The First Herd of Cattle.

About the middle of May, Mr. William Gordon Bell, a Scotch farmer, drove the first herd of cattle to Whanganui. He arrived with Mr. Jas. Watt, who was the first to attempt agriculture at the Port.

“Long before the town was distributed,” writes Wakefield, “Mr. Bell farmed a piece of land between the harbour and the sea for Mr. Watt; and had been the first to use the plough in Cook Strait. The land in question was of a poor clayey nature, and in a spot swept by both the prevailing winds, so that the crop of wheat, though good in page 86 quality, was scanty. He owned two or three sections in the second series, including the seventh choice; and having completed his engagement with Mr. Watt, he determined to start for Whanganui with his family (wife, two sons and two daughters); a cow, and six fine oxen. The bridle-road to Porirua was but partly finished, and the crossing of the various rivers seemed to offer some difficulty; but the old man had walked over the whole route to satisfy himself. His departure was a fine sight. The cow and the six bullocks yoked in a team, with packs on their backs. They were attended by old Bill and his two sons.

In coming from Watt's farm to the beginning of the Porirua road, he had to pass through the whole town; and all the spectators flocked to shake his iron fist, and wish him every success. He was furnished by Jerningham Wakefield with letters to various chiefs along the road, requiring their help at the rivers, and their friendly assistance along the road. His plough, drays, bags of seed, etc., were put on board the “Sandfly” and another schooner, in which the women of his family also proceeded.

Mr. Bell arrived in safety with his cattle after some difficulty in crossing the quick-sands of the Turakina and Whangaehu. His proceedings afterwards are recounted in Mr. Downes' “Old Whanganui.”