The life of John Plimmer, "Father of Wellington" : with selections from his writings

Plimmer, John, the New Zealand Times Co., Wellington, N.Z., 1901

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Title: The life of John Plimmer, "Father of Wellington" : with selections from his writings

Author: Plimmer, John

Published: The New Zealand Times Co., Wellington, N.Z., 1901

The Father of Wellington

THE LIFE OF JOHN PLIMMER

THE Life of John Plimmer

“Father of Wellington”

With FRon F)is Writings

By JOHN YOUNG

(PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY)

Wellington, N.Z, :

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES CO., LIMITED

1901

DEDICATION

To the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon,

Premier of New Zealand,

This Work is respectfully Dedicated.

" In Life's gay morn, when youth is strong,

And health and strength to us belong,

We urge our heedless

Nor scathe nor failure heedin

But when we near the other strand,

And charlie* view the distant land,

Our minds with graver thoughts expand —

Both Time and Tide receding."

—The Author.

Page.

INTRODUCTORY 1

CHAPTER II.—Historical and Scientific Studies 13

CHAPTER III. —Early Struggles, Enterprise, and Progress 20

CHAPTER IV.—Loyalty 41

CHAPTER V.—Legislative and Municipal Matters 45

CHAPTER VI.—Railways 96

CHAPTER VII.—Religion and Public Education 116

CHAPTER VIII. —Colonial Enterprise 140

CHAPTER IX.—Unionism 160

CHAPTER X.—Letters on Various Public Matters 168

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

\"E of the greatest privileges that can fall to the lot of the biographer is to write the life of a truly great"and good man. In using the word "man" I mean the gouts homo, for many women, as well as men, have been truly great and good. I use the terms " great and good "in their widest and most general acceptation, and not in the narrow and restricted sense usually applied to them by bigoted and narrow-minded persons, who look only at one side of the subject, and not always at the whole of that, and whose views of the great purposes of life are as restricted as their minds are cramped.

The subject of this work, Mr. J. Plimmer, is in the most comprehensive sense, a great and good man.

True greatness consists, not in untold wealth, not in an elevated social position, not in hereditary titles, nor in the plaudits of assembled thousands, but in fighting the battle of life valiantly and well.

After reading the history of the life and doings of Mr. John Plimmer, as briefly outlined in the following pages, the present generation of New Zealanders will, we feel convinced accord the unanimous verdict, well done ! and succeeding generations will not be slow to recognise his worth.

One of the most consolatory reflections that can cheer a man in the evening of life, when the shadows lengthen and the sun is approaching the western horizon and once familiar objects grow faint and indistinct in the distance, is to look back upon a useful and well-spent life, and to reflect that his name is indelibly written upon the Page of Time.

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Mr. Plimmer's success as a business man; his keen instinct in matters appertaining to colonial and national politics; his peculiar talents; his ability to grasp whatever was calculated to advance the interests of the City, the Province, the Colony or the Empire; his untiring energy in and carrying those matters to a successfid issue, mark him out as a man far above the rank and file of humanity, the plodding man of business, or the average politician.

It has been Wellington's good fortune, from its earliest history, through all its struggles and vicissitudes, to have such a man as Mr. J. Plimmerasoneof its most prominent citizens '> a citizen who, while not neglecting his own interests, and steadily accumulating a competency for his declining vears, never lost sight of those greater and more important interests which appertain to the public weal. Well would it have been for the City and Province of Wellington if, from its earliest conception, the Province had numbered among its citizens and settlers even a moderate percentage of such men as Mr. John Plimmer—men whose foresight and far-reaching knowledge of the needs and requirements of a young colony gave themacomprehensive grasp of colonial surroundings, and of their own responsibilities in respect thereto.

It has been said " comparisons are odious," and to comparisons we will not descend, further than to say that the Wellington City and Province appear, from the foundation of the Province to the present time, to have been singularly deficient of public-spirited men. The vast majority of those whose wealth and social status gave them a commanding position, appear to have been wholly absorbed in the accumulation of riches and the furtherance of their own selfish ends, to the utter or almost entire neglect of public interests, the elevation of the poor, and the general prosperity and well being of the community.

Much has been spoken and written of late about " Empire builders," and the names of Cecil Rhodes, Sir George Grew the

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Hon. R. J. Seddon and others have Income like "household words " throughout the Empire, and justly so, too. Their united efforts have combined to build up a glorious Empire, the " Greater Britain," and to make that Empire the astonishment and admiration of surrounding nations. And we do well to honour these men, whose surpassing ability and untiring energy have secured such a glorious heritage for succeeding generations of the Anglo-Saxon race.

But has it ever occurred to any of us that such colonists as Mr. John Plimmer, men of energy, enterprise and public spirit, are, in their degree, deserving of equal commendation and recognition ? Men who have, throughout a long and useful life, honestly and conscientiously discharged, not only their private duties, but assiduously attended to the interests of the common-wealth, to whom the poor and needy never applied in vain. Such men " shall stand before kings ; they shall stand unmoved in the presence of the mighty."

Ancestry, Birth and Early Life

Mr Plimmerwas horn at Upton-under-Amon, near Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire. His father was descended from an old Puritan family, of the time of Oliver Cromwell. The family tradition has it that the Mr Plimmer who was contemporary with Cromwell took a prominent part in the stirring events of that period. Being strongly imbued with the religious and political views of the Puritans, he did not hesitate to throw his whole weight and influence into the struggle. He was deeply concerned in the trial, condemnation and execution of Charles the First. In consequence of this, the Plimmer family was excluded from the benefits of the Redemption Bill, passed early in the reign of Charles the Second. The family property was confiscated to the Crown, the brothers were persecuted, mercilessly hunted fronj refuge to refuge, until three of them, having changed their names, ultimately found a safe retreat in an extensive forest, locally known as the “ Wreakin,” where they became foresters and

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woodmen. Our respected fellow-townsman, Mr John Plimmer, writes on this subject:—" I visited the place where they settled before I came to New Zealand in 1841. A cousin of mine still lived on the same spot, where he had a small freehold, and still followed the same trade of woodman." Mr Plimmer further writes: "This history of my father's family I have often heard him repeat, and must therefore conclude that it is correct." Of his mother's family he writes:—" My mother's family were of Saxon origin, being of the Moors, of Shropshire. Of this family was Elizabeth Moor, the wife of the first Lord Steward of Scotland, and the mother of Robert the Third of Scotland, and of the Duke of Albany, as mentioned by Sir Walter Scott in 'The Fair Maid of Perth.' She was therefore the mother of the Stuart Kings of Scotland and England. When I left England there were still some rich people of this family living ; one was in Parliament. Put 1 was poor, and had little to do with them. I remember my grandmother, who lived to the advanced age of 104 years. They were a healthy and handsome family, as handsome, indeed, as any in the County. And on one side of the family they could trace back their origin to William the Conquerer, through Walter Allen, the son of ' Fleald,' to whom William gave the Castle of Onwestbury, on the marshes of Shropshire. In memory of this same Elizabeth Moor, the eldest daughters of our family have always been christened ' Elizabeth.' "

Mr Plimmer continues: —"I am of opinion that no man can write his own history well, but at the same time, I think that one may, without incurring blame, name such incidents as are worth recording, to aid those who are better qualified for the task, without trespassing on modesty, or being thought presumptuous. 1 have often been asked to leave some memoir of my life, but have always shrunk from the undertaking, lest I should be obliged to say something ill of my contemporaries, which 1 have no wish to do.

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•• Regarding my childhood, I was the youngest but one of a family of 12. My eldest brother, Frank Moor Plimmer, was 24 years older than myself, and he had a son before I was born."

It is remarkable how some trilling and insignificant occurrence in childhood will make a lasting impression on the memory. Doubtless we all can remember some insignificant incident of our childhood which has imprinted itself so deeply on the tablet of the memory that the lapse of years and the storms of life have been unable to obliterate it. Of one such occurrence Mr Plimmer writes:—"The first incident that I remember, and which still appears green on Memory's waste after 88 years have passed away, was this: "Surrounding the house in which we lived was a large garden full of fruit trees. In this garden was a young apple-tree, much admired by my father, and on it, at the time to which my story refers, was one large apple. On this particular day my father and mother were going to market, and I heard my father give my youngest sister, who was ten years older than myself, particular instructions to take care that no one touched this apple, as he wanted it to grow ripe, that he might test its quality. 1 laving heard this strict command, I thought I would take a stick and truard the apple until the return of my parents. I had not been on guard many minutes before a large humble-bee lit upon the apple, which so incensed me that I got up and struck at the bee with all my might with the stick. The bee did not wait to be hit, but the apple rolled on the ground, and I went crying to my sister, and told her the tale of my over much zeal. I refused to be comforted till my father's return, when my sister told him of my misfortune, at which he laughed heartily, and gave me some of the apple to eat."

.Mr Plimmer's father seems to have maintained the reputation of the family for forestry, as the young Plimmers were frequently engaged in felling timber in the surrounding woods. This, together with similar pursuits, occupied the attention of

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young Plimmer until he attained to man's estate. Doubtless this early training gave Mr Plimmer an immense advantage over his compeers when he and they arrived in this colony. Mi Plimmer understood a great dial that his fellow immigrants had to learn. One thing, however, it is but just to add—that his large experience was always at the service of the infant colon v.

It not infrequently happens that a comparatively trifling event changes the whole current of one's life. We look behind, and we see at what time we arrived at the parting of the ways. \Ye are, perhaps, at a loss still to know what occult influence, an over-ruling Providence, may be, impelled us in the one direction rather than the other. Such an event occurred in the case of Mr Plimmer. On completing his education at the local school, he was strongly urged by the school authority devote himself to the teaching profession. Young Plimmer appears to have been greatly impressed with the suggestion' and took some time to seriously consider the proposal. He, however, finally decided that an active life among the 1 haunts of men was more in accordance with his tastes. That he decided correctly, and with sound judgment, the s< his life clearly demonstrates. Had he joined the ranks of the profession he would, without doubt, have made his mark tin as he has done in a more extended field of operations.

CHAPTER I

Emigration and Immigration.

Few persons now living in the colonies can form the re motest conception of the struggles, privations and difficulties which environed and confronted the pioneer settlers. With steamboat services, roads, bridges and railways, we can but faintly realise the gigantic difficulties which stood in the way of our early colonists. Much has been said and written of nature in her pristine grandeur ; poets have written of her primeval forests, her mountains reaching the sky, and her rivers rushing down the moutain sides and pouring their waters into the parent ocean. And beautiful and true to nature as these conceptions are, they form, from the colonist's stand-point, but one side of the picture. The stern realities of the situation faced the pioneer, and he must be excused if, under the cir cumstances, he did not rise to the poetic, when the felling of the forests, the roading of the mountains and the bridging of the rivers stood between him and his future home.

It is not given to many colonists of active and useful colonial life, to look back through the dim vista of 60 years from the things which were to the things which are ; to trace the river from its source, from the tiny trickle on the mountain side, to follow its course, receiving tributary streams, until it pours into the parent ocean its mighty volume of waters. Mr Plimmer writes:—" New Zealand in 1900 is quite a different thing from New Zealand in 1841, when I and my family arrived herein the barque Gertrude, Captain Stead. We sailed from Gravesend on the nth June, 1841, under the auspices of the New Zealand Colonising Company. After a passage of about four months we arrived in what is now Port Nicholson, on the Ist October, 1841. 250 immigrants and about 30 other passengers were landed at Kaiwarra, and were lodged in some

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raupo huts, which had been built by the Maoris for our accommodation. During the passage, which in those days was considered a fairly good one, we had some very rough weather, and often had our decks swept by the waves. Once our bulwarks were carried away, but we had no serious accident involving loss of life. There were three deaths of children and about as many births, so that we arrived here with our full complement, although some of our passengers had joined us on the voyage. We had many pleasant and happy days on board ship ; we were, for the most part, all young and healthy, and were looking forward with hope to the ' Land of Promise,' the land of our adoption, and often calculated what pleasant homes we would build in this modern Goshen, the land ' flowing with milk and honey,' as our excited imaginations pictured it to be ; for it had been represented to us as a veritable Eden.

" But, alas, how grievously were we disappointed on our arrival. There were beautiful trees descending to the water's edge, the hills were green, the climate delightful, and the bay a splendid sheet of water. But the hills and valleys were covered with primeval forest. What little level land there was, was overgrown with fern and flax, except here and there where the Maoris had cleared a spot to plant their corn and potatoes. Instead of the Eden of our imagination, the wild and stern reality lay before us, and we were here to do the best we could with it. On board the ship we were all associated together, as it were, and could speak freely to each other of our gilded hopes ; all was provided for us and we had no thought for the morrow.

"But no sooner were we landed than all was changed, and our bright prospects vanished into thin air. We became isolated. and everyone had to provide in the best way he could for himself and those dependent upon him. There were many families without a penny, with no knowledge of work, or the means of obtaining a livelihood. They soon found out that not only had

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they no homes in this new land, but that their occupation was gone ; and that they had to commence life again under very different circumstances. There were young men who had never soiled their hands with toil—some with money, some without. Many of those who had money, for mere want of occupation, took to drinking and gambling until it was all gone, and then despair and its consequences. On the whole, I think, the majority of those who had no money came off better than those who had, as it drove them to get a living somehow, and, as ' necessity is the mother of invention,' it happened that, while those who had money were spending their substance in riotous living, the others were inuring themselves to the toil and hardships of colonial life. These, for the most part, made good colonists. How often have 1 seen their tender hands blistered and bleeding as they toiled with sad but courageous hearts. 1 have often been sorry for them, and spoke words of encouragement to them, and urged them to persevere. Almost the only work they could get to do was with the pick and shovel or barrow, or else to fell and carry timber out of the bush. But I never in after time remember—when the circumstances of the colony had improved, and work was easily obtained —hearing any one say that he repented of his perseverance, but rather rejoiced that he had overcome the first difficulties of colonial life. For my own part I had been early taught to earn my bread by the sweat of my brow. I had worked for some years in the forests of Dean, in Gloucestershire ; in Bawdley Forest in Worcestershire, and in many of the 'merry green woods' in England and Wales; so that although I had been for many years a builder and contractor I found no difficulty in commencing my new life in the colony. My past experience had made me so thoroughly practical that I could turn my hand to anything. The first thing I did was to build a wood collier's cabin, and to make some charcoal burn in it. In this place, which I was only one day in building, we lived pretty comfortably for a year. Perhaps, as many

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do not understand this primitive kind of architecture, which is very serviceable for a new colonist, as the material required generally grows on the spot, 1 will endeavour to describe its construction and form, for the benefit of future immigrants, either here or elsewhere, who may chance to read this story of my life. First choose a place for your building that is dry. and, if possible, where there is a good strong turf, then strike a circle on the turf of about 12 feet in diameter: cut out 4 poles, each about 1 j feet long, with forks at the upper ends ; place these at regular distances, the lower ends in the circle, locking the forks together in the centre at the top, then fdl in between these 7 principals with other straight poles, keeping the lower end of each on the circle and resting the other end on the principals at the top, continue thus until you have the whole circle filled in and closely packed together, leaving only an opening si.x feet by three and a half feet for the door, tying a short piece of wood across about six feet from the ground. This forms the top of the door. Be careful to place the door away from the prevailing winds. When the timbering i~ finished the thatching commences, which is done in the following manner:—Take a sharp spade and cut the turf within a foot of the circle, and continue so all round : cut the ed{ the turf thin, and the middle about one and a half inches thick, [ay these on the foot of the timbers all round, the low( resting on the ground, then lay the next row above these, overlapping them as if you were tileing, and so on to the top. This kind of thatching, if well done, will keep watertight for two years.

" The sleeping places are made by a large pole or each side, about two feet six inches from the centre inside, and another along the end of these about eight feet from the doorway. The beds are made inside tin which also form seats all round. 1 filled the bed places with a layer of ti-tree keeping the feathery end uppermost, then laid our bed on the top of that. This makes a luxurious, a very sweet and

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■ bed. The lire is made in the centre, of charcoal, which is quite safe, as the gases rise through the apex and permeate through the turf. You can thus sit all round your lire, ami cook in a clean and wholesome manner, without smoke or anything to annoy you.

"Our first experience of life in Maoriland, and of the Maori character, was of an unpleasant kind, although rather unique and original. When we landed on the beach there were great numbers of Maoris, both men and women, gathered round us. They willingly assisted us to carry our luggage to the sheds, and we noticed that they examined everything carefully. Just after dark, six of the largest men walked up to us, as we, with our wives and families, were sitting upon our luggage, their only covering being mats over their shoulders; the children were much frightened, and all of us disgusted. During the night they managed to convey away, in some mysterious manner, a large sack of biscuits, weighing two hundredweight, belonging to me. I soon found out that 1 had sustained a very serious loss. The immigrants who had arrived previous to us had fixed upon Petone as the most desirable place for a settlement. They soon discovered, however, that they had made a mistake ; they were unfortunate, as both lire and flood soon drove them from their chosen situation. They were leaving it when we arrived, and were returning to Wellington. As I had soon had as much as I wanted of Kaiwarra, I hailed a man who was driving a team of bullocks, and asked him if he would take my luggage to town (which, by the way, was not town at all) and what he would charge for the job ; he agreed to take it for thirty shillings. This was an extortion, being at the rate of about six shillings per cwt. for two miles. I was obliged, however, to accept his terms, as 1 did not like the alternative of stopping with our Maori neighbours. That night we had the blue dome of Heaven for our canopy. The next day I built the cabin, above-mentioned, on a section of land in Ingestre street, and we lived there until I built a good,

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substantial house, containing six not very large rooms. Before I could begin to build, I had to hunt up the owner of the land, and he agreed to let me have the acre on lease for 21 years, at a rental of forty-two pounds per annum. Such was the high value that landlords put upon their town lands in the fust years of the settlement of Wellington.

" On the return of the settlers from Petone, we may say the first settlement of the city of Wellington really commenced. The first street of any consequence was Lambton quay, which was then a beach, with scarcely room enough on which to build between the hill and highwater mark. Still, people did manage, somehow or other, to build stores; not such substantial buildings as we now see there, but chiefly of raupo, with here and there a more pretentious edifice of weatherboards. These buildings were often flooded at spring tides. But, before long, more imposing buildings began to appear in various parts of the city. Dr Butler built in Willis street, Captains Sharp and Robinson on the Terrace, and Dickey Barrett built Barrett's Hotel on land belonging to the Maoris, where the Government Printing Office formerly stood. The first house I saw building was called ' The Red House,' and its foundation was on the stumps of the trees cut off at a level of about two feet from the ground, so that the stumps served for a foundation, and the falls for part of the structure. This struck me as being quite a novel way of building. The proprietor was Mr George Young, who had been in New Zealand in the whaling trade some years before it became a British colony. Some years afterwards Robert Jenkins built the New Zealander Hotel. When I first knew him there were many old whalers and escapees living among the Maoris. Some of them were a great nuisance ; whilst others were well behaved, and of great service to the settlers, acting as interpreters between the two races, themselves becoming very good and loyal subjects."

CHAPTER II

Historical and Scientific Studies.

Since the " Revival of Letters," men's opinions have differed widely, not only on religion, but also on matters historical and scientific, and to this day no two schools of thought entertain precisely the same views on any given subject. Hence, while the views enunciated by Mr Plimmer may not meet with the entire approval of some modern scientists, the divergence of opinion will probably not be greater than has happened a thousand times before.

One thing, however, is made clear in the following chapter, viz., that in the midst of a life of more than ordinary activity and energy, he found time to read extensively, to observe the processes of Nature minutely, and to arrive at definite conclusions.

Mr Plimmer says:—"l would here like to make some observations on biology, aptly termed ' the science of life.' Why, if all men descended from one Adam, or, to speak more clearly, if men are all of one origin, should there be so many so-called different races? Perhaps nothing in the world's history has led to greater error than faith founded on ignorance, or want of knowledge. Moses, when writing the origin and history of Adam's race, never pretended to understand the biography, much less the biology, of the whole earth. He gave us the history of a certain people, whose origin he places in Asia Minor, somewhere on the banks of the Euphrates, and of

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the people of Israel's descent from them. And, so far as he goes, I believe he gave the best, in fact, the only history of Adam's race, the white population of the world. But, as he knew nothing of any other part of the globe, save and except Egypt and Arabia, so he could give no other history. Except in the case of Egyptian hieroglyphics, of the existence of which Moses was probably unaware, no other history has been handed down to us, and we have pinned our faith to that alone. Thus, also, we have believed that the world was destroyed by a universal flood, but how many believe it now ? That there have been floods of vast extent, or submersions, in various parts of the earth's surface, and at various periods of its history, is proved by the traditions of the various peoples, and more correctly by the teachings of geology. But these do not prove that the whole world was under water at the same time. For example : Egypt, when first visited by Abraham, about 300 years after the ' flood,' and about 20 years after the death of Noah, was discovered to be a vast and populous empire. Therefore the flood could not have extended to Egypt, the nearest neighbours to Noah's descendants. All modern researches prove that Thebes was built long before that time. Moses, in giving the history of Cain's expulsion, says ' he was banished into the Land of Nod,' or darkness. Ethiopia also signifies ' darkness!' Might not Cain have been sent to Egypt? And might not this account for the difference between the Egyptians and the other African races? The amalgamation of the descendants of Cain with the African races in Ethiopia and Egypt would be the cause of the cast of profile and lighter colour of the Africans of the peninsula of Egypt. And the mark of the Image of God, in the knowledge of the true God, would be the mark of preservation put on Cain. It would thus appear that Cain was not banished into a black country, but amongst a black people, who knew not God. If the above is the true solution of the question at issue, it follows, as a natural consequence, that there must have been more than one creation.

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And, it more than one, how many ? Why not a separate creation, white, black, yellow, etc. It has always appeared to me to be a great mistake to mix up the religious belief of one people with the civil history of all other peoplespeoples having no knowledge of the true religion : and yet by that religion we have condemned the civil history of all other peoples and countries as fabulous. This, no doubt, has been a grave mistake, as all modern researches in Egypt and India have proved. There is one peculiar difference between the white race and all other races: No coloured race has ever possessed the same knowledge of a Supreme Being as the white race. And, although we have spent millions of money and sacrificed the lives of hundreds of eminent missionaries, the result is that, after nearly two thousand years of operations, not one single coloured race of any importance has been truly converted to the Christian faith. Why is this ? Nations have been born and nations have died, and still their religion has remained as much a part of their nature as their colour. Is not this the true solution? They have not the spiritual capacity to understand it. Was not this given, this spiritual gift, to the latest and noblest of God's creations ? When Adam was created, Cod breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. Was not this ' breath of life,' this Mixing soul,' giving him a peculiar knowledge of himself. And is it not this gift which has given us superiority over all the coloured nations of the earth ? Knowledge is power, and if we have the privilege of drinking at the fountain head, how much more wisdom shall we possess than those who drink not of the stream ?

" I have made this digression to try to establish a fact, a fact which I think will before long be universally recognised. That is, the darkest coloured peoples are the oldest, and were the first created ; that the Chinese and Japanese are the youngest of the coloured races, and are yet in their prime, and that all others are the remnants of nationalities that have

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passed away. This Chinese nation, of four hundred millions, all of a peculiar type and family, is the greatest proof of a creation immeasurably antecedent to the white race. If we prove all other things by figures, if we measure the distance of the earth from the sun, and if we calculate the orbits and return of those vagrant bodies, the comets, and prove by

figures the truth of our calculations, and guided by the result of one thing, can prove the truth of another, surely it is not impossible to tell by the increase of one people, in a certain specified time, the age of another people the number of whose population we know. Let us take it for granted that when Julius Caesar invaded England, 51 8.C., now nearly two thousand years ago, the population of the British Isles numbered three millions. And, although we have been the most prosperous of nations on the face of the globe, it is doubtful, with all our superior advantages, whether our race, on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the colonies, exceeds one hundred millions at the present day.

" At the same rate of increase, how long would it take two persons (I date from the supposed creation of the yellow race) to increase to 400 millions, leaving Japan out of the calculation ? It is clear it would take many, many thousands of years. This gives, to my mind, ample proof of the great antiquity of the Chinese people, and also of the strong probability of other and older creations than that recorded by Moses in the Bible.

"This, however, does not in the least invalidate the truths of the Bible, nor does it release us from our responsibility, who were created under the last Dispensation, nor does it affect those who were created before us. The truths of their times were not the truths of our time. We have received a new Eevelation, and new truths have been revealed to us. The darkness that pervaded their minds, as it did the colour of their skins has been, in us, replaced by the glorious light of the gospel. This has revealed to us a knowledge of God, which they did not possess, and a sure and certain hope of everlasting life.

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•• I have often heard the question asked, ' Where did the Maoris come from ?' and have heard various answers to the question—some ingenious and far-fetched. But, to my mind, the best solution of the difficulty is their own tradition, that is, that an ancient ancestor called ' Maui ' fished their forefathers out of the sea. I have no doubt that New Zealand is a part of a large continent that once existed in these seas, and that, during some great disturbance of nature, it became submerged ; that the Maoris that were found in New Zealand were and are the descendants of those who by accident or otherwise were saved from the general destruction, either by being left on some mountain top or escaping in some canoe. Hence the tradition of being ' fished out of the sea.'

" There are people allied to the Maoris in Fiji, the Cook Islands, etc., who were probably a part of the same family, and were saved at the same time and by the same means. This is the more probable when we consider the similarity in the languages of the various groups of islands. lam told that a Maori and a Fijian can converse with each other without much difficulty.

" There are many indications of this immersion in the beds of the rivers in the South Island, the subsoil of whose beds is paved with the remains of ancient forests. The Canterbury Plains are a deposit produced by the united efforts of the ocean waves and the mountain streams during the period of immersion. It was then that the Moa and the Maori perished together ; or, if any of the Moas were saved, what more likely than that the few remaining Maoris, who had escaped the general overthrow, destroyed them for food ? Hence the apparent recent remains of both birds and eggs. These submerged forests are found not only in the beds and basins of rivers ; but in other places where the agency of water is not so obvious to the observer. In two wells I have had sunk, at a depth of 20 feet, we came upon timber that had once grown on the surface.

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" I once went out on an exploring expedition in the South Island for the purpose of discovering limestone. There had been a landslip on one of the mountains which I climbed to examine the formation, and seeing two or three black things, like large guns, sticking out from the surface of the slip, I at once proceeded to examine them. What was my astonishment to find they were the boles of very large trees with the butts standing outwards and the tops buried in the face of the cliff. I could easily tell that the butts were outwards, as they declined in thickness as they neared the rock in which they were imbedded. I struck one of them with a hammer and broke off a piece, and although they were perfect trees, compression, time, and subterranean agencies had turned them into beautiful specimens of coal.

" There is no doubt that fire and water were the principal agencies by which this former continent was destroyed. If you climb to the top of a high mountain and look below you will see in some parts an accumulation of little hills, which at once suggest the idea of a large cauldron boiling, and where the bubbles have cooled before they could fall back into the cauldron. Such is the formation of these New Zealand and Pacific Islands, and the above gives the true origin of the Maori race.

" I have already remarked that it is a great mistake to mix up the civil and political history of a people with the religious belief of the same. This is confirmed by the history of the Ancient World, and more especially by those of the Jews, the ancient Greeks and Romans, so much so that I cannot see how the truth of this statement can be successfully controverted. We find at the advent of Christ, the Scribes and Phai and more especially the priests, were so strongly imbued with superstition and national tradition that the truths from Heaven, which were at once the privilege and glory of their nation, appeared to them as fables. Now had their religion been free and clear of national traditions -traditions most likely handed

I'J

clown by weak and worldly priests, under the dictation of tyrant kings and rulers—a different state of things would have obtained. The Son of God, the Messenger of Truth, would have received another reception, a reception more in accordance with His life and holy embassy, and the people of Israel might still have dwelt in die Promised Land.

Could I remove, with fairy wand.

The mists that cloud the minds of men

Destroy the tangles at command.

And set them free to think again

Could I obliterate the page

Where Ignorance writ her ancient lore

Then Wisdom might their thoughts engage

And Superstition reign no more

Could I but break the tyrant's chain,

Reveal the Mystery of the past

And wipe from history's page the stain.

And ope' the Book of Truth at last

Tis said that Truth hides in a well,

But she lies 'neath the deep sea waves.

And there, in rocks and sands, doth dwell.

Where ancients lie still in their graves.

As down in depths of earth we find

Fama and plants of olden Time

There they lie in earth's bosom kind,

Converted all to coal and lime

But Science, offspring of Truth and God,

Shall mountains move and seas explore

And paths of knowledge by men be trod,

And Superstition reign no more."

CHAPTER 111.

Early Struggles, Enterprise and Progress.

The name of Mr John Plimmer is so closely identified' with the settlement, early struggles and the rise and progress of the Wellington province and city that the one stands as a counterpart of the other. In a word, he stands out as a representative man, representing both a period and a people. In studying the history of Mr Plimmer, we learn the history of the province and city of Wellington.

It may be easily imagined that by reason of the great numerical strength of the Maoris and the small number and widely scattered residences of the colonists, the early settlers were not infrequently exposed to imminent dangers. One instance that occurred to Mr Plimmer will sufficiently illustrate these dangers. He says; " Having brought out all kinds of builder's tools, splitters, mauls, wedges, etc., I began seriously to think of building for myself a permanent residence. As there was very little sawn timber to be obtained, I picked out a number of trees that I thought would split easily, such as honeysuckle, goigoi, to serve for scantling, and thus filled up my time and that of an apprentice whom I brought out with me. With his assistance I made good progress, until one day, about three weeks after my arrival, I discovered what was to me a new feature in the Maori character. I had fallen a large tree, some three feet in diameter, with a beautiful head of foliage. The tree, in falling, had struck the brush fence of a Maori garden, and I went to see if any damage had been done. While stooping down, a Maori chief, named Emoiri, had crept up on the other side without my hearing him, and as I raised my head he struck at me with all his might. By good luck I turned and saw the tomahawk, so that he missed my head, but not so my hat. As I had my little boy with me, I thought that if I ran away he would kill the child. I there-

21

fore made up my mind in an instant that I would fight him,. and ran to the butt of the tree to get my axe, returning along the bole of the same to meet my foe. But lo ! He seemed paralysed. In striking the tremendous blow at me my hat had offered little resistance, and his foot had slipped; he had trapped himself among the branches, and was perfectly at my mercy. I shall never forget the hideous look on his tattooed face, which had turned a nasty dark yellow, and as I swayed the felling axe over his head, he shrank back in the branches till I thought the fright had killed him. Just at this moment Motoraha, the head chief, appeared on the scene, with more than a hundred Maoris, and I thought my time was come. But when they saw the position my antagonist was in they could not control their mirth, and sang out, ' Kapai the pakeha. Xewey-newey, malarora.' The old chief came and held out his hand to me, saying : ' Kapai, kapai the pakeha. Me very hungry, ho mai a herimi. Me very hungry.' So I gave him half-a-crown, and was very glad to get out of the scrape. Meanwhile the bellicose chief had escaped, and was so ashamed of himself that I never saw his face again."

Mr Plimmer, continuing his reminiscences, remarks in passing : " Where the high water washed the foot of the woodcovered hills, where Lambton quay now is, with its shops and stores, filled with goods from all parts of the globe, the transfiguration is so great that I am unable to form an idea how it occurred. The first time I came along the ' Beach' I overtook a poor woman trying to carry a bed. There was a heavy wash on the beach at the time, so that she could not pass, and she was sitting on the bank quite exhausted. I took her bed on my back and carried it through the water, she following as best she could. I remember we both got very wet. This will give some idea of what Lambton quay was like 60 years ago. Te Aro Flat, which now forms Te Aro and Cook Wards, and is peopled by at least 20,000 persons, engaged in civilised and industrial occupations, was, except that part from Courtenay

22

place to the cricket ground, an impassable bog. On the bank were two or three large Maori pahs, containing several hundreds of Maoris. It was there that I first saw a Maori dance, which, though novel, was not a pleasant sight. I thought it a weird and unholy devil's dance, but we soon became accustomed to it.

" One stormy night, the wind blowing strongly from the north-west, the houses on the Beach caught fire; not only the fragile buildings, but most of the stores and furniture were destroyed. I well remember hastening with many others to the Beach, hoping to be of service in saving something from the devouring element; but when I came to 'Clay Point,' where Barrett's Hotel now stands, the whole was one mass of flame from there to Woodward street. The wind brought the flames round the point with such heat that I was forced to run into the bay up to my middle to save myself. It was a glorious but melancholy sight, when I considered the effects on our future. Bread, butter, meat and other necessaries of life became scarce and dear, and often we could only get potatoes and pork to eat, and these chiefly from the Maoris.

" Another, and still greater, calamity, which indeed very nearly filled up the measure of our misery, was the ' Wairau Massacre.' It stunned us; but immediately the first scarewas over we pulled ourselves together, got what arms we had, and prepared to go and take summary vengeance on the traitorous Maoris. The Government, however, sent down the Government brig to Stop us, and it waswell they did so, asthe Maoris immediately lied to the North Island, and our expedition would have been useless. After this all of us who were able to bear arms were called out to drill, and this lasted for a long while; the young men were marched out to the Ilutt and Porirua, and the married men left to guard the inlets to the city.

"About this time many murders were committed in country places; whole families were brutally cut to pieces at the

23

Hutt ami on the Porirua mail. These are only some of the things that happened in • the good old times,' as the people now living in peace in the province are wont to call them.

"The fust actual war with the Maoris broke out on 7th January, 1855. What happened afterwards belongs properly to the National History of New Zealand, and here it is not my intention to enlarge upon it. Vet, in spite of all these drawbacks, I began to like the country, I made up my mind to stay and work hard for fourteen years. [ believe the very dangers by which we were surrounded incited me to stay and conquer them. In the meantime the soldiers arrived; this gave us confidence and courage, as well as time to attend to our different callings. They brought money and made work, and were the cause of large shipments of cattle, flour and other necessaries arriving, which were much needed. Thus, in spite of the untoward outlook of the war, colonisation began in real earnest.

••Those who live in these happier times must remember that in those days we had work to do. and must do it or die. We were in the position of a ship's crew who, when they landed, destroyed their ship in order that there might he no means oi retreat, and we had to make good our stand, to conquer the country, and the Maoris, too, if they interrupted us. I may here remark, however, that I do not remember an act of injustice done to the Maoris by the first settlers of WellingtonHow we accomplished the work we had to do. the present position of the colony will best answer the question.

" I verily believe there is nothing in true manhood that incites to resist danger and to persevere in overcoming difficulties so powerful as love. Most of the New Zealand Company's immigrants were well chosen. They were the flown ol British tradesmen and labourers, young, strong, and full of courage, of ages from 25 to 40, just in the prime of life, with wives and children in whom their 1< 1 entrated. The man must be a dastard and a coward who would not fight to the

24

death in the defence and for the support of those loved and helpless ones dependent upon him. The men I speak of were neither dastards nor cowards, and the results show that they did their duty valiantly and well.

" I shall never forget when first I rambled in amongst the hills and shadowed glens that then surrounded the site of this city. Full of enthusiasm and wonder at the beauty and variety of the natural productions of this, our adopted home, I resolved to fight hard and obtain a home in it. In every sequestered glen wererippling streams meandering through the thick foliage, and when I gazed upon something which I thought the perfection of beauty, I had only to go a few steps further to find something more beautiful still. Often have I travelled about lost in admiration, but not in the same state of mind as the poet who wrote the following lines :

Half hoping, half afraid to meet

Some kind inspiring power,

But half afraid that in my walk

I should meet a Maori with a tomahawk

" These walks were very alluring, and at the same time as I gained knowledge of the natural productions of the country they had sharpened my wits and made me watchful and cautious and better prepared either to avoid or meet the dangers with which the circumstances of the times brought me into contact.

" I may here inform the reader that some of the reminiscences of these early days, in which I played a part, are not given strictly in order of time, but as they recur to my memory. They are, however, true both as to place and circumstances.

"Not long after my arrival, 1 went with Mr Robert Packs, the company's surveyor, to the farther end of Karori. Dr. Butler went with us to see a section of a hundred acres he had there. It was then I shot my first bird in New Zealand. At this time there was no road, but a narrow Maori track. When we came to the highest land in Karori we stopped to rest

25

under a tall pine tree, and a kaka began to scream at us from the top. My companions said I could not hit him, but as they challenged me, I thought I would try. Where I stood I could just perceive him through the foliage, and I took aim at once. Being directly under him, I hit him in the lower jaw, and he fell down into our midst, baptising us with his blood.

"One day, in the early forties, I had occasion to visit the jail, which, by the way, was a raupo hut, in which were huddled all sorts of characters, among them being escaped convicts from Van Dieman's Land ; they had leg irons on, but their hands were free. Whilst I was in conversation with one of the inmates, a six-oared whaleboat was drawn up on the beach, and the crew left her, oars and all, at the water's edge. 'Whether this was done by accident or design, never was known, so far as I could learn. I thought nothing of the matter, as there were many whalers about and they frequently came on shore in their boats. The six convicts were allowed to walk on the beach, and hobble in and out of the jail pretty much as they pleased. Presently they walked towards the boat, and in less than a minute they had launched her, jumped aboard, taken to the oars, and were in deep water before anyone could inform the jailer. Several boats were quickly in pursuit of the runaways, but they were well up to their work, and kept well in advance of their pursuers. It was a most exciting race, and they were followed to the heads, whence the boats in chase returned, not caring to face the open sea. Of course the authorities were much put out at the escape of the six desperate men, and a large reward was offered for their capture. Nothing, however, was heard of them for about a week, when the people were startled by several canoes coming round the point full of Maoris. We all rushed down to the beach to learn the meaning of this unexpected visit. We soon found out that the Maoris had captured the prisoners, and had brought them tied together hands and feet, like pigs, in the bottom of the canoes. It was afterwards found that, when the convicts got

26

out into the Straits, a strong wind drove them into Palliser Bay and wrecked the boat, the men escaping to land somewhere near the outlet of the Wairarapa Lake, in the Lower Valley.

“ When the Maoris got information of the reward, they seized them, and brought them in the manner described, and got the money. They were tried soon after, and it was proved they were runaway convicts. They were sent back to Van Dieman s Land, and I read an account of some of them being hanged not long after.”

We have before remarked that Mr Plimmer's early experience in woodcraft, and later in following the trade of a builder, stood him in good stead on his arrival in this newcolony. We will, however, let Mr Plimmer tell his own tale. He says:—

"As there were at this time no brick buildings, and no materials or money to build them with, I had to consider what was best to be done, and by way of making a start, I employed some labourers to cut down timber for different purposes. Some I split into shingles, some into posts and rails, and some I burned into charcoal for blacksmiths and a brewery, which about that time commenced business where the Wellington Club now stands. This turned out a profitable business. There were at that time very few money transactions, and I generally made a bargain to take one third in money and two thirds in goods—such as flour, sugar, tea and sometimes drapery—at wholesale prices. I paid my men in the same proportions. This suited them very well, as retail goods were very dear. I tried to deal with the Maoris for some timber they were felling to clear land for gardens, but I soon found I was no match for them. I arranged, as I thought, with a chief, to fell the bush on two acres of land, and paid two pounds ten shillings for it, but when I took some men next day, there were nearly ioo Maoris on the ground, each demanding two pounds ten shillings. So I was obliged to clear out with the loss of the money I had paid the chief. Another time I cut down a fine

27

tree to saw into timber for my home. The Maoris let me fall the tree, and then went and informed Major Richmond, who was Acting-Lieutenant Governor, that 1 had cut down a tapued tree. This caused a great row, and I was summoned before the Major for cutting down the tree. Now the tree happened to be within the boundaries set apart for cutting wood by the white people. After a good deal of talk, the interpreter agreed with the Mamis that 1 should have the tree if I paid a sovereign for it, so I paid the money and there was no more about the tapu. That tree yielded 3000 feet of timber and seven cords of firewood. Some of the timber is at present in one of the oldest houses in Wellington, which I built in 1841.

" One of the greatest difficulties encountered by the early settlers in their building operations was the scarcity of lime. In fact it was unobtainable, except in small quantities. I was offered a large job, if I could procure lime, to build a house for Judge Halswell, on what was then called Martin's farm, at Ohiro. I took a journey round the bay to see if I could discover limestones, but could find none. However, I discovered two men engaged in burning shell lime. I asked them if they could supply me with lime for the job, but I found their price three shillings and sixpence per bushel far above what 1 could affnrd to give. I thus saw that if I would have lime 1 must make it myself. I started on the Wednesday morning with my apprentice, and by Saturday night we had burned as much lime as at the above price would have cost me seven pounds. This gave me the idea of turning lime-burner on a large scale. I explored Evans Hay on the following Monday and found plenty of shells. I then went to Mr Martin, and as he had a good team of bullocks, I agreed with him to cart me shells from Evans Bay and firewood from his farm, and I would get the Judge's home finished at once. Having no money to begin with, I borrowed £io from l)r 1 hitler, which I promised to repay in a month, and although I dropped the

28

price of lime to one shilling and sixpence per bushel, I was able to redeem my promise to the doctor. I continued the business of lime-burning and building until the first earthquake in 1848. The earthquake put a stop to the lime trade. In the mean time I had bought from Sir J. Weld the land on which Barrett's hotel now stands, and I had a house built upon it. This house I had let to the Government for offices. " The earthquake gave the building a terrible shaking, and

the officers got a terrible scaring, barely escaping with their lives. In common with my neighbours, I was a heavy loser by the earthquake; my lime trade was ruined ; my property almost destroyed, and we were all at our wits' end. After repairing my home and making good the damage done by the earthquake, I let it to Mr R. Barrett. It happened in this way : Mr Barrett had built a hotel on the land where the old Government Printing Office afterwards stood. The Government wanted the site and made him and his tenant, a Mr Suisted, an offer to give it up. Mr Barrett made me an offer for my house, conditionally on my making certain alterations. I accepted his terms, and the license was removed to the present house in 1848. This is the origin of the present Barrett's hotel. At that time I was employed to rebuild several of the houses that had been thrown down. I also built several new ■ones. These houses were built of wood, as people were afraid to live in brick houses.

