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A Diary of Passing Events
By
Land And Sea
Volume the Tenth

If truly penned,
How much of passion, pain, and mortal sin
These pages must enclose

David Burn,
Emily Place,
Auckland New Zealand
October 1855

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One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Five

Wednesday: 10th October 1855 - Through the blessings of the almighty and all merciful Providence, I am still permitted to commence another volume to record the daily various incidents of life. May I, and my dear wife be made duly and deeply sensible of the mercies that are being continually vouchsafed to us; and, as days and years flit past, and eternity speeds on, may we strive so to guide and to govern our hearts that, at the great day, we may be found to be amongst the number of the elect.
We have had quite a change of weather since yesterday. It now blows a hard gale from the N.E. with heavy rain. The trees in the garden are loaded with blossoms, and every thing looks rich and luxuriant. At home the entire day. Wrote a letter to Governor Browne relative to the Maori Messenger, and made a copy of the one I wrote in July to Symonds. Retired to rest early.

Thursday: 11th. Up by 7. Wind abated and rain ceased. Williamson called and had a yarn on politics. Re-wrote a letter, “An old Resident” on Beckham’s - and a “Northern Sector” on Campbell’s canvassing. Called and left my letter at Governors Office, with Holt.

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Home. Mrs. Alexander spent a quite evening with us, and, after she wended her homeward way Kitty and I retired to rest.

Friday: 12th: Fair morning. Turned out at 7. Emma, the goat, brought in from Jessfield. Over to the office, and got Cross. Home- Breakfasted - wrote out a list of ships in port, and a letter “Jack Teach”. Got Southern papers – over to the office all bout levies paid by and to me to date. Down town. Back to dinner – raining cats and dogs. Wrote Southern Summary and Commercial Record. Had a call from Ward of the 58th , who furnished me with particulars of the earthquake at Taranaki. St. Paul’s broken into last night. Read Kitty’s letters, added a few lines to each, and put up papers for Serle, Lash, A. Reid, Helen, and Jemima. Kitty and I busy correcting proofs. Over to the office and got home finally a little after 12. An awful night of wind and rain, and thunder.

Saturday: 13th: A delightful morning, Turned out at 7 and set to work on “Voyager”, which extended to fourteen ships: penned a few words to Fairfax, and placed my missive in Mailler’s hands. Kitty posted her letters to Leckie, Mich, and John and the newspapers. Looked in at Councle & Ridings prints fetched high prices; but land was unsaleable at any figure. Home to dinner. The Denny sailed, with a fine fair wind, at 1.30 p.m. Kitty set a clutch of turkey eggs. Dr. [indecipherable] called and paid a visit entertaining my dear Kitty with queer yarns about the Browns.

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We spent the evening a la Darby and Joan, and whilst having a hit at backgammon Lowell came in and enlivened us with the wondrous success of his house, and the numberless grand effects he has in projection. The Zingari, from the South, arrived at Maunkua at 9 p.m.

Sunday: 14th A heavenly morning. Turned out a little after 7. a brig signalled outside Piri which arrived in harbour about 3 o’clock, and proved to be the Ocean from Melbourne. Colonels Wynyard, Baddeley, Geo. Wynyard, Taveners, and Greenwood back. All quiet at Taranaki. A circus lady came in the Zingari. Heather Ball sailed for Sydney, and Zillah for the coast, at 11 a.m. Went to Church morning and evening. The weather is becoming very warm. Retired to rest at 9. [indecipherable].

Monday: 15th: Again an enchanting morning. Astir betimes. Made a variety of extracts from the papers, and carried them to the office. Down to the nominations. House to diner at 2, and down streets again. Kitty out in the evening and I had a game at the Exchange. An unusually melting day for the season of the year. The election works were carried on quietly. Very dull in spirits.

Tuesday: 16th: Up betimes, and set to work to glean the dreary waste of Southern papers from which I could extract nothing worth my pains. Prepared an extract of the nominations and their results. Wonga sailed for the Bay at noon. Mrs. Alexander dined with us. Penned sundry pars. St. Kilda in from the coast. A schooner and another sail in sight. To the office writing and revising until past one.

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Wednesday: 17th: A fine, calm, morning. Got up early, but lay down again being greatly exhausted. Lots of signals on the staff viz two schooners, and two other vessels, one of them a ship, and in all probability the Joseph Fletcher with the gentleman who is to pay me one pound sixteen per week. Well, some other chance for bettering oneself may occur. Over to the Office and saw Williamson, who was setting off for Hawick. Decided that the Southern trip could not at present take place. Home and had dinner – Parrot coming in. At past two the Fletcher’s number was made. Wilson and I went on board and made Smallfield’s aquaintance. He seems a shrewd, sharp, blade. The Fancy and the Imperial from Sydney also came in. Went on board the latter, but she bought no news. To bed betimes.

Thursday: 18th: A calm, but dull, morning. Up, and gleaning the Sydney papers for extracts. Wilson came and bought Smallfield to pay me a visit. We had a long gossip. Took a lot of extracts to the office. A schooner signalled, which proved to be the Osprey. At home during the evening, gleaning and gutting the papers. Mrs. Fletcher came and took tea and talk with Kitty. It set in for a rainy night and blew a heavy W.N.W. gale.

Friday: 19th: A coarse blustery morning , blowing a hurricane during the squalls. Over to the office with copy. A schooner, the Vixen, Capt. Pearce, coming in from Singapore and Angier. Down the town for news. Wrote 12 slips of shipping pars, and 7 of commercial. Wonga in from the Bay. Went and saw the Governor. He received me most courteously, and made it all satisfactory with regard to the Maori Messenger. Saw Kemp on the same subject. He was courteous and straightforward.

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Mr. Smallfield fell across Mrs. Pulham, asked permission to cull a nosegay, and made her a present of a penny halfpenny. He gave Wilson and I a penny each on Wednesday. Mrs. P. told Kitty that he had a spur in the head. I am much mistaken if Williamson do not find him a rum customer. Finished up my office work, and got to roost, very tired, at ½ past 12.

Saturday: 20th: A coarse night, and an angry morning, raining in torrents, and blowing a hurricane, with occasional thunder and lightning. Deprived, in consequence, of my contemplated excursion to Coromandel, for which the Wonga sailed about 11 A.M. Lay abed till noon. Lanarch came and had some dinner. Received from Brown the June and July nos. of the Art Journal; those of April and May, he sent on Wednesday last. Within all day reading. Kitty went out for a short time. We had a fire in our own room, where Darby and Joan spent the evening comfortably. The Sporting Lass and Algerine sailed for Sydney, and Pandora for Hawke’s Bay.

Sunday:21st: Another boisterous night. The morning fair, with the wind around to the Southward. The Moa sailed at 7.30 for Sydney. Went to morning service. Had a yarn with Wynyard. Smallwood at Church. Introduced him to Kitty. He has taken one of Harp’s houses. The Wonga back from Coromandel. Had a stroll after dinner, leaving Kitty and Mrs. Fletcher (who partook of our fare) to entertain each other. Went to Evening service, after which Kitty and I had a delightful moonlight stroll through the Barracks at Tatoo. Home and retired about 9 oclock.

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Monday: 22nd: Up early. A lovely morning. Walked over and breakfasted with Blackett. His grounds looking supremely lovely. Met Mrs. Bulkley and a Miss Ormsby. Came back to the Wynyard pier in Blackett’s dingy. He has no cash to lend. Kitty tried Nathan who is in a like predicament. Gleaned an extract or two for the paper. Dropped in at the Masonic. Played three games with Moir. Wonga sailed for the Bay in the course of the forenoon.

Tuesday: 23rd: Up early, penned two or three ships pars and carried them to the office. Got a Cross and digested its contents. Penned a Northern Elector. Constitutionalist and Jane Williamson called and had a yarn, and, at his desire, I made out a report of a Meeting at Panmure from a rambling letter of Sgt. Cleary’s. Met Tom Russell; asked him if he had any money to lend – not except in large sums. All the world, he said, was trying to raise the wind to have a slice of the Remuera land. Gov. and Mr. Browne walked back from Ouchuga, it being too stormy for the Zingari to venture out. Got home from the office at 1 a.m.

Wednesday: 24th: A fine morning. Turned out between 8 and 9. Kitty wrote to her brother Mich for a loan of $200 – I wish she may get it. A ship signalled all morning inside Tiri Tiri. Down town, posted my letter. Drew my last quarter’s salary from the Treasury. Had a couple of games with Buchanan. Lost both. The ship proved to be H.M. sloop Electra from Melbourne. Boarded her, and got some papers from Symonds, formerly of the Pandora, and had a yarn with the gun room officers.

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Thursday: 25th: Astir betimes. A barque signalled all day. Gleaned a lot of matter for the paper, and took it to the office. Dressed, and went down town to vote. Whitaker topped the poll throughout the day in town, at Ouetunga, Otatulum, Panmure, and Howick. As to the state of the town hall, at its close, there is a dispute, Campbell’s party claiming a majority of eleven, and Whitaker’s a majority of ten votes. Whitaker’s total ascertained majority is, at present, 186. Wrote sundry shipping pars and took them to the office. Got home by 10 oclock, and turned in very far from well.

Friday: 26th: Another fine morning. The barque came into port, and proved to be the Invincible from Melbourne. Simmonds called for a Navy list he kindly lent me. Breakfasted. Scanned the Cross, which entered into a conjectural list of returns from Outstations, deducing the certainty of Campbells return. Down town at noon. Waikeki and Henderson’s [indecipherable] reduced Whit. at the close of the day to 95. Our party soundly licked in the City and Suburbs. Boyland and O’Neill in the former and Merriman in the latter being the only men returned. Two lost in the North and Southern Division doubtful. Pensioner settlmts all right. Whitaker’s return a toss up. He himself in the lowest depth of the doldrums. At work on the paper till near two. Home and took an enema being exceedingly bilious and altogether unwell.

Saturday: 27th: A beautiful morning. Rather better. Turned out about nine, and took another Enema which relieved me greatly. My dear Kitty by no means well. She is worked too much.

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Dined, and went down town. The elections going clean against us, Merriman for the Suburbs, being the only one returned. Great reports from Coromandel and [indecipherable] in favour of Campbell. I do not wonder the electors would not go with us when we degrade our party by bringing forward such men Griffin, Roe, O’Brien, Dignan, and Donovan. Such fellows deserve to be kept in their place, and taught to know themselves. My great regret is that such really valuable men as Connell and Potter should have been thrown out. At the Pensioner’s Settlements, the returns are again in our favour. Home by half past five. The Yarrow getting under weigh for Sydney, and the Gertrude for Newcastle. Spent the Evg. with the Macdowells. Mrs. Fletcher there.

Sunday:28th: A charming morning. Turned out between 7 and 8. The Egmont unmoored, and shifted her berth further down the harbour. Went to morning services. Lloyd preached. Parrot in to dinner. Very fine, warm, day. The Wonga came in from the Bay and coast settlements at 3 oclock. A schooner outside Tiri Tiri at 4 oclock. coastwise. My poor Kitty, sadly tired, lay down on the sofa to refresh her weary limbs. Poor little woman, she is always stirring and striving. Went to evening service. A stranger preached. Home and had some bread and cheese, and then went out, and had a half hours stroll outside Barrack gates

Monday: 29th: Turned out a few minutes before 6 oclock. An enchanting morning. The coasting schooner, Osprey, coming up the harbour. A brig and another sail signalled. Very light airs and calms. Went to work to prepare a report of Commercial intelligence for the Maori Messenger.

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The brig and a schooner came around the North Head together between 8 and 9. Swallowed my breakfast and boarded them; the schooner was the Queen of Perth from Sydney, and the brig the Neander from Melbourne to Liverpool, put in leaky. They had had most tempestuous weather, and were severely battered. Got some papers from Capt. Stanley which I gleaned and gutted. Wrote several shipping pars. In the evening I went through the papers, and compiled the figures for the Maori Commercial. Kitty went to Mrs. Alexander’s, but returned about 9. Retired to roost greatly used up.

Tuesday: 30th: Turned out about 6 and wrote five slips of Commercial for the Maori Messenger. Dressed, and hurried off to the land sale. Newman did not get me the loan I wanted, and behaved in anything but a straight forward manner in rejecting it. A lovely morning. An unusual concourse at the sale, and the competition altogether unprecedented . Stuck fast from 11a.m. till past 4 p.m. Carried my lists to Williamson. Home, and had a late dinner. Wrote an article on the sale, and a reply to an attack by Brown on our “Shipping Reporter”. Over to the office. Penned sundry paragraphs. No editor there. A queer customer seemingly. Wilson likes him less and less – and makes no secret of his dissatisfaction of buying a pig in a poke. Hard at work, reading, writing, and revising till ½ past 1.

