautiful day for driving. Mr Drife and Charley rode to Rutherford's bush. John is not at all well, he has rheumatism badly in his ankles tonight. We heard today that Barney Riley's wife is dead from the effects of drink and kicks from her brother-in-law, it is a sad end.
10. Fine. John set the boys to burn the grass up the sides of the dipping gully, and took me and Miss Gray down to see it in the afternoon--there was a very cold wind blowing. I have had toothache and headache today. There is an old Maori here going north--John wrote to Wm Gray by him. Charley was looking for 'Kitty' all the morning but did not find her; this afternoon he was with the fencer. Agnes took Johnnie for a walk. Miss Gray has a bad cold and also a sore throat. Mr Drife brought in wethers for killing. Mrs Arkle came up for some meal for the fowls; two more Dorkings died this morning.
11. Fine. Mr and Mrs Mcllraith came up from Parnassus between 10 and 11. Mrs Hartland and Annie went to Cheviot Hills and back with them yesterday. Mr Drife and Curle have been
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burning all day. Charley went to Parnassus this morning and rode round One Tree Hill with Mr Mcllraith this afternoon. Willie is troubled with toothache again, and Miss Gray and I have neuralgia. The drays back from Gore's Bay with the things landed for us there by the Connaught Ranger. 12
12. Fine. Mr and Mrs Mcllraith left about 1/2 past 9 for Culverden. Mr Robt Tinline came over, John persuaded him to stay all night. Mr Drife and Curle have been burning down the 'Conway'.
13 (Sunday). Fine. Charley and Tom Kerr rode up the 'Leader' and brought back 'Cherry' with a calf. I went with the children to the 'Coldstream' for a walk, met Mr Dobson and the Dr and one of Mr George McRae's sons from the Hurunui 13 --they stayed to tea. Had prayers.
Mr Tinline went home before dinner.
14. Fine. Tried the new washing machine, and found it very useful, Jane does not like it having made up her mind against it; they began washing after 9 today and finished the whole by 1/2 past 4--so that shews how much less time it takes. 14 Mr McRae left after dinner, John gave him a good many cuttings of different trees; he
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and Charley rode all round the One Tree Hill this morning to see the grass &c. Showery tonight and looking like rain, John feels it coming by his rheumatism and so does Charley. I am very tired tonight and my head aches. Mr Drife and Curle burning towards Brookdale.
15. Fine. John not so well today. Mr Hartland and William came up to dinner. Barnett came about 6 o'clock, 38 letters from ChCh, 4 from Kaiapoi. I have one from Mother and one from Mrs Mcllraith enclosing hers and Mr Mcllraith's cartes des visites. Mr Drife and Curle have been burning at the beach. Mr Wakefield from the north, he left the vessel at Flaxbourne, glad enough to get out of her. Kerr got a bad kick from one of the cart mares today. Only 7 letters to ChCh, none to Kaiapoi or Kowai. I wrote to Jane and to A. Thomson.
16. Fine all day but this morning there was a heavy shower of hail and sleet, and it was so cold we thought it would snow but it all cleared off. Barnett left early. Mrs Hartland and the Dr came up. Mr Canning from the Waiau with Blick. John very poorly again this evening, had to go to bed early. Charley and Mr Drife have been to meet Mr Hartland and settled about the line of fence.
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17. Fine--very cold this morning. Mr Hardwicke from town. Mr Bruce from Motunau.
18. Fine. Mr Hardwicke and Mr Bruce left, the little terrier did not like being left behind. Charley was busy roping up young cattle this morning, 'Tom Sayers' amongst them. After dinner Charley, Mr Canning and Mr Drife went to Parnassus and the bush--the former came home early, the others stayed to tea at Parnassus. The bullock dray came from Motunau--he has brought 3 of the Guinea fowls, also some white raspberry canes from St Leonard's.
19. Fine. John not any better. Charley and Mr Canning went to Rutherford's bush. Miss Gray and I had a walk round the garden but it was very cold, the wind N.E.
20 (Sunday). Fine. Wind N.E. still. John rather better. Miss Gray and I and the children went round the garden and paddock. Jane and Agnes took them afterwards. Had prayers.
One of the wild bantam hens came up the gully with three pretty little chicks just hatched, Jane caught them and put them all into a cage in the yard.
21. Fine. John left for town, he will drive to St Leonard's today and to the Hurunui in time
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for the coach tomorrow morning. Mr Canning goes with him so far. It looks very like rain, but it has been threatening so long.
22. Fine--sharp frost last night. I have letters from John who had the misfortune to break the axle of the wheel of the Buggy and had to ride on a horse of Alec the German's to St Leonard's. 19 letters from ChCh. I heard from Jane. Wrote to her, Mother, John and Mrs Mcllraith. 29 letters for ChCh. Barnett sent Charley the bullockdriver this time. The Dr up for the Parnassus mail. Charley has been looking for a beast to kill, he would have brought 'Topsy' but she has a calf by her side.
23. Fine, frost last night. Charley the German left with the mail early. Bullocks ploughing the hill by the bush--it is so rough that they broke one of the shares before dinner. Mr Green came for letters, they have the wire in the poles as far as the 'Coldstream' now. Jane put 11 bantam eggs under the hen 'Sally' which is sitting in the kitchen. Agnes took Johnnie for a walk.
24. Fine and quite warm, almost like a summer day. Charley drove us all to Parnassus. David rode on old 'Jenny' the mare. We started at 20 minutes past 9 and left again at 20 minutes to 5,
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after spending a very pleasant day. The children were delighted with the Rocking-horse, Aunt Sally, Bagatelle &c and the dancing Negro was most amusing. Miss Gray could not enjoy anything, having a severe headache. We walked round the garden and on to the hill and down to see Mrs Tait. Mrs Hartland has engaged a governess to come up next week, a Miss North. The new Gardener at Cheviot Hills has lost his youngest child of Hooping Cough. The wire is in the telegraph poles as far as this now; it looks very like town to see it.