" Two years later, 1850, something happened which quite changed my occupation. An American ship was wrecked in the harbour. She had struck on the rock at the entrance to the harbour, and was leaking badly, so the captain ran her on Te Aro shore. After some negotiation, she came into my hands for the sum of /"80. Sir George Grey, the then Governor of New Zealand, kindly gave me permission to place the ship opposite Barrett's hotel, for the purpose of making a wharf. After much trouble and no little expense, we succeeded in placing her in the required position. She was a ship

2g

of 650 tons, built at St. John's, New Brunswick, and was named the ' Inconstant,' but the people of Wellington christened her ' Noah's Ark,' which name she retained to the end of her existence. When I had got her firmly fixed in her proper position and secured in every possible way, I cut down her upper works, and built a large building over the hull, 68 feet by 30 feet. The Government allowed me to make a bonded store of the lower part, and granted me a license for it. This is the history of Noah's Ark.

(Extract from “ The New Zealand Journal," London, June 28, 1851.

A wharf named " Plimmer's Wharf" has been completed at Wellington, immediately opposite Barrett's Hotel. The structure is thus described :—" It is formed out of the hull ot the barque Inconstant, which has been sunk and floored over and a substantial store, 6oft. x 40ft. built upon it. The lower part is clear fore and aft, and is well adapted for the stowage of casks, etc. The wharf floor is divided by a passage, which runs through the centre of the building to a cleared space at the end, on which a crane is fixed for the purpose of landing goods —there being sufficiency of water to allow vessels of small tonnage to discharge alongside. On each side of the passage is a counting house and a large store : the one on the left and the room above are occupied by Messrs James Smith and Co., as a warehouse and auction room, which extends over the area of the building, and is, we think the largest room in Wellington." The Messrs Smith inaugurated their sale-room on the 14th of March. A sumptuous lunch was provided by the company on the occasion. It is not for us to decide how far this lunch might contribute to the price of £6 15s per foot, which was paid on the occasion by Mr Plimmer for some land on Lambton quay.

" I had almost forgotten to mention that when we arrived on the coast of New Zealand we were nearly shipwrecked on entering the Heads. I was not sailor enough to know ex-

3°

actly what occurred, but something went wrong aloft, tin yards appeared to me to have got locked together; the shi] was making leeway, and rapidly. Our captain seemed to have lost his presence of mind ; but the mate and the carpentel sprang aloft, and, a fortunate gust of wind coming just at the right time and in the right direction, enabled those aloft tc clear the yards, the ship immediately gathering way, and we were soon clear of the danger, but it was a narrow shave.

" It is only reasonable to suppose that settlers in a new colony should encounter many dangers, and we were not exempt from occurrences of a more or less dangerous character. I well remember on one Sunday, six or seven of us started for a long walk. We went over the hills, where the gaol is built, to avoid the bog, which, until after the earthquake of 1885, was quite impassable. We came down where Newtown now is, and after much struggling through toi-toi and flax, we finally made our way to the Heads. Here I met with a laughable accident, which might have turned out serious had I been alone. I was standing on a steep rock, where the water had cut a deep rift, when suddenly my feet slipped, and I fell into the rift. The rush of water caught me and doubled me up between the rocks. I was quite unable to stir, being jammed between the rocks, my feet out of the water on one side and my head on the other. My companions quickly rescued me from my awkward position.

" I got a worse fright than slipping into a rift not long after. An acquaintance, who shall be nameless, went with me out into the bush to shoot pigeons, but found them very scarce. On our return through a thick bush, my mate leading, I happened to turn round, when I saw a fine pigeon on a low bush. I immediately fired and brought down my bird. At that moment I felt the muzzle of my mate's gun against my ear. I jumped suddenly aside, and called out to him, ' What the devil do you mean ?' He dropped the muzzle of the gun, looked very much dismayed, and walked on. I have never quite made out

3"

whether this was a rough practical joke on the part of my quondam friend, or the result of insanity. Be that as it may, I took good care never to go out shooting with him again.

" About this time two brothers, merchants, of the name of Wade, had built a schooner on the Te Aro beach, of about 30 tons, and launched her. On the Sunday following they took her out on a trial trip across the harbour. When off the point going towards the Heads a heavy squall came on. and threw the vessel on her beam ends. I could see the sails touch the water. She, however, righted herself, and just then a more violent squall struck her, and she turned completely over and sank. Boats immediately started to the rescue, and all were saved but one man. I think he was the editor of the first paper printed in Wellington. I do not think his body was ever recovered. The schooner lies, or what is left of her, in the deepest part of the bay. They had neglected to put sufficient ballast in her.

" The Maoris were accustomed to look on in bewilderment at the havoc we made in the forest on every side, to build houses and for fencing and firewood.

What did the nymphs and elfins say,

Who in New Zealand held full sway,

So many thousand years

When Christian vandals, axe in hand.

Began to cut and clear the land,

They shed regretful tears

They knew their 'lotted time was past,

And of their days had seen the last

In Zealandia's happy Isles ;

They knew full well the time had come

For them to seek another home.

To court fair Nature's smiles.

3 2

On hill, on dell, their native bowers,

Their evergreens and lovely flowers,

Would fall neath ruthless axe;

Their feathery ferns, delightful shade,

No longer beautify the glade

They melt away like wax

The glassy lakes and rippling rills,

That laughing, dancing from the hills,

Till resting in the plain,

Where water naiads, elfins gay,

Together did revert to play

They ne’er shall see again

With wailing voice and weeping eyes,

They gave one look toward the skies,

A mournful look ’tis true,

Then sprang aloft with wings of light

And saddened hearts, those spirits bright,

Into the ether blue,

Don’t think that Providence in vain

Has decked with flowers the level plain.

For guardians, though unseen,

Guide running rill, meandering stream —

And soft spring shower and sunny gleam

To keep them fresh and green.

Oh, think of this, and learn to know,

Nor Light and Heat, no flow'r can grow,

And want peculiar care,

That in His wisdom God has given

Them special guardians, sent from Heaven,

Bright spirits, free and fair

" When the first earthquake shocks occurred, in 1848, our buildings were for the most part of such a primitive character that comparatively little real damage was done, except the loss of chimneys and the destruction of glass and china. It was, however, very severe while it lasted. I well remember

33

the day. My wife and I were sitting talking in our house, Mrs Plimmer nursing a baby; when suddenly, books, china, glassware and other articles were hurled from the shelves across the room. My poor wife came in for the worst of the pelting ; and even in a moment of extreme peril, I remember noticing that the maternal instinct caused her to bend over the child, to defend it from the fury of the attack. Such was the violence of the commotion, that I was totally unable to render her any assistance. My wife was sore afterwards from numerous bruises, but, for myself, I escaped without much damage.

" Immediately after the earthquake came a heavy storm from the South. Te Aro Flat was literally flooded. I had recently built a culvert near where the Gas Works now stand, to carry oft the water from the bog. I received a message from Mr Fitzherbert that the culvert had been washed away. I at once set out to ascertain the amount of damage, and to see if anything could be done. I discovered that the earth on each side had been washed away, but the culvert, which was built of Roman cement, still stood, and though it was three feet in diameter, not more than a sixth part of the water could possibly pass through it. The storm was still increasing, and my topcoat, being saturated with water, became so heavy that I found it difficult to get about. When I returned to the stream, where Kebbell's mill was afterwards built, I did not know how to cross it. I got on to a high bank, for the purpose of taking a running jump, but the bank, being undermined, gave way, and threw me into the middle of the stream. I rolled over and over like a cork, for perhaps 20 yards, when the water threw me on the bank on the right side, in a very miserable state.

" It must be remembered that in those days there were few roads, and" such as they were, were generally narrow tracks between flax and ti-tree, and difficult to follow in the dark. Our baker had dug a large hole near his house, for clay to build his oven. This in a short time became filled with

34

water. I remember going to the baker's one very dark night, when, as I reached the door, there was a tremendous splashing in this water-hole. A previous customer, having mistaken the track, had tumbled headlong into this hole. We soon fished him out, minus his bread, not much the worse for his ducking.

'■ After 1848, as people did not like to live in brick or clay houses, the real age of wooden houses commenced. After a while, however, merchants and shopkeepers began to build in brick, as a protection against fire, as insurance was very high on wooden buildings. Thus, when the second disastrous earthquake occurred in 1855, it did immense damage, as most of the buildings were either demolished, or so much shaken as to be untenantable.

" There were three distinct, heavy shocks, beginning on Monday. There was a continuous quivering between them, which, in a manner, linked them together. That on the Monday was the lightest of the three, and did not do much damage, but on Tuesday there was a much heavier shock, and many chimneys fell, and large brick stores were seriously damaged, especially those with heavy slate roofs, by breaking the bond of the brickwork and splitting the angles. This was the case with a large bonded store belonging to Captain Rhodes, which was full of bonded goods. I was sent for to see if I could do anything to prevent it from falling. I thought I might clamp it together with iron rods and plates. I at once got these prepared, and employed two brickmakers to make holes through the walls for their reception. I had just climbed a long ladder, or rather two ladders lashed together, and had just reached the eaves of the building, where I proposed to insert the rods; I had caught hold of the slates, and was in the act of leaning over to get a clearer view, when the third and most violent shake commenced. With some difficulty I regained a firm footing on the ladder, when I saw it was certain death to go down. So I held fast to the slates on both sides of the ladder, and held on for my life. Sometimes the rocking building leaned over so far that I could scarcely hold the ladder to

55

the wall. It was a horrid and perilous situation, but I did not lose my presence of mind, and held on till the shake slackened in force, for I thought I might have some chance if I went down with the building.

" In the meantime the gable end fell with a tremendous crash, close to where the head of the ladder was set, and the shake gradually diminished to a light quivering. I stood still for a short time, to recover my breath, when, from my elevated position, I took a good view of the town all around me. The sight was at once appalling and distressing ; chimneys were down, houses seriously damaged, and the gable end of the new Weslevan chapel in Manners street had collapsed, and the building was otherwise seriously injured.

" But the most curious thing that attracted my attention, was the way in which the Te Aro bog was moving. It was rolling like a heavy sea, but looked more like a field of waving corn in a high wind.

" I made an examination to see how the ladder on which I stood was secured from slipping sideways, and was astonished to discover that it had ground its sides through two thicknesses of slates to the wall plates of the building. I need merely add that I lost no time in descending to terra firma—although, at that particular time, it did not suggest the idea of firmness.

“ This was the great historic earthquake which raised the land in and around Wellington four or five feet.

“ When I had descended to the ground, as above related, a great revulsion of feeling came over me, but I was soon myself again. My first thought was about my wife and children, and I set off at a great rate towards 1 Clay Point,’ but the crowd in Manners street was so dense and so excited that it was difficult to get along. Here a sad fatality had occurred. The sergeant in charge of the commissariat stores and his two children were killed. They had escaped from the building and were standing under a wall which surrounded it, not more than six feet high. This wall fell and killed them. Strange

36

to say, the building stood and was not much damaged. I may here remark, that when an earthquake occurs it is safer, on the whole, to remain in a building than to go outside. The walls almost invariably fall outwards, and not unfrequently the roof retains its position.

"As soon as I could force my way through the crowd, I hastened to my home to ascertain how my family had fared in the general overthrow. I was rejoiced to find them all safe and sound on ' Clay Hill,' and, although all around me was in ruins, I did not seem to mind. In common with my neighbours, I looked upon the labour of years destroyed at one stroke. But we all breasted the waves of adversity with good courage, and, in an incredibly short time, the disastrous effects of the great earthquakes of 1855 began to disappear.

" What vexed me most was that my old ship, the Ark, had been thrown over; the upheaval of the sea bottom had loosened the props and supports and she was lying on her bilge, and some hundreds of tons of goods were thrown on to the lower side, but otherwise not much damaged. However, after much toil and expense, I succeeded in righting the old ship, and got her replaced firmly and safely in her old position. What goods were damaged I paid for and took myself—some I used and some I sold.

'■ As might be expected, I had many calls immediately after the earthquake to repair buildings that had been damaged and to rebuild those destroyed, and I was busily engaged with a large staff of men for a considerable time. Among the first of these was a large store, 60 feet by 30 feet, belonging to Sit \Y. Fitzherbert. The building was seriously damaged, the walls being for the most part down, but the roof still stood. I rebuilt the walls and restored the building, greatly to Sir William's satisfaction, both as to workmanship and cost ; indeed, he was so pleased, on his return from Sydney, where he had been to bring over a new schooner he had had built there, that much to my astonishment, he sent me, as a present, a cartload of Hour, sugar, tea and some liquors and wines.

37

"In speaking of this well-known gentleman—l did busiwith him off and on for 40 years—I feel bound to say that he was a most honourable and upright man ; stern and uncompromising to those who did evil, but just to all, and withal kind to those who did right and who acted honestly.

" And thus the years rolled on, and although we all experienced the sharp ups and downs of early colonial life, there are not many of us who are alive to look back upon the last sixty years, who regret that a kind Providence led us to leave the Old Country and build our homes in this far distant dependency of the Empire."

OtR Home In The South,

Far away in the south where the ocean expands,

Beneath the star-spangled sky there are many fair lands;

But New Zealand's the fairest my eyes e'er have seen,

Where mountains and valleys are clothed in rich green.

Had the gods but to choose an Olympia again

Their choice it would be in this fair southern main,

Where goddesses and graces would spend laughing hours,

And the fern trees and broad ferns form the loveliest bowers.

Here the mountains' high heads to the heavens aspire,

And the sun gilds their tops like a beacon of fire

And their snow-covered shoulders form a splendid white throne,

Where Jove and his conclave might sit all alone.

In the valleys bold Cupid, so fervent in love,

Might shoot his sharp arrows at the pretty grey dove,

And Diana might hunt 'neath the wide spreading pines,

With a crown of white (lowers from the tree-climbing vines.

38

Young nations are growing in this ocean so grand,

Joined together in friendship, so strong is the band

'Tis cemented with blood ; they will stand like a tower,

Like their ancestors, fight against all other power

Old England, the land of the brave and the free

As thou hast been strong, so thy children shall bi

We will raise up thy banner of red white and blue,

And to loyalty, honour, and freedom be true

Here fair nature has planted a garden so fair,

That our first parents' home with it cannot compare

So lovely the climate, with health-giving breath.

That it almost defies our grim enemy Death,

The ribs of New Zealand are spangled with gold.

The face of the land will bear riches untold,

Here farmers in harvest of gold-coloured grain.

Reap abundance produced by the sun and the rain

It should be the home of the happy and blest

Where the rich should find peace and the needy find rest.

Then why should we smart under fell Depression's shroud,

In this land that is blessed both by nature and God ?

We are now approaching a period in the history of New Zealand, and more especially that of the North Island, when the infant settlements in the Wellington, Taranaki and Poverty Bay provinces were reduced to the greatest straits, and reduced almost to despair, by reason of the outbreak of hostilities with the Maoris. We have already mentioned the numerous murders committed by the natives in and around Wellington and of the terrible massacre at Wairau, in the province of Marlborough; then occurred the outbreak near Wanganui, when the Gilfillan family were murdered, and many other settlers lost their lives, and those who escaped had to leave their homes to the mercy of a relentless foe, and retire to Wanganui. In these outbreaks the citizens of Wellington bore their full

19

share of deprivations, loss and danger. Settlement in the interior received a serious check, from which it did not recover for many years. The townships were thronged with refugees, trade was paralysed, and the able-bodied men were compelled, in self defence, to take tip arms for the protection of their homes and families. In 1860, however, war broke out on a more extensive scale, and taxed the resources of the various provinces and the British troops to the utmost. In 1865, a still more general outbreak occurred, in which the Waikato natives joined, and the Colonials, supported by British troops, became engaged with a formidable and treacherous foe in a struggle for life.

During this time, fraught as it was with danger to the lives and property of the colonists, Mr Plimmer performed his part in what may be termed the second line of defence. The married and elder men were formed into companies for the defence of the towns, while the younger and unmarried men went to the front.

It is not intended to give a history of the Maori wars in this work. First, because that is a matter which appertains more especially to the History of New Zealand, and further, because it has already been done by men who were in the midst of the fighting, and who were eye witnesses of the occurrences that took place.

It is common with many who have settled in New Zealand since 1870 to speak of the early history of the colony as " the good old times," and to deprecate the toil, energyand determination of those who preceded them. It is well to remind such that in these early times it was not all plain sailing, and that those sturdy colonists who lived through them could tell a different tale.

" We're but the remnant of that crew-

That left our native land,

To seek a country wild and new,

We joined with heart and hand,

40

We'd courage for our Polar Star,

And honour for our guide ;

Were brave and young, our hearts were strong

With pluck and British pride

We left the old historic shore,

But did not come alone

We brought our wives and children,

From their much-loved English home

And well they did assist us,

With true and honest heart

Whatever good or evil came,

They bravely bore their part

And now, my friends, again we mee

To celebrate the day,

When first we landed on these shores

Though some have passed away

But still, their memory is not lost

And, like them, we're content

To leave the works that we have done

To be our monument."

Note by the Author :—The above pretty little poem was written many years ago by Mr John Plimmer, on the occasion of a meeting of old colonists.

Further note.—The reader will bear in mind that all poetry published in this work was written by Mr John Plimmer.

CHAPTER IV.

Loyalty.

There is abundant evidence that the " Father of Wellington," Mr John Plimmer, has been consistent, steadfast, and unswerving in his loyalty to the throneand the Empire throughout his long and eventful career. It may appear strange to the younger generation that it is necessary to refer to this subject in the case of one born in England. Loyalty to the (jueen and Empire is now so universal throughout Great Britain and her colonies that a disloyal subject is now looked upon with contempt and scorn. The Mother Country has, of late years, by wise legislation, liberal concessions to, and careful consideration for her colonies and dependencies, so drawn them round her, and knitted them into one compact and united whole, that a reference to the firm and undeviating loyalty of any individual subject may seem out of place.

Time was, however, and that well within the memory of many now living, when the influence of the Little Englander and Exeter Hall party, who then presided over the destinies of the Empire, exercised a repelling influence upon the colonies, treated them with neglect and indifference, and well nigh alienated the colonies from the Mother Country. Had such harsh treatment as was then meted out to the British dependencies beyond the sea been continued to the present day, it is difficult to say what might or might not have been the result. In those days, it was common among the party above indicated, to speak of the colonies as an encumbrance, and to intimate pretty plainly, that the sooner the colonies severed themselves from the old land, the better the old land would be pleased.

Fortunately for the Old Country, and for the colonies also, these wiseacres failed in their unpatriotic purpose. The

42

time came when wiser counsels prevailed. Men of far-reach-ing patriotism, wisdom and intellect succeeded the miserable nonentities in the management of the affairs of the nation ; the great importance of the colonies was recognised; efforts were made to draw them nearer to the Mother Land; the colonists were stimulated and encouraged, and loyalty has ever since remained steady, firm and undeviating, as the needle to the Pole.

All honour, then, to those colonists who, like Mr John Plimmer, remained firm in their allegiance to their Queen and country throughout all these vicissitudes and changes, and slights and insults received from those from whom they were entitled to expect better things.

The following poetical productions, written at great intervals of time, will sufficiently indicate Mr Plimmer's loyalty to Queen and Empire:—

Ox Her Majesty's Birthday.

Victoria, oh Victoria, this is thy natal day,

For many more returns of it, thy people all shall pray.

Britannia is thy mother, Neptune thy sire should be,

For thou art Empress of the Earth, and Queen of all the Sea.

There's not a civilised nation, this day on the round world,

But shall do homage to thy name, when England's flag's unfurled;

With the mighty roar of cannon, it shall sound from shore to shore,

Victoria's name shall soar in flame, the Earth's wide surface o'er.

Victoria is as good as great, unspotted is her name

She is virtuous, she is merciful, ami well deserves her fame,

For all the graces are combined in England's Royal Queen ;

Prosperity and peace have been the blessings of her reign.

43

Monarchs of Earth both great and small, like stars around the Sun,

Shall bow to her, as they to Sol, wherever he doth run ;

They shall reflect her glory, her wisdom shall proclaim,

And in every tongue shall praise be sung unto Victoria's name.

There have been Queens upon the Earth, some royal, great and good,

But none to equal England's Queen have flourished since the flood;

Semiramis, Zenobia, Cornelia, and good Queen Bess,

The voice of fame proclaims their name, Victoria lives to bless.

The Lion and the Rose.

Xo need hath Merry England

To fear her hostile foes,

While her rock-girt shore is ocean bound.

And the Lion guards the Rose.

Such gems of beauty and of might

No other nation knows,

Courage and beauty both unite

In the Lion and the Rose

While Britain to herself is true

And ocean round her flows,

Let honour guard Red, White and Blue

As the Lion guards the Rose

And while it's so, her foe will know,

If e'er it conies to blows,

Our sons can guard our daughters fair,

As the Lion guards the Rose.

The heroic sons of Britain,

Our daughters fair and wise,

For courage and for beauty, too,

Will always gain the prize,

-ti

Then we'll be loyal to our Queen,

And staunch against her foes,

Ever true to the Red, White and Blue

As the Lion to the Rose

The Call to Arms

From Africa we hear a call,

A rumour fills the air,

That Britons all must fight, or fall

By means that are unfair

Then gather round our standard, boys I

And let our foemen know

That we will fight to guard our right,

As our fathers used to do.

We'll have no slaves in Africa,

The Khalifa's race is run

We'll fight the Boers as we fought him

Till Freedom's cause is won.

Think not we are to blame, boys

We only claimed our right.

We asked our brother's liberty

1 Int we never thought to fight.

We only wanted from the Boers

What they from us did get

The tyrants would not yield the point,

But we mean to have it yet,

Whoe'er enslaves a Briton born

Insults us every one

No matter where our country lie

Beneath the glorious Sun.

Whether it be in Africa,

Or here in Maori Land,

We'll fight for Queen and Liberty

Where'er she doth command.

CHAPTER V.

Legislative and Municipal Matters.

We have remarked before that Mr Plimmer always took a very lively interest in public, and, indeed, in all matters appertaining to the welfare of the colony. When the Town Board, the precursor of our present City Council, was established, he was elected a member of that body. And when the city was declared a municipality, he was elected a member of what was then called the Municipal Council. In the second general election for the Provincial Council, Mr Plimmer was elected a member of that body, and thus he was enabled to take a leading part in the general politics of the province. Mr Featherston was at that time Superintendent of the province, and Mr Griffiths was Speaker of the Council. Few, very few, of the old identities who then figured in the political arena are now to the fore : a new generation has arisen, and the names of many, who then lived and toiled to the best of their ability, let us hope, for the benefit of the young colony, are already consigned to oblivion. During those years, we must not suppose that provincial or municipal politics ran smoothly, and that there was nothing to disturb the even tenor of the colonists' life. That greatest of all nuisances, the land-grab-ber, was already to the fore, keen, grasping and unscrupulous. It is astonishing to note how iniquity has run in the same groove throughout all time, and among all communities. Whether it be in Great Britain, British India, or the colonies, the laws were so framed that the rich grasped the land, and the poor were left to pay the taxes. The common dodge was had recourse to in the city and province of Wellington:— First, place the city or province in a financial difficulty; then rush the city sections or public lands into the market in large blocks, so that none but the rich can buy ; spend the tax-

46

payer's money to make roads and bridges to and through these properties, and thus enhance their value. Thus you lay strongly the foundations of a landed aristocracy, who shall rule the people with a rod of iron, and bend them to their will. Such was the state of things in this city for a long series of years. Sections were sold for a few pounds —many of which would now bring £lOO per foot—to replenish the exhausted finances. Against this civic vandalism, if we may be permitted to use the expression, Mr Plimmer, in his place on the Town Board, and in the Provincial Council, never ceased to raise a warning voice. His advice w-as, " Keep the city lands, do not sell them, and they will in time become a valuable and permanent endowment to the city, the rental of which will go far to reduce taxation." Well had it been for the city of Wellington to-day if the citizens of that period had harkened to the voice of wisdom. Mr Plimmer made strenuous and determined efforts to put a stop to these unpatriotic and ruinous practices, and ultimately got a Bill passed through the Provincial Council, vesting what remained of the city lands in the city for ever. These things show the " Father of Wellington " to have been, as he still is, a far-seeing, liberalminded and patriotic man, whose object was to defeat the machinations of the speculator and the land-grabber, and to preserve the people's heritage for the people. When one looks back in imagination upon these early struggles and conflicts of ri<*ht against might, justice and truth against selfishness and greed, he cannot but admire the sterling courage and indomitable perseverance of the man, who, almost alone, fought the battle of the people, and eventually wrenched the people's property from the grasp of the unscrupulous.

The following lines, written about the time above indicated, will give some idea of Mr Plimmer's opinion of many public and would-be public men of that period :

How fleeting honours seem to rise,

Vain hopes of those who win the prize.

47

To-day it lightly fits their brow,

To-morrow gone, no one knows how.

The popular mind's a fickle thing.

And drums may beat and church bells ring,

In honour of some favoured clown,

They've got to represent the town,

Who from cask-head, or stump or stage

Their willing ears with talk engage,

That when in cool reflection tried.

Tis proved at once that he has lied,

Enough of this of late I've heard

To doubt of every man his word,

Till by some worthy work or deed.

Something he's done to prove his creed

Retrenchment, it has been the cry,

Nor have electors asked, For why ?

If they had understood, they would have found

It would spread more poverty round and round

By it the rich preserve their riche

Whilst the poor are starving in the ditches.

The history of this period proves Mr Plimmer to have been a formidable antagonist, ready at all times to express his opinion on civic and other public matters, and the fact that he was ultimately successful clearly proves that he was not unsupported, although, unfortunately, his success came too late to save the great bulk of the city property. During the years in which Mr Plimmer was a member of the Provincial Council, "ordinances" were passed providing for roads and bridges, the settlement of the lands and the construction of wharves, harbours, lighthouses and shipping regulations, together with import duties and inland revenue. Education, as far as was possible under the circumstances, was attended to. When pressure of business compelled him to decline further election on public bodies, he did not cease to urge upon the city and province the adoption of those matters which lead on to progress and prosperity. We find him at an early date advocating rail-

48

ways, city reclamations, and a dock for Wellington harbour. Early in his political career he succeeded, after much trouble and opposition, in passing an ordinance empowering the Provincial Government to erect suitable accommodation for the Provincial Council and for carrying on the government of the province. That building known as the Provincial Council Chambers was erected, and stood for many years where the office of the Government Insurance Department now stands. Some time after the abolition of the provinces, the building was sold to the Government Insurance Department, and was finally taken down to make room for the present more imposing edifice.

Mr Plimmer was always in the van of progress, as the following letters, although written at a somewhat later date than the events already spoken of, sufficiently indicate :

"A Broken Staff.

"To the Editor.—Sir, —A dark cloud has passed over the political horizon of Wellington ; there was much dull murmuring of thunder, some brilliant flashes of lightning, but at intervals we could perceive, at the edge of the darkest clouds, the silver lining. The dark clouds are passed away, the political thunder is hushed and the lightning was but flashes in the pan. Aurora, daughter of the dawn, again blushes in the East, and the sun-god of our prosperity shall rise to the zenith, the pure flame of Truth shall cover us like the Vulcan shield of Achilles; and instead of flashes of lightning which cause timid hearts to quail, the glorious rays of Phoebus shall warm our hearts, filling them with hope of the good things to come. For lo! the winter will pass, the rain will be over, the flowers will appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds will come, and the voice of the turtle dove will be heard in the land. Now, Mr Editor, while we have much to be thankful for, we have much to regret. Wellington seems doomed with the curse of a house divided against itself; on a

49

question of the most vital importance to the welfare of the city, we find our representatives divided. There can be no two opinions in this matter. Had the present Government been unseated, the Bill for the Thorndon reclamation would have lapsed, the railway could not have been gone on with, and the labour of myself and others for years been totally thrown away; both Wellington and the country thrown back for an indefinite period, the hopes of the people crushed in the bud, property reduced in value, our people leaving in despair, flying from poverty and bankruptcy. And yet, in the face of these facts, they are, to the simple mind, one of our representatives, the man whom the people delighted to honour, ' The People's William,' voted for all this misery to come upon us. It can be no excuse if he knew it was but a sham. One vote has upset a Government in New Zealand before to-day. Could he not, for the sake of those who so honoured and trusted him, have thrust aside the temptation of a portfolio and not let the glittering toy seduce him from the path of faith and honour. To you, my children, I have a word or two to say, when the time comes. Why will you put your trust in a broken staff? Have you no love for your homes, your wives and children ? Do you like to hear them crying for bread ? Do you think it is a nice thing to have the bailiff in your homes ? Do you like the music of the auctioneer's hammer knocking your household gods to pieces and scattering them to the winds of heaven ? It has often made my heart ache when I have gone into the Arcade and seen things which were the pride and comfort of your homes thrown in dust and dishonour. And to think that you yourselves should lend a hand to this desecration. Oh, my children, when will you learn to be wise, and to choose between good and evil ? Will you always be catching at the shadow and losing the substance ? Will you never be able to judge between the twaddle of a stump orator and sound political truth ? It is not fine words that butter your bread; you should judge by the actions of men, whether they are worthy to be trusted or not; you should

5°

weigh them in the balance, and if you find them light as their own babble, purge yourselves of the sin against your own country, yourselves, your families and truth by discarding them as unworthy of the trust of the vital interests you have confided to their care. And now, my dear children, do not stultify yourselves again ; do not take the dross for the pure metal; do not be led astray by the promises of those who would sell your birthright for a mess of pottage —i.e., a seat on the Government benches with your enemies.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

"By their Works shall ye Know Tiilm.

" (To the Editor of the ' New Zealand Times.')

" Sir, —Of all the great Scriptural truths, and there are many in the Inspired Volume, perhaps there are none endowed with more sound common sense than that at the head of this letter. This must be obvious to all right-minded, practical men. As works are the evidence of faith, so are they the offspring of knowledge and understanding. The work and the Acts passed by the Parliament of New Zealand of 1882 will give an illustration of the above aphorism, which will remain a standing monument to the wisdom and forethought of the Government who conceived and introduced them, and of the understanding and good sense of the members who, after some consideration, passed them into law. There is no doubt that it will be the heralding of good times for the whole of the colony, and more especially for the city of Wellington. Many circumstances have contributed to bring about this state of things, and no doubt, one of the most effective was the forethought and restraint of the Hall-Atkinson Government in putting a stop to the extravagance and prodigal expenditure of the public funds, which had been practised till the exchequer became empty, and the colony was brought to the verge of ruin.

5*

- The colonists had so lost their self esteem that, instead of depending on themselves and doing their colonial work, they were continually badgering their representatives to get some political railway, so that they might live on Government expenditure, to the neglect of all that would enhance the greatness and progress of the colony. Many thought our own city did not get so much as others in this political scramble, yet for this very reason it suffered more in the relapse that followed. But as necessity is the mother of invention, and as from great evils often spring the greatest good, so the people of Wellington were the first to raise themselves from the degradation in which the circumstances of the times had covered them, as with the black mantle of despair. It was under these very adverse circumstances that a few energetic gentlemen determined to form a company to make the 'Wellington and Manawatu railway—not by political influence, nor by Government expenditure, but by putting their hands in their pockets, and encouraging their fellow citizens to join in the good work, which in after days will be a lasting record of the latent energy which lay smothered under the depression, which, after all, only wanted a firm will and the strong arm of the people to cast off as a worn out and disgraceful garment. Xor must it be forgotten that the action of the company, and the foresight with which the Government took the matter up and passed the Bill giving the company power to act, greatly assisted the same Government and Parliament to act untrammelled in their financial matters, by the importunity of the Wellington representatives, and so smoothed the way for the passing of Loan Bills. And I want to say that a debt of gratitude is due to Wellington from the rest of New Zealand, for with the aid of our representatives, the members of the House have been enabled to apportion these loans among their several districts without envy. Nor do f think that, though Wellington will have to pay her share of the interest on these loans, will she be any the less the gainer by the transaction. Under any circumstances, we may congratulate

5^

ourselves that we have established a precedent, showing that the people of New Zealand can make the railroads of the country without the financial aid of the Government. And now, my dear children, let me, as your political father, say a few words of admonition and encouragement to you. First then, I would remind you of the time when money was plentiful and when work was abundant, that then, instead of providing for a rainy day, you wasted your time in pleasure and spent your money in wild and foolish speculations, which the experience of the last three years has taught you was the way to ruin, and so brought its own punishment. You have suffered greatly, but I hope that in future wisdom and moderation will govern your actions; that industry and economy will restore to you prosperity ; and that you will be wise enough to bless the rod that chastised you. For to meet my children well clad, well fed, and with satisfied countenances, is the sincere wish of your political father.

"John Plimmer.

"Wellington,

'• 16th September, 1882."

Ti Ako Reclamation.

The following letter appeared on June 20th,l88i,at a time when there was much distress in the city, and a warm discussion was going on as to the best and most profitable means of finding employment for the poor:—

"(To the Editor of the ' New Zealand Times.')

"Our City Fathers seem to have lost their heads, as well as their tempers, on this subject, and, in falling out over their theories, have lost sight of the real question at issue. Will you be kind enough through your journal to let me ask a lewpractical questions, with such answers as common sense and truth would suggest ? First, is the money wanted for the purposes for which it is borrowed ? The Councillors say No, and so do I. A great part of it has been spent in waste

53

already. Secondly, to whom does the money belong that the Council has still in the bank ? To the ratepayers, who have to pay the interest on it. Thirdly, is it profitably invested ? No. The city is paying 6 per cent, for it and getting 4 per cent. This is very bad financing. Fourthly, is the land to be reclaimed of any value to the ratepayers or shareholders in its present state? No. It is valueless to the bondholders and a nuisance to the citizens. Fifthly, if the land were reclaimed would it be of any value to either or both parties ? Yes. The land would be worth 300 per cent, on the claims of the bond holders, and would ultimately b'e a great relief to the taxpayers, doing away with a disgraceful nuisance, and giving great facility for drainage. Sir, these few questions and answers point only to what 1 consider to be of small import when the whole question comes to be considered. The great question is, How will it affect the well-being and morality of our labouring population ? In what state is the labouring population at the present time? Have they enough hon labour to keep their families from starving ? Ate not all who can get away leaving our shores for want of employment ? Almost all our best men have already gone. It is pitiful to see them sending their little household goods, which they have been years in getting together, to be knocked down at auction for a song, to get money to leave the place. Those who have the means take their wives and families with them, and those who have no means leave them behind, to do as best they can, and become dependent on those who remain in the colony. The Benevolent Society and Police Court can best answer these questions. And these verv people who are leaving or starving are part owners of ,£"100,000 now in the bank, in the name of their representatives, and which might be profitably employed for the benefit of all, while our wise Councillors are quibbling and splitting straws, as to whether it is legal and right to spend it for the benefit of all concerned. Sir, the money is as good as idle. Tin; land can be reclaimed now at a cheaper rate than w hen work is plentiful. The people are

51

in need of work, and winter is not merciful to the poor. And yet our Councillors hesitate, and fall out like Kilkenny cats. There is little doubt but that the West Coast railway will go on. We want to keep all the workmen in the place, and what better school can we have for navvies than the reclamation of the Te Aro foreshore ? Mr Samuel Brown was joking when he demurred at workmen coming from other parts. There are plenty of empty houses to receive them, and I hope the Council will see its way to make plenty of work for them—to wit, the Te Aro reclamation.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

The Te Aro reclamation has long been an accomplished fact, and the results, as seen to-day, more than justify all that Mr Plimmer and other advocates of the scheme said in respect of its progressive and profitable character.

About this time Mr Plimmer was engaged in warmly advocating a dock for Wellington. The timidity of the citizens on this important matter was such that they failed to back up the progressive party. Nineteen years ago Mr Plimmer fully realised the importance to Wellington of a dock, seeing that it would give this city the pre-eminence to which its position entitles it, and make it the centre of the naval interests. Subsequent events have shown how clear and far-reaching was his foresight in the matter. Had his advice been taken in time, Wellington, and not Auckland, would now be the station for Her Majesty's Navy in New Zealand.

" A Plebiscite for a Dock.

" (To the Editor of the ' New Zealand Times.')

" Sir, It is a very unpleasant task for any one to endeavour to conciliate two public bodies who think they have different and conflicting interests entrusted to their care: and often their dissensions breed animosity among those who

55

otherwise are good and well-meaning citizens. In cases of this description such bodies are apt to take up the subject mattei in which they are engaged as if it were their own, and in this light fight it out to the bitter end, while the parties most interested are so confounded with the misty and impractical eloquence used by each side that their attention is taken from the real matter at issue. This has almost always been the case in this city, and to this cause must be attributed the unfortunate position in which we now find ourselves, as compared with other seaports of Xew Zealand. First, there was the great fight with the Imperial Governmeut for a free constitution, and after that was obtained, then another between nomineeism and representatives of the people. Then, when provincialism became effete, the great battle for the abolition of the provinces commenced ; then we had another fight for municipalities. All these matters had something to do with the colony as a whole, but Wellington was the battlefield, and bore the whole brunt, and her representatives stood looking on in consternation, while those of other places, more wise in their generation. verified the fable of the oyster and the shells. As one instance of this :—Our Harbour oard is something like a man who has built a large house and has not the wherewithal to furnish it. A private company was obliged to take up our chief line of railway, or it might have been years before that work was done. Most of these conflicts have been colonial ones, but in almost all of them Wellington has been the sufferer. You might naturally have thought that such striking experiences of such consummate folly would have taught the Wellingtonians a lesson for their future guidance; but, alas, the old leaven has permeated so deeply that now that contention has ceased with outside interests, it has commenced with all its virulence among ourselves. There is not a doubt in the mind of anyone.who has the interests of Wellington at heart, that the acquisition of a first rate dock to our beautiful harbour would be of the greatest benefit to our commercial prosperity ; in fact, the special thing to make this harbour the

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centre of the naval interests of New Zealand. And it now appears that because the City Council and the Harbour Board cannot agree as to where it is to be, and who is to do it, we are to be kept out of it for an indefinite time. Mr Duthie's proposal that the city re-lease the unclaimed portion of land on Clyde Quay, I consider a good and fair bargain, and it ought to have convinced any unbiassed person that it was so—first that by this means we may have a dock, which is required at once, and second, because the dock would be worth more to the citizens than the land would be if it were reclaimed ; and thirdly because that would facilitate the reclamation of the remainder of the Te Aro foreshore. This would raise the value of land held and reclaimed by the Corporation to more than the whole would be without the dock, and the city would save the expense of reclaiming the dock portion, and, instead of having the land lying on hand, the dock would cause the city's portion to sell or let at once, and thus relieve the overburdened taxpayer. Under these circumstances, I hold it to be the duty of the citizens, as undoubtedly it will be for their interests, to take the matter into their own hands, and ask the Mayor to take a plebiscite to settle this important question. The proper place for a dock ought not to weigh one feather in the argument, but no doubt, for cheapness and convenience, the first dock ought to be on the Te Aro reclamation. If \\ ellington takes its proper place as a commercial city, and our harbour as a naval station, we shall ultimately require first class docks all along the Kaiwarra shores.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

The following letter on the same subject is without date, but, from internal evidence, it must have appeared about the same time as the above.

"A Dock for Wellington

" (To the Editor of ' The New Zealand Times.')

" Sir,—l am glad to see that the latest additions to the

Harbour Board are taking into it some good practical views

57

of what are the undoubted wants of our harbour, what nature evidently designed it for—the central shipping and mercantile depot of New Zealand. The wharf asked for by Mr Dransfield is, in fact, a local and necessary work and one which the inhabitants of Te Aro should have forced on the attention of the Harbour Board long since, as it will give great facilities to business in that part of the city, where the greater part of the citizens reside. But this is of small consequence in comparison to that which Mr Petherick intends to bring before the Board. This is in one sense local, but it has a far wider bearing and effect on the utility and prosperity of our beautiful harbour, as it will supply what will establish as the rendezvous of a great naval centre, where ships of all sorts and sizes can be repaired, and will give vast commercial advantages to the city of Wellington as well as meet the growing requirements of trade—a trade which will surely come per the WellingtonManawatu and Central railways. It therefore cannot be commenced too soon, and I beg to solicit the serious attention of the Harbour Board and the City Council to this great and laudable undertaking—the building of a first-rate dock, which will be a credit to the harbour and a well-deserved honour to those who exert themselves to execute the work. I wish Mr Petherick every success.

"I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

The following letters were written from 14 to 18 years and clearly indicate the trenchant manner in which Mr Plimmer expressed his opinions respecting retrenchment and the so-called political economy of the day :

" New Zealand's True Policy.

" (To the Editor of the ' New Zealand Times.')

