The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement

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Preface

A^HE following pages make no pretensions to deal exhaustively "^ with the subjects of which they treat. They are offered merely as a contribution towards a fuller knowledge than now obtains, of the planting and progress of the first and only Free Church colony in the world.

To myself it has been a pleasant and congenial task to look back across the years that have passed over us since the first adventurous bands of pioneers set foot on Otago, and to watch the social convulsions which supervened upon the discovery of gold; to mark the organization and the rapid growth of the churches, which are now so mai*vellously multiplied in the land; and to note the more important public events which awakened a general interest, and affected, more or less remotely, the social and religious life of the people.

All the accessible literature on Otago has been read, and put, to some extent, imder contribution. I have used just so much of it as I believed to be suitable for the purpose which I had in view.

I have to acknowledge my indebtedness to the early files of the daily and weekly papers of Dunedin and »Southland ; especially am I under obligation to the Otaao Colonist, the Otarjo Daibj Times, The Evangelist, and the Hew Zealand Presbyterian, for information which has been largely used in the following pages.

vi. PreJcLce. ,

The notes on the early ecclesiastical history of Otago, and the vigonrously written, and appreciative obituary notices of some of our ministers and office-bearers, which appeared from time to time in the columns of these newspapers, I have very freely availed myself of.

I take this opportunity to express my thankfulness to the Rev. A. Bethune, M.A., for the information which he promptly put at my service regarding the early planting of religious ordinances in InvercargilT; and to J. L. GillieF, Esq., of Dunedin, for the use of interesting notes from his private Fcrap-book.

My distance from the Publishers has placed both them and myself at some disadvantage. With the view of expediting the issue of the book, proofs of pages 14G— 240 were read in Dunedin, and through some misadventure seem to have been returned to the office after a very cursoiy examination.

THE AUTHOR.

The Manse, Skipton,

Christmas 1886.

CONTENTS fAQXS.

Chapter I

Discovery of New Zealand. — The Maori race. — Early attempts at Colonisation. — Lawless Settlements.— Origin of the New Zealand Land Company.— Captain Cargill.— The Otago Association. — The General Assembly commends the Otago Scheme. — The first minister of Otago. — Despatch of the first Emigrant ships. ... ... 1-19

Chapter II

The Pioneers of Settlement in Otago.— Site of Dunedin.— Suspension of the Constitution. — The Otago Neivs. — Otago Witness.— O'penin^ of the Public Library.— Sir George Grey. -Constitutional Government. — Provincial Council. — Roads. — Education. — Waste Lands. — Immigration.— The Queen.— The Colonist.— Bunedin in 1860. —Resident Magistrate.— Supreme Court.— Gaol.— No Crime curing the first decade.— Total abstinence. — Death of Capt. Cargill. ... ... ... 20-42

CHAPTER in.

The First Church Congre^tion.— Erection of Manse and Schoolhouse. — Church Hill. — Dispensation of the Lord's Supper. — Dissolution of New Zealand Company. — Colonists charged with maintenance of Church and School. — Arrival of Revs. W. Will and W. Bannerman. -Bill to enable Deacon's Court to raise money for Church-buildicg on security of properties. — Interim Church in Dowling Street. — Foundation stone of the New Church on Church Hill laid. — Arrival of Rev. G. Sutherland. — Death of Dr. Bums.— Church opened by Rev. Dr. Begg. — Mr. Sutherland accei)ts a call to Sydney.— Rev. L. Mackie called. — His death.— Rev. W. H. Gualter.— His death.— Rev. Mr. Gibb. ... ... 43-63

CHAPTER IV. East Taieri.—Puerua.— Constitution of the Presbytery of

Otago. — Waihola. —Port Chalmers. — Tokomairiro. . . . 65-86

Chapter V

Knox Church.— Dr. Stuart.— First Church, Invercargill.— viiL Contenta.

