special endowments for religious and educational purposes.
The first reference to the proposed settlement is found in the annual report of the New Zealand Company, in 1843, and there can be little question that the suggestion emanated from the fertile mind of Edward Gibbon Wakefield. For some years the idea lay dormant, but it was quickened in 1847 by the meeting at Great Malvern of Mr. Wakefield and John Robert Godley. Fate, destiny, Providence, call it what you will, was present at that meeting, but for which this story would never have been written. Mr. Godley left Great Malvern with a new ideal for his life’s work. Gifted above most men, and fired by intense enthusiasm, he gave his best to the new cause. Personal magnetism, strong character, social influence and the gift of language, enabled him to gather round him a group of influential men, and the Canterbury Association was formed.
Captain Thomas was sent out to select the site for the new settlement. The Association was singularly fortunate in its choice of this officer, for he proved both far-sighted in his selection and staunch in his opinions. The selection itself has been justified by the test of more than sixty-five years of experience and expansion, and it is now interesting to recall that Captain Thomas adhered to his choice in the face of the powerful influence exercised by Governor Sir George Grey in favour of an inland site in the Wairarapa.
Then came the sailing of the pilgrims, a story of strength and purpose, of effort and achievement, intensely interesting, but difficult for us who, “like Ariel, post o’er land and sea with careless parting,” to fully understand and appreciate. Giant steamers, cables, wireless telegraphy, railways, motor-cars, and air craft obstruct our view. We are as far removed from the Port Cooper of 1850 as was the England of that day from the period of good Queen Bess and Sir Walter Raleigh.