"Sir, —I have read several of the speeches of our aspiring politicians, and I think most of them are worthy of those who have delivered them, and certainly comprehensible to the

5«

understanding of those who approve of them. But I have not had the pleasure or satisfaction of reading one that has departed from the old routine, or expressed one original idea for the better government of the country, or for the removal of the depression which is so sorely felt by the working classes all over New Zealand at the present time. If you notice, every one talks as if there were but one royal road to resuscitate the country, and that is, I am very sorry to say, a retrograde and do-nothing policy. Will you be kind enough to allow me, in response to these speeches in general, and to no one in particular, to give my opinion of them and of their inutility and fallacy, if not self-deception, or exaggerated duplicity. I will first commence with the cry of cutting down the Civil Service salaries. Xow let us make a few comparisons; and first of all, let us begin with the Governor, a gentleman whose position precludes (as it does every civil officer) from answering one word in self-defence. H6 is a gentleman whose responsibilities are so great that few are capable of fulfilling them with honour, and justice to the country. Xow, first let us compare his income with the income of our late worthy and well-known citizen, R. Rhodes, Esq. Why, the interest on the willed property he left amounts, at 7 per cent., to £2 1,000, and there are many more in this province who stand in nearly the same position, and perhaps hundreds in the country, whose responsibilities are as nothing compared with those of the Governor. And now let us go to the Ministers of the Crown. What do they get in comparison to some of our merchants, lawyers and doctors ? And then the clerks in the public offices are not getting more on an average than mercantile clerks. Sir, it is not by such cries as these from second-rate stump orators that our country is to be made prosperous and progressive, and if a colony like this is not going ahead, it is going back. There is no such thing as waiting. Can the poor man wait for work ? Can his wife and family starve while he is idle ? But supposing all this clipping of salaries were carried out, what good would it do the country? In my opinion, none; it would

59

only be unveiling our poverty, or rather our incapacity, to the world. My reason for writing ' uncapacity 'is plain to any common understanding, because in a country like New Zealand there ought to be no poverty; and there would be none but for the incapacity of our politicians to grasp the fundamental principles of political economy. In all matters of what I may call commercial policy, the merchant buys in the cheapest market, and sells in the dearest, and I see no better rule to follow in political matters. If a mercantile house or banking company were doing a prosperous business, and had not capital enough to carry it on, would they hesitate to borrow what they wanted to increaseand facilitate their business ? They would at once show their incapacity if they did thus hesitate. And now let me show the fallacy of the cry against Government borrowing. Any money-lender will, on good security, lend to half the value of the property, and will consider himself perfectly safe in doing so. Now, taking the whole of the Government loans, including expenses of the Maori war, at say, 30 millions; the assets, which include everything taxable in this country, amount to more than 300 millions. Now, private borrowing has nothing to do with this ; or, rather, it has much to do with it, because almost all of it goes to foster a business, no doubt a very good and prosperous one for those who are engaged in it, but it adds little to the progress of the colony, and engages very little capital in comparison to the capital employed or the profits made by it. Nor do I say one word against the business or the gentlemen engaged in it, except that these men have become a power behind the throne, and do all they can to prevent the Government borrowing on the vast public estate, for the benefit of the working classes, or for the general benefit of the country, only in so far as their own interests are concerned. They and their agents sit in the Upper House of Parliament, and their influence is felt through the House of Representatives. Their boasted policy is to leave well alone; that is, the country will grow sheep, and sheep will produce wool, and they have no interest

6o

beyond that. And they contend that money borrowed for other purposes, such as populating the country, settling the lands in small areas, would be an infringement of their privileges, and would only be an additional taxation upon their stock and profits. Had the public works scheme never been initiated we might have gone on growing wool, to the gieat advantage of those engaged in the enterprise. Put, as it has been brought into operation, it must be finished, and immigrants must be settled along the different lines. It would pay the Government to bring out immigrants of the right sort, even if the public lands were given away. Five millions would introduce as many immigrants as would pay the interest on a loan of 50 millions. The sooner, therefore, that our politicians agree to the inevitable the better.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

"Our Financial Position.

" (To the Editor of ' The New Zealand Times.')

" Sir, —Of all sorts of cowardice political cowardice is

the most fatal to the safety and progress of the nation. To seek a remedy against depression by standing still, in fear to advance, is to retrograde. lam utterly at a loss to understand the present policy of New Zealand, which proclaims to he whole world that the former Governments of the colony have been incapable or imbecile, or else extravagant and dishonest. And by whom is this cry got up but by the very men who have had the government of the country almost entirely in their own hands for the past 30 years ? They raise the cry from the very benches in the house which they have occupied dining all this maladministration. They are but dirty birds that foul their own nest, and it would not trouble me very much what quantity of dirt sticks to them, if it did not affect the credit and progress of the colony and the well-being of the thousands of people who are dependent upon their trade and labour for a livelihood. 1 can well understand how Ministers,

6i

with all their pickings of former fat years, can well afford to live on their /"800 to per annum; but how is the labourer to maintain his family without work? How are the municipalities to maintain the poor, with whom they are oxerburdened ? How are the tradesmen to meet their bills and pay their rates and taxes ? The Government may talk of saving by retrenchment, but I think they will find their policy the reverse of saving. To my mind it will cost three times as much as they save to pay for the extra work of bankruptcy courts, and the extra calls on benevolent institutions and hospitals. This retrenchment policy, if it can be called a policy, is not only degrading and depressing, but it is fraught with misery and crime and is indeed suicidal to the best interests of the commonwealth. It is criminal in its tendencies, for it engenders poverty, sickness and sin. It is likewise partial and one sided, for while it makes the poor poorer, and stops the opening up of the country, it is giving the rich an additional opportunity to buy the Crown lands, to the exclusion of the struggling settler, and to make large fortunes out of the people's birthright. And this is being done under the pretence that the Government has borrowed too much, as if New Zealand, with all her property and prospects, were not worth more than 30 millions. Let any nation ask the British Government to take 500 millions for Xew Zealand, and the answer would be a decided negative. To say that we have borrowed too much, may suit those who have got up the cry. But if the Government has borrowed too much, how about those private people and companies, who have borrowed more than the Government, most of which is invested in land, sheep, and shipping, and all for the benefit of the rich ? These people don't want the Government to borrow more, because their great riches would naturally be taxed to pay the interest. Putting selfishness aside, which is the best security for the British money-lender? The Goverment or those private individuals who are crying down the country while they are gorging themselves with its wealth. The JSritish stockholder is

62

the most astute business man in the world ; but there are in New Zealand a lot of selfish croakers who are running down the country for their own benefit, and at the expense of many sufferers.

" I am, etc.

" John- Plimmer."

."True Political Economy.

" (To the Editor of ' The New Zealand Times.')

" Sir, —The true working of political and social economy is to a great extent either encouraged or checked by the laws which govern our political or mercantile enterprises ; for instance, merchants do not buy in another market those commodities they can get cheaper at home, but it has been generally considered sound policy to buy in a cheap market and sell in a dear one and thus realise a profit. It is the business of political economists to see to it that there are no monopolies, which are injurious to the general public. Further, it is the duty of colonial governments to be political economists ; and it is further their duty, if the machinery which governs mercantile affairs gets out of order, to immediately set the thing right, by repairing the injury by making such laws that will set the wrong right. The great difficulty in New Zealand is that there are so few colonial politicians, and such a vast number of local politicians, so called—men who for a road or a bridge, or the making of an impassable harbour in their own particular district, would sacrifice the rest of the colony. And this must always be the case where the representative has nothing else to live on but the member's pay. The remedy for this is that the pay should only be sufficient to remunerate the members for the time lost. Nothing should be paid to the Members of the Upper House which, in its present state, is really injurious to the country, and should be reduced to those who are patriotic enough to serve their country without pay. All this might appear a digression from what I

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started with, but in reality it is not so. It is little use in complaining of a nuisance unless you can point out the cause and show how to apply a remedy. Now the great cause of the depression in New Zealand is the want of men and money, both of which are overflowing to suffocation in England, while New- Zealand—one of the best fields of emigration in the world—is almost stagnant for want of these two articles. The question then arises, what is the reason of this anomaly ? For all other articles demand and supply rectify themselves. What is the reason that money lent on good security in England realises about two and a half per cent., while in New Zealand, with securities equal to any in the world, we are paying from seven to ten per cent. ? New Zealand produces almost everything necessary for the comfort and happiness of the human family, but it takes men and money to make the country productive, and these, by some mistake or misunderstanding, are kept out of the colony. It is, in my opinion, the duty of the Government to diligently search out the cause and to take practical means to effect an improvement. In what I have written I have tried to demonstrate that what we want in New Zealand is men and money. Let us carefully consider in an impartial and truthful way what would be the effect of the immigration of say iooo families of five individuals. Now we will assume that each of these families costs the country £"6o, the interest at £\ per cent, would be £"2400 per annum. According to our present taxation, in the first and every succeeding year, these 5000 immigrants would pay £"20,000 into the exchequer, or a little over 8 times as much as the interest on the cost of bringing them out. Besides this, each batch of immigrants brings out in the aggregate considerable property and money more than the actual cost to the colony, and this would be added to the wealth of New Zealand. £"20,000 would pay the interest on £"500,000, so £"440,000 would, after deducting the cost of the immigrants, be available for public works. There is nothing pays a colony like immigration. It was the vast influx of immigrants into the United States after the war

'<!

of secession that enabled that country to pay off its enormous national debt in so short a time. A similar policy would have the same effect in New Zealand. As this letter is already too long, if you will allow me, I will at some other time try to unravel the mystery of monopoly and money, and the effect it has on our progress.

" I am etc.,

" John Plimmer."

" Why Are We As We Are?

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —Economy, whether in the household or in a Goverment, can have no other application or meaning but making the best of our own, or of what even may be placed in one's hands to use in the interests of others as trustees, bailees, or representatives. Bad management and extravagance will lead to ruin in a household, so will extravagance and misapplication of the national resources lead to ruin in a Government. The difference between Great Britain and this colony lies chiefly in the difference of our capital. Britain is rich in money, manufacturers, and in all kinds of art, labour and population. In fact, in both money and people she is over-stocked. New Zealand, on the other hand, is rich in land, climate, natural resources, and raw material of all kinds, suitable and necessary for various manufactures. Our hills and mountains abound with the precious metals; here are also iron, copper, lead, plenty of fuel, such as coal and wood, everywhere. Our pasture lands are stocked with sheep and cattle, the increase of which is enormous. Our agricultural land is very productive, our gardens and orchards yield abundance, but with all these advantages we can advance but very slowly, if at all, without those essentials, money and labour, with which Britain is overstocked. Never could two countries be placed in a better position to help each other ; and yet, from grave fault in our legislation, some weakness, or shortsightedness, in

80

our legislators, both countries are suffering. Britain is overcrowded with men starving for want of labour and elbowroom ; New Zealand, for want of money and men, is stagnated, and for which I see no excuse whatever, except the blindness and incapacity of our representatives in Parliament assembled. Twenty years back there was some excuse for this state of things, when the countries were eight or nine months apart from one another, but now large steamships, outstripping the wind, bring us into almost weekly intercourse, and the telegraph will carry a message in a few hours. Still we hear nothing in Parliament about these things. They don't seem to have an idea above a rabbit nuisance, a dog, or a scabby sheep. Labour is the great foundation of all capital, and yet there is more labour lost in England alone than if properly applied in New Zealand would produce more than would feed and clothe the unemployed of both countries, and relieve them of that poverty and misery which is a disgrace and shame to both Governments. Have none of our legislators enough courage to grapple with this great question ? I see no difficulty in it. We have all the material at hand to carry it out, and it only wants the courage, the will and the way. Can any one imagine a subject more worthy the attention of a legislative body than relieving the wants of thousands of our fellow creatures, and giving them a chance of making life worth living, by making themselves homes in a country which abounds in everything necessary for the comfort and happiness of human beings ?

Great things from little ones will oft arise,

u '"" """ "« " ■ > When once the subject's opened to our eyes,

When with pure truth the mind commands the will,

And courage dares its purpose to fulfil.

These bogies, which appear to bar the way,

They are but phantoms, which without delay

Vanish when truth and courage, both combined,

Assault them with a strong, determined mind.

" I am, etc.,

" John 1 Flimmer,

66

" Labour and Traffic.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —In a letter to you on Saturday, I mentioned that borrowing is the bugbear held up by the rich to frighten the poor. This may be illustrated thus: —In keeping foreign money out of the colony it enhances the value of that which is in the market, and therefore it is one of the very worst forms of a protective policy, and is dangerous in all its ramifications. It is not like a protective duty to foster colonial industry, but it has a directly contrary effect. It almost entirely stops all colonial manufactures being carried on, or even commenced. In the first place, it is not those who are already rich who run the risk of making money by trade. It is very seldom indeed that you find one among the rich who is patriotic enough to spend his money for the good of the country, or to make work for the industrial classes. On the other hand, the men who would launch out into some new line are stultified at the beginning for the want of means, and therefore their knowledge and labour are too frequently lost to the colony. They must either stay here and languish in poverty, or seek some other place more congenial to their wants and aspirations. Thus the colony loses its most enterprising and intelligent settlers, and is thereby obliged to go droning on in its do-nothing state. I think we have had a pretty fair example during the last seven years of what this state of things leads to. Our Bankruptcy Courts speak most loudly on this question, but there are other things that, if not as plainly to be seen, speak not less emphatically. Property lost its value, the market was glutted, houses and land sold for less than the houses cost, and hundreds who could not afford to pay the high rate of interest ruling lost the labour of years and sank to the lowest state. Perhaps this is not the worst of it. The colonial estate lost its value, and the colony got a bad name. It is here where the colonial Government, as conservators of the people's estate,

67

failed in their duty. 1 was not sorry after the manner in which the first loans were squandered by the Macandrew Government for political and local purposes, to see Major Atkinson take the reins, as I believed in his honesty of purpose. I did not dream he was going to let his zeal override his judgment, and that he was going to stop the Government team on the side of a steep hill without a brake to prevent the vehicle running backwards and throwing the colony into ruin and confusion. He might have stopped the political dishonesty without damaging the credit of the colony, which is rich enough to bear any reasonable amount of borrowing, if the money had been applied to legitimate purposes of main railroads and immigration. The railroads would have opened up the country, and given value to the public estate; the immigrants would have more than paid the interest, and the country would have gone ahead. Instead of the Government lands being improved in value, they are now less valuable than they were ten years back. This alone ought to be a lesson and a warning to those who hold the reins of Government, and while they are cautious and honest, they should not be cowardly and incapable. I am sorry to have to speak so plainly of those I highly respect for their honesty of purpose, and I hope better things of them for the future, should they again be entrusted with the Government of the colony. Mr Editor, I am sorry to take up so much of your valuable space in one letter, but our political web has become so tangled that it will take all the brains of Sir Julius Vogel and his colleagues to unravel it.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmbr."

Why Are The People Leaving?

(To the Editor.)

"Sir, —New Zealand! art thou not beautiful in the midst of the waters of the Pacific ? Hast thou not the means within thyself to make of thee a glorious nation—a young giant of

68

British lineage—wherefore then art thou cast down? Why dost thou hang down thy head ? Why hast thou lost heart and become weak and feeble, despairing in the midst of the blessings of Providence ? Why are people lea\ ing thee to seek elsewhere what thou hast in abundance ? Is the hand of Providence less bountiful, is thy climate become pestiferous ? Are thy waters become stagnant, or is thy land become barren ? Are thy goldfields exhausted or have thy coalfields ceased to yield their black diamonds ? Do thy people sow thy fields and get no return for their labour, or do thy flocks die of murrain ? If none of these things have failed thee, what dire misfortune has come upon thee ? Xo foreign enemy has assailed thy shores, and yet thy people are leaving thee in despair! Oh, my dear interrogator, do not blame New Zealand; she is all that she ever was, and no land beneath the blue dome of Heaven is more blessed than she is, or more ready to yield up her abundance for the benefit of the human race. But her rulers are not the sons of princes, and their principles of ruling are not honest. They strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. They add field to field and rear sheep until their eyes can see no good in anything but wool. They give the land and the interest to the rich, and regard not the rights of the poor. And so the country weeps for the sins of its rulers. Solomon says : ' When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule the people mourn ; as a roaring lion or a raging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the people.' The men who legislate only to make the rich richer, who by their legislation break up the homes of the poor, and drive them from the country, as they have been driven during the time the present Ministry have been in power, who have driven out of the land the two most essential things to our progress—to wit, men and money. These are the wicked rulers that cause New Zealand to mourn. She is weeping for her children because they are not, for her household goods that are daily knocked down by the auctioneer's hammer ; she is weeping for the pleasant homes that were built by the labour of the

84

poor and are now in the hands of the rich ; she is weeping and mourning for her children who are scattered like sheep ha\ ing no shepherd, and for those who are left to be worried by wolves in sheep's clothing. Well may New Zealand mourn ; within the last five years she has lost 10,000 of her best settlers, worth to the country sterling; paying per year to the revenue, while those who are left are tortured with taxation to make good the deficiency ; and still nothing is done to replace them that have left, no immigration scheme, no work for those that remain. Our cities are becoming desolate, our homes empty dens, and one legislator talks of disfranchising the Empire City. And these are the men whom the people have delighted to honour. Igo about the city and I see the places that were the homes of the industrious poor. The gardens that were their delight in their hours of leisure are returning to their original state. It is true that offences must come, but woe unto them by whom they come. Now, sir, it is plain to me that men and money are the two essential requisites to ensure prosperity to the country, and these essential things Parliament has thought proper to ignore. And why do they give no adequate reason for their neglect of what is the real life of the colony ? It is not because money is dear and scarce, or because men cannot be obtained. Money is cheaper than ever it was known to be before and the best immigrants are more easily obtained than ever before—men who could bring wealth into the colony, if they could get land upon easy terms. I can see no other reason for this criminal neglect than the desire to retain all the land for sheep farms, and to guard the interests of those who have already made fortunes out of the people's inheritance.

" I am, etc.,

"Johx Plimmer."

" A Parallel.

" (To the Editor ' New Zealand Times.')

"' And there came seven years of plenty over all the land of Egypt. And there arose after them seven years of

7"

famine. And the plenty was forgotten in the land, for the famine consumed the land, and it was very grievous.'

" Sir, —It is curious, but yet it is true, history repeats itself. And what happened in Egypt years ago is paralleled in New Zealand within the last fourteen years. If the settlers would cast their thoughts back over the period I have mentioned above, especially the dwellers in cities and towns, and compare the difference between the former seven years and the latter seven years ; consider the matter carefully, and give an impartial judgment between the two, they must come to the same conclusion as I have done. All they have to do is to put the Government of New Zealand and the wronged man in the place of Pharaoh and Joseph—the one as king and the other as councillors, and the parallel is complete. During the first seven years the people were prosperous—none that could and would work but found employment. They bought bits of land out of their savings and built themselves houses to shelter their wives and families and were happy, and all things looked bright and well. Then the rich councillors gave counsel to the Government, as Joseph did to Pharaoh, and the Government approved the counsel, because it suited them, and they commenced a new policy. The Government had been in the habit of borrowing money at four per cent, on the Government property—that is to say, on the lands and heritage of the people and this cheap money coming into the country did not suit the rich councillors, because the industrious, having plenty of work, did not want to borrow money off them at 10 per cent., and the money of the rich councillors was accumulating in the banks. Then began the seven years of famine. The Government no longer borrowed cheap money on the property of the people; the industrious had no work to do, and famine began to be severely felt. Then occurred what these astute councillors had foreseen ; the people were driven to the necessity of borrowing money from the rich on their little houses, and, still Inning no work, they could not pay the 10 per cent!

7i

interest for the money they had borrowed. Then came the climax ; their little properties were sold, and as none but the rich had money, they bought up the houses of the industrious poor who then, being insolvent, went through the bankruptcy court. Oh, the shame and the sorrow ! Then came that miserable retrenchment policy, which brought many more to ruin ; nd last but not least a stampede of emigration took place of the best and most industrious settlers to the number of nearly 10,000, flying from the effects of the famine policy. This alone is the loss of £1, 000,000 to the colony and £"40,000 a year to the revenue. Has your boasted policy of retrenchment done anything to recoup this loss ? Now you have been obliged to tax the necessaries of life to replenish your exhausted exchequer, taking the skin off the teeth of the people, and then you say the country is prosperous ! But what of the thousands your policy has ruined and driven from the colony ?

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmkr."

"Wiiv Should the Land be Taxed?

"(To the Editor.)

'■Sir, in the electioneering speeches some of the candidates say there ought not to be a land tax, while others say there should be a land tax on a graduated scale, hut I have not in any of their speeches seen it clearly denned, why or why not there should be a tax on the land. In as few words as I can I will endeavour to supply this remissness. The landowners should not be taxed because they have bought and possess the land, but simply because they owe a great debt to the colony. They bought the land for what it was worth without roads, bridges, railways or other improvements, and they are entitled to no more than what is expressed in their deeds of title. But since a great portion of the land was sold the Government have borrowed and spent on the railways 14 millions sterling, and over and above some 26 millions of loans, besides making

72

away with the whole of the land fund. Now, as the landowners receive the chief, and in some cases the only benefit arising from this large outlay of public money, I think it is but right that their lands should be taxed to pay their share of the interest to the colony's creditors. Surely there can be nothing unfair in this. If the colony had not held out to the creditors the lands of the colony as security, the moneylender would not have parted with his cash. This is the first reason why the land should be taxed. The cities and towns borrow money on their own account, and pay the interest. Harbour Boards borrow money, and pay the interest. Then why, in the name of all that is just and right, should the merchants, tradesmen and labourers of the cities and towns pay the interest on loans spent for the sole benefit of rich landowners and absentees ?

" I am, etc.

"John Plimmer."

" Colonial Government.

" (To the Editor of the ' New Zealand Times.')

" Sir, —There is no means of coming to just conclusions without unbiassed comparison. The component parts of humanity are various, and no one is possessed of talents suitable to every situation. Governments, from the various functions they have to perform, require the greatest care and judgment in their composition. In an old country where there are well-beaten tracks and strictly defined boundaries, the chief duty required of a Government is to keep the national car well oiled, and to take care that they do not run out of the rut that has been formed by ages of experience. In a new colony it is quite a different thing. Here we have to lay the foundation of all the prosperity on which a nation depends. Therefore we want brains to construct and judgment to direct, and patriotic honesty and care. We want at the helm a man who is well informed, and has a perfect know-

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ledge of the capabilities of the country, and of the readiest and best means of making it sustain the greatest population. As a good farmer does all he can to make his farm maintain and feed a large stock, and thus increase his profits, so he will, at an early date, set about clearing and planting his land, and also providing roads and bridges as the means of ingress and egress to and from his property. Now, I am satisfied that the same principles that govern a good farmer should also direct a good colonial Government, the only difference being in the comparison between large and small things. Before the farmer can get any profit he must stock or crop his land. The difference between the farmer and the Government is the one rears crops, sheep or cattle to raise a revenue, whereas the other must have a population to occupy the country and pay duties. There need be little more expense in governing two millions than in governing 500,000, but the revenue at the same rate of taxation would be four times as much. Our prosperity depends on the country being opened up by railways, and our population increased by immigration. What New Zealand wants now is a Government suitable to its present circumstances. An honest and honourable one, with all the elements in its composition requisite to understand the present position and requirements of the colony, and to take advantage and make the best of its credit and assets. I think if Major Atkinson, with his financial gifts, Mr Bryce, with his native knowledge and superior judgment, and Sir Julius Yogel, witli his large-minded views and great political weight, would unite in forming a Government in the present political crisis it would matter little who held the remaining budgets of the Ministry. No one can say that Mr Atkinson has not acted honestly, nor that Mr Bryce's Native policy has not been beneficial to the colony, and with the aid of Sir Julius Yogel's broad'-minded views on colonial policy, we need have no fear for the future. The general elections are at hand. It depends upon the people so to fuse the proper ingredients as to form an honest and powerful Government. The men are at hand

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and it depends upon the electors to put the right men in the right places. Let them not try to fit a square peg into a round hole.

" I am, etc.

"John Plimmer."

The following letter will show that during the long and acrimonious controversy that preceded the abolition of the provinces Mr Plimmer threw himself into the popular side with all his accustomed ability and energy :

" The Opposition.

" (To the Editor of ' The New Zealand Times.')

" Sir, —In your leader of Saturday you have criticised the present leaders of the Opposition. 1 do not know whether you believe in Solomon's wise saws or not, but one of them is very apropos to these gentlemen. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Sir, when after much opposition from Sir George Grey, public opinion compelled him to bring in the Constitution Act, which, with his pet scheme of Provincialism, it was thought the Provincial Councils would make good schools for aspiring legislators when the full powers of Constitutional Government should be brought into operation. But what has been the real effect of this on the Provincial scholars ? Instead of the superintendents and provincial leaders, some of whom are men of the highest intellect and possessed of great eloquence, having tasted the sweets of power, soon became little provincial kings. And instead of initiating broad political questions, each one was contending how he could extend the borders of his own little kingdom and enlarge his regal power ; and thus, instead of the Provincial Councils being schools for broad and ljberal colonial politics, they were turned into debating clubs on subjects of merely local interest. When the General Assembly met—one half of which was composed of Ministers of the Crown—Sir George Grey still held the reins. The provincial

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leaders, who were members of the General Assembly, had each his own axe to grind, and they could at any time be set at logger heads by the skilful Governor, by granting some local favour to one more than the others. So that after each meeting of the Assembly the representatives returned to their provinces more than ever determined to defend their own local interests and uphold their own little kingly powers. In this way politicians grew more narrow minded and politics were localised. Thus it was, that when the Constitution Act came into full force, it is an historical fact that one and all of these provincial kings did all in their power to oppose the passing of the Act for the abolition of provinces. This meant the destruction of their regal power, and at the same time it curtailed the power of the Governor and the Imperial Government. But it did an immensity of good to the colony at large, and gave political power to those to whom by right it belonged—the people. It strikes me, sir, that these men, brought up as we may say, in narrow, provincial schools, though they may have suited the time and position in which they were placed, and they may have done some good in their several provincial arenas, at the same time it narrowed their political views and confirmed their bigoted localism. If they ever had broad colonial views, they were destroyed, and they became what we now find them, without one liberal colonial sentiment. And yet, sir, each of these gentlemen has his own particular talents and qualifications. Sir George Grey, with his brilliant eloquence, and regal ideas, would still make a popular Governor of a Crown Colony, or say, a King of Ireland. Mr Macandrew was a first rate Superintendent of a Scotch Province like Otago, and looked well after the bawbees. Mr Montgomery, a good Mayor of a town like Akaroa—a good churchwarden, or chairman of Board of Education. But their political bias has disqualified them one and all from ever becoming good political leaders or ministers of a colony with a constitution like we have in New Zealand—one of the most liberal in the world. Mr Edward Wakefield is a horse of another colour.

7<>

He is still young and can hardly be imbued with the characteristics of old provincialism. He has descended from a family whose views are quite different. His uncle, Mr Edward Gibbon Wakefield, to whom this colony owes its very existence and to whom the colonists and the British Government owe a large debt of gratitude, was a man of wide and liberal views on colonies and colonisation ; he was gifted with sound judgment and great eloquence. He had likewise that rare power of persuasion and of convincing others and bringing them over to his views, which were generally sound and well considered. If Mr Edward Wakefield, having the eloquence, would divest himself of all narrow-mindedness and localism, and study the other characteristics of his great uncle, he would in time fit himself to become one of New Zealand's political leaders and would do honour to his name and good to the colony which his uncle established.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

"The Effect of The Retrenchment Policy.

(To the Editor.)

" Sir, —This morning I was induced by the health-breath-ing air and the warm beams of the sun to take a ramble on the wharf, which though a busy scene, showing what a large business is carried on with London and other parts of the world, yet has plenty of room as a promenade for hundreds of people. And hundreds there were, but not seeking pleasure, with joy on their countenances, but seeking work, with a sad, weary, disappointed look I was sorry to see. I should say there were quite 200 people, some of whom may chance to get employment for an hour or two during the day. It was a sad sight to look at, but much sadder to contemplate that probably these men were the representatives of five times their number—their wives and families who are suffering at home. I thought to myself, here is the very cradle of misery, poverty and crime.

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These are the people on whom the iron heel of depression has pressed most heavily, so heavily that it has left its mark on their countenances, and these are the men who, under better circumstances, should be, and would be, the bone and sinew of the colony. It is the very climax of extravagance that such bone and sinew should not be utilised ; for it cannot be denied that labour is the chief capital of new colonies, and here we are criminally wasting it, and making loafers of those who should be the strength and support of the country. Retrenchment ought to have begun by saving the lost capital, by employing it to the advantage of the colony and of those who are suffering for want of employment. Sir, whenever and wherever fear gets the mastery over confidence, no matter in what position, whether it be a general commanding an army, or an admiral a fleet, or in any other case of responsibility, where wisdom, coolness and courage are required to rule, and to encounter onerous difficulties.nosoonerdo men in such positions let fear get the mastery of them than they become cowards. So it is in respect of a colonial Government; when they lose faith in the resources of the country they are entrusted to govern they throw up the sponge, and say, ' We can no longer go ahead.' When they begin to say,' There is a lion in the path,' then, I say, they are no longer in a fit state to be trusted with the government of the country or the future of its inhabitants. What has been the effect of the introduction of this policy to this colony so far as it has gone ? Many faithful old servants of the Government have been turned out of offices on which they depended for a livelihood. Men, who by their long standing and tried fidelity, had every reason to suppose they would retain their situations for life, and who, by reason of their long service in one capacity, are totally unfitted for any other. But perhaps this is one of the least evils that have occurred so far as the prosperity of the colony is concerned. Some thousands of our best colonists, both tradesmen and labourers, have gone away to other colonies to seek what the do-nothing policy has deprived them of here. If

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this state of things goes on long the depression that has been and is being felt is nothing to what we may expect. Why should these men be standing idle in a country like this, whose prosperity depends almost wholly on the labour they are wasting in idleness ? Idleness leads to poverty, misery, starvation and crime, and yet our Ministers look upon it with apathy. Are we to proceed no farther ? Is the North Island to remain for ever a wilderness, or a prairie for sheep to feed on ?

" I am, etc.

"Joiix Plimmi

1887.

"The Whole Truth.

" (Reply to the 'Evening Press,' 1888.)

" Sir, —I could not help but notice the sarcastic irony you displayed in your leader of Saturday. You certainly must have a natural talent for that fascinating form of literature. lam not much given to laugh, especially at serious matters such as you are writing upon, and which so much affect the political wellbeing of the colony; but I could just restrain myself from laughing right out at the serious and profound manner in which you give us the other half of the truth, when you ask so pathetically, ' What better guides could the Government have than certain hon. gentlemen on the question of the Loan Bill?' It was altogether too good, and I could not help but write you these few lines to thank you for the great pleasure you have given me, and to congratulate you on the superlative talent you are possessed of, and have so humorously set forth in your real half truth. I thoroughly agree with you that from their point of view, and for their own interests, the Government could not have better advisers than the gentlemen you mentioned, and those who voted with them in opposition to the Government Loan Bill. These gentlemen are nearly all possessed of great wealth, which in this poor colony is bringing them in usurious interest, and they are not likely to vote

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for money to come into the country, to the great and certain injury of themselves and their business, while they have large sums lying in the bank for which they can get no safe security at the ruinous interest they want for it. Now, Mr Editor, was it not natural for these men to vote as they did ? Did you ever know or hear of such an anomaly as that men, having goods to dispose of, lend themselves, by vote or otherwise, to bring in goods of the same kind as their own, and of which they have a monopoly ? Let me tell you another bit of more than half truth. That is, when the Bill is brought in to allow the natives to squander their lands by sale, you will find these gentlemen voting for it, because they will see their way clear to turn an honest penny by buying these lands, either for speculation or for sheep runs. I allow you are right so far, that if the money now lying in the banks were used for some legitimate business, either in agriculture or manufactories, and thus give employment to tradesmen and labourers, the Government would want no loans, nor would our wharves and streets be crowded by men out of work, or the city taxed to pay poor rates. What we really want is progression, work to employ all labour on, and men and women to pay taxes. Our real riches are leaving us. Our reserve is decreasing, and is likely to decrease so long as our legislators are determined to raise sheep instead of men. The rich will grow richer and the poor poorer, and the colony retrograde. It is not in borrowing that we err, but in the maladministration in spending the money.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

" Our Future Policy.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —I would like to know if all, or any one, of the expedients which have been initiated in the House of Representatives by the Government tend to remove any of the evils which have been inflicted on the people of New Zealand by

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the neglect and maladministration of former Governments ? Will they by any means improve the position of the tradesman and labourer ? That is to say, will retrenchment relieve and remove depression, or will the determination to make no more railways open up the country and induce people to settle in the interior ? If our increased Customs duties produce more revenue, will such a line of policy increase the population to pay the increased taxation ? Will not one and all of these doings, when brought into operation, rather tend to increase the people's burdens to a point which is unbearable ? The retrenchment will be a loss to the revenue by causing people to leave the country ; the tradespeople will lose their custom. It will further reduce labour, and consequently wages, and harden the depression. I will allow that whatever effect the protective duties may have on the general tone of the country, they will tend to foster manufactures, and therefore technical labour, which may in some instances, and to some extent, nullify the evil effects of our educational system, and open a way to the industriously inclined; but none of these things will greatly improve our position. The determination to make no more railways with borrowed money is, I think, a wise one, after reading the report of the committee of the Upper House on the subject, for it appears nobody knows where the money has been spent. But this good resolution will only intensify depression, and retard the progress of the colony. Had there been some new subjects of legislation propounded, such as would nullify and counteract the influence of those determined upon, I would never have written this letter, for I well know how easy it is to pull down a Government policy, and how hard it is to build up a better. But if the Government have come to the end of their tether ; if they cannot proceed on the old routine ; if they cannot find subjects to legislate upon other than those that will intensify the evils we are suffering under, it is high time they should give the matter up. Surely in a new country like New Zealand we are not tied up so hard for resources, that we are obliged to

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stick to a policy which has been proved to be disadvantageous to the country, the people and the revenue. If it is not wise to make more railways with borrowed money, surely it is wise to get them made, to open up the country and increase its population. If there is not population enough to pay taxes sufficient to meet the regular demands of the Government, and to pay the interest on the misspent loans, surely noboby could say it would be unwise to increase our population by immigration to help pay the taxes and lighten the burdens of the people. I do not hesitate to say that if the Government are inclined to do this, they have it in their power at once to commence and carry out such public works as would immediately remove depression and bring prosperity to the colony, without adding one iota to the national debt, and relieving us at once and for ever of at least half of our present incumbrance. In the first place, we have more land than is wanted ten times over to induce syndicates to make all necessary railroads. By this method large sums would be imported into the country, and a new era of immigration would commence; labour and money would be plentiful. Then, as out railways do not pay interest on the capital cost, sell them for what they will fetch—the buyers will not take them away. They would be worked with economy, and the sale would ease the colony of half our debt. If money can be obtained on most uncertain securities, such as gold and silver baubles, it certainly can be obtained for such a legitimate purpose as I have proposed. There is no speculation in this. It would at once remove the depression, find labour for the people and useful employment for millions of British money, which would permeate the whole colony. It would greatly increase our exports, increase our mercantile operations, and fill our exchequer. If the Government are, as they ought to be, impartial, if they have no interest to serve but the good of the colony, they will not let the present session pass without initiating some such policy as I have indicated.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

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" The Way to Stop the Exodus.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —The only way to stop the exodus is to promulgate a policy in legislation exactly diverse to that which has caused it. When our public works were stopped by the do-nothing Government then in power, from that time the retrograde movement began. Whether it was imbecility or selfish greed of land, or other unseen causes, I know not, but this I do know, it was a most unwise and foolish blunder. From' the time it commenced to the present the colony has been retrograding, and the depression and exodus making rapid strides. The colony under the Public Works Act had begun a great work, that of opening up the interior for settlement by means of railways. Our legislators of that time recognised this important fact: —That the only way by which our country can compete with her products in the world's market with another country is by having cheap and rapid transit to those markets where products can be disposed of to advantage. Ido not like to think or say that the Ministers who inaugurated this donothing policy were actuated by selfish motives, to serve themselves and their friends, and which has proved so disastrous to the colonists, but nevertheless the result has been the same. But if this was not their motive, I must say it was the most shortsighted and injurious policy that was ever adopted by any legislators who ever sat in Parliament. The only way to recall those who have gone away and to retain those who are left, is to reverse this policy, and start again on some other method the very reverse of the previous one, by which prosperity may be restored to the colony. To give you some idea of the results of the public works policy for the good of the country, I will try to show you in plain and truthful language what, even in its maimed and badly-executed way, it has done for the people already. I asked a gentleman, a surveyor, one upon whose judgment I can rely, what he, being a resident of

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the Manawatu district, thought was the value of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway to that district. He said that, after going into it, he came to the conclusion that the increase was at least 50 per cent. This he applied not only to the land, but to everything of value in the district. Indeed, it has raised the value of the whole district more than two millions. As a further proof, I mentioned to a member of the House ot Representatives what I have above stated, and he assured me that the railroad from Christchurch to Invercargill had increased the value of the South Island by 40 millions. Then, if we take Auckland, Taranaki, Napier, Nelson, and the West Coast of the South Island, the total profit to the colony must exceed 80 millions from Sir Julius Vogel’s public works scheme. If anyone can disprove what I have advanced, I should like to know how he would do it. Our greatest export is wool, but without railroads how could it be brought to the market with advantage ? And yet some fool or rogue started the cry that we were borrowing too much, and a weak Ministry got frightened. But suppose they are still of this opinion. I assert that the public lands ought to finish the railways, and thus place a population on each side of them to pay taxes sufficient to pay the interest on all moneys expended on or incidental to the work of roads and populating the district through which they run. At present, as the law exists, the people of the cities, and of many country districts, have to pay interest on loans that were expended to construct railways from which they derive little or no benefit, because, produce what they may, they can never compete, without transit to a market, against those who have finished railroads. The legislation for the last ten years has been all one-sided, hence the ruin and exodus of the bone and sinew of the colony. Yet there are people who affirm that the labouring classes of New Zealand have nothing to complain of. Perhaps those who say so have nothing to complain of, because they are enjoying the benefit of existing railways, while other people are paying the interest on the caoital that constructed them. Sir, until this

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sort of legislation is rectified, and in some way equalised, yon may cry Peace ! Peace! but there can be no peace. One part of the settlers are slaving their lives away for the benefit of the more fortunate ones. The unfortunate are taxed on every necessity of life to pay the interest on money spent for the sole benefit of the rich, to swell their boasted millions of exports, which do not contribute one shilling to the revenue. The ruin, poverty, depression and consequent exodus of the settlers will for a long time be a black page in the history of the colony, and it has been solely caused by a weak and partial Government. It has given the colony a blow that it will take 20 years to recover from.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

"Past, Present and Future

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir,—The mystery of government will remain a mystery no longer, when stripped of that dark and mysterious garment called a policy ; when editors of papers cease to darken their sheets with crude ideas and imaginative nonsense, filling the heads of the people with meaningless trash, which they are doing at the present time. After the result of the late election, in which the electors have, by at least a two-thirds majority, condemned the ruinous system of the Atkinson Government, and proclaimed from one end of the colony to the other a verdict which cannot be misunderstood. Any leader, having common sense and the courage of his opinions, need not hesitate to carry them out to the letter. This is what the people of the colony will expect from their representatives. It may require some moral courage to do this, but he who hesitates is lost, and becomes a dissembler for want of decision. What can be more plain than that the policy of the late Government was obnoxious to the people and ruinous to the colony, when, in spite of all the influence of money, such a

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decision as the people have given from end to end of these Islands ? They have declared to the world from every hustings in Xew Zealand that this fatal policy must be reversed. It is folly to suppose that two-thirds of the people, who have suffered in a hundred different ways, in the ruin of their homes, the break up of their families, and the scattering of their household goods to the four winds, can give a wrong decision. What the people desire is that this colony, capable of sustaining many millions, not only in the necessaries of life but in comparative luxury, should be so governed that they may live in independence and happiness with their friends and families. Surely this is not too much to ask for the labour of their lives. They want the land laws altered, which they have a right to demand as their share as settlers in the colony; they want the rich to pay their share of taxation, according to their incomes; they want the necessaries of life to be freed from heavy Customs duties, and the taxes paid by them who can afford to pay them ; in a word, they want fair play in the race of life. Not much to ask of those who are making large fortunes and living at their ease. Not much for Mr liallance or any other honest politician to understand; and not much for the people's representatives to carry in Parliament; not a great deal to restore prosperity to the colony, but a great thing for New Zealand and its settlers.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

1890.

" Cheap Money

"(To the Editor.)

" Sir, —In the political pinking last nigh-t there were passes which, no doubt, were intended to be very deadly, which when examined by calm common sense, will appear to be quite harmless ; when, for example, Sir Robert Stout said that the borrowing policy of the Government is a strain unknown in any country, except in time of war. We have no need to go

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outside of New Zealand for a parallel. When we come tolook back from 1846 to 1876, we shall find that in the space of thirty years the Government borrowed 30 millions. That, at nearly 5 per cent., was a very great pressure. Yet the country bore the pressure, and paid the interest, and during that time sheepfarmers and others borrowed something like 90 millions, and I suppose they paid the interest, and at the same time became the aristocrats of the colony. Whilst this was going on the tradesmen who borrowed money, if they could get it at all, had to pay 10 per cent. It was likewise about this time that so many absentees, who had made large fortunes in the colonies, went to England to spend the proceeds in riotous living. If New Zealand could do such things as these when her exports were almost nil, when we had to borrow money to make our railways, when we had neither roads nor bridges, nothing but the wilderness and the Maori War, what on earth is to prevent us from doing much more now ? There is nothing but that greedy desire to keep these large estates, owned, some by residents and some by absentees, from being taxed to pay the interest. Is it not time the shopkeepers, small farmers and labourers had their innings, at least, in so far as to keep them from poverty and the misery that has existed in this splendidly productive country ? Never was there a time when money was more needed, and never was there a time when it could be got so cheap. I sincerely hope when better times do come the people will settle down to industry and thrift, and they will never again have to bear what they have endured during the last five years. The greatest anomaly and misfortune that ever happened to any city is that its representatives, after being elected, should use their political power against those who placed that political power in their hands. Wellington has been singularly unfortunate in this respect. Mr Duthie used no deceit nor cant to secure his return. Can the others who professed to be Liberals, say as much ? Talk of purity of election and purity of administration! I have heard it

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said the devil can appear like an angel of light, and after the experience I have had I can thoroughly believe it.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

(August 2, 1894.)

