1982 - Lush, Vicesimus. The Waikato Journals of Vicesimus Lush, 1864-8, 1881-2 - THE LATER WAIKATO JOURNALS, p 163-176

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THE LATER WAIKATO JOURNALS OF

VICESIMUS LUSH

1881-2

THE Hamilton of 1881, already the largest settlement in the Waikato, was a complete contrast to the lively shantytown of Thames, but Mr Lush found there the same friendly warmth, without the critical attitudes that tend to develop as the shepherd and his flock become better acquainted. In spite of a natural regret at parting with the large and comfortable parsonage, so conveniently placed opposite St George's Church, which had become in effect a social centre for the parish, the Lush family settled down happily to the smaller and less convenient house provided for them, helped by the generosity and kindness of the new parishioners, some of whom were old friends from Howick and Inner Waikato days.

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3 December 1881. Last night when I was thinking I should go to bed I said to Blannie: somebody is knocking at the kitchen door. She went, and there ensued an interchange of loud exclamations! And before I could guess the "arrival" in walked the Bishop: 1 he had come overland from Thames, seemed very tired, and his luggage had gone astray and he was vexed. He is to be Colonel Lyon's guest; after a short rest I accompanied him half-way to the Colonel's residence.

6. Last Sunday the weather was very stormy and the congregation was small. The Bishop instituted me to the cure of souls in this district and inducted me to the incumbency of St Peter's, Hamilton. In the evening Colonel Lyon, acting on behalf of the Chancellor of the Diocese, read after 2nd Lesson the Instrument and Deed whereby I am appointed Archdeacon.

8. Yesterday Mrs Gwynne drove Mamma and me in a light 4-wheel trap and pair of good horses to Cambridge: 14 miles. We enjoyed the trip immensely: the road in good order and all the country between Hamilton and Cambridge in splendid cultivation. The Church at Cambridge I should think might rank as the third in the Diocese. At 2.30 we returned to the Willises' and had a slight dinner and at 3.15 started for Hamilton.

A host of visitors had called and kept Anne amused all the afternoon - Blannie had gone out - among others Mrs Maclean (of Bleak House, Howick), and Mrs ----- or as she is usually styled - the Honourable Mrs Williamson, of the "Pah", Onehunga. These two were staying at the Hotel across the road, opposite our front gate. Mamma and I, after a hasty tea, went across and returned their visit - mine was very short for the Church bell was ringing but I left Mamma with them.

Today (the 8th) has been a lovely day. By borrowing a horse from our old friend Miss Bell, and a saddle from our immediate (Roman Catholic) neighbour, Mr Cussen, I rode to Knighton, the Seddons' place, which is no more than two miles away. They received me most friendly. I had not been

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there many minutes when Blannie and Annette arrived on foot; we stayed fully an hour and a half. Mrs Gwynne sent us "for the Venerable Archdeacon's tea" - such was her message - a good-sized pork pie! This morning her husband sent us a boiling of new potatoes and a fine cabbage for our dinner, in time to cook half the potatoes! If this goes on it will be cheap living at Hamilton.

9. After I had written the above, Mrs Ross Watts sent us a dish of strawberries and a large bundle of rhubarb. Going down the street to the Post Office this morning a neighbour asked me whether I liked "spare rib" (?) - he should have sent me the spare rib and asked me afterwards.

10. Alas for human nature: the remaining half of the boiling of new potatoes was carried off yesterday by some thief and we had the mortification of being obliged to buy. However we received this morning the following presents: two rabbits - fowl (ready-cooked) - peas - cabbage -- and a lettuce - and the offer of a gooseberry pie, which we declined with thanks.

11. The gooseberry pie was sent and left - the same party sent also a shape of collared meat.

Annette and I went over the river to Hamilton East. I did not go straight to the (Sunday) school but called on Mr Le Quesne on my way (pronounced by the hoi polloi Le Cren). He took me to the top of a high building whence I saw in the far distance the Coromandel ranges and the hills behind Graham's town and Shortland!

16. Blannie and I after dinner walked over to Govt. School, Hamilton East, of which Mr Maberley is Head Master. The breaking-up was taking place and we witnessed some of the sports and then returned home to tea - and to read or devour our English letters.

17. Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, lettuce and cauliflowers came from Mrs Hume this morning. Mr Hume I knew 15 years ago - his friends lived at Drury - Mrs Hume I knew as a girl of 13 about 15 years ago. Mrs Seddon rode over and called, bringing with her a jar (2 lbs) of fresh butter of her own making.

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24. Annette came out strong: she was the presiding director over all the ladies who came to assist in decorating the Church, many of them older than herself. She succeeded most admirably: I had nothing to do with it, so whatever the verdict of the congregation may be it will rest upon her.

26. Boxing Day. Oh! so sultry: there was no stirring out till past 5 in the evening. Martin was busy all the morning hanging up pictures: unexpectedly the piano arrived! Most fortunately Robert Seddon was helping Martin, so with the Carter and his man the four together not only unpacked the instrument but carried it from the cart all along our long verandah into our drawing-room, and settled it where, I doubt not, it will remain as long as we occupy St Peter's Parsonage.

But we found we had sustained a terrible loss - we had one very old china bowl which Blanche valued very much, it belonged to Sir Christopher Airey who was Blanche's grandmother's great-grandfather, and therefore it must have been in her family for a very very long time. And, alas, when Blanche unpacked the box in which it had been carefully packed by her own hands, it was found to be broken to pieces! After Mr Hawkins's death Blanche carried this family relic in her lap from Oxford to Ewelme: she packed it up safely from Ewelme to Over Darwen - from Lancashire to Berkshire to London and from London to New Zealand and safely in all our Hittings about New Zealand till this move to the Waikato. Blanche could not help having a good cry over the broken China, but Martin assures her he will be able to cement the pieces together tomorrow.

5 January 1882. We are again reduced to our usual small quiet party. Martin left us on the 3rd inst: he had splendid weather up to Mercer: there all the trains stop for a quarter of an hour and there he met Mr and Mrs Walter Puckey and their two girls, waiting for a steamer to take them to the Waikato Heads for sea bathing. Teddy Heywood, Edward's chum, was a fellow-passenger to town. Blannie and Annette have gone with Miss Chitty (our Thames acquaintance) to her brother's farm, about five miles away, to tea. Miss Chitty drove them in and promised to see them safe home.

21. (!!) Nearly a month since I sat down to tell my sisters

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any domestic news. The chief event since the sixth has been an illness I have had: no acute pain, but extreme weakness and becoming rapidly very thin. On Monday the 9th I rode over to Whatawhata, a distance of 8 miles (16 in all), with Annette, and I felt so depressed and done for the next day that I was glad I had previously arranged to proceed to Auckland on the 10th to consult our old medical friend Dr Goldsboro'. Mamma went with me.

Martin ought to have been standing on the platform waiting for us, according to his own promise, but he was not visible, and Mamma and I carried our small light parcels up to the Hotel at Newmarket and got into one of Crowther's 'buses. The driver recognised us and I asked him to look out for our son. He said he did not know him. I, looking out, said soon after: "There he is, driver, turning into the Station yard with Miss White." - "Oh! is that your son, Sir: I know him well. I always took him for one of Mr White's seeing him always walking about with the Miss Whites." I made no comment but bade him drive on to the station entrance, and Martin and Carry soon saw our whereabouts and took their seats inside with us.

We stopt at the "Bishop's corner", and Mamma and Carry and Martin got out to go down St Stephen's Road to Mr White's house - while I went 2 or 3 hundred yards to Dr Goldsboro's. They were at dinner but expecting me and had made arrangements that I should be their guest while I was in Auckland. Before tea the Doctor closely examined me - he pronounced my lungs as perfectly sound, but that the action of my heart was very feeble and that the weakness of my heart had caused me to fall away in flesh and become so prostrate in strength - he requested me not to ride and not to walk more than I could help: and gave me a pleasant-flavoured syrup to take, and expressed a confident hope that with plenty of nourishing Kitchen physic I should soon be better: while in Auckland I certainly got worse and was right glad when Friday came to return to Hamilton, for there is no place like Home particularly when you are not well. I have now been a week at home and conscientously I can say, I think, that I am gradually mending.

