Colenso’s collections

I note what you say in reply to my proposal Re Dedicating the first part of my Polynesian Lexicon: unfortunately that work has been again stopped! Only a few pages (first half-sheet) having been received & revised for press by me. Of course the (ostensible) cause has been the enormous amount of printing required for the Parliament during Session – still going on, knowing that, I am quiet, but as soon as the Session is over I shall again jog our Premier’s memory. Very likely you are altogether right in your loyal remark re Sir G. Grey – and, to a very great extent I agree with you: but Sir George might have acted, might have spoken a word in season, many years ago: (he did such in other similar cases, yet inferior ones.) and then the long-neglected work would have been executed & finished, which now it never can be by W.C. Indeed, judging from past experience, I do not believe that this small first portion of it now in printing hands, will ever be printed, – we shall see.

Should it be carried on and finished I will gladly (for you) carry out your very proper request concerning it, and thank you for it. You mention your having lately seen Sir George: should you see him again, I will thank you to remember me most kindly and loyally to him. Sir George knows me well: I trust he may live many years yet in peace.

I thank you for setting me right re Huxley having been in N.Z., (or, as I had put it, in “Rattlesnake” w. Hobson in our N.Z. waters,) – but for the life of me, I cannot understand your paragraph, when you say, “I think it was in 1846 that the “Rattlesnake” was commissioned under Stanley who, shortly before sailing, came to Kew, to offer me the Assistant surgeonship.”

Surely there is an error here, in dates, &c, as you had returned to England from your Antarctic Voyage?

I have no doubt of your being highly interested in “Franklin’s Life.” I only knew Lady F., & had several letters from her.

It is grievous to hear of the havoc your last Northern winter played among your N.Z. Veronicas: I trust you have been able to renew from Kew. The number of N.Z. species of this genus is continually increasing, I have not infrequently been puzzled with some – almost hybrids! – Kirk, I see, has come out (in his usual way) on the genus & species: he assumes vastly too much – in everything! A short time ago I was amused (?) in seeing in a Wellington paper a statement of Kirk’s viz. that he had lately received from you coloured plates of many of the Veronicas.

There are just two other items in your letters that I do not understand: (1) “the portrait of Robert Brown of which I sent you a coloured autotype of last year”, and (2) “the little medallion of my father which you have, was taken from an ivory miniature, &c.” There is a little mistake here, as I have not seen them. I have a dark bromide portrait of R.B. – not coloured, size 6 x 4; and a 2/3^rd sitting portrait of your honoured father, size 7 x 5, apparently a lithograph (“D. McNee, circ. 1835”)

Now for a few words about myself, 1^st health: 3 weeks back I caught a very severe cold, while in the Bush, (such being then prevalent); I was shut up a whole week through it. I came away, however, pretty well, but got a kind of renewal in the train, and it has been haunting me “off and on”, ever since – coming and going like the tide! This week our Diocesan Synod. is in Session and I am a prisoner in own house. I attended on the Opening Day, (18^th.) & was also at Cathedral on Sunday (20^th), but at present dare not move out. I am very much by myself – and I prefer it – I like to work, say, till x, or xi, p.m. if I can hold out, as then I sleep well, & my appetite is good. I begin, at last! to want specs, for small type, but cannot hitherto, be well fitted here. –

2^nd work: I continue to help my clerical brethren in charge of Parishes, by taking duty for them – to enable them to visit the outlying districts, or when ill: and can do both mg. & evg. S. in Church in the one day – sans fee. Like you, I love work, am not happy without it. Most however of our young clerics (“vicars” their new name), are more or less advanced High Ch., and still stupidly & matricidally uphold the plenary inspiration of the S.S., which I oppose (i.e. as far as I may): and, of late, excluded from one pulpit (at Dannevirke, for which Ch. I had done so much!) on account of the novelty of my preaching (conversely) – viz. the creation, as in Genesis I: Sabbath: Jews historical stories & Myths, &c, &c. (Though, possibly my having larger congregations, and so many of the younger & educated folks being with me and showing it, may have something to do in the matter). I think I sent you a copy of my little book on the “Sabbath”, some years ago, but I will gladly send you copies – as I should like for you to read it. Mr Justice Gillies (a long-headed Scot) in a letter said, he was so highly pleased with it, that he had read it to his family. Several others – particularly in Melbourne have also spoken highly of it.

3^rd In finance: there is a great falling-off, and I cannot yet see the end of it. As I told my Banker the other day – “I thought I should soon have to begin to nibble on the principal”; – this, caused by the atrocious “calls” of the Bank of New Zealand, (which has ruined several of our old Settlers – Prof. Hutton of Christchurch to wit!) and the much lower rates of Interest now paid by Banks (the max. being 3% and this only on a 12-months Fixed Deposit, while from this “Income” the Government demands 6d. in the £, or 2½%!!! However, I hope to find sufficient to keep my head freely above water. Then there is, also, the ever increasing Rates & Taxes: and the enormous number of poor – really poor, in town, together with wanderers – outcasts – homeless – daily applicants, 4-5 strangers each day, seeking charity! and the just claims must be met. I hate all worry & bother re money matters. And now, (as it were to wind-up Jeremiah with a song!). I gladly send you – as a good old paterfamilias – while I may have it – a small Draft (enclosed) for £50; as the old Maori proverb has it – “he kete iti he kete aroha” – i.e. a wee-little basket [of food, understood], but one of love: and so my dear old friend, make the most of it.

Buller is still fighting his way to land, but not yet got into smooth waters, he (as a dernier resort) applied to the Legislative Council, sitting, to allow him to plead at their Bar; this (after discussion) was disallowed; I hear he is getting out another pamphlet; he has very many against him. – Believe me, I have ever been thankful that I never dabbled in securing Maori lands – never had a foot! though no person ever had the opportunities I had: lands frequently offered me freely by their native owners: in this matter I ever loyally kept the Regulations of the C.M.S. – For matters political I must refer you to the Papers of the day: audacious, terrible, & highly dishonourable are some of the doings of our Government Ministers, & worst of all! their supporters uphold them in it!!

Your name turned up suddenly in conversation the other day. I had a visit from a Dr. Moore (one of our A.1 Med. practitioners), bringing a jug of chopped dried herbs in decoction from the bedroom of a woman found dead, and who (from a p. mortem by Moore) had been performing an operation on herself!. Moore wished me to determine them, – I tried, and said, (1.) they were not indigenous herbs: (2) they were of 2 kinds, Compositæ & Labiatæ; but without prolonged examination, and more perfect spns. I could not positively define, yet I thought non-poisonous. (Afterwards stated by the herbal-doctor here to be Tansy & Pennyroyal)³³⁹. Well, with Moore came his young brother-in-law, a Dr Hughes (new arrival, & first visit) and while in my library & work-room, he looking around saw on shelf “Hooker’s Brit. ferns,” and exclaimed, “Oh, I knew the son of that man in London; he holds a Government appointment,” I replied, “Very likely his grandson; a son of Sir Jos. Hooker,” – to which he assented, but our talk on that subject soon ended, as the medicos were in a hurry to finish their enquiry for coroner & Jury. The bare mention, however, of having seen a living Hooker & your son! sent a kind of semi-electric thrill through me – raising the past, and easing the Old Solitary a bit.

