A NEW ZEALAND HOMESTEAD.
On Thursday last, the foundation-stone was laid for a new residence for the Honourable Robert Campbell, at his fine estate of Otekaike, in the Waitaki district. There was a large gathering of all the workmen and others on the estate.
Mr A C. Begg, agent for the Honourable R. Campbell, in the course of some remarks, said that, about 20 years ago, Mr J. P. Taylor, late Superintendent of Southland, had penetrated up the Waitaki Valley as far as Otekaike, and had then taken up the country around them. His dwelling-house was a very primitive one, being a cave in the limestone rock, covered over with a tent-fly, and situated about 100 yards from where they then stood. Some of the pegs and a portion of the calico used could still be seen on the face of the rock. Some years afterwards, Mr W. H. Dansey, who then owned the run, had erected the house which had just been pulled down (after having stood for 18 years) to make room for the new one. The old house when erected was, without exception, the finest in Otago. Now, however, it had been pulled down to make room for a much finer building, the foundation stone of which they were about to lay, and which would be one of the very best country houses in New Zealand. Mr Campbell intended making this his home, and it was to be hoped that many of the large landowners in Otago would follow his example, and make their homes on their estates. He called on. those present to drink to the successful completion of the building, and to the health of Mr and Mrs Campbell.
Mr Kruger, one of the contractors, having replied in suitable terms, and Mr and Mrs Campbell's health having been drunk with applause, species of the various coins of the realm, and also the Dunedin and Oamaru newspapers of latest dates, were deposited in the receptacle made for the purpose, and the foundation-stone was then lowered inio its place, and declared well and truly laid by Mrs Begg.
The building is of the Scotch Baronial style, with battlemented gables and turreted angles. The wall and nearly all the partitions will be built of stone similar in composition to the famous Kakanui stone, but much harder, and of a warmer colour. There are quarries of it in the neighbourhood, and in dose proximity to the building.
It is proposed to cover the roof with Otepopo slates, if the enterprising proprietors will turn out a good, evenly split sample. The principal entrance is from a spacious portico of segmental form, with columns and arches springing from the angles of two large bay windows, which are on each side. The hall measures 20ft. x 17ft., at the farther end of which, and separated from it by an archway, with columns on either aide, is the staircase, 7ft. x 14ft. Opening from these are the drawingroom and library, each 20ft. x 25ft, with two large bays in each; and the dining-room and principal bed-room, with dressing-room, bath room, and office, en suite, to which there is a porch and side entrance.
Adjoining the dining-room is a servingroom, 12ft. x 9ft., communicating with a passage to the kitchen.
Behind the principal staircase is a strong room, and a servant's staircase communicates with the passage already mentioned. The kitchen is 22ft. x 17ft, with large laundry, scullery, and offices in connection, to be fitted with all the appointments necessary for comfort and convenience.
At the head of the principal stairs is a large, open landing, surmounted by a large, square lantern light, towering above the roof. The inside under the light is splayed and panelled, and well decorated with enriched cornices, all of plaster work. From the landing, seven large, airy, well lighted and ventilated bedrooms (with fire-places to each) are entered; four of them have dressing-rooms, with bath-rooms and other conveniences, and lots of presses for linen, &c. There is also a passage leading to the servants' bedrooms, of which there are three, averaging 15ft. x 11ft., with fire-places to each.
There is to be a large underground concrete cistern for storing the roof water, connected with which there will be a force-pump to raise the water for supplying the baths, kitchen, range, &c. The building appears to be well adapted to the site, which is an elevated plateau on the west bank of the Otekaike river, about three miles from its confluence with the great Waitaki river, and commands an extensive view of the plains through which those rivers run, and of the surrounding country. The grounds have been tastefully laid out and planted with a variety of evergreens and deciduous trees, which imports an appearance of age and settledness to the place, scarcely expected to be met with so far in the interior of the country. The architects are Messrs Mason and Wales, of this city. -Otago Daily Times, 8/5/1876.