Chapter VI

The discovery of gold.— Lindis.— Gabriels.— Dunstan.— Wakatipu. — Government provides for the maintenance of order on the Goldfield*.- Hospitals.— Social life. — Gospel tents.— An adventure.— An unsuccessful tea meeting. — Effect of discoveries of gold on Provincial progress.— Enereetic movements of the Presbytery of Oti«o.— Rev. W. AVill sent to Scotland to bring out ministers. ... ... ... ... ... 112-131

Chapter VII

Riverton. — Mrs. G. Cassels.- Mr. John Gumming. — Mr. G. ReJd, senr. — Orepuki.— Disastrous boat accidents. Waiaii. — Manapouri. — Te Anau. — Lost children. — Starved on the Takitimos. — Lake Monowai. — Capt. Brown. ... ... ... ... 132-150

Chapter VIII

St. Andrew's, Dunedin. — AVaikouaiti. — Anderson's Bay. — Oamaru. — Green Island. — Kaitangata. — Warepa. — Tapanui. — Tuapeka. — Oteramika. — Wallacetown. — North Taieri and Mopgicl. ... ... ... 152-180

Chapter IX

Separation of Otago from Southland.— TAc Otago Daily Timet.— Misa Rye's Scheme. — Collision off Blanket Bay. —Floods.— Commercial depression.— IMurder of Yorky. —Stewart Island.- Death of John McGlashan.— Exhibition in Dunedin. — First Execution in Otago. — Telegraphic communication with up country districts established. — Land Legislation. — Collision between the General and Provincial Governments. — Floods. — Day of humiliation appointed. — Visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. — Improvements in Dunedin. ... ...181-200

Chapter X

Division of the Pi-esbytery of Of ago. - Constitution of the Synod.— Theological Hall.— Church Extension.— Emplo3-mentof lay agency.— Church Extension Society. — Benefactors to the Church Extension Fund.— The Kev. P. Hope. — Sabbath Observance and State of Religion. — Spiritualism.— Freethought. —Evangelistic Services. — Plague spots in Dunedin ... ... ... 201-227

Chapter XI

Sabbath Schools.— Libraries.— Psalmody.— Introduction of the English Presbyterian Hymn Book. — Instrumental Music— Temperance.— The Sustcntation Fund. — Donations from Miss Mure.... ... ... ...228-243

Contents, ix.

PA0B8.

Chapter XII

Missions to the Maoris. —Wesleyan Mission, Waikonaiti.— North German Mission Society.— Rev. J. F. H. Wohlers, Ruapuke.— Rev. J. C. Riemenschneider.— Rev. A. Blake.— Chinese Mission.— Rev. A. Don. ... ... 245-264

Chapter XIII

New Hebrides.— Rev. J. Copeland.— Rev. P. Milne.— Donations and bequests to the mission funds.— Wreck of the 2>ayaprtw{7.— Rev. J. Paton.— Missionary scholarship.— Difficulties arising from the labour-recruiting service and from wars. -Fiji.— Rev. J. Chalmers. ... ... 265-276

Chapter XIV

Otepopo.— North-East Harbour and Portobello.— Dunstan* — Dunstan Presbytery.— Strath Taieri. — Teviot. — Cromwell.— Balclutha.— Wakatipu.— Clinton.- Kaikorai.— Rev. W. Alves.— Switzers and Riversdale. ... ... 276-322

Chapter XV

Public Works and Immigration policy of Sir Julius Vogel.— New Settlement at Martin's Bay. — Mosgiel Woollen Works.- Port Chalmers railway. — Employment of Females Act. — Rev, Dr. Lang. — Ilev. Dr. Begg. — Wreck of the /Swra^— Abolition of Provincial Government.— Union Steam Ship Company.— Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association.— Railways to Lawrence and to Waimea Plains. — Floods. — Railway to Invercamll. — Colliery accident.— Fire in the Octagon. — Pastor Chiniquy. — Wreck of Tararua. — Hard Times.— Good news ... ... ... ... ... 323-841

Chapter XVI

Palmerston. —Hampden.— Naseby. —North Dunedin.— Winton and Forest Hill.— Lower Mataura.— Waitahuna. — Caversham.— Papakaio.- Mataura.— Blueskin and Merton. — St. Paul's Church, Inveroargill. — Waiareka. — Limestone Plains. ... ... ... ...342-866

CHAPTER XVH.

Commemoration of Constitution of Presbytery.— Ravensbourne.— South Dunedin.— Mornington.—Duntioon and Waitaki.— St. Columba's Church, Oamaru.— Knapdale. — Gore.— North-East Valley.— Catlin's.— Lauder. — Taringatura. ... ... ... ... 357-336

Contents,

PAGE8.

