The “Cressy” was later, and did not reach Lyttelton till December 27.
During the long voyage only two of the four vessels had spoken each other, the “Randolph” and the “Sir George Seymour, and their meeting in mid-ocean was marked by a curious incident. One of the “Randolph’s” passengers, Mr. Cyrus Davy, who had missed his passage and had been taken on by the “Sir George Seymour,” was transferred to the former ship and enabled to rejoin his luggage.
When the first boat from the “Charlotte Jane” came alongside the jetty, Mr. FitzGerald was in the bows ready to spring ashore, and succeeded in securing the honour of being the first Pilgrim to set foot in Canterbury. He was closely followed by Dr. Barker. Mr. S. C. Farr, who had come over from Akaroa to greet the new arrivals, witnessed the incident, and sixty years later was still able to recall the green velvet coat, breeches, and gaiters with mother of pearl buttons, which constituted the landing suit of the first Superintendent.
The colonists were welcomed by His Excellency, who modified the Customs regulations to enable them to land their personal belongings free of duty, and made some necessary appointments. Mr. Godley, in addition to his other responsibilities, became Resident Magistrate and Commissioner of Crown Lands. Mr. FitzGerald was appointed Emigration Agent, and Mr. W. G. Brittan was selected to take charge of the Land Office.
The colonists were fortunate in experiencing a spell of glorious weather for their disembarkation. But for this, the almost simultaneous arrival of three ships would have put a severe strain on the accommodation and transport facilities provided. All heavy luggage had to he transported to Christchurch by water, via Sumner and up the river to “The Bricks.” The Pilgrims crossed the bridle track on foot, carrying with them their lighter personal belongings, and then had to flounder through