The Bruce Herald regrets to observe that the Hon. Robert Campbell, Chairman of the Waitaki County Council, has accepted a salary of £l50 per annum for his services in that capacity, considering that Mr Campbell is probably the wealthiest gentleman in this colony, without exception — owning as he does half a million of sheep. -Cromwell Argus, 29/5/1877.
BRIDGE FOR THE UPPER WAITAKI.
The Hon. Robert Campbell, Messrs S. E. Shrimski, M.H.R., Wm. Moody (Kakanui), James Bruce (Chairman of Waimate Council), and J. B. McGregor, C E., yesterday afternoon waited upon the Hon. Mr Macandrew and the Hon. Mr Larnach, for the purpose of ascertaining what assistance the Government would give towards the erection of a bridge across the Upper Waitaki. They refered at considerable length to the importance of the work, and estimated the cost of the bridge at L10,000 or L12,000. They expressed the opinion that the Government should contribute one-half of the funds.
The Hon. Mr Larnach: The difficulty I see is in the matter of funds, as there is no vote on the Estimates for the work, I hardly see how it can be done.
The Hon. Mr Campbell said that if the Government were favorable to the project the House would at once vote the money. The Councils would contribute their sums, and would commence the work.
The Hon. Mr Larnach said that he would he disposed to recommend that the Government should help to the extent of one-third, whatever the cost might be. The Committies could then join together and contribute the other two-thirds.
Mr Bruce remarked that if the financial arrangements had been formed with the intention of leaving the County which he represented out in the cold, it could not have accomplished the result more effectively. Their Council was in an impecunious position, considering the works which had to be carried out.
After some further discussion, the deputation agreed that its members should urge upon the Councils which they represented to contribute the two-thirds asked for by Mr Larnach.
The Hon. Mr Macandrew thought the proposal a fair one, and the Hon. Mr Larnach promised to submit it to the House next year. -North Otago Times, 5/1/1878.
DUNTROON.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Saturday last was a gala day for the school children of Duntroon. A two-horse conveyance from Otekaike, and Mr Goddard's coach and six greys from the township, gaily decorated, carried off 27 boys and girls, amid shouts of glee, to visit the grounds and mansion of the Hon. Robert Campbell. Nothing could possibly be kinder than the manner in which that gentleman and his lady received such unusual and lively visitors. Mr and Mrs Campbell and friends romped, played, and feasted with them all, sparing no pains to make the youngsters happy, and the success was perfect. The amount of good things of every conceivable kind, stowed out of sight at lnncheon, was simply marvellous, but under such strong temptation, pardonable. During the afternoon about a barrowload of lollies, nuts, and almonds was scattered by Mr Campbell on the lawn, and to ward off the time of departure a clothes basketfull of suitable presents and toys was distributed by Mrs Campbell around the children. All were more than satisfied and suitably acknowledged their obligations. The visit to Otekaike will be a green spot on the memories of the school children of Duntroon for many a long year to come. At 0 o'clock the coaches were remounte, and amid vociforous cheers to their kind and generous host and hostess, the noisy troop startod homewards. I must add that the services of Mr Goddard were offered spontaneously, immediately on his hearing of the projected visit. The act bespeaks itself. -North Otago Times, 4/2/1880.
Mr. Edward A. Gifford has just completed a beautifully executed painting'in water colors of Otekaike, the delightful seat of the Hon. Robert Campbell. It differs from the former picture painted by the same artist, inasmuch as the house and surrounding grounds are, in this instance, brought out more prominently. Naturally, to secure this point, the general landscape has had to be curtailed; but, not withstanding this disadvantage, the picture proclaims itself to be one of more than usual merit. The two together make a most pleasing and attractive pair. Mr. Mollison has been kind enough to afford space in his window in Waitaki Buildings for the exhibition of the picture prior to its removal to Otekaike, and anyone will be repaid for the trouble of taking a peep at his window any time during the next day or two. -Oamaru Mail, 23/3/1880.
To the Mining Registrar at Naseby, of the Naseby Mining District, and all other persons whom it may concern.
