The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
Russell
Russell.
Russell, in the Bay of Islands County, was the first settlement and is the oldest town in New Zealand, and is situated on the shores of the beautiful island-studded bay. It was originally known by its native name of Kororareka, and as such it was sacked by the chief Heke in 1845. The Bay was a resort for whalers from the very early times of the fishery, and is also full of many interesting reminiscences. It was there that the first missionary station was established in 1814 by the Rev. Samuel Marsden, and the famous Treaty of Waitangi, which converted New Zealand into a British Colony, was signed in 1840 at Waitangi, a mission place on the shore opposite to Russell, which was also the seat of Government for some time. The chief resources of the Bay are coal from the mines of Kawakawa, kauri gum, timber, and whale fishing, though the latter is not so flourishing as it was in former times. There is very little general farm cultivation in the district, but both soil and climate are favourable to the growth of subtropical fruits, which will probably become the staple of a considerable industry in the near future. To tourists and holiday seekers, Russell presents many attractions in the way of scenery, fishing, inland excursions, and generally an easy enjoyment of life without care. Russell has comfortable hotels, a bank, four churches, and a public hall, library and school. Steamers call frequently, and the town possesses all postal and telegraph facilities.
The Post And Telegraph Office, Russell, Bay of Islands, is a single storey wooden building. Kawakawa is thirty miles distant and Opua four miles by water.
Mr. John Hollywood, Postmaster at Russell, was born in Dublin in 1859, and came to New Zealand per ship “May Queen” in 1873. He entered upon his duties at Russell in 1895.
Joyce, Thomas, Settler, Paihia, Russell. Mr. Joyce was born in the Bay of Islands in 1832, and spent the first twenty years of his life at the mission stations, chiefly under the care of Rev. T. Burrows. During Heke's war, Mr. Joyce was an eye witness of many stirring scenes; he saw the cutting down of the Flag Staff at Russell, and also the engagements at Ruapekapeka. Mr. Joyce has a vivid recollection of the landing of Bishop Selwyn in 1846, and his progress to Waimate. He has about 200 acres of land at Paihia and also two fine cottages which are brought largely into requisition during the summer months, by visitors to the seaside. Mr. Joyce is married and has five sons and seven daughters.
Mr. T. Joyce.
Mrs. Hannah King Letheridge, who resides near Russell, and is said to be the oldest living white woman born in New Zealand, was born at Ohihi, Bay of Islands, in 1815, and is the daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hansen, whose father brought the first missionaries from Sydney to New Zealand page 567 in 1814, per brig “Active.” Mrs. Letheridge's father was associated with the Rev. Samuel Marsden and the early missionaries, and was highly respected by the natives, who in times of tribal warfare protected his family from molestation. It was no uncommon thing for Mrs. Letheridge to be an eye-witness of the cannibalism of the Maoris, who, after a fight, brought captives to their feasting ground on the beach adjoining the residence of the Hansens, and there killed and cooked their victims. Mrs. Letheridge resided at Ohihi till 1830, when she went to live at a native settlement called Koutu. Her first husband was the late Captain Clapham, to whom she was married in 1837. They bought land in Kerikeri, where they lived peaceably till Heke's war broke out and put the whole country in a blaze. Captain Clapham returned to Sydney with his wife and for many years was a successful whaler, but he was lost with his ship in 1855. Two years later his widow was married in Sydney to Mr. Jeremiah Letheridge, who purchased a large piece of land at Purerua, which he farmed up to the time of his death in 1881, when Mrs. Letheridge removed to her present residence. For a woman of her years, Mrs. Letheridge is remarkably active. She does all her own work, and a well-kept kitchen garden bears evidence to her industry.
Mrs. H. K. Letheridge.