My sisters may be pleased to hear that Mamma was very much taken with Mrs White and has come away quite thankful

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that Martin has such a nice family to go to, and spend much of his spare time with.

On Monday the 16th I went to Te Awamutu: the whole distance was done by 'Bus and Rail' and though, even so, I got very tired, I don't think the trip did me any harm. This used to be Mr Morgan's C. M. S, station: now Mr Phillips (a great friend of Dr Kinder's) is the resident Clergyman.

28. A very hot day. I am decidedly improving.

30. I verily think today has been the hottest day I have experienced in New Zealand, in the shade the heat was 80 - in the sunshine 130. I did not enjoy my existence till sundown.

31. There is a grand cricket match at Cambridge between 11 Englishmen and 22 Waikatoes: the match has excited immense interest through the countryside: a neighbour, Mrs Ross Watts, offered one of us a seat in her American waggon and we decided that Annette should accept the offer. She took two bottles of Lemon Syrup and water (beside other things) and the silver cup -- "just a thimbleful" 2 - Selina kindly sent to me a year or so ago.

6 February. Annette had a supremely happy day on the 31st. The Cricket match was a grand sight and she was among kind friends - she burst into the house like a whirlwind - not of wind but of joy and happiness. Since then she has spent a long day with her "intimate", Nellie Beauchamp (nee Haultain), the two taking a long ride together making duty and pleasure calls.

21. This afternoon Mr Le Quesne brought his carriage round and took me a two and a half hour drive. We first drove to the Revd Cornelius Griffin's - since he paid me a visit on my first arrival he has become a married man: he had gone today to Cambridge and as I was out when he called upon

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me we have not yet met - and now are not likely [to meet] for in three weeks he moves off to Christchurch, Canterbury.

From the Griffins' we drove to a farm in exactly the opposite direction - the Coateses' - old acquaintances and people who lived at Thames ten years ago - very pleased were we to see one another. While I was out Mamma and the two girls were having a sewing bee for the Melanesian Mission. It was eminently successful - Mamma liked it better than any Bee she had at St George's Parsonage! And now, 8.30, she and Miss Bell, Carry Haultain and Blannie and Annette have gone to a dance!!

On Tuesday I received a telegram from Archdeacon Maunsell stating he should be at Hamilton next Sunday and asking whether he could help me. I telegraphed back saying if he could take all my duties I should like to run up to Auckland - his reply was "with pleasure" - so on Friday the 24th I left home. Martin met me at Newmarket and carried my carpet-bag to Newmarket, where I got into one of the "Crowther's" - he got out at the Bishop's road as his nearest point to Carry White's - went on to the Nelsons' where altho' I was not expected I received a very kind welcome.

On Saturday the 25th I went to Last, the Dentist, and there parted with my last tooth: and was kept a prisoner for three hours while he altered my artificial set - most of the time I was fast asleep on the sofa. He made my mouth very comfortable and the journey and expense I did not grudge. Liberated from him at last, I went to the Bishop's - he and Mrs Cowie were giving a dinner party -- I apologised for my intrusion but he insisted on my staying and when we filed from the drawing-room, he said: Archdeacon Lush will take in Mrs Cowie. So I sat next to her and, need not say, made a good dinner. Had tea with Dr Goldsboro' and wound up with a slight supper at the Nelsons'.

Wednesday, 1st March, I started for my intensely wished for home. The train always stops 15 minutes at Mercer - got a slight dinner there fortunately: at Taupiri - only a flag station, the train hardly stopping - I thoughtlessly stepped out - and away went the train! Except the shed which serves as the station, there was nothing in sight - no cottages - no hotel! The Post and Station Master however was my old

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friend Mr Thom (Mrs Thom nee Lawlor-Bessie). He asked me at once to his house, about two miles off across the Waikato, which at Taupiri is wide and rapid. It was raining - my greatcoat in the railway carriage together with my carpet-bag - opened and not directed! I at once telegraphed: "Lost train at Taupiri -- cannot get home till tomorrow." This telegram had to be sent on horseback to Huntly and thence by wire to Hamilton. As it happened it did not reach Blanche till the same time I reached the Parsonage on Thursday at about 12 o'clock, so I might as well have saved my money.