TAKE NOTICE, that it is intended to construct a Water-race and divert water for driving machinery, irrigation, and other industrial purposes, from the Otekaike River, commencing at a point about one mile above the homestead of the Honorable Robert Campbell, at Otekaike, and terminating at the said homestead. The length of the said water-race is about one (1) mile; mean breadth six feet, and depth one foot; to divert 20 heads of water, and to be completed within three months from date of application. I also apply for a right to deposit silt, sludge, and debris, on a piece of land seven feet wide on both sides of the said water-race throughout its entire length.
Dated this 10th day of April, 1880. ROBERT CAMPBELL.
By his Solicitor G. F. ROWLATT.
All objections to the above application must be lodged in writing at the Mining Registrar's Office, at Naseby, within thirty days from the date hereof.
Hearing at Office of Mining Registrar, Court house, Naseby, on Tuesday, 25th May, 1880. at 11 am. THOMAS L. SHEPHERD, Mining Registrar. -North Otago Times, 26/4/1880.
From a telegram received, the North Otago Times learns that the prospectus has been issued in London, of a company called "Robert Campbell and Sons (Limited)," with a capital of £600,000. The object is to purchase land and further develop sheep farming in New Zealand. The Hon. Robert Campbell, of Otekaike, is one of the promotors of the contemplated company. -West Coast Times, 10/8/1881.
About 600 of the Oamaru folk made an excursion by rail to Otekaike on Friday, and were most hospitably entertained by the Hon. Robert Campbell, who practically kept open house for them, besides engaging the Oamaru Garrison Band to play during the day. -Evening Star, 15/2/1886.
It is really too bad that Mr Robert Campbell of Otekaike should cause so much pain to so many people, ourselves amongst them. It is some time now since the lieges of Christian England gave up looking upon kings as "the Lord's anointed" — as persons who ould do no wrong either in their public or private capacities. But what we have ceased to allow to our kings we still allow very devoutly to our men of property. When the lord of many thousands of fair acres, the master of numerous bleating flocks and lowing heads — and Mr Campbell of Otekaike is such an one, we believe — deigns to dilate on any subject he instantly becomes with every properly trained Englishman a veritable Sir Oracle;
And when he opens his mouth let no dog bark.
In other words, a man of property can talk no nonsense, can do no wrong — that is, amongst properly educated Britons; though it becomes quite otherwise should he and his property happen to part company. Then he will have to be very wise and righteous indeed to pass a moment's muster with the worshippers of the great god Mammon, whose followers comprise probably not less than 99 per cent of our Christian populations.
Well, Mr Campbell of Otekaike is a man of large estate, and everything he says is therefore encircled more or less with a gospel halo. Consequently the letter which he has just written about the Oamaru Harbor Board's proposed loan of L30,000 must be exceedingly precious in the eyes of many estimable persons. And desiring as we do to keep in sympathetic touch with the bulk of our fellow mortals, we ourselves must of course, under the circumstances, regard Mr Campbell's letter with profound reverence as the emanation of an almost divine intelligence. And yet we will venture to say, that every right-minded English Christian in the community would treat the same letter pretty roughly were it the composition of some miserable hunks with little land and less bank credit. Indeed, its inherent balderdash would then be treated with a large amount of contemptuous silence or with numerous volleys of contumelious epithets. For, fairly boiled down, the whole letter just amounts to this. To save all its past expenditure from being practically thrown away, the Oamaru Harbor Board asks the ratepayers of its district to sanction a new loan of L30,000. This, at 6 per, cent, would mean for the whole district additional rating to the extent of L1800 a year — at 5 per cent, L1500. Yet in order that they may escape paying that, Mr Campbell advises the latepayers to vote against the loan, at the same time telling them in effect that in resolving to save that amount they will be placing themselves in a position to lose at least not less than L16,000 a year! This is the amount which it is estimated the Government would reap from the district in railway revenue were the harbor allowed to go to the dogs. Then, in addition to all that extra outlay, the district would of course have to go on paying annually the L2,000 odd which it now pays in interest on the existing Harbor Board loans. Thus, in order that they may not add to their liabilities by L1500 or L1800 a year, Mr Campbell askes tbe ratepayers of North Otago to go in for paying perpetually L28,000 per annum, for L12,000 of which they would receive absolutely no return, the balance of L16,000 being the amount they would now be paying yearly — for mere outward railage, we believe — were there no harbor at Oamaru.
