Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 6, Issue 3, 2000

Foreword

Foreword

The tragic death through accident of Ruby Heberley, descendant of Jacky Guard and wife of Charlie Heberley, descendant of 'Worser' Heberley, is a sad reminder of the importance of the Journal and other services of Nelson Historical Society in making known and conserving the history of 'the North of the South', and underlines the urgency for that.

Two days earlier Charlie had addressed a packed meeting of the Society and he, Ruby and our member, archaeologist Steve Bagley, were to lead our field trip to historic shore-whaling sites and Okukari farm in Tory Channel. We share the sorrow her death has caused. That we shall miss Ruby's account of the journey back in time – perhaps including her forebears' startlingly unexpected arrival there in 1827 – is a small matter by comparison, but yet a real loss to the many intending to take part in the now delayed field trip.

In this volume of the Journal we have four narratives of reminiscences and we warmly welcome such articles for consideration, indeed, any that will increase knowledge and appreciation of our local history. We rely on your help.

We thank all contributors and those who made material available and our gratitude goes as well to our Journal production team: editor, Dawn Smith, and computer-operating secretary, Noelene Ford. The Society lives by the work of its volunteers and no one deserves our thanks more than Dawn and Noelene.

The articles will tap a wide range of interests and the subject of the first is never far from our minds:

Athol Blair, President.