Charleston: Its Rise and Decline/Foreword
FOREWORD
I HAVE great pleasure in complying with the request that I should write a foreword for this excellent record.
My family left Charleston in 1895, when I was a boy of ten years of age, but even at that late stage of its decline it was still a cheerful little township with a resident doctor, a hospital of considerable size, four hotels, three churches, a dozen or so shops, a fair group of Shetlanders on the North Beach, and some thirty or forty other families in the vicinity. The arrival of Hanna's coach on its twice-weekly trip from Westport was an outstanding event in its life.
My most recent visit was at the beginning of last year when there remained of the town only one neglected church, the European Hotel, the Police Station, the school, and four small cottages. It was sad to see the deserted and desolate streets and the vacant sites, but I found that the locality, although scarred and defaced, still had a strong attraction. This, I think, was due to factors which one does not appreciate as a boy. The natural surroundings of the town are unusually attractive. One lives in sight and reach of the mountain ranges; alongside are the charming reaches of the Nile River. The scenery of the terraces, clothed with fern and shrubs, is varied and pleasing. To these are added a temperate climate, fine sandy beaches a stone's throw away, and bays of remarkable beauty enclosed in a picturesquely rock-bound coast, upon which the huge rollers from the South Pacific break unceasingly, with mighty power in the storms, and with endless surge and sound. It is not strange that such surroundings should gain so strong a hold on our memories and affections.
This affection is strengthened by the fact that, when “the tumult and the shouting died” and the multitude of gold-seekers left, the small community remaining formed a happy family, finding their pleasures in the simple joys and homely tasks that provide the best sources of happiness in life.
The memories of many old Charlestonians, of course, go back much further than mine, but we all owe a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. Faris for his varied and vivid picture of our town's beginnings and growth, its vigorous and stirring youth, and its gradual decline. The wealth of detail cannot fail to impress on our minds the sturdy virtues of the pioneers of our Dominion. The story of their example should be a stimulus to us in our present peril. They endured hardship, braved danger, and strove hard in their search for that freedom in life that should be the birthright of all who are willing to do their share in the work to be done. They strove against narrow means and hard times, and strove manfully. This generation has, on the whole, lived in comfort which our fathers would have considered luxury. But to-day we are required to make much the same sacrifices, and to show the same resolution in order to preserve our homes, our freedom, and, indeed, our lives, from the near menace of oppression and slavery. This story, so vividly told, should inspire us in our task.
It is typical of many a community in the early days of New Zealand, and we shall do well to remember that when their work was done at Charleston these pioneers turned to other tasks, and that, in every sphere of life, they and their children have done their share in building-up the New Zealand we love so much. Mr. Faris has mentioned the names of some—he could not mention all. But all readers will be happy to see that Mr. O'Flynn’s lifetime of service has been recognised by his appointment to the Legislative Council; that Mr. Robert Hannah’s fine work as head of the great factories and business he established is recorded; and that the late Mr. T. G. Macarthy’s generous provision for the public welfare has proper recognition. There are many others in every walk of life who have contributed in like manner according to their opportunities. I am sure that we, the sons of Charleston, like to feel that it is a manifestation of the true spirit of the West Coast which still places comradeship before gold, and service for the common good before selfishness or self-interest. It is this spirit which has moved Mr. Faris in his labour of love in assembling the material for, and compiling this record. His work will pass on the torch; and on behalf of his readers, I have to express our deep gratitude and appreciation.
A. Fair.
Judge's Chambers, Auckland,
August, 1941.