DEATH OF A CANTERBURY COLONIST.

Kumara Times, Issue 3145, 2 December 1886, Page 2

DEATH OF A CANTERBURY COLONIST.

The Rev. John Raven, whose death from the effects of a sunstroke, is recorded elsewhere, was well known in Christchurch as one of the members of the Canterbury Association formed in England for the colonisation of New Zealand, and consequently one of the founder's of the Canterbury province. By the terms of the prospectus of the Association, each subscriber was entitled to select so many acres of country land, and one section of town property, according to the sum invested. Mr Raven was among the first “Pilgrims,” as they were called, who “ left dear old England to try their fortunes in a new and strange land.” The ships in which the “Pilgrims” sailed were designated as the “Canterbury Fleet,” and consisted of the Charlotte Jane, the Randolpn, and the Crcssy, and these sailed from Plymouth on the 7ch of September, ISSO, and the George Seymour on the morning of ino Sib, and, curiously

enough, three of the ships came in sight of New Zealand the same day, the Randolph and the Sir George Seymour being only two that sighted each other during the three months’ voyage. Two of the ships came to anchor in Port Cooper, as it was then called, on the same day (16th December) and a third the next morning, while the Cressy reached port on the 27th. When the Land Office was opened and the colonists presented themselves for selecting each their country and town sections, the Rev. John Haven said he thought it was well not to be too near Christchurch, the future township, and chose sections some fifteen or sixteen miles therefrom for a homestead, now called Woodend. Had he chosen sections nearer to Christchurch he would have been worth many thousand pounds more when he died. He was thrice married, and as often visited the Old Country. On the occasion of his marrying for the third time, he resolved to spend his “ honeymoon ” by paying a visit to the West Coast of the Middle Island, for he had often been imerrogated at Home as to its capabilities and resources, but, never having visited the Coast, he felt at a loss to answer the many questions put to him. S", on the occasion we have referred to, which is about two years ago, he took a trip to Hokitika, calling to see an old fellow.colonist at Kumnra on the way. The Rev. Mr Raven was the fitsfc clergyman to conduct regular service in Christchurch after the landing of ihe “Pilgrims;” and although he has now died somewhat suddenly, his memory will live in the hearts of many old settlers as one of the most useful and respected colonists that came out in the Canterbury Fleet.