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Annandale Past and Present 1839-1900

Chapter XXVI. — Family Changes

page 277

Chapter XXVI.
Family Changes.

During his residence in Akaroa, Dr. John Guthrie contracted a long and serious illness, rheumatic fever, which so affected him that it soon became evident he could not stand the rough hill riding. In 1882 he sold out of Akaroa, and returned to Christchurch, having bought the late Dr. Campbell's house and practice. Dr. Campbell, with his wife and family, had sailed in the ill-fated "Tararua" to join an Australian steamer bound for England. The steamer "Tararua" was wrecked off Wai-Papapa Point, in Southland, and almost all on board were lost; Dr. Campbell, his wife, and all their family—five children—being amongst the drowned. This sad fatality caused wide-spread grief, so many well-known families being thus suddenly bereft of relatives and friends. Soon after Dr. J. Guthrie was settled in 57, Colombo Street, Christchurch (the late Dr. Campbell's house). Dr. Walter Thomas—who had been a fellow-student of John's in Glasgow University—entered into partnership with him, and bought the house in Colombo Street, John buying 66, Cashel Street, which was his home as long as he remained in Christchurch. This partnership was continued amicably for 8 years, after which it was dissolved page 278by mutual consent, each doctor continuing to practice on his own account. Dr. Thomas still lives in Colombo Street, Christchurch, and continues to practice there to this date—1901.

In 1881 two marriages were celebrated at Annandale within a fortnight of each other, that of Dr. T. 0. Guthrie and Mary Hay on 26th May, and William Hay and Agnes Stout on 8th June. In consequence of these weddings there was a large house party of young people at Annandale that winter, the Misses Paterson, Hay, McAulay, and others, which helped to fill the blank Mary's departure had made in the narrowing home circle. Hannah was afterwards reinforced by the helpful presence of Mary Stout, who remained at Annandale for a year and half before taking her departure to the home of her sister, Mrs. Wm. Hay. William, for a few years previous to his marriage, had held the position of manager of "Edendale" Estate, one of the N.Z. Land Co.'s properties in Southland. A few months after his marriage he resigned this charge, and bought a farm from the Land Co.—a part of the "Levels" Estate, near Timaru. There he built a good house, and called the place "Te Pukera," the Maori name for the pretty undulating country surrounding it, which, being interpreted, means "the sunny slopes." Te Pukera has been the home (and birthplace) of all the family, from that date till the year 1898, when a part of it, including the homestead, was sold.

Meanwhile Hay Brothers had again become involved in fire troubles in Pigeon Bay, two cases having been brought against them, which caused more or less worry for a time. The effect of this, and the usual hard work combined, caused a breakdown in James' health, and his brothers-in-law, Drs. J. and T. O. Guthrie, promptly ordered him to go Home for a trip. There was a general exodus at this page 279time. Dr. T. 0. Guthrie having a rare chance to sell Lincoln house and practice, it was decided that he and his wife, Hannah and Edwin should also go Home for a year. On hearing of their plans, Robt. Steel Hay decided to join them, so that a very select few remained to carry on the work at Annandale.

Early in March, 1882, the cottage was vacated, our "goods and chattels" removed to Annandale—to the supreme delight of our two "cherubs," who regarded the move as the -ne plus ultra of life here below—and from that date until we lost Annandale, four years later, we had our home there. The day before our travellers left us, when they were busy packing, the house in direst confusion between the outgoers and the incomers, and all hearts full of the sadness of parting, came Governor Sir Arthur Gordon and suite, four in number, and requested luncheon! There was nothing for it but to make the best of the situation, and accord a suitable welcome to His Excellency and party. The prime leg of mutton (prepared for the family dinner!) had to be kept for the visitors, who delayed luncheon two hours while they enjoyed a bathe in the waters of the Bay; but the mutton was not spoiled, on the contrary it was pronounced "delicious," as also were the fruits and cream, &c, which supplemented the impromptu repast. It was late in the afternoon when the vice-regal party rode away to Port Levy, leaving us not lamenting! The same thing had happened before, more than once, although that was perhaps the most inopportune visit we ever had from sub-royalty!