I have run the gauntlet, as President & Chairman, through 5 of our six fixed meetings (H.B. Phil. Instit.) for 1896: and hope also to attend the last on the 12^th. proxo., but no Papers (proper) of mine this year, only semi-lectures – observations – discourses, &c., given from a few rough notes.

Sir James Hector never replied to my letters: I cannot any longer continue to write Papers to have them rejected by the quasi Board of Governors – all, more or less, unfriendly to me; who, also, admit much of rubbish, written by friends, that have often been complained of. I may, however, have one Botanical paper, having (again) 2-4 Ferns – one, a perfectly new Davallia (Microlepia) – specimens sent in case to Kew. ––

And now, my very Dearest old and staunch friend, I trust you will allow I have repaid your 3 kind letters – in quantity at least: and, also, speak a word for me to Lady Hooker, for all seeming disrespect or inattention. It may be that this is my last letter to you! Two days ago, when on bed (through suffering severely from cold), I fell asleep, and dreamed, – a man or being, stood at my side, sent to inform me, that my days were numbered, and that I should die on attaining my 86^th. year (on 7^th. Novr), I replied, “God’s will be done.” I am not superstitious, never was, but it made a slight impression on me: – my Father, too, having died at that age. However, we will see: I would not tell this to another. ––

And with the kindest and best feelings and wishes, Believe me,

Yours, ever and always,

Affectionately,

W. Colenso.

________________________________________________
1 February 1897³⁴⁰

Napier, New Zealand

Feby 1^st 1897

My very dear old friend –

1. 
   To send you with this ½ dozen of my “Sabbath observance” which you say you would like to have: and more for you if wanted. –
   
2. 
   To mention my fears of the non-arrival of the Hawke’s Bay steamer, that took the case of sundries for the Director at Kew: I cannot learn anything respecting her from her Agents here. I hope, however, she has arrived, and that lot safely received.
   
3. 
   To thank you for “Banks’ Journal.” ³⁴¹ of this vol. rather a curious story – I had been desirous in the early summer Octr-Novr. to go inland to the mountain woods, hoping this way to get rid of my old obstinate cold: but owing to various hindrances (and another severe relapse) I could not get away until 9^th Decr. And on the day previous an Eng. Mail arrived bringing books & papers galore! I selected some to take with me, leaving a heavy large book – believing it was a work by Majr. Genl. Robley on Maori tattoo, preserved heads, &c, &c. (an unpalatable gruesome subject w. me!) as he had (again) written to me a long letter by this mail, & has promised to send me a copy of his book – just then pubd. Well: I went inland to the Bush: got better: returned on 31^st. Decr. to Napier, and found plenty to do, including Services every Sunday at St. Augustine’s in this town. By-and-by came your letter, and lo! ray of light! that book, still unpacked was surely “Bank’s Journal” – and so it proved to be. Heigho! was I not wild, for I had several spare days in the Bush. However, I have managed to cut it thru’ & have dipped into it here & there – intending to take it up regularly shortly: – (this month just past having been an extra busy one w. me – through such an influx of visitors from a distance, it being Xmas. & N.Year holiday seasons w. them, – and some, perhaps, taking a last sight of this aged man.) I again (first-time in your Ms. sent me) read Banks’ landing, &c at Poverty Bay – then stay at Tolaga Bay and finally at Mercury Bay, – and am disappointed re not finding more to the purpose: so that I fall back at what Parkinson wrote in his Journal re Cook having taken possession of N.Z. at Poverty Bay: (see, if you have time, my paper on it, “Trans. N.Z. I.” vol. X, p.99). Banks has only very brief entries, of the Astronomer & transit of Mercury and also of the illness and death of his devoted draughtsman Parkinson: – while on smaller & insignificant objects (comparatively) he is so very full and clearly recording all about them, showing that he was a keen & close observer and wrote largely on what specially interested him, particularly Natl. Histy. – Botany & Zoology. But when I go through it regularly I shall know more: one thing I can now say, that though disappointed (supra) I am much pleased w. the book, and so I told Buller, & also our Bishop, & others who were here seeing me last week: they have each ordered copies of the Book.
   
4. 
   To tell you of the Hawke’s Bay grand failure re my offer made to them in May last towards a Museum. But I must cut this short. We met in Committee on 15^th Jany. (up to date I had heard nothing) when I found the great sum of £168. – had been promised by about a score individuals: a few old personal friends giving £10. ea, and (to his honour be it recorded) Father Binsfield of the R. Cath. Mission, £3.3.0! none of our Ch. clerics subscribing save the Bishop, £2.2.0 – but he is not rich & has a family. But Mr McLean (only son of my old & quondam friend, the late Sir Donald McLean) who had recently been elected by us as our M.P., in his conversation w. me in Decr. had told me, he was willing to give the subscriptions received several years ago for a statue to his father (amounting to, say, £600) for museum and Library – provided his Sc. Comee would consent, who have always been strong for statue – I, too, being one of that Comee., having both subscribed & collected, – and that he would add thereto so as to make £1000. Well, I told the Comee., that since such was the case – I now wholly withdrew my offer, but that since Mr McLean – able, young, educated, travelled on continent &c &c., rich; married with a rising family, a large stake in the District, and a hearty desire to carry out the original plan of a Museum, &c., had promised £1,000, I would support him and subscribe £500, – leaving it to him to carry it out. Many words followed: some too high to be written: and finally we broke up in disorder!! I have not since been into the town, and our Annual Meeting is on the 8^th inst. – which, I suppose, I must attend as President, but it may be my last appearance there. I fear much of the failure is to be attributed to low jealousy. Not one of the wealthy settled folk around thought of subscribing, though all have been visited w. a Circular, their tastes mainly go in other and opposite directions – Racing (w. its betting), theatres every night, Hunting (imported hares!) Polo, Caledonian Sports, Football, & other outdoor games – a legion! and the newest Craze of bicycles! Mr McLean (almost the only rich sheep-farmer who does not patronise Racing) said – “Why the money put through the totalisator at one day’s racing would suffice for a Museum!” (sometimes, £6, 7, 8000!)
   

