THE LIFE OF BISHOP POMPALLIER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 14

THE LIFE OF BISHOP POMPALLIER

TO THE EDITOR Sir —it is indeed pleasing and refreshing to be congratulated fit last by “Koroko." May it be pointed out that, if the subjects were contained in the Bible, it would be possible to quote chapters and verse, but, as they are taken from original papers, compliance with his request is an imrequests references, _ perhaps the following may satisfy him m the meantime:—The original Wellers Journals, receipts, agreements and auctions (all from the Harwood collection). the original Harwood Journals and papers generally—those of C. W. Schultze, Captain Joss, Acker and • many others. ■ , The writer is thoroughly aware that Mr O. Harwood, in writing. up his journal, referred to the shed m question as Hoare’s, but what it was called and by whom it was owned at the time of the visit are two different. Important historical matters. The statement that Mr Hoare was exporting or selling oil in 1840. does, not in any manner constitute him as a whaler. May it also be pointed out to “Koroko” that the Otago tables published by Dr Shortland are not correct nor are they complete or reliable? It was readily understood that your correspondent was referring to the Catholic mission when he stated it was here for three weeks. My reason for stating that the bishop was not at Otakou for that period was simply to prevent your historian from sinking further into the quicksarids of Historical’ ignorance. It is admitted by 'your correspondent that facts, honesty, truth and exactitudes in detail are essential. Should he be sincere in these ideas and theories, may his attention be drawn to the fact that Bishop Pompallier did not arrive at Otakou in a ship? The first deciphering of the journals, papers, etc., was undertaken by an outside firm and. the second by an individual. It was later discovered that the deciphering was so badly executed that it had to be again deciphered, corrected and checked more than once.

The Anglican preachers, their place of residence, their teachers arid their dates of arrival at Otakou are well known to historians of average intelligence. . . , The descendants of the original Maori pakehas could throw much light upon the subject at issue if they were consulted. The Maori language used at the conclusion of “Koroko’s” letter is not understood, and I venture the opinion that, like bis history, it requires much brushing' up. I am well aware who preached the first sermon at the Heads, but, as previously stated, Jt. refuse to be drawn into the discussion in the meantime.— I am, etc., George C. Thomson. Dunedin, February 4.