Our party (with the exception of James) sailed from Lyttelton in the old ship, "Marlborough," under command of Captain Anderson, on 18th March, 1882, the day on which Robert Neil Guthrie was born. James did not leave till the following week to catch his steamer at Sydney. page 280He had a week to spend there, and one in Melbourne, and then arrived some two or three weeks before the others ended their long voyage. He met them in London. Almost directly after their departure Robert Hay also left New Zealand to have a trip through Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. He remained all winter in Australia, returning about the end of August, in time for the busy season. Mary Stout remained with us in Annandale for that winter, and was a welcome addition to our quiet party. We must not omit to state a thrice important fact here. Three of our young people entered the stage of life during this winter and spring of 1882, viz., Brenda Guthrie (Dr. T. 0. Guthrie's only daughter), whose birthplace was Kinross, Scotland—within two miles of her grandfather Guthrie's native place—and her birtuday the 2nd of August. Agnes Hay was born in Christchurch on 5th September, and brought to Pigeon Bay on the 29th, Annie's birthday. Her arrival gave the latter unmixed joy. A month later, viz., on 4th October, Constance Mary, William and Agnes Hay's eldest daughter, was born in Timaru. Mary Stout very soon afterwards left us to be with her sister, who a few weeks thereafter got settled in Te-Pukera.

The summer following was an unusually hard one, for never before had Annandale been so shorthanded. There was this year, for the first and only time on record at Annandale, a strike among the shearers. At the instigation of one man they left almost in a body, to return next day and ask to be re-engaged! But it was too late; nothing would induce Tom Hay to have any of them back that season, nor the ringleader at any time again. He rode off to a neighbouring bay and engaged another "gang," who came at once. Unfortunately on this journey he met with a painful accident, which crippled him for two months. page 281His horse stumbled and fell on his foot, crushing it severely and spraining the ankle. He fainted with the pain, and on recovering he found himself lying partly under the horse, on the narrow mountain track. The horse was quiet, luckily, and with an effort he succeeded in mounting him again, and reached home towards dusk in a very suffering state. After the new shearers came he, aided by a good stick, was able to hop down to the shed (which was only 50 or 60 yards from the house), and superintend the men, while Robert and the two shepherds managed the outside work between them. The cooking for the shearers was then done at the house, and we had from 30 to 36 persons to cook for, so that the domestic part of the undertaking was considerable—for a novice especially! As well as the three solid meals, we had early tea—5 a.m.—also forenoon and afternoon teas, to send down to the shed. The experience and discipline were beneficial both to mistress and maids, however; two of the cooks of these years, having become shepherds' wives, have successively catered for the shearers ever since the year 1886 until the present time. By the next shearing James had returned from his most enjoyable trip. He came back viâ San Francisco, spending a few weeks in the United States, and also in the Sandwich Islands with his old friends, the Sinclair and Gay families. He returned with his health thoroughly re-established.

When, in August, 1883, the other travellers returned to New Zealand and came to Pigeon Bay, the two little maids, Brenda and Aggie, were putting forth all their little powers of locomotion as well as loquacity, and each only required the stimulating effect of the other to forward matters In the autumn, in anticipation of our travellers' return, Annandale had been freshly painted and papered and a new flower garden laid off, to which were soon added page 282a tennis lawn and new orchard. James had brought from England and America some choice seeds of ornamental shrubs and trees, which were planted in the grounds, and also in and around the "Flat Bush," a fine clump of native bush still preserved in the valley. For a month or two after their return Dr. T. O. Guthrie and family occupied the cottage, and Annandale was once more a full merry house containing five or six bachelors. Robert Steel Hay and his brother Jack had come out some months before the others, and remained at Annandale for some time; an old friend, Mr. Eugene Buckley, had also returned from his-first visit Home, and spent part of that winter with us.

