tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64221788574198410882024-01-05T23:05:08.544-08:00James McKerrow - Surveyor 1834-1919This blog attempts to put together the life, work and times of James McKerrow, New Zealand Surveyor.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-53751316198816828902014-12-11T18:34:00.000-08:002014-12-11T18:34:48.457-08:00 Pioneers of Fiordland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="Milford Sound has had scenic appeal for tourists since colonial times. Photo / Paul Rush" height="310" src="http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201232/milford_620x310.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption class="caption">Milford Sound has had scenic appeal for tourists since colonial times. Photo / Paul Rush</figcaption> </figure>
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A gentle stroll along Te Anau's lakeside path soon tells me I'm in the very heart of Fiordland National Park.<br />
Beside
the Visitor Centre I meet Quintin McKinnon, the bold Scottish surveyor
who discovered the first overland route to Milford Sound, now known as
the Milford Track. The bronze statue of this short, stocky pioneer
presents him as a confident man with a faraway look in his eye.<br />
I meet local identity Ray Willets, a current Milford Track guide at a sprightly 76 years of age.<br />
"I
grew a beard and played Quintin McKinnon for 12 months, to raise funds
for the statue that was built in 1988, to mark the 100th anniversary of
the first crossing of McKinnon Pass," Ray tells me.<br />
"Before the
Milford Track route was opened Te Anau slumbered on the edge of the
unknown. It was McKinnon's exploits that gave birth to our community."<br />
This
brief encounter with Te Anau's colourful past inspires me to join
Richard Parkinson on his Heritage Trails mini-van tour of the town.<br />
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From a prominent lookout point, we gaze across the lake to Garden Point where McKinnon lived in the bush for a number of years.<br />
"He lived in isolation to cure his intemperance and guided parties on the Milford Track," says Parkinson.<br />
"In
1892 he disappeared on a solo trip to Milford. His boat was found
submerged at the Dot Islands, but the non-swimmer's body was never
discovered."<br />
Te Anau sits serenely on the eastern side of the
South Island's largest lake, straggling along the shoreline in one of
the country's most scenic locations.<br />
The first resident was
Richard Henry, who built himself a slab cottage on the south shore of
the lake, opposite the present motor camp, in 1883.<br />
Within a few
years he became disillusioned by the increasing crowd of tourists coming
through. This was providential indeed, as in 1894 he was appointed
curator of the world's first island sanctuary for birds.<br />
For 15 hard years he worked in Dusky Sound, trapping endangered kakapo and kiwi and transferring over 700 to Resolution Island.<br />
During
this period misguided politicians approved the introduction of
mustelids for rabbit control. Henry realised that the stoats and weasels
were swimming to the island and undoing his efforts. After years of
perseverance, he had to admit defeat but he is still revered as the
grandfather of New Zealand's wildlife conservation movement.<br />
Our heritage tour brings us to Te Anau Downs harbour where boats leave daily for the Milford Track.<br />
Parkinson
recounts the <u><b>exploits of James McKerrow</b></u>, who conducted a waterborne
survey of the lake in 1864. Welsh sealing captain, John Grono, helped
McKinnon cut the Milford Track and William Homer discovered the saddle
above the tunnel on the Milford Road.<br />
I travel by bus to Milford
Sound and gaze in wonder at the grand scene of sheer rock walls
plummeting into the black depths of the fiord. Mitre Peak's cleft summit
rears up sharply from the black depths, mirrored to perfection in the
glassy waters.<br />
According to Maori legend, the great sea-god,
Tu-te-Raki-Whanoa, carved Fiordland out of a solid mountain block with
his great adze. Milford Sound has long been recognised as his greatest
work.<br />
The Waitaha and early Maori tribes followed the Greenstone
and Hollyford Valleys to the West Coast in search of pounamu or
greenstone.<br />
Milford's first settler, Donald Sutherland, arrived
with his faithful dog, John O'Groat, in 1877 and erected thatched huts
by the freshwater basin he called the "City of Milford". He had set out
from Dunedin in 1877 in an open sail boat, passing through Foveaux
Strait and making the perilous passage up the Fiordland coast. Milford
Sound was to become his home for the next 40 years.<br />
He went on to construct a 12-room hotel to serve the growing influx of steamer passengers on sightseeing cruises.<br />
Sutherland
possessed a whimsical sense of humour and referred to his visitors as
"asphalters" (city dwellers) and "shadow-catchers" (photographers).
During the winters he lived a hermit-like existence.<br />
With fellow
adventurer, John McKay, he explored the Arthur River in 1880, having
spotted a distant flash of water over the treetops. They came upon a
waterfall and tossed a coin for the naming rights, which were won by
McKay.<br />
Later, they arrived at the base of a giant cascade, which became the Sutherland Falls - the third-highest in the world.<br />
On
a recent three-day tramp down the Hollyford Valley to Martins Bay, my
guide recalled the exploits of Davey Gunn, who he earnestly described as
"the greatest man who ever lived".<br />
Often referred to as New
Zealand's own Davey Crockett and the first real Southern Man, Gunn was
as tight-lipped and laconic as any Speight's-drinking actor on today's
flat screen.<br />
In 1926, the legendary Gunn took over the Hollyford
cattle run from the sons of Daniel McKenzie, the pioneer of Martins Bay.
When the spread of red deer ruined his pastures he diversified into
tourism, taking horse treks to remote wilderness camps.<br />
One
evening he heard a Fox Moth aircraft crash into the surf on Big Bay
beach. Running into the sea he found one person dead and four injured.
