MARRIAGES
On the 27th April, at St. Paul's Church, Dunedin, by the Rev. Algernon Gifford, assisted by the Rev. E. G. Edwards, Charles Traill, late of Oamaru, to Jessie E. Buchholz, formerly of Elsinore. (For the information of friends at home Mr. Traill begs to state that his future address will be “Stewart Island, New Zealand.") -Evening Star, 1/5/1871.
The abundance and variety of fish at Stewart's Island, says the Southland News, have been often spoken of in flowing terms, but for some reason or other the fishery has never yet acquired the position its proximity to markets capable of absorbing a practically unlimited quantity of properly cured fish, would appear calculated to give it. One main reason, no doubt, has been the lack of sufficient capital on the part of adventurers, who have had to succumb to financial difficulties before their undertakings were fairly afloat. We are pleased, therefore, to note that a fresh attempt to establish a regular fishery has been initiated by Mr Traill at Paterson's Inlet. This gentleman intends to combine fishing and fish-curing with storekeeping — a business for which it is said there is a good opening at the locality he has chosen, it being a recognised place of call for ships. -Otago Daily Times, 16/5/1871.
PROFESSOR BLACK'S REPORT.
(Continued from our last.) (excerpt)
When our schooner was lying off Bullock's sawmill, we paid a visit to Mr Chas. Traill, on Cooper Island, and inspected the wonderful improvements he is making in Sydney Cove. Though his residence in the island has not much exceeded a year, he has already opened up the forest for some distance round his house by beautiful walks, and is now rapidly clearing the ground of the heavy timber that covers it. Mr Traill repaid our visit with interest. He brought his dredge on board next day and fresh provisions and visited us several times during the ten days we spent in the inlet, giving us much valuable information about the adjacent parts of Stewart's Island. His fish-curing establishment here, has not been sufficiently long in operation to test the success of his experiments in that industry. His beautiful collection of New Zealand shells, named, classified, and mounted by himself; and his geological hammer, with the ingenious mechanism that enables him to use it heavy or light, pointed or edged, round or square headed, were much admired. Cooper's Island is about two miles long, with an average breadth of about 400 yards. The soil is a sandy clay, underlying two feet of peaty matter, derived from the decay of preceeding generations of plants, and supporting an abundant growth of the usual timber and shrubs. -Bruce Herald, 22/5/1872.
PORT OF BLUFF HARBOR.
ARRVED. July 17 — Wallabi, s.s., 101 tons, Leys, from Riverton. T. Brodrick, agent, July 17 — Flying Scud, cutter, Cross, from Stewart's Island, with oysters. July 18 — Kent, cutter, Seymour, from Stewart's Island, with oysters. July 18 — Nightingale, cutter, Traill, from Stewart's Island, with oysters. -Southland Times, 20/7/1874.
A RAMBLE ON STEWART'S ISLAND. (excerpt)
By Rambler.
Next morning it was very squally, and my companions were almost afraid to venture out, but being anxious to push on, we double-reefed the mainsail, and after a rough tussle with the elements we got safely into Paterson's Inlet, and dropped anchor off Cooper's Island, the residence of Mr C. Traill, where we were hospitably entertained. In connection with his residence Mr Traill keeps a store, which is excellently well stocked in comparison with our Halfmoon Bay friend's. In one respect this island is peculiarly unfavorable: not a blade of grass will grow upon it, which, to the proprietor, is very disheartening. Shipbuilding to a small extent has been carried on here, the favorite cutter Rosa having been built here by Messrs Easson and Wilson. On the neck of the Inlet, there are a number of Maoris and halfcastes, and in the course of our peregrinations we came across an old European, who stated that for 40 years he had never lost sight of Stewart's Island. In reply to a query as to when he was last at Invercargill, he replied, 12 years ago. "That was a very long time," I said; "and what were you doing?" I asked. "Oh," he said, "I was in gaol!" This is a little episode in men's lives which they generally keep to themselves, but this old man evidently thought that "open confession was good for the soul." "And," he continued, "very unjustly too, because the 13 cwt. of tobacco which I took over to Riverton did not come out of the ship which they charged me with taking it from, but out of another ship altogether, which they did not know anything about." This argument struck me as rather original, but as the sequence proved it did not save him from incarceration. -Southland Times, 26/8/1874.