I have ordered a copy of Herbert’s³⁴² vol. III “Principles of Sociology,” from my old Lond. Booksr. Wesley: if you get his portrait engraved I would gladly accept your kind offer of a copy: but, “How long have I to live?” Eh! and what of all my loved prizes here which I must shortly leave. I should not lament this, if there were one single individual here handy to whom I could leave them – who would really care for them. I have sent (the Hony. Secy.) my Presidential address of last May to Sir J. Hector, with a view to it being pubd. in “Trans.” 1897, (being advised to do so by Buller.) and have again written to Hector about it. though, in my so doing I fear I have lowered myself, Hector not having answered my 3 former letters. But, as I had told him, I wish it to be pubd. in “Trans.” on account of what I have said about our lately deceased Members – Mantell, Meinertzhagen, and Tiffen, of Napier, and particularly Huxley: as this last has been “sat on” by the Clerics & their blind followers & the “unco guid” of this place. – I also told Hector, that several of those who were present in May wished my address to be pubd. as being my last words; but I would not consent to an abstract of it, or extracts from it – all or none; for if not pubd. in “Trans.” it would be pubd. here as a tract – as other rejected papers of mine were before: however, we shall see. ––

I am not a little pleased with your generous remark, of your being delighted to hear of my being still actively engaged in clerical work. I have preached at St. Augustines on 3 Sundays in Jany. and helped on a fourth, (to aid the resident Minister who is unwell & a good fellow – cannot, however, say this of all, some of them (young folks) have told me – “to avoid novelties”: i.e. in my reading Gen. I, &c, and preaching on Creation, Noah’s flood, &c. I fancy some were taken aback with my sermon on Jany. 3^rd (being within the Xmas season,) text – John XVIII. 37, “For this end was I born, and to bear witness of the truth.” I told them – in limine – many no doubt had been engaged in singing Hymns, Carols, &c, &c, and thinking on Bethlehem & angels, & shepherds, & the birth of Jesus, & Joseph & Mary, & the Magi, & the manger – but, How many on this text, His own clear statement? and then my showing His Truth (not always the Churches’ truth) and the value of Truth – in everything ecclesiastical & secular – Truth above authority – true religion and true Science being equally from God: concluding w. the aged Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy, (1 Tim. VI. 18.) My sermons are really sui generis: always preached, being well studied, and deviating from the common ruck of conventionalities, in not first giving out a text, but with a suitable preface – times, people, &c. And I always have most attentive hearers. I would I had a pulpit of my own: two sermons on a Sunday I can manage w. reading Lessons. I not infrequently read the Lessons as one of the Congn. – wherever I am. And as I never get paid, not even my expenses, I can afford to be more free, more independent, & I tell them so: pardon all this, you have drawn me out.

Right glad am I to know of your having completed, at last, your great work on which you have been so long labouring, con amore – your Flora Indica. You have good cause to be, as you say – “thankful.” Glad, too, to know you have such useful aids in preparing its enormous “Index.” Am delighted to hear of “Joey’s” doing so well at Cam., and with you hope he may yet cling to Botany (his first love); remember me most kindly to him.

Am glad to know that Lady Hooker & you visited poor dear Sir G. Grey but saddened in reading your account of him – so low! I, too, who had seen so much of him in the hey-day of life – in my 5 years Parly. vocation (1861-5,) and received so many kindnesses from him. My own end, too, is not far off: I dare not pray for it, but I have ever wished (in my heart of hearts) to die suddenly – like a bp. of Canterbury, “Cease at once to work and live.” a glorious death – or, rather, removal. I do not fear death, nor dying alone but I dread pain.

The printing letter “A” (only) of my Mao. Lexicon is advancing very slowly, I have lately revised for press to p.48: it is of no use attempting to urge the Govt. Printer. I suppose it is half-through now, and I venture to hope it may be completed before Parliament meets in June – but quæ. The Printer had the whole of the Ms. about 10 years ago; and (to tell the truth) I have forgotten much of what I had written – that sweet euphonious Maori language I knew & loved! –

Here we have lately (29^th-30^th ult.) had a terrible gale! my own place garden, shrubbery, &c. is a wreck! the last of my prized tall acacias (A. dealbata), fine robust trees nearly 40 years old, uprooted, with many others. I grieved over my dear old trees close to my door &c. In the winter season their flowering was gorgeous! admired by all. The Captain of a ship in the sandstead was killed by a sea on board of his own ship. I send a Paper re storm. My wooden house too, leaking like a seive after such a long drought & crispingly hot time; I had some trouble to secure my Mss.

Pardon my long scrawl – I write to no one as I do to you: my oldest and best, and now almost my only friend: and this may be my last! May God bless you and yours. Best respects & kindest regards to Lady Hooker: and to you – all & everything that is good & loving.

Yours heartily,

W. Colenso.

P.S. I am keeping well: I still read & write without glasses, though I need them for small type, &c. My appetite is good: I sleep well, i.e. if I don’t retire till xi.30 or xii. – I sometimes find it difficult to keep up until that hour here alone. W.C.

P.S. 2^nd (Feby. 3^rd.) ––

Looking over what I have written, I should add a few more lines – just to make things a little more clear – 16000 miles away. Our main difference (self and clergy generally), is, they say, “the Bible is the Word of God”: I say, “the word of God is in the Bible and in many other national Bibles & books & things”: that gold is gold wherever found in whatever matrix, and so of Truth. The God in whom I believe and trust & serve, is living & speaking now to all of us – If we had but ears to hear, and hearts to think & receive: that if I were obliged to choose – which; the Word of God in the Bible, or the word of God (spirit, in my heart & mind) I prefer the latter: & so we fight! (Perdonnez moi!).

7 May 1897 from JH Holder³⁴³

Woodville May 7^th 1897

Sir J. D. Hooker

The Camp

Sir

I am

Jas. H. Holder.

________________________________________________

7 June 1897 from R Seymour Fannin³⁴⁴

Dannevirke

June 7. 1897.

Sir J. D. Hooker

The Camp,

Sunningdale.

Dear Sir

He is still very weak having only left his room on the 2^nd. inst when he arrived here from Woodville, but as the weather is very fine for this season of the year, he now takes exercise daily in the open air and ventures to hope he may be able to write you himself briefly by the next S.F. Mail.

His arm is still very infirm though improving slowly.

He trusts that you, Lady Hooker and the family are all quite well, and sends his most affectionate regards.

I am, dear Sir,

Yours truly

R. Seymour Fannin.

2 July 1897³⁴⁵

Dannevirke (in the Bush)

Napier, N. Zealand

July 2^nd 1897.

My dear old friend,

This morning I was thinking of writing to you when, lo! 2 p.m. your kind note of May 20^th is to hand, I thank you for it, and am right glad to find you were so well, & “strong to labour” in your beloved vocation – go on and prosper.

I came to this place of sojourn on the 2^nd ulto., having been 63 days in my room at Woodville – only emerging to dress (or to be dressed! as a child and leave there. I had been kindly nursed (too much so!) here, suddenly! I was nowhere – stranded!!

However, I am getting slowly eased though still very weak – especially in legs – from severity of nervous shock, which was terrible, with great loss of blood. There are many things my right hand & arm cannot do at present, (button shirt collar, &c, &c, comb hair, hold knife to cut meat, bread, &c, or spoon for soup, to dress & undress is the trouble, and I am sure, I worry & injure & retard right arm – but cannot help it. I remain here, partly on account of its altitude (always enjoying better health here), partly kind motherly care & treatment from the widow-mistress of this hotel,³⁴⁶ who, together w. her late husband & family, I have long well-known – in my own house at Napier I should not get this!!