Realising they needed urgent medical attention he rode his horse, rowed a
dinghy and ran on foot on an incredible mercy dash that covered 90
kilometres in 20 hours.<br />
Fiordland has a panoply of pioneering
heroes. The first European explorers, surveyors, run holders and traders
all contributed to the beginnings of Te Anau.<br />
Today, when I look
at the modern Southern Man who receives an accolade from his cobber for
producing a pack of Speight's beer on a muster, I think of the true
pioneers that have gone before and feel humbled by their achievements.<br />
It
takes a visit to Te Anau and a wilderness tramp in the heart of
Fiordland to understand the sacrifices they made and the hardships they
endured.<br />
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<i><b>Thanks to NZ Herald to run this article written by Paul Rush. </b></i></div>
Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-59570768564906227582014-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:002014-06-05T12:48:54.759-07:00A Romance of Lake Wakatipu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="figure page-facsimile" id="CarARom137"></span><span class="caps">Note 15.—Clutha River.</span><h3>
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<span class="caps">From Victoria University website: http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-CarARom-t1-back-d1-d15.html#name-007584-mention</span>
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<a class="name person topic-ref mention" href="http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/name-413587.html" id="name-413587-mention" title="James McKerrow. Surveyor, explorer, and administrator. Chief Commissioner of New Zealand Railways.">Mr. James McKerrow</a>,
formerly District Surveyor of Otago, whose early explorations and,
considering the state of the country in these days,
astonishingly-correct observations did far more towards settling the
country and developing its resources than those of any other man, makes
the following pertinent remarks regarding the economics of these inland
water systems: "The lakes are a very great feature in the natural
history of the country, and perform a most important function in its
economy. They act as regulating reservoirs to the mountain-torrents
emerging from them, for over their broad surface the floods find room to
spread their volume until there be time given for the accumulation to
pass away in the steady flow of one river. The value of the lakes as a
means of restraining such rivers as the Clutha within safe limits will
more readily appear when it is considered that the Wakatipu alone covers
114 square miles, the Wanaka 75 square miles, and the Hawea 48 square
miles—altogether 237 square miles of lake to regulate its volume. These
lakes have also a rise and fall of several feet. From the data thus
given it will be evident that but for the tempering influences of the
lakes, the Clutha, in place of flowing along a well-defined channel, a
perennial stream, would devastate the whole country."<br />
After nearly thirty years' European experience, the soundness of this theory, put forward at a time when the interior was <i>terra incognita</i>,
can be fully attested. With the exception of a few miles of low-lying
country at its mouth the Clutha has never been known to overflow its
banks. With a body of water like this well confined, the bed in some
instances has been scooped out to a great depth, the banks alone in
these cases giving a drop of from 50ft. to 60ft. The country through
which it flows is widely diversified in its aspects, varying from
alluvial flats of great extent to abrupt mountain-gorges, in which
barely sufficient room exists for road-making. Through some of its rocky
defiles the river runs with great velocity. The average current,
however, does not exceed four knots. In appearance these defiles are, as
a rule, wildly grand. They form so many necks or funnels in the body of
the river, at which the channel gets so contracted that the current
receives all the greater impetus. The rush is for the most part that of a
smooth volume, without any sign of submerged rocks or boulders. It does
not demand great powers of imagination to invest these defiles with a
handful of satanic lore and describe them as the devil's mill-streams,
although it must be confessed the hydraulics are not generally
recognised branches in demonology. The scene overhead is equally wild
and suggestive. The precipices are high, the gorges in that way getting
completely walled in. These precipices exhibit rocks and boulders
striking all manner of threatening attitudes, from the slight list
forward to the distinctly dangerous-looking, overhanging ledge. Some of
these mighty excrescences look like turrets, embattlements, and
hill-forts, but they are all too great, too magnificent, to be
associated with the warlike operations of man. If we are to do them
substantial justice we must bring the imaginative powers again into
requisition and people them with a race of giants, armed to the teeth
with the artilleries of heaven. That is the only way oat of the
difficulty, and even then we may congratulate ourselves upon having
escaped lightly.</div>
Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-69584645183626125402012-09-11T04:01:00.000-07:002012-09-11T04:01:49.283-07:00Maps of James McKerrow's exploration and surveys.Two maps which help puts a perspective on the area that James McKerrow explored and surveyed
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94ABtR5Q97GDrBKc7KIJydz-KSEUAWeKbZnGtehzr9sqDM5jc7PcjmclsMcB5CFAHX8sZTwfdIyX26FruzVFhMacAFCn1_wWlqbJQlHp8p8GrXsNxR7-WWT3Lb4P9SvQeQ1yrGNCEsL3E/s1600/map-fiordld.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94ABtR5Q97GDrBKc7KIJydz-KSEUAWeKbZnGtehzr9sqDM5jc7PcjmclsMcB5CFAHX8sZTwfdIyX26FruzVFhMacAFCn1_wWlqbJQlHp8p8GrXsNxR7-WWT3Lb4P9SvQeQ1yrGNCEsL3E/s400/map-fiordld.gif" width="253" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofLULhQhrOj7gMLVjgR9bawvxcWiHxU_bxWBVf7xACzeccEfd0kwERAai6azY7n2lB1x7Cclj1H4XDT2waJnbk10bQcLLuRVzyhFNWKfFUi2rRr9tzeKBTBwwWcpkHT3Gd8gLQio2tnxE/s1600/mckerrowmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofLULhQhrOj7gMLVjgR9bawvxcWiHxU_bxWBVf7xACzeccEfd0kwERAai6azY7n2lB1x7Cclj1H4XDT2waJnbk10bQcLLuRVzyhFNWKfFUi2rRr9tzeKBTBwwWcpkHT3Gd8gLQio2tnxE/s320/mckerrowmap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-6655788322974835722012-01-08T03:26:00.000-08:002012-01-08T03:46:42.312-08:00James McKerrow, the explorer and namer.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGUYrF44LVo50K7ScfmIU-XYaBUX7izvjbU3mE2ZJoeN4gvu5mpJDFoH4e0oXULyqi2b6DcRpjzdd9n3_JMsiAg2iyC5go2z4ZKcczp4VoemqxrFwE8k4vQmz39J6L9i1PgdFghBPk4Wp/s1600/Z+earns+poseidin+pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGUYrF44LVo50K7ScfmIU-XYaBUX7izvjbU3mE2ZJoeN4gvu5mpJDFoH4e0oXULyqi2b6DcRpjzdd9n3_JMsiAg2iyC5go2z4ZKcczp4VoemqxrFwE8k4vQmz39J6L9i1PgdFghBPk4Wp/s400/Z+earns+poseidin+pigeon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong>During my 3 week holiday I spent time travelling through country that my Great Grand Father explored between 1861-63 at the head of Lae Wanaka and Wakatipu.</strong><br />
<strong>Above we see the Routeburn, Caples, Rock Brun, Beans Burn, the Rees and the Dart valleys he explored, surveyed and named. Photo: Bob McKerrow.</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YZiX3E2J6ZE3k-QSEUD5Bc4DKureq52vluxElE_zVH7Irlii-1JJ6Mz53V19p_OsMQYF1MB7d5jPpOd3KSuTubEvVzf0or_xRDsbPXIUo3u_FhDTzESwwdwsuunRTIdJxnP-upc8e62F/s1600/Z+earnslaw+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YZiX3E2J6ZE3k-QSEUD5Bc4DKureq52vluxElE_zVH7Irlii-1JJ6Mz53V19p_OsMQYF1MB7d5jPpOd3KSuTubEvVzf0or_xRDsbPXIUo3u_FhDTzESwwdwsuunRTIdJxnP-upc8e62F/s400/Z+earnslaw+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong>The west and east peaks of Mt. Earnslaw. Photo: Bob McKerrow. Photo: Bob McKerrow</strong> <br />
