REMINISCENCES OF THE TWO BISHOPS SELWYN.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 251, 24 February 1898, Page 3

REMINISCENCES OF THE TWO BISHOPS SELWYN.

TO THE EDITOII. Sib,—l think ic was in the month of March, 1866, when one evening my friend Mr Gerbel and myself were sitting outside our slab hut of two rooms on onr farm on the Ohaupo Te Awamutu Road, when two gentlemen approached us. The elder of them told us that it seemed to them that we were the most comfortable settlers on that road, having a good house and a fine garden full of vegetables. After some little conversation he asked us could we give them a " shake down " for the night and provide them with tea. Of course we willingly assented, and took their horses into a dry swamp, the older gentlerran coming with me to see that they got a ili ink and were tethered in a proper manner, whilst my mate prepared the tea for our guests. After grace they insisted on us having a cup of tea for companionship sake. Then we arose to go and get a " shake down " with our neighbours, and leave the two strangers to turn into our bunks. The old gentleman here stood up, and taking down four cups from the shelf, invited us to a glass of hot punch (if we would supply the water and sugar) out of a flask, which he told us he always carried with him well replenished to prevent him catching cold when getting wet on his travels. After an hour's conversation respecting our prospects in farming and our spiritual welfare, and after devotional exercise they told us that they were tired and wi&lied to go to rest. Next morning after breakfast, when the horses were saddled and our guests ready to start, the elderly gentleman thanked us for our kind hospitality. Uc then said, " Perhaps you are not aware that I am Bishop Selwyn, and this young man, poiuting to the younger gentleman, is my son, just arrived from England, where he has finished his College studies." Now the two Bishops have gone to their well deserved reward.—l am, etc., John OnYJt. Ohaupo, February 21st, 1898.