25. Dull in the early part of the day, but it cleared up and was like a summer's day afterwards--it was very hot when we walked down the flat to the wire fence where Mr Green was kind enough to shew us the Telegraph wire in communication with ChCh. He told Mr Sheath I was there, 15 and he asked in return what I thought of the bush telegraph. I told him to reply 'very much'. It is really wonderful how quick a message is sent backwards and forwards, swift as thought in fact. Charley had never seen it before. Miss Gray was not able to walk so far, though her head is better today. My side ached all day but has been much worse since the walk. Charley and Mr Dobson went this afternoon to the beach
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hoping to get cattle. Mr Drife and Curle went with them to burn down there. Kerr left for St Leonard's taking a dorking cock for Mr Nosworthy and one for Mrs Mcllraith and two turkey hens for the former. We got 13 Turkeys, 9 Dorkings, and 5 Ducks from Brookdale tonight, they are to be Mrs Kerr's charge. Also got two little pigs from Parnassus, one is just the colour of his father 'Lord Clyde'. He got out of the box and gave Agnes and Jane such a race after him.
26. Dull morning but cleared up afterwards. I doubt when the rain is coming. I got up with bad face-ache and it got worse after breakfast, but after tying a handkerchief round, it was a little better, but never left altogether. Miss Gray and I sewed the cocoa nut matting together afresh this morning taking out the worn pieces. Mr Dobson and Charley came home whilst we were at tea, but without cattle, they saw some but the ground was so dreadfully rough.
27 (Sunday). Dull cold day--there were a few drops of rain and it looks very like more, or else snow. Kerr home from St Leonards, he brought letters from John to me and Charley. He was not so well on Wednesday night, but was going to have a hot bath. Had prayers.
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28. Fine--the rain seems to be all gone, it blew and hailed in the night. I have had a very bad headache all day. Charley away at Rutherford's bush. Mr Canning back from the Hurunui. There has been an accident at the Kaikoras--one of the Stantons was taking a loaded gun from another man, and it went off and the bullet entered his side, his brother passed here in great haste for the doctor.
Did not wash today, Agnes not being very well.
29. Fine. There was a thick fog this morning. Johnnie was very restless in the night--I don't know what was the matter with him, he seems quite well today. Jane got up in the night and began to wash, so as to avoid using the washing machine, so I told her when I got up, that as she chose to set me at defiance, she should finish the washing all herself, and so she did. Agnes went on with her own work. I am sure Jane will be tired tonight. Barnett came, he has brought Miss North as far as Morris's and Mr Dobson meets her there. Mr Hartland came for the mail. I have letters from John, Jane and Sally. Jane encloses one from Uncle John. I have no English letters. John is a little better, he hopes to be home this week. Mr Green paid his bill and will not be
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back for some time. Made up the mail bags, Charley wrote to Merson, I to John, Jane and Sally.
30. Fine. Mr Canning left for Waipara. Charley out after horses, could not see any. Blick brought his mail, 54 letters; he left again. Mr Drife from the beach and Curle.
31. Fine. Charley had the bullocks ploughing on the hill today. Mr Maxwell from Stonyhurst, he brought me a note from Mrs Hartland to say she will come up with the children tomorrow. Miss Gray and I began my striped mohair dress. The little dorking hen laid her first egg today.
Friday, 1 September 1865
Dull morning but it got quite fine afterwards. Mr Maxwell left for Stonyhurst. The Hartlands were so late we almost gave them up, I and Willie and Charley went across the gully and nearly to the 2nd bush and then we saw them, Mr and Mrs Hartland and William riding, Annie and John in the cart with Hannah to take care of them; they had to come at foot pace, the cart shakes so and the gardener is not much used to driving. It is William's 9th birthday. Miss North was too
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tired to come. Mrs H. and I walked round the garden and up to Mrs Curle's and Mrs Moore's and looked at the fowls but by that time it was raining fast. They soon started for home but they would get very wet for it poured for some time after they left. Tom got his right fore-finger pinched in the chaffcutter--it is very sore. The Dr came from the Kaikoras, Bill Stanton is going on well, the bullet went in under his arm and out at his shoulder blade.
2. Fine-there was a frost after the rain stopped. The Dr went home. Charley and Mr Drife left for St Leonard's. I expected John home tonight, I fear now he will not be home for a week or so. I hope his health is not the cause of his not coming.
Charley and Mr Drife came home about 12 o'clock tonight, we did not hear them, but Jane came down to let 'Jock' out of the passage, and she saw the candle burning on the kitchen table and Charley at the fire.
3 (Sunday). Fine morning but there were about two hours rain in the middle of the day--it soon dried up however and we had a good walk afterwards--all the boys went with Mr Drife to the Conway. I and Aggie, Agnes and Johnnie went up to see the fowls at Kerr's, but the hill looked
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too steep to go down. Charley was with us, and we then went through the paddocks, round the outside of the fence, saw where the Peas and Beans are sown and came through the gum-paddock home. The Dr sent wedding cards and cake from Mr and Mrs Hay to me, and Miss Gray, also some for Mrs Curle and Mrs Gibson. I am sorry to hear though that Mrs Hartland is ill, I hope it is not anything serious. Had prayers.
4. Fine. Jane got up again to wash in spite of all I said about it last week, so I desired her to finish the things in the washing machine, but she refused. I therefore told her that she must either use it or leave--so I suppose her obstinacy will make her choose the latter. Mr Drife and Curle went to the beach for wethers. Charley round to the fencers.
5. Fine. Charley and Mr Drife putting up some fencing to keep the cattle off the new sown ground. I have letters from John, Mother and Jane--wrote to them and Sally, also to Uncle John, Aunt Mary, Wm Hensman, Fanny and Christina. Mr Dobson and Pasley from Parnassus, Mrs Hartland is not able to be up, she wants me to go down tomorrow. Charley says Mr Drife can drive me.