Such is the gist of Mr Campbell's letter. It will be interesting to observe whether the ratepayers, carried away by the traditional reverence of all of us for tbe utterances of men of property — for "the divinity that doth hedge" a man of large estate — will allow themselves to be influenced by Mr Campbell's arguments, or whether they will treat the arguments in accordance with their intrinsic merit — with silent contempt or uproarious laughter. Possibly if all our settlers were, like Mr Campbell, engaged solely in the business of wool growing, they might be guided by his astounding logic, but, being grain growers, to follow him would be to follow a leader who practically asks them to perpetrate a fearful piece of financial suicide. Looked at from any point of view, however, Mr Campbell's arguments are certainly the funniest we have come across for a considerable time and as Mr Campbell, according to his own confession, has, on the subject of Oamaru's monetary matters, been endeavoring to enlighten London financiers through the medium of leading articles from the North Otago Times, we think he cannot do more to enlighten them as to his own status as an authority on finance, than by sending them his own fearful and wonderful epistle of the 1st instant, accompanied by this little article as a simple commentary on its delectable contents. -North Otago Times, 8/11/1886.
The employees of the Hon. Robert Campbell at Otekaike station will give a concert and ball at the station on the evening of Friday first in aid of the funds of the Oamaru and Waimate Hospitals. The fact that the concert has been arranged for shows that the men are not unmindful of the advantages of having such an institution in the place. To many men working in the country who have no friends here and no house in town in which they can reside for medical attendance, the Hospital must prove an invaluable institution, and the getting up of the concert is a graceful acknowledgment of the fact. We hope the concert and ball will be largely attended, as they deserve to be. -North Otago Times, 19/1/1887.
SCHOOL PICNICS.
(from our own correspondent.) There should be many happy little heads on the pillows of the children in the Duntroon, Maerewhenua, and Otiake districts this night, if ever child can be made happy by kind and generous entertainment, and gifts of costly and beautiful toys. The school children of the above-named districts were invited by Mrs Campbell, of Otekaike, to a picnic to be held on the grounds of that place on Thursday afternoon. Every available conveyance was accordingly secured. The Hon. Robert Campbell sent an express to Duntroon, and a four-horse drag to Otiake to convey the children, who, with their teachers and a few friends, began, to arrive at Otekaike at about 2 p.m., where all were most cordially welcomed by their kind entertainers, and started at once to enjoy the games and amusements provided for them. Boating on the lake was the rage for a time, and most of those present were taken for a ride on the water. But soon Aunt Sally claimed attention, all those who were lucky enough to succeed in breaking her pipe receiving a bag of lollies and other presents. Races for boys and girls were going on when the sound of the gong was heard, and soon all were seated at the tables spread on the lawn, and giving a good account of the tea, sandwiches, cakes, fruit, etc., provided. After this important part of the programme had received due attention, games of various kinds were again started. Presently a donkey appeared on the scene, gaily caparisoned, and bearing panniers filled with dolls of all sizes, sexes, and complexions — big dolls for the big girls, and little dolls for the little girls. Immediately Arabi (the donkey) became the centre of attraction, and was followed by an admiring crowd of youngsters to a stall which was now uncovered, displaying to longing eyes such a collection of toys and presents as Santa Claus himself might well feel proud of. Every child on the ground was presented with some toy or useful fancy article, Mrs Campbell managing to give to each just what he or she most desired. Being relieved of his load of dolls, Arabi, with two of his sons, was turned over to the boys, who kept them fully employed carrying about the grounds as many as could find seats on their backs at a time. After a few more games, scrambling for lollies, etc., all gathered on the terrace in front of the house, when the children sang some of their school songs. Hearty cheers were given for Mrs Campbell and the Hon. Robert Campbell. The traps were brought up amidst the squeaking of dolls, blowing of trumpets, cracking of whips, and the cheers and merry laughter of the youngsters, all — old and young — agreeing that they had spent the most enjoyable day of the holidays. -Oamaru Mail, 10/1/1888.