I had to wait about two hours on the banks of the river before Thom could take me across: in the end, all was well. I passed a tolerably pleasant evening and a decidedly comfortable night - sleeping soundly - and the next morning at the Station heard that my greatcoat and carpet-bag were safe in Mrs Lush's hands at the Parsonage. That news was a great relief - the Goods Train shortly came up and in a very short time I was safe in Hamilton within sight of my own house: never was I so glad to be once more at Home.

One or two things have occurred while I was absent. On Wednesday there was in the carriage with me a Mr John Runciman (a good Samaritan), a Presbyterian. He seeing my dilemma kindly took charge of my carpet-bag and greatcoat and, being in the omnibus which would have brought me home, he stopt the Bus at my gate - took my luggage indoors and explained to Mrs Lush how and where I had been left behind - thus relieving her and Blannie and Annette from a load of anxious fears. I have written to Mr J. Runciman and thanked him for his considerate kindness. I knew him and the family 20 years ago when living at Drury.

The other incident is connected with that eccentric man Dr Maunsell. On Sunday after dinner Annette went to Hamilton East, Blannie to her school, Hamilton West - leaving the house very quiet, and though the heat was most oppressive the sitting-room was comparatively cool. But the Doctor found the inside of the house sultry and went out without a hat, and threw himself full length on the grass, just within our gateway and plainly in sight of all the passers-by, with his face to the ground and his arms stretched out at right-angles on each side. Blannie thought he was ill, and went and spoke to him but he desired to be left alone, so she went on her way to the

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school. The Passers-by looked - raised their brows I dare say - and walked on. But the amusing part was that after a time an old Irish woman coming along, and suddenly espying him, cried out, "Holy Moses!" and "Murther!" and ran off as fast as she could. This broke the Archdeacon's spell - he got up and walked into the house - grumbling somewhat that he could not be left in peace to compose his evening sermon!

On Saturday (4th) evening Mr Willis rode over from Cambridge, leaving Archdeacon Maunsell in charge of his church. On Sunday the 5th Willis took the early communion, the noonday service, the service at Hautapu 13 miles off (a ride of 26 miles on a fearfully hot day) - and the evening Service at St Peter's - and where was I? Lazy sluggard - lounging about at home! But such was the sentence passed upon me by Willis, Mamma, Blannie and Annette - and for the sake of peace acquiesced in by me. Willis staid supper and we persuaded him to have a glass of beer! I have never seen him take anything stronger than coffee. The moon was nearly full and he must have had a somewhat cool ride (20 miles) home, between 10 and 1 o'clock.

6. This morning took Seddon's pony out of my stable (he always places it there while attending his classes at the Public School) and walked him to the Bradleys', an excursion of about 2 miles in all. After dinner Le Quesne brought round his carriage and I had a pleasant three hours' drive. My neighbours' presents of fruit and vegetables have not ceased and do not seem to diminish.

7. An important event! Had the temerity to purchase a horse, a beautiful docile creature. Tried her first in Harness and then with a side-saddle, and Blannie, by no means a bad judge, pronounced her paces capital. Right or wrong the deed is done and the purchase money, 16£, paid to the late owner.

8. Mr Seddon called in. He examined the mare (whose name is rather ominous - Tricksty) and pronounced a satisfactory verdict - 7 years old - well bred - good shape - and said she was worth £25!

10. Yesterday morning I rode to the other side of the river to see a sick person, on Tricksty - very satisfied with her.

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She walks fast: that suits me. In the afternoon the Revd Mr Davies came round in his carriage and took me a short drive to the Resident Magistrate, a very pleasant man - a Mr Jolly. 3 When I reached home, who should be in the drawing-room but Mrs and Sophy Kenny - the latter looking like the ghost of her former self. They enjoyed a slice of Rock Melon. The whole of Sophy's illness, break-up of her health and constitution, Mrs Kenny and Sophy trace to her revaccination a few months ago - the lymph must have been bad -- what a shame! the Doctor protests it was good - of course he does. But why does a woman 42 years old suffer herself to be revaccinated?