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6. Wet--so I shall not be able to go to Parnassus today. I woke with a bad face-ache this morning--it was in the right side and changed afterwards to the left. I made a grey tweed coat for Tom.
7. Very sharp frost last night and very cold this morning but it was very fine and warm all day. Mr Drife drove me to Parnassus. I made Charley go as far as the bad cutting in the Coldstream. I found Mrs Hartland a little better, and able to be on the sofa but she is very weak. We left to come home about 1/4 past 4. Met Aggie, Jane, Agnes, Johnnie and Charley on the Coldstream Flat, so they got in and rode home. My face-ache is rather worse this evening. Jemmy has been to the beach, and brought word that the craft is at the Bluff.
8. Fine. Charley and Mr Drife with three of the men to the beach. My face-ache not any better and the pain has gone into my head, I did not get up till after breakfast, it kept bad all day so I went to bed soon after tea.
9. Very wet and cold. I stayed in bed all day, feeling the pain still in my head. Charley and Mr Drife came up tonight, they had to walk up along the hills, the river was too high to drive up. Nothing is discharged from the vessel yet.
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10 (Sunday). The ground was covered with snow when we got up and it kept on snowing till after dinner, it then turned to rain and there is every chance of a wet night. I am better today but feel still giddy. Miss Gray has a headache.
Had prayers.
11. Wet most of the day--a good deal of the snow melted.
12. Fine. Postman brought letters for me from John and Jane. I wrote to them and also to Mother. The three contract men came up from the beach, they walked up on Gibson's side and crossed the top stream but it is very high. They say the vessel has not been round, and they had no provisions left. Tom Dillon and his wife came here on their way up to his Mother at Picton. 16
13. Fine and very hot. The Conway still very high but Charley, Mr Drife and two or three men went down with bread &c. Tom Dillon also and he is to help Charley to get some cattle as he knows the place they are in. Mr Hogg from Morris's. He had service tonight. Jane helped with the washing machine today, they had a large wash, Mrs Dillon helped them all day. Johnnie said 'cup' for the first time, his cough is very bad still.
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14. Showery but warm. Mr Hogg went on to Parnassus, he meant to have gone to Ferniehurst but the 'Conway' is too high. I went down to the garden this afternoon but the wind was so keen I was afraid it would give me the face-ache.
15. Showery. Blick came today and went back to Ferniehurst--he says the Clarence has been very high and the 'Conway' was over his horse's back two or three times. I thought Charley would have got up from the beach tonight but he has not. I had face-ache badly in the night and most of the day. I should like to get news from town to see what was settled at the Court today, between John and G.O.G. 17
16. Wet all day. Charley came up from the beach tonight to let us know that the vessel is not yet discharged--she was blown up to Wellington nearly, and then down to Lyttelton. She left there last night and got up to the Bluff again today. Charley walked round there and went on board. He says they have not been idle whilst waiting down there for they have sown 4 Bags of grass seed and the teams have drawn a good deal of the wire along to the first shed. Gave Charley a warm bath as he has a bad cold and is feverish, also a powder to him and Tom.
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17 (Sunday). Fine till evening when there was a very heavy shower. Agnes took the children for a walk. I went round the garden and gathered some flowers. Joe told me tonight he had done with the cows. Had prayers.
Charley went back to the beach this morning. The hen in the kitchen has got one chicken hatched at last, a very pretty light one.
18. Fine. Jane milked all the cows before she began washing--and they finished even the ironing before milking this evening. Jemmy up from the beach for the Turkeys--they have got three boatloads only off the vessel. Charley and T. Dillon are trying to get some cattle today. I have a cold and sore throat like all the rest. Mrs Kerr went round the garden for the first time. Jemmy up from the beach, he brought a fine pig and a box for me out of the vessel, they got three boat loads off yesterday.
19. Fine. Curle cut up the pig that came from the beach last night and salted it for bacon. Jemmy went back to the beach with the two pair of Turkeys. Charley, Mr Drife and all the men came up this evening, they finished discharging the vessel today. T. Ford came for the mail and stayed to tea. Barnett came himself. I had letters
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from John, Mother and Mrs Macdonald who enclosed me the carte de visite of poor Mrs Traherne. John writes in excellent spirits although he lost the case at the court, but he says he is sure of winning in the end. I wrote to him, Mother, Jane, Mrs Lee, and E. Thomson by return of mail.
20. Fine and pleasant. Tom Dillon and his wife with Mr Quine and the other man started this morning to go up the 'Conway'. Miss Gray has such a bad headache I persuaded her not to have school but to be quiet all day. I heard their music. Charley told Joe he must give a proper week's notice before he got paid, so he did his work as usual today.
21. Fine. I helped Jane and Agnes to pick a quantity of feathers, it took us all day, we made two nice full pillows of them.
22. Fine pleasant day. Charley and Mr Drife took away the dry cows, and brought in some others from the 'Leader', to kill one.
23. Fine. Charley killed a cow before breakfast and took away the others afterwards and then went down to Parnassus after horses. Mr Hartland came up when we were at dinner. We had to bring my favourite magpie out of the cage, and
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put him into one by himself, as the others were fighting so.
24 (Sunday). Fine but windy and looking very like rain in the morning but it cleared off and was a fine afternoon. Charley and I with David, Willie, Aggie, Tom and Charley went to the top of the One Tree Hill and all along it to see the English grass growing there--it is really beautiful and well worth the walk--but we are all tired. Joe left today for Cheviot Hills.
Had prayers.
25. Fine and very warm. N. W. wind strong. Charley and Mr Drife sowing grass seed down the Conway, David went with them on the Chestnut Pony, she is perfectly quiet though not been ridden for two years or more.
26. Fine and sultry still--wind strong from N.W. Mr Drife and Curle went to the Waiau hills with grass seed. The carpenter finished here and went to Parnassus. Charley went to count the timber in Rutherford's bush--he took Willie and David with him, they enjoyed the ride. There was a shower of rain this afternoon. Blick sent a substitute with the Nelson mail this time, he we hear is gone to be married. W. Gibson came for their mail. Mr Dobson for theirs, he stayed to tea.
