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Port Molyneux : the story of Maori and pakeha in South Otago : a centennial history : commemorating the landing of George Willsher and his companions at Willsher Bay, June 28, 1840 : with a programme for the unveiling of the centennial cairn, erected by the Clutha County Council, June 28, 1940

[introduction]

As we have seen, by the end of 1840, a Government had been established at the Bay of Islands. In Otago the whaling industry had declined, but settlement had commenced at Waikouaiti, where Johnny Jones had commenced farming operations on a large scale. Watkin, the Missionary, had also arrived. Willsher and Russell had built their houses and made their gardens south of the Karoro Creek at Molyneux Bay.

The New Zealand Company had established settlements in the North and at Port Nicholson. Now plans were on foot for the establishment of a settlement in the South Island.

In 1842 Captain W. M. Smith, acting as Chief Surveyor for the New Zealand Company, had examined all southern harbours, and had formed the opinion that Broad Bay in Otago Harbour was the most suitable for a town settlement.

page 44

In 1843 Colonel Godfrey, who had been appointed Commissioner to inquire into land claims, and Dr. Edward Shortland, Protector of the Aborigines, had visited all Native settlements from Akaroa to Aparima.