GOLDFIELDS MINISCENCES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13693, 8 September 1906, Page 4

GOLDFIELDS MINISCENCES.

No. 4.—EARLY DAYS OF HYDE (Concluded). ' 15y J. J. Ramsay. Mr A. 13at ligato in a letter to vonr columns recently referred to the early visits of !lr Flamank,' our first goldficld's minister, a Wesleyan of the good old sort. Mr Flamank was stationed at Waikaiiaiti, and paid monthly visits to Die interior.

He was, as Mr Bathgate said, a Cornish man. Ho was likewise a man of strong sound common sense, and broad, liberal

views. '1 recollect well the occasion of bis first visit, when lie landed at my father s place one wintry day covered with snow and chilled to Iho hone. He and my father wcro soon afterwards firm friends, and our bouse his home when ho visited the district. At first the services initiated by Mr Flatnank wcro held in the billiard room of Jones's hotel, which, with the exception of Pain's billiard room, was the only building in tho place largo enough for tlio purpose; but, as I have already stated, tlio peoplo soon built the little old iron structure known as tho "Union Church," a building open to all-comers, but one that will nhvayu 1)0 associated in tho minds of those nf us who attended services thcro with the name and memory of old Mr Flamank. It was not a pretentious structure, but served its day and generation, well.

During tho intervals which elapsed between Mr Flamank's monthly visits lay services were conducted principally by my late father. Mr Thomas Rosaveare, of Waiwera, who at that time lived in Hamiltons, also visited and assisted, and it was in that little old iron shanty that tho Rev. Christopher Aberncthy, of SpTingston, then a layman in Hyde, first essayed to "wag his head i' tho pu'pit." Eventually Mr Flamank came to live in Hyde, and settled down at tho lower end of tho township—a, fact which caused •my lato father in a humorous moment lo christen bis placo " Penzance." Mr tlamank continued to reside in tho Hyde district until within a few years of his death, when ho removed to Hamiltons and resided with his daugher to the end. The exposure to which 110 hail been subjected in early life in those long, cold Central Otugo journeys brought on a chest complaint,' to which ho succumbed. Both ho and his worthy wife are buried in the little old cemetery on Hamiltons Hill. Two of Mr Flamank's daughters (Mrs Wilson and Mrs M'Latchie) rcsido in Tahitaka, Catlins, and his only surviving son is Mr 0. I). Flamank, tho well-known secretary of tho Teachers' Institute. Although Mr Flamank's namo is naturally moro closely associated with the early church history of Ilydo than that of any other minister, he i was by no means tho only ,ono who visited tho district. Tho lato Itev. Mr Dasent (Anglican), of Waikouaiti, paid periodical visits for many years, and the Rov. Mr Christie (Presbyterian) likewise of Waikouaiti, was a frequent and popular visitor. Another vory popular visitor was tho late Mr "Gilbert (I think that was the name), a seaman's missionary, who also visited tho mining centres. Tho Roman 'Catholics had church services, also, as far back as my memory carries, but I cannot recollect tho names of their early clergymen. Ido recollect an iron church built by them, part of which, I think, still stands on Mr M'Auly's placo at Hyde, but of this I am not quito certain. -In later years the Rev. Father Royer, a Frenchman, had chtirgo of the district, and was exceedingly popular with everyone in tho place.