Two vertebrae of whales were lately dug up in the Forbury, and they have been presented to the Museum by Mr B. Dawson. The whales to which they belonged must have been small. Mr Charles Traill, of Stewart's Island, has presented the institution with a good collection of shells and lizards, and an octopus. The octopus appears to be a rather formidable customer to meet in the water — much more so than the ordinary poulp found in this harbour. The arms are about six feet across. -Otago Daily Times, 19/2/1874.
Cooper's Island, Paterson's Inlet (Stewart's Island), is occupied by Mr Charles Traill, formerly of Oamaru, who is well known as the enterprising projector of the Foveau Straits fisheries. The fish of our coast having been found to be too oily in their flesh for profitable curing, Mr Traill has for a time discontinued the business. It is to be hoped, however, that the delicious trumpeter of those waters, and more of the oysters, will be found in the Otago market before long. -Bruce Herald, 15/6/1875.
DEATH.
On the 27th August, at Ulva, Stewart's Island, Jessie, the wife of Charles Traill. -Otago Daily Times, 14/9/1875.
STEWART'S ISLAND.
(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) On Monday, the 30th ult., the remains of the late Mrs Chas. Traill, of Ulva, Stewart's Island, were carried to their last resting place. The spot chosen to receive them is a beautifully secluded one, about a hundred yards from her late residence. The grave was dug beneath a group of trees which form an almost perfect shelter from wind or rain, on a small rocky point, forming one side of the little bay above which the house stands. Nature has left nothing to be desired in the situation and surroundings of this lovely place. At about noon the flag was hoisted half mast high on the Signal Hill, to let people know it was time to assemble, and soon after 1 p.m. a number of persons arrived to pay the last sad tribute of love and respect to her who had during her life amongst them had their welfare so much and earnestly at heart. The day was so tempestuous that many of the children she had loved to teach were obliged to be left behind, but enough of her Sunday school children came to sing some of the hymns she had taught them. The first hymn, "There is rest for the weary," was sung before the procession moved to the grave, where the beautiful service appointed by the Church of England for the burial of the dead was read, after which the second hymn was sung, and the people then retired from the grave. The loss which Mrs Traill will be to the people in this place is one which can hardly be estimated as yet, for her efforts for their general good and happiness were made so simply and unostentatiously, though so zealously and consistently, that it will be felt more and more as time goes on. Of the number who assembled to see her laid to rest only a small proportion were white people. The gentle and orderly demeanor of the Maories and half-castes, young and old, repressing with evident difficulty any exhibition of grief which might distress those dearest to her, showed how much her influence and example has done for them. 7th September. -Southland Times, 10/9/1875.
An exchange says Mr. C. Bills has just returned from Stewart’s Island, where he has liberated by order of the Otago Acclimatisation Society a number of English song and game birds. He left Dunedin on Friday, 9th instant, and arrived at Stewart's Island Sunday, 11th instant. The birds consisted of 13 chaffinches, 70 skylarks, 6 blackbirds, 3 hedge sparrows, 22 starlings, 18 cirl buntings, 32 yellowhammers, and 5 pheasants. They were all liberated in good condition, and Mr. Bills reports that the island is a very suitable place for all sorts of English birds. Most of the island is covered with dense bush, but there is a considerable extent of open grassy country also. Mr. Bills was directed to inspect the streams and rivers of the island, and report as to their suitability for salmon and trout. His report on this is also very favorable, there being several fine large rivers running over rocky and gravelly beds. The Society is much indebted to Mr. Charles Traill, of Stewart's Island, for furnishing every assistance to Mr. Hills, and providing him with a boat and crew for the purpose of inspecting the various rivers and streams flowing into Paterson’s Inlet. -NZ Times, 28/5/1879.
Mr James Kidd, the meritorious master gardener to the Corporation of Oamaru, has lately received, in his official capacity, a welcome present from Stewarts Island. The present consists of a large crate carefully packed with New Zealand shrubs and young trees, the spontaneous gift of Mr Charles Traill. The contents of the crate are in splendid order, and in the matter of number and quality they completely eclipse a present recently sent, after repeated solicitations, by the Government from Wellington. Gifts like that of Mr Traill's are of great value to the town, whose public gardens are still in a primary stage. -North Otago Times, 28/10/1880.