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James McKerrow was a prolific namer of features he surveyed. Over the years I have tried to climb, walk, raft or kayak, or just look and photograph the places he named..The map below conveys the extent of his work over one of the remotest parts of New Zealand<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3s0bfHJ0CtzxhRJxaoxEmnCFJJmFnXdwr9A2FmNRxTSIgVLii6dg7uh5pPE-hNjdXjEWCBHZteEKxCnub_EInZd-gJQkL1w0Vtx6eHF_gggSMSZmXtkKg1Zaz7I0awG7te5tcQcpt9E2/s1600/mckerrowmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3s0bfHJ0CtzxhRJxaoxEmnCFJJmFnXdwr9A2FmNRxTSIgVLii6dg7uh5pPE-hNjdXjEWCBHZteEKxCnub_EInZd-gJQkL1w0Vtx6eHF_gggSMSZmXtkKg1Zaz7I0awG7te5tcQcpt9E2/s400/mckerrowmap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Since much of the country over which he passed was virgin, McKerrow took on himself the task of naming prominent features of the landscape. The policy employed in this work he described thus:<br />
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“ In naming of objects, those already in use in the district were always adopted, they are generally defined to a few creeks or perhaps a hill or two in the vicinity of the respective stations. The other names I either endeavoured to make descriptive or suggestive: this, in the case of the more prominent peaks, appears to me to be of much consequence to the traveller, for they become so many finger posts pointing the way. The great landmarks, Leaning Rock, Double Cone, and Black Peak, I found of much service in determining my whereabouts at the beginning of the survey; their names are legible in characters not to be mistaken”(1).<br />
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“ A great number of descriptive names were given thus: Cathedral Peaks, The Monument, the Beehive, the Crown, the Coronet, Tooth Peaks, Twin Peaks, the Minarets, Mt. Sentinel, Titan Rocks, Spire Peak, and so on and so on……<br />
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The mountain ranges were named after distinguished men in science, literature, travel and position, such as Kepler, Humbolt, Murchison,. Livingstone,, Forbes ( Professor of Natural Philosophy 60 years ago at Edinburgh, an authority on glaciers), Hunter (John, Anatomist) Sturt (Australian Explorer), Albert ( late Prince Consort)) Eglinton (Lord Lieutentant of Ireland and Lord Rector Glasgow University), Richardson (Sir John),Thomson, Hector, Garvie, Buchanan (local and well known), Goldie Hill and Bryce Burn were after my two men who were true and faithful throughout.” (2)<br />
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“ An island in Lake Manawa-pori is Poman, named in 1862 by James McKerrow, after the principal Island or “mainland” of Orkney Islands in Scotland.,” with a view to help the rhythm of the future poets, who will describe in flowing numbers the charms of beautiful Manapouri, as McKerrow prophesises…….<br />
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The Freeman was named by Mr. McKerrow in honour of Mr. Freeman Jackson, a very early runholder (3)….When Mr. James McKerrow was engaged with reconnoitring surveys during the years 1861-63, he named a number of places.” A few of these he named in the Wakatipu and Te Anau districts as follows: He gave the name Caples to one of the branches of the Greenstone, rivers….McKerrow named the Lingstone Mountains after Mr. D. Livingstine, the celebrated African explorer. David Peak(6802 ft/)in memory of Dr. Livingston’s christian name, Moffat Peak (5848 ft) , an African missionary and father-in-law of Livingstone. Eglinton River and Mountain after the Earl of Eglinton and Winton at that time Lord Lieutenanr of Ireland. Skelmorlie Peak (5933 ft.) and Larg Peak (5555 ft.)are both Ayrshire names. Mount Christina (8675 ft.) after a girl who was companion to Mrs. McKerrow in his absence. Clinto River, Te Anau, after one of the family names of the Duke of Newcastle, who was Colonial Secretary in 1863. Worsely Creek, North Fiord, Te Anau, named after the sheep farmer who drayed the boar for the surveyors from Manapouri Lake to Re Anau. Nurse Creek, after another sheep farmer, Lakes McKellar and Gunn after David McKellar and George Gunn….. Lake Fergus was named after Hon. T. Fergus in 1863. Bob’s cove was named after Bob Fortune, Mr. Rees’s boatman” (4)<br />
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“ In the Doon, Dean Hill, Bean Forrest, Afton and other Scottish names Mr. McKerrow honoured the land of his birth,(5) Mt. Pisgah was taken from the bible. It was the vantage point from which the promised land was seen.(6).<br />
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In his book, Otago Placenames (7), Mr. H. Beattie gives an exhaustive list of Mcerrow’s placenames. “ Besides J.T. Thomson, the most popular name giver in our history was probably James McKerrow”, he states. Mr. Beattie goes on to list more than 220 place names which are associated with McKerrow’s labours.<br />
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(1) Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V, July 23,1862. P 16.<br />
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(2) Letter to Hocken.<br />
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(3) Roberts, W.H.S. Place Names and Early of Otago and Southland, P.32. <br />
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" " Maori nomenclature, Early History of Otago. P.47<br />
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(4) Roberts. P.48. Roberts does not make it absolutely clear whether or not McKerrow gives the last two names.<br />
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(5) Kilmarnock Standard, 22nd August, 1903/<br />
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(6) McKerrow’s Reminiscences.<br />
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(7) Beattie, H. Otago Place Names, Pp. 78-86. <br />
By 1861 there were several newly established sheep stations on the south end of the lake, when James McKerrow first arrived to carry out survey work. In 1862 McKerrow surveyed the lake in a whaleboat.<br />
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</div>Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-26782966811845269922011-06-04T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-05T04:41:48.577-07:00Reflections on the work of James McKerrow', explorer & surveyor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fHVxM8K1KlnKC4h7O7MMTJ31PhAlnfxr6kcl-dkpZ9wXj3BLs-puVKoFvV1rjmJhvlo_Ig_04EKUG4714CbkHpG09xVNkljI4DKtFI-9_7nrv8qf5K_-T9i-d6QM24D_8tEM5Od8CK7X/s1600/james+mckerrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fHVxM8K1KlnKC4h7O7MMTJ31PhAlnfxr6kcl-dkpZ9wXj3BLs-puVKoFvV1rjmJhvlo_Ig_04EKUG4714CbkHpG09xVNkljI4DKtFI-9_7nrv8qf5K_-T9i-d6QM24D_8tEM5Od8CK7X/s400/james+mckerrow.jpg" t8="true" width="252" /></a></div><strong>Left: James McKerrow, Explorer, surveyor and Surveyor General of New Zealand.</strong><br />
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Later historians have been generous in their estimates of McKerrow’s work. Mr. R. O. Carrick for example describes him as “Mr. James McKerrow, one of the earliest and most enterprising of our Southern explorers . . . whose early explorations and considering the state of the country in those days astonishingly correct observations did far more towards settling the country and developing its resources than those of any other man”.<br />