Besides, the Dr. wished me to be in the way of sights – seeing people. Life. – Since I could not write (when I left Woodville), and had no heart! no desire to read! (that strange feeling came on me, w. others akin, through shock & weakness) – and my house at Napier is perfectly isolated! However I purpose going thither in (say) 2-3 weeks. This is our mid-winter season; weather fine, some days warm & sun-shiny, and I venture out. I can walk – carefully – 1 mile a day on level ground. The greatest comfort – blessing – is my being able to write! of this we were in doubt at Woodville. I have your former long letter to reply to, by-and-by – i.e. if all goes on well. My accident was a very peculiar one: at Woodville (10-12 miles beyond is a mountain – Whariti – the last S. culminating peak of the Ruahine range, and I had for yrs. been very desirous of visiting it – many tourists & others having done so, but was always prevented – mainly, owing to the shortness of my stay for Ch. duty only. In March I went to help sick Minister – took Ch. duty 3 weeks staying all the time: he was now well. I, on April 1^st, fine day – (Ch. duty finished, my last there, I hired gig, & driver, & went – road in capital order, horse excellent – on returning & close to town, on good road, horse fell on side as if shot and I thrown high w. a somersault came down on right side, &c &c stunned – I thought my end was come.

All hands scarcely expected I should recover. Even Dr told of a stiff arm. I suffered much but this past!! still my end is not very far off.

Good Bye My dear old friend, Kind regards to Lady Hooker, and believe me, in life and death,

Yours affectionately,

W. Colenso.

“Banks’ Journal” (so kindly sent by you) was read through by me before my accident. I had brought it with me for that purpose. It was read also w. interest & delight by some of my gentlemen volunteer night watchers – during first fortnight. I gave it to one dear friend, Mr Hubert Burnett (Solicitor, Mayor, & J. P.) – and intend ordering ½ dozen copies from London shortly as gift to those others & then I will write to you more particularly about it.

W. Colenso

July 1897.

P.S. I think I got some new plants during my short stay in Mountains – saved roughly, but I have not seen them since.

________________________________________________

2 August 1897³⁴⁷

Napier, N. Zealand

August 2 1897

My very dear old Friend,

I wrote to you a few lines on 2^nd ulto. from Dannevirke in the Bush, fully intending, if I reached my house in Napier in time, to write to you more largely by this S.F. Mail closing tomorrow: but this I cannot do. However, I will do so shortly. And I write now to let Lady Hooker & you know, that I have just received three admirable photos. of her Ladyship, you, & your son Joseph. I have been struck with their beauty, & have put them up under glass, in my parlour or sitting-room, – many thanks for them.

You do look well in your sables. Like you I always shaved chin, but now obliged to abandon it, owing to accident in April, cannot use my right hand for such a purpose, and have a thick white chin beard instead! ––

By this mail I send you copies of my Presidential “Address” of May 1896: I got Hector, at last, to publish it in forthcoming Vol. “Trans. N.Z. I.” not yet issued: my main reason was, having both you & Huxley prominent in it – also, “maybe” (Banks’ word!) the last song of the old dying swan! ––

Also, a copy of my paper on 4 Ferns: hope you may approve of my descriptions: specimens of them were sent last yr. to Kew.

I returned to Napier a week ago, but have not since been over doorstep – very busy with long neglected business matters. I am pretty well, but weak in legs.

Have written to my London Booksellers, Wesley & Son, for 3 copies “Banks’ Journal”.

Very best respects to Lady Hooker: and love to yourself and Paganini’s disciple – the violin player of Sunningdale.

More anon ––

Yours ever & ever,

W. Colenso.

13 August 1897³⁴⁸

Napier, N. Zealand,

August 13^th, 1897.

My very dear old Friend,

I wrote briefly to you 10 days ago by outgoing S.F. Mail, just to let you know I had (at last), returned to my old house in Napier, – with a promise to write again early, & this I now do. Imprimis, to send you the enclosed draft for £60, to be by you used as follows: – (1) to you towards your loss in publishing “Banks’ Journal” £50: and (2) £10 for your son Joe, who so kindly sent me a copy of “Hanley Castle”, in 1894 – unless mater should prefer the same being divided between the two brothers, Joseph & Richard: this I leave to you & Lady Hooker, only settle it amicably. I could wish it were well within my power to send you more, but I cannot just now, these last few months with me having proved exceptionally heavy in matters of finance, & less coming in, with losses!

That “God is Love”, (a theme on which I love to dwell) was more fully & clearly shown by Jesus & his disciples: – ex. Luke XV. 1 Cor. XIII. 7, 8. 2 Cor. V. 19. James I. 5, 17: 1 John I. 9, &c, &c, &c. ––

[Re human sacrifices of Jews, see Ps. CVI. 38. Ezek. XVI. 20. 2 Chron, XXXIII,
1-6: also 2 Kings III. 27. Micah VI. 6-7]

––––––––––––––––––––––

But I must notice some other matters in your letter. You ask re “printing my Lexicon”, (which, however, is only that of the first letter “A”.) It is now near the end, about 100 pages printed, to which will be added a few pages of English-Maori (just to show it) and a Preface. I have been continually stirring-up the Govt. Printer, at same time the printing of it was in abeyance while I was laid aside 2-3 months at Woodville, and now, I fear the Session of Parliament being near, will cause another delay.

You tell me of Sir G. Grey, and we are continually hearing of him – short cablegrams – up & down: very ill near death: &, anon, better.

I told you in a former letter my having received the copy of “Banks’ Journal” you had so kindly sent me; and I took it with me to the Bush in March – to read, and I did so, finishing just before the accident. I was most pleased with many parts of it; though, in some, I could have wished for fuller information. And I had fully intended to have something to say re same when I should write to you. But one of my early kind gentlemen volunteers – night-watchers, a Mr Burnett, (Solicitor, & Ex-Mayor of Woodville, also Minister’s Churchwarden, and the lay member in our Diocesan Synod from Wood. always a dear friend of mine, and a real good fellow,) having taken a great fancy to the book, through reading in it during the nights he was with me. (3) having also to sit up in a chair! I gave it to him on coming away, so that I cannot note and remark on passages therein, as I wished to do, and with it, I gave the pamphlet you sent me concerning what is in Australia re Banks’ correspondence, which came to hand while I was an invalid.

You, naturally, ask, “Could not the N.Z. Govt. be persuaded to publish Banks’ letters, &c., purchased by Sir G. Grey and now in N.Z. ?” I fear not, at present.

You will be glad to hear, that Buller has, at last! escaped from the wily schemes & traps of his enemies – the Govt. having to pay all costs! I enclose a clipping.³⁴⁹

I suppose you are hard at work on the Ceylon Flora: I heartily wish you all success, & strength, to go on with & finish that also. By S.F. Mail this day a letter from Professor Howes re the Huxley Mem. fund, asking for my subsn. I had previously in March, received a similar one, but was laid up: and since I came back to Napier wishing to reply, I wrote to Profr. Parker, Dunedin, who had been appointed Treasurer to know if he had remitted, or would shortly do so that I might join, but no reply, yet I must find some means of sending £2.2.0. I must fear that the amount of subscription from N.Z. will be very small, though I strove hard.