The Southland Institute. — We are desirous of calling special attention to the meeting of this Institute advertised for this evening. It will be seen that Professor Kirk, of Wellington, is to read a paper on the subject of Antarctic Exploration combined with Steam Whaling, a subject that is at present engaging deep attention in Britain. The paper is by Mr Charles Traill, of Stewart Island, a gentleman specially qualified to deal with the matter in question, and we feel assured that what he has written will prove in a high degree attractive. There are few subjects that ought to touch the imagination more vividly than that of Antarctic Exploration, and few that should have a deeper interest for us ou this side of the globe. The other branch of Mr Traill's theme — Steam Whaling — is of the greatest economical importance, and offers perhaps one of the best fields for enterprise now open to the colony. We hope that there will be a large turn out in the law library this evening, and would remind our readers that strangers as well as members are always welcomed, especially on an occasion of such general interest as the present. -Southland Times, 21/12/1886.
Stewart Island (excerpt)
A small boat is rowed out from a cosy little cove, Mr Harrild's guests are transhipped, and five minutes later the voyage is completed at the bead of the Bay. Whilst enjoying the warm unaffected hospitality of the island (the writer speaks from personal experience of that at Mr Harrild's) as well as its scenery, the every-day life of the islanders will be observed with interest. The flitting of boats acrots the Bay is an ever-plcasitig sight, and reminds one of what is said of Venice, where all visits, whether of business or friendship. are made by boat. Is it not romantic that of an island in the Inlet, where the chief store and a post office are situated, the gentleman who is at once storekeeper and postmaster, and who holds also a justice of the pence, is the sole human occupant? The island is Ulva, and its multifariously occupied occupant, Mr Charles Traill, storekeeper, postmaster, and Justice of the Peace. No wonder if the verses of the old Jacobite song, slightly altered, are remembered here —
"Over the water, not over the lea, But over the water to Charlie."
The executive force of the Island deserves a passing notice. It is numerically small, consisting of a single constable, and is further peculiarly restricted. The worthy constable has no uniform, and but half-pay, He works in the bush, or at the sawmill, or wherever else he can get a job. He has, of course, a lock-up, and for the conveyance of its inmates a boat, but no stretcher. The common explanation of this rather anomalous status of the constabulary force is that there are no licensed publichouses in the Island. -Southland Times, 22/11/1887.
Had A. F. S. been better informed, he would have included specifically in his list the name of the Traills of Woodwick, Orkney, a well known branch of the family he desired to illustrate. Mr Charles Traill of Ulva, Stewart Island, is a member of that family, and I happened to see some years ago a letter to him from the famous American, in which the writer acknowledged the kinship, and referred to a visit paid by his father and mother and himself to their Orkney relative, Mr C. Traill's father. It may interest your readers to know further that in Mr Traill of Woodwick's possession was an original portrait of Queen Mary Stuart, which was reckoned to be worth L2000, and for which King William IV sent an agent to bid when it was offered for sale in Edinburgh. — I am, &c, A Friend of the Family. -Southland Times, 21/10/1891.
DEATH
Traill — At his brothers residence, RingaRinga, Stewart Island, on the 26th November 13, Charles Traill, aged 65 years. -Southland Times, 3/12/1891.
Charles Traill of Ulva.