Wednesday: 31st: There was a heavy fall of rain during the early part of the morning, and on turning out about 8 oclock, it was muggy, moist and misty.

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Kitty went out to call at George’s office, and to see Scott about preparing the octagon windows and the kitchen verandah. I remained at home writing and compiling for the Messenger, and extended my [indecipherable] to 15 ships, finishing a little after 4 oclock. The day turned out wet but seasonable. My dear poor kitty passed an ugly worm. This is no doubt the cause of her complaining so much of late. Kept at home all day, and turned in about 10. Poor little Torti had her first litter of kittens; red ugly things.

Thursday: 1st November 1855: A more settled morning. The schooner St. Martin in from the East coast. Both Kitty and I very far from well; she overpowered with such a lassitude as pains me extremely, and I with a tightness and soreness in my stomach as rendered the application of an enema imperative. It did not relieve me. Wonga sailed for the Bay about 11. Parrot came in to learn the result of the Remuera sale and was sorely disappointed. Went to Kemp’s office and left my paper. Not in, but I met him, and we had a korero. Called at the office and had a talk with Wilson. Met Williamson. Poor fellow he seems sorely disappointed at the issue of the elections. Had dinner and went down town. Met Smallfield and strolled with him to the Masonic, where we had a couple of games. He came over to have a cup of tea, but Kitty was out. Got a couple of pair of boots and a pair of prunella shoes from Keven to try: the boots would not go over my instep; the shoes were an admirable fit. Procured some worm medicine for my dear Kitty, and we had a sharp fight because she obstinately resisted taking a preparatory dose of caster oil. She, however, ultimately complied.

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Friday: 2nd: A moderate morning; up early. Williamson called before breakfast, and remained yarning for so long a time that the morning was greatly broken in upon. Wilson came with proofs for correction – the list of the land sales – they took so long to justify the figures. Went down town and off to the Imperial with Buchanan. It blew hard on our way back. Prepared Commercial. Williamson again called and asked me to write a leading article on the duty of preparation on the part of the Superintendent. Set to work, and prepared an article in a couple of hours which Wilson said would have taken the Politicians a month to get up. Home a little after 12.

Saturday: 3rd: A blustery, showery, morning. Kitty a good deal exhausted, but greatly the better for her medicine. She went out yesterday to Cotele; and to see Mears, who wrote me a sharp letter about some of his cattle that had trespassed upon Jessfield, and had been turned adrift without my authority. Farmer’s Club Day: attended, and eat my share of one of Mr. Hardington’s Pauper Union dinners; a larger assemblage than usual. Took a stroll to Parade; and thence to the Masonic, where I had a game or two. The Wonga in from the Bay, after a splendid trip. Spent the day at home, reading the Polish Lancer.

Sunday: 4th: A moderate, showery morning. Turned out at 8. Kitty weak and sleepy, but better, for the medicine she has taken. Went to morning Church, where Abraham gave us an admirable sermon, from 144th psalms, 12th verse, on Education. Poor Emma safely delivered of two Billy’s. The rats killed a pullet last night.

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Went to evening Service, and had one of the Lloyd’s humdrum and pointless discourses. I and my dear Kitty had a constitutional stroll and tuning in, very sleepy, at a little before 9 oclock.

Monday:5th: There was a good deal of rain fell during the night, and day broke, wild, watery, and tempestuous. A steamer signalled at daylight. She proved to be the William Denny five days and a half from Sydney. She anchored at 7.30 a.m. I was the first to board her, and got a wet jacket in doing so. She brought no news of importance. A great many of her passengers were returned colonists – John Macfarlane among the number. Mailler brought me a portable telescope, an excellent instrument, but rather dear costing 84/-. Made sundry maritime extracts. Got my Sydney files. Looked in at the Masonic and won two games out of three from Moir. In the evening down to the Post and received my English papers, the latest dated July 15th. Scott came to see about the octagon windows and verandah. A very boisterous afternoon and tempestuous night. Blowing hard at S.W. with heavy rain, and much thunder and lightening.

Tuesday:6th: After a night of incessant rain, and a tempest of wind, we have a bright and moderate morning. The twenty fourth Anniversary of my own and dear Kitty’s happy union. If all lived as affectionately as we, the married state might well be accounted a blessed one. Up before 7 and wrote out 8 slips of Shipping intelligence. Carried them over to the office and saw Williamson. Wood in arms at being bowled out in his piracy

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which he retorts upon the New Zr. We shall cap him by reprinting that, and a like letter to the N.Zr. in which he accuses the Cross of robbing him of his labours. Parrot came in, Kitty’s late visit to Jessfield having aroused him to the groundless apprehension of a turn out. Williamson called and had a long yarn. Mr. Fletcher also called. Made out Agriculture, Commercial and Maritime Summaries, and carried all of them to the office by ½ past 4 oclock. The day turned out a fine one. Worked hard and concluded my labours about midnight. Williamson told me of a project there was on foot, to send a Press and materials to the Bay: for Pollen, Heale, Coolahan, Willy Wilson and I to go with a newspaper, cut and dried, and to remain after the 24th, and to bring all the energies of our type and talent to bear against Carleton’s election for the House of Representatives.

Wednesday: 7th: A fine morning. Turned out at 7. Went to work and wrote an article (ordination of Native deacon ) of six ships for the Messenger, which I left at Kemp’s office. Harris called. Also Mailer. My dear Kitty looking very much bronzed, but evidently much better. Went on board the St. Kilda with Fletcher at Harris’ desire; lost a couple of hours thereby. Looked in at Travers furniture, and afterwards at the Masonic. Home. It began to rain. Williamson called to tell me that the land purchases were reported to be put a stop to, and asked me to try and find out from Kemp, if it were the fact. A night of ceaseless, heavy drenching, rain.

Thursday: 8th: Turned out at 7. Extremely bilious. The morning more moderate, but broken weather with a moist sky overhead, which ere long resolved itself into heavy showers.

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A day of flood, raining cats and dogs. Went to see Kemp; found him at Travers’ sale where things were fetching exorbitant prices. Williamson called in and had a long yarn. The Wonga came into harbour at 4.45; followed by a smart little brigantine, which proved to be the Erin from the East Coast. As she was running up, the fire bugle rang out, and on looking about, I perceived dense smoke apparently coming from the bottom of Shortland Street. I hurried down, and discovered that Vaile’s Buildings in Queen Street was a mass of fire. The 58th and Artillery were on the spot with magical celerity, and all the engines were brought into active and efficient play to save Hoop’s house, in which they were successful, although his goods were tossed into the street, and must have been sadly damaged by the rain and sludge. None of the Electa’s ships company were present. Poor Hair, burnt out of the Polar Star, was again burnt out, and Kidd’s friend Kennedy, the saddler (in whose premises the fire originated) was also a sufferer. Fortunately the soaking rain, the sufficiency of water, and the unflagging zeal of the citizens and the soldiery contained the fire to the tenements in which it broke out. It was all over in an hour and a half. Got home about half past 6. and did not go out again. Kitty and I turned in early.

Friday; 9th: Up betimes. Set to work to make my remarks on Herald’s paper when Williamson sent for me. Went over and met Wilkinson, Heale, Pollen, Coolahan, and others. The Bay project was well and fully discussed, and it was decided that, in the first instance, I should go alone; see Busby, learn what he was doing, animate his spirits, and offer the assistance and presence of our party to promote his return. Down town. Paid the money for the telescope (84/-) Mailer brought me. Saw poor Hair, and also Hoop. Home. Wrote my article – commercial – and account of the fire. A very wet, tempestuous day. Williamson over and had a yarn. Mrs. Alex. spent the afternoon. Over to the office, where I completed my work a little before 1.

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Saturday: 10th: Moderating. Up betimes, and went to work on a Voyager which I extended to twelve ships. Wrote to Frank Howson and Fairfax. Kitty to Martha Fent.n and Mrs. Nickson. Kitty posted the letters and newspapers to date. Mailler took charge of my packet, and sailed a few minutes before 5. Capt. Travers and his wife, and Dr. Davies, Russell (cut throat) and his wife passengers. Imperial sailed for Mahurangi and Shanghai a few minutes before. Met Du Moulin, Smallfield and Cowell and had a prodigious gossip. Smallfield and I had a glass of grog and a game. Home, and spent the evening with my own dear Kitty, who bought two of Travers’ tables from H. Russell.

Sunday: 11th: Turned out at 7. Weather fine again. Went to morning service. Lloyd preached. The Queen of Perth went out of harbour at 10.40 a.m. Kitty went after diner to see Scott about the bow windows and back verandah. He came in the evening, after Church, and we agreed to have them done; to be commenced on Monday week . Put up some traps, & so to bed.

Monday; 12th: Turned out at 6. Finished my packing and got ready for a start with the Wonga for the Bay. Morning dull and watery looking, but fair. The bilious specks still float before my eyes, and impairing my vision. This has been the case nearly all the week. Swallowed my breakfast, and bade my dear Kitty Adieu. Down to the pier where Smallfield kindly came to see me off. Electra got under weigh and proceeded down harbour. We waited half an hour for Mr., Mrs., and Miss Campbell, T. and G. Cheeseman, and Miss Wallace, and at 9.30 moved off.

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[In margin – Trip to Mongonui]

The morning was a dull one, and as day advanced, the wind freshened and the weather looked threatening. The hill tops were bathed in an opaque and silvery mist. The barometer was low. The sea angry and confused; and as we rounded the North Head we mad our obeisance, by dipping our ensign to H.M.S. Electra, which, not liking the seawards prospect, had bore up and returned to port. We, on the other hand, having set our fore and aft canvas and kept the Wonga’s head some three points off the wind which was dead on end, screwed our way against an uneasy jabble of a sea on the starboard tack. In this we reached down past the mouth of the Wade, and then, trying it on the port tack, fetched Tiri Tiri Maitangi, another bound on the starboard tack carrying us by 5 p.m. to the Miners Bay, Kawau. After a detention of half an hour, we were again en route, and passed through the Sound of Kawau with comparative ease; but no sooner than we had cleared that partly sheltered strait, and got into the open gulf, ere the gale and the sea strove hard to overpower us. The Wonga, however, behaved admirably, breasting the billows which threatened to engulf her, and rolling easily and smoothly through the seething waters. It was a wild and cheerless night, the sea churning and foaming around, a hard northerly gale blowing directly in our teeth, the waters of heaven teeming upon us, and the firmament illumined with a constant succession of blue lightening which was rapidly followed by long and rattling peals of thunder. Captain Bowden kept on his course until he had opened out Point Rodney, when finding he was expending his strength and fuel to little purpose, he bore up and came to an anchor in seven fathoms, at 10.15 p.m. inside the Lion’s Point of Omagh Bay, one of the snuggest spots imaginable, where the water was as smooth as a mill pond, and where the little

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steamer reposed from her labours in the greatest security. Having picked out the best plank on the cabin floor and wrapped my martial cloak around me, I went to roost after a long and animated day.