" Parliamentary Pledges.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —It is no use hunting for a needle in a bundle of hay; you may find it, but it will prick your fingers. It is just as useless to hunt for work for men who are idling about if you have not the wherewithal to pay them when they have done it. The fact is, there is such a scarcity of money in New Zealand at the present time that though there are thousands of men, those who have work to do have not the means to pay for it, and the labour that is wasted is a disgrace to the colony. It is simply this, and it is of no use trying to hide it, the Government are to blame in the matter. We ought to be the most prosperous people in the world, but instead of going ahead, we are going backwards. The people of the colony have, by a large majority, elected a Liberal Government to manage the estate of the people, having full confidence in their truth, strength, and wisdom, and believing them to be the right party in the right place. On the strength of this, hundreds of men have come to the colony expecting to find work, and have been disappointed, not in the colony nor in the Government, and I, for one, still have faith in their honest intentions. But the intentions of a Government are no good unless they have the courage to carry them out —to go the right way to do it. The matter is very simple, and it is best to state it simply and plainly. The Government have a grand estate placed in their hands by the people. This estate is capable of great improvements, and not one of these improvements but will ultimately pay cent, per cent, on the cost. The Government have everything at their fingers' ends to make these improvements they have the consent and

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approval of a large majority of the people, the owners of the estate; they have the labour starving in our streets ; they have an immensity of work waiting to be done, but they are without money. But has the colony no credit ? Is the money market in a bad state? No, Sir. It is sentimental nonsense that stands in the way. They have, child-like, pledged themselves not to borrow, though money is cheaper than ever it was before, and the country is going to ruin for want of it. Even if the Government, in order to secure their election, were pressed to give this pledge, the people who enacted that promise, not then foreseeing the circumstances that have since arisen, would gladly release them from it. All that is wanted is courage to cut the Gordian knot, and go to the money market. Thus they will gain, and rightly so, the blessings of thousands who are on the brink of starvation, instead of their curses, for starving men will curse, or soon do curse, if they are not relieved. The way out of our difficulties is plain, difficulties which are rapidly increasing, putting the Government to all manner ot useless and futile endeavours to find work that is of no use when it is done. Is it not better to save life, rather than kill ? And is it not better to save this beautiful country rather than let it retrograde as we are now doing, when it is in the power of the Government to save ? If the country goes backward, the responsibility lies at the door of the Government, and no one else. Let us, therefore, be wise in time.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

(1894.)

" Loans.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —In your leading article in this morning's ' Times ' you say that the proposal to raise a loan will not benefit the unemployed for many months to come. I think no stronger or better argument could have been used in favour of obtaining

8g

the loan as soon as possible. Why wait to intensify the evil we are suffering from ? How long has it been since immigrants have been considered an evil in the colony ? It is not long since we were doing all we could to get them—even paying for them to come. It is not that we have too many people to do the work that requires to be done, but that we have not the money to pay them. Both the Government and the settlers have plenty of work, the completion of which would be of the greatest advantage to the colony; but the Government cannot proceed to carry on necessary and useful works unless the revenue will bear the expenditure. The reason for this is that works done by Government cannot be carried out just to suit the present time. Whatever the Government does must be permanent, and part of a whole, and therefore will belong more to the future than the present; and in consequence, should be done with borrowed money, the interest of which will be paid by those who reap the benefit of these works in the distant future. Why should the present settlers give their life and labour entirely for those who come after them? And yet it is plain that if New Zealand is to progress, the Government must proceed with the work of the country. Therefore I say it is the duty of the Government to obtain money to carry on these works at a sufficient rate to employ all who may come here at their own expense. If they do not do this, all the sin, poverty, and starvation must be at their doors. The people have made them trustees of all their possessions; and there is amply sufficient to provide work for all. It was not the people’s intention that the Government was to manage so that the people could just live, if they were willing to work. This colony, with 600,000 inhabitants, is large enough to support in comfort 6,000,000, if properly governed. The resources and productiveness are so great and varied as to warrant the Government in borrowing any reasonable amount of money, with the certainty that if it is properly spent, it will pay for its use. Britain is overflowing with money, which can be got at the

go

cheapest rate known for centuries, and this colony has many of the most valuable and necessary products required in the Old Country. I see no necessity why an exchange should not be made, which would be for the good of all concerned. We have the labour at hand to raise our valuable products, and yet our streets are full of dirty, starved people. It is a pity and a disgrace, and it is a dog-in-the-manger policy that has not the courage to put an end to this state of things.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

"Some Wholesome Advice from One Competent

to Give It

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —Men who undertake the management of large concerns should be men possessed of large minds, of great insight, and of untrammelled views. Especially should this be the case with those who are entrusted with the government of colonies such as New Zealand. They should be possessed of that stamina, or strength of character, which will stand the test of temptation, even from their dearest friends, when it is likely to lead them into error, or to sap the foundation of truth. Truth is the basis of all righteousness, and therefore it is requisite that men who are entrusted with the interests of a nation, a colony or a city, should not be men of fads, born of ignorance, but rather guided by the experience of the past in forming resolutions for their guidance in the future. I know the present is a time of great difficulty to all who are trusted with the formation of laws to govern the future. Pressure is brought to bear on them from different quarters, presenting a thousand different views and interests, which, like weeds in a garden, spring into existence under that liberty of speech which a constitutional government gives to all subjects, and which New Zealand in particular enjoys. All, whether wise or foolish, can express their opinions in the broadest way, on

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the platform, at the street corner, or on the stump. But if individuals abuse this right of free speech they can be prosecuted for libel on one another. Then how much more ought those who libel the whole colony en masse be prosecuted by the law and abhorred by the people ? When we take into consideration that newspapers, which are, or ought to be, written for the education and guidance of those who read them, daily publish lies and false information, it seems only right that they should be severely punished according to the enormity of their crimes. The individual may hurt the reputation of an individual, but the newspaper libeller injures the whole community, and saps the foundation of the colony. Yet we see this continually going on, and articles are being published that can have no other effect than to lead readers astray, and directly injure the credit and retard the progress of the colony. This is done by those who must themselves, in common with all others, mutually suffer from the dastardly work of their own cowardly, libellous writings, written for mere partisanship. It would not matter much if the penalty for lying only reached those who concoct, write and publish these scurrilous and deceitful attacks ; in fact, it would be a just punishment; but when such attacks are scattered from one end of the colony to the other, they must have an evil effect on all who read them, to the detriment of the country. Men who have lived more than half a century in the colony, as I have done, who have studied the practical politics of every Government from our first settlement in New Zealand, cannot easily be led astray by false, insinuating party cries before a general election. At least they ought to know, and to warn those who have not had the experience of former Governments, as I have had, to pause before they adopt the views of the Opposition to the Seddon Government. Our present Government is the only one in all these years that has done anything to raise the status of the working population to a higher standard of political and social life. Sheep and cattle were of more importance to other Governments than men and women,

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because, as one of them told me, the beasts are better for the country, and paid better than men and women. Let the women of New Zealand consider this before they listen to utterances which can only have the effect of dragging them down to be of less impoitance than sheep and cattle. The working men, through the instrumentality of the Seddon Government, enjoy many great and good privileges which they never did before, and it is their duty to guard them with the same zeal which they used in getting them. This applies especially to mothers. Let them, for the sake of their posterity, take the advice of one who has always been the friend of the working man.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

" Dwellings for the Poor.

(" To the Editor.)

ii sir,—The people of New Zealand, as well as those of other countries, have been so put about of late with the interest they have taken in the African War and the scare of the bubonic plague that they have become frantic over the one, and well frightened over the over, and living in this state of mind I do not think they are quite capable of judging of what is for the best interest of the city. But I think they may with confidence, under God's blessing, leave the war in the hands of Lord Roberts and the gallant officers and men he commands; and the plague to the Great Ruler of Events, over whom they have no power. Doing that, we may more closely attend to what requires our immediate attention. Under the uncommon circumstances under which we have been placed, •we are apt to begin things at the wrong end. We have been preparing for the plague—which we do not want—and building a house as if to welcome it, and we have been pulling down the houses of the poorest citizens and widows without making any preparation by building other houses to put them in—and

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this is the middle of winter. It is true that the City Council has threatened to pull these houses down, but it has entered into no arrangement to build others to put these people into. Is this right or just ? What is the use of heaping misery on the backs of those who are already overladen with it ? Our city laws will not allow any person to build houses for the poor, that is, the venture will not pay him, taking into consideration the cost of the land and taxes. He is thus, in order to protect himself, compelled to build a house which the poor man cannot afford to rent. It will not pay to buy land to put one little cottage on, and the by-laws prohibit more than one. I wish a little more common-sense was brought to bear on these matters, and not so much ignorance and want of feeling displayed. In my opinion, if the City Council will make it impossible for speculators to build houses for the poor, it should be prepared to take the responsibility, and build houses to supply the wants of the poor, which it could easily do without the loss of city funds. This would be a great and charitable act towards the poor working population of this city.

" I am, &c,

" John Plimmer."

(1900.)

" What our Policy Ought to Be.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —The love of money is the root of all evil, and money often causes those who love it to commit great crimes; yet this does not say that money, under some circumstances, is not a great good. If properly and honestly used it increases, and is a source of prosperity to all who come within the range of its influence. It is good for the merchants, it is good for shopkeepers, and for all kinds of trades and labour, it is good for all our social intercourse and happiness, and when it ceases to circulate freely, and people feel the want of it, then poverty takes the throne of prosperity, and sorrow, crime and misery

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invade our social life. No one can deny that this miserable state of things arises from the want of money, and should never happen in a country like New Zealand. If it does take place, then the people may fairly blame the Government for the want of foresight in not providing in time for exigencies. New Zealand is a country that is blessed with nearly all kinds of production suitable for the wants of mankind—coal and metals in abundance, and productive beyond all other countries of the world in those pastoral and agricultural products suitable for the markets of civilised countries. But no people or Government should ever forget that this is a new country, and that many things require to be done by Government before settlers can reap the blessings of the natural resources of the colony. Much has been done by former Governments in road and railway making, but they did it with borrowed money, and many are reaping a golden harvest from the effect of it. Many more would have been in the same position had our railway system been carried out as set down by Sir Julius Vogel, but the system broke down, not because there was no more rich country to open up, but because the money was all gone, and because men who were Ministers, taking advantage of having money to spend, supplied their own wants and were satisfied. \Ye well know the Bank of NewZealand was ruined, and many of the railroads were left unfinished. What I would like the present Government to do, and what I believe is their duty to do, is to borrow sufficient money to finish those lines of railway which would be most beneficial to the colony, such as the line between Wellington and Auckland, the Otago line, and lines to connect Christchurch with the West Coast and Nelson. What makes it most imperative that this should be done is, first, because it would especially benefit each and all of those places, and the Government should at once purchase the Wellington and Manawatu Railway and complete the system. Secondly, because money is at the lowest price it may be expected to reach, and if war were to break out in earnest money would be

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double the price it is at present, and we should not be able to get >t at all. The market is still open and our credit is good. Thirdly, with our railways open throughout, the fighting part.es, in the event of war, would need all kinds of produce" vegetables, wool, mutton and beef, and we should get their money. \Ye should have all the advantage and nothing to lose.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

[BoB.l

CHAPTER VI.

Railways.

In the preceding letters, which indeed are only specimens of a voluminous correspondence Mr Plimmer continued through a long series of years, we have shown the " Father of Wellington " to be a keen observer, a profound politician, an active, energetic, and patriotic colonist, and withal a staunch and unwavering friend of the poor. Nothing calculated to advance the interests of the colony seems to have escaped his observation, and as will have been seen, he brought to the consideration of the various matters a comprehensive knowledge of each subject and an energy and ability in its advocacy of no mean order. Whether he was advocating a dock for Wellington ; the reclamation of land ; the opening up of the interior by means of railways ; the settlement of the waste lands ; providing work and homes for the poor ; borrowing money for public works ; or condemning the useless and extravagant expenditure of public money —the same keen perception of the true bearings of each case are manifest. Air Plimmer never counted odds, nor considered the immense array of the selfish and interested forces against him. Having satisfied himself of the justice of any cause, he entered the contest unhesitatingly, and dealt out his thunder with unsparing hand. Many a time must the public men of the day, from the Premier downwards, have writhed under his severe castigations. Often would they have given much to silence an opponent whose blows fell fast and furious, and who feared not publicly to expose their ignorance and machinations. " The Father of Wellington " must be a brave

Mk. Plimher and Granddaughter.

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man ! Few would have dared, as he did, to beard the lion in his den and wrest the prey from the spoilers, and that at a time when there was practically no organised opposition to the will of the rulers of the colony.

It will have appeared to those who have read the foregoing interesting series of letters, that Mr Plimmer at an early date recognised the importance of railway communication. The reasons which influenced him, as set forth in the previous correspondence, were fourfold : First—He saw clearly that a system of railways, and that alone, would open up the lands. Secondly—They would promote and largely extend settlement in the interior. Thirdly—They would provide a cheap and rapid means of transit to markets for the products of our lands. And Fourthly, and not least—The general result would be an enormous increase in the value of property of all kinds throughout these islands.

It will thus appear that the laying down of a comprehensive and complete scheme of railways was for many years the great idea of his life. The borrowing of foreign capital on the security of our lands was merely a means to an end. Subsequent events have shown the correctness and wisdom of Mr Plimmer's opinions on this important subject. In almost all directions our railways, as far as they have been extended, have fulfilled the four essential conditions above indicated. Many a one is enjoying a competency to-day, which, but for our railway system, he would never have possessed.

The greatest work in which Mr Plimmer was personally identified was undoubtedly the Wellington and Manawatu Railway. This work stands out in bold relief, and overshadows all other works, however important from a local standpoint they may be, in which the subject of this book was personally engaged. In conjunction with other leading citizens and colonists, Mr Plimmer took a prominent part in the formation of the company, in building the railway, and brin"ing the enterprise to a successful issue. From the formation of the company to the present day it has been his

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peculiar care, his pet child, if we may ues the expression. And, considering the phenomenal success of the Wellington and Manawatu railway, he has reason to feel proud that he has occupied such a prominent position in connection with the enterprise from its earliest conception. It will be better, however, as heretofore, to let our hero speak for himself. To that end we insert the following letters :

“ North Island West Coast Railway.

“ (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —There are many arguments which could be brought forward in support of this undertaking. I will, as briefly as I can, state a few of them as they have at different times occurred to me. First, Wellington, after many drawbacks, has become a large commercial city of 22,000 inhabitants, with one of the best harbours in the world, and is the most central city in the colony. The capital of New Zealand would thus be at the proposed end of the line. At the other end, on what is called the West Coast, are some millions of acres of the finest agricultural and pastoral land, not only in this colony, but in the world, together with some 25,000 inhabitants ; and yet this land will not pay for cultivation, for the simple reason there are no means of transit to the market. If this line of railway were made, the whole of this splendid country would be within five or six hours of Wellington city and the harbour, and the country indicated would be able to find profitable employment for 50,000 more people. On the other hand, the merchants and tradespeople of Wellington, some of whom are making their acquaintance with the Bankruptcy Court, would experience a revival of commercial health and prosperity. Our tradesmen and labourers would be fully employed, the city authorities would be large gainers, the wharves would be fully occupied, the building trades would revive, and the new aspect of things would make the hearts of the people ring for joy. The city at the present time is almost as much a desert

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as the country. You scarcely hear the sound of the hammer, merchants and tradespeople are carrying on business at a loss, and the salerooms are filled with the household chattels of the poor, seized for rent or debt of some sort, and we are at the same time driving thousands of our population away from our shores to seek the necessaries of life elsewhere. I am not speaking without experience ; I have been in the grain trade for thirty years. Our wheat, flour, oats, barley, and even cheese, butter and bacon are mostly all imported, and yet within a few hours' journey of this city, all these articles might be grown to advantage if this railway were open to traffic. I should take up too much of your valuable space were I to give many more reasons that occur to me ; but I will state one thing and that is, that though the opening of this line will probably destroy my own business, I will take shares to the value of in a company for the purpose of making the line. Sir, if I had the pen of Junius or the eloquence of Burke, I could use no stronger arguments to induce the citizens of Wellington and the settlers of the West Coast to shake the Old Man of the Sea off their shoulders, and come forward like Englishmen in the cause of their homes and their wives and families. Let them put their shoulders to the wheel, and urge the Government to grant such concessions as will induce a company to raise the money and take this important work in hand.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

"North Island West Coast Railway.

" (To the Editor.)

“ Sir, —In my former letter on the necessity of the West Coast Railway of this Island, I stated at some length the numerous benefits both Wellington and the West Coast would derive from the completion of this line. Had my advice been followed up the work might now have been in progress. The

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Government not having money for this line, yet acknowledging the justice of our claim, were quite willing to assist us in any way they could. But, through the apathy and neglect of our representatives, the matter was put off until too late. I did think, however, when the session was over, seeing the error of their way and the mistake they had made, they would have immediately called the citizens together, and at once endeavoured to concoct some well-devised plan to form a company to take the work in hand. Surely out of the 220 gentlemen who constitute the Chamber of Commerce, the members of the municipality, the Harbour Board, etc., a directorate could at once be formed whose wealth and respectability would command the amount of money required, and give confidence to the Government that the work would be carried out in its integrity. There is an old proverb that Providence will help those who honestly endeavour to help themselves. It is much the same with Governments, as you may see many instances in the colony. Oaniaru and Timaru, insignificant roadsteads, are spending more money to make harbours than it would cost to make the West Coast railway; and here we are, with one of the best harbours in the world, with wharf accommodation for almost any amount of shipping lying idle, while every day our best tradesmen and labourers are leaving us in shiploads, and those who are not leaving us would go if they could get away. I must say that a good deal of this lies at the door of our representatives, and those who, from their position, ought to be the leaders of the people. Those, perhaps, who have been most benefitted by' Sir Julius Vogel's scheme, now they can no longer reap the harvest, say the money has done no good, but I think quite differently. It is true it has not been fairly spent and apportioned, but if any will take the trouble to view the matter fairly, they will find that the provinces of Otago and Canterbury, with 750 miles of railway, have actually, in land alone, benefitted to three times the amount spent on railroads in New Zealand, and more than the Government have

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borrowed altogether. These two provinces alone are worth over 30 millions of money more than they were before the public works began, and there is no doubt that the energy and perseverance of the representatives of those provinces have led to all their prosperity. Had it not been for the public works scheme Oamaru and Timaru would have remained insignificant places still, and would still be dangerous roadsteads. It is true that Wellington has not derived much good from the public works scheme, but that was not the fault of Sir Julius Vogel, but of the Government, and more particularly of our own representatives, who neglected their duty. If we had had a Macandrew or two, instead of our very respectable representatives, things would have worn a very different aspect. I would advise, if our representatives do not think it their duty to bring this matter forward, that the citizens call upon them to do so, or at least ask the Mayor to call a meeting to see what can be done. Things ought without delay to be put in a forward state, and presented to the Government, so that there may be no excuse. It is far better to be ready too soon than to be too late. I have no interest except as a simple citizen, but I do want to save the place from ruin and to retain as many as possible of our population, after our being at so much trouble and expense to get them here.

" I am, etc.,

"John Pummer."

(1880.)

On June 3rd, 1881, the following article appeared in the " N.Z. Times" :

" It is very gratifying to be able to chronicle so great a success as that which appears to have attended the first definite step taken by the promoters of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway scheme. Returns continue to come in from the country districts—and some days must elapse before they are all in—but it appears now certain that the .£"50,000 proposed to be raised in the Wellington district alone has

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been fully subscribed. The arrangement regarding the allotment of the shares applied for, will be made at a meeting of the provisional directors, which is called for Monday next, when various future steps will have to be initiated. The precise shape in which the undertaking will be offered to the London money market must of necessity depend to a large extent on the provisions contained in the Bill which the Government have promised to introduce for facilitating the assistance of such enterprise by grants of land. The Wellington and Manawatu Railway will have to come under the provisions of that measure, as apart from the enormous cost of introducing a private bill, it is now too late for this to be done under the Standing Orders of Parliament. It will, therefore, behove our parliamentary representatives in both Houses to see that the Bill is so framed as to be thoroughly applicable to our peculiar case, as well as to such undertakings generally. Everything depends on the passing of this Bill in such a shape as will enable the Wellington and Manawatu scheme to be placed before English capitalists in a favourable and attractive way. To this aspect of the question the attention of the provisional directors must be now to a large extent devoted, and we have no doubt the matter will receive their earnest consideration. The marked success which has attended their labours so far should encourage them to persevere with energy and vigour, until the work upon which the future of Wellington depends becomes in all respects an accomplished fact. The thanks of the whole community are due to Mr John Plimmer for the zeal and liberality with which he has practically inaugurated the movement which is now making such satisfactory progress. No one who has watched the course of events can doubt that to his earnest advocacy, and the substantial sum he voluntarily staked in the enterprise, is due the chief share of the credit for the promising position it now occupies. Mr J. H. Wallace, the indefatigable secretary, also merits cordial praise for the indomitable activity and industry with which he has fulfilled his important post in the matter.

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Nor must it be forgotten that, but for the arduous exertions of Mr Wallace in regard to procuring all needful information and free passage through suburban lands traversed by the line, it could not have taken the stand, as a feasible undertaking, which it now so justly holds. Its success, which now seems fairly accomplished, will be the best reward for the exertions and labours of all who have striven towards this end."

A meeting, consisting of some 30 leading citizens, was held on the 30th September, 1882, to bring matters to a definite issue, and as that meeting was one of great historic interest, at least to Wellington and the West Coast districts, we give the " Evening Post's " report of it in full:—

" A public meeting, attended by 25 or 30 of the leading citizens, was held in the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon, Mr Jonas Woodward, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, presiding, to consider what action, if any, should be taken towards the construction of the West Coast Railway. Mr W. T. L. Travers, the convener of the meeting, had prepared a series of five resolutions upon the subject:—

" (1) 'That it was esential to the interests of the city, and the districts lying between it and Wanganui, that a line of railway should be constructed without delay between Wellington and Manawatu.

" (2) ' That the Government being unable to undertake the work, steps should be taken to construct it by private capital, the Government being asked to guarantee a reasonable rate of interest.

" (3) ' That a provisional company be formed, and that be raised to meet preliminary expenses.

"(4) 'That the title be The Wellington and West Coast Railway Company; the capital to be sufficient to complete the work and to provide rolling-stock; and that provisional directors be

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appointed to take the necessary steps for arranging preliminaries, and to issue certificates to all subscribers towards preliminary expenses, entitling them to in shares for every £1 so subscribed.

"(5) 'That the co-operation of the outlying districts, and the members representing them, and the city, be invited.'

" After explaining his reason for calling the meeting, Mr Travers said there were two or three things he must look upon as postulate. The Government would not construct the line—first, because they would not ; secondly, because they said they wouldn't ; thirdly, because they had no money —and he believed they had no money. There was another mode of constructing the line—viz., under the District Railways Act; but personally he had little faith in that Act, and he would not take any part in any suggestion to construct the line under it. Such a proposal would be completely impracticable, and he would resist any attempt to fasten upon the people of Wellington the charge for the guarantee under the Act. He knew of no other means of carrying out the work than by private capital being brought to bear, and he saw no possibility of getting it done by private capital except the Government gave a guarantee, as people would not take it up as a matter of speculation. He had sketched out a series of resolutions with a view of adopting the last method. It would be necessary, before asking capitalists to aid them, to place themselves in possession of the fullest information regarding the probable cost of the work. He believed the scheme was feasible, and if they went to the London money market with a guarantee from the Government of 4 or 4! per cent., there would be no difficulty in getting the work carried out. Mr Travers then moved his first resolution, affirming the desirableness of constructing the line, leaving others to deal with the other resolutions he had sketched out.

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•• Mr John Plimmer seconded the motion, believing it would be the life of Wellington to have this railway. If the line was not constructed, he saw nothing but disaster ahead. He knew they could save some hundreds of thousands a year to Wellington in what could be produced in the district if the West Coast line was completed. If the thing was put in proper form, he would be willing to take up £lOOO worth of shares, and there were many who could as well afford to take up worth as he could £fiooo. If he lost that and the railway was made, he would gain ; if the railway was not made he would lose Was it not better to sacrifice a little for a great good—to lose than to keep on losing ?

" The Hon Dr Grace supported the motion, but objected to the scheme as being impracticable, as the Legislature would not guarantee this scheme alone ; any scheme which failed would involve great mischief to the project. The Legislature would doubtless be of opinion that the Otago Central line was as much entitled to a guarantee as this one. In his place in the Legislative Council he would most decidedly resist any wide-spreading system of guarantee to loans for the purpose of constructing lines in this colony. He would be willing in this instance to incur his portion of the responsibility in supporting a guarantee, but he felt in the present state of parties such a guarantee to one place would be impossible. There was another and not too remote way of getting the line constructed, namely, to urge upon the Government to purchase the Native land lying between Paikakariki and the Manawatu River; a purchase which he believed could easily be completed. This being done, he thought the colony would be quite willing to construct the line out of the proceeds of the land. He pointed out the great loss Wellington was put to by want of proper communication with the West Coast. Criticising the scheme sketched by Mr Travers, Dr Grace took exception to the part proposing to give £■>, in shares for every £1 subscribed, and pointed out

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that if the Government purchased the line it would be at prime cost. He would move as an amendment: —

"' That this meeting depute its Chairman and the following members (to be chosen) to wait in deputation on the Government, and urge the completion of the purchase of the Native land lying between Paikakariki and the Manawatu River.'

" The Chairman pointed out that this was scarcely an amendment upon the motion, as it referred more to the other resolutions sketched by Mr Travers. It was therefore decided to postpone it for a time. " Mr Travers explained that the guarantee was to come out of the land fund arising within the district; as to the amendment, it merely proposed to urge upon the Government to do what was already being done, they having appointed an agent to procure the land. If exception was taken to the £?, being given for £1 subscribed, that portion could be eliminated, but it was necessary to raise money for preliminary expenses, and the plan suggested was that in vogue in England.

" The resolution was then carried unanimously

" Dr Grace's resolution was then put, and seconded by Mr George Allen.

" Mr John Plimmer moved as an amendment :

" ' That it is the opinion of this meeting that, to give a practical form to the matter, a Preliminary Committee be at once appointed to make the necessary enquiries, and take proper steps to form a company, to be called the " North Island West Coast Railway Company," and to report to another meeting as early as practicable, preparatory to bringing the whole subject before the public'

" Mr Wallace seconded the amendment, which he thought supported Mr Traver's views.

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" Mr A. De B. Brandon thought the resolution the most practicable resolution.

" Mr W. Johnston thought the Government could not object to provide ,£"4000 for completion of surveys, especially as the work had been authorised for the last two years. A deputation might be appointed to ask the Government to make the surveys.

" Dr Grace here withdrew his motion, and Mr Plimmer's amendment became the substantive motion.

" Mr W. Johnston then moved as an amendment :

"'That a deputation be appointed by this meeting to wait upon the Government, urging that a survey of the line be made at once, with an estimate of the probable cost of the work.'

" Mr Levin thought that if Mr Johnston's amendment was carried, it would simply be putting the matter off again. They had sufficient data to go upon to form a tolerable estimate of the cost. It would be better to leave Mr Plimmer's resolution as it was, and let the committee obtain what information it could. Before doing anything, however, he hoped the committee would see that there was a reasonable prospect of something like ,£"50,000 being obtained in Wellington and the district.

" The Hon P. Buckley spoke strongly against the going to the Government for anything, they having broken faith so often; when they were prepared to subscribe the money they might go to the Government for information with a prospect of obtaining it.

" Mr W. S. Moorhouse, M.H.R., thought it necessary to treat with the Government for a guarantee, as unless there was some such guarantee they could not treat with the English capitalist; the best way to bring about the desired result was to get an understanding from the Government that the whole of the land acquired from the Natives should be set aside for construction of the line.

ioB

“ It being understood that the committee should do all that was required by Mr Johnston’s amendment, that gentleman withdrew it.

“Mr Plimmer’s resolution was unanimously carried, and the following committee was appointed:—Messrs Travers, Levin, W. Johnston, Moorhouse, J. Wallace, Grace, Buckley, Shannon, Brandon, Hutchison, George, Greenfield, Woodward, A. Young, Plimmer, Lewis and J. H. Wallace, with power to add to their number, five to form a quorum.

" Mr J. H. Wallace volunteered to act as secretary to the committee.

"It was moved by Mr Levin, and seconded by Mr Plimmer :

" ' That the cordial thanks of the meeting be presented to Mr Travers for the great trouble he has taken with a view of carrying out the West Coast Railway.'

"j* " The motion was carried unanimously, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings."

(Extract from Leader, "Evening Post," September 30, 1880.)

" Without entering at present into any criticism of the various proposals, we may express our satisfaction that the practical resolution of Mr John Plimmer was ultimately adopted."

On the subject of this meeting, the " Evening Post," of the same date, published the following trenchant article, which clearly shows that the public generally had come to recognise the importance of the great work for which Mr Plimmer had laboured for years :

" Yesterday's meeting, held at the Chamber of Commerce, in reference to the West Coast railway, was undoubtedly a step in the right direction. The time has gone by for depending on the Government to do anything for us. There was a time when, if the Wellington representatives had

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contended boldly and resolutely for the interests of the place, •we might have enjoyed our fair share of the borrowed millions, now irrevocably squandered on useless works constructed solely for political support. But the Wellington members have always lacked the courage or the inclination to do battle for Wellington interests. It has not been ability that has been wanting, for this province has almost always been fortunate in the calibre of its representatives. Unluckily, however, their constituents have always been haunted by an unreasoning and unreasonable fear of the removal of the Seat of Government, thus leading them to dread lest any temerity or vigour in the assertion of their own rights might subject them to the danger of forfeiting this presumed advantage. In our opinion, this advantage has always been greatly overrated, and has been very dearly purchased by the consequent oss of our share of public works, which would have proved infinitely more substantially beneficial to the real interests of the community. Such, nevertheless, has been the popular feeling—mistaken though it may have been—and it has been faithfully reflected by the representatives, who have even pleaded the cause of Wellington ' with bated breath and whispering humbleness,' if, indeed, they ventured to plead it at all. Meanwhile, the less timid, and we may perhaps add, the less scrupulous, have greedily appropriated to themselves the lion's share of successive loans, and Wellington has only at length awakened to the imperative need of something beyond a Seat of Government, to find the borrowed money gone, to find our claims recognised, but no funds in the treasury to satisfy them. It is idle to ' cry over spilled milk,' to lament our past apathy and timidity, to deplore the missed chances and neglected opportunities which have passed away, never to return. Our only true, sensible, and dignified course now is to recognise the position plainly and practically, and to resolve that we will put our shoulders to the wheel; that if nobody else can or will help us, we can and will help ourselves, and that we will thus so make up for lost time that

no

when there shall again be any public money available, either out of loan or out of the proceeds of land sales, we shall be in a position to prefer an irresistible claim, founded on the best of pleas, that we really have striven to help ourselves, and only ask that our exertions may be aided by the colony, which is so materially a gainer by our labours. It is from this point of view that we regard with much satisfaction the beginning made yesterday. There was a tone of vigorous and determined self-reliance about the whole proceedings which augurs well for the future. Without entering into any detailed criticism of the various proposals, we may express our gratification that the practical resolution of Mr John Plimmer was ultimately adopted. Mr Plimmer has contributed several very able letters to our columns on this subject, and he treats the question throughout in a thoroughly businesslike and sensible manner. Great credit is due to Mr Travers for the zeal and ability with which he has taken up this important matter, and we heartily endorse the cordial vote of thanks passed to him by the meeting for his valuable services in bringing the various crude theories into a definite and tangible shape. The whole community is under lasting obligations to Mr James Wallace for his protracted and unwearying labours in the cause. Our Parliamentary representatives also—Messrs Levin, Brandon, and Walter Johnston —have done good service, and other members of the Legislature have lent a helping hand. The only thing now wanting is for the public to take up the enterprise in a spirit of resolute energy, and with fixed determination to succeed, to strive until success is attained, whatever may be the difficulties encountered in the way, and they will be neither few nor small. In such a spirit alone can this important work be entered upon with any prospect of success, and we feel sure that for the manifestation of such a spirit by our Wellington citizens, we shall not look in vain."

Having got the people of Wellington to that stage when they clearly recognised the importance of the undertaking, and

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were ready to lend a helping hand, Mr Plimmer was not the man to let the grass grow under his feet.

Sir John Hall having returned to the seat of Parliament a few days after the above-mentioned meeting, Mr Plimmer, accompanied by the other members of the deputation, waited upon that Minister, and we believe it was at that meeting that the first consent of the Government was obtained, and the general outline of the agreement between the contracting parties decided on.

It was settled that the Government should at once introduce into Parliament a Bill authorising the formation of the company, and empowering it to borrow money on the security of lands to be allocated to the company, and to build the railway.

Palmerston North kept high holiday in honour of the opening of the Wellington and Manawatu line, and in the latter part of the day, the dinner, or more properly luncheon, at which His Excellency the Governor was present, was largely attended by the leading citizens of Wellington and settlers of the Manawatu. When the festivities were over, and the various loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly honoured, and the great toast of the occasion, " Success to the Wellington and Manawatu Company," had been spoken to by the Chairman of Directors, His Excellency and others, Mr Plimmer was called upon to propose " The Mercantile Interests." Mr Plimmer, in a felicitious speech, related, in brief, the history of the company from its earliest conception. He related how the present of a bunch of camellias had unexpectedly led to most important and far-reaching results. Sir John Hall had, as his custom was, just taken up his residence in Wellington with his family, on the eve of the opening of Parliament, and Mr Plimmer called at the house early one morning to hand in a bunch of camellias as a present to Lady Hall. He was just in the act of retiring when he encountered Sir John. Sir John exclaimed, "Oh ! Mr Plimmer, I want very much to see you. I read your speech at the meeting in

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the Chamber of Commerce about the proposed railway, and* was very pleased with it. Come in and tell me all about it." Mr Plimmer then related how he then and there gave Sir John the facts of the case, so far as the movement had then gone ; how he (Mr Plimmer) was willing to give to get an empowering Bill passed by the Legislature ; and he was firmly convinced that the formation of a railway from Wellington to Palmerston North as an investment would yield a good return to the shareholders, and that it would confer an immense benefit both upon the city of Wellington and the north western districts. Sir John then asked, " Well, Mr Plimmer, what do you want me to do ? I will assist you if I can." The reply was, " Give us 140,000 acres of land, that will be a subsidy equal to about one-third of the cost of the line, also grant us permission to reclaim 30 acres in Wellington for the southern terminus." Sir John replied, "You shall have it." Mr Plimmer also remarked that Sir John agreed to bring in a Bill, to empower the company to get to work. He also indicated his willingness to make the company a present of a new bridge for Porirua harbour, imported by the Government. Thus, you see, as remarked by Mr Plimmer, what great results sometimes follow insignificant things.

"Up the Manawatu.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —Your travelling correspondent on the Manawatu line has given the Government a lesson which ought not to be lost sight of by the Parliament now in power, for it is one on which depends the future prosperity of the colony. For if the formation of the Wellington and Manawatu line has, by giving access to the West Coast of this Island, if it has within four years without a penny expense to the Government, initiated a prosperity unparalleled in our experience of railway communication, I see no reason why all the unfinished lines in the colony should not be made under the same Act

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and on the same principle. You want the country opened up for settlement. You want foreign capital, with further colonial loans. You want access to unsettled lands. The Wellington and Manawatu Company has shown you how you may obtain these things, and get the lands settled upon, and attain the prosperity your correspondent on that line describes. You know how the making of this line was kept back, because it was too difficult to be undertaken, by the Public Works Office, and how the Government Commissioners condemned it as not wanted, but the country could never have made the progress your correspondent describes if the line had not been made. Under this system you do not want your Public ■\Yorks Office, and a very modified Land Office would suffice, saving thousands every year. Has our Government ever done so much good to the colony at so little expense to the country ? The expenditure of the company's money kept Wellington from falling very low. The opening of the line has secured the city's prosperity ; and the shareholders are the only losers by the transaction, never having received one penny for the use of their money. Many lost onehalf of what they paid for shares. The Government could not bear the rivalry and comparison with their own line, and harassed and taxed the company until the poor shareholders were in despair. After all this your correspondent shows the great good the company has done, not private or party good, but good to all alike. I emphatically say that Governments, after the experience I have had in our railway construction, should never be entrusted to do large public works. There is too much temptation to be partial. I cannot see that Government should construct railways that will not pay the interest on their construction. This is very unfair to all those who receive no benefit from them. It is a legal robbery on at least two-thirds of the community.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

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" Wellington and Manawatu Railway.

" (To the Editor of the ' N.Z. Times.')

" Sir,- —Your travelling correspondent on the Wellington and Manawatu has, to a certain extent, given us a page of the history of the Wellington and West Coast district, which ought to have been 'written many years ago. The opponents of that line for so many years, with the help of a partial, shortsighted Government, have robbed Wellington of twenty years of prosperity, and of many millions of money. And what for ? On purpose to serve their friends. They have done all they could to subvert the laws of nature, by robbing this harbour and city of their natural rights, by spending the public money on roads and harbours where roads and harbours could be of no use. They have been trying to make harbours where they could not, and where they will be a perpetual burden on the districts that surround them. Human folly and selfishness have, with the aid of infatuated Governments, tried to make harbours contrary to the laws of nature. But there is a Nemesis in all this, for Nature will assert her rights in spite of Governments and their selfish supporters. But though Nature, when opposed to unrighteousness, will assert herself with a vengeance (as in the case of the Taranaki abortion), who will restore to the people of Wellington the position they ought to have held in the commercial world for the last twenty years? Who will make good the disappointment of the early settlers of the Manawatu who have gone to their graves in poverty ? What about the decision the Government Commissioners came to—that the Wellington and Manawatu line was not wanted ? Was not this a deliberate untruth—a foregone conclusion of a biassed party and an unjust Government ? They, in their waning power, showed their petty spite by taxing the shareholders of the company from the moment the line was open for traffic to such an extent that they had not one penny of dividend for the supplied by the Wellington citizens towards the

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opening up of the line to which your correspondent refers with such enthusiasm, when describing the glorious country through which it passes. Formerly it cost £\, and £5 per ton to bring produce to the market. Now the producers are getting rich, they object to pay ten or twelve shillings, because the Government, who pay their interest out of the general revenue, can afford to work for less than the company, which has to pay interest out of its earnings. lam glad that your correspondent took a journey up the Manawatu line and gave us such a cheering account of its utility, and of the growing prosperity of that fertile and beautiful country, of which the weekly receipts of the company give such satisfactory proof. I sincerely hope our next Government will see the injustice of persecuting and taxing a company which has brought about such undeniably good results to the country and to the commercial interests of Wellington. I am, Sir, one who has seen and felt the injustice done to a local company.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

CHAPTER VII.

Religion and Public Education.

In matters of religion, as will be seen by the following correspondence, Mr. Plimmer has always adhered to the " Faith once delivered to the Saints." What he learned at his mother's knee and in the Sunday School he has, throughout a long and exceptional career, held to steadfastly, " Steady, firm and undeviating, as the needle to the Pole." At the same time his writings show him to be a man of profound thought, vast reading, and ever ready to recognise the teachings and importance of scientific investigation. Liberal and yet conservative, holding steadfastly to his own opinion, and yet making every possible allowance for the opinions of others. As a member of the Church of England he has, on more than one occasion, rendered important service to that branch of the Christian Church. We believe it was at Mr. Plimmer's suggestion that a certain well-known divine was recommended to the office of Bishop of Wellington, which office the reverend gentleman obtained, and held for a number of years with great credit to himself and advantage to the Church. Mr. Plimmer's efforts to induce the people of Wellington to combine for the erection of a Cathedral worthy of the traditions of the Episcopal Church are too recent and too well known to need more than a cursory notice at our hands. Pie was one of the few to subscribe liberally 5 00 to

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secure a piece of land within the City boundaries upon which to erect the Sacred Edifice. Thus, as he puts the matter in his usual terse manner, " One great point has been gained." Doubtless later on the citizens will realise the necessity of going on with the building of the Cathedral, and thus place the Episcopal Church in the position which its importance and numerical strength demand.

On the question of National Education Mr. Plimmer has never hesitated to express his opinion, insisting upon the absolute necessity of religious teaching in our public schools as one of the most important means of impressing upon the rising generation a reverence for sacred things. These opinions, we need scarcely add, are not in accordance with the prevailing ideas of the New Zealand people. But one thing is clear, and that is Mr. Plimmer has all along been staunch to his own views on the subject, that he has never hesitated to express them, even against the weight of public opinion. All persons will therefore agree that he is deserving of all honour for his outspoken honesty, and his courageous defence of what he believes to be right. Another point on which Mr. Plimmer differs from the majority of the colonists in reference to public education is that the effect of our liberal curriculum will be to render our youth of both sexes disinclined to enter occupations involving toil and labour. Time alone can show whether this theory is correct. A third point of divergence is, according to Mr. Plimmer's contentions, that the colony is spending more money on public education than the people can afford to pay, and further, that the major part of the expendituie is unnecessary, seeing that the vast majority of the parents are well able to pay for their children's education, and that the State is not justified in providing such with a free education. These, after a careful perusal of the correspondence on the subject, appear to us to be the three points in respect of which Mr. Plimmer has throughout the piece entered his protest against our national system of education.