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The Royal Astronomical Society’s tribute, paid on McKerrow’s death in 1919, indicates that his worth was<br />
recognized by leading scientific bodies. “Years of arduous work . . . in the early days demonstrate to the full the loyalty, grit, and solid determination that he possessed and displayed in the carrying out of expert and scientific work at a time when means of communications were of the most primitive description, and when the surveying of the mountainous forest lands in the south necessitated the finest qualities that man can possess.<br />
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But, intent on doing his duty, he carried out his responsible work unappalled by dangers which rarely cross the path of a professional man”.<br />
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McKerrow’s intimate knowledge of the interior was fully utilized by those requiring information on the region. “Select Committee for Roads and their Construction” appointed by the Otago Provincial Council asked him his opinion about the possibility of running a road through to Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge. McKerrow pointed out the inherent difficulties of making such a road, and the immense expenditure of time<br />
and money required. In response to a series of questions he also gave his opinion on the most profitable and speedy way of getting supplies through immediately to the Wakatipu goldfield, and the measures he considered necessary to compete with Invercargill for the trade.<br />
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In a more specialized field, that of geology, McKerrow’s observations were of particular significance. In a paper read before the Otage Institute on July 19, 1870, and later printed in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, he discussed the “Physical Geography of the Lake Districts of Otago.<br />
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After referring briefly to the areas, dimensions, altitudes and positions of the lakes, he pointed out that they were long and thin, lay lengthwise in their valleys had precipitous sides, surfaces not differing greatly in altitude, and terminated at the point where the valleys broadened out into plains. On each side and at the<br />
southern ends there invariably lay vast areas of shingle and large blocks of rock. It appeared that some great natural cause had had a uniform action in producing these lakes. McKerrow contended that the glaciers lying on the side of the mountains were puny descendants of glaciers which had formerly filled valley and lake bed, and had slid slowly but irresistibly forward, carrying with them the spoil of the mountain, gradually working<br />
a bed deeper and deeper, and finally depositing their spoil as lateral and terminal moraines. Soundings taken of the depth of Lake Wakatipu supported certain corollaries of this theory, and McKerrow drew further support for his contentions by explaining why New Zealand was at one time cold enough to contain such large glaciers. The present condition of lake and river, he maintained, must however have been in existence for a long time if the conclusions he drew from the slow silting up at the heads of the lakes were valid. He pointed out that the rivers were gradually eroding their courses to a lower level, with the result that several small lakes had been transformed into valleys.<br />
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Rivers then ran through them and dashed over the moraine as rapids. From these observations and taking into consideration the great disintegrating power of frost, it could be readily understood to what an extent the mountains were denuded every year. “Speaking on the Lake Districts in a general manner”, he concluded “It may be observed that, considering the extent of agricultural, pastoral and forest land that abounds in them, their mineral products, their delightful climate, and extent of inland navigation, they have within their own borders all the man elements that render communities prosperous and ourishing.”<br />
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McKerrow’s paper was of great interest to geologists throughout New Zealand since by attributing the formation of Wakatipu to glacial erosion he rejected the theory of di erential subsidence propounded in 1869 by no less an authority than Sir James Hector<br />
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In 1876, F.W. Hutton, in a paper read before theWellington Philosophical Society said, “I need scarcely say that I agree with Mr. McKerrow . . . In his paper McKerrow points out, I believe for the first time, the very important fact that the constrained exure of a solid body like ice, when passing from one angle of inclination to another, would greatly increase the friction at this particular point”.<br />
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McKerrow’s theory in later years received support from such men as Sir Archibald Geikie, Professor Hein, Professor Penck and Tyndall the Physicist .<br />
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More recently the view has been than these two theories both contain elements of truth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHK6CJQaOgS4oYuXOrNrNOtbmfeslnpPPFlVrfUGVAplAHCEQ8CUcrklGWbmynbdRgqLwr9k62j1vUK3wWZUsKfOtA-hiZ6l6eb5xo_U7FjlxaFIlYtpkhPebC0od1lFkflo36rmuzI-2/s1600/james+mckerrow+later.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHK6CJQaOgS4oYuXOrNrNOtbmfeslnpPPFlVrfUGVAplAHCEQ8CUcrklGWbmynbdRgqLwr9k62j1vUK3wWZUsKfOtA-hiZ6l6eb5xo_U7FjlxaFIlYtpkhPebC0od1lFkflo36rmuzI-2/s400/james+mckerrow+later.jpg" t8="true" width="322" /></a></div><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> James McKerrow in his final years</span></strong><br />
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It says much for McKerrow’s keen and analytical powers of observation and for his wide scientific knowledge that he, an amateur geologist, was able to contest points of geological theory with the geological authorities of the day. Such was the high regard in which McKerrow was held in geographical and geological circles that Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, the President of the Royal Geographical Society and a geologist<br />
of world wide reputation, saw fit to link the young surveyor’s name with those of Hector and Haast. These three men had all had papers read in 1864 before the Society, McKerrow’s being his report to Mr. Thomson on the lake district previously published in the Otago Provincial Gazette. In his address to the society at an anniversary meeting on the 23 May, 1864, the President said: “Three papers of great interest have been communicated to the Society, which throw additional light upon the physical geography of the hitherto unsur veyed districts of the great middle island of New Zealand, and certain new facts illustrative of glacial action. I consider it, indeed, to be a fortunate circumstance for our science, that these regions should<br />
have been visited by such men as Dr. Hector, McKerrow and Dr. Haast”. McKerrow’s subsequent election as an F.R.G.S. can perhaps be attributed to Sir Roderick’s remarks.<br />
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Practically and scientifically McKerrow’s journeys were of value to his fellow men, but they also a ected him personally in such a way that for the rest of his life he had a nostalgia for the wide open spaces, the lakes and the bush-clad hills.<br />