[In margin – Trip to Mongonui]

Tuesday: 13th: A little after 5., I was up and stirring. The morning was moist, but much more moderate, the copious torrents of rain, and the continuous tempest of thunder and lightning, which prevailed during the night, having caused an abatement of the storm. Steam up, the anchor was weighed and we approached within stone’s throw of the shore. We had three fathoms under foot, and on either bow, two of the prettiest, cosiest, sandy coves, branching off angularly to the right and left, running some little distance into the land, and affording the most perfect security for small craft. Nothing could be more inviting than the prospect here presented, the rocks were dotted with timber and vegetation to the water’s edge, the verdant and variegated foliage covering cliff and came with a charming fringe of living green. Steamed out of this fairy nook at 7 a.m.; but had scarce left its sheltering arms, ere we were again exposed to a strong head wind and short and cross sea. Our little barky struggled gallantly against both, the wind abating as day advanced and veering to N.W. by N. The breeze, however, was far from steady hauling again and again into the old quarter, and buffeting us sadly. We hung off the Hen and Chickens for a long time, passing at noon between the largest of the islets and the Sail Rock, an unusual mass of upheaved matter, its edges exhibiting numerous facial profiles, its apex split into two cones, whence its name, as it looks, at a distance, like a fore-an-aft schooner close hauled. The hen

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is conspicuous amidst her surrounding chickens, and presents a large and remarkable block of sharply pinnacled points and ridges. From the N.W. point, bearing about N.W. by W. by compass, and by distance from ten to twelve miles, lies the battlemented land of Bream Head, a promontory for which Castle Point would be a much more appropriate designation. On the Southern side of the promontory, lies the entrance to Wangarei, a rising settlement with a fine harbour and navigable river, on which the nucleus of a thriving and enterprising town has been pitched, and which, as the surrounding land is good and its distance from Auckland trifling, is likely to attract numerous settlers. By 2.p.m. we were abreast of Bream Head with the wind a little to the S. of W. This allowed us to lay our course with our fore and aft sails drawing, and with fine clear weather overhead. At 3 p.m. it drew more to the W., and the ship walked cheerily along a coast of great beauty. At 4 p.m. we set the fore top and fore top gallant sails, Ngururu being on the port beam, and the Poor Knights Group, a point or so off the starboard bow. Bream Head with its proudly castellated crags was sinking rapidly on the port quarter, as we pushed onwards and opened up a succession of coast scenery of the most picturesque and romantic character. The sea continued to subside, and evening set in bright, beautiful and serene, the evening emerging in full splendour, as if to set amidst a blaze of glory, and to make way for a young, sparkling, and promising moon. By 6.30 we had left the Poor Knights on our starboard quarter, and placed Cape Brett about 12 miles off our port bow. At a little after 9 I sought my plank and my pillow, and notwithstanding the toughness of its texture I was speedily at rest.

Wednesday: 14th: On rising out at 5 a.m. I found our good ship close in with Kororacka, where she had anchored

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at 3.20, the brig Jane, a Hobart Town whaler, lying immediately outside of us. Bateman, the Collector of Customs, was speedily alongside of us on his return from the Kiri Kiri, in which river he had left the Kirkwood, from Manukau to take in gum for London. Cawkwell and the Cheeseman’s went on shore, leaving the remainder of our party to breakfast on board. Kororarcka is little altered from what it was ten years since. It is certainly a picturesque, but it is also an unimproving, a disconsolate, and a dismal nook. There seems to be neither life nor energy about it. When last I beheld it, in January 1846, the sack had spared but the Roman Catholic [indecipherable] House, the Churches, and two or three other buildings. Perhaps a score or more of other buildings – three of them “ Publics” have since then, been erected:- Yet, notwithstanding, the aspect of the place is that of a deserted village, of which the body remains whilst the soul has escaped – a spot – “ whose lights seem fled, whose hopes look dead, and all but grog (shops) departed.”

Kororarcka is in, but , to my apprehension, not of the Bay of Islands. If I am rightly informed, it was originally of Whale ship creation, and, unless its inhabitants live by suction, its three public houses out of thirty would indicate that by whale ships it chiefly, if not entirely, exists. It was not the season when we touched; and so, like other places that have their season, Kororarcka was stagnant. There is no productive country at the back - its sole recommendations are a fine pebbly beach in front, with a good anchorage for ships for which there are no supplies except those that are brought

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[In margin – Trip to Mongonui]

from the interior and opposite shores of a broad and frequently stormy bay. The butter which is consumed is carried from Auckland, and a bottle of milk is said to be of impossible purchase upon Kororacka beach. This last is, no doubt, a sneer, but, looking at the utter apathy of this “Sleepy Hollow”, it is a sneer which should point a moral. From this prevailing inertness let me make honourable exception of the Collector of Customs, who, with commendable industry, pastures a noble flock of sheep on the Kororacka hills. Here is an example worthy of imitation. Were Kororacka proclaimed an “ Hundred”, its inhabitants might be enabled to organise a system by which dairy cattle might be depastured and they become purveyors of their own dairy produce. This would afford them some employment and spare them some cash. The village, however, is badly situated. With a morass in the rear; with no room for expansion; and cut off from the opposite and productive shore, and with which there such uncertain means of communication that even Mr. Kemp, the Crown Land Commissioner, was detained the whole day for want of a boat. Victoria has been named as a suitable spot. It is beautifully situated at the embouchere of the Wanganyi river, the Runnymede of New Zealand; but the water is shoal and anchorage exposed. The entrance of the Kiri Kiri river has also been spoken of as an excellent spot for the foundation of a settlement. Its recommendations are deep water, secure anchorage, sufficient level land for building purposes, and ready access to the interior. It is much to be regretted that the Bay of Islands, the first and most remarkable of all the New Zealand districts should have fallen so far in the rear of its juniors. Many of the residents attribute this to the (alleged) hostility of Sir

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[In margin – Trip to Mongonui]

George Ely. Taking that hostility for what it may be worth, most folks are of the opinion that a much more effectual reason for its stagnant condition is traceable to the missionary and other overgrown land owners, who retain their territories in primal unproductiveness, unable to reclaim them themselves, and indisposed to sell or lease to others. If these “Lords of Wastes and Princes of Deserts” could but be brought to perceive and improve their own interests, they would tempt immigrants to come and infuse new blood, new intelligence, and new energy among them. By sales or long leases of a portion of their principalities, their waste and profitless domains might be rendered productive and valuable estates, and the Bay of Islands, the first and most memorable of the settlements of New Zealand, not only be resuscitated but brought into active and industrial competition with her younger and more earnest and enterprising fellows. Mr. H.T. Kemp, a commissioner for the purchase of native lands is now negotiating with the Northern tribes for land for colonisation – let the great landed propriety assist this movement by bringing some of their many superfluous acres into the market. Let them do this, and with such a country, such a climate, such a harbour, and such a chain of creeks and navigable rivers, the early progress of the Bay of Islands cannot be questionable. That the town and port will be speedily transformed I look upon as certain. As for Kororacka, it seems to be beyond the power even of steam to prop it. It is a mere ephemeral. It vegetates but does not live. As an instance of its apathy, I may mention that the mutilated corpse of a seaman, drowned

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[In margin – Trip to Mongonui]

a few days before and which was washed on the head at 10 a.m. of the morning of our arrival was suffered to remain uncoffined and without coroners quest until 6 p.m. at which hour it was placed in a shell and removed. If this is be not be a proof of moral as well as material prostration, where shall we find one? The flag staff hewn down ten years since by Heki still lies where it fell, as if it were a cherished memorial of that disastrous day. My old (Hyderabad) shipmate is settled at the mouth of the Waitangi as a boat and ship builder. He was at a stand still, in this great timber district, for sawn timber, and accompanied us to Mongonui for a supply. He came on board the Wonga early, and carried me across to his place, where he has a fine yard, and a broad expanse of water. There was a nicely modelled yacht of ten or twelve tons on the stocks partly planked. His wife was very kind, and having got drenched with rain in crossing, insisted upon me taking a glass of hot gin and water. Busby called whilst I was drying my garments. I accompanied him home and fulfilled my political mission, remaining to dinner, and taking a stroll over his beautiful premises which are falling into disorder for lack of labour to dress the grounds. His house is a fine and spacious one, the soil good, and the prospect extensive and superb. Mrs. Busby is an agreeable woman and was extremely courteous. They had a young lady, Miss Mandrew, on a visit. At 3 p.m. I once more embarked with Irvine in his smart light gig, and again got drenched in rain in crossing to Kororacka. Had a stroll on the beach,

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met young Bartley, Waitford, Harry Cain, and Littlewood. Accompanied him home, and paid my respects to his wife. Left a note for Busby at Mr. Ford’s. Accompanied Cawkwell and the Cheesman’s on board the Wonga, the ladies waiting behind for want of suitable accommodation. Bade adieu to Kemp, who, with Hargraves and some others left us here. Irvine and Harry Cain took their places; and we got under weigh at 6.30 p.m., the wind abeam, the moon shining brightly, and driving merrily along the coast, and close inshore. As we advanced the wind gradually drew ahead and blew strong. Taking possession of one of the starboard sofas, I tucked myself in, and forgetting my plank of the past nights was speedily asleep.

Thursday: 15th:- Turned out a little before 5 a.m. and found the Wonga well into Doubtless Bay, with Mongonui Heads on her port bow, and the harbour rapidly opening to our view. It is a clear straight passage exceedingly easy of approach and departure with sufficient depth of water and an anchorage perfectly secure. On the starboard hand there lies a snug and sheltered cove; whilst from Butler’s Point, off which we brought up at 5.30 a.m., in 4 fathoms at dead low water, and there is an extensive inner basin, which is partly dry when the tide is out. We were 11 hours in making the run from Kororacka, but we had to contend against a head wind and an uneasy sea. Doubtless Bay is a very spacious sheet of water. Part of the surrounding coast is lofty and hummocky; part low. The starboard head of Mongonui Harbour is perpendicular and waterworn; the opposite one is a fine round knob, smooth and verdant. The entrance

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[In margin – Mongonui]

although not very wide it is still ample enough to work a ship, and of course more than sufficient for the largest steamers. As Mongonui has of late been attracting some considerable attention from the proposal to make it a port of call, if not a terminus, for steam ships between Panama and Sydney, as well as a district for founding a colony of Canadians, parties from Auckland have been down to inspect the quality and quantity of land that may be made available. As far as the harbour is concerned, no possible objection can be taken to it. It is, as I have already said, easy of approach and departure; there is abundant depth of water steep to, and the materials (scoria) for the construction of permanent wharves are on the immediate spot. Its position, within a short distance to the North Cape, is admirable, entailing but a trifling deviation from the direct route. If, therefore, a Panama line should be established, and New Zealand as it ought to be, embraced within its circuit I look upon Mongonui as most likely to become the port of call. The land in the immediate vicinity of Mongonui is hilly and broken; but there are a few excellent patches around the harbour, and sufficient table land for an extensive township; and on the margins of the creeks and rivers which empty themselves into the inner basin, cultivation is already doing its work. Inland, one beholds the outlines of beautiful undulating vallies admirably adapted for agricultural and pastoral purposes, and finely watered with navigable streams. From the hills which crown the harbour, there is an extensive prospect, and the eye commands a varied range of picturesque and attractive country. Close by, the land is poor and sterile, with the exception of here and there some snug and fertile nook; but, on the creeks and

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[In margin – Mongonui]

arms of the sea, which push their forks far inland, right and left, the spade and the plough are setting their seal; although many charming spots lie dormant, and have yet to be called into beneficial employment by human industry. The waste is, of course, largely predominant, still agriculture has already achieved enough to demonstrate the true fullness of that unfailing axiom – “the hands of the diligent maketh rich “. They who have already made the district of Mongonui their home are lavish in their commendations of the extent and excellence of the soil. As yet, the number of residents is limited, but others, from time to time, are wending their courses thither; so that if a supply of land can be found equal to the prospective demands of colonisation, there can be no question that Mongonui will rapidly become one of the favourite of the many and cruelly neglected settlements of Northern New Zealand. About seven miles from the village, lies the valley of the Oruru, a rich and fertile tract of country watered by the Taipa, a river navigable three miles from its entrance, by craft of twenty tons. Several settlers are already located on its banks, and more are shortly expected. But the valley of Victoria, a little more to the Northward, is the spot to which many a wistful eye is at present directed. It is here that the Canadian settlement is sought to be founded. The valley is still in the hands of the natives, but they are anxious to sell, and for an inconsiderable sum. As they can only be dealt with, when they themselves are in the humour, it is to be hoped that the Government will make strenuous efforts to secure this and other fine tracts of land in the immediate

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[In margin – Mongonui]

neighbourhood, with which the natives are willing to part. In these tracts, there are several fine streams, and splendid harbours, so that an area for beneficial colonisation is at present open which, if let slip, may not speedily present itself. The valley of Victoria contains about 10,000 acres of the richest agricultural soil, with a like amount of undulating hills admirably adapted for depasturing flocks and herds. Having had my breakfast, I landed and called upon Mr. White, apprising him of the means intended to be pursued for securing the election of Mr. Busby. White considered his chance a hopeless one as far as Mongonui was concerned, Carleton having thoroughly canvassed and caught the ear of the constituency by the boldness of his assertions, and the magnificence of his promises. Bowden and I had a ramble over the hills from whose summit we had a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding country. We, afterwards, called upon Mr. Yates by whom we were kindly and courteously entertained. Embarked and started on our homeward way at 12.30. with a sparkling breeze from the W.S.W. Caldicult remained; and we had an accession to our numbers of Capt. Butler, Louis Daris, Mr. Puckey, Penny and Kalau. With the wind free, the beautiful Wonga walked away in gallant style; and as she kept the shore close on board, we had an opportunity of admiring the many beautiful spots that escaped us during the darkness of the previous night. The coast is here studded with islands and islets, and quite romantic, and ever varying scenery presents itself in a splendid succession of panoramic display. Stephens island, with its bold and lofty promontories points to, as well as protects,

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[In margin – Mongonui]

the magnificent harbour of Wangaroa, which, like Dartmouth, although narrow at the entrance and overhung by lofty cliffs opens out after a short strait into an expansive basin of the deepest water and noblest proportions where fleets may ride in perfect security, and where the finest spars, and other valuable timber may be procured in abundance. Steering S.W. from Stephens Island, we approached a large group of islands which steamers may thread, but to which sailing vessels give a wide berth. We passed inside these (the Cavalhos) at 3.45p.m. The mainland is dotted with numerous Maori cultivations. Every gulch and valley gives full proof of the luxuriant beauties of nature, as well as the striking intelligence and untiring perseverance of native energy and industry. This was specially observable at a native settlement named M a turu, - one of those sunny spots where one might be tempted to dream one’s life away. Arrived at Koronarcka, after a swift and pleasant passage, at 6.40. Landed, and called at Mr. Ford’s. Had a chat with him and his wife. No letter from Busby. Waited till the steamer’s bell rung, and then hastened on board. She was, however, detained till 10 oclock, and during that time a messenger placed Busby’s communication in my hands. Irvine left us – and a queer customer, a Mrs. Stephenson, the mother of Baker, BH’s clerk, took his place. The evening was a lovely one, and we started at 10.10 P.M. rejoiced to bid adieu to that veritable Deadman’s Flat – Koronarcka!

