REMINISCENCES OF OLD TIMES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2735, 15 August 1906, Page 28

REMINISCENCES OF OLD TIMES.

THE ORIGINAL FIRST CHURCH. By L. Langlands. Many valuable records and relics are acquired by, or have been presented to, the Early Settlers' Association, which to the pioneers are reminiscent of many memories of the past, and recall the scones of early days as vividly as if they were but the scenes of yesterday. Possibly one reason why memory retains 6uch clear recollections after so many years ie, there was then so little to distract the attention that any event standing out from the even tenor of every-day life would be easily remembered. Foreign or outside news was only received at such long intervals that the mind was left open to be impressed by any occurrence that appealed to it, aided by the exuberance of health and animal spirits, the result of the thorough change and novelty of life, and what may be called " elasticity" of the air. Many of the records show a marked difference between then and now. In land transactions, for instance, in comparison with present values, some of the receipts make it appear more like a gift than a deal, though, no doubt, fully up to the then value. A presentation lately received, though only a small article, revives vez*y clearly the memory of the Sunday of those early days. It is part of the wood of the pulpit used in the original First Church erected in 1848, near the beach, on the site where thtj Standard Insurance Company's buildings now stands. The pulpit, like all such work at that time, was of red pine (rimu), and the part made use of was fashioned into the shape of a small reading desk by Mr A. C. Stewart, cabinetmaker, City road, Roslyn, and given by him to Miss Jaap (deceased), and by her to Mrs Mary Thomson, " The Nook," Queen street, by whom, though it was highly prized, at the request of the secretary was, in a most unselfish manner, presented to the associatoin; so that being on view in their office others might share in the pleasure of seeing a relic charged with so many memories. How it all comes up again ! the lonely " kirk," the surroundings* bueh, manuka scrub, most luxurious flax, swamp, the creek, the tide washing the foot of the bank on the level of which the church was placed, the barracks of the John Wickliffe and Philip Laing on the beach, round which a ti-ack was formed to the present courthouse, the primitive police camp close to the bank, tenanted by Sergeant Barry. Corporal Smith, Privates Isaac M'Kain, Lewis and Charles Stewart, Joe Wagstaffe, and Apu, a Northern Island Maori; Garrick's residence, Archibald Anderson's store, moved bodily in Princes street under the direction of Tom Curtis and "Alderman" Gibbs, Peter Crow's butcher's shop, Monsieur and Madame Benvoit's boarding-house, and, most conspicuous of all, Surveyor Kettle's residence, with its fanciful painted verandah ; the worshippers, mostly m groups, sedately making their way to the church from the Taieri, Green Island, Halfway Bush, North-East Valley, and what there was of the city, the lower garments of those from the country and suburbs showing unmistakably that want of roads and difficulties caused thereby could not prevent them missing the service. As a rule the week-day wear 'was blue serge and moleskins but the orthodox black and tall hats came out very strong on Sunday. Later, codtiinics got ltiore mixed, Bedford cord coming into fashion. And the minister, the Rev. Thomas Burns. Tall, solemn, dignified, with a beneficent expression and kindly eye. c\cn then well up in years, a part of his apparel generally worn being a close-fitting cloth cap with lapels to cover the ears when necessary. This was frequently described as a Geneva cap, though it is hard to 6ay why. It is strange the two leaders of the H^blenient should each have been distinguished by a distinctive headdress — Captain Cargill with his blue Kilmarnock bonnet (now in the possession of the association), and the Rev. Mr Burn 6 with this particular cap. AH the same, the settlement was most specially fortunate in two such leaders. But it was not only from the chast-p ana finished compositions from the pulpit the «ettlers were benefited, Mr Burns (who later had the woll-merited honour of D.D. conferred on him) had a thorough practical knowledge of agriculture, and ac all sorte and conditions of men the-n, and later, made for tho land without pre\ious experience, many a now prosperous family have rea-sou to be thankful for the sound advice they received from Mr Bum» when making a atari — advice always freely and kindly given, never forced. Mr" Burns exercised groat influence- for good in those da\ «. and took a leading part in all measures for the benefit of the settlement, in which his practical sagacity was of inestimable ■\aluo, and to his further credit bo it said bo jwnor publicly took part m politics. No one appealed to him in vain — many a worthy and now well-to-do settlor lias told the writer that on arrival he applied to Mr Burn^, and at once received work at Grant's Brao.s (now Waverloy). then the farming property of Mr Burns, manapetl by his wn Arthur. Another in a way connected with the puJp'.t was tho vory capable first precentor. Mr James Adam. Bon Accord Lodge, Milieu, thon etrong and sturdy, and even now, in spito of Ins oifrhty odd years, hale and hoartv. and quite oqual to giving a stirring speech at the early settlem' country reunions. Thon wo have John Buchanan, long parsed awas", leaving kindly memories behind. What a familiar figure in those days— in what a reverent manner the large Bible was placed on the desk, and how careful with the psalm-book, all done with thej solemnity befitting the occasion ; yet douce 1 John Buchanan had a keen sense for and enjoyment of humour, and e\-en Robert Burn 9. as far as wit was concerned, might have found congenial companionship in the company of Andrew Dalziel, John Buchanan, and one or two mor<» of that ilk. Peace to thy memory, honest John Buchanan ' Dealing with >uch subjects how memoiies

crowd on — reminiscence v begets reminiscences. It requires no effort of memory to keep on writing— the difficulty is when to leave off, and in this case these recollections were revived through the inspiration of a email piece of carved wood. Of the first building, tho Rev. Dr Burns, the first and able minister, who, with Captain Cargill, was the pioneer founder of the Presbyterian settlement, very humorously and with considerable feeling said: "The poor old church! Never- was there an honester, a more faithful, -or a~more useful servant. I may say thai it was a good servant of all wotk. lit could cleverly turn its hand to anything. Its sacred — its proper work was on Sunday, but from Monday to Saturday it held itself ready for any service. It was a schoolroom ; k was a public lecture room ; it was the humble servant of the Dunedin Laud Investment Company; it lent itself to many a stormjr -political meeting; it was the willing servant of the Horticultural Society; it lettt itself to many a concert, to many a musical party; and then it was without pride, and_it had no ambition; from the highest to 'tfio lowest, ifc was equally at the* command of all. It was possessed of Jit least one' good -quality that should not \>e left untold — it utterly disdained a mercenary spirit; it never would work for wages, and it was this great quality that hastened its fall. Adversity came, and so soon as its last trials began they came thick and fast. The first trial was indeed hard to bear, the congregation turned its back on it -forever." A handsome new church rose under its verj nose; and, last of all, it was itself let out for hire. For 17 long years ifr had occupied, with the utmost credit to" itself, the high and honourable position pf the First Church of Ofcigo. In one sad "hour jt fell from its high estate—^the Firet Church of Ota go was converted into a woolshed — H sank down to the level of a common hired drudge of the lowest grade. The poor thing never recovered the blow; it died of a broken heart; it perished liko a- martyr at the stake; it breathed its l*>t in the midst or devouring fire. -Peace be witb the ashes of the poor old church/ "