I havo already briefly referred 'to the early struggles for a school. I can still look back to the time when Iho children of tlio place, of whom I was one, .ran about oil day without nny opportunity of going to a .school of any kind. A small school was opened in tlio evenings by a digger cuilod David Symo, ami we congregated and under his tuititon we learned to read and write; but iust as this was accomplished Symo loft. Our parents did the best they could, but tho work of mining and making n home, tho getting of firewood from tlio mountains, and tho thousand-and-oiie things that require attention prevented the men from having any spare time. A new arrival—Miss Kato Gildca, sister to Mrs B. O'Neill-conducted a private school for a short time, but gavo it up to become Mrs Lavert'y, and we were left tcacherless again. But, our parents kept, on agitating, and at last, in the end of 1869 or beginning of 1870, a teacher was secured in tho person of Mr Seymour 11. Saunders, and the use of the Union Church given for a school. In this old iron building, cold as an icicle in winter and swclteringlv hot in summer, the early youngsters of llydo were first assemblod and our parents paid fees for our tuition. Mr Saunders'was not a certificated teacher, and tho methods then were distinctly different from (hose of to-day. Our physical drill consisted in racing round the claims and jumping the tailraces till an old cracked bell brought us together, and then tlloso of us who wero Protestant were marshalled in for "religious instruction." The Lord's Prayer was repeated and the Bible read, and whilst we were thus drilled in tho fundamentals the Catholic children were kicking their heels outside. I am not. at all sure that most of us did not wish that we were Catholics, at least for an hour each morning. This much Ido know, thai, as compared with the instruction some of us got in our homes, that school performance was. an unmitigated farce. It was tho one dark spot in the day—was absolutely in tho nature of a. ta6k, and decidcdly irksome and dreary. As a natural consequence of tho lino of demarcation thus drawn between Protestant and Catholic children the result was many bitter quarrels, the Catholic children naturally claiming equal rights with ourselves, ana resenting our claims to have special consideration. The outcomo of that early training so far as I at least ani concerned, has been to make me a strong and ardent, supporter of secular educntioii, I do not wish to let iny pen run awav with m 0 °'A. subject, but this much I must say, that no one who has known what it is to lose five years schooling, and even r f n i ,L chance to liavo his education dished nn under such circumstances as those of the anti-sccular days can have any timo at all for those who would either deliberately or unthinkingly introduco denominationalism by means of Bible-teaching Bible-teaching can lead to nothing but discord and disruption. Mr Saunders taught for three years or moro, being succeeded by Mr 1. 0. Oden, tho first certificated teacher we had. Mr Oden came fresh from Victoria with new methods, and being a young man, full of push, soon placed tho school on a sound footing. He, too, stayed years, doing good work, afterwards teaching at Popotunoa and Alexandra, from which latter place he was promoted to a position in the Education Othoe. His place at Ilyde was taken by -Mr 0. B. MacXainara, n Trinity College man, still living in Dunedin. Old Hyde boys will remember his fondness for mathematical problems, Although I never went to Mr MacNamara's school, 1 had the good fortuno to havo night tuition under him for somo time, and he. it wa3 put nio through tho first two books of luclid gave 1110 a smattering of Englis".., and turned my mind hi a literaiy direction. After Mr MacNamara left the now .school was built, and tlio iirsfc teacher to take charge there was Mr Theodore n. Kiehey. A new order of tliinga then scfc, in, and Hyde has never had occasion to complain <n anything in an educational way since then. "

„ A f. distinguished from the so-called religious instruction" (hat formed part of tile early school curriculum, 1 have very pleasant memories of our early Sunday school, • Mr L. Mathewson, of Kokonga. was tho leading spirit in that work, and when Mrs Flamank caiuo to the district sho took it up in real earnest, and .not only succeeded in doing good work, but in endearing herself to the children. This good work was afterwards ably curried on by her niece, Mi?a Gordon, mnv Mrs Marx Morton, of Owaka. In tlioso early times the music at church gatherings was all vocal, and during his stay in Hydo Mr .John Isbistcr (now of Hindon) was precentor, and taught tho children to sing. In this connection an incident of later years js brought to my mind. It was in coiincc-

tion with the ordination of the Rev. Bruce Todd, wliioli took piac© at Macraes about 20 yeaw ago, Hyde formed part of Mr Todd's district, and Hydo at this time whs tho proud possessor of a church choir and a ajnalj harmonium. Tho services of this ohoir and tho harmonium were placed at the disposal of tlw Macraes folk, and all hands jourilcyod over to take part, taking with them "the lijst o' whustles." At tho conclusion someone asked a Scotchman present—one of th-o real old school— wnat he thought of the Bothering. Hu replied: "Oh. it was all right if they H.vde folk hadua' brought yon whisllin' tiling \v i' them." Aiiil probably ho was not lar wrong.

