Chapter XXX.
Conclusion.

"Be good, sweet child, and let who can be clever;
Do lovely things, not dream them, all day long;
And so make Life, and Death, and that for ever,
One grand sweet song."

—C. Kingsley.

So recent are the changes that have come to us since our mother's death that we need lightly touch them, using them but as stepping-stones across dividing years. First we have to record the marriage of Robert Hay and Mary Stout, which event took place in October, 1894, a year and a-half before our mother's death. We lost the presence of the genial uncle from the Annandale home circle. Likewise Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hay and their family, then living at Te Pukera, had to part from their "little Auntie Mary," so long resident with them. But this union was the happy consummation of a long-standing romance, and "all's well that ends well." Their home until January, 1900, was within four miles of Timaru—and was called "Otumarama," which means "view of the sea"— a distant but beautiful one. The small daughter of the house, Agnes Dorothy, enjoys the distinction of being up to this time the youngest child of the "Clan" in New Zealand, and, (need we add since all know her sweet, winning little ways?) the pet of all its members.

Three landslips disturbed the serenity of our quiet Bay in the winter of 1895—an exceptionally wet season—but happily no damage was done to life or limb, although one house—Mr. Knudson's—was swept away. It was an empty one, vacated some time before the slip came down. The inhabitants of our hill country have learned from past experience to take refuge in safer quarters until the danger be over-past.

In 1895, Dr. J. Guthrie, with his wife and their little daughter Lorna, returned to New Zealand, but only for a time. We had to face another and a sadder parting when, early in 1897, they broke up their home and set sail for the Old Country, this time for a term of years. Jack is now prosecuting his medical studies with credit and success at the University of Glasgow, where his father was trained, and where he again enjoys being in touch with the old friends and fellow students of his youth. We hear of our brother's keen interest in every new development of physical science, his enthusiasm over the latest marvels of surgery, and we rejoice that for all such eager natures life holds so much that is good. Jack enjoys the privilege of having in his father's companionship the benefit of a ripe experience, combined with the ardour of good fellowship, for comrades they are in the true sense of the word. They have had to part for a time, Dr. and Mrs. Guthrie having lately gone to Lausanne, Switzerland, where Neil and Lorna are at school. There our cousin, Mrs. Stevenson (née Georgiana Barnet), is living with her son and daughters, giving them also the advantages of the excellent school training to be had in Lausanne. The presence of those congenial friends makes life more pleasant for our exiles—old as well as young—in that anti-British country! From their interesting letters we learn that parents as well as children are eager French scholars. Mr. Jack page 323Thomas, eldest son of Dr. Thomas, Christchurch, is also a medical student at the University, Glasgow, and the two "Jacks" live and work together. Miss Alice Moorhouse, another "chum," is also studying medicine at Queen Margaret's College, Glasgow.

In September, 1897, very soon after the John Guthries went to Glasgow, our youngest brother, James Guthrie, R.S.A., was married to Miss Helen Whitelaw, of Row, Argyleshire. They live chiefly in Chelsea, London, a classic spot where artists congregate, and their home is a stone's throw from the well-known old house in Cheyne Row where Thomas Carlyle lived and died. They still retain their house in Woodside Place, Glasgow (our mother's home for many years before her death), where they spend some months of every year. The success of our artist brother, who has his own place in the realm of art, is to all his kith and kin most gratifying. Their infant son shares with our little Dorothy here the supremacy of youth over all the "children of the Clan."

Before Robert Hay left us, we knew that other changes would follow, Annandale would no longer be held in partnership, but become, by mutual consent, the property of one brother. James Hay sold out to his brother Thomas in 1897, and very soon "the Glen" was dismantled. His leaving caused universal regret among his Peninsula friends, by all of whom he was greatly liked and sorely missed. He was ever ready to help and sympathise in his own quiet, unostentatious way; his true genial nature won him the love and esteem of all who knew him. At a farewell dinner given to him before he left the Peninsula, he was presented with a handsome autograph album, containing the names of his numerous friends in the district. His protracted and serious illness clouded most of the following year with intense anxiety, but his recovery has page 324made all hearts glad again. The bright cheering presence of "dear uncle Jamie" brings sunshine into every home long may he be spared to all who love him!