I am “improving daily” though slowly. The worst is: want of strength – power in my legs for walking; of late (4-6 weeks) I have been greatly confined to room from wet weather. Our winter too; but now, that spring is come & weather warmer, I hope to have daily exercise out of doors. I was out yesterday and again this day for 1½ hours each day walking, – but it requires a determined will to keep at it, one’s muscles seem to be so greatly degenerated – contracted, & all from that shock.

I must not omit telling you a curious Botanical item: while confined at Woodville I heard of an indigenous “Indian Rubber Plant,” and was deemed very stupid not to have known it long ago! as it was so commonly known here among the Settlers by that name; but it was only found on the high hill ranges. By-and-by young leafy samples were brought to me, and to my surprise they were those of a Cordyline – either C. indivisa, Kunth, or (more likely) C. Hectori, Col., – perhaps this latter, and it derived its common name from the elasticity of the leaf, I saw, it could be drawn out longitudinally a few inches, and then return to its former shape & size, without apparently any rupture. In spots where the Phormium is not, & this plant is, it is used in tying up bundles.

I have no doubt of your having shown your loyalty & devotion – but I can scarcely think you, or Lady Hooker, went purposely to London, on, or for, 22^nd June; here, in N.Z., as indeed everywhere! save some parts of unhappy Ireland, there was no lack; and, as with you, in London, all went on well.³⁵⁰ I have just received from a good London friend, a bundle of “Graphics”, filled, I suppose, with pictures! no time yet to open & see.

Our local auxiliary branch of the N.Z. Institute have held their four meetings (out of six) for ’97: of course I have not been present. The themes were – the Moon, the state of Hawke’s Bay low lying lands so calamitously flooded in April last, and how to deal with them for the future: – and bacilli & microbes in everything! I fancy the lady portion of the audience miss their usual show of mounted botanical specimens – ferns especially.

I trust I shall not have bored you with my long & prosy letter – of all sorts. It has been a great pleasure to me to write it to you. – albeit my arm (elbow) & hand would say the contrary – memory, too, not yet having returned to its wonted set. – will it ever?

And now, my dear old and valued Friend, – once more, Good Bye!

With much love

I am, yours faithfully,

W. Colenso.

________________________________________________

16 January 1898³⁵¹

Napier, N. Zealand,

June 16^th 1898.

My Very Dear & Esteemed old Friend,

I almost fear to write – having so long delayed, and yet, every now & then, on noticing your letters in my big perennial bundle of unanswered letters, having a sharp twinge of conscience like a semi-electric shock, but, alas! soon forgotten.

I do not think I have written to you since August last! although I have received two letters from you – long ones, too! and full of affection a-la-Hooker one dated July 18^th., and one Octr. 3, 1897; But I have sent you several Papers, from which you would learn I was still “alive & kicking”, I have been closely & continuously engaged, with not much physical strength for anything except writing; and what a blessing! to have this faculty restored!

I have rejoiced w. you in your good fortune, as so lovingly given in your two letters: your success (richly deserved) re publication of “Banks’ Journal” – your having undertaken the finishing of the “Ceylon Flora” – your obtaining the high honour of “G.C.S.I.” (which, I trust, I duly noted in my address on Papers sent,) and when you mention your big ribbon coupled w. the name of Banks, I think on his portrait so drawn in the Journal, and then I go off, at a tangent, to you & yours here in your latest photo, (ever before me) in your “Sables”! and thence off again, in mind, to your new Court dress w. “sparkling diamonds,” & lovingly utter an Io Pæan. Another pleasing item is this, of your two sons doing well – both at Uy. & at Home. I thank you for this additional copy of “Banks’ Journal” with your name duly inscribed. I have also received 3 copies I had ordered from London as presents to my kind volunteer gentlemen night nurses, who were with me during the first 10-12 nights, expecting or fearing to see me die. I have been and am very busy, mostly in the writing way – letters, public & private; as I keep a tally of my scrawls – much like Crusoe his days on the desolate island – I find, I have written from Augt.1, to Decr.31^st, – 427 letters, some very long, – witness those in “Herald”, v. Father Grogan. I am now getting them (3) together with those of Xmas.1894 (7) republished in book form w. additions – notes & appendix, the first 20pps. finally corrected yesterday.

Shortly before Xmas, I was surprised with a packet of “proofs” from Governt. Printer, containing my last revise of pp. with title, dedication, preface, and addendum – viz, that Governt. Paper of 1875, containing my letter re Mao. Lex. to the then Native Minister (of which I have no doubt I duly sent you a copy,) as I wish this to be preserved for a future generation. In returning the proof, I told the printer of our former Premier (Sir E. Stafford) being with you when my letter of August arrived at Sunningdale, and of your (two) remarks on letter “A”, &c., – and, that as I had dedicated the little book to Sir G. Grey (whose name had also been mentioned in the Preface & old letter), I now had hopes of a copy being ready in time for Sir George to see. Of course, the printing of my little book had been laid aside during the Session of Parliament, and I did not expect to see any proofs again so quickly.

I have had no holiday during Xmas. and N.Year festivals, rather more closely engaged, having no visitors, and not keeping Yule-tide. Weather very hot and dry: upstairs in my chamber, thermr. 86° (– in this cool house – owing to iron roof, below, in parlour (and work-room) 74°. I have said “no visitors”: I suppose the clergy have “cut me” for my 2 motions in the Synod: I hope you received the 2 papers I sent you containing my 2 letters re same. I have not seen any of them since the Synod (now more than 2 months ago!) there being also several strangers here, Bp. Melanesia, his Archdeacon & others, on their way to Genl. Synod at X.Ch. in February, but Rev. W. Welsh, Curate of St. Augustines in this town regularly calls once a week. He is very unwell, & has got 12 months furlough – rest & med. advice in England: he will leave in March. Mr W. & Congn. greatly wished me to be with them on 2^nd inst. (first Sy in N. Year) seeing I had taken the Services there on that day during 5 successive years. So I went thither on that day, & helped in Service, reading Lesson & preaching(?) short sermon, & assisting at H.C. but got through w. difficulty being so very weak: my first visit to a Ch. since March last at Woodville – not, however, including my official attendance at Cathedral on opening of Synod. I only attended 3 days (afternoon) at Synod, taken very unwell night of 3^rd. day, owing to extra and real exertion in the matter of my 2 Motions – far beyond my strength. However, being “in-for-it,” I spoke long & strong, to the astonishment of all – probably my last there.

I received a letter last month from a Mrs Tindell, Misperton Hall, Kirby, Pickering, Yorkshire, asking for a few spns. of Hepaticæ: the seeking them, among hundreds of little packets of spns, of Crypts stored away in boxes, gave me some days of trouble, enhanced by my right arm not being strong enough to move many things: just a few spns. go to her by this Mail: she mentioned her visit to the Crypt of Museum at Kew, & other places. (She seems to be an expert at Hepat.)

I have also recd. such a nice letter from Lady Hooker, which I did fully intend to ansr. by this M. but find I cannot purpose doing so by an early M. And again, lately from her kind & thoughtful Ladyship a vol. of “Old London” as a Xmas. gift making me doubly ashamed.

