Chapter IV.
1850–1851.
Arrival of Canterbury Pilgrims.
Arrival of “First Four Ships”—Welcomed by Governor Grey and by Mr. Godley—Meeting of Society of Land Purchasers—Choice of site for capital—Bishop Selwyn—The “Lyttelton Times”—Dr. Jackson, the Bishop-Designate—Allotment of lands and choice of sections—St. Michael’s Church—Squatting Regulations.
News had been brought by the “Phoebe Dunbar” in November of the intended date of sailing of the first four ships, and on Monday, December 16, 1850, His Excellency the Governor and Lady Grey, who had arrived in H.M.S. “Fly,” were waiting to welcome the Pilgrims. On that day Mr. Godley, standing on the shores of Lyttelton, witnessed the realisation of his dream. The “Charlotte Jane” was the first ship to arrive, casting anchor about 10 o'clock in the morning, after a voyage of one hundred days. The “Randolph” followed about 4 o’clock in the evening of the same day, and next morning, the “Sir George Seymour” arrived.
