BISHOP SELWYN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2181, 19 December 1895, Page 9

BISHOP SELWYN.

cally robust, of indomitable energy and endurance, he traversed on foot the length and breadth of the land more than once, exercising wherever he went the functions of his high calling. Accomplished as a pedestrian, he was equally so when sailing his little schooner along the then little known sea coasts, or when visiting the Pacific Islands in 1549, and founding the Melanesian Mission. From the moment of his first arrival he steadily laboured for the organisation and self-government of the church in New Zealand. His labours and wishes were crowned with success when, in 1859, at Wellington, he presided over the first General Synod. In 1867, whilst on a visit to the Home country to attend the Pan-Anglican Synod, he was invited to accept the vacant see of Lichfield. As this invitation proceeded from the Queen he had no alternative than to accept, though it may be assumed with many pangs of regret. He was enthroned in his new cathedral on January 9, 1868. Shortly afterwards he sailed for Auckland to say farewell. His final departure from the scene of his labours of twenty-six years was marked by every demonstration of affection and respect by natives and colonists. Returned to England he entered on his new duties with the same energy and power of organisation which had marked his career in New Zealand. He effected many changes, some of which brought him into conilict with his clergy, but throughout

fEORGE AUGUSTUS SELWYN, the first bishop of New Zealand, and one of its most eminent colonists, was born at Hampstead, on the oth April, 1809. He was educated at Eton and St. John's College, Cambridge, taking his degree in 1831. He was Junioi* Optime and second classic of his year, and Fellow of his college, and became private tutor at Eton to the sons of Lord. Powis. Ordained deacon in 1833 he became curate to the Rev. Isaac Gossett, vicar of Windsor, and so remained, until he was offered and accepted the newly founded bishopric of New Zealand, to which he was consecrated in October, 18-H. He sailed for his diocese two months later, and, after a short stay at Sydney, readied the infant settlement of Auckland in May, 1842, where he was cordially received by Governor Hobson and his close friends, Chief Justice and Mrs. Martin. He was now surrounded by circumstances most congenial to his robustness and energy. lie became warmly attached to the natives, and was ever their champion and friendly adviser, an attitude which more than once brought him ' ■■ ' into conflict with the Governor and with some pIIOTO.p IIOTO . , iV y of his fellow colonists, who said that his zeal & b'ixns, outran his discretion. A high, and, as we should now say, a narrow churchman, he viewed the position and efforts of other religious bodies with disdain ; and this intolerance begot not only sharp rejoinder but unsettled faith amongst the natives. Physi-

Wklmngion. DU - I'kATHLUSrON. he acted with his accustomed courage and high sense of duty, which was ever paramount to all other considerations. After some months of failing health he died at Lichfield on April 11, 1&78, in his sixty-ninth year. His old friend. Sir William Martin, was with him during his last illness. Bishop Selwyn will ever be counted one of New Zealand's chief sons. The influence he exercised during the colony's young days was of the highest value and importance, though it may not have been so apparent as that of a professed politician. Duty, courage, piety, and imperious will were the great features of his character, the latter quality not infrequently placing him in painful opposition to many of his fellow colonists. • • •