18. Mrs Kenny and Sophy have been daily visitors all this last week: yesterday I took Sophy a short ride - the first she has had since I took her a ride 4 years ago at the Thames. She did not seem to enjoy herself yesterday - in fact she has taken a violent dislike to Hamilton and nothing is pretty - nothing is right - her fretfulness is, I suppose, the result of her illness - but I pity her mother.

23. Rode to the Cemetery for an early burial, 10.30 - Tricksty is a great acquisition. The Revd Davies came to dinner and after my 10 minute sleep he drove me a long way towards Ohaupo till we came to a veritable Nebo, 4 the top of a lofty range whence I beheld the whole vast plain of the Waikato stretched out on all sides round me - and exceeding beautiful. It was past 5 when I reached home, not very tired.

28. Last Sunday I had good congregations morning and evening. One peculiarity - so different from Thames - is the number of Traps, Carriages and saddle horses, tethered in a small paddock at the back of the Church; last Sunday they were more than usual. This is eminently a riding and driving people. It is a common saying that in the Waikato a man will walk two miles to catch his horse for the sake of riding half a mile! Certain it is there are some residents whom I have seldom seen on foot.

This morning Mamma left home for a week's visit in Auckland. A few minutes before the 'Bus called at our gate for her luggage I started on Tricksty and had a pleasant and

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gentle ride to the Station and, tethering my mare, awaited the 'Bus. Annette and Carry Haultain accompanied Mamma thus far - and Janie Wood (nee Haultain) and Nellie Beauchamp - came also in Nellie's Trap. Janie was Mamma's travelling companion. They went 2nd Class - thus saving 14/0.

29. A most lovely day. Took Tricksty to the saddler's and had her fitted up with a lady's saddle and bridle which I kept on her all that morning that she might get used to the crupper: at 12.30 Annette, Carry and one of the Miss Cussinses started for Cambridge: Annette of course on Tricksty - Miss Cussins on her own horse, and Carry on one lent for the occasion by Edgecumbe. They got home in excellent spirits while it was still daylight. For Edward's 5 information I will mention that his friend Miss Newby is coming to Waikato to stay with the Swarbricks for a short time. The Swarbricks were her fellow-passengers on her voyage out: they live about 3 miles from Hamilton, so I doubt not we shall see her frequently.

1 April. Miss Hunt gave dear Blannie a very pleasant outing yesterday. She brought her "Buggie" to the Parsonage about 10.30 and while the horse was resting she and Blannie and a Miss Gould (no relation to the Goulds of Otahuhu) had an early luncheon and at noon the three started for the Suttors', a very respectable settler 6 who lives some 13 or 14 miles off. They returned about 7 o'clock and Blannie gives a pleasing account of the journey - of the Suttors and of their extensive and beautiful estate. I took a ride on Tricksty - the first I have really enjoyed since I have had her.

12. On the 8th Martin and Carry arrived in time for dinner. After a rest they went out on horseback and enjoyed a short canter before tea. Annette was busy decorating the chancel for Easter Sunday: she did not see Carry till late in the evening. Easter Day was fine: I was delighted with dear Annette's floral decorations, very simple and very pretty. I hear that several of the congregation say they never saw the chancel so chastely ornamented. The evening closed in with a fearful thunder storm.

Easter Monday was fine and all our little world intent on

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enjoying themselves. Martin got an American buggie and pair and took his two sisters and Carry to Cambridge. They started about io and reached home in time for tea, dining at the Hotel at Cambridge and having a pleasant stroll about the town -- seeing the Church - calling on the Willises, O'Hallorans and Souters. I did not know Martin could drive a pair of horses and I must own to a feeling of great relief when they arrived at home safe and sound.

25. Mamma and Annette went to a Ball last night - a Colonial ball: it was got up thus. A small committee were self-elected and they determined the list of guests and the programme of dances and the provisions for refreshments. One lady (Mrs Lush) had to provide the sandwiches (4 four-pound loaves) and a second lady the meat (beef), and a third coffee, a fourth the milk and sugar - and certain gentlemen lemonade and whatever stronger they liked: a posse of ladies met at Mrs Hime's in the afternoon to make the sandwiches, and dancing in the Volunteers' Hall commenced at 8 o'clock. Blannie would not go.