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Professor James Park, an explorer of a later day describes some of the difficulties of such journeys, and then goes on “But the gains were great. The man has not yet been born who will ever forget the blazing campfire and itting shadows that chase one another from tree to tree, the blue sky overhead, the vitalizingwhiff of the mountain air, the scents of the forest, the murmur of the nearby stream, the boom of the bittern, the shrill cry<br />
of the kakapo r the clear call of the kiwi. When to these we ad the quest of adventure and the joy of discovery we have a ombination of in uence that make a powerful appeal to the pimitive instincts of man”.<br />
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“For the time being the party forms a little self-governing, elf-contained community. For the common weal every man ust exercise patience and self-restraint, and in none are these qualities more required than in the leader. It is his duty to allot each man his particular task, to call the time of starting and of camping. The daily round, the close association, and perhaps more than all, the community of ideals which brings together<br />
kindred souls for a common and tends to foster a spirit of comradeship that often ripens into lifelong friendship.”<br />
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James McKerrow was an ideal leader for such a small self- contained community. Daring without being foolhardy, never expecting more of his companions than of himself, quick to take a lead in apparently trivial matters such as changing wet clothes promptly or drinking sparingly of cold water on a hot day, he contributed an impressive quality of leadership towards the success of the expedition. One incident typifies McKerrow the man. On one part of a return journey something went wrong with the compass, and McKerrow was forced to take bearings from the stars. Goldie was not satisfied with the results, and declared they were heading in the wrong direction.<br />
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He refused to proceed further, and after signing a paper to the effect that he was taking such a course of his own free will, he struck out by himself. Three days later he returned and to his astonishment found McKerrow still at the same place.<br />
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Goldie expressed his surprise. McKerrow replied “I know you would come back, John, so I waited.” No reference to Goldie’s obstinacy ever escaped McKerrow’s lips, but in John Goldie he had made a lifelong friend.</div>Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-38064972313733019712011-04-06T19:04:00.000-07:002012-02-06T04:40:45.778-08:00Mount Pisgah first climbed by James McKerrow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5VNbQIBl0S5qWYPTtYSsYoosxcruaEybwjtdTiZhwEusZgOAT8eDcJs-OJbvi8M0pXRhC6lkT7-xQvTusm3hTHEMgRiAhFRIM2Lq7sx14Q-ag63YcjuT4hoXI59SvYVJxBlYDAUlQzXM/s1600-h/Mount+Pisgah.bmp"><strong><img alt="" border="0" height="242" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147153880514422402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5VNbQIBl0S5qWYPTtYSsYoosxcruaEybwjtdTiZhwEusZgOAT8eDcJs-OJbvi8M0pXRhC6lkT7-xQvTusm3hTHEMgRiAhFRIM2Lq7sx14Q-ag63YcjuT4hoXI59SvYVJxBlYDAUlQzXM/s320/Mount+Pisgah.bmp" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" width="320" /></strong></a><br />
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<br />
<strong>Mount Pisgah, Southwest Arm, Middle Fiord, Lake Te Anau</strong> <br />
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<em>This is the law of Fiordland and ever she makes it plain :</em> ( Apologies to Robert Service )<br />
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" Send not your foolish and feeble; send me your strong and your sane;<br />
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Strong for the red rage of battle; sane for I harry them sore;<br />
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Send me men girt for the combat, men who are grit to the core;<br />
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Swift as the panther in triumph, fierce as a bear in defeat,<br />
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Sired of a bulldog parent, steeled in the furnace heat.<br />
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Send me the best of your breeding, send me your chosen ones."<br />
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James McKerrow was the first person to climb Mount Pisgah in Fiordland in 1863. McKerrow noted that 'from its summit, the mouth of Caswell Sound and the ocean beyond, were seen on 3 January 1863. At that time there was a strong desire to find an overland route to the West Coast. 'The sighting of the West Coast from the interior for the first time, so far as I know, brought to my mind the sighting of "The promised land" by Moses from Pisgah, hence the adoption of the name."<br />
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In 1995, Julian Royals and Stan Mulvany repeated this climb. Here is an account of their ascent.<br />
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Pisgah is a mountain lying deep in middle Fiordland.<br />
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Party : Julian Royals and Stan Mulvany<br />
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Statistics : 54 kms paddled and 900 feet af ascent and descent<br />
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Date : 2/3 September 1995<br />
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In June 1994 Jon Taylor and I travelled to Pisgah. It is a 27 km paddle from Te Anau Downs up the Middle Fiord and South West arm of Lake Te Anau. We arrived near its base at 4pm and with short hours of daylight we never had a chance to climb it. This winter I went on a voyage to the Yukon and Alaska and although my arms felt strong I felt the need to work out on a mountain closer to home. Julian was conned into this venture.<br />
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Friday night was wet in Invercargill so we got everything ready for an early start next day. By 6am we were on the road with my Feathercraft K2 Double lashed on the roof rack and the boot full of climbing gear. Two and a half hours later we pulled into Te Anau Downs Motor Inn where Pam Hicks agreed to look after the car for the weekend. The weather was fine and sunny with a moderate westerly breeze. We launched from the beach below the hotel, Julien in the front cockpit and I in the rear cockpit.<br />
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Once out of Boat Harbour the waves built up and we paddled into a headwind in a direct line for Rocky Point. There were whitecaps out in the sound and once across we tended to hug the shoreline where headlands offered us some shelter from the westerly. The K2 handled well in the blusterly conditions and we slowly passed the islands on the south side of the middle Fiord. On a headland before Arran Island we stopped for lunch. Then it was into some rough water around the big bluff separating the main fiord from the South West Arm. It was with some disappointment we entered this Arm to find a strong headwind blowing down it. At 4 pm we beached just north of the Doon River at the base of Pisah. The mountains here were covered in SW cloud and it was gloomy and unfriendly. We resisted a strong temptation to stay in the hut at the Junction Burn.<br />