In 1883 Rev. James Stack (now Canon Stack) who had been for some years Vicar on the Peninsula, and was an esteemed friend of our family, left with Mrs. Stack for a trip to England, and Rev. H. H. S. Hamilton came to take charge. By the time Mr. Stack returned the following year Mr. Hamilton was settled as vicar, Mr. Stack's health being such that he could not continue the Peninsula work, much to the regret of his many friends. The Maoris were specially attached to Mr. Stack; he was so long their missionary, and spoke their language fluently. We have quoted from the writings of Mr. Stack, who is an authority on Maori history. Soon after the Rev. H. H. S. Hamilton came a vicarage was built in Pigeon Bay; after many shifts Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and family were comfortably established in their new home. They remained in Pigeon Bay for eleven years, and were much liked and respected in the district.

Previous to this time our Presbyterian minister, Rev. Wm. Douglas, had left and for two years or so the church was in an unsettled state. Mr. Douglas did good work on the Peninsula while he remained, holding service generally four times on Sundays, which barely gave him time to page 283travel between his districts. The roads were not so good then as now, and frequently Mr. Douglas had to enter his pulpit in Akaroa encased in mud and wet through, just in time for service. In his time the old church was repaired, and a manse built in Akaroa. Between him and the veteran elder of Pigeon Bay Church, Mr. Gillespie, senr., a strong deep friendship existed. It was with much regret the Peninsula Church parted with Mr. Douglas, who received a call to Hokitika in 1882; there he still remains, having been joined by his family from Scotland soon after he left us.

In 1884 Rev. D. McLennan was called from Pleasant Point to the Peninsula, and remained our minister for six years. He also was a faithful worker and good pastor; like Mr. Douglas, he too found in old Mr. Gillespie a staunch, true friend. Owing to the effects of rheumatic fever he was obliged to resign in 1890, much to the regret of his Peninsula friends. He went for a change of climate to New South Wales, and there he still resides.

Rev. D. McLennan was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Finlay, who remained our pastor for five years. He, too, resigned on account of failing health, and unfortunately has since had to give up preaching altogether. Rev. D. Jamieson, M.A., late of Titwood Church, Pollock-shields, Glasgow, (who, with his wife and family, arrived in New Zealand in September, 1895) was soon afterwards settled over the district. He continues his able ministrations up to date—1901—the church in Pigeon Bay having been built under his pastorate.

The first bazaar ever held in Pigeon Bay was in December, 1884, in aid of the manse fund, and was so successful that the debt was all paid. The following year the Church of England indulged in another, equally a success, though on a smaller scale, by which they also cleared the vicarage debt.

page 284

Early in 1884 Dr. T. O. Guthrie settled in Lyttelton, where he continued to practice and prosper until the year 1898, when he sold out, in order that he and his wife might gratify their love of travel, and at the same time give their children the advantages of Continental education.

Mr. James Hay.

Mr. James Hay.

In 1884 James Hay took, another trip to the Old Country on business. We learned afterwards that his business was of a two-fold nature, though regarding the inner-fold he was characteristically reserved. He and Tom had—a year or two previously—bought Annandale estate from the other brothers (the sisters having been bought out years before) and they required to negociate a loan, which page 285they found they could manage on better terms at Home than in New Zealand. It was managed to their entire satisfaction, and the cable message, according to their code, reached Tom a few days before our bazaar on Boxing Day. With his usual sang froid he kept the matter of the cable to himself until a fitting opportunity, when he electrified our party, while at dinner one day, by passing it round for general perusal. It contained, besides the numerical code and signature only one word, but that word stood out with startling distinctness; it was "married." The next mail was eagerly awaited by one and all (the feminine contingent being chiefly interested, of course), and brought out the pleasing intelligence that it was un fait accompli.