My general health is pretty good, can close little finger on palm, & bring down 2^nd & 3^rd fingers, but not forefinger, cannot well lift a book, &c, over 2 lb., but can, now, with care, use a knife to cut food on a plate: the worst is, my powers of walking are very weak, but without pain: I walk a little outside every day – but not enough: feet & ankles swelling much – painless ?anasarca begun.

Here I must close. With best respects, Kindest Regards to Lady Hooker, and all good wishes for your dear family, and to yourself my dear old friend, everything good:

Yours ever,

W. Colenso.

Five bush fires in these parts, during last seven days – I read in paper.

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14 February 1898³⁵²

Napier, New Zealand

July 14^th, 1898

Dear Lady Hooker

At last! I am enabled to write to you and to fulfil my wish (“vow” I was going to write,) which has been ever and anon present with me for some time past: I think I alluded to this – or, went a step further and promised in my letter to your dear husband, Sir Joseph, of last month. And now for an explanation: I duly received your kind note of October (together with one from your son, Joseph, same date,) and subsequently the nice volume you so kindly & thoughtfully sent me as a Xmas gift – “Old London”, which pleasingly came to hand quite in time, – reminding me the more strongly of my being indebted to you. And my main reason for not earlier writing was my waiting for the part II of a handsome work on ancient “Maori Art,” which was delayed in issuing – as Sir James Hector says – to make it a double number: – this only came to hand from Wellington yesterday, but quite in time to send by this S.F. Mail closing on 16^th. Please accept these parts; I purpose to send you the following ones completing the work, when issued. I trust they may be in some degree acceptable to you – though hardly a Ladies Book: but if not, Sir Joseph, who cannot be far away, will I dare say welcome them.

I scarcely need write, how glad I was to hear such a good, “A.1,” report of your dear son J.S.H. – May he steadily follow on and daily acquire more & more, and ever be receiving God’s blessing, on his daily studies and labours. I must write to him, to thank him for his very kind and esteemed note. As I said in my last to Sir Joseph – I am still very busy, daily at it, mostly writing letters, also naming parcels of plants sent in to me by strangers! Which take up more of my time than they are aware of. ––

“Sunningdale” is the pretty County name of your delightful locality, and if it fulfils its name, Flora’s earliest spring flowers will be just saluting you – Primroses, Violets, Snowdrops, Jonquils, and Narcissi in rich profusion. Eh! dear me! this day (14^th.) is also Valentine’s Day possibly with Mistletoe (recently with Holly gone out of fashion!) still kept up with you in the Northern clime & old Home.

I am pretty well in general health, still slowly improving daily (stock phrase). My pamphlet v. Errors of Rome and Ritualism is still in press, advanced to 70 pages, and I hope may be published next week, when it is I intend sending a copy to Sunningdale.

Please remember me most kindly to Sir Joseph, and receive my best respects and kind regards, and Believe me ever

Yours most sincerely

W. Colenso.

Lady Hyacinth Hooker
Sunningdale
England

with the
affectionate regards

W. Colenso

Napier, New Zealand,
Feby. 14^th., 1898.

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1 March 1898³⁵³

Napier, New Zealand

March 1^st – 1898.

My very dear old friend

I last wrote to you in Jany. and to Lady Hooker in Feby. with a parcel, which I hope her Ladyship may safely receive, and yesterday I also posted to you a paper containing notice of issue of my little book v. “Errors of Ch. of Rome” – fearing I may not get a copy ready for this mail.

And now I feel impelled to write a few lines to introduce the enclosed specimen – just now to hand (with many others, some sps novæ, & all in a sad jumble & tangle from the Ruahine Mountain range, Alpine heights. I have no time to examine it closely: indeed, I only this morning, in bed, thought of sending it to you right away! as the mail closes this night. To me it is very curious and scarcely a Lycopodium, rather a type of gen. nov., like our Phylloglossum of 50 years ago! Prima facie it reminded me of Equisetum, so that I had thought, if I should describe it, to call it L. equisitoides, or make a new genus of it. And then I remembered that, on your deleting Colensoa (putting it back to Pratia,) I had asked you, should you find some new mountain plant of ours, to name it in lieu of Colensoa: and so I determined to send you the enclosed specimen. I can give you more: some are three-branched, and one I have is four, – i.e. two branches like this sent. The capsules are axillary reniform yellow & 2-valved, as in Lycopodium but the curious additional axillary scarious & hard gaping perianth (?) or calyces? are wholly new to me.

Let me hear from you about same as early as convenient. I have also a dear little gem! a small Veronica from same heights, which, if new, to me, I shall describe & name V. subrosulata: I enclose specimen – anthers large orbicular purple – enclosed, cor. pure white.

Hope specimens may safely reach you. Trust all are well at Sunningdale. I am well, but a little over worked & confined of late.

Kindest remembrances.

W. Colenso

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25 May 1898³⁵⁴

May 25^th. 1898

My very Dear old Friend,

My last to you w. specimens was on 1^st March: since then I have received your kind letter of April 3^rd with photo of your own self enclosed, taken, too, by your son: for both these I think you heartily. You say, you were “sitting for a medallion from which a medal is to be struck in your honour by the Linn. Socy.” – and, curiously enough, with it (same post) came a note from Treasurer “Hooker medal fund,” informing me of the progress of that work: at which I am (again) right glad! And, also, at your approval of my booklet v. Father Grogan & “Errors of Ch. of Rome.” And now (at last!!) I have something new – long promised – to send you with this, viz. my precursor specimen of Maori-English Lexicon! of which I obtained ½ doz copies a few days ago. I send you 2 of the 6 – one for you, and one for Sir G. Grey if still alive when such reaches you: if you could manage to present it yourself (provided he is still sensible), you would confer another esteemed favour: and should Grey have followed Gladstone ere this arrives, then that copy is also to be yours. I have had a deal of trouble (always so) down to the present over this little book; it was finished printing early in January but (somehow) binding delayed. The Governor, & the Premier (Seddon) were here at end of March: I saw Seddon for a short space (5-7 min.), only here for a day on his way to Auckland, and he kindly offered to cause copies to be made up and sent out to Libraries, Colleges, Societies, &c, to be named by me (my hand & elbow disliking much of that making-up-parcel work). This I did selecting 83, at Home and abroad & sent him the list.

After his return to Wellington, it came out, that only 550 copies were printed, and I had early ordered “500 for myself” – at same time remarking – “probably the Govt would like some copies.” And now – as Seddon wanted 150, or more, I was to be let off with 300! Several notes &c, have passed, and I, at last, (have agreed under existing circumstances to Seddon’s allocation, viz. 300 to me to include those 83 supra,) said to the Govt. printer, “Send me ½ doz. at once.” I purpose sending copies to some of our leading savans at Home, M. Müller & others, – and probably a few for sale to Trübner & Co. –

I wish you particularly to read my “preface”, and the old Parliamentary Paper at the end. I got this printed with it to tell its own simple tale to reasonable educated men at a future day – after me.