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After hiding the kayak in the forest we loaded up our packs and headed up. After a few hundred feet I found a deer trail in the dense forest and followinf this we climbed about 800 ' before nightfall. On the crest of the ridge we found a mossy and rocky clearing with just enough room to pitch the tent. Down below the sound stretched away between dark mountain walls. We cooked a hot meal and settled down for a good nights sleep.<br />
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At 6 am the alarm went off amd by 7 we were away. The plan was to leave most of the camping gear at this spot and go light weight to the summit. It looked like our ridge went up a way then turned to the right for about a kilometer keeping fairly level before rising again to the summit. The bush on it however proved to be exceedingly dense. Soon after starting our deer trail vanished so we had no option but to retrace our route and decided to take all our gear to the bushline. We battled our way up and Julian on his first trip to Fiordland found it hard going. So hard was it that one of his Koflack climbing boots fell apart with the sole coming off entirely. I suggested he bind it back on with his crampons which he did.<br />
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On the level ridge we found another deer train which took us along fairly easily for a while. In places it ran over rocky out drops which afforded us good views of the surrounding country. The snow was down into the bush. at the end of the level ridge we headed strainght up on vague deer trails and higher up we hit the snow. This was soft and we went down to our knees in it. The country was also very steep so it was a merciless slog upwards. It was noon before we pulled clear of the bush. The snow from here on was hard and easy going.<br />
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Julian looked exhausted at this point but after quoting the above poetry he seemed to find some deep reserve of hidden energy for the final push. We left our packs under some alpine scrub as I had espied some circling Keas lower down. Then we cramponned quickly upwards to the corniced summit ridge. Here we entered cloud and so to the summit. We had only a minute on top as I was in a panic now that the time was 1.30 pm. I practically ran all the was down to the packs leaving poor Julian struggling in thhe rear. In the bush I tried to take a more direct line down but alas this did not work out. After years of climbing in Fiordland I can tarzan through the bush quite easily but for Julian it was a nightmare. I had to badger and exhort him to keep going all the time. I was silently cursing myself for not returning on our ascent route as it was hard to know exactly where we were. Eventually after climbing several trees I picked up the vital level ridge and was able to guide ourselves onto it. Here we picked up the good deer trail and this time I followed it like a blood-hound. This eventually took us back to the sound which we reached at 5.30 pm.<br />
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We launched and started power stroking down the sound. An hour later it was dark. Julian was cold. wet and tired and I promised him a short respite and dry clothes when we reached our Saturday lunch stop in the middle Fiord. There was a half moon shining through a thin viel of cloud and enough light to travel . The wind picked up a bit and we could surf on small waves in the dark. After a few hours we landed on a headland where Julian got on dry clothes and then we were off. Once in the main lake I headed too far north till I saw the looghts of Te Anau Downs Hotel. We arrived there at 11.15 pm. Needless to say everyone had gone to sleep so I had no option but to tap on Pam Hick's bedroom window. She very graciously got up to get our keys and also hot drinks before we hit the road.<br />
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"<em>This is the law of Fiordland, that only the strong shall thrive;</em><br />
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That surely the weak shall perish, and only the fit survive.<br />
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Dissolute, damned and despairful, crippled and palsied and slain,<br />
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This is the will of Fiordland, - Lo, how she makes it plain. </div><br />
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</div>Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-62303473390808020622010-12-21T05:13:00.000-08:002010-12-21T05:13:14.483-08:00So, so close to a watery end<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_WM9pXWy0q8f5zTK8vpDXOuulBq84eme2US5G3bR2jKw9hkTZBvAnaUJr2BE_j8dkd1viirtCRAoPWTZIaGeySGXflbfewMqF5Tkq7rwklvoKCP2Hmif5cbSESs6xxFTSaQneQ0lnp2m/s1600/surf+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_WM9pXWy0q8f5zTK8vpDXOuulBq84eme2US5G3bR2jKw9hkTZBvAnaUJr2BE_j8dkd1viirtCRAoPWTZIaGeySGXflbfewMqF5Tkq7rwklvoKCP2Hmif5cbSESs6xxFTSaQneQ0lnp2m/s640/surf+up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I posted earlier that we are in Hikkaduwa hoping to go surfing.. At 2 pm the waves were really wild and only one or two locals were braving the thunderous conditions.About 4.30 pm, the waves looked surfable so I thought it would be important for Ablai (11) and me to swim out and get used to the waves that looked huge, but manageable, We had been practicing for two weeks in a local pool to et the arm strength and technique back. We dived through a few, body surfed in and were starting to feel like getting a board to go out. Slowly something happened, almost inperceptably to the currents and a rip pulled us out like the arms of an invisible octopus was tugging us further and further away from shore. <br />
We were in difficulties. What do you say to al ll year old whose Father was once like a fish in water, but slowing a little ? Do you say “don’t panic.” No ! “ Ablai,” I said, “we’re being pulled out, just tred water and save energy.” <br />
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“The waves will take us out, but later they will bring us in.” I could see three local surfers relishing in the curling waves and flowing through tube like waves. After some minutes one of them noticed we were in difficulty. First Galem came up and said, “ Can I help.” I said, “yes, can you help Ablai to shore.” I breathed a sigh of relief and being an ex Outward Bound instructor, recalled my words to students, “ You have to learn to push beyond your own self-imposed limitations, and find the real you.” The real me was a drowned Bob, or a wet, tired and live one.<br />
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I was trying to conserve energy but was being pulled further out, but reassured Galem was helping Ablai closer to shore. Next this dreadlocked smiling face surfed up to me and said, “ Do you need help ? ” <br />
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My Mother used to teach me Genteelism, so I said ” my right arm is bit painful and I am not swimming as strong as I should, would you be so kind as to help.” First he gave me his lightweight board that acted more like a submarine but together we were able to make ground shorewards. The submerged board acted more like a plough and a few minutes later Sanjay turned up with Nadeem, who had a large surf board. With huge smiles om their faces, they gave me the board. Slowly with a little pulling and pushing from Sanjay and Nadeem, I got to shore<br />
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Lessons learned ? Many.<br />
