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The Founders of Canterbury

Reigate, 28th June, 1849

Reigate, 28th June, 1849.

My Dear Godley,

—The last words of your letter—"They don't care a straw for Canterbury"—are quite true, but do not tell the whole truth. Before reading them, I was persuaded, by conversation with Aglionby and others, that they have lately wished and intended to get rid of the Canterbury Association, and sell the lands which Thomas has chosen on some plan of their own. This, of which you will be satisfied when we meet, together with the blow-up of the Hawes-Smith delusion, brings Canterbury affairs to a crisis. You will be presently required to "go on" or "be off." Let us then carefully consider the question. For that purpose, as well as for coming to some decision about the Resolutions, I am most anxious that we should meet, not in a hurry, but for patient discussion. "With regard to both questions—Canterbury and the Resolutions—I have to suggest for consideration what strikes me as the things right to be done. I am far from despairing. In things public, so much of the good ever got comes by drawing good out of evil, that the worst page 78state is often the nearest step to the best. I am full of resources, and would go to town to lay them before you and Adderley, if being there were not sure to upset me. Won't you, therefore, try to bring him here for a serious consultation?

My brother has seen the Reports and Maps from New Zealand, and, after carefully examining them, is of opinion that the place chosen is excellent for the purpose. He has no doubt that it is one of the finest spots in the world for a new settlement on a great scale.