Early in January, 1885, when our little baby boy Thomas Guthrie Hay, was four months old, Mr. and Mrs. James Hay arrived in New Zealand by the s.s. "Aorangi." We had half suspected his intent, and the result was to us all most satisfactory. He married Jane Campbell, a sister of Drs. J. and T. O. Guthrie's dearest friend and fellow-student (in Glasgow University), Neil Campbell, who had been for many years a confirmed invalid. It was only natural that James, when in Scotland, should go and see Neil (to whom and his family he had letters of introduction from John and the writer), and spend a good deal of his time at Kirn, the beautiful place on the Frith of Clyde where Mrs. Campbell and her family resided. All who knew Neil Campbell loved the noble young fellow, so sadly stricken down in his youth with paralysis of the spinal cord, the result of a severe illness contracted when assisting his father, Dr. Campbell, in his practice at Tarbert, on Loch Fine, Argyleshire. Dr. Campbell died a few years before this time, after which Mrs. Campbell and her family removed to Kirn, Argyleshire. John Guthrie kept up a close correspondence with Neil as long as the latter lived. page 286He bore his great sufferings with true heroism till released by death in 1889.

There is much that we should like to say in praise of Mrs. James Hay—to us always "Auntie Jeannie"—but this is rendered unnecessary by the manner in which she has filled her place in the family circle. For sixteen years she has been one of us, and we begin to think of her as almost an old identity by this time.

They stayed at Annandale until another cottage in "Kay's Gully" (now called "Glen Road") was restored and added to as a temporary home—James refusing to allow us to vacate Annandale in his favour, although it was his by right of seniority. This cottage they called the "Glen," after Mrs. Hay's old home—"Glenralloch," in Tarbert. The "Glen" was a name peculiarly suitable to the pretty sheltered spot which was their home as long as they remained in Pigeon Bay—a period of twelve years. The unforeseen disaster that soon followed altered all their plans in regard to building a new house, as had been their intention.

In November, 1885, the news of Mr. Pilliet's sudden death was received in Annandale. He died of typhoid fever in Wellington, where the family had been residing for some time. Soon after his death Mrs. Pilliet and the three girls (Mr. Pilliet's daughters), Aye-Aye, Cesca, and Lina, came to live in Christchurch, to be nearer their friends.

The new hotel in Pigeon Bay, completed about a year before James and his wife arrived, stood conspicuously square and bare on the grassy slope opposite the new wharf. It was designed (chiefly) for a summer resort and built accordingly, with plenty of accommodation, its situation close to the beach being a desirable one for the purpose. It was furnished as well as built by Hay page 287
School—Old Cottage in Distance—Store—Annandale, 1884

School—Old Cottage in Distance—Store—Annandale, 1884

page 288Brothers, the hotel-keeper paying a nominal rent for the first year or two, till he could get a paying connection and eventually take over the furniture. This gave a good opportunity of parting with some of the old Annandale furniture, and replacing it with new. The large telescope table and sideboard, etc., for dining-room, and a suite of easy chairs, couches, etc, for drawing-room, made the dear old home brighter and cosier than ever. Many other desirable changes had been made in Annandale for convenience and comfort; for by this time Hay Brothers were feeling they could afford to enjoy the fruits of their labours, and, as so often happens in life, things had never seemed so prosperous as just before their greatest loss.

Our little old cottage, so often referred to in these pages, was totally effaced when the best part of it was converted into a stable for the new hotel. It was carried round on two bullock sledges, coupled, drawn by twelve bullocks, and its removal was watched by the little folks with keen interest. But for the calamity which followed, these details need not have occupied our attention now, nor need our story of past days have been carried much further into recent years. We have, however, to tell of an event which stands unequalled by anything that ever happened before, or ever may again in a lifetime: viz., the unforseen and complete annihilation by landslip of our dear old home and its surroundings.