A NOTABLE MIGRATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1939, Page 9

A NOTABLE MIGRATION

NOVA SCOTIA TO NEW ZEALAND) One of the notable migrations of British history in which a congregation followed their minister, the Rev. Norman Macleod, from the Highlands and islands of Scotland to Nova Scotia, then to Australia and New Zealand, is recalled by the fact that an organisation called the Cape Breton Gaelic Foundation and Pioneers’ Memorial has been formed in Nova Scotia, with headquarters at Baddeck, Cape Breton, to honour and perpetuate the memory of Nova Scotia’s Highland Scottish, Gaelic-speaking pioneers. The memorial is to be erected on the original Norman Macleod homestead, St. Ann’s, Cape Breton.

Norman Macleod had a difference with the Church of Scotland, and went to Nova Scotia. His congregation followed him. This was in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. They established themselves in Nova Scotia, and remained for a generation. During the 1850’s they moved first to Australia and then to North. Auckland, principally to the district.round Waipu. For this migration they built thenown ships, officered, manned, and provisioned them. Their six ships brought about 1000 persons who settled in the Waipu district. They subdued a wilderness to build their homes, and in time the younger generation scattered not only to all parts of New Zealand, but to the world.

By reason of this remarkable loyalty to the Rev. Norman Macleod he had the same congregation for 60 years—in Scotland, Nova Scotia, Australia and North Auckland. He never accepted a stipend, but worked his own property with the assistance of his people. The memorial organisation has purchased the 400 acres of the original Norman Macleod homestead at Cape Breton and intends converting it into a memorial park in which will be erected the Gaelic Foundation. The ambition is for this memorial park to become a centre for the promotion of all that deeply interests the liberty-loving Gael. His ancient language will be preserved and fostered, taught and spoken; his music, sacred and secular, given and heard, taught and played; his games and sports sponsored and featured, encouraged and promoted; his clan customs and traditions revived and advanced, remembered and kept alive; his culture and religion extolled and emulated, revered and exemplified.