Chapter XVIII

Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland.— Presbjrterian Church of New Zealand. ---Movement in direction of Union. — Conference in Dunedin.— Basis of Union agreed upon. — Convocation ot Auckland. — Constitution of the General Assembly. — Rupture between the Churches. — Meeting of Assembly in Dunedin.— Rev. D. Sidey. — New basis agreed upon. — Meeting of Synod adhunc effectum. — Hostile attitude of anti-unionists. — Renewed attempts to tmite the churches frustrated.— The Committee on Union discharged. ... ... ... ...387-410

Chapter XIX

Widows and Orphans' Fund.— Infirm Ministers' Fund. — The Church property. — Application of the revenues. — Bazaars.— Number of Communicants. — Meetings of SjTiod.— Elders. — Committees of Management. — The Ministers respected by the people. „. ...411-417

Chapter XX

Planting of the Churches of other denominations.— Anglican Church.— "Wesleyan Church. — Congregational Church. Baptist Church.— Union Church. — Salvation Army. — The Otago Home Mission.— Ministers' Conference.— Roman Catholic Church.— Jews' Synagogue. ... 418-432

Chapter XXI

Chaplain of gaol. — Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society. — Bethel Union.— Sailors' Home. — Otago Bible Society. — Young Men's Christian Association.— Young Women's Christian Association. — Benevolent Institution. — Dunedin Female Refuge.— St. Mary's Orphanage, Bishopsgrove. ... ... ... ... ... 433-447

THE STOEY OF THE OTAGO CHURCH AND SETTLEMENT.

Chapter I

Discovery of New Zealand.— The Maori race.—Early attempta at Colonisation.— Lawless Settlements. — Origin of the New Zealand Land Company. — Captain Cargill. — The Otago Association. — The General Assembly commends the Otago Scheme.— The first Minister of Otago.— Despatch of the first Emigrant ships.

gEARLY two hundred and fifty years ago, the Dutch navigator Tasman, sailing over these seas, descried the wooded heights of New Zealand and anchored off its north-western coast; but, believing that the land on which he looked formed part of the great Australian Continent, he passed on without exploring it or even landing upon its shores. In the year 1769 Captain Cook first sailed around the Islands, made accurate surveys of their coasts, landed at various times among their dusky inhabitants, let the light of authentic history, for the first time, in upon them, and passed through the Straits which continue to bear his name.

The Maoris are of Malay origin, and are believed to be the purest and most vigourous offshoot of that Polynesian race which had its home in the Hawaiian group. Their language, mythology, and earliest traditions concurrently point in that direction. The tribes agree in the statement that their ancestors came from a country called Hawaiki which they describe as lying

B north-east of New Zealand; and that it was the glowing report of a returned adventurous chief, whose eyes had gazed upon its wooded coasts, which induced them to seek homes in this new and inviting land. Their name means indigenous, and thoy seem, on landing, to have found the coimtry void of human inhabitants. The earliest Maori immigrants are said to have first touched the shore at the Frith of the Thames. Advancing up the river and leaving behind them memorials of their visit in the names which they imposed on hill and stream, they dragged their canoes across the narrow isthmus which separates the eastern from the western sea, and, sailing southward, they settled at Kawhia, a small harbour on the Taranaki coast. The chief of a tribe called the Tainui — of which a remnant are found at Kawhia at the present day—- claims direct descent from one of those adventurous fathers of his race who, crossing the Pacific in fragile canoes, landed in safety on these shores; and he points to a rock which he believes to be the petrified "Tainui," one of the original war-ships in which they sailed.

Captain Cook formed such a favourable opinion of the Islands that, on his retium to London, he recommended to the British Government that they should at once be occupied imder some wise and liberal scheme of colonisation. Benjamin Franklin, the American philosopher and statesman, published proposals for forming an association to fit out a vessel by subscription, which should proceed to New Zealand with a cargo of commodities suitable to the natives* wants, and barter these for such products of the country as, placed in an English

The Story of the Otago Church and Settlemtmt, 3

market, would serve to defray the expense of the adventure. The main object of the expedition was stated to be the promotion of the advantage of the native tribes by opening up for them means of intercourse with the civilized nations of the world. It was estimated that £16,000 would be required to float the enterprise, but the requisite funds were not raised, and the project, consequently, fell to the ground. Other prominent men of the period sought to influence public opinion somewhat in the same direction. But nothing practical issued from all these efforts to awaken a living interest in these distant islands of the sea. Towards the close of last century, in the course of the Parliamentary debates on the establishment of a trans-oceanic penal colony, New Zealand was mentioned as being suitable in some respects for the experiment which it was proposed to make, but it escaped that evil destiny simply through the reputation for savage barbarity which the Maoris had already established for themselves. In the year 1825 an attempt was made to plant a colony in the North Island. A Company was formed in London with Lord Durham at its head, and with a subscribed capital of £20,000. Preliminary arrangements having been completed, an expedition was despatched under the command of Captain Herd who, on arriving at his destination, successfully negotiated the purchase of two islands in the Hauraki Gulf, and a strip of land at Hokianga, which stiU bears the name of Herd. But the enterprise miscarried partly through the incompetency of the leaders, and partly through the ferocity of the native tribes.

