GEORGE AUGUSTUS SELWYN.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1922, Page 6

GEORGE AUGUSTUS SELWYN.

FIRST BISHOP OF NEW ZEALAND. NEW PLYMOUTH INCIDENT. To-day is the eightieth anniversary of the arrival of Bishop Selwyn in New Zealand (writes “Fifty-One” in Monday’s Hawera .-tar). Born at Hampstead, London, in 1809, he was ordained in 1833, and in 1841 left England as the first bishop appointed to these shores, reaching Auckland on May 29, 1842. His was an eventful career, and he was no doubt responsible for influencing the development of Anglican Church work in New Zealand. Those colonists who remember him will recollect the active part he took in endeavouring to christianise the Maoris, and it was asserted that he had greater regard for them than he had for Europeans. Of course, during the times of strife between the races, the actions of prominent men were liable to be misconstrued; but there is little doubt that Bishop Selwyn’s conduct throughout was in keeping with his professions —fair play to all men. A little incident that occurred in New Plymouth in the early sixties, on the landing of Bishop Selwyn from Auckland on a pastoral visit, will illustrate the feeling that pervaded some of the community at that time. I think he encountered a number of people somewhere about the intersection of Devon and Brougham Streets, and on his way to Archdeacon Govett’s, and some very uncomplimentary remarks were made about his preference for the Maoris. The principal speaker, if I recollect rightly, was a lady (Grannie L ). who could use her tongue, and she gave the Bishop such a slating that he must have remembered the encounter to the day of his death. Now, there is another incident in the early part of his ministrations among the Maoris, but I cannot vouch for its accuracy; however, I will repeat it for what it is worth. Bishop Selwyn was a noted athlete in his university days, and amongst other accomplishments was credited with being a don with the gloves. Preaching to the Maoris one day, a native treated the Bishop and the gospel was scant courtesy. This was put up with for some time, until Bishop Selwyn’s patience became exhausted, and he warned the Maori of punishment if he interrupted again. The warning was disregarded, and it is said the Bishop took off his broadcloth and sailed into that Maori until he cried ‘‘enough.” There was no more trouble during services from that : or any other quarter henceforth. Bishop Selwyn was appointed Bishop of Litchfield in 1868, and left New Zealand on October 19 of the same year to take up his new duties. He died on April 11, 1878.