Friday:16th: Turned out at 5a.m. A dull morning. The Wonga bowling along cheerily with all sail set. The Poor Knights lay abaft our lee quarter; the Hen and Chickens some

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distance ahead on our lee bow, and the castellated crags of Bream Head on our weather bow. We passed it at 7a.m. a great haze hanging over the land, with a keen breeze blowing. Off the Sail Rock, we fell in with a few porpoises. We made a good course, passing Point Rodney at 10.20, and being well into the Sound of Kawau by noon; by which time I had cleaned and dressed. The ebb tide was running out strong and a smart breeze was blowing from S.W., so that we were well jammed upon a wind. Looked in at Garlic Bay to ship a donkey which was not forthcoming. Started again at 1p.m. with a scant wind and weather inclined to be showery. Dined, and sent to work to prepare an outline of the trip for the New Zealander. Passed the Vivid, schooner, a second time. She sailed before us for Mongonui. Rounded Wonga [indecipherable] at 3p.m. making a bold look up for Auckland, and anchoring off the Queen Street Pier at 6.20p.m. Smallfield was there, and greeted me kindly. Home, and embraced my own dear Kitty. Williamson was quickly after me, and I accompanied him to Whitaker’s, where I met Potter, and reported political progress. Finished my account of the trip and sent it to the office, where I quickly followed, remaining till 1a.m. Kitty had the Dukes, Miss Bolger, and Mrs. Alexander to tea. The following have been the arrivals and departures during my absence. 13th Cardine from Sydney. 14th Ellen from Sydney. 15th [indecipherable] from Melbourne. 16th Marmora from Sydney, brig Drover from Melbourne – and our own Wonga from Mongonui. H.M.S. Electra sailed again for Sydney on Tuesday morning. The sawyer who murdered the native woman committed for trial.

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Saturday; 17th :- Remained at home all day, my right eye very dim and painful. Williamson called and had a long yarn – so also did Whythaw. The Joseph Fletcher sailed for Shanghai during the afternoon. Retired to bed betimes.

Sunday: 18th: A dullish day. Went to morning service. Lloyd preached. After dinner copied the rough notes of my trip into this diary up to page 23 inclusive. My dear Kitty being poorly we did not go to Evg. service, but retired early. A schr. signalled.

Monday: 19th: Took medicine last night, and turned out a little after 6. A dull morning. Wrote up the remainder of my Mongonui trip. The schooner signalled last night at anchor off the North Head. The Grafton from Melbourne came in this morning. Down town, and gave Busby’s letters to Bowden. Met Blackett and had a yarn. Looked in at the Masonic. Went in the evening to the Missionary meeting at the Wesley Chapel. From thence to the Exchange with Wilson, with whom I had a glass of ale, and a long yarn about the future of the N.Z. He was very complimentary to me. Said I was in the wrong position, and made but small account of Smallfield. It was a wet and weary night. Kitty glad when I got back.

Tuesday: 20th: Astir between 6 and 7. Went over and got a Cross. The Wonga sailed for Wangarei, about 9. Williamson called and we drew up the heads for a report on the Harbour works. Scanned various shipping paragraphs, and

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took them to the office. Down town, and gathered various information relative to local shipping. Home, dined, and wrote seven slips of Ship news, and fourteen slips of a Harbour report. Scott and his mate bought the timber and made preparations for the verandah and windows. Mrs. Alexander came to tea. Over to the office, revising and correcting. Looked in at the Exchange. Home by ½ past 11, and took the pill and eye lotion.

Wednesday: 21st: Looked out a little after 6. Showery and windy morning. Took another pill, and had another drop in the eye. Being lazy and relaxed, turned in and lay abed reading till ½ past 11. The carpenters at work on the verandah. Poor, dear, Kitty greatly fagged. The Vixen, Captain Pearse, sailed for Manila at 3p.m. Kitty went out to see her Pyl. I had a turn down to the Exchange and lost a couple of games to Dan Connell. Tried on my boat cloak. Had a long gossip with Williamson. Turned in a little after10.

Thursday: 22nd: Turned out at 6. Lovely morning. Two schooners signalled, one of which proved to be the Zillah. She came into port at 11a.m. The other was outside all day. Walked out to the cattle sale at Newmarket. Got home a little before 4 p.m. Had some dinner and went over to the Masonic and played a game or two. Scott & Weaving busy at the back verandah. It will make the house very complete. Kitty had her dear Pyl to tea with her.

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Friday: 23rd: A lovely morning. Turned out a little before 6 oclock. The Caroline sailed for Sydney. Over to the office and received my copy of the Southern Cross. Poor Williamson laid up again. Off after breakfast to the Magistrate’s Court. A fencing and impounding case, and Merriman’s assault case detained me till past 3. Wrote part of a Commercial article; and after sundry enquires and a long yarn with Fletcher completed it. Wonga in from Wongarie. Boarded her and got the news. Went to the office and wrote shipping. Got home about 1 a.m.

Saturday; 24th: A cool morning. Turned out at 9. Went to the C. and R’s sale at 1p.m. The brigantine Ellen put up at £350, bid up to £430, and withdrawn at £500. For a whale boat £25 was offered; withdrawn at £30. Williamson called after diner, and we had along yarn about a Report on the Harbour Works. The back verandah progressing slowly but satisfactorily. Went over to the Masonic and played one game with Geo. Wynyard and a couple with Parrot. Home. Mrs. Alex.r looked in. Kitty and I saw her home. My eye becoming lighter.

Sunday: 25th: Up before 6, and turned out at 8. A beautiful morning. A brig outside Tiri; but inside before we went to morning service, at which Lloyd officiated. Dined and went off to the brig which proved to be the Workington from Sydney. I did not board her as she had no ladder, and no channels. Rough was alongside, so I learned she had neither paper nor news. Got my papers from the Post. Went to Evening service. Jeremiah preached. Home, and gleaned a good deal of matter. Kitty and I had a strawberry supper, turning in at 10.

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Monday: 26: Astir at 20 mins. past 5; and up and at work a quarter before 7. Scott confined with his hand. Gleaned a lot of excellent extracts, which Williamson, who looked in early and had a long yarn, carried with him. The Wonga sailed for the Bay and Mongonui at 10.40 a.m. A lovely day. At home all day drawing up a Report about the Harbour affairs. Williamson came up for it in the evening. Got my boat coat and trousers.

Tuesday: 27th: Up early and over to the office for the Cross. Had a yarn with Greenwood about our Amateur Theatricals, and the play of the “Wife”. Williamson called with Mr. Middlemas from Papakura. Went to Newmarket to the stock sale. Got back between 4 and 5, meeting Col. Wynyard and having a gossip with him en route. Had a look at Nichols schooner en passant. Down town for shipping news. Wrote a par or two; and a note to Macky. Smallfield took tea with us; after which he and I went over to the office where we remained, reading and revising, till 11.

Wednesday: 28th: A showery morning. Up betimes. Down town to a meeting of the Harbour Committee at which I was detained till 3 oclock. Home, and dined. Williamson came over, and asked me to accompany him to Howick tomorrow. Greenwood sent me the Wife which I read and did not like. Ed. Wing, Mrs. and Miss Pulham, Capt. Leach and the two Misses Carter took tea with us. The back verandah floored, and the windows put in. Scott laid up with his hand, which prevents Weaving from putting on the roof.

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Thursday: 29th: A fine morning. Up early. Scott still unable to work. The painter priming the back verandah. Wrote out report of stock sales – and of yesterday’s Harbour proceedings. The Invincible sailed for Manila at 10.30a.m. and the Marmora for Sydney at 1p.m.; shortly after which hour Williamson, Sgt. Dunn, Sgt. Avery and I set out for Howick. We had a pleasant drive, and swallowed some eggs and bacon at Panmure. Got to the Howick area between 6 and 7. The country looked supremely pleasant and beautiful. And Howick itself showed a mass of the most luxuriant vegetation. It is really a most charming village. So also is Panmure and the country is becoming rich in pastoral and agricultural beauty in every direction. We had a spirited meeting on the subject of removing the bridge above Panmure. Dilworth and I turned into a double bedded room and talked each other to sleep about 1a.m.

Friday:30th: Turned out a little after 6, and accompanied Williamson in a stroll through the village. Breakfasted, and started on own homeward course at about 9a.m. Had an agreeable drive, passing through Panmure at 11 a.m. and getting home by 1. Had a look at the ravages of the caterpillar on Mr. Kells wheat. Found Weaving had all but finished the back verandah. Had a snack, and down town for Commercial news. Saw Bain, who kindly pressed my acceptance of a ticket for St. Andrew’s dinner. Came home; wrote my commercial paper, and one or two shipping pars. Over with them to the office. Back, dressed, and proceeded with Smallfield to the dinner which was held at the Odd Fellow’s Hall. Got home a little before 1. Wonga in from Mongonui.

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Saturday: 1st December 1855: A beautiful morning. Up by 7, and away to the Supreme Court by 10. A brig, “Sporting Lass”, from Sydney, coming in. Court House a good deal altered. Martin’s old chair kicked out and a Bed of Justice erected in its place. The plain wands have been superseded by grand stones tipped with purple, and a gilt crown. The Grand Jury Room has become the Judges Chambers, and a new Jury Room has been made. The simplicity of Martin has given place to the show of Stephen, who has succeeded in creating an impression, but no doubt at the expense of the public belief in the soundness of both his head and his heart. His change was posy twaddle twice told; and the Grand Jury did not appear to desire to profit by it. In the conduct of the trial of the unfortunate murderer Marsden, he interfered with every one. And whilst the Jury were deliberating on their verdict, he pronounced to Maoris present an explanation and an Exordium on British Jurisprudence – an interlude, which if not strictly dramatic, was undoubtedly surprising. His manner of passing sentence of death was almost inhuman, reminding one of the temper of a Jefferies, more than that of the severest of modern Judges. He has stamped himself in unenviable colours, with the community of Auckland. Dined at the Farmers Club; and had a glance at the Horse Sale. Met Wilson on my way home, and strolled with him to the end of the pier. Mrs. Alexander and Mrs. Norrie were having tea with my dear Kitty. Got to bed, tired and sleepy, about 10 oclock.

Sunday; 2nd: A fine morning. Turned out at 7 a.m. Went to Morning Service, Lloyd preaching. Strolled down and saw Fletcher. There was nothing new by the Sporting Lass.

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After dinner, I set to work and transcribed eight or nine of my Mongonui trip for the Sydney Herald. Went to Evening Service, Lloyd preaching. Smallfield and the Cowells called. Kitty and I turned in, very tired and sleepy, at ½ past 9.

