NOTES ON A RECENT TOUR

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 132, 22 August 1868, Page 4

NOTES ON A RECENT TOUR

THROUGH NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH. BY THE BISHOP OF NELSON. Part 111. We look anxiously for more roads to facilitate travelling of clergy arid others. It is a religious duty to make bridges and roads, and paths ; it is fulfilling one of the earliest Divine commands, for it is the “ subduing the earth,” which the first man was told to do, and it is one of the most important elements in civilizing communities. It was

a noble sight, that of Oberlin, fresh from his devotions and pulpit, heading the peasants of the Ban-de-la-Roche with his pick and shovel, on his shoulder, to persuade them to try his example to “ mend their ways.” We are not so far behind the age as they were, but it is said there are so few good roads, and that all, or nearly all the land-money has been received, and there is so little to show for it. We are far behind Canada and America, indeed I should like to see a little more of American vigour and spirit about our people here. I believe the reason of its absence is to be found in the indifference the colonists have hitherto had in regard to the soil—they do not love it yet—they are not proud of it yet —the settlers of twenty years ago all looked to go back home again, and hence did all they could in a short time to take the cream off the milk. However, the tide has turned, and lads of fifteen and eighteen years will care for England as a curiosity and a pattern, but will say of Hew Zealand, with a little alteration, — “ My heart within me aye shall burn. Oft as my footsteps homeward turn. From wandering on a foreign strand. To this my own, my native land.*' The weather detained me longer than I intended at Mr. Robinson’s. But I did not regret staying at so hospitable and interesting a place, though I sadly wished to tarry longer in the Amuri, but the days were too short, and snow low down on the passes. Hext time I hope to pass over to the West Coast, without leaving the province of Helson.

The people are everywhere desirous to he posted up to the position of the mother country in everything ; and it is a great mistake to think that anybody will get on here who cannot get on at home—temptation is greater, and deterring helps are fewer. I have great hopes of the diocese as such, and believe that it will, in a few years, if all goes on well, be one of the most flourishing in blew Zealand. Bishop Hobhouse did a good work here, and set a noble example of disinterested liberality; but example, however excellent, will not necessorily reproduce itself, and it is only when God touches the heart, releases it from grovelling and love of mere money getting, that men desire better things for themselves and their children, and are willing to support religion with their substance. The question of secular or religious education is one which will engage further attention. It is beginning to be felt an undesirable thing to eliminate the reading of the Bible, and many are anxious to find out a plan by which, while securing the fullest liberty of conscience for the minority, the majority will not be cheated out of that which they conscientiously desire, through the scruples of the minority. To eject religious teaching, as they have done in Marlborough, is to cut the knot, and it is a statesman's business to untie it. But more of this another time. I have said much in praise of what I have seen, must I in fairness say anything in blame ? I had better do so if I think it deserved; but really 30,000 people here are very similar both in their defects and virtues to 30,000 people at home. Whatever they are doing now, and whatever they intend to do, I do not think all members of our church can flatter themselves that their past exertions have been quite equal to the calls made upon them. But things are changing, and they must continue to change if much good is to be done. I thankfully notice a steady improvement in contributions towards expenses of religious worship and mattei-s connected therewith, but there are not a few who complain loudly of the many calls, who themselves give nothing, but flatter themselves that when they are. asked for a subscription it is all the same as if they gave it. I wish that I could reach some of the absentees—-that I could, with telegraphic rapidity, go to and return from England, where so many are enjoying the result of their prosperity, to lay before them the duty of contributing their share in maintaining spiritual work amongst their tenants and neighbouring properties; but it is no good to indulge in vain regrets, or to speak as if matters were bad—they are not; and if we who are ministers, be faithful, diligent, and humble —and may God give us grace to be so—l see not the least reason to despond, but quite the contrary. This year much of our time has been taken up with timber and stone, and in clearing off arrears of work, and learning new ways, and getting up laws, statutes, and synodical machinery; but this will not have to be done again, and gradual extension with efficient working, will be our aim; hearty co-operation, zealous importunity, and diligent study, will, under God’s blessing, be our means. Once more thanking those who, by their guidance and hospitality, enabled me to accomplish the journey so prosperously, and thanking you for this opportunity of narrating my impressions. A. B. Kelson, K.Z.