A similar change has taken place in both Te Pukera and Otumarama Estates, William and Robert Hay having each been induced by favourable chances to sell their places; the former in 1898 sold the homestead and part of the estate, the latter, in January, 1900, sold out entirely. Like James they are uncertain where they may eventuully make their homes. For the present Mr. and Mrs. James Hay and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hay are living in Christchurch, and Campbell is a High School boy. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hay remain in Timaru, where their five children, Constance, Marian, Nelly, Beryl, and Harold, are fast growing up, and reflecting much credit upon their teachers. Alas! how soon we shall have to cease using the all-embracing and most endearing of terms, "the children," in speaking of our young folks, since our own dear boy Ebbie has reached manhood, and bears its duties and responsibilities; while our girls. Annie and Agnes, in company with their cousins Jack, Neil^*, Brenda, Constance, and Marian, have already emerged from the childish stage.

Anything more exquisite than the bush scenery, grander than the castellated walls of the river banks, towering in parts into great mountain peaks; or more wonderful than the reflections of the whole in the clear water, varying from the most delicate tendril or tracery on the rock walls to the boldest outline—"Like manhood mirrored in the depths of woman's placid soul"—it would be hard to find elsewhere. In this—one of earth's fairest regions—nature has lavished a wealth of verdure, grandeur and loveliness rarely combined in such variety of charm The Hot Lakes, Geysers, &c., we could recall in detail with delight, but one memory must suffice. The farfamed Maori house, until lately owned by Mr. Nelson, of Waka-rewa-rewa, was all but completed when we saw it. It was the work of two or three remaining Maori artists—all old men—and contained a wonderful variety of native decorative art, some of the panels being exquisitely carved. The painted panels, with their rich colouring and beautiful designs, gave brightness to the sombre barbaric figures, just as the delicate minute carving relieved the more massive, thus making a harmonious whole. This unique specimen of a vanishing art has been recently sold to the Berlin Museum for £1,600 —thus our country has lost a possession, the value of which cannot be estimated by money.

Soon after our return the finishing and opening of our tasteful little church gave pleasant excitement to the residents of Pigeon Bay, the more so as it was opened free of debt. The opening services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Elmslie, of St. Paul's, Christchurch, who remained for the enjoyable social that followed.

Pigeon Bay Church—Opened 25th June, 1899.

In September, 1899, Dr. and Mrs. T. O. Guthrie, their two children, Brenda and Errol, accompanied by "Auntie Hannah," sailed for the Home Country via Vancouver. They also will remain for some years for the sake of the education of their son and daughter, whom they have placed under the care of the John Guthries at Lausanne while they travel. They have witnessed the Passion Play at Oberamergan, and sent us a graphic description of that wonderful performance. They were then joined by Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Gardiner and Auntie Hannah, and visited St. Petersburg, Moscow, &c, thence passed on to Finland There they had a most enjoyable time amongst our true old Finn friends and workers, Jacob, John and Ted Erikson, Sofia Blomquist (our good old housemaid), and many others, who would gladly return to New Zealand if they could! These true, kindly, thrifty people are being cruelly oppressed by Russia at this time, and, it being a ease of "might versus right" they have no redress.

The first three months after the arrival in Glasgow of our brother and his family were most anxious ones for all, while Brenda lay seriously ill with typhoid fever in the house of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, whose kindness and that of all their friends lightened their load of care. During the same weeks, we too were passing through keenest anxiety over our own dear husband and father (T. 0. Hay), who was gored by a bullock in the thigh while branding cattle in the stockyard. His escape was a marvel, and his recovery, though tedious was complete, thanks to the care of our good old friend, Dr. Anderson, at the critical stage. Again, as so often in our past, we realise God's goodness and mercy to us and ours in sparing to us lives dear and precious.

