OLD IDENTITIES AND LANDMARKS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue XXXVI, 13 December 1902, Page 3

OLD IDENTITIES AND LANDMARKS.

'ing a shop or store in connection with Mr Ot'terson I believe, and , though tlie store, as you may he I very sure, was small it was filled with everything necessary, and contained besides as many luxuries aNelson was then able to provide. The store gave plate ta a flour-mi)), which was tJie first buili in Nelson. ; and he had grain brought from the country many miles away to he ground ; but alas, tlie mill wheel like Ben Bolt's has long gone to decay, and the rafters tumbled in. The water-race still rims through the city as a reminder of the old mm. "mi- Oa.iv.pi-.01l huili several houses, also a -shop in Trafalgarstreet ; This latter was partly of brick and in an earthquake the bricks fell, alarming many of tlie inmates. He was a very hospitable man, and entertained many friends. During the first months of our settlement earthquakes were very frequent, and ca'used us great alarm, but. we soon got used to iheni. Mr Campbell was the first founder of StllPiay Schools. Lvery year he gave a erarul feast to Sunday School children far and near. They used to he conveyed to town in bullock drays decked with greens like the cue 'displayed on ,Ju r mlcc Day. but instead of ' ten bullocks There would be only two, or at most four a'nd the. faces of 1 lie people from among the greens and 1! wers were beaming: With health and happiness. They entered fown singing hymns thev had learned at their respective Sunday Schools. The teachers accompanied them, as did the parents, of whom yon may he sure there were a goodly sprinkling. Each child had to bring its own mug. and the adults were provided with lea at the rate of sixpence each.. Several ladies assisted Mr Campbell in cutting bread a'nd butter, and each child trot a bun in addition. They wore entertained in a large enclosure in which was a tent erected for tiu>;e who provided the good things. A platform was erected on the ground, and if not -very elegant it was very substantial. Gentlemen addressed the children and parents in suitable speeches, and many of those I see m the Jubilee number then took part. Mr Cam] bell never came last with his quite wise sayings ; lire generally spoke to t Tic purpose, and I wish I could -rive some of his own words, but all who Knew him must, remember him. The feast generally broke up early as so manv had lo travel to Wakefield, and their steeds were very Tow. I am sure that some of those who took part in those sunny limes will think of them as never-to-be-forgot-ten memories. How many have become parents, how many ha\ ? giun up the toils ond trial, and gone to the regions bevond ! The old brick school still stands, and Su'ter's Art Gallery ma'v feel proud to own it as part of its" building Mr and Mrs Campbell have long been dead. They left a lamilv of sons and daughters now scattered in various parts of New 'Zealand. I Yc ufs etc., I E.K D. I

To lhe Editor. fc>ir,While reading lhe Diamond STubilee numbers cf the various paperg, I saw mention made of Ben Crisp and felt surprised at not seeing a similar account of aniother very prominent early settler, Mathew Campbell. Perhaps my surprise is more marked through being more intimately acquainted with Mr Campbell, and I only wish I were able to give an. account of him in terms that would do him the iu..tice he merits. Shortly after T arrived h<bre. in 'the early part o? 1843. he was keep-