TRIAL OF THE WOLSELEY SHEARING MACHINE.
At the invitation of the Hon. Robert Campbell, about 100 persons assembled at Otekaike yesterday to witness the test of the patent shearing appliance which has recently created such interest amongst pastoralists. Mr Williams, the agent for New Zealand, secured a special train from Oamaru for the benefit of those who desired to be present, and though the number who took advantage of this wise provision was not large, yet they comprised a very fair proportion of practical men whe were in one way or another more or less concerned in the issue of the trial.
THE INVENTOR. For whatever advantages may accrue from the invention, the world is indebted to Mr F. T. Wolseley — a brother of England's "only general" — who, a pastoralist himself and owner of the Eureca Station, N.S.W., is also evidently an inventive genius, and naturally devoted his talents to the improvement of the appliances connected with his own industry. Mr Wolseley is, however, no longer a pastoralist. Having sold his patent in Great Britain for the sum of L20,000, and having scored such a remarkable success in the Australasian colonies, he is able to retire on his income. This is a result that is richly deserved, for he devoted many years and much money in order to bring his invention to its present stage of efficiency.
THE MACHINERY. The machinery is simplicity itself. The shears resemble the appliance recently introduced to cut the hair of human beings and horses — or, in other words, the implement is constructed on the same principle as the modern reaper, and is as much in advance of the old shears as a reaper and binder is in advance of the scythe. It is light and handy, and consists of a three-bladed knife, which, placed in contact with a comb, oscillates, and it is this reciprocating movement, produced by an ingenious eccentric enclosed in the implement, that effects the cutting. The points of the comb, however, are not sharp, and it can therefore be brought into the closest contact with the sheep without lacerating them. The tension of the cutter on the comb may be regulated with ease and rapidity by means of screws. The machine is set in motion by means of steam, water, or horse-power. Each machine, or shears, is fitted with a 2ft friction wheel, which works against a small horizontal wheel, and the operator can disconnect the motive power, or vice versa, by touching a handy lever. The motion is imparted from the smaller wheel to the shears by means of a flexible catgut shaft, which is enclosed in a tube, also flexible. The shaft connects with spur and mitre wheels, hidden in the handle of the shears, the whole forming what may be termed a universal point, and thus the shears are set in motion. This arrangement, which is too complicated to understand with ease from any written description, enables the operator to turn the implement in any direction he thinks proper without impairing its efficiency. The machines are connected by a shaft with the motive power, and it is stated that they offer so little resistance that a two-horse power is able to work twenty machines.
THE MERITS OF THE INTENTION. It is claimed for the machine that, by reason of the closeness with which it cuts the fleece, several ounces more wool will be realised than under the old method; that, there being virtually no second cuts and the fleece being even, the wool will be more valuable to the extent, say, of from 1/2d to 1d per lb; that the sheep will not be cut, and that, therefore, there will not be any losses by death in consequence, and the pelts will be of greater value. It is held that the result of these and other minor advantages would be sufficient to pay the total cost of fitting up a large shed in the first year. It does not appear that shearing can be done more expeditiously by the machine than by the old method, or that shearers can be dispensed with without disadvantage. Shearers will still be in requisition, and adepts with the old shears will also excel with the new. It is estimated that about 80 sheep can be shorn in a day, and that is not far from the average number turned out under the old method. But, as to whether or not the close shearing will be of much or any advantage is questioned by some. It is held that, if the fleece be shorn close the next fleece will be shorter by the extra amount taken off, and that, therefore, the extra weight would only be realised the first year. That is a question that has yet to be decided by actual experiment, though, we believe that the fleece would not be diminished at the end of the year by the closeness of the cut. It is also held in the same quarter that close shearing might not be possible in our colder localities, as the sheep would suffer from having little or no covering. But against this argument there is the fact that sheep are scarcely better off in this respect after being subjected to the old system, whereby the wool is left on unnecessarily thick in some places and cut to the skin in others. A sheep shorn in such a fashion would not be so well off for protection against the weather as a sheep whose stubble was even and in no place shorn off to the skin. The happy medium is what, we dare say, will have to be arrived at, and, as the shears can with ease be so adjusted as to leave on any length of stubble desired, there will be no difficulty in this respect. It seems probable that more wool can be taken off under the new than under the old plan without inconvenience or injury to the sheep, who may even be benefited by the change.