We are consoled in our separation from our brothers, sisters and families by the fact that when in Scotland they are amongst the trusted old friends who surrounded our parents in the old days. Attached to the same church that

Mrs. T. O. Hay.

was our father's, their minister—until a year ago,' when he had to retire for a time through failing health—was Rev. R Hislop, our father's colleague and successor. It is sincerely to be hoped his retirement is but temporary. Thus many of the "dear, familiar faces" we knew of yore page 329

Mr. T. O. Hay

page 330beam kindly still upon our "loved ones far away," although the ranks of those old friends have been thinned by death.

What memories those faces and names call up! Morison, Hislop, Craig, Ferguson, Love, Drummond, Stewart, Gladstone, Carruthers. How many more we can recall, as if we had met but yesterday, and how good it is to think such friendships never die! We know how these friends have cherished our father's memory throughout their lives, and what stronger proof can exist of the influence on other hearts of one whose life was good and noble, "who being dead yet speaketh."

Before the end of this year the Jubilee of Canterbury Province will be celebrated and old memories revived, let us hope, with pleasure and satisfaction to all the community. Our Colony has reason to be proud of its history, especially that of this last year of the century. When our brave "Contingents" obeyed the "Call of the Empire," and went from our midst to fight for Queen and country, the patriotic enthusiasm reached a height never before dreamt of in New Zealand, and many names shall live in the history of our Colony by reason of the splendid liberality and loyalty shown in giving and doing. As we near the close of the 19th century, during the course of which our Empire has grown in power and been enriched by number less inventions, discoveries and arts, surely we shall not see her glory depart, her greatness diminish. Yet certain it is that the latter days of our good Queen's reign are being darkened by sorrow for the loss of many noble lives; for her instead of "Light at Eventide" there is gloom and grief.

In the more recent and alarming crisis in China—the outcome of which is yet to be declared—we can but pray that the Legations, Missionaries, &c.—who have met page 331danger, suffering and death with heroic calm, may soon find a happy issue out of all these troubles for themselves and the millions around them. [Amongst the missionaries are our two brave young cousins, Hannah and Lilias Reid, who are waiting in Shanghai with many others to begin their work again as soon as it is deemed safe. How many of them have already joined the "noble army of martyrs!"—our thoughts linger round one well-known to us, an earnest gifted woman, Miss Searell, late of Christchurch.] Shall we not believe that as it has been, so it will be again! the "blood of the martyrs" prove to be the "seed of the Church."

Surely light will yet shine out of the darkness for our good Queen^* and her people, and out of these calamities which have already filled thousands of homes with sorrow, yet greater good may arise. It is through struggle and suffering the hearts of men and women are made strong, brave and pure. The struggle is brought near to ourselves since one of our own "Clan" has gone forth to his "baptism of fire," brave young James Troup, son of our old friend and cousin, Eliza Jane Gardiner. A naval officer o.i board H.M.S. "Terrible," he served under General Buller at the siege of Ladysmith. Since then the u Terrible" has been sent to China, where again he has been under fire. We can but join our hopes and prayers to those of his friends and parents, Rev. G. and Mrs. Troup (to whom our hearts go out in sympathy) for his preservation in the day of battle.

Since these last pages of our story have gone to press we have received from Scotland another budget of Mr. Hay's old letters.^* Amongst these are two written by Agnes (for her mother) giving particulars about the fire case then pending, and afterwards of her father's tragic death. We regret we cannot now quote from them to any extent; but it is satisfactory to find that they corroborate our own narratives of those times, of which we had no records. One or two sentences will suffice to prove the correctness of Hay brothers' memories. In a letter to her Uncle Robert of date 1st August, 1863, she writes:—"We have witnesses to prove there was a fire kindled in Mr. Holmes' place days before James lit his, and other people acknowledged there were about twenty other fires lighted then. Another thing, the prevailing wind goes in a direction to drive it from his place." She also mentions the reasons for the postponements exactly as we have stated them, and comments on the "false swearing" that took place at the trial. In the next letter, of date 4th December, 1863, she writes: "My beloved father was returning from his station down south. I told you how through false swearing he lost the fire case. This,, together with being served with a writ for another £1100 on the day of his death, it is supposed so weighed upon him that he had walked while in deep thought over the precipice,