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We going back tomorrow and i will hire these four professional surf experts who probably saved our lives.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_WM9pXWy0q8f5zTK8vpDXOuulBq84eme2US5G3bR2jKw9hkTZBvAnaUJr2BE_j8dkd1viirtCRAoPWTZIaGeySGXflbfewMqF5Tkq7rwklvoKCP2Hmif5cbSESs6xxFTSaQneQ0lnp2m/s1600/surf+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_WM9pXWy0q8f5zTK8vpDXOuulBq84eme2US5G3bR2jKw9hkTZBvAnaUJr2BE_j8dkd1viirtCRAoPWTZIaGeySGXflbfewMqF5Tkq7rwklvoKCP2Hmif5cbSESs6xxFTSaQneQ0lnp2m/s320/surf+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-49778430306190176342010-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:002010-10-22T19:33:00.836-07:00SURVEY WORK IN OTAGO 1867-76THE prevalence of the spotting system of survey was the source of additional work for Mr. Thomson, and when in 1866 Goldfield’s Survey was added to his list of worries, he decided to appoint an Inspector of Surveys. The duties of this officer would be to examine instruments and equipment at every<br />
station and camp, to check and supervise all field operations, and to ensure careful work on the part of every surveyor in the province<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85MZNQUMehmX2eGU-D5mQlT_zM1Akz9XmHSBev-K1bIFVjCfeOW846WolX2iupuQ5FovBJceogTaemKAhIW6Wyv1ngNyAxejgJPH3S3156ky_7H7SSZ9JK3nLYkAjrC9PGz33KfON3Yhy/s1600/st-bathans-range.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85MZNQUMehmX2eGU-D5mQlT_zM1Akz9XmHSBev-K1bIFVjCfeOW846WolX2iupuQ5FovBJceogTaemKAhIW6Wyv1ngNyAxejgJPH3S3156ky_7H7SSZ9JK3nLYkAjrC9PGz33KfON3Yhy/s640/st-bathans-range.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<strong>St. Bathan's Range, Otago. Photo: Courtesy Donald Lousley.</strong><br />
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James McKerrow was the logical choice for this (1) position, and was duly appointed.<br />
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The question of the relationship between Goldfield and general survey had been threshed out in 1864 by a Select Committee of the Provincial Council Vincent Pyke, Secretary (2} for the Goldfields, maintained that two departments were covering similar ground in an uncooperative manner which could only lead to inextricable confusion. He advocated their amalgamation, and also pressed for the establishment of District Survey Offices.<br />
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Thomson opposed the plan since he himself had had no experience in goldfield survey, and because he could see no merit in a scheme which divided the province into survey districts under men of inferior ability and with incomplete information on land affairs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cDMHyrPMBVDpR7QZ9dqK3tP0W2vFRGbnRw0_RlYXqOFV3-2R0Jwdtw7hvBD1imF9iT_Pmv-2kSX8gKxIGpm5o52VpaUB-NrziwcLU4WUsiLkXJQ_IAeu9RmBqR0icR6Fv_8MQYNx9O6P/s1600/mckerrowmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cDMHyrPMBVDpR7QZ9dqK3tP0W2vFRGbnRw0_RlYXqOFV3-2R0Jwdtw7hvBD1imF9iT_Pmv-2kSX8gKxIGpm5o52VpaUB-NrziwcLU4WUsiLkXJQ_IAeu9RmBqR0icR6Fv_8MQYNx9O6P/s400/mckerrowmap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>The huge swathe of land that James McKerrow Surveyed.</strong><br />
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Despite his protests, the Select Committee recommended that the two survey systems be amalgamated, and that District Land Offices be established at the principal goldfields and towns of Central Otago<br />
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By 1867 the amalgamation had been e ected, and Thomson took steps to satisfy himself as to the e ciency of the surveyors in the goldfields. McKerrow and he started immediately on a thorough tour of inspection.<br />
Proper camp and field equipment (4) was granted to each surveyor, and each member of the sta was<br />
excused the quasi-public duties which had formerly interrupted his work. Each surveyor was then informed that all surveys for record on public maps were to be repeated. With the assistance of several of the officers of the general staff , rapid progress was made in this work, and credit for much of the improvement must be given to the new inspector.<br />
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He applied himself to the instruction of various officers in the routine of the Otago system; a system easily mastered by the more intelligent among them. The whole service was infused with new life and by 1870 Thomson could refer to the in uence of land o ces in Lawrence and Queenstown as turning “the<br />
face of the country from a desert to a garden.” (5)<br />
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General as well as goldfields inspection was within the scope of McKerrow’s appointment, and it was his responsibility to check the work being carried out by both government and contracting surveyors . It was felt that contracting surveyors (6) were more liable to error than those working on a standard wage, and for the reason their activities were limited to block survey, the accuracy of which could easily be verified . Under (7) the Boileau sur veying system, McKerrow had only to plant his theodolite on any point of a triangulation or traverse within sight of two or more established points to be able at once to confirm accuracy or detect error. Furthermore, this same check was open to each individual surveyor, and since errors were necessarily either intentional or the result of gross carelessness, dishonesty or incompetency was swiftly disclosed by the logic of the figures. “This”, maintained Thomson “is the secret of our success”. (8)<br />
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The Otago survey staff soon came to enjoy a reputation for speed and e ciency unrivalled in New Zealand. Among the members of this sta moved McKerrow, checking, inspecting, and ready with encouragement or practical suggestion. “The measurement of this base . . . was completed in the presence of . . . Mr. McKerrow, who himself made the requisite corrections. . . on two steep terrace slopes, at each end of the line, and worked out the result”, wrote J.S. Connell (9)<br />
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As time went on, and the survey sta settled into an established routine, McKerrow found time to turn his attention to special projects which from time to time devolved on the Survey Department.<br />
One of these special problems occurred in 1869. In that year, Mr. Thomson, despairing of securing adequate longitudes for the Otago survey system, erected a small observatory of his own, and set out to ascertain the longitude of the Pronvincial Surveys by independent astronomical observation. The method<br />
he employed was that known as “Moon culminating stars”.<br />
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Between August 1869 and March 1870 the moon’s transits were observed at all hours of the night, but adverse weather conditions cut down considerably the number of acceptable readings. McKerrow’s and Thomson’s calculations of the longitudinal determinations di ered slightly, but this was attributed to the di erent tables and principles of computation employed. The results of the e ort were considered to be very satisfactory. Thomson reported: “I have much pleasure in here stating that I have been accompanied by McKerrow in all the calculations required in the . . . astronomical and geodesical observations which have been long and laborious, and which could never have been produced with confidence had I no one<br />
competent, as he is, to a ord me check”. (10)<br />
