THE LATE DANIEL RIDDIFORD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4387, 12 April 1875, Page 6

THE LATE DANIEL RIDDIFORD.

On Tuesday, March 23, the mortal remains of Daniel Eiddiford, Esq., of Woburn, Hutt, were consigned to their last resting place in St. James’ Churchyard, Hutt. There were a large number of persons at the funeral, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, which prevented many from being present who otherwise would have been there. Daniel Eiddiford was one of the earliest settlers, having arrived in Port Nicholson on the Bth March, 1840, and has resided in the vicinity of the Hutt during the whole of the time he has been in the colony. The deceased took a very active part in promoting the early colonisation of New Zealand. South Australia had just been founded, and the first batch of emigrants despatched to that colony, when the attention of a number of gentlemen in London was directed to the suitability of Now Zealand as a field for colonisation. Active measures were taken to promote a scheme having for its object the purchase of land in New Zealand and the settlement of people on it. At this time the affairs of Canada were in such a state as to require the presence of a Lord High Commissioner, and the late Lord Durham was selected by the Home Government to occupy that position. ' His Lordship induced a number of highly-gifted and talented men to accompany him to America, and amongst the number Edward Gibbon Wakefield, who had been tho active spirit in promoting the enterprise for the colonisation of New Zealand. On leaving England, Mr. Wakefield virtually abandoned the New Zealand project, thus putting an end to the scheme that was then in hand. Some of the gentlemen who had assisted in promoting the enterprise, however, had so far committed themselves to it, as to have disposed of their property, and expended a considerable amount in outfit, farming implements, &c., &c., so that it was almost a matter of impossibility for them to draw back then; —they must either emigrate to New Zealand or somewhere else. Glowing descriptions were sent Homo from Canada of the prospects which that country held out to the enterprising settler ; but those who remained in England had become so thoroughly convinced of the superiority of New Zealand, both as regards soil and climate, that they determined, at all hazards, to make it their future home. The lab Dr. Evans invited a

number of gentlemen to meet, and it was agreed that a company should be formed, and that as soon as forty shares of £SOO each were subscribed, operations should be commenced at once. Dr. Evans was the principal promoter and director of the company, and Mr. Daniel Riddiford the secretary. Amongst the names of those who had agreed to advance the capital were Captain Daniell, Mr. Le Mott, Mr. Ramsay, and others. No time was lost. The capital was soon subscribed, and arrangements made with Mr. Joseph Somes for the charter of the Tory, the greatest celerity being observed in fitting her out for the expedition. At this particular juncture Lord Durham and suite returned from Canada, when the whole aspect of affairs was changed. Mr. Gibbon Wakefield was then free to proceed with his colonising operations. He at once offered to enlarge the interests of the company, to form another on a more extensive scale, and to proceed vigorously with the work of colonisation. A large and influential directory was formed, with Lord Durham as chairman, and the new company was successfully launched. The Tory was despatched as the pioneer vessel, with Colonel Wakefield in command of the expedition, the object being to purchase land in New Zealand, and prepare for the settlement of the people. Shortly afterwards, the Cuba was despatched, with the survey staff, for the purpose of surveying the laud. In September, 1839, the first batch of immigrants sailed from Gravesend. Mr. Riddiford was a passenger by the ship Adelaide, and arrived in this harbor as above stated. Then commenced the dread realities of the work they had in hand, viz., to make a home in the wilds of this country. It is not necessary to recount the hardships that had to be encountered, by flood and field, by tho early settlers ; but they were submitted to uncomplainingly, and with the utmost fortitude and perseverance. Mr. Riddiford was a genial good-natured man, and ever ready to assist a fellow-colonist in time of need. Many a stranger seeking a home in this new land of ours, will remember with grateful feelings the good words of counsel and advice which he gave them to cheer them on their way. The early settlers are dropping off one by one, like leaves in autumn. Well, they have done an heroic work, in founding a colony that is destined one day to rival even the mother country in greatness, and to be the happy home of millions of our fellow-creatures. To have taken part in so great a work, will entitle them to be remembered in generations to come. Mr. Riddiford leaves a wife and family, and a large circle of friends, to mourn his loss.