There are some nice Botanical bits in the book, particularly p.49 “ao” (11): also, “ake,” p.30: –, “akerautangi,” p.31: “aute,” p.99; “aotawa,” p.53; “aouri,” p.53:-”arapaki,” p.63:”arataua,” p.64: “atea.” p.82: “atatuhi,” p.81: – “atatangirea,” p.80; “atutahi,” p.90: and “awe,” p.103: &c. – and note well, “atua,” p.87, as my plain & truthful speaking here, has been made much of against me. Many of the Maori sentences – being all pure grammatical Maori – are a mine of wealth to the linguist in Polynesian lore. I may say it to you that I do not think there is another European in N.Z. that knows half of what I have herein brought forward, – and now my memory is failing! Yet I may feel sure to have a host of yelling detractors.

I went inland, S. as far as Woodville, at end of April, only returning to Napier on 23^rd inst. (4 wks. away) and again ascended that mountain, but to find my choice prized (new?) ferns of last year, all gone! through fires. How I lamented over them (growing by the side of cutting-track), the more, because I could not go into the still standing forest near by, legs not permitting!

However, my month’s journeying, with a few kind friends – fine weather, &c, &c, – did me “a world of good” – enabling me to take a full share on 3 Sundays in two Churches – preaching 2 sermons on each of 2 days (Mg. & Evg. S.), and walking to & from hotel – some distance. – I am now keeping well (hating worry!) and have much, very much to be thankful for.

This is your lovely English month of May, and I hope you are truly enjoying it in your tusculum gardens & shrubberies: I often think on them & you – both, all.

Kindest regards to Lady Hooker, and best hearty wishes for your dear sons,

Believe me, ever,

Yours truly & affecty.

W. Colenso.

________________________________________________

19 June 1898³⁵⁵

June 19^th. 1898

(late night)

My Dear old Friend

I wrote to you on 25^th ulto. sending also 2 copies of the (specimen) “Mao. Eng. Lexicon,” which I hope may duly reach you: since then I have received your kind note of April 20^th, for which I thank you.

I should not; however, be writing to you now, only I have (two days ago) received from Government my reduced share of those Lexicon specimens – and am now sending you by this mail 2 more copies for your friends. Dr Seddon, our Premier, has kindly sent out by last S.F. Mail nearly 100 copies (free) to Brit. & For. Libraries & Societies from my list supplied to him, as I mentioned in my last, and I am now sending a lot more, and among them a copy to Prof. Max Müller with a rather long letter. (Many years ago I had a nice letter from him respecting this work, and I have never forgotten it.) And, in my letter to him, I have called his critical sagacious attention to a few items in the little book, – mentioning that I had also done so in mine to you – re a few Botanl. ones, and, if you are very friendly with Max, and should be writing to him perhaps you would say a word re your old friend. He knew my namesake of Natal very well.

– With very kind regards to Lady Hooker, yourself, & family.

Ever affy. yours.

W. Colenso.
P.S. 20^th. This mg. opening the big case of books, I found by mere chance! – that all had got put into each of them “with author’s compliments,” so, I suppose, none are to be sold:- Tempus revelat.

W.C.

30 August 1898³⁵⁶

miles S. from Napier

August 30^th, 1898.

My very dear & ever Esteemed old friend,

Your kind letter of July 4^th reached me last week, and as I had to come on to this place to hold Ch. Services here last Sunday (28^th) in absence of the Vicar, – and the S.F. Mail closing tonight, I brought on with me yours (& others letters) to answer from this place, as I should not get back in time.

Well: I have again to thank you for your very kind letter (“old style”): hope you soon had better weather, and that you and Lady Hooker, and all your family are enjoying perfect health and much happiness in your delightful Home. I am keeping pretty (or very) well: on Sunday last, I took the whole Service in the mg., and at the Evg. S. read Lessons & preached, the walking to & from both times, especially back at night, tried me a bit, owing to an attack of Rheumatism in pelvis bones & knees, but I was all right again next day: I purpose returning to Napier on Septr. 1st. – The weather of late has been delightful, particularly last Friday morning the appearance of the long extending Ruahine mountain range was transcendently lovely! the mg. was clear, frosty air the nt. before, the whole range from base to summit deeply covered with pure virgin snow, every peak and crag shown so strongly with the blue sky without a cloud: it was a ravishing sight – worth coming hither to see, & so I told some, but they could not see it: how true it is – the eye sees what the mind brings; at such seasons I feel filled in a reverential kind of awe, & generally repeat the grand old Wardensian Hymn: –

“For the strength of the hills we bless thee,

O God – our Fathers’ God.”

and well they might do so, as the mountains saved their remnants from the merciless slaughtering bands of Xn. Soldiers – sent by Xn. Pope.

Now there is a long to-do! And to you too, who have seen snow & mountains – both in the Antarctic Circle, & the Himalayas! ––

I trust you may have seen dear old Sir George: as you truly say – it is wonderful how long he has held out – I trust free from pain.

I sent you a second brace, – not of pheasants, nor partridges – but of “Specimen” Lexicon.

I regret to have to say, that I cannot get Seddon (our Premier) to come to any reasonable terms re publishing another portion of the Lexicon, last week I again replied to his letter (an answer to mine of June & July): he offers to get printed, I writing out all the Copy (some of 8 months work) free, and also paying half the printing, and this latter I have again refused. I feel it the more, now, as many answers have come to hand from Universities, Colleges, Libraries, &c, &c, at Home & Abroad, thanking for Copy spn. sent, & urging the continuance of the work by the Govt. and I have told Seddon this: he, too, being a Camb. “Doctor,” &c. I cannot understand it, unless (as before!) the old occult malignant spirit is mole-like again working,

I cannot write any more now. Hope you are drawing to the close in your Ceylon Botany. I have sometimes thought that you had forgotten that specimen of a Lycopodium I sent to you some 6 months back: which you said, in acknowledging, you would take to Kew – compare & report. I have withheld my small Bot. paper from our Institute waiting for it.

Again, my dearest friend. Good Bye: kindest regards to Lady Hooker, yourself, and all the rest.

Believe me ever

Yours affecty.

W. Colenso.

P.S. I send you a Newspaper to make you laugh!

________________________________________________

24 September 1898³⁵⁷

Napier, New Zealand,

September 24^th 1898.

Mr very dear old & faithful friend.

I write a few lines to say: – I duly received your note from Torquay, which was a doubly sad one – your loss of your sister – “the last of your Father’s family,” must have been a trial to you: I ventured to hope you were not taken unawares by her sudden departure, and her leaving before you (the last remaining!) is a reminder to you (and to me, also, your friend, at our age) to be ready ere long to follow. I sympathize with you in your loss.

Yours, also, contained your sad account of Sir George Grey, so long gradually dying; and rather curiously yours reached me at ix p.m. – mail arriving here, – and the next morning, in our early paper was the account of his death: it has rightly made a little stir among us in N.Z., & causes me to think much of him.