Early in the present century a sort of irregular

B 2

4 The Story of the Otago Church atid Settlement.

settlement slowly proceeded both at the Bay of Islands* and at various points along the coast. The more accessible harbours were fringed by small European communities which consisted of elements of the most divers© kinds — runaway sailors, convicts who had broken boimds, traders and speculators, and bold adventurers, mainly, from the neighbouring Colony of New South Wales. There were men among them who, finding themselves freed from outward restraint, gave reins to all their lowest passions, and were ever exciting uproar and tumult which imperilled the lives of those who were devoting themselves to the peaceable pursuit of honest trade. Some of the northern ports were frequented by whalers whose reckless and brawling crews sometimes fomented disorder, and exasperated the more contentious Maoris, provoking them to a vindictive retaliation of their wrongs upon those on whom they could lay their hands.

A feeble and inefficient effort was made to grapple with the evils which prevailed, but instead of repressing them it only served to show to what an intolerable height they had grown. A letter applying for the protection of King William the Fourth, and signed with the names or marks of thirteen chiefs, was transmitted to England by one of the missionaries, and supported by powerful ecclesiastical authority there. In compliance vdth the request which was made, the Governor of New South Wales was directed to appoint a Eesident at the Bay of Islands, to control the more turbulent settlers along the coast. But as he had no means of enforcing his authority, the daring adventurers with whom he had to deal simply set it atTnaught. A subsequent attempt to establish Independence, and to secure a place among the world's States imder the style of the United Tribes of New Zealand, receiyed Imperial recognition, and unfurled with ostentatious ceremonial its national flag; but it failed from want of organic vitality and force, and fell, like an untimely fruit, to the ground.

In 1836, attention in the Home country was directed to the social confusion and anarchy into which the European settlements on these shores had drifted, and a Committee of the House of Commons, in its Report on Colonial Aborigines, laid before the British Government a tale of bold lawlessness and of criminal disorders which created a powerful impression on the minds of the people. The settlers of a better stamp, who were engaged in lawful pursuits, earnestly petitioned the Crown for protection from the turbulence and perils which had come to be a standing menace to property and life.

But before their cry of distress reached those who could succour them, a movement was originated in London, which gave promise of speedy relief. A Committee of the House of Commons having been appointed to inquire into the subject of the Disposal of Waste Lands with a view to Colonisation, collected from various sources a large amount of valuable information about New Zealand; and Mr. Francis Baring and others were so impressed with the evidence given, as to the special fitness of these Islands for purposes of colonisation, that they formed a Company, which was inspired with the magnanimous piu'pose of redressing the evils complained of "by the establishment of a vigourous local government, and by the organisation of a Colony on an extensive scale and the soundest principles, "which would be of permanent value and benefit to colonists and to natives alike."

The New Zealand Company sprang into existence in 1837. The distinguished public position held by many of its members attracted attention to the project which it had in view; and there seems to be no reason to doubt that the movement which it originated, and which, on the noblest grounds of philanthropy, it unweariedly promoted, was ultimately instnunental in rescuing the country from the dark fate which has overtaken New Caledonia. The Company steadily advanced with its preparations, matured its plans, published such information concerning the Islands as it found accessible, and collected a body of intending colonists to be despatched to their destination when opportimity served. But the Colonial Office, which, from the very first, had looked unfavourably upon the enterprise, became now actively obstructive, and declined to allow further progress to be made on the terms of the instrument which had been prepared. The political chief of that department offered a Royal Charter of Incorporation for colonising pui^i^cses for a fixed term of years, according to the precedent of chai'tered English colonies in America in the 16th and 17tli centuries; but this offer was burdened with the condition that the Company should subscribe a joint- stock capital to be embarked in the undertaking. The offered Charter was refused on the ground that the projectors had invariably and publicly disclaimed all vie^^ s of pecuniary speculation or interest, and, in all their endeavours, had merely sought to promote a great national work. On the dissolution of the Company, which immediately followed, and formed partially out of its ruins, arose, in 1839, an Association which subscribed a joint-stock capital, and designated itself the New Zealand Land Company. But although formed on the very lines suggested by the Colonial Office, yet it was viewed vrith as much disfavour as had been shown to the defunct organisation. It was, therefore, forced to strike out an independent policy for itself. It resolved to acquire lands by purchase, and by direct assignment from the natives, and to foimd settlements on these shores according to the wise and enlightened views of the original promoters of the scheme.