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I have letters from John, Mother, Jane and Mrs Sanderson. John is keeping very well and hopes certainly to be home next week, David is not to go home just yet. I have had a bad headache all day but I managed to write to John, Mother, Jane and Mrs Macdonald. Charley to John and J. J. Thomson.
27. Fine though the morning was very foggy, This is Redgie Templer's 10th birthday. Mr Hartland leaves with William today for town. Mr Drife and Curle sowing grass seed again. Charley shoeing horses. I had a walk round the garden, the trees are fast coming into leaf.
28. Fine. Got up with slight faceache and it kept on most of the day. Mr Drife and Curle sowed more grass seed. Charley was at Rutherford's bush again. I went up to where the horses are ploughing on the hill, the trees on the little hill are coming out in leaf and bud.
29. Fine. This is my dear Tom's 7th birthday. Charley took David and Willy with him for a ride, they found the two bullocks that were lost. After dinner he drove us all to Ferniehurst to see Mr Tinline's birds. Mrs Gibson is not so well as when she was over here--they were very pleased to see us, and she would open a bottle of wine to
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drink Tom's health. We met Mr Busk just as we got home and he turned back with us, he wrote the names to most of Miss Gray's collection of Ferns. Mr Drife and Curle started to burn at the beach. Davy finished ploughing the hill.
30. Fine. Charley went to Rutherford's bush and David and Willy with him, they did not get home till past 4. There was a good shower of rain this evening.
Sunday1 October 1865
Fine. Jane put 13 Dorking eggs under the hen we brought from the Gibsons. Mr Dobson dined with us. Went all round the garden twice--it looks very nice. Had prayers.
2. Showery in the morning. Charley brought the sheep for killing and drove me and little Charley to see Mrs Hartland in the afternoon--she is better but not strong yet--we borrowed a clucking hen from Mrs Cadman. The grey horse was very stubborn before starting so I was rather afraid, but thank God we got home quite safely. The new milkman, John sent up, Patrick ----- began his work today. 'Eliza' is missing, David was out looking for her but could not find her.
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3. Fine. Miss Gray not well enough to get up. Charley was at the bush today and other places. Set the hen from Mrs Cadman on 13 Duck eggs and Jane's dorking on 15 bantam eggs. Mr Dobson came for flour, the Dr for the mail. Mr Fyffe came with Barnett, he is just from the Gold Fields at Hokitika--he says they are doing well. I have letters from Jane, Mother, E. Thomson and John who I am thankful to hear is still in good health and will be home on Saturday. Wrote to Mother and Jane.
4. Fine. Strong N. W. wind which will keep the Waiau high I fear, it was dreadfully high yesterday. I wrote to John by Barnett as he may perhaps get his letters on Thursday night. 'Jessie' the cow had a calf this afternoon. I persuaded Miss Gray to keep quiet today upstairs--she had tidings of the birth of a little niece on 25th Sept by yesterday's mail.
5. Fine and pleasant after the rain last night, but there was a sharp frost the latter part of it. Charley shoeing horses--he found his little mare 'Daisy's' foal had got its leg broken by one of the draught horses, he went with Kerr to see if they could set it, but were obliged to kill it out of its misery--it is very unfortunate for him.
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6. Fine. This is my little Charley's 5th birthday. Miss Gray got up today, but she is not quite well. Sent Jemmy with the carriage to bring John home, he is to come up in the coach today.
7. Fine and warm like summer. The children were very busy this morning picking up the bones that were lying about the yard. John arrived in good time this afternoon, the horses were very fresh, so he is quite tired this evening and not quite so well as he has been lately--he paid off the cook, Davie and Peter but the two latter are going to take a contract to cut the drains.
8 (Sunday). Fine. Mrs Gibson came over, she was very tired with the walk--not able to go back tonight. Miss Gray and I had a walk round the garden. John let two of the magpies away, one could fly very well. Had prayers.
9. Fine. The two magpies are not to be seen today. John laid down poison for the wild cats. He is not near so well this morning. I have faceache, Agnes has had it too all day. Mrs Gibson came down and went round the garden. Charley and Mr Drife out all today, called at Parnassus. Mr Hartland and Mr Dobson up here.
10. Fine. Keen wind from N.W. John wanted to shew Charley his plans about the fence &c so
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he drove me and Mrs Gibson, Maggie, Charley and Johnnie all round the flat. I had the faceache badly all last night and this morning. Both postmen came. Letters from Mother, Jane and Mrs Lee. I wrote to Mother.
11. Showery. Mr Drife left for the Ashburton, Charley for Motunau. I had a very bad headache all day, I never had worse I think, could not sit up at all. Mrs Gibson and Maggie went home in the trap which went afterwards to the beach for grass seed.
12. Fine and very hot. My head better but not right yet. The cows were lost all day yesterday, Patrick found them today behind the one tree hill near Rutherfords.
13. Wet most of the day but the men were able to work on in the garden.
14. Fine. John and I had a long walk this morning, we went down the dipping gully and up to the fowl house to see the Dorkings and Turkeys, then climbed the hill and rested awhile at Mrs Kerr's. Mr Dobson was here to dinner. Sent David to Ferniehurst for a hen to sit on some duck eggs. Miss Gray had to go to bed in the afternoon, as she had a bad headache. Jane caught six little chicks belonging to a hen in the gully,
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we gave them to the hen with the one bantam--she took them very kindly.
15 (Sunday). Fine. Set 13 Duck eggs under Gibson's hen. Mr Keane and Mr Gooch came this morning. Charley and Collie came with some young horses from Motunau. Had prayers in Miss Gray's room.
16. Donald Collie engaged for another year at £75 and a bonus of £5. J.S.C--DC 18
Fine and hot.