^* One gives full details of their little Marion's death by burning—their first great sorrow. The sad event happened on 10th September, 1849.

page 333

Jubilee of Canterbury Province—December 17th, 1900.

page 334and so met his death. He had lost his sight very much lately with the anxiety he has undergone. My poor mother is plunged in the deepest grief..… Our friends are very kind to us. About 180 people followed him to the grave; so you see he was greatly respected and loved, and not without deserving it; he was always one to help others in times of need." We would gladly quote more of these letters, but should only be repeating what has already been told, and there is yet an event to chronicle before we come to an end.

After fifty years' growth and prosperity we look back to the foundation of our province, and give honour to its founders. Hundreds of grand old pioneers the "Canterbury Pilgrims" — met on 17th December, 1900, in Chrstchurch, to celebrate the Jubilee of Canterbury. The city was eu fete in the bright sunshine of a perfect day, gay with the lovely colours displayed in the charmingly-effective docorations (designed by Mr. S. Hurst Seager), and thronged by thousands of happy people eager to do honour to the aged "Pilgrims." The procession—the feature of the day—was headed by a typical team of eight bullocks and dray, provided by Mr. T. 0. Hay, and driven by Mr. Luke Scott, a native of Pigeon Bay. He was dressed in the old "Shagroon" style—white moleskins, blue and white striped shirt, and blue "jumper," or jersey—and he drove the team in front of the procession through the crowded city as one to the manner born. The dray was filled with representatives of Canterbury's earliest settlers, some dressed as "Shagroons"—the name those very early settlers were at one time distinguished by. In front of the dray were set up two wild boars' heads, with the inscription, "We were here first!" The dates, "1840-1900," in large figures of red and blue on a white ground adorned the back along with bunches of toi-toi and flax. After the dray came the page 335

Lyttelton—Present Day

page 336numerous corps of volunteers, followed by representative conveyances of trades, societies, etc., variously decorated. Next came the carriages, drags, etc., containing the Old Colonists, Governor, Premier, Mayor and Mayoress, clergy, etc.—a long line and an imposing sight.

Next day, 18th December, Mrs. Deans and Mr. and Mrs. John Deans received the Old Colonists and other guests at a garden party in the Riccarton grounds. About twelve hundred guests were assembled to exchange greetings, many who had not met since the strenuous early days. Mrs. Deans, ever hospitable, sympathetic and gracious, was seated on the lawn in an old chair, made by Mr. Deans in the early days of the settlement, with Mr. and Mrs, J. Deans and family around her to receive their guests, many of whom had been hospitably entertained at Riccarton before Christchurch was laid off.

The banquet given to the citizens by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. Reece), in the new Canterbury Hall, was a brilliant affair, pronounced by Lord Ranfurly in his speech to be the "most splendid function he had ever attended south of the line."

The luncheon to the Old Colonists, also held in the Exhibition Hall, the Maori visitors' performances in the Show Grounds, where they executed the haka, poi dances, etc.; and many other functions, filled all the days of a festive week—one that will be long remembered in Canterbury.

And now, shall we not say? All honour to the Pilgrim Fathers of New Zealand who landed on its barren shores sixty years ago. Strong, brave and true, they have left their mark behind them in their country's history!

We have reached the end of our story of the past, now that it is brought up to date; but shall not the story continue and expand to yet fuller growths in the lives of the page 337

Cathedral Square, Christchurch.

page 338young people, for whose sakes it is written, who are now being prepared for their work in the world? The strong simple faith of their fathers will surely be their shield and buckler. If they worthily follow in the wake of their forefathers, and "through evil and through good report" live truly, "then their lives shall be—a great and noble creed."