YESTERDAY'S TRIAL. As to yesterday's trial, it appeared to give entire satisfaction to those who are immediately interested. A two-horse power steam engine supplied the motive power and the operators were experienced shearers. It was rather pleasant, and even fascinating, to watch the instrument creeping smoothly through the fleece and peeling it off with the utmost cleanness and precision. One's sensations are sometimes anything but pleasant when, watching a shearer working with the old appliances. But, as to the time occupied: a crossbred ewe was disposed of in 4 minutes; another in 6 minutes; and a big merino wether in 7 minutes. At another place in the shed two shearers tried their hands with the ordinary appliances, with the object of seeing how much wool could be taken off by the Wolseley implement after they had done their work. The first man occupied 10 minutes in the operation, and the Wolseley shears; afterwards took off his sheep 9 1/4 ounces of wool; the second man, who is reputed to be one of the most experienced shearers in the district, occupied 8min 7sec, and though he and the bystanders remarked that there would not be much left for the Wolseley machine to take off, the result was 7 ounces.
THE COST OF THE MACHINERY. The present cost of the machinery complete, with the exception of the motive power, is Ll0 per shear; and though, if the new invention possesses anything like the commercial and humanitarian advantages that are claimed for it, it is not dear at the price, yet it is probable that, as they get into general use, machines will become cheaper. Numerous orders were received by Mr Williams yesterday, one pastoralist alone having ordered 100 machines. Next year will tell a tale, for already there are 4000 machines sold in Australia, and New Zealand bids fair to materially increase the record.
HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE SHEARER? His position should be improved. He will have no paraphernalia to carry. He will still be in requisition in accordance with his aptitude and reliability. The only difference will be that he will have an implement to work with that will not be constantly requiring sharpening, and whose, manipulation will necessitate none of that exertion that is found to be so tiring and injurious to the wrist. -Oamaru Mail, 9/2/1888.
PARLIAMENTARY.
(OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Wellington, last night.
GISBORNE HARBOR BILL.
The Premier, in answer to Mr Graham, says that it is absolutely necessary the Gisborne Harbor Bill should pass this session.
Sir George Grey wishes the Native policy Bills postponed until further information shall have been obtained concerning the "dealings" that are to be "validated."
Objection is made to the validity of incomplete purchases of Native land, on the ground that existing leases will be disturbed. It is recommended that a schedule shall be attached to the Native Land Court Bill particularising each transaction.
The Hon. Robert Campbell is attacked with hermorrhage of the liver, and is in a critical state.
The Legislative Council gave a banquet to the Governor on Saturday night. -Poverty Bay Herald, 2/9/1889.
WELLINGTON NOTES
INVALIDS.
Dr Fitchett’s friends will be glad to hear he is well enough to sit up in a chair. Another invalid, the Hon Robert Campbell, is so far on the road to recovery that he took advantage of the fine weather today to drive in an open carriage. -Lyttelton Times, 10/9/1889.
DEATH OF THE HON. MR. CAMPBELL, M.L.C.