The dogged opposition which the Imperial Government offered to this chivalrous and laudable enterprise seems to have grown largely out of the action of the representatives of the Church Missionary Society in England, who assumed a hostile attitude towards all colonising projects, and persistently represented that the occupation of these Islands by British settlers would frustrate the missionary work of their agents, and act disastrously upon the character and morals of the native race.

In pursuance, therefore; of the new policy adopted, Colonel William Wakefield, the Company's agent, sailed for New Zealand in the ship Tory^ with instructions to purchase land from the native chiefs, and to make suitable preparations for the arrival and settlement of the emigrants who were to follow. The first body of intending colonists left Gravesend in three ships, in September, 1839, and arrived at Port Nicholson, the

Bite Belected for the New Colony, in January of the following year. The delay and difficulty experienced in obtaining possession of land, in consequence of the loose way in which the purchases had been made — oftentimes from fictitious owners — led to grieyous disappoiniment, and ultimately to serious broils and bloodshed.

Soon after the arrival of those pioneer colonists at Wellington, Auckland was founded by Capt. Hobson, who, along with his commission as consul, held powers in his, possession to assume the higher functions of Governor. He concluded with the Maori chiefs the now famous treaty of Waitangi, which established the Queen*s authority in the Islands, guaranteed to the natives all the rights of British subjects, and recognised their absolute proprietorship in the soil. He also rendered important service to the State in promptly despatching a war-ship to the South, and thus forestalling French designs on the Middle Island. A manof-war of that nation, with a large number of emigrants on board, put in at Akaroa not many hours after the Queen's sovereignty over the entire territoiy had been declared; and when the Frenchmen saw how matters slood, they were content to land, and settle under the protection of the British flag.

Towards the end of the year 1840, New Zealand, which had been, hitherto, a dependency of New South Wales, was erected into a separate and independent Colony, and from that time forth, the operations of the Company went vigourously on. A charter was granted in 1841, and duiing that year 5,000 emigrants of fairly good stamp and of enterprising character, had been landed and settled on the shores of the Straits.

The New Zealand Company drafted the Otago scheme in the light of the experience which it had gained of the imperfections and defects that had marred the success of its operations in planting settlements along Cook's Straits. At Wellington no provision had been made for the maintenance of either church or school; that was an omission which the first settlers felt severely, and of which they complained at New Zealand House. At Nelson, later on, an ample fund was secured for both these purposes, but its benefit was not confined to any one denomination, and the consequence was that, in its allocation, the churches which applied for it received so small a share as to render it of little practical use to any one of them. The Company, therefore, resolved that its next Settlement ^ould, at the outset, at least, consist mainly of the members and adherents of one particular church, for whom liberal provision should bo made for the supply of their religious and educational needs. While it was occupied in arranging this modification of its original scheme, attention was directed to the wide-spread enthusiasm awakened in Scotland in connection with the disruption of the National Church. The courage, devotion, self-sacrifice and religious zeal displayed by a people, who for a principle which they accounted vital, had abandoned the venerable Establishment of their father?, were just such qualities, they believed, as were fitted to win a splendid success on the Colonial field, and to contribute, in no small measure, to the realisation of the high and noble ideal which the Company had in view; and, therefore, it was resolved to plant a Free Church Settlement somewhere on New Zealand's southern coast.

The first step which was taken was the appointment of an agent to organise working committees, and to adopt such measures as would press the movement upon pubHc notice. The office was held for a brief period by George Eennie, who had barely entered upon his duties when he resigned. He was succeeded by Captain William Cargill, whose practical wisdom and shrewdness commended him to those who were seeking a leader for the intending colonists. He was a retired officer of the 74th Eegiment, and had served his country with distinction in the Peninsular wars. He was, further, a reputed descendent of one of Scotland's well-known martyrs — the celebrated covenanter, Donald Cargill; and that relationship, it was hoped, would procure for him an amoimt of influence among his countrymen which might contribute to the popularity and success of the enterprise.