Many amusing incidents took place at puhlio iNootingß, especially rno.n' of a political of debatable kind. On olio occasion I prepirled at, a meeting (tho first chair I occupied) called to advocate the cutting up of a ruii, tho lease of which expired shortly. Tho meeting oil this occasion was almost unanimously favourable, but tho manager of the run v.ao prose,nt, and during tlie e.voning ho got; up and asked mo if I would ask llioso present who were in a. position to tuko laud, or wanted land, to stand up. I of conr&e declined to do so, upon which Jig took out a noto book and began to write in it. This was moro than smno of the old identities could stand, and ono pf them (still alive in Hyde) stood up and said: "Mr— l —, are you taking notes to send to yntir ctientis .to say wo do not want land? If that is so" (turning dramatically to the meeting and lifting both hands above liis head) "stand up, ovory mother's wn of you!"—awl tho meeting rofo as ono mail niid let out, three hearty cheers. On another occasion tho same gentleman was; clwirmnn at one of tho lato Mr Scobic Mackenzie's political meetings. Mr Mackenzie was being opposed by Mr 0, J. Ilodge, and feeling in llyde was two-thirds for Hodge. It had been arranged by tho- Mackenzie men not. to venture a vote of confidence, but someone not in the know proposed it, and it was eoconded and had to bo put lo the meeting. An amendment was proposed at once, and would havo been carried, hut Mr M'Auly managed to put tho motion instead of tho amendment; and tho meeting, thinking they were voting against tho proposal, adopled it, and tho chairman declared the voto of confidence carried. His decision was at ojico challenged by tho late Mr Laverly/i but the chairman eirectually docided tho mai'ter by declaring "that so long as lio had the honour lo preside over a meeting in Hydo ho would allow no man lo dispute his ruling." . The effect of course was tha publication of a report "that Mr Scobie Mackenzie had actually scored a voto of confidence in. tho enemy's stronghold at Hyde."

I notie,e that Mr William Eraser, M.H.R., in liis recent address at. Wellington, refers to tho way in which tho curly provincial elections were conducted. I do not remember who were tho first councillors for Mount Ida, but my recollcotion of provincial politics gees back to a hugo placard rent to' my father from Dunedin, bearing tho words, "Vote for Macandrcw, tho Peoplo'a Man." This was, of course, for (ho . supcrintendency—l think in the Maea'ndrew-Gillies contest. Tho next placard I remomhor was, "Vote for Reid and Doforred Payment"; and in tho contest. between Reid and Macandrcw Hyde divided as between thoso who favoured land, settlement and nutting tho runs up and those who were favourable to mining, and no settlement on tho goldfields. My father espoused Donald Reiki's cause, and tho battle wis very keen eo far as Hyde was concerned. Tho first councillors for Mount Ida of whom I have any remembrance wcr6 Mr D. 11. Mcrvyn and tho Into Mr J. F. Armstrong, who was known by tho sobriquet of "Honest John.". Later on Mr 0. A. de Lautour (then editor and part proprietor of tho Mount Ida Chronicle) beat Mr Mcrvyn for tho council, and later on again gained a scat in tho Houso as member for Mount Ida. Mr do Lautour was quito a youth—l think' about 22,—and ho used to aver in later years that it was simply his assurance in daring to stand that caused, peoplo to vote for him. Ho was an exceedingly popular representative, and a conf;i.?tcnt advocato of land settlement..