Our obituary of yesterday contained a notice of the death on 26th November of Mr Charles Traill of Ulva, Stewart Island. The deceased gentleman occupied little space in the public eye, but was really one of the most remarkable men in our community, and his removal claims more than a passing record. Charles Traill was born in Orkney in the year 1826, and was in the 66th year of his age. His father was Mr Traill of Woodwick, Orkney. The family of the Traills is an old and distinguished one, and it may be remembered, was referred to recently by the Scotsman in connection with the death of Mr James Russell Lowell, who came of that stock through his mother. The subject of our notice was born in Orkney, and educated, in part at least, in Edinburgh, where he attended the University for two years; and where also he was apprenticed for a time to a lawyer. Wearied no doubt of a life alien to his tastes, Charles Traill started for Australia in 1849, where he commenced sheep-farming. He left Australia for California in 1850, after the gold discovery in that region had been made, and in the course of three years passed through some experiences thrilling enough to appear in the pages of a romance. In California unfortunately he was attacked by fever and ague which undermined his health and waited upon him to the last. After a visit to Britain he left for New Zealand, arriving there in 1856. Mr Traill settled in Oamaru and there established the mercantile firm of Traill, Roxby and Co., of which Mr James Ashcroft of Dunedin was a partner. The firm for a time did a large business but was ultimately dissolved. While resident in Oamaru Mr Traill paid a visit to Foveaux Straits, and there, when dredging for shells, made a discovery of oyster beds. What he saw of Stewart Island during that visit induced him eventually to repair thither with a view of prosecuting the fish-curing industry, in which he thought there lay greater possibilities than have ever yet been realised by any of its followers. He arrived in the Island in 1871. The fish-curing business did not answer his expectations; but he had purchased land in the beautiful island which he named Ulva, in Paterson Inlet, and settled down finally as a storekeeper and postmaster of tbe district. Fitted for far higher things, Mr Traill passed the last 21 years of his life in the unmarked seclusion of that little island, but not without making his influence felt amongst numbers when in a primitive state and needing just such guidance as he was able to give. Shortly after his arrival in Ulva Mr Traill married Miss Bucholz, a lady whose efforts on behalf of the natives at The Neck and in the little island of Bravo are still held in affectionate remembrance. Mrs Traill died in 1875. The portion of Ulva selected by Mr Traill embraces three beautiful bays, two of them affording perfect shelter for sailing craft. The business of the owner's life became the beautifying of his property, already most singularly favoured by nature. After years of labour and the exercise of consummate taste, the spot grew to be one of romantic beauty — a veritable piece of fairyland, which attracted numerous visitors and was acknowledged by all voices to be the sight of the island. It is well known with what luxuriance flowers and shrubs flourish in the moisture and genial atmosphere of that favoured portion of Foveaux Straits. There the Nikai palm was seen side by side with the arbutus and the fuchsia, the latter presenting a mass of blossoms, and the rich green on its leaves begotten only of such propitious surroundings; and throughout the grounds were scattered, along witn the most exquisite heaths, specimens of rare plants, carefully collected from the North Island and the Chathams. While Mr Traill was possessed of considerable and diversified scientific knowledge, his two passions were botany and natural history. His position was acknowledged as that of the foremost conchologist in New Zealand, and the collection of shells which he possessed and has left behind is understood to be of great value. At his own cost he peopled Ulva with English singing birds which added the last charm to his delightful retreat. Although out of the world, Mr Traill was continually being discovered by the scientists of other lands, and his good nature was excessive in supplying them with botanical specimens — including ferns and other plants, secured in Wardian cases, and involving in the preparation an amount of trouble that only an enthusiast and a man of utter unselfishness would undertake. Some years ago Mr Traill was induced to write for the Southland Guide, published by Messrs Mills, Dick and Co. of Dunedin, a minute and loving account of Stewart Island, its beauties and attractions — a paper which, besides being an invaluable rade-mecum for tourists, will always remain a witness to his love of nature and his literary taste.