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" The Effect of our Education System ox our

Moral and Social Life

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —Does it not strike you that to produce so much social evil as is said to exist in this city there must be some social cause which was not operative before our educational system became so popular. It is my opinion that its very beauty and popularity, like the skin of a tiger, hides all its defects and virulence, which is secretly, but surely, like some fell disease, permeating through the boys and girls of the rising generation. I am not speaking of my own knowledge, but from a report brought before Parliament framed from the evidence of competent witnesses. If these witnesses have not given false evidence, then the truth of the report must be accepted. But I rather hope that the witnesses have made a mistake, and that things are not so bad as they are painted. Sir, it is a dreadful thing to contemplate, and speaks with a thunder voice of warning to our legislators and ministers of religion, of what will be the social consequences of the sin, the misery and degradation if this continues. Perhaps some will say lam wrong, and that the evil complained of has arisen from some other cause. But from whence can it have come ? It is not like the smallpox or other disease that can be imported, but has developed itself in the city within the last few years, and therefore the source of it is in our midst. Formerly this city was almost exempt from many of the characteristics which are now so abhorrent, such as larrikinism, boys smoking, and girls chattering about the corners of the streets and lanes when they ought to be at home in bed. How is it that hundreds of girls in this city who, at an age when they should be in service, or doing something for their living, are rambling out at night ? It is simply because the education they get unfits them for manual work, and they think they are too good for honest labour, and thus the consequence is the present state of things. I do not so much blame the children as I

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blame the Government, who are lavishly spending the revenue of the colony in educating the rising generation to be a burden and a curse. Had it not been for this we should have needed no fresh taxes for the people to pay. If the Government wanted to stop this bane of society, which has become so glaring that it cannot remain unnoticed, and which could not be grappled with even if the police were doubled, they would at once alter their system of education, and do away with their standards. All children are not alike, neither constitutionally nor mentally, and what is the good of wasting the revenue in trying, as the old saying is, to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. The burden of no child ought to fall on the colony after it has reached the age of 12 years, where children attain to maturity much earlier than they do in Europe. They ought to leave school to be put to learn some business. It is sentimental nonsense to say they are too young. When they are old enough to do mischief they are old enough to work, if properly directed, and to prepare themselves for getting an honest living. But I warn the Government that if this system continues it will take, before long, the whole of the revenue to build schools to keep the system going, for it will grow, and soon become of such vast dimensions, and require so much police interference, so many gaols to hold the victims of a vicious education, that neither police, nor money, nor legislation will be able to eradicate the evil. You may kill your rabbits, destroy your thistles, but you cannot kill human beings nor alter their natures; but you can by education unfit them for the common duties of life, and make them criminals, and then punish them for being what you have made them. 1 think I should not be doing my duty if I did not speak as strongly as I think on this subject. I have been in Wellington 47 years, and have noticed all its changes during that time, and it is only since this system of education was established that this great social evil has rooted itself in our midst.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

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" National Education

" (To the Editor of the ' N.Z. Times.')

" Sir, —In your sub-leader you say the public are right in beginning to demand technical education for their children. Much as I would like to see every child educated to suit the position in life in which he is likely to move, I am afraid that our present system is likely to make many of them very useless members of society. And not only useless, but dangerous. In my opinion, our present system is like burning the candle at both ends. It is spending a large portion of our revenue in making useless members of society, and bad colonists in the future. If all our children are to be educated to fit them for the learned professions, how is the colony to be provided with artizans and labourers? Think you that the hand that has only been taught to use a pen, is suitable to use the axe, the hammer, or the spade, or to speed the plough ? I am of opinion that it is the duty of the Government to see that all children have some education, but it is also their imperative duty to see that they are not educated to their own injury, or to the injury of the State. Good tradesmen and good labourers are of more value to the colony than good scholars, and are more in request. Then why try to educate our children, at the expense of the State, to be the most useless members of society? I am glad to see that the people are beginning to see things in their proper light, before they have gone too far. If our legislators are wise, they will take the hint you have given them.

" I am, &c,

(June ist, 1885.)

"John Plimmer."

" What are we Educating our Children for ?

" (To the Editor.)

"Sir, —This is a question which every colonist ought to ask, and not be satisfied until it is impartially and

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truthfully answered. This country is already overstocked with professional gentlemen and Civil Servants; and clerks are so numerous that, if the smallest situation is open, there are hundreds of applicants willing and anxious to get it, even at a starvation salary. It is, therefore, evident that this class of scribes are not wanted. Then comes the question : What are wanted ; and are we going the right way to prepare the future population for the legitimate work of colonisation ? In my opinion, we are not. I agree that all children from five years to ten years of age ought to be educated by the State, but after that they should be transferred to a technical school, and tools put into the hands of each, according to the business they are likely to follow in after years, so that each boy when he is fifteen years old should be able to get his own living by honest industry. If these children worked, say five or six hours a day under good teaching, they would have plenty of time to supplement their education sufficiently for any of the common callings of life. And here, Sir, in my opinion, Government Education ought to stop. Those people who do not want their children to be brought up to work should cease to send them to the Government schools at ten years of age, and the parents might dispose of them in any way befitting their conditions of life. They ought not to be a burden to the State any longer, and the working class of scholars, under good teaching, would soon be able by their labour to support themselves at school, and at the age of fifteen, a boy initiated well into any business, would be able to earn his living and help support his father, mother, or anyone who might be dependent upon him. Under these circumstances the rich could not grumble. Sir, it is really a pity and a shame to see well brought up young men continually asking you to use your influence to get them something to do, while you cannot get a good labourer' under eight shillings a day. Often we see some young man standing at the police bar for petty forging or

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issuing a valueless cheque, his life stranded, when God only knows the suffering and temptations he must have gone through before he fell so low. And yet, Sir, our present system of education seems to me the way to multiply this class of unfortunates. The State is spending large sums of money to prepare inmates for our gaols and lunatic asylums, and I do not see what in a few years we are going to do for mechanics and labourers, who are the backbone of the colony. I only write this as a hint, hoping yourself, or some one else more capable than myself of elucidating this important question, will take it up before it is too late.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmek

"Our System of Education,

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —Is our system of education satisfactory ? Is it realising the hopes and desires of the country and the people who pay so heavily for it ? Are the effects produced on our youths and maidens such as will make them useful as well as intelligent members of society ? Learning is no doubt excellent if it is associated with industry, and the proper training of the mind and body to useful pursuits, but on the other hand you may give as much education as you like to a child and leave the other qualification to run wild, and you will soon have the street corners crowded with loafers. That our system of education is already producing such a crop is realised from one end of New Zealand to the other. You scarcely take up a paper from eitherof the great cities of the colony but there is the same cry of larrikinism and idleness from one end to the other. It is true we are producing the best footballers and perhaps cricketers in the world, if this is any credit or profit to us. If the same industry and study were applied to some useful pursuits we should have more and better workmen. A

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boy who is taught to give his time to some useful occupation will never turn out to be a pest to society, a larrikin, or a loafer. Is it right that the present adult generation should be so heavily taxed to train up the youth to become a nuisance and a burden in the near future ? If one half of the present cost of education went to teach the children some industrial pursuit it would obviate the evils ot the system, and make education a blessing instead of a curse.

" I- am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

" Eureka

(To the Editor.)

" Sir, —Why are the people so surprised at the effect of their own handiwork ? If they had wished for matters to remain as they were, they should not have interfered with so much zeal to alter them. I have often asked what we are educating our children for, but I could never get a satisfactory answer. It is not the poor working man who has caused the upsetting of all our social economy ; he never so much as dreamed of it. Before passing judgment we should try to ascertain whence the evil arose, we should go back to first causes. Again I must ask, what are we educating our children for ? Certainly not for labourers or domestic servants. What have our Government, our legislators, our representatives been spending half-a-million out of our revenue for ? Did they lavishly spend all that vast sum expecting no return for it ? Why were the rich so energetic in getting the best masters for our National Schools, and so zealous in sending their children to schools that were originally intended for the children of those who by reason of poverty are unable to give their children even the rudiments of an English education ? Above all, why did those who could well afford to pay for their children's education send them to schools where they would" have to mix with the children of the poor and the ignorant ?

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I will give them credit that it was not to lower the standard of their own children. Then, if there is anything in it at all, it must have been to raise the standard of the poorer children to their own level. We will suppose this was so; then they had forgotten the old adage, ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' Did the earnest supporters of our education system ever pause to think that children educated the same as the rich, mixed together like Jack, Tom and Harry, with their minds enlightened to the vast social advantages enjoyed by the rich over the poor, would be content to walk in the footsteps of their ignorant and industrious parents? It is a poor compliment to pay to their knowledge of human nature. They have, by their Education Act, given the poor children a view of life different to their own, and have awakened their ambition to share that better and more enjoyable life, but they have left them to attain to it how they can. And now we are reaping the first fruits of the consummate folly of our legislators in the upsetting of society by strikes to obtain what they have been educated for.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

"Juvenile Criminals.

" (To the Editor.)

" ' liring up a child in the way he should go.'

" ' Evil communications corrupt good manners.

" Sir, —In your issue of a recent date you seem perplexed to know what should be done with the criminal children of this colony. And you say truly that they have ten times more wickedness in them after they have served a term of imprisonment than they had before being sent to prison. And under the present system it cannot be otherwise. You cannot expect them to learn any good thing in a school of wickedness. This is not the way to make useful members of society of

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them. What we really want is a school of industry, to which all young criminals over 10 years of age could be sent until they learn some trade ; when, instead of being finished as criminals, they should be taught morality and industry, not used harshly, but lovingly trained to moral and religious reformation, and at the same time learn a trade which would put them in the way of earning an honest livelihood when they leave the school. These childrep, who ought to be the peculiar care of the Government, are chiefly the offspring of parents who have been brought up under our present system of education—a system for the manufacture of criminals. Our education system, which is kept up at such an enormous expense for the want of industrial schools, is almost certain to produce another sort of criminal of a more genteel species. It is often asked, What shall we do with our boys ? The poorer part of them cannot all find places as clerks ; one half will be crowded out, unfit for any sort of labour. Those who should be our best men leave the colony, only to find that all places are alike, and are pushed from pillar to post, till they lose all hope. Then they drift into bad company, and it is easy to see the end ; false cheques, forgery and prison, a sad ending to the hopes of many good but simple parents.

" I am, etc

"John Plimmer."

"A Social Disgrace

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —What is the use of beating about the bush for the cause, or cure, of our social evil, when it is plain as the sun at noon that it is not to be found there ? The cause is easy enough to be seen by those who have the courage to look in the right place for it. You can only tell the cause by searching out the foundation, and the foundation of this curse to humanity was laid when the present Godless system of education became the law of the land. When the children of Israel said unto Samuel: ' Give us a King to us'

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Samuel prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord said unto Samuel : ' Harken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.' So also it has been in respect of our education system. In establishing it our lawmakers have yielded to the clamour of the people, and have rejected the teaching of God's word in the education of the children, which says.: ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' When we sow seed in a garden or field, if the seed is good, its production will be good. If we sow bad seed, its production will be bad. If, again, we sow no seed at all, then the land is overrun with weeds, of which at the present time we are reaping a disastrous crop. There is no fault to be found with the teachers, neither are they proscribed from teaching our children knowledge of every description ; but knowledge without wisdom is often a dangerous thing, especially in the minds of children. Now, every one knows that ' the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding have all they who walk therein.' Now, I want to know how this generation can be wise without ' the fear of the Lord.' We are prohibited from teaching that Word in all our schools, and from using the Book in school from which all knowledge and all true wisdom are derived. I see no way by which the social evil can be cured but by a return to the ways of wisdom.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

(September, 1896.)

" The Use and Abuse of Education.

" The Father of Wellington writes :

" It is at least time, after 30 years' experience of the working of our education system, to make searching enquiries as to whether it has fulfilled the expectations of its founders, not only in our social well-being, but in the moral and

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religious life of the people. In my opinion, our present system has no foundation on which to build a Christian nation. By excluding the Bible from the school we rob our children of God’s greatest blessing to them. We have driven them out of that narrow path which leads to happiness on earth, and quenched their aspirations of a hope of everlasting life in Heaven. There are, I think, few but will acknowledge that we in this world are governed by two great powers acting in opposition, the one against the other—the powers of good and evil. Now, it is plain that a child not brought up in the way that he should go is very likely to go the way he should not go. As a Christian people we debar our children from all knowledge of the Book in wjiich the Creator has defined for our information the difference between these two principles, and the effect they have upon our lives in this world ; the one leading to everlasting happiness, the other to everlasting misery. I would ask our legislators to which end they intended our education scheme should lead ? And I would also ask the parents of the children which goal they would like their children to arrive at ? The wise King of Israel said, ‘ Bring up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.’ ‘ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding have all they who walk therein.’ Now, if your children, while their minds are young and pliable, have not the principle of good ingrafted in them, they will surely acquire the principle of evil. I should like to know on what foundation of right, reason or duty our muchboasted scheme of education is established. In the first place, is it right or can it be reasonably expected that a child should naturally imbibe principles of right, to do its duty as a Christian citizen without being taught the first principles of our religion ? Where is he to learn if not from the Book from which it may be learned with perfection ? Yet our national education system forbids the use of the Bible in our schools. Our system may teach the use of all worldly knowledge to perfection, but what is all such knowledge without the

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guidance of Heavenly wisdom ? It is but a gilded snare, in which the great nations in the world are caught and held in bondage. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all became slaves to worldly knowledge and to the devil. The rise and fall of these great nations ought to be a lesson to those who have been favoured with the light of the Gospel. Have not we in the pride of our own hearts set up a Goddess of Reason, and rejected the teachings of God and of Christ in our national schools ? The innocent children are kept ignorant, run wild in the broad way that leadeth to crime, and are punished for breaking the law, of which they knew not the consequence. Then, when they have done something which is a disgrace to their parents, people *ay the parents should have taught them better. A false theory ! Put the blind to lead the blind, and both fall into the ditch. The State has undertaken to teach the children, and the parents like it, and think it eases them of their duty. To whom are we to look for a remedy against this great sin ? Our only hope lies in the ministers of the Christian religion. Let them all join as one man, and demand an amendment in our educational law, to the effect that the Book of God shall be a school book, and that lessons of righteousness and the Christian religion shall be taught in our national schools as well as worldly knowledge."

" Theories op Education: National Schools and

their Purpose.

'( From ' The New Zealand Times'.)

" Mr John Plimmer, the Father of Wellington, writes:— The difficulty which lias arisen in our education system in respect of revenue and room may be easily remedied, if the schools and education were used for what they were first intended for in England ; that is, to give some education to children whose parents are unable to pay for them. I will give

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you an instance of their proper use. In 1839 I built the first national school in the town in which I lived, which was not above 50 yards from my own house, I had then two small children, and I thought the school would be convenient for them to go to, but when I inquired of the managers of the school about them, their answer was, ‘ No, Mr. Plimmer, you can afford to pay for the education of your children.’ And I thought it was a very proper answer, so I paid for them. I think, but cannot say for certain, that all persons whose incomes exceeded £1 per week were debarred from sending their children to these schools. And I cannot see any reason why any person receiving above £1 per week should not do the same here. They did not turn away children there, but charged threepence or sixpence per week, according to their age or requirements, and by this means they received money enough to pay the teachers, and the poor people’s children left school at 14 years of age, as they were then considered old enough to go to work. By this system the talented children, there being no standards, learned all they could to enable themselves to rise and better themselves in life. Those who were unable to learn much, were taught to behave themselves and honour their parents. Under our present system the reading of the Scriptures is suppressed, and the children have no fear and love of God before them and impressed upon them every day. Is it any wonder that they are not what they ought to be? It is not their fault but their misfortune, to be educated where the name of God and His Book are excluded. In my opinion we are acting falsely to our professions and criminally to our children, who commit crimes by reason of our neglect, and then we punish them for what we ought to be, and surely will be, punished ourselves.”

" Plague Hunting and Our Educational System,

" (To the Editor of the ' New Zealand Mail.')

" Sir, —Our beautiful and healthy New Zealand has not lost any of those health-giving blessings which have long been

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the pride of the old settlers, and which have induced thousands of people to land upon our surf-beaten shores to seek shelter and safety from disease, and to gather strength in this lifegiving paradise of the Southern Ocean. Our children look so beautiful and healthy, that as one of the Old Fathers of the Church said, ‘ If you only teach them to be Christians, they are fair enough to be angels.’ We are the sons and daughters of that very people of whom the good Father spoke in such high praise, and from whom has descended the greatest Empire of ancient or modern days, over which reigns a Queen possessed of Christian virtues suitable for the high and responsible position she holds. New Zealand is the youngest of that noble and glorious Empire. Let us try to emulate our Queen in her virtues, and all her best characteristics, so that in the days to come our descendants may speak of us as we now speak of our forefathers. Let us learn wisdom by their experience. We may be sure of one thing, that whatever seed we sow, whether of good or evil, it will take root and in time produce fruit according to the quality of the seed. What are our doctors and inspectors hunting for ? It must be something very scarce and infinitely small, since they cannot find it. Not being able to find it in the human body, they have descended to the lowest and dirtiest of animals and insects the rat and the flea—where it will be great wonder indeed if they do not find some seeds of foul fever to call the plague. This will satisfy their longing for some disease which will give them work, and which I must admit is much wanted by the faculty in this healthy city. We have about six times as many doctors and lawyers as there is work for them to do, and yet our national schools will continue to teach children, who ought to be tradesmen or farmers, till they are too old to learn to be the one and too proud to work at the other. I think the time has arrived when a thorough investigation of our educational system should be made. If it continues as at present it will in time become so expensive that the country will not be able to bear it, and even if it could we may ask

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ourselves the question, Are the scholars becoming better members of society, more useful to their parents, and better fitted to be responsible citizens ? lam of opinion that our present system does not fulfil these conditions. The first knowledge that a child should be taught, and which alone can form the foundation of a good life, should be true Christian principles, but instruction in these principles is excluded from our national system. Therefore we lose the chance of laying the foundation of a good Christian education. 'We have built our system on the sand. To make good men and good citizens we must have good children. Fail in the one first principle and you are sure to fail in the whole. We have thrown away the stone which should be the head of the corner, which was rejected of old when Christ came to teach us how to live that we might not fear to die. There is a principle in the formation of our educational system which should at once be corrected. That is, no person should be permitted to send his children to those schools who can afford to pay for them, and all should leave them on attaining the age of 14 years. There should also be a good technical school established in every large centre of population. To these technical schools children would be admitted by paying a small fee. The fees would form a fund for the payment of specialists and mechanics to give instruction in trades and other branches to the pupils for two years. If this plan were carried out, the oft repeated cry, ' What shall we do with our boys ? ' would for ever cease. I think, by this alteration in our system of education, the Government would save a year. This sum might be devoted to railway extension, to thus open up the way for our sons going on to the land.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

Mr Plimmer's Reply to Mr Bright's Lectures.

In 1884 a Mr Bright created some excitement by delivering a series of lectures of a socialistic and atheistica

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character, to which Mr Plimmer published in the " New Zealand Times " the following reply :

" Sir, —There is a paragraph in this morning's ' Times' in which you say the only pity is that Mr Bright has it all his own way. Mr Bright's talents and eloquence are something of the nature of an earthquake, which destroys all before it, and leaves nothing but desolation. If Mr Bright would say, after he has destroyed religion, and Christianity in particular, what he is prepared to give us as a recompense, then we should be able to compare it with what we should lose; but, as he is not prepared to give us anything in return, there is nothing to argue about. He has not even erected a Goddess of Reason, lest it should put the people in mind of the French guillotine ; and as he will give us nothing it is better for us to hold firmly to what we have, and try to correct its errors. Will you be kind enough to publish this letter, giving, at least, my own view of this question ? Before we hold up Nature as God, for which Christians are invited to give up their religion, let us examine what Nature did for humanity before religion came to teach man that there is a God superior to Nature, whose universal power erected and held in check, not only Nature in affinity with this earth, but who designed and set in motion the universal system of worlds, and sent them forth as witnesses of His wisdom, power and will. Religion ought not to be condemned because propagandas and priests have in all ages invented and forced on humanity systems and combinations abhorrent alike to true religion and human nature. These inventions have at all times given power to priestcraft over the bodies and souls of men, to the destruction of liberty of thought and free speech. This vaunted worship of Nature, which Mr Bright would have us adopt, is but another kind of religion, a spurious one, because it is degrading, and would put the superior to worship the inferior. Man, being so much superior to anything else known in Nature, it follows that for him to worship Nature, to the exclusion of Nature's God, would reduce him to a position far below Nature, and not

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superior to it, as he was manifestly intended to occupy. We should be going back to the prehistoric ages, when religion in its true sense was unknown, when men bowed down to stocks and stones, and worshipped the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air. lam in favour of free thought, but not so far as to make a religion of Nature, to the exclusion of Nature’s God. lam prepared to admit that each person, seeing he has to bear the brunt of his own actions, should be allowed perfect freedom of thought, so long as he obeys the laws and does not interfere with the liberty of his neighbours. I can admire Nature in all its beauty and variety, but my aspirations rise above these works of creation to a high, intellectual God, Whose wisdom created them and Whose power will sustain them, a being worthy of our love and Whom we need not dread. There is no doubt that priests, with their usurped power, did what they ought not to have done, and left undone that which they ought to have done. They have dared to assume the power and offices of God, in passing judgment and awarding punishment to those who did not think as they wished them to do. Men’s thoughts are as various as all other works in creation, and it is this variety in Nature that is its chief ornament. The offspring of superstition and selfishness was in men trying to stagnate the thoughts and aspirations of their fellow men (the very worst of tyranny). And yet I doubt whether freethinkers, if they had the power, would not become quite as intolerant as those who have gone before them. There is nothing in freethought to bind the conscience or to resist the evil influence of human nature, therefore, under certain circumstances, it may destroy the good that is and leave nothing but our own weak nature to depend on. I cannot forget the horrors of the French Revolution. One of the most fatal blows to humanity in all ages has been the utter condemnation by the promoters of every new religion of all ideas about religion that preceded them. They should have retained the good and rejected the evil. In all ages there have been born men who possessed a higher intelligence than the

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general run of mankind, and with a power sufficient to make the ignorant believe they were inspired by some omniscient being. Such were Zoroaster, Confucius, Moses, Jesus Christ, Mahomet, and many others. Now all these taught more than Nature was capable of teaching, or that the people were intellectually capable of learning from it, und something that was conducive to their moral and social well-being. Another important point is this ; their teaching was suitable to the people and the age and climate in which they lived. It is plain to every one that will take time to consider these things that a religion that was suitable for one people was not suited to another. No greater proof of the truth of this reasoning can be adduced than the fact that Christianity has proved itself to be totally unsuited to the mixed races of the East. But when Mahomet raised his banner in the very birthplace of Christianity his teachings were at once accepted, and kindled a fire of enthusiasm among his followers that drove Christians and Christianity clean out of its birthplace. And more than that, Christianity has never been able to re-estab-lish itself there. The reason for this is obvious; it interfered with that which is suitable to their intellectual state. The Jews at the birth of Christ were expecting a Messiah, but they had mistaken His mission. According to their ideas He was to be a prototype of David, who was to lead them to conquer the whole earth by ruthless war and not by righteousness, truth and peace. So when they heard Him proclaim His mission they rejected Him because it was contrary to their expectations. It had been well for them if they had accepted Him; then in time they would have held the place in power and intellect which Britain now holds among the nations of the earth. And now will Mr. Bright tell me in what respect the British people would be better without Christianity than with it ? With the onward march of Christianity, in spite of its abuses, wisdom, knowledge and true liberty, and last but not least, science, have been in the van. Science ought to have been the handmaid of Christianity, but the Church rejected it.

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as the Jews rejected Christ. Are we then to cast all these blessings aside for a something, or nothing ? God forbid that we should be so foolish. Ido not blame Freethinkers so much as Christian teachers for what is going on ; in their eagerness to build up their Churches they have forgotten their religion ; have forgotten that all good things come from God, and that science is His latest and best gift. ‘By their works shall ye know them.’ If they had been wise and understood the signs -of the times they would have seen that science has done more ■during the last fifty years for the happiness, the comfort, the liberty and well-being of the human race than all the boasted dogmas of Christianity put together. It is the greatest blessing that has yet been accorded to man. It has broken the bonds of slavery in their bodies, and the worse bonds of superstition in their spirits. It has given them more true knowledge of God and his works than anything else. It has lightened the burdens of the poor, and raised them to a higher intellectual level. Science has made Great Britain the greatest nation on the earth, and yet the Church has condemned science and driven it into the hands of the enemies of Christianity. Is it to be wondered at that by the light of science the enemies of religion should see all the mud-stains with which propagandas have bespattered her otherwise pure and heaven-wrought mantle ? Religion is an emanation from God to the spirit of man. It is the light of the understanding, as the sun is the light of day. Without it men would grope in natural souldarkness. Now such lecturers as Mr Bright ignore all the good that Christianity has done for mankind, and only point out the evils which superstition, human device and spiritual pride have tacked on to it. They would have us believe they only desire to do away with the evil, but at the same time they are sweeping away all the good, and have nothing to give us in its place. Is all the good that Christianity has done in the world to be cast aside for nothing ? God forbid that it should be so and this enlightened age fall back into natural ■darkness. Then would our last state be worse than our first.

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Rather let us try to improve what we have, lest we should belike the dog in the fable that grasped at the shadow and lost the substance.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

(May, 1884.)

" Definition or Religion

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —In your Saturday's Supplement you give a definition by several great men, more from a communistic point of view than a Christian. Some of them are very beautiful, but they fall far short of the true sense and meaning which they ought to convey to a true Christian mind. Religion deserves a better and fuller definition. She is the whiterobed angel, the mother of all those lovely graces—Faith, Hope, and Charity. She is the foundation of all our earthly happiness. If her true principles are carried out, she establishes a firm hope of eternal happiness in the life to come. Robert Burns, in his ' Cotter's Saturday Night,' gives a good idea of what religion is to the poor man's home, where she has implanted true religious feeling, with social authority. She plants in the hearts of men the love of their fellow-men, and inspires them to obey and carry out the beautiful lesson taught by Christ on the Mount—- ' Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.' What would this earth be without religion ? Just what it was before the creation of Adam, and would have been after, had not God breathed into him the breath of life, and given him a living soul inspired with the power of communicating with Himself. This established the religious feeling in man, inspiring him with the hope of everlasting life. And as God breathed into man that everliving principle of life—the soul—that principle can never die. Religion is the spirit that all the good men enjoy on

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«arth, and the foundation of all our hopes of everlasting happiness in heaven.

" I would not lose the hope of heaven

For all the world can give;

A life on earth without that hope

Is worse than death to live.

“ The God-inspired intelligence

Within the souls of men—

The grave to hold it has no power,

It turns to God again.

" I am, etc.

"John Plimmer."

(August, 1894.)

"The Loss of the Graces.

" Socialism is destructive of that beautiful combination which is characteristic of a life endowed with all that is good and lovely in human nature —Faith, Hope, and Charity. It at once cuts off the two first from our aspirations, and leaves Charity to fade away and die like a withered leaf. These true Christian graces, if taken away from us, leave nothing to guide and steer us through the journey of life, nor any higher expectations after death than annihilation. This is a sorry end for intellectual beings possessed of attributes in some instances almost divine. All things have some origin from whence spring the hopes of eternal life. They must have been implanted in man by his Creator, to encourage him to persevere, to attain to that blessed state which gives happiness on earth and everlasting peace in the world to come."

"Our Last Friend.

" I'm not unmindful of my end,

And come whene'er it will,

I hope to meet death as a friend,

To make me happier still.

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" To bear me on to brighter day,

To joys that know no end,

Then welcome, Death, to take thy prey—

On earth my last, best friend,

" What joy to meet my long-lost friends

In such a happy state ;

To live where pleasure never ends,

If such should be my fate.

" Then patient let me wait the time,

Nor idly sit me still ;

But do my best with hope sublime,

My duty to fulfill.

"John Plimmer."

" The Proposed Cathedral—A Work of Patriotism—

Appeal from Mr John - Plimmee

" (' New Zealand Times.')

" A cathedral in a colonial city, although a church, in no way ought or should belong to one denomination of Christians, but should be the property of a Christian brotherhood of all persuasions of Christians who worship God the Creator as their Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ as their Redeemer. Therefore I look upon the building of a cathedral in the light of a patriotic work, appealing specially to the citizens as a work done for the love of God, and for the beautifying of the city, and which would give us the opportunity of worshipping in one temple, as the children of one universal God and Father of all. Thinking, as I do, that this should be the principle on which our cathedral should be built, I can with hope and confidence appeal to the patriotic feelings of every denomination of Christians to join with hearty goodwill in subscribing to erect a noble edifice in the Empire City of New Zealand. Such a building would not only beautify the city, but under God, would be the means of

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drawing together all true Christians under one roof. All the tribes of God's ancient people used to be gathered together, at stated periods, in the Glorious Temple on Mount Zion. In like manner could our people assemble to hear the glad tidings that ' God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,' to suffer for, and redeem us from the consequences of our sins. And ' There is none other name given under Heaven, nor among men, whereby we may be saved.' Thus we all, as good Christians, ought to join in the work; and as good patriots ' Put your shoulders to the wheel,' and assist in building a house wherein, in time, as is the wish of all sincere believers, we may worship God with whole hearts, without any dissension. I think the people of Wellington will excuse me for making this appeal to them. This is not the first time that I have made appeals for good purposes, and they have always heartily responded to my calls. As this may be the last time, I hope they will do as they have always done.

"The Father of Wellington."

CHAPTER VIII

Colonial Enterprise.

"The North Island Trunk Line.

“ (To the Editor of ‘ The New Zealand Times.’)

“ It may appear strange to you and your readers that there should be such a difference of opinion in the estimation of the two parties that have lately given themselves the trouble to visit and give their separate views on the Central Line of the North Island. The difference may, however, be accounted for when we consider that each party viewed the line from a different standpoint and from opposite ends of the telescope, so that that which appeared large to one would appear small to the other. It is not an easy nor a pleasant task to reconcile their views and to give reasons for them, but in matters of so much importance to New Zealand it is absolutely necessary that the truth should be known. The citizens of Wellington have not such short memories as to have forgotten the decision arrived at by the Special Committee appointed by the Government to report on the Wellington and Manawatu railway, who, looking through the wrong end of the telescope, decided against it. lam sure I need not remind you nor the citizens that the gentlemen who formed the last self-appointed prospectuses, and brought in a bad report of the central line, used all their influence in their places in Parliament, and voted against the passing of the Bill

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for the continuation of that line. There can be no doubt that they took the same standpoint as the Commissioners did, and looked through the wrong end of the telescope, and came to the same conclusion in respect to the Central Line as the Commissioners did of the Manawatu Line. Nor is it a very difficult matter to explain why they took upon themselves the hazardous journey of inspection, and arrived at the same conclusion as the above-mentioned Commissioners. But as Ido not wish to hurt their feelings, nor to cast a slur on the reputation of such honorable gentlemen, I will leave the explanation as a puzzle for my fellow citizens to find out. At the same time I will go so far as to say that they are as far wrong in their report as the Commissioners were in theirs, and Wellington has had ample proof that the Commissioners were wrong, in the success that has attended the making and working of the Manawatu line. Not only did the expenditure in making the line uphold Wellington by giving work to all who wanted it during the last six years of general depression, but it has opened up a large area of good land within three or four hours of the city that will always be a substantial benefit in the future. I hope these gentlemen will not be offended if I tell them they have taken a wrong view of this matter, and however it may appear to them from their standpoint, it is a most damaging one to the colony, and to Wellington in particular. I will put it to them in the form of a question to them and to the public in this manner: If the Wellington and Manawatu line, in giving access to about a million acres of land and a market for the products of that land, has been and is acknowledged by all a substantial benefit to the country, how much greater would the benefit be if 20,000,000 acres were opened up by the central line of the North Island, which these gentlemen have reported against ? I do not go into the quality of the land, nor do I think the gentlemen referred to know anything about it. In winding up a Maori track they had no chance to judge. But Ido put some faith in the Hon. Mr. Mitchelson’s report, not only from the practical knowledge

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of that gentleman, but because he had no interest to serve in arriving at his decision, and spoke what he believed to be true and right against the wishes of his constituents. As this letter is getting too long I will try in another soon to show the good this line would be not only to Wellington but New Zealand as a whole.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

" Waste Lands and Railways

"(To the Editor.)

" Sir, —These two important subjects are so intimately connected that it is almost impossible to legislate upon one without taking the other into serious consideration, and I know of no other colonial subject which can affect for good or evil the prosperity of the colony to such an extent as the way in which the present Government and legislators may deal with the waste lands and railways of New Zealand. There is plenty of splendid land in this colony, suitable for every purpose of agriculture, but this land, without a railway to carry its products to a shipping port, is perfectly useless. I say railways, because we have got to compete with other countries in the world's markets that have railways, and unless we have the same convenience for transit, and use the same appliances as other countries, our land might just as well remain in its present state. Let us then consider how and by what means this large and fruitful country can be brought into practical and profitable occupation, and without burdening the Colonial Government with unnecessary debt. In the first place, the land in its present state pays no taxes, and the Government cannot in any way derive any benefit from it; but if the railway were opened and only partially occupied, a large revenue would be derived from it. In my last letter on the North Central line, I clearly pointed out that this line would have the effect of opening up 12,800,000 acres of land.

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Now I know from practical experience that one-fourth of this land given to a syndicate would induce it to find the capital to make the railway, without the Government spending one penny of public money, and by this means the whole of this vast territory would be open for sale or lease, or for immigration purposes. This plan, if properly carried out, by giving it to practical farmers at a minimum rent with a low purchasing clause, say at 2s fid per acre over a term of years, or cash down if offered, and an occupation clause, the traffic this would create for the Government railways already in existence and the taxes derived from the settlement would pay the Government far better than stinting the colony by their do-nothing policy. That the Government would get a large revenue by opening up the country by this settlement is proved by the Wellington and Manawatu railway, which has already paid into the Treasury some £7,000 in property tax, and the road boards and other bodies some in local taxation, and this will increase greatly as occupation proceeds. This is not the only advantage the colony would reap by this proceeding. In the first place, it would produce an abundance of which would chiefly be occupied in the employment of labour, and as labour is the chief capital of the colony, it being employed would greatly relieve our benevolent societies and would give healthy and contented minds to our idle and starving population. Such a policy as this, which I have tried to sketch out, is no air bubble, but if carried out with vigour and honesty will give such a zest in the Old Country to their interest in New Zealand that our stock in the London market would soon attain its highest value. As under this system the Government would not require loans to make railways, any money raised could be profitably used for immigration. The million proposed to be borrowed for the North Island Central would land on our shores some 70,000 immigrants. One million at 4 per cent, costs a year, and 70,000 immigrants, say, at per head of taxation, would yield to the revenue £210,000, or a clear profit of £1 70,000, which in six

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years would pay the whole principal of the million loan. This shows that nothing can be more profitable to a colony than a constant flow of immigrants of the right sort. It is by this means that the Americans have so soon paid off their enormous national debt, caused by the War of Secession, and are now puzzled to know what to do with their vast revenue.

" I am, etc

"John Plimmer."

" Railroads v. Political Harbours

“ (To the Editor.)

“ Sir, —The people of this colony have at last begun to open their eyes to the wasteful extravagance in spending money in trying to rival Nature in the manufacture of harbours. If New Zealand were surrounded by nations who were likely when difficulties arose in time of war to land troops on our own shores, it would be prudent and wise to spend money on places inviting invasion. The fortification of Plymouth Harbour by William 111. is a case in point. This was done more for protection than trade; Plymouth never has and never will be anything but a great naval station. Now, Sir, if the Plymouth of this new hemisphere in the pride of her youth, having her great antetype as a precedent, may have some excuse for her folly and her patriotism, and some pity for her shortsightedness; she has got now to pay the price of her stupidity in the form of perpetual taxation, like other young fools who squander their money and time in building castles in the air. But if, on the other hand, she thought in her youthful ambition and jealousy of Wellington to outrival Nature and form a great mercantile harbour, she ought to pay the penalty of her wickedness and folly. This ought to have been very apparent to her, and more especially to her representatives, who in their local greed got large sums of money to spend for purposes which have proved utterly futile and

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injurious to the places they were supposed to benefit. Now the money is wasted and interest has to be paid, they come as supplicants to the Government to ease them of the penalty of their greediness and spite. They also have the audacity to ask the Government to lend themselves to another political and foolish enterprise, at the cost of the colony, in the diversion of the North Island Central line to Taranaki. Do these spoiled children of Taranaki want to do as simple-minded children do when they have broken an expensive toy—throw it away and cry for another? This must naturally be the outcome if their views were to be carried out. Not only would it be a perversion of right, but like the Plymouth Harbour works, utterly useless for mercantile purposes and the opening up of the country. It would be useless for mercantile purposes, because it would still be a violation of nature, and therefore a crime against New Plymouth itself. Wellington will always be a better market than any other port for the products of Taranaki, the products of Auckland and the Waikato being of a similar kind; whereas the products of the Wellington Province, seeing that the climate is more rugged and cold, differ, and then Wellington offers the best market for more northern products. The delicious fruits and wines of Taranaki cannot be purchased in Wellington. I began this letter presumably to show the difference between harbours created where Nature never designed them to be, and properly constructed railways, and more especially the North Central line. lam not going exactly to define the route nor the quality of the land, nor do I think these things should affect the decision of the Government in this particular case. This line, as its designation indicates, is to open up the centre of the North Island. In Mr Bowden’s ‘ Manual Geography of New Zealand,’ he states that the North Island is about 500 miles long, and its extreme breadth about 250 miles; but I do not think more than onehalf of this would be affected by the Central line. He says the total area of land in the North Island is 44,000 square miles, and I will for my purpose suppose that the Central line

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will affect one-half of it, or say 20,000 square miles, or about thirteen million acres of land, if you run the line through the centre only. Think of this vast country, consisting of all kinds of land, and suitable for all purposes, being opened up to settlers coming to this country, while the railway would be a permanent highway to carry their immense and varied productions to the nearest market and shipping port. The products of Auckland and Taranaki, with their almost tropical fruits and wines, would find a ready market in the South. The products of the South would sell readily in the North, so that all parts of these islands would reap the advantage of the public expenditure to the fullest extent. Now, Sir, what I wish to ask our representatives is : What have the promoters of the diversion of the Central line got to offer in comparison to these advantages ? There is, say, one million of money to be spent. Is it to be another political job, another diversion of public funds to more than useless purposes ? Are the representatives of all New Zealand willing to burden their constituents with the interest on this million of money to suit the baby cry of this spoiled child, New Plymouth ? I think they have more sense than to do this.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

■' Central Railway and Native Land Bill.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir,—ln my last letter to you on the North Central line of railway, I calculated that the line would have an influence over 20,000 square miles of land, or about 12,800,000 acres, and whatever interested persons may say to the contrary, this land is situated in one of the finest climates in the world; land that will grow in abundance grain and fruits that are requisite for the support, comfort, and even luxury of the human race. This immense space of land is now in almost the same state as nature formed it—not barren, but clothed with an abundance of good timber—and it is impossible, until proper access is obtained

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and the country to some extent opened up, to form any idea of the metallic wealth lying hidden within that vast area. At some future time, when settlement has advanced, some lucky fellow may discover some of nature’s treasures now hidden in the rocks, and will bring to light the yellow gold and the black diamonds, formed beneath the surface of this beautiful country for the use of man. We may at least calculate what may be done on the surface, and say to what special purposes it may be turned to the equal and mutual advantage of both the settler and the colony. To make the matter more easily understood, suppose we put in plain figures, say 20,000 square miles or 12,800,000 acres of land. We will say, waste, 1,800,000 acres, including mountains, rivers, and lakes ; sheep runs, 3,000,000 acres, suitable for runs from 150 to 20,000 acres each ; agricultural settlements, 8,000,000 square miles, or 12,500 square miles at 200 settlers per mile. This would give a population of 2,500,000, and would not be so dense as many of the kingdoms of Europe, which, from their position on the map of the world are not, and cannot be, so productive, nor so genially situated for the happiness of the people. Here we have, in this North Island, a country nearly equal in area to some of the kingdoms of the Old World, for which kings have fought and armies have perished, and which, even at the present day, emperors are coveting, as Ahab did Naboth’s vineyard, and would not mind committing the same crime to obtain it. This great and valuable estate, by virtue of our constitutional statute, is administered, or ought to be, for the benefit of the colonists by Ministers as bailees, to all intents and purposes for those colonists, in so far as the waste lands of the colony are concerned. It is their duty, therefore, as bailees and trustees, to administer and manage for the whole, without any partiality for any one section of the people, or to the ultimate hindrance of settlement by a taxpaying population. It is the duty of the representatives of the people to see this is done, and no Bill passed shall in any way conflict with or take away the rights and privileges of their constituents. The Government,

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as the law stands, have acquired and have the full right to deal with the native lands of the colony, and no speculators can defraud the natives out of it, to hold or injure it for future settlement. But there is a rumour that the Government intend to pass a Bill to release the native lands from their control, and to give this great privilege and property of the colonists into the hands of speculators, to the great injury, not only of the colony, but of the native owners. If that Bill were to pass, this beautiful country would undoubtedly fall into the hands of speculators or squatters, both alike injurious to the colony. If this Bill should pass through Parliament and supersede the present law, then I say Government have mistaken their functions, and the people’s representatives have betrayed their trust. As an example of how it would affect the natives, we need go no further than the province of Hawke’s Bay; and the way it will injure the colony is that it will obstruct the making of railways and hinder settlement. In fact it will be against every interest of agriculture and further prosperity ot the North Island.

" I am etc.,

John Plimmer."

"The North Central Railway.

" (To the Editor.)