17. Geo. Arthur engaged at £52 a year yesterday.
Wet most of the day and cold. T. Ford came for the mail. Mrs Hartland sent some Cress and Radishes for tea. Mrs Gerard's little girl is ill. Barnett came with the mail, English mail at last. I had letters from Sarah Anne and Christina. Wrote to Jane and Mrs Mcllraith. Charley to Mother. The men are planting trees on the hills.
18. Fine but very cold. Miss Gray up to dinner. Mr Tinline over before breakfast and Jem Gibson. John gave him a cheque for £15. Johnny Cadman came up, we sent some duck eggs for his mother to set under a hen. We had to return Mrs Gibson's last one for she would not sit.
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19. Fine. Had the sittingroom chimney swept by Jem and Tumeru. John and I went down to the garden directly after breakfast and then we walked on up to Mrs Kerr's. Miss Gray and I had a walk in the garden in the afternoon.
20. Fine. John took Willie in the trap with him as he has to call at Culverden and Highfield and thinks of going on to the Hanmer Plains to see the Count De La Pasture and to bathe in the hot springs. 19 They had some little disasters just at starting, first a bolt of the traces broke and then a trace so they did not get off as soon as they intended--the children rode as far as the Coldstream.
21. Fine but windy. Set the black hen on 13 Dorking eggs, 6 of the best hen--also set 'Caroline' on 13 Duck eggs, 'Alice' on the same and another on 13 Dorkings at the edge of the gully behind the stock yard. Miss Gray went up with me to see them set. David went with Charley and Curle to the fence, he misses Willie. Mr Dobson came up for some flour, he brought us some more radishes and cress--he did not go home tonight so we had some music.
22 (Sunday). Fine morning but it began to rain before dinner and continued most of the day. Mr
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Dobson went home this morning. It has been very cold all day. Had prayers.
23. Fine. Charley, David, Curle and Tumeru went to the beach. 4 of the young dorkings are hatched and 2 of the bantam's chicks. The boundary keeper's dog got some of the poisoned meat today and was very poorly; they made him sick which did him good, the man came down for some gun-powder. I gave him a little in a paper. He was going to give it to the dog but the other men would not let him.
24. Fine and very warm. Charley and Tumeru got up soon after 9 o'clock with two cows a young calf and a steer; they would have had a larger mob but two of their horses broke loose and came home--so Curle and David have to walk home over the hill. They have got 'Princess Beatrice' at last, we were afraid she was dead. The Triumph 20 is at the boat harbour so Charley went down to Parnassus to tell them. Jemmy left with the draught mares for town. Wrote to J. J. Thomson and Eliza. Both postmen came. Mr Sturton from Flaxbourne. The Dr for the Parnassus mail. I had letters from John, Mother, Jane and Mrs Mcllraith and Cousin Maryanne.
25. Fine. Mr Hartland up to breakfast and
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went to the beach with Charley and David. Mr Sturton left for Stonyhurst. Jane and Agnes have had a great deal of trouble trying to catch a wild Bantam and her chicks. Peter and Davy tried too but she always beat them till they got all the chicks and when nearly dark they got her on her nest by putting a blanket round her. There was a heavy shower of rain and hail this evening just as they came from the beach, but Mr Hartland went home at once.
Charley killed a steer for Beef, and roped up the white cow for milking--she was not so wild as we thought she would be. Found 'Dot' lying dead at the top of the gully so she was poisoned after all.
26. Fine. A good deal of snow on the top of the mountains. Made a large coop for the hen and 12 young dorkings, they are very fine ones. My face very sore today--the pain is more in my jaw than my teeth. Just before going to bed tonight the dogs barked and it was to announce my dear husband's arrival, they had had an accident which but for a merciful providence might have been very serious, the night being so dark John had mistaken the road coming out of the Leader, and he was thrown out, the new gardener for Parnassus then jumped out and as the horses still
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ran on, my poor Willie jumped out behind very much frightened and his arm a little hurt and John not injured but it will affect him afterwards he felt it in his heart and a choking sensation in his throat but Thank God neither of them had any limbs broken. They have enjoyed the trip on the whole and both bathed in the hot springs.
27. Wet--it was fine the first part of the morning and strong north-west wind--which made my head ache. Poor Willie has a bad sick headache and his nose bled a good deal--his arm too is bruised. John feels a good deal shaken and tired. Charley went down and got up the trap--there is not much damage done to it. Put the dorking hen 'Marian' and her 4 bantam chicks into a coop.
28. Fine. Charley started early for the Kaikouras--it came on wet soon after he left, and was showery most of the day. John very bad with rheumatism. Miss Gray and I had a walk round the garden after the rain and it was very warm.
29 (Sunday). Fine and warm. Johnnie wore the frock and one of the pinafores from Scotland, they fit him nicely. Mr Robt Laurie and Mr Lousada came--also Capt Goldie with 'Blood
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Royal'. 21 Mike and A. Curle from Motunau, brought a few fresh herrings.
30. Fine all but the early morning. Andrew Curle engaged at £2 per week during shearing. Mr Laurie and Mr Lousada left for Culverden. Charley came tonight from the Kaikouras; he has got a black and white pup for himself.
31. Fine and very hot. Miss Gray and I had a walk round the garden, there are four men weeding besides the Gardener. Charley and David to the beach to draft all the mares from the colts and brought them up here. Barnett came. I have letters from Mother and Jane, the latter enclosing Helen's letter to her. Old Bill's 'Tiny' died last Tuesday having been hurt by some unkind person--poor thing I am sorry. A person named Craig came tonight.
This is Annie Hartland's 8th birthday. 22
Wednesday, 1 November 1865
Fine and very hot. Mr Craig went on towards Waipapa. Barnett left. Charley, Curle and others started to muster the Conway. David went down to the beach to bring up some things. Willie and Tom doing their first day's shepherding, keeping
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the boundary between here and the Leader--they took their dinner with them. Agnes and the other children took them some Apples after dinner. Mr Sturton from Parnassus, had lunch and then went on north. A. Curle left for Motunau. I walked in the garden with John, but found it very hot--afterwards Miss Gray and I went up to the yard with him to see him turn out 'Blood Royal'--he seemed pleased to get at a bit of green grass. Sent the two kittens to Mrs Moore.