Monday: 3rd: A lovely morning. Turned out at 5.30 a.m. and went to work on my Sydney paper. Two schooners, coastwise, signalled. Scott still unable to work. Got Sydney Heralds to the 14th Ult., on which I set to work and made copious gleanings which I carried to the office. Went to Greenwoods; and thence with him to his store in Mechanics Bay where we rehearsed the Wife. Bart a capital actor, and Mrs. Foley up to her profession. Greenwood will make a mull of his part. Accomp. Greenwood home to tea. Capt. and Mrs. Chesney, Dr. Prendergast and the Misses Bartley were there. Prendergast exhibited a splendid microscope. Whilst doing so, the Denny’s whistle, and then her gun were heard, and I hurried on board, and learnt that [indecipherable] had been smashed and the Russians beaten on the [indecipherable]. Williamson and I read the news, and I afterwards called and left Greenwood the papers; to bed at 1.

Tuesday:4th: Turned out between 5 and 6 and gave Wilson the papers. Home and set to work on the remainder, and carried them over to the office. Down to the Post, and rec. a few papers. Home again, and had an overhaul; and thence to the Masonic, where I had a couple of games with Bacot giving him twenty. Went to the office, and remained there reading and revising until half past 11. The Wonga sailed for Kawan, Wangarei, and other ports at 9.30a.m.

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Wednesday:5th: A fine morning. Turned out early, and went to work on my Mongonui trip. Stuck to it, never leaving the house the entire day. It extended to 39 slips. Mr. and Mrs. Larnach came in, and took share of a scanty dinner. He paid me the last quarter’s rent of Cotele – forty pounds. Williamson called and had a long yarn. Zugari in at Manukan.

Thursday: 6th: Up early, and went to work to write out the long and uphill part of Ferardo in the Wife. Williamson, who appears to have got very fond of popping in, came and had a long yarn. Ocean sailed for New Plymouth at 3p.m. I went by invitation and had a capital dinner with Bacot at the Masonic. From thence we went to Cowells to ask Pugsly to play Leonardo, but found he was on the wing for the South. Looked in at the Exchange and home.

Friday: 7th: Up early and over to the office for the Cross. Made a few gleanings and gave them to Wilson. Down to a lengthened meeting of the Harbour Committee where I was detained till past 4 oclock. Paid Weaving £20 on account. Down town, and gleaned Commercial information. Wonga in from Mongonui. Wrote various matters, and over to the office where I wrote a letter about petition agt Super. Home about 1a.m.

Saturday:8th: Up before 6. Revised Mongonui trip, and wrote another “Voyager” to date. Posted papers for Jemima Helen and Serle. Finished my work at 2.30. Dressed. Kitty kindly took my packet down to Maiken, whilst I went to Greenwoods store to rehearsal. The Denny sailed at 5p.m.

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We have another feminine in our amateur corps – a little lady large in the family way, one of Foley’s troupe acrobatique. She plays Mrs. Brain with me. Went and had a game or two at the Masonic, and thence home. A brig signalled.

Sunday; 9th: A gusty showery day. Went to morning service – Lloyd officiated. We missed our pleasant neighbours Chesney and his wife. They left yesterday, by the Denny, en route to Ireland. Many an old familiar face is gone either by death or migration. Poor Browne of the Foundry died suddenly this day week. The brig, evidently the Algerine, not in port at 2 p.m. She thrashed up the harbour with two reefs in her fore and one in her main topsail, and with jib, foresail and spanker, and came to anchor about 4 p.m. Went to Evening Service. Lloyd officiated. Home and turned in early.

Monday: 10th: A charming morning. Up betimes, and set to work to write out Bruin. Made an extract or two for Nelson Examiner. Got Sydney papers. Took my matter over to the office. Down to the meeting of Harbour Commissioners. Drew out Resolution which Cadman proposed. It was adopted. Home and dined. Wonga sailed for Mongonui at 9. Williamson looked in, and had a yarn. I went over to the Masonic and had a couple of games. Down town for a stroll. Met Greenwood, and accomp. him to Rehearsal at the Barracks. Kept a long time waiting for the ladies. Not home til past 10.

Tuesday:11th: A beautiful morning. Up before 6, and at

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work on a Report of the proceedings of the Harbour Board which extended to 10 slips. Williamson called. I went to the sale at Newmkt. and met Larnach at the corner of the Kyber Pass, on his way thither. A limited attendance of buyers, but a good show of cattle, sheep and horses. Dull sale. Dined and returned home. A schooner signalled which at sunset was made out to be a man of war, no doubt the Pandora. Mrs. Alexander took tea with us. Went over to the office, and remained reading and revising until 11.30. Had a glass of toddy with Smallfield and home.

Wednesay:12th A beautiful morning. Weaving and Scott fixing the drawing room bow window. The Pandora came into harbour at 8 a.m. Studying Ferardo. Had a call from Bacot. Dressed and went to see Jack Johnson. St. Martin sailed for the coast at 10. And was followed by the brig Sporting Lass which sailed for Sydney between 12 and 1. Saw Johnston relative to the future conduct of the Messenger. Down to the Harbour Committee, and thence home to dinner. Mrs. Alex. assisting in altering my dress for Ferado. Wrote report of Harb. and N and B’s sales. The bow windows progressing. Greenwood lent me a Highland dirk. Went to rehearsal with Greenwood, from which I got home about 10 oclock.

Thursday: 13th: A fine morning. Up at 7. Williamson soon after came and sounded the preparatory note; and, at 9, Smallfield and I were trotting along the road to Papakura. We picked up Crispe by the way – got to Otahuhu by 11 – and after a pleasant drive through a charming country, reached Coles at 1. There was a large attendance and a tolerable show of cattle. We had an agreeable dinner, and it was followed by way of desert, by a very foolish public meeting. Our

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horse was put to, Williamson was walking on, and I and Crispe were driving after him. We had crossed a narrow bridge over the mill race, and were ascending the rise when the horse jibbed and backed. Instantly we felt what must follow, but we kept our seats, until dog cart, men, and horse were hurled over the bridge into the stream beneath. The people flew to help, expecting to find us smashed to pieces, for the fall was a frightful one, the horse flying over heels upwards – providentially the banks were too close to permit the cart to descend and crush us. And we were bodily thrown into deep water, in which a thorough soaking and the loss of my spectacles were the only casualties. The horse was uninjured, and the vehicle sustained but little hurt. I most devoutly returned thanks to my beneficent creator who had so miraculously preserved me and my comrade. We remained at Coles all night, thicker than three in a bed, being eight in one room.

Friday:14th: Passed a restless night, but one of grateful thanksgiving. Turned out at ½ past 4. and, with damp and dirty clothes, at 6 were on our way homewards. The morning was dull, but the day proved to be fine. We breakfasted at Otahuhu, and got into town by 10. My dear Kitty equally grateful to God for our escape. She had her Pyl with her. Zingari sailed for the south. Cleaned myself and went to Harb. Cmtee. Home, dined, and made Harb. and Commer. Reports. Osprey in from the Bay; and, at dusk, a schooner, a steamer, and a third vessel signalled. Bow windows progressing – so also my dress. Smallfield took tea with us. Over to the office, reading and revising. Twice down the pier after the Wonga. Received and prepared her report.

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[In margin – W. to D.B. £40]

Saturday:15th: A sweltering morning. Up betimes. The third sail had disappeared; and only a schooner, which got into port at noon, and proved to be the Albion from the South, was in sight. Keilley covered the bow window roofs with zinc. Studying Ferardo. Up to the Barracks with my sword belt. A light infantry parade going on, but no rehearsal. Home again. Williamson called and paid me £40 on account. Down town and had a stroll. Home and to my studies. My dear Kitty and I turned in at half past ten.

Sunday:16th: A moist and foggy morning. Turned out at half past 7. Drizzling, and in consequence the soldiers did not go to church. Kitty and I went both to morning and evening services. Lloyd preached at the first, and Wilson at the last. Looked in at Greenwoods in the evening.

Monday:17th: A fine morning. Turned out at 5. and up and to work twenty minutes before 7. Paid Scott £30 more on account. The Drover sailed for Valparaiso, and the Wonga for Howick at 8 a.m. and the Osprey for the Bay at 10.30. Kitty cut my hair. Another return of the day that saw my birth. Oh, that I and those dear to me may be taught to profit by an Anniversary which should warn us how rapid is the flight of time, and how speedy our approaches towards eternity. Greenwood looked in, and we rehearsed our scenes. He lent me a variety of things for my part. Mrs. Alexander came to dinner, and to lend Kitty a hand in equipping me.

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Got tickets for the circus, to which I went with Mrs. Alexander. It is a very low place; the wit of the ring of the sorriest description. The riding is tolerable, and the training of the mare “Lucy” admirable. Left it about 11 perfectly satiated.

Tuesday:18th: A fine, and sweltering day. Clara Carter this morning was made Mrs. Leach. She came, yesterday to say farewell, before taking her departure for London. She is a fine, amiable girl, and I hope her choice may prove to be a fortunate one. Off to N. and B’s sale at Newmarket. Met Larnach thither bound. A large number of cattle and sheep changed hands, at last weeks prices. Got home at five. Smallfield took tea with us. Manufactured a few shipping pars. Over to the office to read and revise. Went with Smallfield to the Exchange. Met John Macfarlane there. Had yarn and a glass, and home by 12.

Wednesday:19th: Another broiling morning . Astir betimes. Greenwood in and rehearsing with me. Finished up my traps for the theatre. The Kirkwoods sailed for London at 1p.m. Bacot dined with us; and he and I went to rehearsal. From thence home, where I got my traps together, and back to the theatre to dress. It was terrifically hot. The house was crammed with the elite of Auckland; and the performance not only went off with the utmost eclat, but created the greatest surprise at the artistical manner in which the whole was carried out. Bacot is a capital actor. Got home, retired by 1 a.m.

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Thursday:20th: Another day of fiery heat. Both my dear Kitty and I greatly fatigued with yesterday’s exertions. Got up to a 9 o’clock breakfast. Weaving finishing the exterior portion of the windows, which look exceedingly nice. Mr Fletcher called, and had a yarn about the play. Tired and weary, as I was, I had a busy day of it, being occupied from morning till 8 p.m. preparing a paper, which extended to 21 ships, relative to the trial and conduct of the unhappy man Marsden. The schooner Albion sailed at 2 p.m. It was evening before I finished my paper. At home all day. Early to roost.

Friday: 21st: A broiling day. Up early and over to the Office for the Cross. Revised my paper for the Messenger. Williamson called, and we drew out a resoln. for the Harbour Comtee. Took my article to Native Sec. and got a letter from White to rewrite. Down to Harb. Board. Prepared Commercial and Habr. reports. Williamson looked in and reported a sail in sight. No signal was made. Finished work at the office by 11.

Saturday: 22nd: Turned out between 5 and 6, and found the Heather Bell at anchor and covered with bunting. Knew there was something up, and quickly learnt that Sebastopol had fallen. Roused Wilson out, and got him to go after papers. Breakfasted, and went to work. Wrote a leading summary, and had extracts ready before Smallfield knew where he was. A schr. (coastwise)

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signalled. Algerine sailed for Shanghai at 7a.m. Got out a capital Extra by 1p.m. Down town for a stroll and had a match at the Exchange, I and Bacot beating Mcdonald and Tighe. Mrs Pulham and Mrs Alexander took tea with us. The schr. proved to be the Oceana from Hokianga. Another sail in sight at dusk. Went to bed early not being well. Kitty went down town and was late.

Sunday: 23rd: A cloudy morning. Up about 7. The Osprey, from the Bay, and the Flying Cloud, fm. Melbourne, coming up the harbour. Boarded the latter, in which Hinckley was a passenger. Red Jacket arrived, and the news of the capture of Sebastopol confirmed. Weary and worn, I remained at home all day which proved to be one of genial and refreshing rain. Kitty at church.

Monday: 24th: A fine, showery, morning. Up at 6, and over to the office with extracts. George called to tell us he had left Cowells, and that they were done up. Weaving and the painter at work on the windows. The drawing room one broken out, and a flood of light let in, and a lovely and life-like scene opened out upon us. Went to the Barracks after Mrs. Alexanders harp. Downtown for a stroll. Over to the office in the evening to get ready Wednesday’s paper. Home by 11. Learnt from Kitty that Jervis intends to build before our new windows.