I thank you for your kind and loving endeavours to see Sir George, also, for your thoughtful gift of the little vol. to Mr Christy. I have not yet had any fresh communication re Lexicon from Mr Seddon – who is very busy in their “Talking shop,” and so, am still on my oars. – I send you 2-3 papers of the day. I am keeping pretty well, though age tells. I last wrote to you on 30^th Augt. I am to take the Ch. Service, mg. at Clive, 8 miles distant, on Sunday next, – the grand day of Synod opening here. My respects to Lady Hooker, and much love to you.

Yours ever affy.

W. Colenso.

________________________________________________

11 October 1898³⁵⁸

Napier, N. Zealand,

October 11^th, 1898

My very dear old Friend

I wrote to you about a fortnight ago, and I should not be again writing to you just now, were it not that I have been fighting! (Don’t start!)

A fellow (unknown) has been writing in our N. papers, abusing our (your) friends – Huxley, Darwin, Tyndal, &c, &c, & this old man would not stand it, so, having you by my side (whether clairvoyance is true, or not.), I went to work – not sparing him. I send you copies of the papers containing our warfare to date and I find this mg. “another Rd.” is in the field tackling him nicely.

It was also a very busy week with me (annual Synod services) so that I have been doing double relief. Our Synod commenced on 30^th. ult. I present: on 2^nd Octr, I was driven to Clive 8 miles, to take Ch. duty there for Canon S. Hill, who was here in Cathedral, returning – I was at Cathedral, evg., to hear Bps. change, &c., then, during last week at all the daily afternoon sittings, 4-6, ending on Friday: since then preparing (finishing) papers – descriptions of a few plants (mostly alpine & found this year) & mounting them (for Ladies!) – this meeting last for season – was to have been held last night, but the heavy rain yesterday – first for many weeks and very welcome – caused it to be put off till next Monday: of course I do not go myself.

At Synod I had to come out pretty severely (being the old m.!) on some of our semi-ritualistic parsons, & told one of them – he had better go to Rome: possibly my last warning voice. Though applauded in Synod, I know I have offended some of the young fry (“parsonettes”, I call them,) but then I don’t care a rap!

All this stir re Darwin, &c., has been brought about by one of our party (a talkative layman) giving a Lecture on “Geology” (save the mark!), endeavouring to bolster up the mosaic cosmogony – in the old fashion way. I was not present – & did not intend to move in the matter – but some one took him up – in Paper, and so the battle began: had not this other fellow (who signed him-self “Tadpole”,) come out with a sudden thunderbolt – “Huxley, Darwin, & Co. were, and are infidels”, I should have remained quiet, but that – I would not stand: ³⁵⁹ and I have this consolation that you are with me, and that good – “Light, more light!” – will be the ultimate result. ––

I have been keeping well: always so, I think, in a bustle; but old age tells, & I feel it. Still I have no wish to live my life over again. – Enough.

I hope you are quite well also Lady Hooker & all yours. Daily do I look at Lady Hooker’s photo. (here w. yours) in my parlour (which is often, also, work-room for fire-place,) and – will you permit me to say? – admire it – something indescribably real – calming – soothing, I derive therefrom: how rich you are.

Well: once more, Good Bye. Kindest respects to your good wife and same, w. additions to you.

Believe me ever yours

W. Colenso.

(I send. 4-5 papers)

________________________________________________

21 February 1899 from Henry Hill³⁶⁰

Bluff Hill.

Napier. N.Z.

Feb 21 – 1899.

To

Sir Joseph Hooker KCMG

Dear Sir.

I venture to post you two newspapers containing information touching the death of the Rev Wm. Colenso FRS, FLS, etc.³⁶¹ As he was a dear friend of my own & as he often showed to me your letters, I have deemed it my duty to write a few lines for your information. I usually saw him once or twice & when about from home he corresponded with me & told me all the town doings. I know how much he valued your friendship & also that of Lady Hooker, & your photographs were always in his sitting room. In these newspapers you will learn something of his life. My object in writing now is to tell you that having seen his will, he has left to you the sum of £500 payable to Lady Hooker should you have died before him.

I suppose you will hear from the Executors who are good men of high probity & honour.

Allan Cunningham’s picture, your own & a number of the valuable & personal belongings are left to me in trust for the Philosophical Society here. He has also left us £200 in money. His bequests are numerous and characterize the man.

His loss is a serious one. To me especially it is just as we have been the closest friends for 20 years. Unfortunately I was away from Napier when he died & had not seen him for 6 days. He was then unwell but I was with him for about an hour and a quarter.

Believe me

Yours very Truly

H. Hill.
Address: – H. Hill B.A. F.G.S.,

Inspector of Schools

Napier. N.Z.

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34 Boulcott Street

Wellington 17 iv 1899

Sir J. Hooker

Dear Sir, –

Having known for many years the intimate friendship existing between our late friend the Rev. W. Colenso and yourself, I have taken the liberty of posting to you copies of the Wellington Evening Post and of the Christchurch Press, containing tributes to his memory. I have no doubt that the Royal and Linnaean Societies will in some way place on record their appreciation of his unique services to science; if so, I would be glad to have the opportunity of seeing such. At the meeting of the

W

Lay me low, my work is done;

I am weary: lay me low.

Where the wild flowers woo the sun,

Where the forest breezes blow,

Where the butterfly takes wing,

Where the creepers drooping grow,

Where the wild birds chirp and sing.

I am weary: let me go.
William Colenso, first stanza of “Lay me low”,

written in Waipukurau, on Sunday afternoon, 18 January 1880.

Modified from “Valedictory” by Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833–70)
ellington Phil. Society last week, Dr. Hector paid a warm tribute to Mr. Colenso’s memory – as missionary, explorer, naturalist, and philologist – esteeming his life work in the latter branch as perhaps the greatest of all. The Society resolved to insert the latest portrait in the forthcoming Vol. of the Trans. – The first time such a thing has been done. It is as a personal and intimate friend more than as a scientific man and philosopher, that I mourn his loss. Though he had looked calmly and steadily forward to the approaching close for many years, the event came unexpectedly to himself, yet not to find him unprepared. The day before his departure he had been busy with many affairs – dictating answers to some of the letters that were accumulating, &c., and had methodically arranged his plans for the morrow. He passed away quietly in his sleep with the early dawn. Though exceedingly weak, he suffered little pain, and quite expected to recover and take up his ordinary routine – a round of steady and solid work which would have appalled many a man – less methodical – of half his years.

Our Institute has suffered more seriously by death in the last twelve months than in any previous year. Three of our most prominent botanists have been called away: T. Kirk, John Buchanan, and Mr. Colenso; also W.M. Maskell, the leading authority on the family of Coccidae; and Mr. C. Hulke, an analytical chemist of great skill, and an ex-President. At present we do not see who, among our younger men are to fill the vacant places.

I remain, Sir,

Faithfully yours

R. Coupland Harding

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Letters to and from Sainsbury and Logan, Colenso’s solicitors in Napier, about Colenso’s legacy to Hooker follow in Kew Vol. IV.

Lady Hyacinth died in the same year (1899), and Hooker himself lived on until 1911.

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