2. Fine. David went out with the fencers to lead the pack-horses home, and tonight took some horses away. Willie and Charley shepherding, came home at 2 o'clock to change his boots having a blister on his toe. Tom went back with them having done his lessons. Agnes took Johnnie and Aggie to meet them. Had the first gooseberry tart of the season. John has been very bad with rheumatism.
3. Fine and very warm. Jane milked today as the milkman was helping the gardener and Kerr to plant potatoes. Mrs Cadman and Mrs Arkle went over to Ferniehurst, it was quite dark when they got here on their way home, they had a great fright with 'Blood Royal' down the flat. John went with David and Willie to get the sheep off
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One Tree Hill. The two boys afterwards went with pack horses to the fencers and I had a long walk with John round the paddocks--finished my gingham skirt and had it on with a white jacket. Aggie also wore her white body and new skirt. This is little Annie Templer's 4th birthday.
4. Fine--rather windy. John, Willie and David shepherding. Tom went with his Papa. I have been busy all day making cakes &c. Had a very bad faceache early in the morning. Sandy in for provisions for the musterers.
5 (Sunday). Fine. Musterers in this afternoon. John sent them some grog and bread and cheese to the scrub yard--there are a good many young lambs. Had prayers.
6. Fine. John drove me to Parnassus, had dinner and got home by 1/2 past 3. Mason from Motunau with 2 rabbits, 9 crayfish and 4 herrings, also 2 game cocks one of which died on the road. Several of the telegraph men passed.
7. Wet most of the day. Mr Hogg came this morning from Ferniehurst--he has a bad toe--he had service this evening, not so good attendance as usual. Barnett came--I had a letter from Jane. I was taken ill during service and had to go to bed.
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8. Fine. John sent for the Dr early, he thinks if I stay in bed today I shall be all right--he sent some medicine after he went back. Mr Wilkin from St Leonard's. 23 Mr and Mrs G. Keene from Swyncombe, Miss Gray had to do the honours.
Old Bill Collins came with James Bentley.
9. Fine and hot. Mr and Mrs Keene went to Parnassus, I came down before they left being better today, I like Mrs Keene very much. John and Mr Wilkin rode down to Parnassus after lunch. The Dr came up. Miss Gray had a bad headache, Agnes also. The men are shearing the rams. One of the good bantams began to sit.
10. Fine and warm. Mr Wilkin left for St Leonard's. The Dr came up and dined here. Charley and David went down for horses to the 'Leader'--they found old 'Countess' dead by the side of her foal. John is very sorry about it as she has cost so much. The bullock-dray from Motunau. Noticed one of the dark pea-hens sitting today by the noise she made.
11. Fine--hot and windy. Old Bill and Neville left for Motunau, sent 2 bantam chicks and a hen with 7 chicks to Cheviot Hills by them. This is cousin William Hensman's birthday. The Dr came up with a message from Mr Hart-
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land. Mr Dobson came this evening with a letter for John to deliver. The little 'Linnet' got out of the cage today, the wind must have caused the door to open and we found it had flown. I am sorry it is without a mate, it will be so dull and perhaps die.
12 (Sunday). Fine and very hot. John and Miss Gray left for town in the carriage. Charley and David went with them till they had got over the bad road--they got back about 5 o'clock. Mr Dobson went home after tea tonight. Agnes and Jane took Johnnie for a walk, the others went up to the shed. Janet Curle has had the chicken-pox but is better.
Sent a letter to Mrs Lee by John.
13. Fine and very hot, most oppressive. Heard the children's music and made Willie, Tom and Charley write but Aggie attended to Johnny so well that I let her off all but music. Charley read and said his tables. The boys went to the Dip afterwards. David got in 'Forrester'. Charley away at Rutherford's bush. The Dr came up with a note from Mrs Hartland. Sent to the beach a note and parcel for Wm Gray to deliver at the Kaikouras.
14. Fine. Charley at the Bush. Had the chil-
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dren in to all their lessons. The Dr came for the mail. Barnett came--I have letters from Mother and Jane. Charley had a short one from John, they stayed at Morris's the first night and went to Culverden next morning.
15. Fine. Barnett left at eight. The Cheviot Hills man brought letters just in time. Had all the children at school today. I walked down the garden this evening--the fruit is getting much larger--we had two or three ripe strawberries, if there was a little rain there would soon be plenty ripe I think.
16. Fine but windy and not so hot as the last day or two. Charley, Willie and David rode down to Parnassus. I had the others to school and Willie to Music after he came home. One swarm of bees came off today on to the big birch tree, the gardener put them into a box. Put the Laughing Jackasses into the cage down the garden and put the tame Magpie into theirs in the yard. Cut out a holland hat for Johnnie and nearly finished tonight.
17. Fine. Finished Johnnie's hat before dinner and his red frock afterwards. Charley and David went to the beach. Very hot all day.
18. Fine and windy. This is Mrs Bushill's
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birthday. I had a most violent face-ache when I woke this morning, I tried a mustard plaister and then creasote and at last fell asleep and woke about 11 o'clock without pain for which I hope I was truly thankful. I had headache the remainder of the day but I can bear that much better than toothache. The Dr came up this afternoon.
19 (Sunday). Fine, very windy still--there were a few drops of rain in the night but not enough to wet the ground. There is snow on the mountains. Jane gathered a nice dishful of large ripe strawberries on the little hill and we had them for tea with cream which was a great treat. Had prayers.
20. Fine, cold in the night and early this morning--windy during the day. Charley down at the Brookdale yards and at Parnassus. Mr Hartland was here today. There was a curious phenomenon noticed by Mrs Hartland, Curle and Jem the Maori between 8 and 9 this morning, there seemed to be three circles of different colors close to the sun. I hope we shall hear some further account of it from some of the astronomers. 24 Mrs Curle helped the girls today, Jane has a gum-boil which pains her very much. I had all the children to school but Charley who stayed at Kerr's till dark.
