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Preface

"After long years" and many hindrances, these records of the past, gathered together from many quarters, yet true in detail, are ready to give to the "Children."

To the outer circle of our friends who may feel sufficient interest in the subject to read these pages, an apology is due for so much family history. It is given in some detail, that our young people may have a clear idea of their ancestors, should occasion arise at any future time for a reference to the Genealogical Tree. This being a family history—written for private circulation only,-the writer feels justified in giving these details, the object being to furnish to the family circle—present and to come—a reliable descriptive history of the founders of their fortunes in New Zealand.

During a visit from our old friend, Mrs. Logan, of Wellington, in the autumn of 1894, the first notes of our story were taken. Mrs. Logan's wonderful memory supplied many details of interest concerning the difficulties that beset our brave Pioneers in those far-back days. Her son, Mr. Logan, himself an authority on early New Zealand history, spared no trouble, and incurred much, in verifying our facts and dates. He gave ready and willing help, and sent much information relating especially to the first years of Wellington's existence.

Mrs. Deans, senr., of Riccarton; Hon. W. Rolleston; W. S. Fitzgerald, Esq., of Dunedin; the members of our own family circle, and many friends besides, by their help and sympathy, lightened our labour of love and made our task a possible one. To each and all our hearty thanks are given.

The packet of old letters sent to us by the late Mr. Hay, of Mid-buiston, Ayrshire, Scotland, also proved invaluable aids. For the rest—the lives tell their own story.