We have spoken of the strong influence that Mr Traill exercised over the Islanders, and this arose from his singularly good qualities of head and heart. He was a man of great natural ability and had he turned his attention in that direction might undoubtedly have made his mark in the scientific world. He had read much and on a great variety of subjects, and took a keen interest in all the great social, scientific, and religious movements of his time. He was an excellent type of Cowper's recluse, who, from "the loopholes of retreat," looked eagerly out upon the world. Deeply endued with Christian principle, and concealing from no one his high profession, Mr Traill was remarkable for unbending integrity and the most scrupulous sense of honour. He carried the latter indeed to a point that bordered on quixotry or extravagance — a fault, however, that may be pardoned in an age in which it runs little risk of finding many imitators. In business matters he was a pattern of exactness — in his household economy a model of system and neatness — in these last characteristics, indeed, running into an excess that was either the envy or amusement of his friends. Mr Traill had rigid views of the necessity of keeping from the natives, and indeed from all the islanders, the temptations of strong drink; and in his business declined to touch with his little finger traffic in any articles that were not for the good of those who came about him. His slyness and unobtrusiveness of nature were extreme, and his want of confidence in himself, in one instance at least, led to his refusal of a public position wliich he could have filled with infinite credit. Those who knew Mr Traill's attainments best were in the habit of bemoaning what they called his "burial" in that lone island of the Straits, but it was his constitution that dictated his choice of solitude, and the easiest thing in the world is to attempt to force men of shrinking temperament to the rough business of the world. The Poet Gray has left it on record that "the common business of life was torture to him," and every one knows that Cowper wrecked his intellect in preparing for a public appearance that was to qualify him for an appointment in the House of Lords. Mr Traill led the contemplative, secluded life for which no doubt nature intended him, and we are persuaded was happy in it; and it was no selfish or unuseful existence. We have not yet noticed his remarkable skill as a boatman, gained doubtless in the stormy waters of the Pentland Firth, and this enabled him in the days of his strength to be a visitor in all parts of the island, watching over those who were shut out from communication and sympathy, and offering them the best of his assistance and advice. There is no sphere so narrow but that the best men can find in it scope for effort in the great work of humanity. For three years Mr Charles Traill was laid aside from the full activities of his former life, but he clung to his work while it was possible for him to perform it even in part. He bore for the period mentioned the inroads of a fatal disease with a fortitude and uncomplainingness that were nothing less than heroic. He has gone to his rest, and has left behind him a record that most men may envy. Mr Traill is survived by a daughter, grown up to woman's estate, and his family is further represented on the island by two brothers who have long been resident there. -Southland Times, 4/12/1891.
THE LATE MR CHARLES TRAILL.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I notice in your issue of 5th December a local respecting the late Mr Charles Traill. I was told of the incident some 30 years ago, and unless my memory fails me the particulars wore rather different. I believe it was the year 1858, that a boat with a square red sail (a blanket) was observed steering into Oamaru Bay, with two men on board. Having sailed us near shore as they felt was safe, they launched a dingy and pulled ashore. They proved to be Mr Traill and his man Ken, an old Otaheitian. Mr Traill heard at Timaru that there was no store at Oamaru, and had sailed with a supply of provisions, etc, to see if it was advisable to open a store. He determined that he would remain and try his luck, encouraged and assisted by Mr Filleul. I should like to know whether your version or mine is correct. Will Mr Filleul kindly reply? At that time there was a stockyard about the posttion now occupied by the A.M.P. and Mr Fraser's shop. Close to this yard, on the south side, about where Mr Finch's ironmonger's shop now stands, Mr Traill built a small hut of cabbage trees and mud, containing one room, which served for parlor, kitchen, bedroom, and all. Here he lived for some time, and was very hospitable, although only a few yards from the accommodation house, which occupied the site of the present Star and Garter. Afterwards there were two accommodation houses, as the following extract from "The Boy Colonists" will show. Writing of the end of 1859 Mr Elwell said, "Oamaru at this time, as far as buildings were concerned, was made up of one or two weatherboard houses which are easily enumerated. First on the bluff was the Government store. Then away back from the sea, on the flat edge of the hills, was the house of the Government man, Mr Hurstfield. In front of this, nearer the sea a good piece, and situated on the edge of what was afterwards laid out as the main street, was a small building containing about four bedrooms, or half-a dozen at the most, with one large dining-room This was the principal hotel — the runholders' hotel. About fifty yards behind this was a small one-roomed mud hut. This was Traill's and Filleul's mud whare; used by both (and before the hotel existed by all comers) as an eating house. A short distance in front of this (for it was side on to the chief hotel) lay the men's