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It is two years today since Mrs Hartland's dear baby Marian died. Charley came home with a bad headache tonight. I began my Baiege dress. 25 Mrs Curle is going to do the Jacket.
21. Fine. Charley went for the Bull. Waiau high. Barnett and Lovell came. Letters from John and Miss Gray. John will come home by Motunau. The Dr came for mail. I felt very poorly all day and could hardly attend to the children's music. Went to bed before tea-time and had to get Mrs Curle to come down and sleep here--sent for the Dr between 9 and 10. It is a very wet and windy night.
22. Fine, very windy. This is my 31st birthday, and I must spend it in bed as I am not well enough to get up. The Dr proposed sending 'Momus' for Mrs Hartland, which we did and she very kindly came directly and stayed with me. I managed to write a note to John this morning so that he need not be too anxious about me.
23. Fine and dreadfully windy. I am no better yet, the Dr went to Parnassus for other medicines. I should be glad to have John at home and yet I am thankful that he is spared all this suspense. Mrs Hartland read Kate Coventry 26 aloud to me.
24. Fine. I was worse this morning but got
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relief by noon thank God! and I trust I shall do well now. Mrs Hartland went home this evening--Kerr drove her. Charley, Curle &c went to muster the Waiau--the former came home tonight having 'Forester' with him. The wind is higher than ever, it shook the house.
25. Fine. Slept well and feel better this morning. Charley off before 5 o'clock. The Waiau is so high I fear my dear husband will not be able to cross if he is at Motunau, and tried to come over.
26 (Sunday). Fine but still windy. Had a good night and am much the same as yesterday. The Dr went home this evening. Charley came in, they have had a bad muster with the wind being so high.
27. Fine. Much the same. Charley and David went off early to Brookdale to draught &c. Willie, Tom and Charley went after breakfast. The Dr came this afternoon; he very kindly brought me a Fowl for tomorrow's dinner.
28. Wet at last--it will do a great deal of good but they would have liked to get the lambs done first. The Dr came for mail, he says I may perhaps get up on Thursday. Barnett came. I have letters from John, Jane and two from Mother--my dear
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husband was awaiting news of me most anxiously--he hopes to start home on Friday. I wrote to him tonight and a few lines to Jane. Mrs Hartland wrote for me to Mother and Miss Gray.
29. Still wet--bad for the lambs but we are very thankful for the garden, grass &c. Finished reading Old Lieutenant and his Son which is very interesting and nice. Began Digby Grand but do not like it. 27
30. Fine morning but came on very wet afterwards. The Dr came up but advised me not to get up today. Cousin Fred Hensman's birthday.
Friday, 1 December 1865
Fine. I got up about 12 but was glad to go back to bed about 4. Mrs Curle was down to see me. Nellie Templer's 8th birthday. The children and Charley had strawberries and cream for tea.
2. Fine and very hot. Charley started with 'Victoria' to leave her at Cheviot Hills and going himself to Motunau. The Dr came up, he says I am going on very well--he brought me another fowl. I went to bed at 1/2 past 5. My dear husband came home this evening having ridden an old cart mare from Culverden--he is very pleased to
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see me so well. I indulged in a very few ripe strawberries and cherries.
3 (Sunday). Fine and hot. I have a headache this morning. Jane too is very unwell--she woke us all in the night making a dreadful noise, she could hardly get her breath but does not recollect it. Charley came home late last night, he did not go to Motunau. John started him away again today to see Price to find out if he has really seen 'Regicide'. 28 Had prayers.
4. Fine. Dr came up, stayed to dinner--he brought me another fowl. I walked about a little just outside the house today. David has been up the 'Leader' for horses but could not find any. Pat cannot find 'Skimmilk' either but saw others with young calves.
5. Fine but cloudy. David went again after horses--could not find them. Charley and Mr Bruce from Motunau. Barnett came. I have letters from Mother and Miss Gray. I answered them and wrote to Jane also.
6. Showery morning so John cannot fetch Mrs Hartland. Mr Bruce left for Motunau. Charley and David looking for horses and cows but could not find what they wanted. Charley has sciatica very badly in his hip.
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7. Fine. Charley no better. John went in the little trap for Mrs Hartland--they came up in time for dinner. She did not go round the garden as it was cold. Charley drove her home after tea. I have a headache tonight. David and Jemmy took horses to the Waiau, got home late.
8. Wet. Charley has still the pain in his hip. My head is better today.
9. Still wet but fine afternoon. Charley went to the beach though his hip is no better--the Dr and Mr Dobson came up. The children have all eaten too many cherries they say. Finished reading Jacob Faithful. 29
10 (Sunday). Fine. John had a violent attack of Indigestion last night. Tom is poorly today too. Charley's hip much better--he rode down to Parnassus with Mr Dobson and the Dr. Found three new ring worms in Aggie's head and applied ink to them as so many people advise it. The Dr sent up some Petroleum Soap by Charley, so we shall try that next. Had prayers.
11. Fine and warm. Mr Hartland came up this morning. Mr Pow from Ferniehurst this afternoon. David and Jemmy brought horses from the beach. The long lost 'Skimmilk' came home
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herself this morning with a white bull calf--her udder seems much inflamed.
12. Fine. This is Sarah Anne's birthday and Jane's baby is five months old. Barnett came--I have letters from Mother, Jane and Miss Gray, also from Christina and Annie Hensman by English Mail. I wrote to Mary Anne Wykes and Christina, Mother, Sally, Jane and Miss Gray.
The children did their Music and wrote a copy. Tom is full of chicken-pox. Aggie had not near so many places.
13. Fine pleasant day. John started early for town, he went in the gig as far as Morris's hoping to dispose of it there--he took James Renton with him. Charley went to Parnassus and met him in the 'Leader', he is not at all well again. Sent what little things I have made for the Rangiora Bazaar, by John. The children did their Music, writing and reading.