Speaking of land iottlomont: it is wonderful how history repeats itself. I havo taken a keen interest in the question for 30 years, aiid have at my fingers' ends eyory move that, lias been made during that time. I iecolWt that prior to Mr Donald Reid's deferred-payment system tho chance a poor man had of securing land was very small. Mr Reid's act gave a. greatimpetus to settlement, and so did tho lato Mr I'yke's agricultural lease system. Next carno Mr Rolleston's perpetual lease, and it is a Temankable faot that tile 'very arguments advanced now in favour of freehold were urged then against tlmt. system—viz., that, a man could not. make his land a freehold. Mv mind carries me b-iek to a.. meeting in llyde when this matter was discussed, and to a propheoy made by my own father. 110 deolared that for a poor man tho looking- forward to a freehold, though it very iiire sentiment, was lnoro likely to retard his prosperity than lielp it, inasmuch as lie would bo sinking in liis freehold the m'ohejf ho should k'cep free to utilise in working his farm. He prophesied then, and his prophecy is fulfilled in the district to-day, that tho lease; holders would;outstrip tho freeholders, and be well off; and it' is ' a fact tho best homes are on tho leaseholds, the most comfortable settlers are the leaseholders, nr.d the cry that. a. leaseholder will not improve is refuted every day. As a matter of fact Bomo of them with short leases and big areas are trying In improve tho land to such an extmit that. 110 one ran compete for it, again. And in no easo in the whcie district has tho tenure kept, anyone from improving. I am not'expressing any opinion inst, now on tho question of freehold v. leasehold, lnit simply pointing out the absurdity oT- ( one particular argument addurcd in favour, of freehold. As a matter of fact tho bogey referred to has kept many a "man down. I can recollect how that when Mr L. Mathewson, of Kokonga, tho first small sheep-farmer in Hyde, selected 1000-acres of leasehold land ahd started sheep-farming, people were aniajcd at his folly. Whv not havo selected 200 acres of land with a purchasing clause? But Mr Mathowson kriew what he was doing, awl is indenendont to-day, and in every case that followed wo sco liko roa'i'ts. not only in Hyde, but over the whole of Central Otago. One cannot, heln smiling when lie wads of leaseholders in Now Zealand being dcsc-vibcd as "serfs"; and if ho docs not «iinile he. is inclined 'to nay, Wo want more serfs." Hint kitid of serf will make any country prosperous. And tho prosperity of Central Otago began with tho introduction of tho "serf." : A -i, °L' 'td People I would Pko to mention tho namo of Mr Joint Moade, who for many yo-ap acted as Hyde correspondent for various newspapers. Mr Meade had a very faoilo pon, was racy and prolific writDr, but- somewhat inclined to indulge in flowery language. Describing a local election on ono occasion, ■ hn said; "Although tliero were thre* candidates nominated for ihi3 position, thorn never wore more than two m tho riitmiiitr—viz.. Mr and Mr those tlir, con I est lav hut tho etar °L ,77 ? mc , kl ? P alp 'l its f<>oblo and inofFoctUni lijrht, boforo (ho steady and Instrous blazo of Mr'——'s luminary." lift iueado also emulated Silas Wcgg, and I civo to you a verse from a local poem, contributed by liim to tho Palmerston Times: . Though fair are Erin's daughtera, ■ Ant] England's rosy maids, And Scotia's lovely damsels! Yet 'mid Otiyjo's glades A lovelier lives whom I admire "ft ith innocence and pride The colleen dhas whom we all love" well Tho darling girl of Hyde. He was also an adept with the violin and qnicklv superseded Mr B. S. D oo tl, a 9 musician at tho local dances, lleado played by oar, and Booth's contempt for his performances was very pronounced, but tho young folk preferred to trip tho light fantastic to old John s merry notes, anil ns a consequence, ho became fiddler to tho dHnces, and poor oM Booth was left in tho cold. After staying in The 'district for some years, Mcado left" ono morning, nnd novor was hoard of again.- I havo now given von a fair description of tho oarlv davs of Hyde, am it is with mixed feelings that I havo written. On tho ono ham!, "there is gladness in rememborance" of tho good old days when one was a boy and moved about amongst the sterling, stalwart- diggers !" m r ! 7 ak ' lov '" n3lll P. as it was called by Mr Gordon, of Patoaroa. In thoso davs we sang of our village— .

'Ti3 a neat little township I tp.'.l yon In winch we ni present reside, Ami the people who first settled in it Have called it ■the City of Hyde, it :* built on ihe hanks of the Tnicri flinely miles from Dunedin. north-west, Ami of .all the small up-country townships 1 think wo may call it the best. I'or our old men and women are hearty, Our lads they are jolly mid free, Our la;.«ci> are not to be beaten, And Hyde is the oily for me. Now, alas! Ninety per cent, of tho "old wen onu women" lie beneath Ihe sod, and when nno wanders around tho old haunts of Ills boyhood days, sees tile crumbling old sod walls, the moss frown tail-races, tho deserted claims, and stands amidst silonco where all was work and bustle, ho rcaliV-i tno feeling so often voiccd by those who,

after long years of " wandering on a' foreign strand," revisit the hind of their nativity, and conic back filled with memories of sadness, because the old voices am unheard, tho old faces unseen. Liko them, one "longs for the touch of a vanished hand and tho sound of a voico that has gone." In that mood I will ring down tho curtain—at taut, for a time —on old-timo momories of tho township of Hyde.

Note.—ln mv lost contribution I \na\ mado to refer lo Mossrs John and Peter Laughton as two stalwart "Arcadians." The word should have been " Orcadians."