hotel— the 'bullock drivers' house, as it was often denominated. In the same line as the chief hotel was a large store kept by Messrs Traill and Roxby, two very nice gentlemanly men who seemed to prefer that life to sheep-forming. Then there were four or five mud Maori huts used by the boat's crew right down on the very edge of the beach; and finally, some few hundred yards nearer Papakaio, was a weather-board house belonging to a chemist and general storekeeper — France. These buildings at that time constituted the whole of the town of Oamaru." The "main street" mentioned was Wansbeck street. Mr Elwell had evidently a vague idea of distance, and certainly omitted some of the buildings. Mr Traill was a tell thin gentlemanly man, about 32 years of age, very active and energetic, as most of the early settlers were. He settled in Oamaru and built a store in 1858. It was only a temporary building, and erected on a section which was intended for a Government reserve; for only a portion of the town was surveyed, and none sold. The first town land sale was held on 26th May 1859, when Mr Traill purchased section 1, block III, and Messrs Traill and Roxby sections 2 and 3, block III. They built a large store on section 2, which is still there with its three gables facing Tyne street. It was always well stocked with merchandise and station stores. Mr Traill at this time lived in a little pise hut, which till very lately stood on the next section to Udall's store (section 7, block II). Mr Traill officiated as lay reader for the members of the Church of England, and in May, 1861, was appointed first registrar of births, marriages, and deaths in Oamaru. The firm of Traill, Roxby and Co. carried on business in Oamaru till 20th November, 1866, when the partnership was dissolved. I wish you would persuade some of the old identities to write a biography of Mr Traill, who, as one of the pioneers, laid the foundation of Oamaru, and is worthy of more than a passing notice. There is a good deal about him in "Roberts' History of Oamaru," but the memories of such persona as Mr Roxby, Mr Filleul, the Rev. A. Gifford and others who were intimate with him would if written be valuable as a record of the early days of Oamaru, and be most interesting reading, besides being a worthy memorial of a good man who was much liked and highly respected. It has always been a matter of surprise to me why he buried himself in such an out of the way place as the island of Ulva in Paterson's Inlet, for when in Oamaru he was a most sociable and entertaining companion, bright and intelligent, making a friend of everyone he became acquainted with. He died on the 26th November last at the age of 65, leaving a daughter to mourn her loss. RONA. -North Otago Times, 8/12/1891.
STEWART ISLAND
SCENIC BEAUTIES EXTOLLED
HON. W. E. PARRY DEEPLY IMPRESSED
The scenic beauties of Stewart Island — the unspoiled native bush and ferns and surrounding snug bays with which the island abounds — have for all who visit this part of New Zealand’s territory, a wonderful and lasting charm. A recent visitor to Stewart island was the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, who is at present in Dunedin to fulfil official engagements. “But I must mention Stewart Island,” the Minister said, enthusiastically extolling the scenic attractions of the South Island. ”There, at that island, you have a serenity of scenery and snugness — miles away from the intensity of the inevitable bustle and noises of city life and the ever-growing traffic — which it would be difficult to parallel in other parts of the Dominion.
“The commercial spirit, the men with the axe and a cross-cut saw, and the vandal, have been kept away from that beautiful bush, and the ardent bush-lover has the deer only to deal with. The striking features of the Stewart Island bush grip one — stir in one both imagination and admiration — and whatever are the feelings of the visitor towards trees and ferns, he or she cannot help but be an admirer and protector for all time of our forests. Mrs Parry and myself have added Stewart Island to the list of many picturesque parts of New Zealand in which we should like to have the opportunity of spending many of our remaining days in that kind of Nature’s scenery which brings peace, happiness, and comfort to the minds and souls ol a people.”
Mr Parry spoke of the historic interest of Stewart Island and of its original settlers. There were, he said, so many interesting items in the history of the island and in the lives and work of its pioneers that any printed record of early New Zealand and its people would be, without a narrative of them, incomplete.
The Minister has a series of photographs of Stewart Island scenes, and among them is a snap of the tomb of the late Mr Charles Traill, one of the very early settlers of the island. "I was deeply impressed,’’ Mr Parry said, “with the beauty of the surroundings of this tomb of the fine old personality and stalwart character of the island which Mr Traill apparently was. Present dwellers on the island spoke of his arrival at Ulva Island as being about 1871. He was a keen botanist and naturalist, and planted many of the English trees on Stewart Island. Mr Traill founded a store and conducted the postal work on the island, which was in his day a main call of mail boats. The Post Office which he controlled was described as the most distant from the heart of the British Empire. Mr Traill died at Ulva in 1875, and before his death carved from Oamaru stone the headstone and inscription it hears. Any visitor to the island is recommended to see the tomb of the late Mr Traill. To view it is to conjure up memories of other gallant days and the life of a sterling character amid the beauties of his island home.” -Evening Star, 9/3/1939.
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