Great regret will be felt at the anouncament of the death last night of the Hon. Robert Campbell, M.L.C. Mr Campbell had been in indifferent health for some considerable time, and during his presence in Parliament last session suffered from severe illness. The Hon. Mr Campbell was the son of the late Robert Campbell, of Buscot Park, Berkshire. Mr Robert Campbell, sen., made a big fortune in New South Wales in connection with the earliest discoveries of gold in that colony. The family is well known in Sydney, and one of the largest wharves is called the Campbell Wharf. The Hon. Mr Campbell came out to this colony some twenty years ago and purchased on behalf of his father the Benmore station in the Waitaki district. He shortly afterwards married a daughter of the late Mr Howden, of Christchurch. He had been connected with New Zealand politics almost ever since his arrival in the country. He was returned to the House as member for Waitaki during Sir William Vogel's first Administration, and was at that time a political supporter of that gentleman. In 1870 he was called to the Upper House, of which he has ever since remained a member. The late Mr Campbell seldom spoke in Parliament, and his influence was unobtrusive; but he has always been considered one of its most influential members. His residence was at Otekaike, in the upper part of the Waitaki County, where his house formed a prominent feature in the landscape and the hospitality of the district. The late Mr Campbell was related by marriage to Mr Humphreys, member for Christchurch North, and also to Baron Reuter, of cablegraphic fame. He was a supporter of the "turf," and will be remembered as the owner of Sir Modred in his Dunedin Cup year. The funeral takes place to-morrow. -Evening Star, 10/12/1889.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE Funeral of the late Hon. Robert Campbell will leave Lees street, Dunedin, for the Northern Cemetery, Tomorrow (Wednesday), at 3.30 p.m.
HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker. -Evening Post, 10/12/1889.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE Funeral of the late Mrs Robert Campbell, late of Otekaike, will leave the Criterion Hotel, Moray place, for the Northern Cemetery, on SATURDAY, the 19th inst., at 3 p.m.
HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets. -Evening Star, 17/4/1890.
We take the following from yesterday's Otago Daily Times: — The funeral of the late Mrs Robert Campbell, who died at the Criterion Hotel on Thursday morning, took place on Saturday afternoon, and was largely attended. In the first carriage which followed the hearse was the deceased's two brothers Messrs A. J. Hawdon and C. G. Hawdon, and her sister. Mis C. W. Humphreys. In the second carriage were Mr Humphreys. M.H.R, Mrs A. Hawdon and Master K. Hawdon. Among other friends of the deceased present were — Mr Justice Williams, Mr J. Roberts, Dr Hocken, Messrs Haggitt, A. O. Begg, McKellar (Manager of Otekaike station), Mr C. W. Pogson (of Cottesbrook), Mr E. Menlove (Windsor Park), and James Smith (solicitor). Among other attendants at the funeral, were four old Otekaike servants, some of whom had been in the Hon. Mr Campbell's employ for no less than 12 years. The deceased's remains were interred in the same grave as those cf her husband in the Northern Cemetery, the funeral service being conducted by Bishop Nevill, A number of bequests were left by the deceased at her death. Among these was L5000 which was bequeathed to the Dunedin Hospital Trustees for the purpose of providing extra comforts for the patients of that institution. She also left for the specific purpose of erecting a church and parsonage in the Waitaki Valley, in some spot between Duntroon and Kurow. After the various bequests, the residuary legatees were Mrs K, W Humphreys and Mr C. G. Hawdon. -Oamaru Mail, 22/4/1890.
The Late Mrs Campbell. — The Oamaru Mail learns that the immediate cause of the death of Mrs Robert Campbell was pleurisy and jaundice. The deceased lady had, however, suffered more or less for years, and there can be no question that the anxiety caused by the illness o£ her late husband and the shock occasioned by his death told very seriously on a constitution that was not at all strong. Mrs Campbell was remarkable for the gentleness of her disposition and the kindness of her heart, and as she was beloved by all with whom she came into contact, she will be greatly missed in the district, where she lived for so many years. -Lyttelton Times, 22/4/1890.
ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH, DUNTROON.
A BEAUTIFUL SPECIMEN OF GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE.
