“The Early Days of New Zealand.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 189, 30 August 1888, Page 2

“The Early Days of New Zealand.”

A lecture on the above subject was delivered by Mr J. W. Witty at the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening, under the auspices of St. Andrew's Literary Association. There was a good attendance. The lecturer commenced by giving a brief sketch of the events connected with the discovery of New Zealand, giving an account of Tasman’s visit in 1642, and of the subsequent landing of Captain Cook. The first attempt made at colonization was by the New Zealand Land Company, whose officer, Colonel Wakefield, accompanied by an intelligent staff, came to New Zealand, and in less than three months reported that he had purchased a territory as large as Ireland. Mr Witty described the landing of Governor Hobson at the Bay of Islands, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, establishment of the seat of Government at Russell, and its subsequent removal to Auckland, the disaffection between Colonel Wakefield and Governor Hobson, arising from provincial jealousies, the establishment of settlements in various parts of the colony, and the Wairau massacre. Tnen followed the rule of Sir George Grey, whose firm and judicious policy produced a good effect on the natives. The success of the Canterbury Association, which was formed for the purpose of colonising a portion of Canterbury, was also dwelt on. The latter part of the lecture was devoted to an account of the early days of Otago, which province, the lecturer said he was able to speak about from his own personal experience. He detailed the early settlement of Dunedin, and the wonderful strides made by that city, the progress of which had been surpassed by that of Chicago only. He gave a vivid account of the excitement caused in Dunedin by the news of the discovery of gold, and also of the hardships undergone by the diggers. Firewood was very scares, and the lecturer gave an amusing illustration of the devices which diggers resorted to for the purpose of cooking their meals. The lecturer referred to Dr Stuart, better known as “ The Doctor," who was one of the celebrities in Dunedin at the lime of its infancy. Two original songs were Sung by Mr Witty during the evening—The Old Identity ” and the “ The Old Ploughshare,” —and were highly appreciated Mr J. T. Evans, in a short speech, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Witty for his able lecture, and Mr Ratcliffe seconded. The morion was carried by acclamation. The accompaniments to the songs were well played by Miss Lily Witty, who gives good promise of success as a musician.