Communication was now opened between the Company and some leading members of the Free Church, which resulted in the formation of what was called "The Lay Association of the Free Church of Scotland for promoting the Settlement of a Scotch Colony at Otago, New Zealand." The scheme was published far and wide among the people. The grand distinguishing feature in its constitution which, it was believed, would enlist their sympathy, was the provision made, from the very outset, for the maintenance of church and school. It was announced that a minister and a schoolmaster would accompany the first body of intending settlers.

and that a certain proportion of the proceeds of the sale of land should be set apart for their maintenance, and as a special fund for religious and educational uses.

One of the first applicants for a property in Otago, in terms of the scheme, was a clergyman of the Church of England, whose practical sympathies were entirely won by a policy which earnestly concerned itself with the religious and moral education of the commimity. The provision made, he believed, would so elevate the character of the people as to enhance the value of his own investment in the country; and he offered to officiate gratuitously to any emigrants of his own communion until they should be numerous and rich enough to maintain a minister of their own.

Measures were taken by the Company to secure a block of land suitable for the purposes of the Association; and in compliance with the request of intending settlers, instructions were issued through the Colonial Office to Governor Fitzroy to set apart Port Cooper, now Port Lyttelton, in the Province of Canterbury, as a site for the Nevr Edinburgh Settlement. A subsequent exploration of the southern coasts, conducted, in 1844, by Mr. Tuck^tt, Chief Surveyor at Nelson, caused a deviation from t'le original intention; and, in accordance with that g(.ntleman*s recommendation, the site of the Settlement, after having been personally visited and inspected by Colonel Wakefield, was finally located in Otago, where a block of 400,000 acres was purchased from the natives by the Company's agent for the sum of £2,400, ample security being given to the chiefs that the religious and educational interests of their people would be duly served. And when, a few years' later

12 The Story of the Otago Church avd Settlement

on, the entire Province passed into the hands of the Government by purchase, suitable reserves were set apart for the maintenance of the remnants of the native tribes. The seaboard of the original Block extended from Taiaroa Head in the North, to the Nuggets at Tokata Point in the South; its boundary on the West being the untraversed regions of the Matau and the Molyneux; the average distance inland being about seven miles.

Several causes operated to impede action on the part of the Otago Association ; chief among these v^ere the rumours of difficulties v^hich embarrassed and disquieted the Company's Settlements, caused partly by the inefficiency, and the hardly disguised disfavour of the local Government, and partly by the violent and aggressive conduct of the natives, who were irritated by the land disputes, which became daily more acrimonious and complicated from the sinister intervention of designing men. The Colonial Office, under influences that are not quite apparent, fell back upon its old policy of obstruction; and the Company forced by the gravity of the situation to contract, and ultimately to suspend its operations, appealed to the House of Commons, and a Select Committee was appointed to inquire into the grievances of which it complained.

In the year 1845, the prospect having somewhat cleared, the Association, which practically had become defunct, was revived at a meeting held in Glasgow, in May of that year; and, with the view of carrying the Church with them in the noble enterprise to which they were committed, they brought the proposed Scheme of colonising Otago under the notice of the

Colonial Committee of the Free Church, which reported on the subject to the General Assembly as follows: — "The General Assembly is aware that a project for "the Colonisation of the interesting islands of New ^< Zealand has been before the public for several years "and has already been practically carried into effect. "In particular, a Scotch colony to New Zealand was "projected two years ago, under the name of New "Edinburgh, but all proceedings in relation to that "colony havej hitherto, been suspended by circmn- " stances to which it is unnecessary to refer in this "place. It now appears, however, that all difficulties "in the way of this undertaking have been removed, "and matters have at length been brought to such a "point that there is an immediate prospect of this "colony being established in the most favourable cir- "cumstances, and with every security for the colonists "being provided with the ordinances of religion and "the means of education in connection with this "Church. Tour Committee having recently had laid "before them the proceedings and resolutions of an "association of lay members of the Church, formed at "Glasgow on the 16th instant, for the estabhshment of "this colony, together with various other documents, " and obtained full explanation on the subject to which "they relate, took the opportunity of recording their "high sense of the hberal and enlightened views which "appear to have guided the New Zealand Company in "relation to this business; and without expressing any "opinion regarding the secular advantages or prospects "of the undertaking, which do not faU under their " province, and are left in the hands of the intelligent