“I find that my notion of a distinct settlement in New Zealand, under the patronage of a powerful body in this country, desirous of spreading the Church of England, stands a good chance of being realized sooner than we expected. The subject has been fully considered, and at length something like practical conclusions have been arrived at. Mr [John Robert] Godley left me this morning for Ireland. The plan of the colony…to be carried out, by a society [Canterbury Association] outside the Company, [New Zealand Company] consisting of bishops and clergymen, peers, members of parliament, and intending colonists of the higher class. But now comes the all-important practical question. By whose exertions in particular is the whole scheme to be realized? I have succeed in persuading [John Robert] Godley to think of devoting himself to the work…he ought to become a Director of the Company”.
Edward Gibbon Wakefield ~ 30th November 1847
* Founder of the New Zealand Company and is known as ‘the father of New Zealand’
– he and his brothers (William, Daniel, Arthur and Felix) oversaw the beginnings of the settlements of New Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.
– his nephew Charles Orbin Torlesse was a New Zealand Company and Canterbury Association surveyor.
* Co-founder of the Canterbury Association with John Robert Godley – the founder of Canterbury.
* Member of Parliament 1853 – 1855
*image of Edward Gibbon Wakefield courtesy of http://www.britannica.com*
