EARLY PLANNING OF CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26204, 30 August 1950, Page 3

EARLY PLANNING OF CANTERBURY

Tribute To Wakefield’s

Principles

MR C. R. STRAUBEL SPEAKS ON MIGRATION

“The springs and the causes of emigration are as important as the facts of emigration,” said Air C. k. Straubel in last evening’s lecture in the Canterbury centennial series of the Workers’ Educational Association. Wakefield was the genuis of British colonisation from the late 1830’s to the eventual experiment in Canterbury, his theories having a considerable influence on British imperial policy in many ways which °urvived xong after the bodies which carried out iis plans. A profligate youth, durii.g which he ran away with two heiresse. ended with Wakefield in gaol and it was here, apparently, that his though ts of colonisation crystallised, presumably because of the requency of deportation as, punishment, said Mr Straubel. Wakefield’s imaginative “Letter from Sydney” attacked the practices of sending undesirables *,o new lands and of virtually giv’ng ‘ property there to fiiends of authority “Wakefield’s ’dea was that colonisation. like any important Goy ernment undertaking, must be carefully planned and efficiently managed,” Mr Straubel continued. Adequate preparation for the newcomers was a fundamental requisite. In this, Wakefield recommendded surveys, Ihe beginning ot reading, and the important provision that land should be sold at “a sufficien. price" (preventing the locking up < f big holdings, speculation by middlemen, and the immediate elevation of working 1 men to landowners) ..nd the proceeds devoted immediately to bringing out more assisted abour. It was fortunate lor the colonies that Wakefield’s reputation al home caused his tremendous energies and abilities to be directed to their development. Mr Straubel said. He described the Wakefield plan settlements of ’ Adelaide. Wellington, New Plymouth, and Nelson, and their oeculiar difficulties. Pioneers of Canterbury A Church of England settlement in New Zealand was «rst mooted in 1843. the Wairarapa being suggested as a likely location, said Mr Straubel. Foui years lc ter, Wakefield met Godley, and set about the details of ‘the plan ol the association for the settlement of Canterbury in New Zealand.” The Canterbury Association had on its books an august collection of names calculated to impress poten--tial emigrants, “just as you elect a lot of important people as your vicepresidents,” said Mr Straubel. The scheme aimed at “adequate provision of those essentials of civilisation which hitherto had prevented emigration of all but the hardiest.” It was hoped that the squire’s son, with his wife, would go to Canterbury, and that “ladies of delicate Victorian nurture would not find conditions too tough for them.” The*inclusion of these women migrants was intended to prevent “a relapse into barbarianism.” Godley became the driving force and his connexions helped materially in interesting a good type of emigrant. Captain Joseph Thomas, surveyor ot the New Zealand Company (who knew much of the whole country) was assigned to choose sites. With Torlesse and Cass, he traversed much of North Canterbury, went from Pigeon Bay to Akaroa, up to the Torlesse country, and in the direction of Southbridge and Rakaia. Some of the party went to the mouth of the Ashburton river. Bluff was at one time considered; but rejected because of a poor harbour. Captain Thomas then planned to put his first town (Christchurch), at Teddington, a port at Rapaki, a market town on the Avon, to be called “Stratford” (though the river was named by the Deans brothers after their Scottish stream), and another town at Sumner.

The Teddington scheme was found too costly; the port was moved further out because of a new Maori reservation; and Christchurch was transferred to the site of “Stratford.” The road had to be taken round Evans pass, and more than 100 workmen were based at Lyttelton. Godley left for New Zealand when the Canterbury Association’s finances were low, said Mr Straubel. Godley learned of the impending arrival of the First Four Ships, through a Sydney newspaper, in November, 1950. Official advice of developments had been delayed for months. Hfcsty preparations were made with “a hurried scratch at the Bridle path,” and “on the great day of December 16, the Charlotte Jane sailed up the harbour.” Mr Straubel concluded.