Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Octavius Hadfield

Letter written by Octavius Hadfield to sister Octavia November 13, 1843

To sister Octavia.

The last letter I wrote was on the 1st of September to my mother, and since that I have delayed writing, though I fear there have been ships going direct, because I was out of humour at not receiving any letters from any of you. I have received letters from Salisbury dated late May, six weeks ago, and nothing from any of you since Feb.—so much grumbling, now let me think of something else.

I have had so much to do lately with our minor political matters that I fear I am become quite worldly. Since an unfortunate affair which I alluded to before, (Wairau), there has been a bad feeling existing between settlers and natives, and it has required the exercise of all the little wisdom which I possess to keep matters quiet. I believe I have been the chief instrument in doing this hitherto, and have had acknowledgements to this effect from government officers; but still it is not my proper work, and in that I would rather be occupied entirely. I am afraid I have witnessed a little luke-warmness among the natives lately; this however I must expect; but still I have seen nothing of the kind among my own favourites. I do not so much blame the natives for much that appears blameable in them, as I do ourselves. Ere long there will be considerable confusion in the Christianity of these people. Our hope is in the Lord, would that I ever rested upon that source of help simply and entirely.

I feel inclined to go to China. I wonder whether I could learn the language! I found no difficulty in the language of this country—but Chinese, I suppose, would put one's ability for languages to the trial. Nothing I regret more than not having studied languages. I sometimes feel a little angry with some of you at home, who always used to tell me when a boy that I was conceited and thereby discouraged me. I took a dislike when a boy to Latin and Greek, and was stupid enough with those languages. Since I left England I have only studied New Zealand and Hebrew, and have found no kind of difficulty with these. I fear nevertheless that Chinese would puzzle me.

I had the pleasure a few days ago of having the Chief Justice at my house for a day. He takes great interest in the language and in the natives of this country. I am expecting the Bishop in about a month. My friend Mr. St. Hill is gone to meet him in the centre of the Island and will accompany him back.

page 182