“ Sir, I can in no way see how the two Railway Leagues l of Auckland and Wellington can possibly accomplish anything that will in any way forward the great work—the North Central Railway. This work, if once completed, would be of immense benefit to both parties, and by no means ought local jealousies or party questions to be allowed to stand in the way of its accomplishment. Rather than that, both parties should join in a friendly league to ascertain how this great national work can become a beneficial fact for both Wellington and Auckland and all the intermediate country that at present, in all its natural wildness, blocks all communication between

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these two large commercial centres. I am perfectly satisfied that if the North Central line were opened for traffic and free communication between these two cities thereby obtained, the advantage would be so great to both, and to the whole of the North Island, that it would create such a noble friendship as no local jealousies or selfish party politics would have power to break. Let us consider this question first as it stands at present, and afterwards what it may become. In the first place no leagues or factions can alter the sites or destinations of these two thriving cities. In spite of all drawbacks both will increase and prosper, and will soon become too great for any petty jealousies to interfere with their commercial and social prosperity. Auckland, with her lovely climate, her orange gardens, her vineries, her rivers, lakes and mountains,, her beautiful flower gardens, her spreading ferns and healing baths, her ready communication with beautiful islands, and with her safe harbour, is, and always will be, the Queen of Cities. In New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere she will always be the home of health, plenty and pleasure, and in these respects it is quite impossible for Wellington ever to compete with her. And as as I have given some idea of what Auckland is, and what she ought to be, and certainly will be under wise and liberal government, I will try to show what Wellington is and what she will become if the central railroad is opened up, and the country between both ends of the Island becomes a large agricultural district. Wellington has scarcely any of the natural climatic advantages of her more highly favoured sister of the North, but she possesses peculiar advantages of her own. Her position on the southern point of this Island, her beautiful harbour, safe and large, room enough for all the navies in the world, in her free and easy communication by sea with all parts of the two islands, and, I may say, with all countries of the world, clearly point out to the thinking mind that Wellington is destined to become in the not distant future one of the greatest commercial emporiums in the Southern Seas. Her large agricultural districts which have

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and will be opened up by railway communication, where cereals and all necessaries of life grow in abundance, her immense sheep runs producing the golden fleece, and her orchards of apples, pears and other fruits, point her out as one of the great money-making marts of the future. All these things clearly show there ought to be no jealousy between these two cities. Their climates, produce and destinies are so different that they never ought to come in unfriendly collision. Auckland never ought to grudge Wellington's commercial wealth, seeing that she has such an advantage over her in climate, that a considerable portion of the wealth made in Wellington must annually be spent in Auckland if the central line were opened. Not only because those who grow rich in Wellington will most assuredly seek the better climate of Auckland to spend their declining years in, but tourists and visitors would hurry north to seek that warmth and comfort which Wellington does not afford. I must here enter my opinion that those who have got up these leagues on the question of the central line are the enemies of both cities and will only delay the work. I will in my next letter endeavour to show how this work may be accomplished for the benefit of all patties.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

About this time the " Evening Post" published the following leader in support of Mr Plimmer's consistent, longcontinued, and strenuous advocacy of the North Central Railway:—

" In a letter published in our issue of the 24th inst., Mr John Plimmer made what strikes us as a very good suggestion for the completion of the North Island Trunk Railway. As our readers are doubtless aware, about nineteen miles of this line at the southern end have been constructed and opened, from Marton Junction to Rangatira, and a contract for between three and four miles is now being carried out.

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This, we believe, is the utmost that can be got from theGovernment for some years to come. Now, lying beyond the end of this contract along the railway route, there is a tract of high-class country, which contains hundreds of thousands of acres which ought to be settled within the next five years. A large portion of this land is in the hands of the Government, or in process of acquirement from the natives, including the splendid Awarua Block, one of the finest in the North Island. The Government cannot go on with the railway for want of funds, and borrowing for the purpose is out of the question in the present temper of the colonists, and bearing in mind the feeling of the London Stock Exchange in regard to colonial borrowing. As Mr Plimmer truly remarked, no agricultural country can be prosperous without railway communication. Settlement must be a failure without railroads, and railroads cannot pay without settlement. Mr Plimmer points out the enormous benefits conferred on the colony by the construction of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, where railway construction and settlement went hand in hand and were mutually advantageous to each other, and suggests that the Central Railway should be constructed on a somewhat similar plan. A strip of land seven miles on each side should'be acquired by the Government. Where the land is suitable for village or small-farm settlements, it should be devoted to those purposes, and then a portion of the remainder should be given to English companies as a bonus to find the cash to construct the railway, on condition that they brought out good English farmers and settled them on it. The scheme is certainly well worthy of consideration, and in the face of the inability of the Government to do the work, we can discover no more feasible project. The influx of English capital would give employment to hundreds of men, and greatly relieve the plethoric condition of the labour market. The skill of trained English agriculturists would be most valuable, if only as a source of instruction to their less-trained colonial confreres ; whilst the high state of improvement which they would bring to their

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holdings would largely augment the wealth of the colony and supply a corresponding increase of revenue."

" Railways : Their Past and Future.

"(From 'New Zealand Times' of 3rd July, 1900.)

" Mr. John Plimmer, Father of Wellington, says:—' I want, if I can do it and you will allow me space, to show in what position we stand in respect to New Zealand Railways, and how, if possible, we may remedy the evil policy of the past in respect of such a beneficial undertaking, and try in the future to act with one accord in respect of such an extensive and •expensive enterprise. The great fault of our past legislation has been, no doubt, in deviating from the policy of that astute legislator, Sir Julius Vogel. His policy was to make all the main lines in the colony first, and when they were finished to make district lines as they were required, or as we could afford to build them. Instead of following out this plan, which was for the good of the whole colony, local jealousies broke out, which spread from one end of the colony to the other, and the plan was broken up; the money was frittered away, and half of it wasted in beginning a number of lines, some of which are not finished to the present day. Let us leave this state of things of the miserable past, and endeavour to learn such a lesson from its folly as will produce unity and strength in the future, and give us courage to begin again. With the example of the foolish past before us, let us try to work and legislate with more wisdom and unity for the future. Our railways are a great colonial work, and therefore should be dealt with as such. Though it may be presumptuous on my part to give advice to gentlemen whom the people have chosen to represent them in Parliament, yet I know they will forgive me, as I have no axe to grind, and am only anxious for the success and prosperity of the colony and its people in all parts. The best

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way to act in the future is to have a committee of the whole House to consider this matter, laying aside all local jealousies. Let all claims for railroads, main and local, be laid before them—l know they are all wanted—and it will be a national sin if our legislators do not do all in their power to have them built, and I hope they will give the matter their earnest consideration. Even when they have the wishes of their constituents before them, they should allow no local claims to prejudice, interfere with, or warp their judgment. Let them give all their thoughts to such main lines as will be of the greatest use to the colony as a whole, afterwards those of local importance. And, above all, let every claim have fair play according to its degree of importance. As no Government can build railways without money, any more than the Israelites in Egypt could make bricks without straw, let a Loan Bill be passed giving the Government power to borrow as much money as will cover the expense of the whole, extending the expenditure over the next five years. It is of no use to tie the Government down to any particular sum, but they should not be permitted to spend a penny of the loan on any other works than the railways. I think the whole would require five millions. It could be taken up in such sums as not to waste interest; two millions the first year, and the remainder as may be required ; but as the colony cannot afford to pay the interest out of colonial revenue, this must be paid out of loan till the works are finished. This enterprise will not interfere with or stop the Government from carrying on its general functions. If this work is carried out with prudence and economy, I am sure that the revenue derivable therefrom, and the increase of settlement that would follow, together with the enormous increase in the value of the adjacent lands, would more than pay the interest on our national debt.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

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"North Island Central Railway

" (By John Plimmer, Father of Wellington.)

" It is my opinion that the year of our Lord igoo will be .a year of triumph and rejoicing, not only in the war against our foreign foes, in which we have so cordially joined to bring it to a happy issue, but in the cessation of our social and colonial prejudices which have been so injurious to our general prosperity. All honour to Auckland, who has laid aside her opposition to the direct North Island Midland Railway, holding out the hand of peace and goodwill to her sister Wellington. And I hope the citizens of Wellington will grasp this hand cordially. This much-needed railway will bind the interests of both cities in lasting friendship and goodwill. To show that we appreciate this attitude on the part of Auckland I hope the representatives and people of Wellington will agree to strengthen the hands of the Government that they may have full power to borrow money enough while it is cheap to complete our whole system of railways in both the North and South Islands. The Wellington citizens are reaping the benefit of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, which was constructed by their own exertions and money. It has been paying in taxes more money than has been paid in dividends to the shareholders, although we have been paying 5 per cent, for the money to construct it. Had not the Directors been obliged to pay these taxes, which never ought to have been forced upon them, the railway would have paid 10 per cent, to the shareholders. Now the Government can get money at 3 per cent, to finish the railroads of the colony, and when finished could reduce the price of carrying produce and travelling, say, one-third of the present charges, and then make a good profit. I need say nothing more, I think, to convince the people of Wellington and Auckland of the great benefit it will be to both to have our railway system completed as soon as possible. I therefore hope and trust that, to give the Government power and confidence to carry out this great work

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and to show their earnestness, every citizen will sign a petition in favour of having it commenced at once, so that it may be laid before Parliament when it opens this month. There is one thing I wish to mention. There is as much timber on the North Central line as would pay for the building of it if turned to proper use, and if it is not it will be burned in waste, which would be a dead loss to the colony. And now that I have dwelt at some length on the profitable side of the question, let me say a few words in respect of the health-giving and pleasurable side. How earnestly have I heard people wish this Midland line were open that they might visit the healthproducing springs in the interior. This privilege would be a great advantage to both cities, and a pleasure to those travellers who wish to see the beauties of the Island in their original state. That alone would make the heart of many a one glad, the weak would become strong, and the healthy would see the beauties of the interior, the pleasures of which they are kept from for the want of a central railroad.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

Opinions of the Press,

" X.Z. Times."

"North Island Trunk Railway

" (By John Plimmer, Father of Wellington.)

" In another column of this issue we publish a letter from Mr John Plimmer on the subject of the North Island Trunk Railway. He expresses satisfaction at seeing Aucklanders and all the Northern Members of Parliament united at last in the determination to have the line constructed without delay, and he calls upon the citizens of Wellington to display that amount of interest in the completion of the work that its importance to the city deserves. Without doubt, the opening

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up of the Grand Trunk Railway would give a great impetus to the trade of the North Island. It would bring under the influence of man’s industry thousands of acres of fertile soil and virgin forest. The wealth that lies locked up through lack of communication is enormous. Mr Plimmer estimates that the timber alone that would be carried over the line would more than pay for its completion. The suggestion that a huge petition should be promoted for presentation to Parliament in favour of the speedy completion of the line is one that will have the support of all business men, and the workers will also favour the project, since it would increase the demand for their labour. In order to secure the completion of the line, Wellington and Auckland have only to act in unison, and if their members presented a united front in Parliament, Ministers would not fail to make provision for the completion of the work. It may be urged that by advocating the construction of this railway, encouragement would be given to the demands for the construction of the Otago Central, the Midland and the Cheviot railways. We do not doubt that that would be so; and now that Auckland has buried the hatchet of controversy that divided the northern people as to the better route, there appears no valid reason why the demands of the South Island should not be acceded to, along with the undertaking to complete the North Island Trunk Railway. All that the Government wants is a mandate from the people that these railways shall be built, backed by strong evidence that there will be good financial results. The construction of the Manawatu Railway by private enterprise has justified the ideas of its promoters. It has added four millions sterling to the value of the lands through which it has passed, and although that has been a gain to individuals, yet the railway has, by adding to the taxable value of the land, increased the public revenue enormously. Such would be the effect, it is believed, of the completion of the Main Trunk Line, while at the same time settlement, trade and communication would be facilitated. Mr Plimmer’s suggestion of a

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petition to Parliament is an excellent one. The petition would be largely signed throughout the province and in the City of Wellington, and were a similar petition promoted in Auckland, neither Parliament nor Government would be able to resist the demands of a united people."

" The Unearned Increment.

" A Railway Project.

" (By John Plimmer, Father of Wellington.)

" Suppose a railway running in a straight line for ioo miles and the land sold on each side of the railway to be five miles wide, this would give 650,000 acres for sale, say at £1 per acre, which I consider a low average price for land in the vicinity of a railway. The price for the whole would amount to £1, 300,000. But suppose I reduce the total amount by ,£"300,000 to cover all expenses of surveying, road-making, &c, then there would be one million left—the sum required to complete the North Island Midland Railway between Auckland and Wellington. But before the Government can sell the land at anything like its real value the railway must be built. The Government cannot build the railway unless the people give their sanction to borrow, and the land being public property becomes the property of the people. As the Government rule by the will and for the good of the people, therefore it is for the people to consider whether they would rather have their valuable property through the whole centre of the North Island lying in its present wild state, or sign a petition to the Government to borrow money to make the railway, to convert the land into 2000 farms of 325 acres each, with the great benefit of railway communication between two of the largest seaports of this Island. The increase of revenueyielding settlements along the iine and the profits the railway will give will, if properly managed, soon pay the interest on half of our National Debt. The interior of this Island has the finest climate in the world, and this alone ought

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to be well thought out by our legislators in all parts of the colony. It is a healthy and beautiful region, capable of bearing all kinds of productions. This would also be a desirable locality wherein to locate our returning heroes from the SouthAfrican War. Outside, or even within the above-mentioned area, small farm sections could be allocated in various parts of the district, and these could be given to our heroes as a reward for their patriotic services to the country. This could be done without interfering with my previons calculation, at least to any great extent. By this means the Government would honour loyal men, and such a step would, I am sure, confer the greatest honour on both the Government which proposed and the Parliament that confirmed the gift.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

" The Triumph of the Age

" The Wheel, the Wheel, the mighty Wheel!

It yet shall rule the world,

As it rolls along on it rails of steel,

Where the smoke of the engine curled,

" It is the King of the Iron Age,

Foretold by prophets old,

When the world's future state their minds did engage,

And its history did unfold.

" The ages of stone, of bronze and of brass,

All three have passed away ;

As in the world's history we may trace

The image of iron and clay

" But as sure as with iron we have girded the Earth,

And Knowledge runs to and fro,

This Nineteenth Century is the age of its birth,

The wheel of Old Time doth show

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"As Time grows older our pace must increase,

And Science its blessings unfold,

To keep our place in the mighty race,

Writ by the prophet of old.

" The vict'ry of battle is not to the strong,

Nor to the swift the race ;

But Right in the end will conquer Wrong,

As the wheel of Time keeps pace,

" Then why not New Zealand be first in the field,

While the position is still at command,

And set the wheel going at once and for all,

To clear the desert land,

" And make it the garden 'tis destined to be,

By the advantage it hath both by land and by sea;

By the might of our sons, as is proved in the war-

Let us do our best to give them rest, returning from afar.

" Though the youngest now of a mighty race

We are young, we are strong, let us fight for first place ;

And as we gather knowledge, let wisdom guide our ways,

And our legislation shall be the pride of future days.

" Let us set the wheel a-rolling through the centre of the land;

Let it be the first of all our works, it's the best we have in hand.

Let us set the work a-going, in honour of King Wheel,

Let the engine play the music, and the trees will dance the reel.

" All honour to our gracious Queen, and long may she yet reign;

And to our Governor and his spouse, whom she sent across the main,

To represent the nation that Britannia doth compose,

And for ever live the Shamrock, the Thistle, and the Rose.

"John Plimmer."

CHAPTER IX.

Unionism.

Those of our readers who have accompanied us through the preceding pages of this book, will doubtless have arrived at the conclusion that few movements, if any, of importance, whether in the political, commercial, moral, or social world, escaped Mr Plimmer's observation and keen criticism. Being aware, as we are, of his strong interest in the working classes, and his sympathy with them in their long and painful struggle to attain to a higher social position and to wrest from Wealth their fair share of the blessings of life, it is not to be wondered at that Mr Plimmer threw himself heartily into the struggle, and that his sound judgment at once recognised the labour unions as a step in the right direction. The following letters will indicate how clearly he realised the true position of affairs, and how ready he was to lend a helping hand to right a great national and long-standing wrong.

"The Riots at Home.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —I have often wondered that the British navy, or some portion of it, in times of peace and especially in times like the present, when trade and commerce all over the world seem to be at their lowest ebb, should not be employed in removing the overstock of population to new countries. Thi*

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would open up new markets and relieve Great Britain of her valuable, but to her useless, artisans and labourers. I have often asked the question why this could not be done, and the invariable answer has been that it would degrade the navy. This I hold to be a wrong principle and a great fallacy. It can never be degrading to do good. Would it not be more to the honour of the navy to remove these ingredients of revolution—to the lasting benefit of those removed—than to be employed in putting that revolution down ? Which is most creditable —to starve a population until it is driven to rebellion, and then kill them for rebelling, or remove them to a part of the world where they can live at peace ? And which would be the cheapest, not to say the most humane, way of disposing of the surplus population of the Old Country ? At all events English statesmen can no longer shut their eyes to the fact that something must be done. I see by recent cablegrams that the Home Government hint that they would be prepared to send out their unemployed free, if the colonies would be prepared to receive them. I think this ought to suit our Government. They should take advantage of it; borrow sufficient money to complete our railways; lay out settlements where practicable, and let the immigrants go to these settlements. The extra revenue arising from this influx of population would pay the interest on the money required to build the railways. In this way we could get the country opened up and populated at a cheap rate.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

"The Effect of Unionism.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir,—The great question of the day is the advent of Unionism, and the paramount duty of both the Government and the people is to make the best of it. The query has often been put to me, What good will it do for the people and the

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country ? My answer to the first is, it will raise the social position of the masses of the people; and the second is, that whatever raises the social position of the people of a country must inevitably raise the position and prospects of anything that comes within the range of its influence. Then, surely, that which raises the social position of the people and brings comfort and happiness to the homes of the industrious and the poor must give glory, strength and stability to the nation. Sir, I have lived through many phases of society. I well remember the great cry against the English Reform Bill by the rich and selfish, but the common people rose en masse in its favour. In some instances they did great and wanton damage, and were shot down like wolves, but their perseverance won the day. All must have heard or read of the great opposition to the introduction of science into the iron works and other manufactures. Yet science prevailed, and justified itself by the great benefits it conferred on the people who opposed it. It has raised the position of the British people to the highest on earth, as witness our vast mercantile business in all parts of the world. These glorious emanations are not from the uncultivated brains of ignorance, nor yet are they from the rich. They are the spontaneous gifts of Providence to raise human nature to a better and higher level. Such is Unionism, and let its opposers beware lest they should be found fighting against God.

-n " 1 am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

"The Union: Its Cause and Cure.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —There is at the present time going on one of the greatest struggles between the two most powerful agents known to our social civilisation—Capital and Labour. These two agents have come into contact, one with the other. The circumstances which have given rise to this unseemly and unnatural disturbance of our social life have not been the

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ignorance of labour nor the tyranny of capital; it has arisen by the acquirement of knowledge by the labour classes, by education. This has created aspirations in them to acquire a social rise in society equal to their educational attainments. Ido not think any impartial person can blame them for this. But whether they have gone the right way to get what they want is another kind of question, which may take time to develop. They are, however, showing by their demand for higher wages and shorter hours of labour, what their aspirations are. The strike, though it is impotent, ought to teach our legislators a lesson, and give warning to those who oppose the just demands of a free people, who under the present unjust and partial laws, are somewhat like a chained mastiff, who can only growl and show his teeth, but his very attitude shows what he would and could do, if he broke his chain. Our present safety lies more in the law-abiding principles of the people, than in their want of strength to break the chain. The people are not in fault, they are only in error, not that the people may break the laws, but that they may obtain their just rights by fair and equal legislation.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

(1890.)

"Signs of the Times.

" (To the Editor.)

"Sir, —Another light has broken through the clouded atmosphere of political and social economy, caused no doubt by the upheaval of natural progression developing itself. The great interest of old and time-honoured customs and rusty, worn-out laws have become fixtures, the cobwebs of ages having encrusted them with a halo of respectability which protected them from the sweep of the modern broom of science, until they became vested rights in the purblind eyes of our social order. But evolution, though slow, is sure in its operations. Thus, the upheaval of moral and social society, being enlightened by education, has naturally sought to attain a higher

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standard upon the platform of life so that they may with greater advantage display their superior attainments which modern science and national education have opened up to all aspirants to fame and honour. These new ideas having attained to a certain growth have now burnt the shell in which they were incubated, and have come forth full-feathered and full of lusty strength. They have come into rough contact with the cobwebs of old political tricks and schemes by which the ignorant were deluded, and have swept them all away. They have torn away the veil which covered the nakedness of their devices ; exposed the frail intricacies, their nakedness, their selfishness, and their inherent rottenness. It was not because the veil was strong, nor because the magicians that wove it were skilled in their nefarious trickery that gave them such a long lease of life, but that mystery and that respect which the young mostly feel for old institutions and the old landmarks of society. Under these circumstances, is it any wonder that the attack came in the manner it did, in the form of a strike ? It was but the feint before the battle to cause the enemy to expose his weakness. The Employers' Union showed both their strength and their weakness ; they exposed the point of attack and the sure way to victory. The employers by their union showed that there was something under the web which they wished to guard from exposure. The labour hosts however soon found out that the attack must be made in a legal way, and that way was at the polling booths. There they invaded the enemy's camp, routed him, exposed the absurdity of his boasted vested rights and interests. If the employers had granted even the smallest demands of the labour party they might still have lulled the people's aspirations for a while, and retained their unrighteous privileges a little longer ; but ' Whom the gods wish to destroy they first send mad," ' Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.' But through the strike we do away with our effete Government and put one in its place which will be progressive, and retain our population, encourage

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work on the Manawatu line, and secure prosperity to the mass of the people; and thus I say the strike was in its ultimate results one of the greatest blessings that could have happened to New Zealand,

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer."

" Signs of the Times—No. 2.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —With the ample proof which we have in the papers every day, and the news flashed to us from all quarters of the civilised globe, there can be no longer any doubt that a great social revolution is pervading the earth and permeating all the ramifications of society. And we might as well acknowledge l t at once, and endeavour to meet the change in a true christian spirit. This is not one of those boisterous combinations of illinformed men, who disturb the equanimity of society with ill or half-formed notions of grievances, which, though existing, they have no knowledge how to rectify. I believe these outbreaks are but the rumbling of the thunder before the storm, and ought by our rulers to be recognised as such. Instead of being looked upon as warnings that something is wrong, and endeavouring to right the wrong, they are being beat down with force and even ciuelty; putting might in the place of right, until the whole social system is corrupted. Our Government, which ought to be, like Cassar's wife, above suspicion in the sacred trust placed in its hands, become partial in its laws, joining the rich against the common laws and privileges of the poor, causing poverty and sin, and forgetting that for all these things God will bring them into judgment. This social evolution all over the world is not one that can be met in the manner of those outbreaks before mentioned, for as sure as Pharaoh's advisers said, "This is the finger of God, sq is the present disturbance not the work of men, but the influence

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of Divine Providence in the universal reform of national and social abuses. The rulers of nations and the merchant princes of the earth might as well try to stop the Sun in his course as to fight against the decreed will of Providence. If it is His will that a revolution shall take place, and a reformation made in the social condition of the people, it is well that those interested should use every means to forward and carry out His will, of which the people who are suffering are but the instruments to warn them. Let them look back and consider matters. We have had great experiences during the last hundred years, great commotions since 1795; the French Revolution commenced then. We have had among our own people great changes, and great opposition to reforms, such as the Corn Laws and the Reform Bill. Great opposition was offered by the Government and the House of Lords, and the rich all over the country, but a greater than human power was at work, and the reforms were carried after much contention and bloodshed. We have likewise had many blessings and social reforms during the last hundred years. It has been the age of science and education, which have raised the people to the appreciation of higher things in their social life. Why do not the Governments and rulers of the people acknowledge this ? They have been the instruments in the hands of Providence in preparing the minds of the people to ask for bread, and they think to satisfy them with a stone. Why did they open the eyes of the people to the position they are entitled to occupy as human beings ? Wisdom is power. We have our Education Acts, by means of which we have given the power into the hands of the people. This is our own act and deed. Did our rulers imagine that after opening the people’s eyes and educating them to see their degraded position, they would not aspire to higher and nobler things ? Now I will ask any reasonable man, what preparations have we made to meet this altered position of the people ? The rich have been quick to take advantage of the blessings of science, and have used them for their own profit—steam and electricity—which have absorbed

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the labour and living of the poor, and they have made no provision for their poor brethren obtaining that labour of which they have been deprived by machinery. Let us all think of this before it is too late.

“ I am, etc.,

“John Plimmer.”

( iB 9s‘)

CHAPTER X.

Letters on Various Public Matters.

During the long and tedious controversy that obtained in this city re a Public Cemetery, Mr. Plimmer wrote a series of very able letters upon the subject, and although the matter is now happily at an end, some of his suggestions in connection therewith are worthy of the serious consideration of the people.

" The Burial of the Dead.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —The Hon. Mr. Mantel] complains of the neglect of the City Council in not providing a new cemetery. What we do really want is an improved method of disposing of the dead a method which would not be dangerous to the health of the living. The Egyptians built pyramids for the interment of their dead, and the Romans put theirs in catacombs. The first was very expensive and the second very dangerous, and both likely to be disturbed. Sir, setting all sentiment aside, and for the greater protection of health, I would reverse the Egyptian method, and, instead of building pyramids for them, I would build pyramids with them, which at the same time would be clean and disinfectant, and each one who is thus buried would help to build a monument for the whole. This method would

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be the cleanest and cheapest, and would take up little room. To carry on this method we should change the material for making coffins from perishable wood to imperishable cement. A strong coffin should be constructed in a chapel in the cemetery, or in a room attached to it. The coffin should be in the form of a stone, the dead placed in it, and after the religious rites have been performed, the coffin should be filled with liquid cement and left to get hard, and then conveyed to the pyramid and laid in cement. These blocks could be so placed that any name or inscription should be put upon them, and each religious persuasion could have their own pyramid. In this way four or five acres laid out in gardens or nice walks would become a place of general resort, and would not be disagreeable to either sight or smell. I know that all new ideas or plans that affect the disposal of those we have loved are looked upon with horror; but all old, time-honoured ways must give place to new ones as the world progresses and population increases. For the safety and security of the living, the burial of the dead must follow suit. I consider this way of disposing of the dead would not be nearly so disgusting as laying them in the cold, wet earth, to decay and co-mingle with others and saturate the soil, and become a constant source ©f danger to the living.

“ I am, etc.,

“John Plimmer.”

“ Our Crowded Cemetery.

" (To the Editor.)

“ Sir, —It appears to me that there are certain people whose chief trait of character is to grumble at some real or imaginary evil. No sooner is the proper remedy laid before them to satisfy their discontented minds than there ceases to be any nuisance at all, either real or imaginary, or else they are inclined to think that if the remedy were applied, their

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privilege to grumble would be taken away. Now, Sir, our overcrowded cemetery is either a suitable place to bury our dead in, or it is not. It is either injurious to the health of the living, or it is not. But whichever way it is, since I have laid before the public, through your columns, a good, clean and health-saving method of disposing of the dead by burying them in cement, grumbling has entirely ceased. Nearly all of those to whom I have spoken highly approve of the scheme, and some have sent me written approval; still there is no general movement in one direction or the other. Indeed the public seem to have subsided into apathy. Surely my proposition has not stunned them. I thought that in this nineteenth century, when science and the diffusion of knowledge are introducing such wonderful improvements in every direction, the people would at once see how far behind our present civilisation is in the disposal of the dead. While every effort in sanitary reform is urged upon us, and no expense spared to cleanse our cities from every nuisance that will affect the health of the living, it is surely an anomalous state of things that the dead should still be buried in the cold, damp earth to become food for worms, and the water that percolates from the graves left to find its way- into the dwellings of the living, producing disease and death. But still it is so. We have been so absorbed by little nuisances that we have altogether forgotten or neglected to provide against the most monstrous one. It is time, I think, now our population is making giant strides in our city, that this important matter of life and death should be faced in a straightfonvard and manly way worthy of our civilisation and the nation from which we sprung. The Municipal Council should let no squeamish sentimentality interfere with what is their bounden duty in the interests of the city, and for the safety and security of the living.

“ I am, etc.,

“ John Bummer.

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" Mr. Plimmer on the ' Drink Traffic.'

“ (To the Editor.)

“ Sir, —In the ‘ New Zealand Times ’ of the 28th May are published statistics on the subject of drink, very favourable to the sober habits of the people of this colony, during the last ten years. There is no doubt that education has done much to bring about this state of things, but there have been other circumstances of more stern reality to bring about the decrease of drinking during those years. There is to be considered the restricted power of the people to spend money in drink or luxuries of any kind. Add to this that during the last ten years 14,000 people most likely to and best able to pay for drink left the colony for want of work, leaving behind them their families and others who could not afford to pay their passage, much less to buy drink. But with all these natural helps in the cause of temperance there has been, no doubt, a great falling-off in the drinking habits of the people; not on account of Mr. Isitt’s sermons, but because experience has opened their eyes to the folly of spending money in good times which they may want in bad times. There is one item in the returns which I should have liked to see more fully explained : where it says the convictions for drunkenness were 8'26 per 10,000. This does not give the slighest idea of the number of drunkards in the colony. The recurrence of the same names every week would, in my opinion, reduce this number by at least twothirds ; so that the -actual number of these poor diseased creatures in Wellington would be less than roo, and if sailors and strangers were deducted there would not be more than 50. These unfortunates ought not to be at large ; they would cost much less in a reformatory for drunkards than they do at present. You may see in the police records numbers of cases who as soon as they have served twenty-four hours in gaol and havebeen turned into the streets are immediately taken up again for the same offence. This is disgraceful to our humanity. It is not only a nuisance to sober people, but the certain

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destruction of the poor drunkard in the end. Whereas, if there were a home of reformation to which they could be sent, and treated medically, as other diseased persons are, the expense would be less and the results more encouraging than under the present system. Many a poor creature might be restored to society a sober and useful citizen, instead of being turned out, as now, into the street. It may be said of them that if they return to their homes, if they have any, they find them occupied by unfortunates as bad or worse than themselves ; and the last stage is far worse than the first. In a reformatory of this description I can understand how Mr. Isitt’s great zeal and powerful elocution may be useful. Christ did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. In such a work as this the Alliance could accomplish a great good and do no evil, and every good citizen would assist them. But I can see no good in the introduction of scriptural laws, or trying to alter the appetites of the people. If every hotel in this city were shut up to-morrow drunkenness would only increase; people who want drink would find means of getting it. I would myself, as I have often found it very useful. If the Alliance would only consider the whole question, and let reason rule instead of too much zeal, they would soon cease from trying to accomplish the impossible. The habits and appetites of a nation, which have taken thousands of years to establish, are not to be broken down in a day. A true instance of this is that though igoo years have passed since Christianity was first preached, the percentage of the Christian population to-day is probably under 25 per cent, of the whole population of the world. And there are few men who would not cling to their habits and appetites more strongly than to their religious professions. Now if a reformatory such as I have indicated were established an almost immediate improvement might be effected.

“ I am, &c.,

John Bummer."

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“The Liquor Traffic — No. 2.

“ (To the Editor.)

“ Sir, —I am glad your correspondent has thought right to adopt a show of patriotism in his answer to my letter on Prohibition, and I will tell you why. It it simply because he has no title to call himself * Patriot ’at all. A patriot is a man who is prepared to do all he can to serve his country, by using every legitimate means to build it up, and not to pull it down by the destruction of its revenue and the ruin of his neighbours. This attempted breaking up of institutions necessary for the wellbeing of the great mass of the community, the dwellers in cities, and travellers of every description, and the contemplated handing over of the people to the tender mercies of a lot of faddists, is not patriotism. And then talk of sin ; they can have no just idea of what sin is. Are they so righteous who commence doing injury that good may abound ? Self-constituted judges are they all. Are they so pure that they are entitled to throw the first stone ? Let us hear what Christ said to such : ‘ And why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite : first cast out the beam from thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.’ So much for their right as professing Christians to carry on a work of truth and righteousness. It was but the other day that I saw in the newspapers where the great apostle of temperance, Mr, Isitt, wished every public house was in Hell. Now I can see no sense in such a remark unless he wished the publicans were in Hell also. Is this a becoming remark from a man who professes to be a Christain teacher ? Christianity is a religion of love. We are even told to love our enemies, to bless them that curse us, and do good to those who hate us. I believe if our Divine Saviour were to come on earth now, he would seek his companions among publicans and sinners, rather than among such Pharisees as the so-called Rev. Mr. Isitt. True, Mr. Editor, there are two letters in the ‘ Times ’ on the subject,

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but I can see neither sense nor reason in either. One says: ' Having divested himself of Biblical arguments and covered himself with figures, but they are too thin.' There is too much truth in both my Biblical arguments and my figures to be controverted by such unmeaning trash as appears in those two letters. But to leave all this in the hands of the unholy Alliance, and let them do all the mischief their hearts hunger after, still the supreme principle remains untouched, the habits and requirements of society. The same quantity of liquor would be required and would be obtained; if not by license, then without license. Now, for example, in this city of Wellington (1893), there are 30,000 people, besides travellers by land and sea. We will say that out of this number there are 500 teetotallers, more or less. Are these few to decide what the remaining 30,000 are to drink ? If they think they can they are further gone than I supposed. Let them set before the Government some sensible reason why these 500 should have the power to rule over the property and habits of 30,000, who pay the whole of the revenue. It will then be time for the Government to seriously consider their side of the question. This is not a simple question as to what people should eat and drink ; it involves a national and social revolution, and until some means of meeting this, or of turning it to good account is shown, no Government would be maniacal enough to disturb our national and social economy to please a few faddists.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer

(June, 1893.)

" Christianity and the Prohibition Schism,

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —In the first chapter of Genesis, v. 29, we thus read, ' And God said, behold I have given you every herb-bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in

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•which there is the fruit of a tree-yielding seed ; to you it shall be for meat, and it was so.’ Again, v. 30, ch. 1, we read, ‘ And God saw everything that He had made, and behold it was very good.’ After the Deluge we read, ch. g, v. 9, ‘ And God said, behold I establish my covenant with you and with your seed for ever.’ And in v. 20, ‘ And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard, and he drank of the wine thereof, and was drunken.’ Notwithstanding this, ch. 6, v. g, we read, ‘ Noah was a just man, perfect in his generation and Noah walked with God.’ Now it is obvious from these quotations that the grape vine was one of the trees which God blessed, and said it was very good, and He surely knew the hidden power in the juice of the grape. Ido not see that God warned Noah against the juice of this plant, although he walked and talked with Him. Yet in our day has arisen a people who would subvert the wisdom of the Creator, set at naught the teachings of Holy Scripture, and would have all men curse what God has blessed. Noah, the just man, who walked with God, planted the vine and drank not sparingly of the fruit thereof, and this immediately after he and his had escaped from the waters of the Deluge. It shows at least one thing, that that good man preferred good wine before bad water, and so do I. Now let us turn to the New Testament and discover if we can whether the Son of God confirmed His Father’s words and works. In the Second Chapter of John, Christ’s action is set forth in the plainest language—l refer of course to the marriage in Cana of Galilee. We learn that on that ever-memorable occasion Jesus not only made wine, but good wine, the best wine, as intimated by the Governor of the feast. Now these two Scripture narratives are peculiar and have much in common. As to the first, because Noah was a preacher of righteousness, and walked with God, and the record of his first work is that he planted the vine, drank of the'fruit of it, became intoxicated, and was not reproved. As to the second, according to the Inspired Record, the first miracle which Jesus wrought was to make wine, and that

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wine was freely drunk, with the full concurrence of our Lord Himself. Turn again to Mark, ch. 14, v. 23, ‘And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to His disciples, and they all drank of it,’ &c. If Christ thus honoured the fruit of the vine, I can see no earthly reason why people should be prohibited from drinking it in moderation. If a man drinks more than is good for him it is not the fault of the wine, but the greediness of the man. By the same rule, if a man eat more than is good for him (a much more general and dangerous practice) it is not the fault of the food, but the greediness of the man. Any good thing may be abused and turned to a bad purpose. Let us now compare the results of Christ’s teaching with that of Mahomet. The British, whom the prohibitionists condemn as a drunken nation, is at least nominally Christian, and is the greatest and freest empire on the face of the earth. Turkey, the leading Mahommedan nation, where the use of wine is supposed to be prohibited, is perhaps the most wicked and tyrannical nation in the world. It follows therefore that sobriety, supposing the Turks to be a sober people, as according to the Koran they ought to be, does not always lead to the moral elevation of a nation.

“ I am, etc.,

“John Plimmer.’

“ About Plimmerton—Old Scenes Revisited,

“(July, 1890.)

“On the crown of the little bluff which guards the northern end of Plimmerton Bay, and from which in all probability the Ngatitoa hapu more than half a century ago watched the famous fighting chief Te Rauparaha and his warriors start out on the expedition which ended in the now historic Massacre of Wairau, stood a party of a dozen or so Europeans, amongst whom were the Premier, the Hon. James Carroll, Mr John Plimmer, and His Lord-

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ship the Bishop of Wellington. Mr Graham, M.11.R. for Nelson, and others, remained behind at the accommodation house to escape the thick mist that was driving in from the Strait, the whole party having gone out by special train at the invitation of the Directors of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, several of whom, with Mr Hannay (General Manager) and Mr Fulton (Engineer), were also present. At their feet rolled the turbid waters of Cook Strait, licking the sand-dunes, beneath which lay the bones of hundreds of the Maori race. Alongside them, on the crest of the hill, was an overgrown space enclosed with wooden slabs hewn into fantastic shapes, which marked the last resting-place of several notable chiefs of the Ngatitoa tribe—among them Te Hiko-te-Rangi, son of Te Pehi, a chief of great note in his time. Southwards, just on the flat below, now only marked by a wind-worn clump of elder trees, could be seen the site on which stood the wharepuni of the great chief of the Ngatitoa himself, Te Rauparaha, where he was captured by Sir George Grey in 1846. These spots of historic interest were pointed out and much more of the fascinating history of the natives related by Wi Parata, of Waikanae, the present chief of the Ngatitoa, who had come down specially to meet Mr Seddon and his party and act as their instructor and guide. The Premier was there specially to inspect the reserve, about \o\ acres in extent, on which the native burying ground is situated, now vested in Wi Parata on behalf of his tribe, and over which the Government, in the interests of the natives and posterity, is proposing to exercise control. It is also intended to take steps to preserve the native bush which covers some of the slopes and hilltops, and to add to the beauty of the scene by planting other trees. The visitors were told that the original owners of the land were the Ngatiawa. They were driven out by the redoubtable Te Rauparaha, who had ravaged the country with fire and tomahawk all the way from Kawhia, and who in turn was forced to yield

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to the Government to secure his own liberty. The old pa lined the shore where Plimmerton itself now stands, the chiefs whare standing at the northern end, at the foot of the knoll whereon are the graves of so many notables of his race. With the advance of the white people, the Maoris gradually left the spot and drifted across to the opposite side of Porirua Bay, where the pa still stands. As regards the graves on the hill, wherein repose the dead chiefs, the Premier made a proposal to have the remains removed to some public cemetery. Wi Parata replied that his tribe would be pleased if the remains could be removed to the native settlement at Waikanae, where a suitable reserve could be found for them, and a monument erected to their memory. Having seen the historic spots and recalled their associations, the party walked back to Plimmerton House, where Mr John Plimmer invited them to an early tea served up in the large dining room of the commodious accommodation house. The Premier, after the meal, proposed the health of Mr. John Plimmer, whom he called the ' Father of Plimmerton,' and the ' Father of the Manawatu Railway Company.' On behalf of the visitors he thanked Mr. Plimmer for his hospitality, and expressed confidence in the future of Plimmerton, because nothing existed in which Mr. Plimmer had been connected that had not been a success. Mr. Plimmer took the initiative in early municipal matters, and backed with capital his own opinion as to the success of the Manawatu Railway, even against the report of a Royal Commission. The Company was now enjoying its prosperity. He was told that the proper thing for the Government to do was to take over the line, but he thought some years should be allowed the Company to get some return for their foresight, hard work, and outlay of capital. Therefore the Government had not thought fit to purchase the line, and they had no intention of doing so for some time to come. The desire of the Government was to work in harmony with the Company for the benefit of the public. If the people of Wellington took his

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(Mr. Seddon's) advice, they would visit Plimmerton oftener asa health resort. As to the object of his visit, every Government ought to do its best to preserve the natural scenery of the country, and where necessary even to provide it. The result of his visit would, he thought, be satisfactory to all concerned and profitable to the country. Their host had done much to ameliorate the condition of those surrounding him, both personally and through others, and those present would join him in wishing Mr. Plimmer good health, and that he might long be spared to see the benefits accruing from the enterprise which had characterised his life. The toast was honoured with enthusiasm, and Mr. Plimmer replied that his visitors had made him very happy, and had done him great honour in coming to Plimmerton."

The following short article, which appeared in the " New Zealand Times," is valuable and deserving of a place in this work, inasmuch as it bears independent testimony to the influence for good which Mr. Plimmer has exercised on municipal and colonial matters throughout his long and useful career. And although these characteristics of Mr. Plimmer have been enlarged upon in previous pages of this book, the article is confirmatory, if confirmation were needed, of his foresight, energy, and perseverance in all matters of a public or private nature which he entered upon.

“‘The Father of Wellington,’ Mr. John Plimmer, Celebrates His 84.TH Birthday.

“ Mr. John Plimmer, who has been aptly described as the ‘ Father of Wellington,’ celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday last. He was born in Shropshire, and arrived in Wellington over half a century ago, or to be more exact, in October 1841. There were few houses in Wellington then, and the sea washed up to the high land at the rear of Lambton Quay. It is difficult to realise that the best part of the city now stands upon what constituted the harbour in those days.

iBo

and that the sea swept over where now are erected shops and warehouses which would do credit to a city which could reckon its age by centuries. To go further for evidence of the progress of the colony, we find that it was not until long after Mr. Plimmer's arrival that the first whares were built on the tussock covered plain where now stands the important city of Christchurch, with its many important public buildings, colleges, churches, and museums. Many of the men who take an important part in public affairs to-day were not born when Mr Plimmer arrived here. In 1850 Mr Plimmer reclaimed some of Lambton Quay. As was to be expected, he took an active part in public affairs in the early days of the province. He was one of those who started the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in 1856, and is the only one of the original promoters now alive. He was a member of the Board of Works from its formation to its end, and was afterwards a member of the Town Board, and also of the Provincial Council. He was instrumental, at considerable expense, in getting an Act passed for the formation of Wellington into a municipality. He chose the site for the present Parliament Buildings, and purchased the land. Among the other works with which his name is identified was that of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, as he it was who induced Sir John Hall to bring in a bill for its construction, and was instrumental in getting the land where the Company's station now stands. He has been a director of the Company since the beginning. Mr. Plimmer is still hale and hearty, and it is to be hoped that he may witness for many years to come still greater progress in this city, with which he has been so closely identified from its earliest history."

-“Mr. Pummer on the War in Africa : The Way to End the War, Moral Power instead of Military Force.

