Trek to be retraced

Press, 4 February 1989, Page 11

Trek to be retraced

By

ANABRIGHT HAY

The steps Bishop George Selwyn took on a journey to South Canterbury in 1844 are being retraced on Monday in a 12km trek organised by the Anglican parish of Ellesmere. The vicar’s warden of the parish, Mr Dougall Love, said Bishop Selwyn visited the South Island in mid January, 1844, and during his visit walked from Banks Peninsula, via Taumutu and the Rakaia rivermouth, to South Canterbury. During the walk he gave sermons, distributed Bibles and visited Maori families, Mr Love said. Monday’s walk will cover the

same route but from the opposite direction. At 2 p.m. people will meet at the Rakaia Huts before walking along the north side of the Rakaia River and on to the beach. The walk will continue to Coopers Lagoon and on to the marae at Taumutu where there will be a visit to the Maori Church and cemetery. Ms Cath Brown will outline the Maori history of the area. The Bishop of Christchurch, The Rt Rev. Maurice Goodall, will outline the history of Bishop Selwyn’s journey at the start of the walk. A barbecue will be served at the

marae. ’ Refreshments will be served along the route, which will include cooked eel, a delicacy Bishop Selwyn enjoyed on his trip. Mr Love said he was pleased with the interest shown. The public are welcome to turn up on the day. A charge of $5 per person and $lO per family, with the barbecue nd refreshments included, will be made. All proceeds will go towards the Ellesmere Parish. There will be transport provided for people that wish to return to the starting point to collect vehicles, Mr Love said.