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Tuesday: 25th: Showery morning. Turned out at a little after 6. Parrott in shortly afterwards to cook and eat his Christmas dinner. A schooner signalled, which showed round and anchored, for the tide, under the North Head at 10 a.m. The Wonga, with a new screw and a newly painted bottom sailed on an excursion to Howick a little before 8. Her decks were crowded from stem to stern. At home throughout the morning. Kitty went to church. Smallfield called. The schooner came into harbour about 5. Boarded her. She proved to be the Harp, 25 days from Hobart Town. Wrote par – Home – and to bed about 9 o’clock. Wonga in abt. 8.

Wednesday:26th: Fine morning, with a few flying showers. Up betimes, and wrote part of a paper on drunkenness, for the Maori Messenger. Williamson called and had a yarn. Wonga sailed for the Bay. Dressed, and away to Newmarket where Newman and Buckland called a sale, which they could only, in part, effect. Prices are doomed to return to their old level. This stock holders dont, and auctioneers wont understand. The struggle, therefore, is to maintain old prices on the one hand, and to compel a decline on the other. In the meanwhile unreasonable reserves are affixed, and sales are with the utmost difficulty effected. Came home by the Kyber Pass, and , on my way, passed into the cemetery, paused, and pondered over the graves of Bob Lynd , and poor Mrs. Cockcraft. [indecipherable]. Kitty was out so I swallowed a solitary snack. A ship signalled outside Tiri Tiri. And another sail at 3.30. It blew hard from the Southward, and, when night set in, neither ship had been able to round the North Head.

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Thursday: 27th: Astir at 6 a.m. One ship, the Bank of England round, and the other – the Carnatic – at anchor outside the North Head. Went off to the first with Winch, and proceeded to the second with Burgess. Came up the harbour with her, and got a paper (Geelong Advertiser) from the Captain, John Smith, giving details of the capture of Sebastopol. A draft of artillery, and Lt. Col. Mould, R.E., arrived in her. Hurried to the office and got a splendid “Extra”. Band played for the first time this season. A good attendance. A barque and a brig signalled. Weary and worn, turned in between 10 and 11 oclock.

Friday:28thy; Turned out at 6 a.m. The barque turned out to be the Galatea, and the brig Gertrude, both from Newcastle. Over for the Cross which was frantic at being anticipated. Finished my article for the Messenger, and took it to Native Socy. Boarded Gertrude. Prepared Commercial Record and wrote sundry shipping. Bed room Bow window opened up. Smallfield took tea with us. Over to the off., reading, writing, and revising till 11.

Saturday:29th: Up at 6 – and from that time till past 1 preparing Shipping list for Almanack. Lovely day. Bessy Gibbs called to see, if we would give her quarters after Mac Elwaine’s departure. A very cool request on her mothers part, which my dear Kitty politely evaded. A schooner signalled coastwise. She proved to be the St. Martin. Jemmy Henderson’s wife called and had a yarn, also Mrs. Alexander and Mrs. Norrie who took tea with my own dear Kitty. Corrected proof of shipping list, and carried it to the office. Went to the Masonic, and had a game or two with Moir, Parrott and Cummings. Home about 11, and went to bed very tired.

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Sunday: 30th: A lovely morning. Turned out at 6 a.m. Our Bed Room and drawing room, looking superb, and as light as lamps in consequence of the beautiful bow windows. A steamer signalled which proved to be the Wonga from Russell. Throop came in from Matakama with his new schooner, a substantial, sightly, craft. My dear Kitty too warm, and too much knocked up to be able to go to Church. I went alone and Lloyd gave us an ambitious, but feeble and disconnected, discourse. The Emu, ketch, came in from Geelong, boarded her; no news, having been at sea for two and twenty days. Did not go to evening service, but early to bed. Kitty went to see poor Pyl, who, like her own dear self, is ill from overwork.

Monday: 31st: A beautiful, but broiling morning. Out before 5. and turned out a little after 6. Weaving moved the glass door, and boarded up the opening into our room. Philips came to arrange about papering the windows. Smallfield called. Went over to the office with him to arrange about the Otahuhu meeting, to which, it was decided he should go. Got a piece of the red flock paper (7/-) from Tattersall. Set to work to consider my Retrospect of the closing year of which, in the evening, I wrote nine slips, and turned in about ½ past 10. The ships in the harbour aroused me by their noise in ringing the old year out and the new year in; but it was a tame affair compared with the exhibition of a [indecipherable] back. An expiring year and its incoming successor are always painful epochs to me. And I could not contemplate the departure of a year so fateful and memorable as 1855 with even more than my wanted depth of feeling. God prepared us for the great day that is, with us, drawing so rapidly on.

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One Thousand Eight Hundred
and
Fifty Six

Tuesday: 1st January 1856: A smoking morning. Up betimes, and finished my Retrospective paper, which extended to 23 slips. Weaving at work, but the paper hanger keeping holiday, and the Wonga off to Howick on a pleasure trip. About 1 p.m., the Denny was signalled, and at 3 she came to an anchor. Boarded her and got papers, but she did not bring the Schomberg’s mail. Wrote Shipping pars, made a few extracts, and prepared an account of the races. Williamson and I set to work to prune, extend, amend, and reconstruct in some parts my retrospective paper. Finished the task between 2 and 3. And then closed my first days labour of the year 1856. May God make us grateful that we have been spared to behold it, that the glory may be his, and his blessing ours.

Wednesday:2nd: Turned out a little after 9, greatly fagged. Dressed and set out for the races. Enjoyed them tolerably. The course is a capital one. The company was numerous – and the Sports very creditable. Got home by 8 very tired. Had some supper. Kitty havg. her dear Pyl w. her.

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Thursday: 3rd: Very tired. Turned out a little before 9. Philips and his son at work, both yesterday and to day. And finished papering the rooms. A Holiday without notification that it was intended to be one and, as such, a mongrel and miserable affair. A salute of a 101 guns was fired at noon, and the ships were dressed. I had lunch with Ward, Moir, Parrot, Geo Wynyard, Buckley, Woodhouse, and Black. Went to the band, and there was a numerous gathering. Wonga sailed for the N. Mrs. Alexander took tea with us. Kitty and I turned in worn and weary at 9.30.

Friday:4th: Another sweltering morning. Astir betimes. Weaving fixing the skirtings and architraves. Over for a Cross, which is surcharged with laudations of Brown and his Banquet. Went to harbour committee. Made a note of yesterdays rejoicings. Prepared report of meeting. Had a call from Fletcher. Got out Commercial Records, and Market prices. Bought, and paid for, a 4 dozen case of Whitbreads ale. Drew Fairfax’s bill for £25 in my favour. Left my Pay Abstract at Colonial Secys office. Made report of races. Williamson came in the evening. And, at his desire, I wrote three satirical epistles on Brown and his pretensions. Got home and turned in between 1 and 2.

Saturday:5th: A close and sweltering day. Up at 9. Weaving finished up. Mrs. A. O’Neil paid us a visit.

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Captain Smith of the Carnatic kindly lent me his signal code and I was able to write up all the ships added as far as 980 3rd Pen. Went to the Native Sec. office, and saw W. Smith the new official, with whom I had a talk on the delays and difficulties in getting out the paper. Drew my last quarters salary for Messenger, and paid £50 to Brown. Dined with the Farmers Club. Had a stroll down town. The Scotchmen frantic at the ducks and drakes we made of the Brown Banquet. Met Du Moulin, with whom I had a long yarn relative to his concerns. Also with Williamson respecting the Southn. confederacy to move the seat of govt. Had a game at the Exchange with Browning – and then got home to bed.

Sunday:6th: A sweltering morning. Up at 7. A schooner signalled which proved to be the Osprey from the Bay. Went to morning service. Lloyd preached. The Wonga signd. and came in at about 3. Down the pier. No news. Kitty went to Evening prayers. We had an alarm of fire at dinner time. It occurred in Dr. Philson’s stable, but was speedily extinguished. Night cool. Turned in at about 9.

Monday:7th A cool and cloudy morning. Up at 6. Weaving putting a gate and making good the fence at the corner by the iron houses. Preparing “Voyageur” for Sydney Herald. Mrs. Alex. and Norrie went with Kitty to the sale of Baddeley’s rubbish, and had a snack there. Secd. detachment 58th returned. Had a game with Harrison. Extended Voyageur to 23 slips and wrote a letter to Fairfax. Wonga sailed for Russel. The McElwaine’s called to take their Farewell of us.

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Tuesday: 8th: A fine morning. Up betimes, and revised “Voyageur”. Over and got the Cross, which was silent. Wrote to Jemina, and posted letters and papers to her, Serle, Helen, and John Fenton. Gave my pacquet to Mailler. Pandora sailed for Waikiki in the morning, and Denny precisely at 4 p.m. Wrote sundry shipping pars. Southern Summary &c. Had a second dinner with Greenwoods. Over and got the paper ready a little after 10. Williamson & Smallfield off to a meeting at Papakura - Cold and blustery day.

Wednesday: 9th: At home all day, rooting out my newspapers for the binder. Received proof of Geography from Messenger. Williamson and Coolahan took tea with us, and Smallfield popped in afterwards. Galatea sailed. Turned in tired about 10 p.m.

Thursday: 10th: Lovely morning. Up at 6. Corrected proof and took it to the office. Wrote a market article for the Messenger, which Wilson transmitted. Proceeded to the land sale. A large attendance and large prices: £5013 realised. Got home by 2. Dined and accompanied Fletcher and Harris on board St. Kilda which came in from the coast. Thence to the band. Weaving finished the house. Kitty and I went down to the Fletchers. She proposed a rubber, in which, as usual we were victorious.

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Friday: 11th: A fine morning. Up at 6; writing shipping, and preparing commercial. Over to the office and got the Cross. Breakfast, and called on the Native Secretary, and showed him the letter of the publishers complaining of the want of copy. I complained to him of the usurpation of my duties by W. Davis, the insults offered to religious bodies, and the perversion of the paper from the purposes for which it was originally instituted. Mr. Davis was extremely insolent, and said that he would enter upon that business when I was gone. I called W. Smith’s attention to that expression, and remarked that Mr. Davis had the reputation of talking behind people’s backs, but that I would be glad to have him brought face to face. A disagreeable scene ensued, but W. Smith said he thought that all I required was extremely reasonable, and that he would use his best endeavours to expedite the business of the paper. Wrote one or two commercial pars. Went to the Albert Barracks, where there was a continuous round of amusements, and a vast concourse of all classes. Home between 5 and 6, and set to finish my work which I did by 12.

Saturday:12th A cloudy, sultry day, blowing hard from the W.S.W. – a hot wind. Abed til 9 lazy and languid. Phillips doing the graining. Parrott into dinner. Called on Russell to explain why Hughes interest had not been paid. Had a bottle of claret with Ed. Rich. The Queen of Perth in from Sydney. Boarded her but no news. To bed at 10. Poor Kitty sick. Wonga in from the Bay during the early morning.

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Sunday:13th: A dull calm morning. Up at half past 6. Heavy both in spirits and in person. Remained at home all day. My dear Kitty went to morning service, at which a stranger preached and gave an excellent discourse. The Osprey came in from the Bay at 3 p.m., and at 5.30 another schooner, coastwise, was signalled within the reef. Did not leave the house all day. Went to bed early.

Monday: 14th: Blowing a hard gale from the N. and N.E., with heavy squalls of rain. Got the Sydney papers and made various comments and extracts. Down to the Post, but recd. no letters. Went to bed early, but had not long laid down, when the fire bugle rang out sharply. The fire, supposed to be an incendiary one, was in Fort Street, but, thanks to Military watch and ward, it was speedily extinguished.

Tuesday: 15th: Moderate morning, with occasional showers; turned out at 6 a.m. and discovered the Pioneer at anchor. Down to the pier; not a waterman to be found. Got off to her in the Wonga’s boat. [indecipherable] had a long passage. Picked up the American whaler’s boat off the Three Kings. Wrote shipping pars, and a stunning Northern Elector. Cooked up a letter of Williamson’s. Over to the office, and got through the work early. Down to the exchange. Had a long consultation about relieving American seamen.

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Wednesday: 16th Up early and off the see Colonel Wynyard, who entered readily into my plan of sending the Wonga to rescue the American seamen. Prepared a request to him, and John Macfarlane and I went about and got signatures for it. The Colonel then gave authority for the Wonga to proceed to the Three Kings.
She sailed at 11.20 a.m. Zillah for New Plymouth, in the morning early, and Erin for the Tamaki in the afternoon. The Annual Meeting of Harbour Commissioners held. Went to the Barracks and had a look at the cricket match. George came and spent the Evg.