" There is no doubt that when this war began, the British

Government was in gross ignorance as to the position of

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affairs in South Africa. They had no idea that the Boers were so well prepared for the contest, nor were they themselves prepared to meet an enemy, brave and well provided for. They evidently did not know that the Boers, with consummate secrecy and cunning, had been for years importing arms and ammunition on a gigantic scale, and employing foreign officers to drill their men and prepare them for the deadly struggle. On the other hand, the rank and file of the Boers appear to have been as little acquainted with the gigantic power at the command of the British Government, when the Boer rulers foolishly issued their insulting ultimatum, and invaded British territory. Nor do I think that things would have come to a trial of strength so soon, had it not been for the energy and perseverance of the Outlanders having opened to the world’s view the vast riches which were concealed beneath the surface of that country. It is evident also that those discoveries aroused the cupidity of Mr. Kruger and his party, and hence their determined persecution of the Outlander. The glitter of gold and diamonds before their eyes rendered them unable to see the ultimate outcome of their pride, greed, and folly. They forgot the old fable of the Frog and the Ox, and never dreamed that their scheming would lead to a similar conclusion. If President Kruger had kept in view, as it was clearly his duty to do, the real interests of his people, and had studied Kis own interests also, he might still have been ruler in the Transvaal. If he had meted out the same even-handed justice to the British subjects in his territory as the British have invariably dealt out to his countrymen in Cape Colony and Natal, in giving equal rights and privileges to all, he would not now be a fugitive and a homeless wanderer. His people would now be happy and prosperous. But what are they now ? A shepherd without sheep, and sheep without a shepherd. Half of his people have been slain or are prisoners of war ; the rest are scattered and ruined,.while he has basely deserted them and robbed them of all the ill-gotten wealth he could rake together. It is the sins of the rulers of a nation that bring

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distress upon its people. But the mischief is now done, and the Boer States are and will be for the future under British rule, and will form an integral part of our great Empire. The next thing is to decide what is to be done with them. This matter will require to be settled immediately upon the conclusion of the war, and will tax the skill, wisdom, and experience of Britain's greatest politicians. We have thought the country worth fighting for at a vast outlay of blood and treasure ; and what has cost so much to acquire, it will surely pay to keep. Any man who wishes to see a great public work well done, should endeavour to put his views before the Government and the people in such a manner as to enable the parties interested to judge of its feasibility, utility, and probable success. If South Africa is to become what it is clearly designed to be, one of the most valuable portions of the British Empire, there must be no niggardliness thought of or practised by those who have the work in hand, and there should be no time lost in commencing to bring about the desired result. It is a great thing, and a Providential occurrence, that the work of remodelling and resuscitating those lands has fallen into the hands of the only nation capable of regenerating them—in a word, of building up that country on Christian and liberal principles. Again, Great Britain with her overflowing population, could easily spare 500,000 of her people, of the best colonist class in the world, to undertake this great work. She is probably the only nation which could spare the money necessary to carry these people to this far country and place them on the land. The expenditure of on this great project would not only rid the Old Country of her surplus population, but would give an immense impetus to trade and commerce. Britain would thus obtain a new market for her manufactures, the colonies of Australasia would dispose of their products, and above all, the Empire by this step would receive in South Africa an overwhelming majority of loyal subjects, the presence of whom would for ever put an end to the possibility of further racial

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wars. And as the colonies have willingly and liberally assisted the Mother Country in this war, so will they liberally assist her in building up another strong outlying portion of the Empire. And why should not the colonies assist in these things ? Of course it follows that the colonies would expect some benefit, and as they have shared with the Mother Country the dangers and horrors of the war, so will they ■expect to share in the benefits that accrue therefrom. There are, indeed, two ways in which our new land in Africa could be populated; either by the Imperial Government in some such way as above indicated, or by rich companies, as bn the case of Rhodesia. I like the latter idea best, because it would create a greater interest in the welfare of the country, and give the wealthy people of Britain an opening to place their sons, as they require homes for the younger branches of their families. There is room to plant four colonies, which could hereafter federate as the Australian colonies have done. But for the present they should be separate and governed after the manner of New Zealand. This would not divide their strength and usefulness, and every colony s would be a safeguard for every other part of the country. I do not think a better model than New Zealand could possibly be found, liberal in principle and 'sound in finance. My experience of colonial life for the last sixty years leads me to this conclusion, that the more liberal the principles of Government are in a colony, the more loyal in thought, word, and deed will the people be. The reason of this is, I think, obvious; as we increase the liberality of a Government, so we increase the responsibility of the people—make them more careful in choosing their representatives and more loyal to the Imperial Government. In peace and in war New Zealand is an honour to the Crown, and a substantial mercantile profit to the Old Country. I see no reason why the Cape and New Zealand, being governed by the same liberal principles, should not each manifest the same loyalty. If economy is to be considered in the settlement of .a new country, it is best managed by spending money and

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time on all necessary works of a reproductive character. If road and railway communications are commenced and not pushed on with all possible speed, the interest on the cost of the work done is frequently lost, and the work and materials are damaged, so that they may have to be replaced. The intended Governments, of whatever character they may be, should be established before the British troops are withdrawn, and at least 500,000 immigrants settled in the colony. Each male, from 24 years to 50 should be placed upon the roll of the militia, and be drilled and armed, so that they may be capable of defending themselves in the event of any hostile rising of the Boers, or any other enemy. These precautions will be found very necessary. The rifles taken from the Boers would supply part of the arms. If the early settlers in New Zealand had been armed, many valuable lives would have been saved, and enormous expense averted in subduing the Maoris. Some people may say that I am ignoring the Boers, but I have no such intention. The Boers have turned out to be good soldiers fighting for a bad cause, and under a wicked and tyrannical Government. If, however, they could be made to understand the nature and benefit of liberal Governments and laws, they might become as good settlers as they are soldiers. I have no way of turning the Boers into useful and law abiding people, until they see their scheme of empire has for ever failed. The importation of a large number of armed and ablebodied immigrants would at once convince them that the British people are in earnest, and that the last hope of Boer dominion is gone. At the same time I would treat the Boers with all possible leniency, consistent with the preservation of peace. Thosewho voluntarily surrender their arms and take the oath of allegiance, should be permitted to retain at least a portion of their land, and should have full privileges of our liberal laws. We must not forget that the majority of those brave but ignorant men were led astray by Kruger and his party in the first instance, and that throughout the piece they have been fed on lies, and deliberately misled by designing adventurers-

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Let us hope that the day is not far distant when these poor misguided men will realise how they have been duped, and will throw in their lot as loyal subjects of the British Empire.

" I am, etc.,

"John Plimmer.

" Mr. Plimmer on Enclish, Irish and Scotch.

“ If people, when they are puzzled over some problem of every day life, were to give the matter a little anxious consideration, and apply tests, which would at once strike them under other circumstances, many things would be made clear which appear involved in mystery. I happened to be reading some time since in ‘ Chambers’s Information for the People,’ of the relative weight and strength of the English, Irish and Scotch. The writer states that the Irish are, on an average, the heaviest and strongest, the Scotch next, and the English most deficient in the above qualities. This statement, striking me as being the very reverse of what might be expected, I determined to give it some consideration before pinning my faith to it. Ido not pretend to write these things as a student of physique, or from a physiological standpoint, but as one who has had a long experience of human existence, and who has long studied cause and effect. Therefore, I feel at least competent to pass an opinion on things which are continually passing before my eyes, and then to judge of their effect on the constitution and health of the human body—things, indeed, which to a great extent affect not only our health and longevity, but also our national characteristics. Every one knows that the lower animals depend upon the quality and quantity of their foods. It would be fatal to a carnivorous animal to feed it on corn, and equally injurious to a herbivorous one to feed it on flesh. We all know that a large-framed animal requires more nourishment than a small one. In other words, we all, including the human being, depend directly upon the quantity and quality of what we eat and drink. I think

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we cannot give a better illustration of what makes the Irishman the strongest and heaviest of the three kingdoms than by giving some idea of how he is brought up, and how he lives, and what he lives on in his own country. I have, in the course of the last 60 years, been in the habit of employing many labourers of the three nationalities, and I have invariably found the Irish to be the strongest, most capable of enduring fatigue, and, if well used, the most faithful; the Scotch the most astute and thrifty, and the English the most civilised, and best for general purposes. That is, they understood best how to do the work they undertook to do. But where heavy work is required, the Englishman is much like other animated beings. If you feed your horse on corn and other suitable provender, he will be strong and in good condition for work. If your cow has good pastures she will give plenty of good milk. But, supply these animals with food unsuitable to their natures, the horse will cease to work, and the cow will give no milk. So it is with human nature. The Irish labourer, who is the strongest, lives for the most part on the plainest of food —potatoes, bacon, cabbage, bread and milk—when he can get it, and his cabin is the home of his pig. You would think, therefore, he would be a weak and miserable creature ; but no such thing. And why is this ? He drinks as much whisky as he can get, and thus nullifies the effect of his surroundings. He thus avoids disease by killing all the microbes, keeps himself in health, saves doctors’ bills, and becomes the merry, hearty creature we find him. The characteristics of the Highland Scotch assimilate very closely to those of the Irish. This probably arises from the fact that they were originally of the same nationality, numbers of Celts having emigrated from Ireland to the North of Scotland. On the other hand, the Lowland Scotch approximate more closely to the English, and evince their Saxon origin. Their manner of living is very like the English, and their occupations are similar. When we consider these people, living, as it were, side by side, ever since the Norman Conquest, or for that

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matter, since the invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar, it is not to be wondered at that there are strong indications of a common origin. The English, as a nation, is not easy to describe. We are, without doubt, a composite race, having some of the characteristics of several nationalities—Ancient Britons, Scandinavians, Normans, French and Romans have combined to produce the English race. The Romans occupied Britain for some 400 years; therefore, it is clear they must have left their impress upon the race. After that, we have what may be called the “ dark ages ” of our own history. But during this period the intermixture of races was going on, not only in England, but all round the coasts of the British Isles. The Norsemen, or Northmen, planted colonies on our coasts. Thus it is seen that the modern British people have been firmly welded together out of these several ingredients, and have become the leading nation of the world. Britain has, during this century now nearly past, been at once the admiration and envy of the world. Our country has been the workshop of the ‘ iron age.’ She has carried out and fulfilled that part of the Prophecies of Daniel, wherein he speaks of the image ‘ whose head was of fine gold, his breast and arms of silver, his belly of brass, his legs of iron and his feet partly iron and partly clay.’ It is doubtless for some great and wise purpose that the British people have been singled out by Providence to occupy this exalted position. She it is that is destined to rule the world. She is the ‘ Fourth Kingdom’ spoken of by Daniel which shall be strong as iron. • For as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things, so shall it break in pieces and bruise.’ When our Lord Jesus came on earth He came to establish a Kingdom. And this, I think, is the true destiny of our nation, to establish Christianity and righteousness on the earth, and finally to bring about universal peace. The time may be long or short, for ‘ no man knoweth the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.’ Now are we really a Christian people ? Are we doing all we can by the religious education of our children

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to fit them to worthily occupy their places in this great Empire ? Do we insist upon the reading of the Scriptures in our National Schools ? Let us take warning from the state of France at the end of the last century. Her people thought her the greatest nation in the then civilised world. They grew proud of their superiority, and instead of giving God the glory they set up a goddess of Reason. From that time France has gradually fallen from her high estate, her pride has been brought low, and nations which once lived in dread of her now hiss at her. If you want further evidence of her degradation you have only to consider the Dreyfus case. Now I think nosincere Christian would presume to deny that the Creator leaves the management and ruling power of the world in the hands of men. He has given us knowledge and understanding as His agents to govern the world. He has left us the Record of His Will, and instructions to guide us in truth and righteousness. He has also shown us by more than one terrible example what will be the result of rejecting His instructions. God has made some shepherds of His people, kings, councillors, bishops, priests, and teachers of the people ; and woe betide those false rulers who shall be found wanting in the discharge of their duty."

Mr. Plimmer on Federation

I have more than once been asked to give my views on the question of Federation with Australia, and I will now proceed to do so in as few words as possible.

Now, if I take it right, Federation means that the Government of one colony would have a certain control over the revenue and Government of other colonies included in the Federation ; and that the power and freedom of the one must of necessity be mixed with and become subservient to the will of the majority. And, as all such matters are governed by majorities, it follows that the weakest must go to the wall. Let us therefore, I say, remain as we are, and not sell our inde-

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pendence for a mess of pottage. Let it be remembered that when once we sink our identity as a separate and independent colony, we shall for ever cease to exercise any influence in the councils and over the destinies of the Empire. By all means let us be friends with our brethren of the Australian Commonwealth, but let us remain free and unfettered to act as we think best in any national emergency, or in advancing the interests of our trade. lam a New Zealander, and would like to be informed as to what benefit this colony will derive from Federation with Australia. In my opinion these promised benefits are purely theoretical and problematical so long as 1200 miles of ocean roll between us. In case of war, it appears to me that it would be absurd for New Zealand to depend upon Australia for our defence, or even for assistance. We might be taken, and sacked long before assistance would arrive from Australia. More especially if our fleet in these seas should meet with a serious reverse, we should be absolutely at the mercy of the enemy, in spite of all Australia could do. This, to my mind, is one of the most serious aspects of the whole question, as it is understood that the Government of the Commonwealth will take charge of the defences, and that we should have no voice in the matter. Better, far better, I say to remain as we are. It has been urged that our standing out of the confederation will ruin our trade with Australia, as they will set up prohibitive duties, as against our productions. This is another of the numerous scarecrows with which the advocates of Federation are trying to frighten us ; but, when clearly examined, is found to be quite harmless. Statistics show that in their years of plenty, the Australians take but little of our produce, as they can then sell as sharply as we can. But, in years of drought and consequent scarcity they become our best customers. I fail to see how Federation is going to induce them to buy our produce when they have abundance of their own, or to prevent them from dealing in the nearest and cheapest market when they are in want. If the Australians are unwise enough to impose protective duties

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as against our products, they, and not we, will have to pay the increased prices when their food supplies fail. Thus it appears to me that we have nothing to gain and much to lose by confederating with Australia. Let us by all means have reciprocity of friendship, of trade, and of intercolonial defence. Let us assist each other in times of need, whether it be of scarcity or threatened invasion. But let us not surrender, through mere sentimental feelings, our identity and independence as an integral part of the British Empire."

" Eighty-eight.

" Mr. John Plimmer's Birthday

“{ From ‘The New Zealand Times’.)

“ It is good to be hale and hearty, and eighty-eight, to have realised many of the hopes and aspirations of a lifetime, and to have performed in the course of these years many important public services. The holder of such a record cannot but feel a glow of satisfaction on the anniversary of his natal day. But when, as was the experience of Mr. John Plimmer, ‘ The Father of Wellington,’ such an opportunity is made the occasion for a public gathering, for speechifying, for eulogiums, lor presentations, and for a warm display of appreciation and devotion to a beloved personality, it cannot but appeal to the hearts and imaginations of all. The Chamber of Commerce scarcely sufficed to contain the large number of intimate personal friends of Mr. Plimmer, who gathered to wish the veteran ‘ Many happy returns of the day,’ and to witness the unveiling by the Premier of what was applauded by the audience as an excellent likeness, by Mr. Masters, of Wellington’s G.O.M. Mr. Seddon was late, but when he explained to the assembled guests that the reason for his unpunctuality was the placing on record by the House an appreciation of the long years of the public services of the Hon. John McKenzie, he was readily forgiven. Referring to

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the fact that those present were gathered together to welcome one of their oldest citizens, the Premier said that with the race to which we belong as a rule the good things were left unsaid until the person died. Then the papers were full of their good deeds, words of appreciation were expressed, they were extolled and their every good deed was brought before the world. But it was better for a man to sit, as Mr. Plimmer was doing that day, amongst his fellow-citizens, listening to the good things that were thought of him, and hoping to enjoy more of the same kind. Mr. Plimmer's life had been a. memorable one. For fifty-nine years he had been a resident in this part of Her Majesty's dominions, and he had been an active participant in the wonderful growth which this part of the colony had made during that period. The Premier went on, amidst almost continuous applause, to trace briefly the important part their guest had played in civic and provincial matters, to his public services, and to his private generosity, making special reference to his connection as a promoter and director of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, and to the open-handed manner in which New Zealand had been able, in a practical shape, to express her devotion to the Empire. He was glad that Mr. Plimmer was able to be present to accept the admirable portrait which he would now present to him. He trusted that he would live in good health, that inestimable blessing, for many years to come, and when he was gone the portrait would be hung in some public place, as a memorial of his many services to Wellington and district, and as an encouragement and example to those who will follow after. The portrait was then unveiled amidst great applause. Mr. T. G. Macarthy, chairman of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, acting on a minute placed on the records of the Company at a general meeting, handed Mr. Plimmer a free pass in the form of a gold medal, in recognition of his eight years' services as a director of the Company. In doing so he indorsed the encomiums passed upon Mr. Plimmer by the Premier. The present he had just made was not a

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valuable one intrinsically, but it had the value that it was the only one in existence. (Loud applause). He trusted Mr. Plimmer would live long to enjoy its possession, and that the rising generation would benefit by the example set them by the veteran citizen whom it was their delight that day to honour. Mr. Plimmer, on rising to respond, was accorded a great reception. As he proceeded with his speech, full of quaint anecdote and reminiscence, his hearers were much struck by the alertness, eloquence, and memory possessed by one of such mature years. His quaint story of the manner in which a garden gift of camellias to Sir John Hall : (' I walked up to his house with never a thought of the railway in my head'), which resulted in an interview which eventually led to concessions which rendered the construction of a railway by private enterprise possible, was listened to with almost strained attention, whilst the recountal of incidents of bygone days, which were in themselves evidence of characteristic shrewdness and foresight of the speaker, combined with no small amount of the salt of humour, drew forth almost continuous bursts of applause and laughter. The announcement of Mr. Plimmer that the assembled company were then seated on the original site of ' Noah's Ark,' and that it was at his suggestion that the the reclamation upon which the ' mercantile palaces ' of this city were erected was authorised by Sir George Grey, were warmly received. He concluded his address by thanking his entertainers for their kindness, and by a well-turned compliment to the ladies who were present in large numbers to do him honour. Mr. Kennedy Macdonald proposed ' Health and Happiness to the the Right Hon. the Premier.' After a few remarks from the proposer, the toast was drunk with musical honours. The Premier responded, and cheers were then given for the guest, and also for the Premier."

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“Local Relief Fund—Suggestions by the Father of Wellington—A Generous Donation.

"Mr John Plimmer writes as follows, under yesterday's date :

" I wrote a letter on Saturday to the Mayor asking him to get up a subscription list in aid and to reward the gallant members of the New Zealand Contingent, who have already gone to South Africa to offer their lives in the service of their country. I also offered to head a list by giving one hundred guineas as ' Father of Wellington,' if it was agreeable to him. But after hearing your war news this morning I am sure that every thoughtful citizen will see the necessity of encouraging another contingent. It is no time to fall back like cowards because of the repulses our army has met with. While the British Government was only asking for fair play for our fellow countrymen in the Transvaal, the Boers were secretly arming for war and making preparations to invade British territory and to make slaves of British subjects. They were quite ready for war, and had they not been interrupted the case might have been much worse than it is. It is no use sitting down and regretting past mistakes, which occurred for want of information, and blaming those who have fought like Britons to remedy those evils which occurred through ignorance on our part and duplicity on the part of our enemies. But, like Britons, let us rise to the occasion and try to remedy the misfortune into which we have fallen and do the best we can to aid the dear Old Country. Let those who have obtained riches under bountiful and liberal government give of those riches with a liberal hand, and I have no doubt we shall soon be able to send a second contingent. If this is done I will give within the next six months another hundred guineas." [We refer to this proposal in our leading columns. Editor " N.Z. Times."]

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" 18th December, 1899."

“John Plimmer, Esq,

“ Dear Sir, —I am in receipt of your kind and generous letter of this date. I am not yet Mayor, but I am to be installed next Wednesday, and as the present Mayor is in the country and will not be back until late to-morrow night, I do not care to act in his absence, but on Wednesday I shall be glad to avail myself of your generous donation. With your permission I will announce it on Wednesday.

“ Yours sincerely,

"John G. W. Aitken."

“ Letters on Public Men

" Gladstone is England's Glory

"(To the Editor.)

“ Sir, when an architect is employed to put up and supervise a building, his first care is to see that the foundation on which he intends to erect the superstructure is suitable to support the building. Then he draws plans, giving it such an aspect that it may not only be pleasant to look upon, but also that the view therefrom may be of such a character as to set off to the best advantage his work of art.

When hills and woods with meadows green A_J *. _J jl__ _

And waters pure adorn the scene,

Making the whole so fair a view

Combining art with nature true,

Such was the divine conception. When nature’s God created the heavens and the earth, He made the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night, and the stars to set off the beauty of His works and wisdom, and to make all perfect. He created Man in His own image, capable of admiring the perfect beauty and order of His inimitable creation, and by means thereof to worship and praise the Creator. Having breathed into man the breath of life, he became a living soul, with hope-

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ful aspirations that after this life he might attain a home of everlasting peace in that beautifully bespangled dome which we call heaven. But how are we to obtain this perfect happiness ? It is only obtainable by making ourselves suitable for the situation, and the Creator has not left us without a pattern and a guide, for He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world that whosoever believeth in Him and followeth in His footsteps should obtain the benefit of His promises to everlasting life. For he said to His disciples, 'I go to prepare a plan for you, that where I am, there ye may be also.' Such a life has been Mr. Gladstone's. He made religion the foundation of his being, and truth the corner-stone of his life's work. He did not hide his light under a bushel, but sent it forth to all the world. He was a true Christian liberal. He was a pattern to all those to whom God gave wisdom and power to rule of what they should do to guide their less fortunate brethren. He did to others as would have others do to him. And now all will acknowledge his great work as both a public and private citizen, and to him will be said, ' Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.'

"John Plimmer,

May, 1898.

" Father of Wellington."

" Sir George Grey as a Gentleman,

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir—Sir George Grey, the Governor, the soldier, and the politician, has been eulogised for all these great qualifications, and well deserved the praise given to him. But in my opinion, he possessed one greater than all the rest; that is, Sir George Grey was a true Christian gentleman. I had many opportunities of observing his character during his Governorship. When he resided at Wellington, he used often

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to call at my house, and he was very fond of playing with the children. The Hon. Mr. Tollemache lived with me for about two years, and Sir George used often to come and visit him. It was from some talk we had on one of those occasions that I asked his permission to place the hull of the old ship ‘ Inconstant ’ on the beach, on which I built the Ark, and he granted my request with pleasure. There is one - thing connected with this the citizens should never forget; that led me to consider the benefit it would be to Wellington if the low-lying shores of the Bay were reclaimed, so without saying anything to anyone, I hired two boats and obtained the services of two men, and measured the water from where Mr. Robertson’s foundry now stands to Pipitea Point, and sent my calculations to Sir George, showing the benefit the reclamation would be both to commerce and shipping, and the large profit the Government would gain by it. He sent Colonel Collinson to me after approval, to ask me if I would commence the reclamation on which the great commercial houses of the city now stand. The citizens owe this great addition to the city to the ready compliance of Sir George Grey, which alone ought to make his name revered by them. An anecdote, showing the gentleman he was, arose out of a debate in Parliament on the reclaimed land, in which Sir George inadvertently said he was the originator of the idea. The next morning I wrote a letter to the paper questioning this statement, and claiming my just right as the originator of the work, and many people said he would never speak to me again ; but the next day I met him in the street, and he came to me holding out both hands, and thanked me for correcting him, and said, ‘ Mr. Plimmer, you are right, and I am wrong.’ I was much pleased, and shall never forget this act of the good old man whom it has pleased God to take to Himself. Such actions as this give proof of the real Christian gentleman. Another act of his consideration and kindly spirit towards me was that when he went to the Cape as Governor, he sent me some acorns, from one of which the beautiful oak on my premises

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was grown. I could, if space permitted, say much more in praise of Sir George Grey.

“John Plimmer,

Sept. 1898.

" Father of Wellington."

“Sir Julius Vogel.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —I have often heard people say we have but one general, and I think we may say with some truth that we have but one sound politician. Honour to whom honour is due. I was pleased to see in your issue of Friday last a letter from a financial critic on ' Men of Mark in National Finance.' I was pleased because coming from such a source it at once stamps the character and genius of the man who has been New Zealand's leading politician for the last seventeen years —the man upon whom those ignorant of political economy have cast all their sneers and dirt, and those who pretend to understand it all their envy and malice. I was in the gallery of the House of Assembly when Mr., now Sir Julius Vogel introduced his public works policy, when he almost stood alone. And as I gathered up the threads of his speech I at once made up my mind that I had heard the speech of a great man and a sound politician. When I heard the jeers and sneers of other speakers and compared them with his views, I was convinced that if his public works and immigration policy were faithfully carried out it would raise New Zealand to a great and prosperous colony. Nor have I ever had any reason to change my opinion. As there was a great cry at the time against Sir Julius Vogel and his policy, I wrote a letter in defence of the policy and the origination of it, for which he afterwards thanked me. It is not my intention to write a list of the great benefits that policy has conferred on New Zealand, but if you take out the items mentioned in the 1 Financial Critic ' on colonial policy, which had their origin in the brains of Sir Julius Vogel, you will find very little of value

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left of the works of our politicians for the last seventeen years. There is one thing in particular for which the citizens of Wellington ought to be grateful to Sir Julius Vogel, and that is it was by his valuable financial knowledge and perseverance the money was obtained to make the Wellington and Manawatu Railway. Of course this is not mentioned in the ' Critic,' but it should be borne in mind when his detractors are doing and saying all they can to injure his political reputation. It is enough to make one ashamed of our political intelligence to hear people applaud the speeches of men on the political platform replete with political nonentities, which after you have carefully considered them you find there is nothing in them but slander and spite against those whom they can never emulate. Of course you cannot expect everyone to discriminate between a sound political speech and cant. These you can scarcely blame, as it arises from political ignorance. But when you hear men who aspire to places of honour and emolument speaking embellished nonsense, then one despises them for their blandishments, and pities them for their want of sincerity.

" I am, etc.,

" John Plimmer."

" Mr. Ward's Success

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —As one of the oldest settlers in New Zealand I cannot do less than congratulate Mr. Ward on the great success of his mission to London, which is almost entirely in the interests of the industrial population of the colony. New Zealand may well be proud of the first initiation of her sons into the political and financial arena of the greatest nation of the world. The names of Sir W. B. Perceval and Mr. Ward will long be remembered and honoured in New Zealand. Their great success in their missions will open up a new era in the future prosperity of the colony; and will, if properly carried

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out under prudent management, soon answer the puzzling question of what we are to do with our boys, who are now crowding the streets of every city in the land. The farmers, encouraged by the blessing of cheap money, will soon be in a position to make use of the labour. In order to carry this out in a proper spirit, the Government should attach to the Labour Bureau, a boy’s bureau, which should be empowered, with the parents’ consent, to apprentice their sons to farmers say, for five years. By this means the boys would learn farming, which will doubtless be the most profitable occupation in the colony for the next fifty years. In learning this business there is no disgrace, and certainly no hardship in comparison to what is, and what will be, their future fate if left to themselves as they are at present. And girls need not be left out of a scheme of this description. Sir, let the opponents of the present Government say what they like, those two sons of New Zealand have done more for the credit of the colony than all their predecessors; and I hope the boys of New Zealand will try to emulate them as true citizens and good patriots. The old idea that only the sons of princes and nobles are great will soon be lost in the myths and mists of the past. The labouring classes of the colony cannot be too grateful to Mr. Ward for what he has done in their interests.

“John Plimmer.”

“ Tennyson is Dead.”

“ The lordly poet dead. The muses moan

And Britain’s Queen and all her subjects groan,

To think that Death should dare to strike so high,

While passing thousands, humbler poets by.

But where’s the power that can in question call

Death, when he visits either great or small ?

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, ’tis said

Both great and small are numbered with the dead.

There sleeps the coward with the noblest brave,

There’s no respect for persons in the grave.

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But words of truth and beauty long shall live,

And pleasure to posterity shall give.

The poet does not live or die in vain,

And after ages by his work shall gain.

Three thousand years have passed since David sang ;

Through coming ages still his harp shall twang.

His glorious Psalms in rapture still shall rise,

Until their music penetrates the skies.

And angels shall in chorus join and sing

The praises of our Saviour, God and King.

Sleep, noble poet, sleep, and take sweet rest,

Thy words shall comfort many an anxious breast.

The garden's sweetest flower is still the rose,

Feasting our eyes with beauty where it grows ;

The nightingale still sings the sweetest lay,

As beams of sunshine grace the fiercest day,

So doth the poet’s song still cheer our life,

And soften down its uncongenial strife.

A land wherein the poets never dwell

Must be the nearest to the gates of Hell

No song to cheer, no music there to play

They lose the pleasures both of night and day,

Song is the flower of language, always light,

It makes our hearts rejoice, our feet feel bright,

Though weary, still we dance upon the green,

The hours pass by on joyous strains unseen.

What though the poet die, his song remains

To drive away all sorrows, soothe all pains;

High in the mansions of the blest,

Go, gentle poet; there enjoy thy rest.

Repeat thy sweetest songs in Heaven above,

Thy audience angels, in that land of love,

Oh what a happy goal of sweet delight,

In thy retreat amongst those spirits bright,

Whose song of praise shall rise before the throne,

In honour of the God of Heaven alone.

" John Plimmer."

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" To the Memory of Mr. James Marriott.

" (To the Editor.)

" Sir, —The late Mr. James Marriott, at the end of his long and useful lite, deserves more than a passing remark to his memory. Those who have only seen the quiet, courteous gentleman walking along Lambton Quay, can form no conception of what he was in former times, when he was the very soul of good-fellow-ship. Not a social party but he was the central figure, always ready to do all he could to make all around him happy, and ever ready to assist when charity was the object. And this was not all. He was a man of universal and useful talent. Surely some good genii or fairy must have presided at his birth. I have known many men in my time, but I never knew one blessed as he was with so much useful and ornamental knowledge, and with a spirit so social and kind ; I may say with truth, I shall never look upon his like again. Silent now the merry laugh, and silent now the song, ' Oh, the Good Rhine Wine,' we used to quaff in the days when we were young. The rare old fiddle is hung upon the wall, and its music we shall hear no more, for over Marriott waves the pall, and there is silence on the floor. I remember him well when I was young, in Wellington's earliest days, and never did I know him go wrong. His pleasure was all to please. Oh, Shakespeare, thy votary is dead, but his fame will long remain, and of him, as of thee, it shall be said that he did not live in vain ! How we used to throng to see him play, but our Hamlet now is no more. When he stepped on the boards so blythe and gay, the house was all in a roar. But now grim death has siezed its prey, and he is gone to the better land, where his voice will be heard in a happier lay, now he's joined the heavenly band.

“John Plimmer.”

219

“ A Deserved Compliment.

“ At yesterday’s meeting of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, Mr. W. Booth moved the following resolution:—‘The shareholders of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company desire, on the occasion of the resignation of Mr. John Plimmer of his office as senior director, to place on record their high appreciation of the value of Mr. Plimmer’s services to the Company, not only as one of its original founders, but as a director since its formation. The shareholders mark their feeling in this matter by inviting Mr. Plimmer to accept at their hands a life pass for use on the Company’s line of Railway, and they direct that the pass be issued to Mr. Plimmer in the form of a gold medal.’ Speaking to the motion, Mr. Booth said he did not think a gold medal was ever better deserved than this one was. Thousands of people had been pleased to recognise in Mr. Plimmer all the fatherly kindness and fatherly enterprise which had been almost universally ascribed to him. Mr. Plimmer had been an all-round father to the City of Wellington and immediate neighbourhood. Not only had he been enterprising in connection with commercial interests, but also in relation to matters social, patriotic and ecclesiastical. This compliment to Mr. Plimmer would be recognised by the shareholders and constituents of the Company as a proper recognition of Mr. Plimmer’s services. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hurley amid applause. Mr. Plimmer in reply thanked the meeting warmly. Of all the titles which could be conferred upon him, the one he would value most, would be that of * The Father of Wellington,’ which had been given him by the people of this city. It was with great sorrow and through no fault of his own that he had been obliged to relinquish his connection with the Company, which it had been his great pride to assist to promote.”

203

The following poem was written by Mr. John Plimmer on the auspicious day that saw the opening of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway—3rd November, 1886.

" All hail ! all hail ! auspicious day,

Let Wellington rejoice,

God bless the Queen, long may she reign,

We sing with heart and voice.

" All hail! all hail! for Briton's sons

Another field have won,

And rugged nature have subdued,

For th' iron horse to run.

j. wi in nun uuibe 10 run. " All hail ! all hail! our victory—

A victory of peace,

We've broke wild nature's barrier bond,

This country to release.

" Our vict'ry's not o'er fields of blood,

We have no hostile foe,

No shrieks, no groans affright our ears,

No death, no wound, no woe.

" But joy and gladness are supreme,

With merry mirth and glee,

They fill our hearts, they shake the air,

Echo from tree to tree,

" All hail ! all hail ! for soon the field

Shall wave with yellow corn,

j .. , Pomona, Flora shall combine,

This fair land to adorn.

" All hail! all hail ! the milkmaid's song

Shall wake the new born day,

When Sol, he rises in the East,

To cheer him on his way

" Our Gallant Governor we hail!

Whose presence here to-day,

To strike the last stroke in this work,

Gives pleasure every way

204

" All hail! all hail! our ladies fair,

God bless them every one.

It gives us greatest joy to see, TVipv annmvp nf wViaf wa'vp rlnnp

I hey approve ot what we ve done.

" And now God bless our noble Queen,

Long may she live and reign

O'er this young Britain of the South,

Gem of the Southern Main.

"John Plimmer."

"To The Queen of Song.

■" Oh, Nance O'Neil, the Queen of Song,

Some angel hath inspired thy tongue,

No gift like thine on earth is given ;

It's like the angels sing in Heaven.

■" When Greece was young in all its pride,

And Sappho did Pegasus ride,

Sang for the gods on Helicon,

Had you been matched you would have won.

" Had Jove but seen and heard you sing,

Juno would have been jealous of her king,

And Venus, queen of beauty bright,

Would have been the same, with Mars, her knight.

" Sweet songstress from the land of gold,

Where the flag of Liberty is unrolled,

If there are others to equal thee

They are an honour to that land of liberty.

" Long may the Stars and Stripes, so true,

Joined to Old England's red, white and blue,

Let the world know they are of one race,

When they meet each other face to face.

" Glorious and gallant in the fight,

Our ladies, queens of beauty bright,

Like brothers and sisters let us be

From now to all Eternity

"John Plimmer,

" Father of Wellington."

Nance O'Neil.

205

" A Contradiction.

" Oh, Nance O'Neil, they say I'm wrong,

In calling thee the Queen of Song,

While every sentence from thy tongue

Is equal to the sweetest song.

" If poetry is language's sweet flower ;

And in thy voice thou hast the power

To lead thy audience along,

Then every word of thine's a song.

" The nightingale within the grove,

In unknown language sings of love ;

Yet she sings the poetry of birds,

Though no one understands her words.

" And bush and brake with music ring

Whenever you hear the linnets sing;

And thy sweet words within the hall,

Like rosebuds from thy lips do fall.

" The music in the room may play,

But none may tell what it doth say,

Though none may understand the thing,

They all will listen to hear it sing.

" And words of thine they do impart

Sweet music to the feeling heart.

I think lam right; I can't be wrong,

In calling thee the Queen of Song.

"John Plimmer,

" Father of Wellington."

Song composed by Mr. John Plimmer, senr., one of the

pioneers of the colony.

" Rule Britannia for New Zealand.

" New Zealand is the fairest land

Beneath the southern sky.

The brightest jewel in the crown

Of England's majesty.

206

She will maintain her honour

Her glory, and her fame

And New Zealand shall new lustre add

Unto old England's name.

Chorus.—Rule Britannia! Britannia rules the waves,

And her children in New Zealand never shall be slaves.

" If ever England's foes should dare

Our country to molest,

It's then her youngest sons will rise

Her honour to contest ;

And foremost in the battle strife

Her Wellington will be

And Nelson it will let them know,

Britannia rules the sea.

" Chorus.—Rule Britannia! Britannia rules the waves, &

" Wherever the British pennant flies,

Our sailors brave and true

Will fight like heroes, till each dies

For the red, white and blue

Heroes they lived, heroes they'll die

Upon the briny wave

Britannia is their battle cry

The ocean is their grave

Chorus.—Rule Britannia ! Britannia rules the waves, &c.

" For here beneath the southern sky

A Britain shall arise,

Whose honour shall be quite as high

In valour's great emprise

Our sons will be the bravest

Our daughters good and fair,

And our climate is the rarest.

None to it can compare

" Chorus.—Rule Britannia! Britannia rules the waves, &c.

"John Plimmer.

207

'.' Those Castles in the Air.

" Far away in dreamland where mysterious regions lie,

Far, far above the cloudlets, sometimes you may spy,

\\ hen the fancy's roaming, dreaming free from care,

You think, and then no doubt you see, a castle in the air.

" For when the body's sleeping, the spirit takes its flight,

And then it takes a ramble through all the silent night.

And as it roams through space, surveying every star,

No wonder that it often sees a castle in the air.

" And though these to our mortal ken are not exposed to sight,

Until the spirit it is free, then all is clear and bright,

And the dwellings of the angels, built of gems both pure and rare,

Are but the Heavenly mansions, those castles in the air.

" And when this mortal coil falls off, and the spirit is set free,

Then will it rise unto the skies, those castles which we see—

See whilst we are a-dreaming, how very true they are,

A home that's never failing, those castles in the air.

\\ e need not Jacob's ladder, nor the prophet's fiery steed,

Nor shall we count the distance, we'll travel with such speed.

As when they saw our Lord ascend, they stood and gazed afar,

He took His flight, as God of Light, to castles in the air.

In the clear blue dome above us, where the spirit seeks its home,

Our aspirations lead .us, and the Saviour bids us come,

Let us cast our hopes upon Him, the Glorious Morning Star,

He will take our hands and guide us to those castles in the air

November, 1889.

"The Hallelujah Lasses.

" Of all the cries along our street,

Disturbing people's rest,

At every corner you may meet,

Salvation is the best.

208

" They walk along with lively song,

With order in their paces,

Their hearts are light, their eyes are bright

Those Hallelujah lasses.

" In former days when I was young,

And ' Bony ' kept us fighting,

Then the recruiting sergeant's song

Was not quite so delighting,

" So young men all, take my advice,

And rally round the lasses,

I'm sure it must be much more nice

Than emptying of glasses.

" With ribbons blue and hearts so true,

They're like so many graces,

Then it's so sweet when lips do meet

In unfrequented places,

"Then don the badge of Kate and Madge,

And never mind the shilling,

I'd rather shine in Cupid's line,

Than I'd go out a-drilling.

" So let us join and drink the health

Of every mother's daughter,

To be sincere without the beer,

We'll drink it in cold water.

"Victoria's Jubilee

" We'll sing of Britain's much loved Queen,

She well deserves our praise,

For never has her equal been

Through all Old England's days.

" For fifty years Her Majesty

Has sat on Britain's throne,

And now for glory and for worth

Old England stands alone.

228

" She's led us through these fifty years

In honour’s upright train,

And if the sword it has been drawn,

Has ne'er been drawn in vain,

“ Wherever tyranny has raised

It’s ugly Gorgon head,

She’s drawn the sword for Liberty,

And struck the monster dead.

11 Civilisation has been spread

To earth's remotest bound,

And Arts and Sciences with us

A peaceful home have found.

" The offspring of the Mother Land—

The sucklings of her reign-

Are now an honour to her crown,

O'er all this Southern Main.

" The stainless flag of England,

With sailors bold and true,

Floats o’er the Main without a stain,

The grand Red, White and Blue.

“ I challenge now the nations all

Her equal to compare ;

Her people's peace and happiness

Have been her constant care.

" She has their love in every clime

Where'er her power extends,

Her charity is bounteous—

All nations are her friends.

Then let us join right loyally

Honour her Jubilee;

Long may she reign on earth and main

Queen ! Star of Victory !

210

" The Wise Rise with the Sun

" When the goddess Aurora awoke in the morn,

As she always awakes at the earliest dawn,

She looked through her window, up in the sky,

Saw the stars all departing from their places on high,

Then she put on her mantle of red, white and blue,

Ope'd the door of the Morning, for the King to pass through,

The Monarch appeared in his garments so bright,

That the moon hid her face from the great God of Light.—

Tipped the mountains with glory as he passed on his way,

O J t ~~ ~^.j As smiling he moved on, the lord of the Day.

His beams kissed the waves as they hurried along,

And the birds bade him welcome in sweet woodland song,

The ploughmen they harnessed their teams to the ploughs.

The milkmaids went singing to tend to the cows,

The lillies and roses fill the air with perfume,

And Spring flowers the beauty of nature assume

Thus the glory of heaven lent its grandeur to earth,

And gilded the meadows with beauty and worth,

And the earth it rejoiced at the goodness and love,

And returned its glad praises to the great God above

So the Sun went rejoicing from the east."

“ When Beauty Blooms.

“ When Beauty blooms on earth and sky,

And gladness beams on happy faces,

And ladies, though they are not shy,

The’re possessed of all the graces ;

When Flora decks the fields with flowers,

Whose scent with odours fill the air ;

When music echoes from the towers,

And we are young and free from care,

How glorious then it is to rove,

Within the grove, beneath the shade,

With one, the only one we love,

And spend our evening in the glade.

211

If fancy, in a roving mood,

Seeks out some spot in lovely bowers.

In the green grove or silent wood,

To spend her time 'mid scent and flowers.

The blackbird, with his feathery band,

Soon cheers the spot with music clear,

And trees, by cooling breezes fanned,

With pleasure feed both eye and ear.

Those joys that Solitude commands,

When fleeting city joys are past,

We look around on every hand

For something that will longer last;

The evening shade, the lonely glen

Where runs the tiny brooklet clear,

Are always welcome to us then.

Our lonely, vacant hours to cheer,

When cowslips flower upon the banks,

And hawthorn blossoms smell so sweet

Our hearts are full of grateful thanks,

For all the blessings which we greet.

These are the joys of country life

With health and plenty all around.

Free from all care and earthly strife

Where all the needs of life abound.

“ The Sun.

