JUDGE MANNING.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1318, 9 April 1883, Page 3

JUDGE MANNING.

Judge Manning, the author of" Old New Zealand," as most of our readers are aware, is suffering from a cancer, and lies at the point of death in London, whither he had been ordered by his medical advisers. The following is the concluding portion of a letter he writes to Mr Wickham, editor of the Aucklacd Free Lance : This is a miserable climate—dark, dismal, foggy, cold. How Ido long to get back to that lovely country and climate where the sun .shines, and the country is so picturesque and to die amongst you all my friends. It cannot be. however; I must linger out a certain space in pain, and remain in, what is to me, a foreign land. I have, however, met with a few friends here. Mr Jackson's brother, Dr Jackson, is' a very fine fellow, and very kind, and comes to see me. Mr S. Morrin visited me to-day ; he is very ill, poor fellow,' and cannot return soon. I also have been visited by Captain • Daldy's brother; had a call from Mi-Domett, our ancient Premier, whom I knew at Wellington; and many others aro kind and ready to do me service.

I have nothing more to say but farewell, I have nothing more'' to do in this world but to die, as quietly as I can. The doctors say they can prevent me having too much pain. I may linger out several months, 'and so might have time to get a line or two from you which would be a great pleasure.

lam sorry I am prevented from writing a book, an endeavor to : make out some of the ancient history and migrations of the Maori race, of which I have got some very surprising glimpses. lean look at the prospect of death with equanimity, thank-God, and hope I may do so to" the end; it is the long pain I repine at. I have caught myself smiling more than once at the idea of fuss we sometimes make about dying, seeing we all know we must die, and what an insignificant thing an individual man. is on the earth, less than a mote, in the sunbeam ; tho' of mighty consequence to ourselves, as we feel too often for .our peace. The priests tell us many tales', and we really know nothing of the future nor why all things exists; but Ido believe in God (the sign is our conscience) and that men were not made for an evil purpose or end, and that we may lie down having a trust and hope that a future state may be no harm to us, the' few have earned much good, Remember mo sincerely to Dr. Pollen and all Auckland friends. I wish I could get back to die amongst you,' Wield the Lance in the cause of right and common sense, that is the best, though of course you must be with a party. Now, farewell, my dear sir, and farewell beautiful New, Zealand, would that I might rest there; but it cannot be. : . Yours very sincerely, " F. E. Manning.