Thursday; 17th: Fine morning. Turned out a little after 8 and spent the day, laying down the carpet, hanging the pictures, and cleaning and setting the drawing room, bed room, my study, and the porches. Mrs. Alexander took tea with us. Yesterday, Fletcher received my Prom. Note for £144.16/- at 3 months, being two months before the time agreed upon. He undertakes to retire it, in the event of my being unable to do so. A schooner inside Tiri at sunset. Went out and had a stroll, dropping in at the Masonic, where there was large party, with whom I had a long yarn. Wing called.

Friday: 18th; Fine morning. Up betimes, and to work. Williamson called. Down to the Harbour Committee where I and Harris made our debut. A schooner signalled. Home, had some diner, and off to the schn., which proved to be the Stag Hound from Melbourne. Got papers from Hinckley who accompanied me on board. Sir Chas. Hotham

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dead. Schomberg wrecked. No very particular news from Europe. Did my usual, Commercial and Maritime matters. Reading, writing and revising until near 2. The schn. signalled yesterday came in during the night, and proved to be the long expected Caroline from Sydney. Received from W. Williamson £20.9.4 on a/c. Paid Russell (£20) Hughes Int.

Saturday: 19th: Turned out weary and worn at 9 a.m. Dressed, and went to the Native Secretary’s office; had a long talk with Smith, who does not appear to be a man of mind. Got some copy which I took to Wilson. Went to the P. Office. No letters. Down to the pier. Dined with Wing. Ellis and Harris guests. Went to parade. Afterw. had a match. I and Moir playing Harrison and Montgomery. Wonga came in. She had never been further than the Bay, and all the information I could drag out of Bowden, who exhibited neither energy or intelligence in the conduct of this business, was that which an Abstract of the log of the Bartholomew Goswald contained. Went and saw Colonel Wynyard who was as much disappointed as myself at such a result. Dropped in at the Masonic, and had a long korero.

Sunday: 20th Turned out about 8 a.m. Broiling morning. Kitty too poorly to go to church. I did – Lloyd preached - Dined. Went down to the pier to see Wing, but he had gone to the Country. Popped in on

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Hinckley, with whom and W. Elliot, the owner of the Stag Hound, I spent an hour or two. In the evening, Kitty and I, enjoyed the delicious moonlight and invigorating breeze, by a stroll to the Tattoo. Numbers there.

Monday: 21st: Turned out a little after 7. Went and saw John Macfarlane, who, although of the opinion that Bowden took no trouble in the matter, thinks it is now too late to do attempt to do more. My dear Kitty off to Cotele. Lovely day. Down to the meeting of A.L.S.N. Co. – only a few persons being present, the meeting adjourned to Saturday. Dined on board Wing’s vessel, and went from there to the meeting of the Flag Co., which was dissolved, and a call made of 2/6 per share. Came home. and found that my dear Kitty had got into the house with the aid of Duke’s key. Williamson called, and had a long yarn. Found a variety of Maori proofs which I corrected. Turned in between 10 and 11.

Tuesday: 22nd; Out a little before 7. Lovely morning. The Wonga sailed for Wangarei. Over to the Office and got Cross. A correspondent pitching into the editor of the Maori Messenger. Wrote notice of the missing seamen; and penned from Creighton’s lips an account of the drowning of John Connors. The Carnatic sailed for China. Over to the Office with

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my work, and down to Smith, with a copy of articles printed in English and corrected in proof. Met Colonel Wynyard, and had a gossip with him. Two schooners signalled. Dined, and penned 15 slips of an article relative to native feeling on Representative system, and threatened removal of the seat of government. Put it in Williamson’s hands. Had a game with Buchanan. Mrs. Fletcher took tea with us. One of the schooners went into Kawau, the other did not get in. Had a saunter down the Pier. At the Office, reading, revising and correcting till 2. Gazelle sailed for Melbourne.

Wednesday: 23rd: Turned out a little after 8. A showery morning. Revised Maori proofs, and made out a list of Maori shipping. Carried them to Nat. Sec’s office. Back to dinner, and found the Andrewartta’s, who had called, gone. Took an article, recd from Smith, to Wilson. Went down to the Pier; came home, and resumed reading the “Pride of the Mess”. Kitty went out, and came home about half past 8. Turned in early. Grafton sailed for Bay and Melbourne.

Thursday: 24th: Got up at 6.30. A ship signalled which turned out to be the whaler Tamerlane, Capt. Winslow of New Bedford, which I boarded along with Hinckley. A schooner signalled as she anchored. A meeting held, and a Chamber of Commerce formed.

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31 members, at five guineas each, being enrolled. Williamson called twice in the course of the day. The St. Kilda sailed for the Bay and Mongonui. Afternoon set in showery. Wrote shipping par, and revised Maori proof. Kitty went down to Fletchers, having hung her bow window curtains. I remained at home, and concluded “ Pride of the Mess”.

Friday: 25th: Got up a little before 7. The schooner in, and turned out to be the Blue Jacket, Captain Prout, from Sydney. Went on board, and received a packet of Sydney papers. Made extracts, prepared commercial, and wrote local leader, summary, and a variety of paragraphs. Attended Meeting of the Harbour Committee. In the office, reading, writing and revising till 1.40 a.m.

Saturday: 26th: Lay abed till past ten. Wing and Larnach both called. Went to the Native Sec’s office and saw W. Smith. Carried copy to Wilson. Looked in at Councle and Ridings sale. Home, and had a snack; thence to parade; got licked two games by Geo. Wynyard. Wing and his wife, Mrs. Alexander, and Norrie spent the evening. Wing went at 11, and sailed in half an hour for the Bay. Erin for Melbourne in the morning.

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Sunday: 27th; Weary and worn did not get up till late, and kept the house throughout the day. The Grafton in from the Bay. Kitty at morning service. Henry Williams preached. My dear little women [indecipherable] a new fashioned dress. Showery day. She went on to evening service and we turned in at an early hour.

Monday; 28th: Carried over sundry extracts for the paper, which we were pushing froward to have a holiday to morrow. Attended the opening of the fifth session of the Provincial Council. A wretched, fallacious, and a most injurious Address was delivered to a crowded House, in a school boy drawl. Home, and wrote a notice of proceedings. Went to the office to revise, but found it had been decided to keep the paper open till to morrow.

Tuesday: 29th: Startled out of bed a 6a.m. by the boom of the Denny’s gun; dressed and hurried on board, and received papers to the 22nd. Mrs. Mailler and family arrived to occupy Brown’s house. Gleaned extracts and carried them to the office, and then went to the regatta, to Battery Park. Though a poor affair, it was a decided improvement upon those of previous years. Smallfield returned from Coromandel. Wrote notice of regatta. And was at the office reading and revising till 2 a.m.

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Wednesday: 30th: Lay abed reading until noon. Turned out. And, after dinner, went to the Council. In the evening, dropped in and had a couple of games with Cornish at the Exchange. Home and turned in betimes.

Thursday: 31st; Up in good time, and arranged copy of Marsden’s trial for printers. Went to Weston’s book sale, and purchased one or two volumes. Thence to the Council. And, afterwards, with Smallfield, to have a look at Nichol’s new schooner, and thence to the Band. Beat Reid two games out of three. A schooner signalled which proved to be the Pandora. To bed at about 11.

Friday: 1st February 8156: Up early, and over for the Cross, leaving portion of Commercial. Wrote complementary notice of 99th. Went to Harbour Committee. Simpson discharged Pow.`` resigned and Graham elected Chairman. Dined and away to Council. Kept there till near 7. Home. Wrote farewell notice of Pandora’s, and account of the Regatta. Over to the office reading and revising till 3 a.m.

Saturday: 2nd: Up at eight. A whaler and schooner coastwise coming in. A showery, warm, morning.

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Down town. Looked in at N. and B’s sale of horses, and at the theatre erecting by Foley. Dined at the Farmer’s Club. Down the pier. The whaler proved to be the Lion, and the schooner the Herald. Learnt that a whaler (the Mount Vernon) had been seized at Kororarika for landing gunpowder to the natives, and that the remainder of the fleet had quitted the port. Strolling about. Wound up the evening at the Masonic, where I had a glass with Smallfield. Grafton sailed for Melbourne.

Sunday:3rd: A showery morning. I and my dear Kitty went to Church and received the sacrament. W. Burrows officiating. The St. Kilda and Wonga came into harbour. Attended Evening service – Lloyd preached. Two sail in sight. My dear Kitty and I had a saunter and turned in early.

Monday: 4th: Up at 6. A brig at anchor off the North Head, which proved to be the Vulture from Newcastle. A fine schooner, the Sybil from Melbourne shortly after came around the head and walked up the harbour in splendid style. I boarded her and got papers, but no news. A cold and showery morning. Made various extracts; and in the course of the day prepared a variety of matter for the paper. Williamson and Smallfield off to Howick. Shaved off my moustache. Bought Old England’s Worthies 10/6. Kitty had the Andre’s to tea. Went to the exchange, and had a couple of games with Hinckley.

Tuesday: 5th: Up betimes, and carried over my work to the office. After breakfast went with proofs and saw the Native Secy. Down town . Paid

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Weston for books. Saw Fletcher, and revised market prices. Looked in on Foley’s new theatre which is going up rapidly. Dined. Met Captain Drury and had a yarn with him. Over to Council. Denied admission, and by correspondence (published and supported by the New Zn.) fastened the onus of this infringement of the liberties of the Press upon the Speaker. Kitty took tea with the Andrews’. A barque inside Tiri Tiri at dusk. The schn. Caroline sailed in the morning for Kaipara. At work till 3 a.m.

Wednesday: 6th: Turned out at 7.30 and found the barque had anchored. Worn and weary, I posted off to her. She proved to be, as I suspected, the Ashmore 102 days from the Downs, under the command of Ginden formerly of the Stately. Brought Mrs. Boyd, who came passenger, on shore and to our house. The Bank of England sailed for Shanghai. Home, had breakfast, and went to roost till dinner time. Mrs. Boyd away to see her friends. A schooner signalled at 9 a.m. and a sail outside Tiri Tiri at 2 p.m. The former proved to be the Osprey from the Bay, the later the American whaler Cortes, which I boarded. Went to the Post, and got a packet of papers. Home, put up N.Zer to date for Jemima Serle and Helen. Commenced “Voyageur”. Zingari, with Govr. arrived at Mannkau.

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Thursday: 7th: Up at a little after 5, half dead with fatigue, and set to work on “Voyageur”, which I completed in twenty slips, and at half past 11. Wrote a private letter to Fairfax, and carried the whole down town. Maitier had gone on board; but I met Outhwaite who took charge. Besides Outhwaite we lose the Blacketts, Powditch, Dr. Fox and family – are relieved by the Baddeleys, and have been delivered from the demon Brown’s. The Denny grounded, and it was 3.30 before she floated and got away. The St. Kilda sailed for Wellington, and the Harp for Hokianga. Saw Native Secretary and arranged the order of publication of the overdue Messenger. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher spent the evening with us, and Boyd came in from Slippery Creek after his wife. They slept here.

Friday: 8th: Up early and to my work. Carleton had a lying attack on me in the Cross, with which I dealt in person, and Smallfield by leader. There was no Harbour Meeting, and nothing done in Council. Williamson went to Howick. Was at the office from a little after 7 to nearly 2 a.m. Smallfield coming over in the interim with me to have a snack.

Saturday:9th: Turned out between 9 and 10, and down to the Native Sec. office with a proof of the

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Messenger in sheet. Home to dinner; and thence to parade. A schooner signalled which I boarded and found her to be the Wave from the Chatham Islands, commanded by Welsh, formerly mate of the William Denny. Went in the evening to the Exchange, and had a game with Styak. Dawes came in from Coromandel with a splendid sample of New Zealand gold, quite equal to the Californian or Australian. Home, and went to bed at half past 10.

Sunday: 10th: Up at seven: fine morning: found the Pioneer in from the Bay, and at anchor. Went to morning service – Lloyd preached – Governor present. Dined, and strolled down to the pier. Went to Evening service, at which crying Wilson preached. Kitty and I had a saunter.

Monday: 11th: Turned out betimes. Wrote a paragraph or two. After dinner went to Gillies to see and obtain information about his new schooner. Passed up Victoria Street a crowd looking on at the erection of the gallows. George and Wing spent the Evening with us; and George paid me the half year’s rent (£10.10/-) for allotments.