" When God created all things good.

Ere Time its course began,

The sea, the mountain, and the wood,

The birds, the beasts, and Man

" Aurora, Goddess of the morn,

Dressed in her robes of light,

Came forth and opened up the dawn—

It was a glorious sight

231

" And then the god of day arose,

Far in the golden east,

It did her beauties all disclose,

In brightest colours dressed.

“ She shook her garments o’er the earth.

And on the world there fell

The seeds that gave the flowers their birth,

On mountain, wood, and dell.

“ The sky, it was of heavenly blue,

The earth was clothed with green,

Each flower was to its nature true,

Which to this day is seen.

“ And when the Orb of Day did rise.

And lighted up the scene,

He looked on all with glad surprise,

And named the earth his queen.

" And since that day he has been true

Unto his wedded wife,

And all the children that have been.

He warmed them into life.

" He melts the mists that fill the air

To rain and morning dew,

And thus he makes them all grow fair,

And all look fresh and new.

“The Storm Fiend.

*' Oh ! hark to the wind as it howls over head,

The sun is in mourning, the moon it is dead,

The trees they are groaning with the force of the wind,

As they echo the roar of the black storm-fiend.

“ He stretches his wings o’er the earth and the sea,

And scatters all things that moveable be,

He sends the ships flying on rocks with a crash,

And the chimneys come down with a terrible smash.

232

" All things that he meets he puts to the rout,

And the traveller knows that the storm-fiend is out

And he hastens along some shelter to find,

Secure from the rage of the black storm-fiend,

" But Jove in his chariot sits far up on high,

And he sees the destruction on earth and sky,

And orders Aeolus to shut up the wind,

While he with the Furies pursues the storm-fiend.

“ Then soon is the lightning flashing all round,

While roaring o’erhead is the loud thunder sound,

And flying and shrieking, both beaten and blind,

Jove’s vengeance pursueth the black storm-fiend.”

“The Lady on the Stairs.

" When fading day gives place to night

And wearied man retires from cares,

You see the lady all in white,

Just as she stands upon the stairs.

" She seems as listening for some tread,

Her look is full of boding fear,

As though some evil she did dread,

To some one who is very dear.

“ Alas, he never will return,

His face she ne’er again will see,

For he for whom she still doth mourn,

Lies buried in the deep blue sea.

" She ne'er will know what years have passed

Since on those stairs they met and parted,

But ah ! that meeting was their last,

He's dead, and she is broken-hearted.

" Yet though bereft of all her reason,

There's still one spot in memory green

And always in and out of season,

The lady on the stairs is seen.

233

" Twas there she parted with her lover,

And there she thinks they'll meet again ;

Alas, for her all hope is over,

For he lies buried in the main."

" The Sabbath Day

" See the boughs of yonder oak

Bending graceful to the stroke

Breezes through the branches sighing,

Fleecy clouds above are flying.

Gently through the leaves so bright

You can see the sunny light,

Forming shadows in the way

On this glorious Sabbath Day

" Nature in her mantle green,

Dressed in Flora's beauteous sheen,

Roses blushing, odours flying,

Bluebells bowing, lilies sighing,

All are dancing to a measure—

Dove is coquetting with pleasure—

Each her graces to display

On this lovely Sabbath Day-

" Hark ! the sound of the church bell,

Eager its glad news to tell,

Call the people to repair

To the home of God and prayer

Rich and poor and old and young,

All may join in grateful song,

On their bended knees they pray

On each blessed Sabbath Day."

" Christmas Day

" Suppose upon this Christmas Day,

I try to write a Christmas lay,

To Bethlehem in Judah fair—

Let us imagine we are there.

215

" And why go there so far away,

To gain a subject for our lay,

For if you think the prize worth winning,

Better begin at the beginning.

" For there it was when Christ was born,

On the first sunny Christmas morn,

From heaven the Saviour did descend,

The Son of God, the sinner's Friend

" In human form, a little child,

In disposition meek and mild,

No place He found in court or hall,

He lay within the oxen's stall,

" And yet think not he fared hard,

For round him was an angel guard,

And the wise men with presents mete,

Bowed their proud heads at Jesus' feet."

" The Poet's Reverie

" If the muse by his poem the prize would win,

To write that poem he must first begin,

His thought by fancy bright illum'd,

With poesy deliciously perfumed,

Then take a feathered pen from young love's wing

With Ithriel's golden harp then he may sing

The heavenly thought when nature first began

In Eden's Garden, the first home of man,

But e're he sets his thoughts on things so high,

Must cleanse his soul from all impurity,

His understanding true and bright,

As when God said, " Let there be Light."

When first the Sun gave light to Eden's bowers

And heaven-sent angels plucked the first flowers,

And God Himself descended from the sky,

While all the heavenly host were standing by,

He said, ' Let there be Light,' and then the sun

Appeared prepared his glorious race to run,

235

And the blue vault of heaven on high

With moon and stars embellished all the sky.

And from each bower and bush the birds did sing

The praises of our Father, God and King.

There were two tokens of his power and love,

Offspring of thought, engendered up above,

A preparation for some grander deed,

For the reception of a nobler need,

He banished darkness from the face of earth,

And fitted it for seed of heavenly birth,

Inferior to the angels, only they

Created Him, upon the earth to stay.

Adam the first of man, he made of clay,

And gave him lovely Eve to be his wife,

Then breathed into them the breath of life,

In divine likeness thus created man,

And thus our kingship with our God began,

A never-dying soul, though reared on earth

Destined in time, for a more glorious birth,

This was His thought, and by His mighty will

Through Christ our Lord we hold that privilege still

When it will cease, or when it did begin,

But this we know when heaven and earth are peace.

“A Trip through Fairy Land.

" When through the varied realm of thought

His wayward fancies roam,

To the bard's soul, unasked, unsought

The fairy legions come.

" In wooded dell, by rippling stream

He sees fantastic forms,

Full real to his mystic dream

As light, and heat, and storms.

“ And let not Science in her pride,

Display disdainful sneer,

\Yhen visions deep and rare abide

The poet and the seer,

236

" And thus, in simple style and form,

I will my tale unfold,

Of things that were by poets seen,

Mysterious and old.

Canto I.

I

" In the dark green grove beyond the mount

Where the wild boar used to roam;

Where the badger, fox, and wild cat,

Owl and adder make their home ;

Where the nettle and deadly nightshade

And noxious weeds luxuriant grew,

Where malaria had its cradle

In bogs and dark ponds hid from view ;

There I wandered out one evening

In a melancholy mood,

Not thinking where my footsteps led me

Amongst the thickly tangled wood,

I entered in a narrow glen,

Where, 'midst stones, a little stream,

Where the sun, through summer's longest

Day could never cast a gleam.

The owl, within the hollow oak,

Sat blinking in surprise ;

The adder crawled across the way

With glittering yellow eyes,

And all around was full of gloom,

For clouds obscured the sky,

And when I thought to turn again,

No opening could I spy.

II

" Just then I heard a tiny voice,

But nothing could I see,

Except some little shining thing

Not larger than a bee ;

And yet the words I under

237

For they were full and clear,

Demanding who and what I was,

And what my business there.

Seeing no one, in dread surprise

I cast my eyes about,

When all around, on every side,

I heard a merry shout,

Saying—' He entered the haunted glen

And never can get out again

Until he has kissed the Queen Mab's hand,

And she's broke the spell with a Fairy wand.'

I tried to turn and run away,

But found I could not move;

My heart within me seemed to chill,

For darkness reigned above.

I seem’d to sink down in the earth—

How long I cannot say—

But sinking, sinking, down I went,

Till my senses fled away

I cannot tell how long I slept,

Or whether I slept or no,

But I seemed to wake as from a dream

And the place was all aglow.

As startled from a heavy sleep,

Roused by glare of house on fire,

Your muddled senses dazed away

When most their guidance you require.

Wondering, I viewed the scene around,

Thinking it all was but a dream ;

Again I closed my eyes to think

And tried to dream it o'er again

Hark ! what is that so soft and clear,

Sweet as the tinkling music bells ?

It comes, it comes, it's drawing near.

It now recedes, and now it swells.

At last it ceased, yet pleasant notes

Still seemed to vibrate in mine ear;

And then 1 heard a still small voice,

And knew some one was standing near.

Then o’er me crept a shivering spell,

2ig

As if some spirit pass'd me by ;

I had no power to ope mine eyes,

Nor yet to utter cry.

111

" My spirit struggled to get free,

But could not move a foot not hand ;

When, touched as by a gadfly's sting,

I felt the touch of slender wand,

And I heard the voice I'd heard before:

' Stranger, awake, I break the spell ;

See what thou'st never seen before,

And tell me what thou hast to tell.'

A pleasant feeling o'er me crept,

A joyous gladness filled my soul,

My limbs resumed their youthful strength,

And happiness pervades the whole ;

My eyes were ope'd in rosy light,

Like eastern beams before the sun

And like it, too, there was no glare

But mortal eyes might look upon.

I stood within a spacious hall

Whose walls were made of silver bright,

The cornice was of precious stones,

And one large diamond gave the light.

Hung in the centre of the hall

The central flower of rubies red

Which drank the diamond's pure light,

And rosy colour round it spread.

My senses steeped in sweet delight,

My gaze fixed on the rubies red,

Attracted by the glorious light,

At length I turned my head ;

And then I saw the rosy light

Was but the background of the whole,

For precious stones on every side

Their various colours did unfold,

Permeating one another,

Like rainbow colours all unrolled,

Changing and diversifying

Orient colours edged with gold,

239

IV

" And as my view it did expand

The silver walls did part in twain,

One to the right, one to the left,

Opened to view a spacious plain.

And everywhere the diamond light

Revealed fresh wonders to my sight;

Nothing was hid, but all was seen,

Enamelled stretch of living green.

Amazed I stood and scanned the view,

For all was grand, and all was new;

And, far as I could stretch my sight,

Seem'd one great garden of delight.

In space where ope'd the silver door,

And which I had not seen before,

Stood long maned lions on each side,

As if to guard the opening wide.

I viewed their angry burning eyes,

As though they would transfix their prize.

I felt their force through every part,

The blood seem'd freezing in my heart.

While thus I stood came roar on roar

Reverberating round and round,

Which shook the hall and silver door

With such a rattling sound,

As if the last trumpet o'er my head

Had blown a blast to raise the dead.

And then appeared before my sight

A heavenly vision fair and bright

She stood within the silver door,

And bade the lions cease to roar.

' Mortal,' she said, ' cast fear away,

Nor think they want thee for a prey —

They are but guardians of the door ;

Enter where none have been before.

She reached and took me by the hand,

And led me into Fairyland.

As through the entrance I pass'd,

I thought of earth I had seen the last.

240

Canto Second.

I.

" Within the gate on every side,

As maids in waiting stand,

Like her who acted as my guide,

Stood ladies hand in hand,

And as we pass'd they bent their heads

r ~~j llic „ ueaus And bid me welcome there

Where sorrows never yet had been,

And pleasures banish care. Po,t.„„ il 1 . .

Parting themselves on either side,

They made a passage for my guide

- r „~ -~i my guiue, W ho led us round a winding way,

On every side grew flowers gay, I IT! PTOCir ofniv £l*_-_ I- '.i

Un ever Y stair they hung with grace,

And sweetly scented all the place.

They were of kinds unknown to me ;

But one exception there I see

The lovely red moss rose

In clusters bloomed on every side, And ranmnJ i 1 -i 1 • .

And seemed to be the garden's pride.

11.

" I saw the path on which we walked

With pearls was gravelled o'er, A m', 11 i ~ ™: 11: _ i

A million million pearls were there

And twice ten millions more A „ ...

As on we moved fresh sights appeared

Opening on every side, ri . .

Green lawns and trees all hung with fruit

I everywhere descried ;

Moving like flecks of rainbow light

Small birds, around us flew,

And lighted on the lillies bright

To drink the sparkling dew.

The glorious birds of Paradise lit/"] — 1, - i.

Did round about us roam,

Pluming themselves on branches green

For here's their native home.

222

At last we came to an open space

Where many fountains played, n . 1 I*. ~.-„.., rmi-.'.a (finnt trp

But round it grew some giant trees

Which formed a lovely shade.

Fountains of marble pure and white

Poured forth in clearest streams,

In gold and silver basins bright , ,1 . ■ u:-„ u^.r

All set in sapphire frames.

And some there were shot high in air,

Then spread above the plain,

Sparkling above the diamond light,

Then fell like showers of rain.

From thence we wandered to a grove

Where luscious fruits did grow;

It seemed a place of cool retreat

Where gentle breezes blow.

And sitting there on every tree

The nightingales did sing.

Answering to each other’s song

Till all the grove did ring

Beneath the trees were lovely seats,

All framed of ivory bright ;

The cushions were of silken wool,

Of scarlet, gold, and white

But lovelier than all I'd seen,

Were some children there at play

Peeping and laughing through the trees

— n 0 tj Like butterflies in May

Mv k'uide, who seemed to understand

All thoughts that did my mind excite.

So courteously she press'd my hand

My whole attention to invite.

111

" ' Listen ! while I unfold a tale

Which mortal ears have never heard ;'

Her caution seemed to seal her lips,

My ears drank in her every word.

• Those children, which you see at play,

Are offsprings of the skies ;

223

Are older than the God of Day,

And saw the first sun rise.

Just what they are they will remain

'Till death and sin shall cease,

And truth and love resume their reign,

And Heaven and Earth are peace.'

Down from the grove, a sloping lawn

Led to a pleasant river side,

Where the flocks of swans of snowy white,

Were sailing in their pride.

As gracefully they passed along,

Sweet music seemed to rise,

And each and all joined in a song

Of enchanting melodies.

But "what took my attention most

Were flowers of every hue,

Some on the bank in clusters stood,

Some in the water grew.

Some smaller birds in gold and green

Around about them flew,

And dipped their heads in lily cups

To drink the honey dew

My guide she bade me kneel and drink,

And I should not regret,

And all that I heard and seen

I never should forget.

I knelt down on the rivet brink

Drank of the rippling stream,

And so strong has my memory remained

I ne'er forget a dream.

As from the river side I rose,

I saw a boat was drawing near,

And soon it came close to the bank ;

I entered it, nor seemed to fear.

' Farewell,' my bright companion said,

' Perhaps we sometime may meet again.

You have much to see, and much to learn,

Which now your memory will retain." i i , •. _.i:i.i . 1... . i.. _. .

The boat it glided o’er the stream,

the fairy vanished from my view,

And soon I reached the other side

243

Where all was strange and all was new

While the boat glided o’er the stream

It appeared to me just like a dream ;

There was no boatman, sail, or oar

To guide it to the other shore.

The river it was deep and clear,

And as I looked to see it glide,

A mermaid on each bow was there

To steer it to the other side.

IV.

" But when I landed on the bank

I turned to get a better view;

All had gone—lt was all a blank,

There neither boat, or guide, or crew.

And when 1 turned again to land,

I was surprised at what I saw;

A monstrous Genii touch'd my hand,

And filled my heart with awe.

' Mortal,' he said, ' why dost thou shrink,

From me thou hast not aught to fear;

As thou did’st of the river drink,

There is none can hurt thee here.

Beneath dread Sinia's holy mount,

There is a sacred still;

Where the waters of memory are purified,

Which do this river fill

But if thou had'st not drank of it,

Ere thou didst cross the stream ;

Thou never could'st return back

To tell thy fairy dream,

But now thou art free of Fairyland,

Guest of our honour'd queen;

Who will tell thee all thou want'st to know

And show what's to be seen.'

His gentle speech allayed my fears,

And cheered me on my way;

But as I looked upon my guide,

My courage went astray.

For he was neither man nor beast,

225

But parts of each combined ;

His hair was like a lion's mane,

His speech was quite refined.

Upon his shoulders he had wings

With feathers dark and long;

His eyes shone like two burning lamps,

His limbs were large and strong.

I cannot well describe his height,

For as he passed along

Sometimes he would appear quite short,

And sometimes very long.

Just like the Gnomes that I have heard,

Upon Hartz mountain dwell ;

But whether Geniis or not,

Is more than I can tell.

Somewhat like shadows on uneven ground

The Genii's form kept moving up and down ;

Sometimes he seemed of solid substance made,

At other times just like a moving shade.

Sometimes his wings extended very wide,

At other times enfolded to his side ;

Action without exertion seemed to be,

Like the breeze-laden bough of some large tree.

From river's side it was a steep ascent,

Whose height extended, vision did prevent,

Along the ridge there grew the verdant grove

Made sacred to the graces and to love.

The most delicious music seemed to be

The sweet production of one mighty tree,

Whose every bough and leaf all seemed combined

In uttering tones of music most refined.

V.

" The grove extended far as I could see,

And yet no opening through it seemed to be ;

Nor could eyes penetrate the mystic grove

Of the sweet graces, and the queen of love.

But when we readied the sloping hill's green crest,

I saw a bower, a charming place of rest,

The Genii bade me in the bower repose,

226

While to the queen my visit he'd disclose.

Some sweet attraction drew me to the bower,

Whose roof seemed interwove with leaf and flower

Almost before I touched the sumptive seat,

Some subtle influence me did permeate

My senses slept in every sweet delight,

On every side I saw some pleasing sight—

The winding river, like a silver stream,

A pleasant subject for a poet's dream,

The inspiring music, from the mystic tree.

All formed a joyous pleasing mystery.

Before the Genii did approach the grove,

He was transformed into the god of love ;

With bows and arrows, and a quiver bright,

The son of Venus stood exposed to sight

He fixed an arrow in his well-bent bow,

And said ' I'll send them this that they may know

We're waiting entrance to the realms of love,

No doubt my mother will despatch her dove."

Scarce had the arrow left the bow,

When Idalia's dove white as snow ;

I heard the rushing wings above the grove.

She lighted on the shoulder of young love.

The boy caressed the dove with fond delight.

The group, it formed a very pleasing sight;

She coo'd and flutter'd round about his head,

Receiv'd her message, and away she fled.

While wondering at the sights that I had seen,

For memory reigned over all supreme.

VI

Of Genii, Fairy, and of demigod,

Cupid confirmed each other with a nod

" Well may you wonder why we're here,

And left our high estate ;

But ere we part, no doubt you'll hear

Why we did abdicate.

From Afric's Thebes to India

Our altars were sublime,

From torrid to the frigid zone,

227

In that good ancient time.

It was in Egypt, Greece and Rome

Our glory most did shine ;

But where are now our worshippers,

Our temples and our shrines ?

Our vestal maids, and our priestly band,

They like their gods, are banished from the land.

Like orient beams of early morn

Aurora's blush unveils the dawn,

All over, all round, a glorious light

Of pleasing colours meet my sight,

They rose in beams, blue, gold, and red,

And mingling met right o'er my head ;

Let this sign set your mind at rest,

'Tis welcome paid to an honoured guest

But as we here must wait awhile,

And you must want repose,

To ease those doubts upon your mind

Some truths I will disclose

Of heaven and earth, of gods, and men,

And great events that happened when

'Ere man was made, when time was young,

And angels sang their morning song.

VII.

The truths which then were all sublime

Have vanished with the course of time,

And others in succession came,

Which scarcely now obtain a name.

All things created are unstable,

And former truths are now but fable,

But uncreate in God divine

Truth over time and death shall shine ;

But angels’ truth exists with God alone,

None that surround his throne

Can search the secrets of his mighty will,

But his command and high behests fulfill.'

As musing in the bower I lay

Listening to what the boy did say.

Attention was so much engrossed,

228

So much was I in wonder lost,

I had not noticed any change,

Yet when I look'd, all round was strange,

All, all was new that met the eye,

The mingled shades had left the sky,

And o'er me spread a spacious dome,

The air was full of sweet perfume ;

In centre hung a glorious hght

So soft and pleasing to the sight.

The grove-like edge had passed away,

And far as I could see,

An open park-like lawn was spread

Around the singing tree.

Of walks and bowers, of trees and flowers,

There seem'd no end to be,

And every path seem'd to converge

Towards the wondrous tree.

And now I saw from every side

Approach a numerous band,

From every path they seem'd to glide

Like angels hand in hand.

And as they drew near to the tree,

They circled round and round,

And then broke forth such minstrelsy

It made the air resound.

I have no power to paint the scene,

No words could it portray ;

The poet’s talent would be vain

To sing it in a lay.

And then arose their voices clear

Above the music of the tree ;

It was a song of welcome there,

And every eye was turned on me,

Song.

" Welcome, stranger, welcome here,

Wanderer from the world above,

To our assembly draw thou near,

Pledge we all to thee our love.

229

;< We will guide thee to our Queen,

She will give thee every pleasure

Such as mortals have not seen,

Shall be thine, and without measure.

11 Secret wisdom she'll unfold,

Give thee all thou cans't desire ;

Glittering gems and yellow gold,

And all that mortals do admire

" And could'st thou live to go so far,

She'd show thee every glittering star.

Take thee to Heaven's portal gate,

From whence we all are kept by fate."

Canto 111.

I

The lights again began to rise,

And rainbow colours deck'd the skies ;

The air seemed full of minstrelsy,

And music filled the trysting tree.

I turned to view the colours round,

Mine ears meanwhile drank in the sound.

But when again I turned mv head,

...,m, „ 6 „..n * tittup ...j, .^a.u, My late companions all had fled.

But underneath the singing tree,

The Genii I again did see ;

His form was moving up and down

Between the branches and the ground,

And by his side a white doe stood,

Graceful as e'er was seen in wood.

Her eyes were beauteous to behold,

Her hoofs were of the purest gold,

Her neck it was both long and clean,

Of gems of every kind were there ;

She was Diana's favourite deer.

I stood beneath the singing tree,

Wondering what I next might see

249

11.

And now, far as my vision's range,

I saw that everything was strange.

On every side the land did rise—

Some mountains towering to the skies—

And on each mountain high or low,

Green trees and flowers on all did grow ;

On every hill a castle stood,

Surrounded by the flowering wood.

And from each tower and steeple bright

There hung a splendid diamond light;

Where the beams met in upper air,

They seemed to blaze with brilliant glare.

On every tower, as I could see,

A sentinel did stand ,

Each leaned against the battlements

With a weapon in his hand.

His helmet shone like brilliant gold,

Each eye shone like a star,

A baldrick did his waist enfold

Just like the God of War.

These castles were on every side

Compassed by moats both deep and wide

The waters were pure as e'er seen,

The walls were all of jaspar green,

And on the water’s bosom clear,

Pluming themselves quite debonair,

The swans of Jove’s great Queen were there.

That used to float in upper air.

You wonder how mine eyes could ken

Things far away in wood and glen,

And on the mountains high and low,

Where castles stood and waters flow ;

Whatever my eyes did rest upon

And I desired to see,

Distance at once did disappear

And all seemed close to me.

But if my vision was disturbed

Then all would disappear;

The things I looked upon were gone,

And something else was near.

23 1

250

Nothing was stable, all delusion,

Yet all was plain and no confusion ;

I could not see them come or go.

A V.UUIU J«, V.U..H, ~. & u, And how 'twas done I do not know.

I cannot tell how long I'd been

Viewing the sights that I had seen,

Although I did not seem oppressed,

I thought I'd sit me down and rest.

Though human nature long may stand

The light fatigue of fairy land—

X uv* Jig ill. m.L i uv. V-ii iuii y iiuni Yet fairies they sometimes must sleep—

I felt its influence o'er me creep,

And Somnus o'er my head did fling

A dusky feather from his wing.

I thought while lying on the ground,

The Genii kept moving round ;

i ..>, v>wi... »(.r ~~-—a .«»..„ , Sometimes his head would reach the sky

ouinciniics ins ncctLi lujuiu icdi.il Liic Sivy Sometimes it was not three feet high.

There nothing else disturbed my breast,

It was a calm and peaceful rest.

If fifteen years Van Winkle slept

With dog and rusty gun,

No wonder changes round him crept,

With water, wind and sun.

I had no means to measure time,

Nor day nor night was there;

I mieht but iust have closed mine eves.

1 migni uui jubi nave ciubeu mine eyeb, Or I might have slept a year.

But changes greater far than those

Van Winkle waked to see,

Had taken place within that time

Whatever that might be.

IV.

I felt the Genii touch my hand,

—. .—— _, And I was wide awake,

And there before mine eye lay stretched

A clear and spacious lake ;

I could not see the other side,

232

But in the centre stood

A noble castle, in its pride

Surrounded by a wood.

High towers and minarets and spires

All shone like burnished gold,

From each of which shot lightning fires,

While thunder round me rolled.

The lake itself did boil and moan

-L IIG ICLIYG IL3WI UIU UUII flllt-l UlUtlll As if in awful pain ;

The land beneath my feet did groan,

And down came showers of rain.

The shower soon passed, the thunder ceased,

And from the castle tower

The diamond light came clear and bright

O'er castle, lake, and bower

kj ci Laauc, lane, cviiu uuhli. And then arose from out the lake

A bridge from shore to shore,

And one great arch of Orient gold

The whole construction bore.

Up from the margin of the lake

To where the castle stood,

An emerald lawn of purest green

'Was seen instead of wooc

The castle built of ebony

The doors of yellow gold,

Enriched with various precious gems

Most wondrous to behold.

V.

Then from the castle's golden gate

Came slowly o'er the green

A band of heavenly visions bright

To lead me to their queen.

They crossed the lawn, they crossed the bridge,

And soon stood by my side

The loveliest that I yet had seen,

My first and former guide

No sooner had she touched my hand

My heart seemed all on fire

My being by love's feeling fanned

2 ii

To wild but chaste desire.

" Welcome," she said, " I'm glad to see

You do not me forget,

Although such various sights you've seen

Since you and I first met.

But I had known thee long before

— —.. 0 . By Undine's pleasant lake

When walking on the green grass shore,

Or sitting 'neath the brake

And often have I heard thee wish

Such knowledge to attain

Which on the surface of the earth

To search for is in vain.

T'was I that laid on thee a spell

And led thee to the Glen

And brought thee into fairy land

Such knowledge there to gain.

... . b „ u » u jV">" And now I'll take thee to Queen Mab,

And she to thee will tell

Whatever thou cans't wish to know

Of earth, of heaven, or hell."

And then she took me by the hand,

The others passed before

Till we did in the portal stand,

Close to the castle door ;

And then an avenue they formed,

Standing on either side.

I then into the portal passed, r i..~j.»j u.. „ :j_

Conducted by my guide,

And here a mighty Genii stood,

As if the entrance to defend ;

But instantly he lowered his spear

Uk .. 1. I LLU 1 llj IIU lll.-, When he beheld my lovely friend.

" Lady," he said " what is your will ?

My duty to obey ;

To do whatever you desire

On either Earth or sea."

" I have brought this stranger from above

He's my peculiar care,

253

And hospitality and love

Must in our castle share.”

The Genii bowed down his head

Before the vision bright,

And when he raised it up again,

She vanished from my sight,

VI.

Surprised, I turned my head about,

Anxious to see my guide ;

And when I turned it back again,

Cupid stood by my side.

He smiled at my bewildered look

As Love can only smile,

And then the place with laughter shook—

Might have been heard a mile—

And all around, on every side,

Fair ladies did appear,

With splendid harps with golden strings,

And voices sweet and clear

In language I had never heard—

I could not understand one word-

Yet to my senses it was clear.

" Welcome stranger from above,

Welcome t o the realms of love,

We bid thee welcome here.”

Canto IV.

I.

And then the gate was opened wide,

The ladies parted to each side,

And Love he led me to a throne

Where one grand lady sat alone.

You might have heard the beating heart,

When she called me to her side ;

For there she sat, the Fairy Queen,

The one that was my guide.

She wore a crown upon her heard

254

With diamonds circled round ;

Her hair it was like golden thread,

And reached unto the ground ;

Her dress was azure, green, and gold—

The like I ne'er had seen before—

A girdle, did her waist enfold,

With mystic emblems covered o'er.

Her eyes were like—l can't say what—

Nor tell you if I tried ;

She was an angel to look at—

This queen in beauteous pride.

Some of earth's monarchs must be proud

To govern and to rule the crowd ;

But could these mortals see

The fairy queen upon her throne,

Great as they are they all must own

What simple things they be.

Not only was she fair and good,

But she was wise and great

And blest with wisdom, grace, and power,

To suit her high estate.

11.

She asked me many questions fair

My truthfulness to test,

For whether I spoke truth or not

The fairy she knew best.

And now," she said, " you understand

Before you further go,

You must take an oath to tell the truth

Of all you see below."

Then with her wand she smote the wall,

Which did enclose the spacious hall,

And through an opening high and wide

Came Rhadamanthus to her side

He had a large book in his hand,

'Twas clasped round with a golden band ;

Enough upon this book I swore

To tell the truth for evermore.

236

Then rising from her sapphire throne,

Within the hall we stood alone ;

No judge, no book, no throne was there—

Myself alone and lady fair.

She came and took me by the hand.

And waved aloft her magic wand

The walls, the roof, all, all was gone,

And on a hill we stood alone

111.

" And now," she said, " I'm come to show

To thee the things thou fain would'st know.

We are on holy Sinai's Hill,

Where Jehovah did reveal His will.

Nothing but truth must here be told ;

If anyone should be so bold,

Upon this holy hill to lie,

It is decreed that he shall die."

" Then first, dear queen, I fain would know

Why sin to man brought death and woe

And how and where it did begin,

„„„„ „ iu m*s'"> And whose the blame of death and sin ? "

Then o'er her face there broke a smile

Then seemed to pause a little while. t( "\VU~4- 4-V, IJ> 1 1 T 'll .1 . 11

" What thou would'st know I will thee tell,

How sin began, and angels fell.

But, oh, I am sorry to relate

The history of our own sad fate.

Though million years have passed away,

It seems to me but yesterday.

Before I ope to thee the view

Or draw aside the sacred veil,

It is but right to let thee know

What under it Time doth conceal.

It was in that eternity

Ere sun, or moon, or star did rise,

We then were children of our God,

Inhabitants of Heaven's blue skies.

256

It was our pleasure him to serve,

Where all was clear and bright ;

In Heaven above he reigned supreme

The God of love and light.

All knowledge to us he supplied,

o ri 1 Glad to perform his work we flew

But whence this secret power arose

The highest of us never knew

But there was one above us all

More bright, more beautiful by far;

One of the earliest sons of God, XT . ■ !_■ . l _ •

Nearest to him —the morning star—

From whence the wish did emanate—

I do not think himself e'er knew—

Wanting our God to emulate.

A secret hope within him grew,

That could he find the secret source

From which this wisdom did arise,

That he in power should surely be

Equal to Him who built the skies.

And he would often lead us forth,

Thinking somewhere to find it out;

And half Heaven's host would follow him

Not knowing what lie was about

At last we visited this Earth,

A new creation here below—

And curious here to view the works—

It was the cause of all our woe."

She bid me look at some black rocks

The which I had not seen before.

She said, " There runs the river Nox ;

Now hark ! and you will hear it roar.

Our leader heard it with surprise,

And wishing to obtain a sight,

I saw the hope flash in his eyes,

Which burned with eager light

And quick as lightning to the brink,

We followed him, not near,

For over all there spread a cloud,

And then we first felt fear.

238

257

" From under Sinai's sacred hill,

Which you have heard before,

There did exist a secret still,

From whence came all this roar.

And from this still two rivers flow ;

The one is pure and bright,

The other, which you now can hear,

Is black as blackest night.

And all the ills to gods and men,

And angels pure, which we were then,

Did from this river rise.

Hatred and malice, pain and death,

He had inhaled in sinful breath

And evil filled his eyes.

And all of us affected were,

For noxious gasses filled the air

And shrieking from it fled.

And now we heard that awful voice

Which used to make us all rejoice,

But filled us now with dread,

And first our leader he addressed ;

' What! Thou the highest of them all !

Lo —10, thy sin hath found thee out,

And now thy pride will have a fall ;

And all that followed in thy train

In this thy punishment shall share,

And on this earth they shall remain

Subject to sorrow, grief and care.

But thou their leader, bound in chain,

Down in yon cursed stream

For thousand years thou shalt remain

To cure thy impious dream.

Nothing impure can enter heaven,

But here you must remain

Until a sacrifice is given

To wash away the stain.'

We all fell back in dread alarm

Soon as our doom we heard,

239

And hid our faces from his view,

And answered not one word.

' Not so,' our leader dauntless stood,

And answered back with pride,

' Had I but gained what here I sought

Thy power I had defied.

The stake was great, and I have lost

And thou art victor still,

And thy command I must obey,

Though sore against my will.'

Then by some force of unseen power,

I ween God's holy will,

Pie was cast into the black hot lake

That issued from the still.

V.

And then the Almighty spoke to us ;

With voice sublime and kind :

1 Children of heaven it grieves me sore

To leave you here behind.

And now earth's surface I will form

Some new creations to sustain,

With sun to warm them into life,

And clouds to give them rain.

And you the heaven-born sons of light,

Whose sin was to be led astray,

O'er them shall hold a guiding power

Until I shall provide a way

To cleanse and purify you all;

Then you again shall rise

Again, obedient to my call,

To mansions in the skies.

My new born son, mine only son

Shall be the sacrifice,

And Heaven and Earth shall be his own

When he the prize hath won.'

And then he left us on this Earth,

But not without a hope

But darkness spread on every side,

240

Through it we had to grope.

f was then we felt a weariness

We ne’er had felt before,

And one and all sat down to rest

On Lethe's sleepy shore,

And for awhile forgot our woes,

For sleep had closed our eyes,

And when we 'woke to life again.

It was with glad surprise,

Far in the east, in orient clouds

The glorious sun did rise,

The Earth all round was clothed in green

And heavenly blue the skies.

ft was a glorious sight to us

To see this new born day ;

And then we felt that we had power

To fly o'er land and sea.

Some travelled east, and some went west,

We flew from shore to shore ;

Our spirits could find no rest,

Till we did all explore.

And thus employed we spent our time

For you must understand,

Sometimes the Earth would change to sea,

Sometimes the sea to land.

Meanwhile the still beneath the hill,

Did work according to His plan

To cleanse Earth from impurities

And make it suitable for man.

To tell thee all 'twould be too much

For mortal mind to bear ;

What changes were on Earth and sea,

With water, fire and air

V]

" At length the work was finished,

Creation then began

To stock the Earth with beast and bird,

And afterwards with man

At different times, in different climes,

260

When man did first appear ;

Some black, some yellow, and some red,

Created here and there.

The Negro of Africa appeared

With his black curly head ;

In China sprang the yellow breed—

America the red.

And we o’er them did rule and reign

For many thousand years,

And sometimes happy omens gave

To drive away their fears.

And meanwhile Satan was released

And wandered to and fro

O'er Earth's wide surface, everywhere

He brought both sin and woe ;

Till on the Earth he reigned supreme,

And had all power in air,

And men rebelled against our rule,

And sin spread everywhere.

And Satan in his wicked pride,

To set at naught God's will,

No opportunity left untried

To stop the sacred still.

VII.

" And then in heaven it was decreed

A new race to begin,

And in God's image Adam came

Quite pure and free from sin.

For from his race there was to spring

A spirit pure and bright,

The Son of God our heavenly king,

Destined to make all right.

God placed him in a garden fair,

And gave him Eve his wife,

And edged him round with special care

Secure from sinful life.

But Satan, wandering to and fro,

Soon spied this garden fair,

242

And wondered what there was it in,

'Twas guarded with such care.

Light as a mist in summer's morn

He rose above the garden fair,

Until he gained to such a height

That he could see it everywhere.

And soon he spied the lovely pair

Seated beneath the tree of life;

Nothing he'd seen on earth so fair

As Adam and his wife.

Created in God's Image, they,

He saw that Image there imprest,

A.nd then fell jealously and rage

With vengeance fill'd his breast.

And then, unseen, he hovered near

To hear their joint discourse.

And take advantage of the same

To give his malice force.

And by this means he soon found out

The Tree of Knowledge grew

The fruit of which if they did eat

They would most surely die.

The serpent was a subtle beast,

And Eve had oft him seen

Climbing up the forbidden tree

Amongst the branches green.

Now Satan he possessed the power

To take what form would suit him best,

And like the serpent he appeared

Amongst the branches taking rest.

And whispering in a pleasant voice,

But loud enough for Eve to hear,

Surprised to hear the serpent speak,

She to the tree drew near.

And then he pluck’d the fatal fruit

And eat before her eye,

And said, ‘ Whoever eats this fruit

Shall surely never die.’

Eve took the fruit and ate of it,

And Adam did the same;

2 43

Too late they found out what they'd done,

And how they were to blame.

For with the knowledge they had won

Came wretched fear and shame.

And then they heard that well-known voice

The garden trees among.

Where angels oft were used to come,

To sing their evening song.

Before they used to rejoice

—_, _— . WJ —. — That gracious voice to hear,

But now they knew they naked were,

And hid themselves for fear

Adam,' He said, ' what hast thou done

To hide thyself from me ?

Has Satan tempted thee to eat

Of the forbidden tree ?

I saw him hovering o'er the place

And knew his motive well,

And now for this he's done to thee,

I'll bind him fast in hell.

And lest more mischief may occur

To thee and to thy wife,

Out of this garden you must go

Far from the Tree of Life.

But as you tempted were to sin

Contrary to my will,

A.nd not of malice aforethought,

I will protect you still ;

Till that blest day when my dear son

Shall all from sin redeem,

Then all His government shall own,

And he shall reign supreme.'

VIII.

" No more of them I need relate.

In history thou can'st read their fate

Unto the present day.

But when the Son of God did come,

263

Our reign and race on Earth was done,

Our glory passed away.

But this I need'st must tell to thee

What to that garden fair befel,

When Adam left the place.

It sank into the realms below

And to it we're allowed to go,

By God's almighty grace.

And when our earthly race was run,

Then paradise became our home,

And there we shall remain,

Till the last enemies of man ;

Till sin and death their race have ran, .

Then we shall heaven regain

And now the last part of my tale,

Some further truths I will reveal.

When Christ our Saviour came,

Satan released from hell arose,

He came salvation to oppose,

But trembled at the name.

And on this hill where now we stand —

His purpose to attain—

All the kingdoms of the Earth he showed.

And showed them all in vain.

All these' he said, ' I'll give to thee

If thou wilt only worship me,

And all their glory shall be thine.'

I'll worship none but God alone,

For all these kingdoms are His own,

And soon will all be mine.

And now from this same place I'll show

What further thou mayest wish to know

Of races pass’d away.

There's one vast empire down below

Where all the dead were used to go

Before our Saviour’s day.”

She waved her wand above in air,

All vanished from my sight,

And for a moment all appeared

As black as starless night.

264

Canto V.

I.

But when the darkness pass'd away,

All round appeared as light as day,

And all was clear and bright,

We stood upon a far-stretch'd plain,

No bound'ries could I see,

But everywhere appeared in sight

Some mountain, wood, or sea,

And castles fair rose high in air,

But silence reigned around ;

But often shadows seem'd to pass

That threw no shadow on the grass,

Nor made the slightest sound.

" This is the kingdom of grim death,

The Hades known of old,

x lit; j\iivj*vii ui uiu, Heroes who won the warrior's wreath

Down here you may behold.

Beyond those hills there is a plain—

They fight their battles o'er again,

And we may see the fight.

With spear and shield of warrior old

Of Grecians brave and Trojans bold,

And gallant Roman knight."

11.

Quickly we passed to the hill

That overlooked the plain,

And there mine eyes beheld a sight

I ne'er may see again.

There were warriors of all nations there,

Equipt in armour bright,

And kings and queens, and ladies fair,

Were there to see the fight.

And on a throne exalted high,

For to award the prize,

Sat all the gods and goddesses

That used to rule the skies.

246

And nearest to the gods there sat

The ancients great and wise—

Wisdom and beauty always will

Obtain the greatest prize.

111.

My guide described them all to me,

And told to me each name,

And what wise actions they had done

For to deserve their fame.

And then I heard a trumpet sound,

And soon the lists were cleared,

And heralds in regalia grand

At either end appeared.

Then one of these in sonorous voice,

His country did proclaim,

And then brought forth its champion

Its honour to maintain.

And first bold Hercules came forth,

Who from Alemena sprung ;

He was the son of Jupiter, And f*n\mA +l,~ J-

And ranked the gods among.

The herald he aloud proclaimed

The mighty deeds he'd done,

His nation and his gallantry,

And the battles he had won ;

Numean lion he pursued

And slew him in his den,

He killed him with his knotted club,

Bore him to Micenae

Of the many arduous works he did,

And did them all right well,

At last he attacked Cerberus,

And dragged him up from hell,

To meet this champion so brave,

None did the honor claim,

But he is always present there

Upon the field of fame.

Hundreds of ancient champions

247

Appeared upon the ground ;

And thousands more, in armour dressed,

Were pacing up and down.

At length Achilles forward came,

In Vulcan armour dressed ;

The herald he proclaimed his name,

All prizes to contest.

All knew the armour that he wore,

Impervious was to steel,

Till Paris entered in the list,

None seemed to make him feel.

Paris, the son of Priam old,

With youth and beauty blest.

Of all the knights that fought at Troy

Fair Helen loved him best.

He had an arrow in his hand

Made of the brightest steel;

The same he slew Achilles with

When he shot him in the heel.

Achilles smiled on him with scorn,

And turned, and passed away,

Like a brave lion from some beast

Too base to make his prey.

IV.

" Now let us leave this cold abode,

Enough of it's been said

To show where warriors bold retired-

The ancients long since dead."

And then she led me to a vale

Where Arethusa’s stream

Came pouring through the dark grey rod

Into death's solemn realm.

And then she held her wand aloft,

And took me by the hand,

And soon I found myself again

In pleasant Fairy land.

We passed in through the silver door,

And through the silver hall,

248

And then we stood in the same place

Where first I heard her call.

" Mortal," she said, " now we must part

My blessings thee attend,

May joy and pleasure fill thy heart,

So says thy Fairy Friend."

I took her jewelled hand in mine

And kissed it o'er and o'er,

And then I waked as from a dream

On Undine's pleasant shore.

Printed by the New Zealand Times Compakv, Limited, Wellington

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