It is probably within the knowledge of many of our readers that the late Mrs Robert Campbell, of Otekaike, bequeathed a sum of money to build a church, and parsonage for the benefit of the members of the Church of England resident in the Waitaki district. It is, however, not so generally known that this bequest was made at the special request of her late husband, the Hon. Robert Campbell, during his last illness. The parsonage, a handsome and commodious building, with a chapel attached to it, was erected near Kurow about nine years ago, during the incumbency of the Rev. H. C. Frere. Some two and a-half years ago it was generally agreed upon in the district that the time had arrived when the church should be built. Therefore the Standing Committee of the diocese and the Diocesan Trust Board were approached on the subject. A considerable length of time was occupied in preliminaries and in discussions about and negotiations for the purchase of a site, which should at the same time fulfil the conditions of Mra Campbell's will and the requirements of the parishioners, and a piece of land on the Main Upper "Waitaki road, close to the town of Duntroon, which makes an admirable site, was purchased from the late Mr R. R. Orr. Plans were submitted to a meeting of parishioners in October, 1899, and the designs of Mr Thomas Cane, architect, of Christchurch, were chosen by the congregation, and subsequently approved by the Bishop of the Diocese. The style of the building is pure Gothic, of the early portion of the fourteenth century. It consists of nave, chancel, vestry, organ chamber, and tower. The windows all have traceried heads, and are glazed with pale green cathedral glass with white margins in lead quarries. The roof of the nave is of strong yet graceful design, and is open to the ridge, as, indeed, are all the roofs. The floors of the nave and chancel are laid with tiles, excepting underneath the seats, where they are of wood. There is seating accommodation in the nave for 85 adults, which will probably prove sufficient for many years to come. The font, as is usual in Anglican churches, is placed just inside the entrance, and is of very handsome design, standing upon a base of wrought bluestone. The chancel, approached from the nave by three bluestone steps through a truly magnificent arch, is well furnished with holy table, credence rails, stalls, lectern and prayer desk. The reredos above the holy table is the gift and workmanship of Mr Harre. The vestry is alongside the chancel, separated therefrom by an arched arcade and carved wood screen The organ chamber is as yet without an organ, which, however, it is hoped will be placed there within the next year. The tower is of three storeys, of which the lower forms the porch, with tiled floor; the second storey, to which access is gained by a spiral stone turret stair, is the ringing chamber, and the third is the belfry, with double towered windows on all four sides, in which is hung an excellent bell. The tower is finished with a battlemented parapet, with a richly crocketted pinnacle at each corner, the total height from the floor level to the apex of the pinnacles being 50ft. All corbels, capitals, summer stones, and bosses are beautifully carved.
Upon the whole it may be said that this church, though small, is the most beautiful specimen of pure Gothic architecture in the colony. When it is stated that, in addition to the general drawings, plan, elevations, sections, and the like, there are 40 additional drawings of details, it will be seen that nothing has been left to chance, but that thought and careful consideration has been given by Mr Cane to almost every stone and every piece of woodwork. The whole of the material and workmanship is of the highest class. The stone is from Perry's Totara quarries, Mr John Menzies, of Maheno, who, curiously enough also built the parsonage, is the contractor, and, though somewhat behind his time, has completed an excellent building; McAndrew Harre, of Christchurch, is clerk of voiles, and the carving is being executed by Mr Baird, of Hall street, South Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Campbell, of Otekaiki, have presented brass altar cross and desk, vases and candlesticks, and book markers; Mr A. Deacon, of Princes street, Dunedin (an old friend of the vicar's of 20 years' standing), gives a beautiful font ewer and porch lamp; the Bible, Prayer Book, and altar Service Book are purchased with money given in the offertory at the laying of the foundation stone, supplemented by private gifts; the altar frontal and superfrontal, most artistically worked by Miss Haggitt, are being provided out of funds raised in the district. The church is to be consecrated by Bishop Nevill on the 23th inst., and will be dedicated under the name of St. Martin's Church, Duntroon, that being the dedication of the church in the old town of Duntroon in Scotland. -Otago Witness, 14/8/1901.
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