29. We are in a little concern about two of our pets - my daughter Annette and my mare Tricksty. Annette rode off, on a strange horse, last Monday to spend a few days with Nellie -- up to the present time we have heard nothing more of her: Friday afternoon and Saturday have been too tempestuous for any lady to venture abroad and that may be the reason she has not reached home (as she promised) before Sunday. Then Tricksty has a large swelling on her back and I have been obliged to have it blistered and now I suppose it will be two or three weeks before she will be usable. The house is very dull without Annette.

30. A fine bright morning. We felt sure Annette would avail herself of the cessation of rain to come home, and so she did, just as we were ready to start for Church: she was boisterously happy! But there was no time for talking. When I came out of the vestry I was glad to see her sitting in her usual seat in the Choir.

4 May. Yesterday Miss Bell came to spend a few days with us. I held my third Vestry Meeting. The Vestry men met at

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my house: at the close I had biscuits and coffee - I need hardly say we are very harmonious. Hamilton is enveloped in a dense fog, not so much a London one as a Scotch mist.

8. Judge Macdonald came in for half-an-hour's chat: he brought us from his wife a pork pie! Also for Annette a strong invitation to the North Shore. Annette saw Miss Newby this afternoon in a trap at Hamilton East: she could not say much to her as it was, as usual, pouring with rain. She had travelled from Auckland this morning with her brother-in-law, Mac.

17. Miss Newby, as I stated, arrived at Hamilton on the 8th. We saw or heard nothing more of her (chiefly owing to the wet weather) till Saturday afternoon when she came to us in some distress of mind - the only family she had any knowledge of was ours, and she came to us. Of course we received her at once, heartily and kindly, and she has been a very pleasant guest ever since. Annette has fraternized (?) with Miss Newby notwithstanding the difference of their ages, and what with practising together - learning fancywork of each other - and taking long walks - her visit is like to be a great boon to my little girl. Today's paper announces a death -- Anne Jane, only sister of the late Thomas Outhwaite, in the 75th year of her age: so poor William Outhwaite has lost his kind unwearied nurse - he has been a helpless paralytic ever since he so severely strained himself when rowing in the "Lincoln-eight".

22. Miss Newby left us on Saturday: I believe she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She found those around her who knew something of the University and who could keep up the conversation: and who liked her for her own sake. I hope she will soon come again.

Church well attended yesterday. I said to Mahon, my verger, when I met him in the morning: "Very cold this morning, Mahon." - "Very Sir: there's been a heavy fall of snow somewhere down south." I looked astonished at him. "Why, how can you know?" - "Oh Sir, I can smell it!" - "Smell it?" I said. "Yes Sir, I am an old Canadian." Thinks I to myself, you are an "old soldier". The idea of smelling snow 40 or 50 or more miles off!

26. Very splendid weather. On Wednesday, Queen's Birthday,

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Martin arrived; very unexpected - and stayed with us till Whitmonday. Martin was well and in high spirits: made the house alive and his sisters seemed to enjoy his visit immensely. He brought a considerable present of all sorts of nice things from Miss Newby and Mrs Macdonald: we have had quite a shower of gifts also from our parishioners - rabbits - pheasants - fish - so Martin came in for some nice dinners!

31. The English Mail came to hand yesterday. The newspapers were as usual and came very opportunely for the weather was such as to keep us all prisoners. The letters were one to me from Alfred - one to Mamma from Anne - one to me from Emily - Edward's Journal - and a letter from him to Blannie.

It is fitting that V. L.'s last entry in these journals should be concerned with that lifeline of so many in colonial New Zealand - the mail from Home.

The summer of 1881-82 was a pleasant interlude for Mr Lush and his household, with numerous visitors from Auckland and a host of new friends to show them the surrounding countryside. But it became clear that despite the generous help given by his fellow clergy and parishioners the health of the Archdeacon was failing. His devoted wife takes up the story 7 and provides the final instalment of a remarkable record covering more than thirty years: the journals of Vicesimus Lush - priest, schoolmaster, settler, and writer, in the best pioneer tradition.