14. Fine and very hot. Charley shod 'Forester'. Kerr up from the beach, he says there are no signs of the vessel. Charley and David went to Ferniehurst and Rutherford's bush. The Dr came up for 'Creamy' and 'Fairy'. Mr Hogg arrived late, he is from Addington today.
The children did their reading, writing and
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Music. Had about a dozen ripe raspberries today. Had a walk round the garden with the children.
15. Fine and hot. Mr Hogg went to Ferniehurst. Charley helped the Dr with the horses and then went up the 'Leader' to look for 'Lucy' who we think must have calved. This is Atty Templer's 6th birthday.
Charley and David brought home 'Lucy' with a bull calf, also 'Princess Alice' who is very near. I went round the garden but it was too hot to stay long. Sent Aggie with a few cherries to each of the women.
Mr Hogg had service, 16 of us altogether. The little bantam hen 'Minny' has 5 chicks. The men brought word tonight that the bush was on fire where old George was splitting. Charley lighted a fire yesterday a good way off and the wind has changed.
16. Fine and very hot. Mr Hogg to Parnassus. This is the 15th Anniversary of the Canterbury Settlement. 30 Renton home, he brought a note from my husband who got to Culverden all safe. I have got a lot of sea-weed from Motunau by one of the shearers. Charley went to the Bush--he is very lowspirited about it there is a good deal of damage done.
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17 (Sunday). Fine and hotter than ever. Mrs Gibson walked over from Ferniehurst. I have a violent headache today, can hardly keep up. Had prayers.
18. Fine and very hot but there is a little wind. Charley went to the beach after dinner having had word that the vessel has come at last. David went to Parnassus to tell Mr Hartland. William had just got home. I helped pick the strawberries and the children gathered a good lot of raspberries. I have a bad gum-boil again in the same place as last time but this is much more painful. Children did all their lessons and Music and got done before dinner.
19. Fine and very hot but windy. I had no sleep hardly all night with my gums, and continued very painful all day. Jane and the children got a great many raspberries again. I could not attend to the children's lessons today.
20. Fine. My mouth a little better today but I had a bad headache when I woke. Mr Tom Balfour and Mr Ross (of Cooke and Ross) came this morning, stayed to dinner and tea and returned to Ferniehurst. 31 Mr Pasley from Parnassus. Charley from the beach.
21. Fine. Charley and David went to the
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Waiau Island and brought home 'Topsy' and her calf to kill. Had the first cherry-pie.
22. Fine but rather cloudy which is pleasant after the great heat. Charley and all busy setting up the new screw wool press in the shed. Willie and David went with Bob to get the Potash from the Pine flat. Mr Pasley left for Home.
23. Fine. Jane's birthday, sister Jane I mean. Charley got his finger severely hurt in the new Press, I sent David for the Dr who says it is broken in two places; he put cold water bandages on and they eased it a good deal, the fore-finger is pinched also. Jemmy left for Motunau. It rained this evening which will cool the air I hope.
24 (Sunday). Fine and hot. After dinner I went for a walk with Charley and the children, we looked in at Mrs Moore's ducks, she was not in--saw the young ducks at Mrs Curle's and then went up to see Mrs Kerr's young broods. Charley's finger aches a good deal he got no sleep much last night, the Dr went home this morning. Old Bill from Kowai. Jemmy from Motunau late. Had prayers.
25 (Christmas Day). Fine and very hot. The children picked all the ripe raspberries and I made some jam of those picked last week and some
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currants. Had a very good plum pudding for dinner and new potatoes--and a mince pie for tea. All the people on the station have plum pudding and some grog. The men had all sorts of games this evening, jumping in sacks &c. Agnes knocked her face against a rail and was quite stunned for a minute, her eye is bruised and her lip. Had prayers.
26. Dull morning, it began to rain before dinner and kept on most of the day, very heavy tonight. It thundered this morning. Curle and others went to burn the ram paddock, but they will not succeed as the rain has come, but they hope to find the lost rams. The Dr came up for mail but Barnett did not come, I suppose the coach did not come up yesterday being Xmas Day. Charley's finger rather more painful today. I got a note from John by some men he sent to Parnassus, he was going south on the 23rd, he was not much better I am sorry to say. The children had snap-dragon tonight, they were very pleased with the fun. 32 Andrew Curle and T. McDowal from Motunau.
27. Still wet during the morning and cloudy all day. Fifteen years today since our ship first anchored in Lyttelton. 33 Mr and Mrs Hartland's
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William came up this afternoon, waited till after 7 for Barnett but he did not come. It began to rain very fast before they started and kept on all night.
28. Wet morning. Cousin Helen's birthday. Barnett came today--English mail. The Carpenter took the Parnassus letters. I have 9, two from John, two from Miss Gray, one from Jane, Mother, Mrs Macdonald, J. J. Thomson and cousin Helen. John wrote on Sunday from the Rakaia where he was detained by the river but he hopes to be home next week. Mr Pasley from the 'Waiau'. Mr Dobson came up, stayed to tea and a little music. It was between 12 and 1 when we went to bed, with writing and making up the mail.
29. Fine. Barnett left early--my letters are to John, Miss Gray, Mother, Jane, A. Thomson and Mrs Macdonald. Old Bill started to go to Motunau but the river was high and the horses got into a quick sand so he came back. Charley and Mr Pasley went to the Bush. I have a bad headache.
30. Fine. Mr Pasley went to Parnassus. I sent the two little baskets full of flowers. Mrs Curle helped me pick three large bottles full of cherries
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and filled them up with brandy. Had news of the Picton vessel with timber being at the Boat Harbour. Charley sent two men down. Old Bill left for Motunau.
31 (Sunday). Fine. Charley went to meet the sheep--they got down early. T. Ford came up to dinner and had some cherries. T. Kerr to the beach to see if the Maories were unloading the vessel. Had prayers.
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