Tuesday: 12th: Got up a little before 7 oclock.

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Went down town, and witnessed the last sentence of the law carried into effect upon Marsden. The execution was bunglingly performed; the hangman received £20 for his work, and was hooded and cloaked in black. Found Williamson at home on my return. Went on board the Pandora with Wing, who accompanied me home to dinner. Over to the Prov.Council ; but there was not a quorum in Council. Penned a lengthened paper on Steam Communication for which we had no room. Reading, writing and revising, till the usual hour. The whalers Cortes and Tamerlane sailed, the one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. Pandora & 58th det’d.

Wednesday: 14th: Fine morning. Set to work to extend and amend my article on Steam, which I carried to the Office. Received an invitation, with an apology for its lateness, from Captain Campbell, to the Masonic Banquet to Captain Drury and the Pandoras. Went to it. It was a fine and magnificent entertainment. Got home a little before 1. The Zingari sailed for the South. Urquhart, with a detachment of the 65th proceeding to Taranaki in relief of the 58th, who are to remain with us for another year. Pandora released.

Thursday: 14th: Turned out betimes. Set to work to write a Report on the Masonic banquet. Colonel

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Wynyard called and supplied me with notes of his speech. Drury, subsequently, gave me his. A showery day. Went to the Cricket Match, in which the military were again victorious. The Andrews, Mrs. Fletcher, Alexander, Miss Carter, and Smallfield spent a musical and very pleasant evening with us. Flying Cloud sailed in from Melbourne.

Friday: 15th: Up betimes and over to the Cross. A rough and rainy morning. Prepared Shipping pars and Commercial records. Down to the Harbour Com.tee. No meeting. Tempestuous day throughout. The Osprey and Wonga from the Bay, and the Oceana from Hokianga came into port. At the office, hard at work till ½ past 1. Kitty paid £8 to Scott and Weaving.

Saturday: 16th: Turned out between 8 and 9. The ship William Prouse coming in from Newcastle. Swallowed a cup of tea and hurried on board. She is a remarkably fine ship. Got papers from Mr. Cuddel with English news to 6th Nov. Wood came on board too late, and a Mr. Parker, came down in my boat, and because Caddel did not care to speak to Mister John Stevenson, who came hunting for the ships agency, that idiot, wrote a most presumptuous note to Williamson and Wilson complaining of my want of courtesy.

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The donkey was treated, as he deserved to be, with silent contempt. Kitty bought her long-wished piano from Tom Macky - £30, two years credit. Executed lease of part of Jessfield to Thos. Cross for four years, at £20 a year. Had a call from Captain Drury, who came to say farewell. The Gov. has written for a frigate to be stationed here. Drury intends to urge the necessity of such a step, and hopes to obtain the command. I trust he may. He is an excellent fellow. We had an Extra issued about 4 oclock. The Sybil sailed for Melbourne in the afternoon. Had a game with Hinckley and licked him. Turned in at 11.

Sunday: 17th: Very much worn out; lay abed till near 10 oclock. Blue Jacket sailed for Melbourne. My dear Kitty went to morning service. Lloyd preached a wild and rambling sermon. I remained at home writing up this journal for this day week. After dinner, I wrote a letter to Lady Franklin by Capt. Drury. Went to evening Service – Lloyd preached. Kitty and I had a moonlight saunter, turning in about 10 oclock.

Monday: 18th: A fine morning. Up between 7 and 8 and revised proof and Dr. Andrew’s communication for Maori News. Williamson called and had a yarn. Left my letter for Lady Franklin with Mrs. Drury. Went

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[In margin – Adieu Pandora]

to Harbour Committee. Saw Drury and Mrs. Drury and bade them farewell. Home, dined, and wrote out my replies to Chairman of Committee on the Accommodation. Down Pier. Colonel Wynyard, Hume, and several of the officers there. At 2.30 p.m. the Pandora was aweigh, with a favouring breeze carrying with her the hearty and sincere good wishes of the great majority of the people of Auckland. Called at the Council Chamber and left my replies – at the Governor’s and left my card. Met Wing, and went with him to look at Nichol’s schooner, and from thence on board the Pioneer in Mechanics Bay, and so home. Mrs. Alexander took tea with us. but left early and we went and spent the evening with Fletchers. Lost 3/-.

Tuesday: 19th: Up in good time and over for the Cross. Williamson called and had a yarn. I wrote a Shipping par and report of Harb. Comtee. Went down the pier. Dined, and went over to the Council, remaining till near 7. The Southern Cross, with Judge Martin and family, sailed for Wellington. Had a second dinner with Greenwood Bacot, McLean, & Barstons being his guests. Very bilious and ill – in the office till 2.

Wednesday: 20th: Very ill. Abed all forenoon. Took castor oil and a seidlitz. Hinckley called in the morning, and Wing spent the evening with us. Not out all day. Vulture sailed for Sydney.

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Thursday; 21st: Still bilious and ill. At home till after dinner. Got sundry Maori proofs, which I took to the Native Sec. Went from thence to the Council Chamber; and from thence, round by the outside of the domain, home. Miss Mould called on us. I remained at home, reading the Polish Lancer.

Friday: 22nd: Up a little after 6. The Wonga in from Wangarei. Boyd rebuilding the parlour chimney. Over to the office, but did not obtain a copy of the Cross. Down to Fletcher, and obtained 100 fire bricks from him. Prepared Commercial Record. Attended Harbour Committee. Went to Council. Thence on a stroll. Looked in at the Theatre – and down the pier. A sweltering hot day. Had a korero with the Native Sect. At the office reading and writing until 2 a.m.

Saturday; 23rd: Another broiling morning. Turned out a little after 6; and, after breakfast, lay down on the couch and had a snooze. Williamson and Smallfield called. Sauntered down the Wynyard pier with them. Larnach popped in. I went down town. Lepine paid me boat hires up to date. Dropped in at the Masonic. Had a couple of games with Ormsby, and I and Harrison lost a match to Moir and Montgomery. Home early.

Sunday: 24th: A dull, rainy, morning. Suffering from bilious headache. Neither of us went to Church. Kitty read prayers. Queen of Perth sailed for the Coast.

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I remained in all day. Wing came and dined with us. Kitty went to Evening service. To bed about 10, both of us complaining, and I exceedingly ill and weak.

Monday: 25th: A lovely morning; got up about 6. a signal flying for a barque; and, in an hour or two afterwards, for a schooner and a sail. Very weak and poorly. Boyd whitewashing and finishing off the chimney. The Barque came in at 2.20 and the schooners immediately after her. They proved to be the Oriental from London, Osprey from the Bay, and [indecipherable] from Melbourne. Went on board the first and last. It came on a rainy afternoon. Very poorly. Boyd finished his job. Kitty and I at home. Had a hit or two at Backgammon.

Tuesday: 26th; Up a little after 6. A fair, but windy morning. Over to the office and obtained a Cross. Home to breakfast, and went afterwards to the Native Secs. Saw Williamson, and got a letter of John Kelly’s to cook up. And a paragraph about the 58th medals to Gallagher, [indecipherable] to write. Went to Council. Saw Wing. He did not reply to Simpson’s letter. Mrs. Alex took tea with us. Mrs. Fletcher looked in. I very poorly. Got home from the office, and to bed a ½ p 11.

Wednesday:27th Fine morning. Up at 10. Went to C & K’s sale. Bought 1 dozn essence of ginger, 3 dozn tooth brushes, 2 clothes brushes 26/6 in all. Dined, and went to Council. Thence to the Cricket Match. And then down the Wynyard pier. W. Denning signalled at 6.40. Saw Wing and wished him good bye.

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Came home, and got some papers ready. Boarded the Denny at 9 and got the papers. A tremendous phillipic, in the Empire of the 19th, against Campbell and his imbecilles. Had calls from Fletcher, Harris, and Wing. And Williamson came and we conned the papers together. Wing sailed.

Thursday: 28th: A charming morning. Up betimes. A sail in sight, which eventually came into harbour in the evening and proved to be the American whaler Saratoga Captain Harding. Boarded her. Prepared Sydney Commercial, and sundry Shipping pars. Went to the Post Office; got papers, and letters for Kitty from Mrs. Watson and Hickson. Attended Council, and strolled from thence to the Band. Gertrude sailed for Melbourne. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher came and spent the Evg. David Grahame’s match at an end.

Friday: 29th: Up betimes. A lovely morning. Over and got the Cross. Prepared Commercial Records. Took sundry proofs to the Nat. Sec. The William Prowse sailed for Newcastle, at noon. Went to Council, where the progress mob were looking very blue. The Moa came in from Sydney, and the Wonga from Monganui. Got English papers, and letters from my Aunt Kirkaldy and Jemina. Larnach called and paid £20 to account of the quarters rent. Went to the rehearsal of the Choral Society. Dropped in at the Exchange and had a game. Got away from the office by Midnight.

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Saturday: 1st March 1856: Another charming but sweltering day. Turned out at 8. Wrote some preparatory notes on English law in introduction of Marsden’s trial; took them to the Native Secs. office. Went and dined at the Farmer’s club. Thence to parade; and afterwards had a look at Foley’s Theatre. Met Du Moulin, and learnt how he had done the Brown’s. Met Bacot and called with him on Charles Kemble Mason, an Edinburgh man – a contemporary boy with myself – and a son of Mason of the Edin. Theatre. Went in the evening to his Dramatic Lecture. His recitation of Tam O’Shanter was super excellent, and caused a hurricane of applause. Accmp. Bacot & Greenwood to the Masonic – Bacot spouting like a tea kettle.

Sunday: 2nd: A lovely and a melting morning. Dressed for church but found my trousers split, and could not go. Kitty read prayers. Greenwood called and we had along gossip. Went to Church in the Evg. Kitty and I afterwards had a constitutional stroll.

Monday: 3rd: A charming morning, the air greatly cooled. Up at 7; and prepared a Commercial, Maritime, and Agricultural report for Maori Messenger. Took it to the Nat. Sec. Went to Hughes and procured “Press Accommodation” report etc.

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which I carried to the office, and put in train for publication. Home and had a snack. Wrote notes to Griffiths and Howson introducing Greenwood. Also a notice of Mason’s readings. Mason called to ask me about the land at Wainku. Went down to Fletcher’s and had a hand at vingt’un. The Carters and Kinder there.

Tuesday: 4th A delightful morning. Turned out at ½ past six oclock. Made draft of precis for “Voyageur”. Over to the office and got a Cross. Nothing in it. Down to Fletcher’s about the markets. Prepared prices current. List of ships in port and expected. Went to the Council. Over to the office to read and revise, getting home at 11.30. Went and had a look at Cowell’s sale.

Wednesday: 5th: A fine morning. Up a little after 6. The Southern Cross, with Mr. Browne and Captain Steward in from Wellington. Wrote a “Voyageur” which extended to 22 ships. Took it down to Maillen. Kitty posted my papers to Jemina, Helen, and Serle and a letter from herself to Mrs. Watson. I wrote to Fairfax, introducing Greenwood. Denny sailed at 3.45 p.m. Dined and went to Council. Mrs. Alexander took tea with us. And in the evening – George, Mrs. Andre`, and Miss McDowell, a very nice girl, came in on a call. She played several pieces, and made herself very agreeable. Still very bilious, and taking pills to set me to rights.

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Thursday: 6th: - A warm, beautiful, morning – Lay abed till ½ past 9. Parrott came in, and Mrs Andre called. Williamson and O’Neill also looked in, and had a yarn about a petition to the Gov.r for appointing an Officer to prepare and revise the Electoral Rolls, vice Beckham. Took over some proofs, and copy to Nat. Sec. – Down town. Home again by 2, and had delicious fowls for dinner. Went over to the Council Chamber, and learnt there would be no Meeting till Tuesday. Strolled to the Band, and passed a pleasant hour or two. Col. Wynyard told me Buckingham had tried to sell him my land. Met Mr. Southwell. He had quarreled with Foley – Kitty went to Epsom; and I to the Theatre. It is a pretty looking house. Home by ½ past 11.

Friday: 7th:- A lovely morning. Over to the Office and procured a Cross. Prepared Commercial Record. Williamson looked in; and we went to the Harbour Committee, of whose proceedings I made a Report. Brady (58th) Fletcher’s old Sen.t found drowned, by Major Nugent, in Judges Bay. Made out N. & B’s Stock Sales. Penned one or two