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Early in 1870 preparations for the establishment of smallbody of settlers at Martin’s Bay, Western Otago were set on foot, and McKerrow was sent to see if a practicable bridle track could be pushed through to the Hollyford River via the Dart River, the Routeburn River and Lake Harris. Several explorers,<br />
P.Q Caples included, had already used this route, and the Otago Witness was therefore at fault when it stated that McKerrow’s party was seeking a pass to the West Coast . The purpose of (11) the trip was not to discover a pass; this had already been done.<br />
<br />
It was to Survey the district and to make a report on the track. The party went up the Routeburn, passed over the Harris saddle, climbed peaks commanding a view of the complete course of the Hollyford River, and descended into the Hollyford Valley. After crossing the river and making an examination of<br />
the land on the western side, they retraced their steps. McKerrow reported that the distance from Lake Wakatiputo Lake McKerrow was thirty five miles, and that if trees were blazed on the track and dead timber removed, it should be possible to walk the distance in one day. He found this track<br />
shorter than any other, but pointed out that several di cult places had to be negotiated and, that as the altitude of the pass was 4500 feet, it might prove to be impassable for a few weeks<br />
each winter (12)<br />
<br />
A tracing of McKerrow’s map was in use as early as April 1870, and although some confusion arose through the incorrect aming of a ford it was found to be extremely useful (13)<br />
<br />
This survey provided for a long felt want since it enabledarrangements for the Jamestown settlement to go ahead, and he Otago Witness expressed its satisfaction that McKerrow ad attracted more attention to this rather inaccessible cornerof the province (14)<br />
<br />
During 1871 McKerrow spent some time in inspectingsurveys, and, along with Mr. J.H. Baker, in extending standardbearings over the Southland District and Stewart Island,(15) bu to an ever increasing degree he was being called on to report on the suitability of blocks of land under consideration<br />
for Hundreds.<br />
<br />
In July 1871, in response to a series of1 6 qestions put to him in a memorandum from Mr. Thomson, he furnished evidence regarding the fertility, topography and suitability for settlement of a 5800 acre block at Waiarika<br />
. <br />
At (17) the conclusion of the report, he pointed out that as bona fide settlement was a ver y gradual process large areas must always be open for selection (18)<br />
<br />
Another run McKerrow examined was that of Mr. W.J. Clarke of Mao Flat. Part of the run had been sold but as contradictor y reports were in circulation regarding the quality of the land, a request was made to the Chief Sur veyor that he “instruct an officer of his department (in whose judgement regarding such matters he can place confidence) to make a thorough inspection,” and prepare a plan delineating such<br />
features as agricultural and pastoral lands, streams, and the position of roads. McKerrow duly furnished a report and explained that he had modified the boundaries of the original<br />
application in order to preserve the connection between the road and the back country, and to include the homestead in the agricultural block selected by the leaseholder.<br />
<br />
In 1872 the survey Department was reorganized, and for purposes of inspection was divided into two districts; one under McKerrow, the other under Baker (19) interest in land questions was fully maintained. Donald Reid introduced his deferred payment scheme in 1872, and in the same year a committee was set up by Parliament to enquire into the sale of large blocks of land in the goldfields by the Otago Waste<br />
Lands Baord. McKerrow was asked to report on the 20,000 acre block opposite Clarke’s Moa Flat Station which Messsrs. Cargill and Anderson wished to purchase. His contention that the block<br />
contained no agricultural land was vigorously contested by the Roxburgh Progress League, whose members protested that the best inland district in Otago was being locked up from agricultural<br />
and mining settlement. The widely divergent opinions of other witnesses as to the precise area of good agricultural land in the block would suggest that they were not altogether in agreement<br />
as to what constituted agricultural land (20)<br />
<br />
Other blocks examined by McKerrow towards the end of 1872 included one in the Glenkenich and Waipahi district, and another between the Pomahaka and Waikoikoi Streams.<br />
<br />
Both were being opened up for sale following the payment of compensation to the leaseholder (21)<br />
<br />
The sale of a 10,000 acre block in the Maerewhenua district (22} brought more work, for the miners who had acquired rights in the gullies of the run had brought in water at considerable expense,<br />
and protested that their interests were being neglected. By all accounts much of the land within the block was auriferous. McKerrow had examined the block some time previous to the outery, and had advised that it was predominantly suitable for pastoral purposes, but in December, 1872, together with<br />
Mr. T.L. Shepherd, he was appointed to a commission with instructions to re-examine the block and report back with special reference to its auriferous nature. The members of the<br />
commission questioned the miners, examined their sluices and claims, and reported that the 5800 acres of auriferous land in the Maerowhenua Block was capable of providing steady employment to the miners for years.<br />
<br />
The advisability of diverting the head-waters of the Kakanui River was also discussed. The miners claimed that such a diversion was essential for the prosperity of the goldfield. On the other hand, the mill owners and fellmongers at the mouth of the river objected, and maintained that any diversion<br />
would decrease the volume of water at the river’s mouth to a level insu cient for their purposes. The commission advised a better utilistion of the available water by the mill owners and fellmongers as a solution to the problem.<br />
<br />
In June 1873 McKerrow made his way back to the Maerehenua block to prepare a report on the amended application. At the same time he examined the Otiake and Otekaike valleys and Doctor’s Creek to determine their auriferous nature. For two days, he and several members of the Mining Association prospected for gold with tin dishes and shovels, but although specks of gold were found, it was agreed<br />
that the expense necessary to sink shafts and to bring in water would not be justified<br />
.<br />
Besides undertaking duties in connection with land sales, McKerrow continued his work as Inspector of Surveys. During the 1872-3 season he checked work at Lawrence, Queenstown,<br />
Naseby, Clyde, Balclutha, Mataura, Dunedin, Camaru; also the triangulations being carried out between Lake Ohau and Mt. Aspiring. (24)<br />
<br />
In November 1873, a change took place in the department.Under provisions of the 1872 Otago Waste Lands Act, the Chief urveyor was not entitled to hold his position in conjunction ith that of Commissioner of Crown Lands and of the Waste Lnds Board. Mr. Thomson decided to retain the latter two<br />
appointments and after a period of seventeen years as Chief Surveyor severed his offcial connection with the Otago Survey Department.(25)<br />
<br />
James McKerrow was Thomson’s logical successor and was apointed Chief Surveyor as from 26 November, 1873<br />
<br />
The appointment met with general approval. “I thus had a new chief ”, writes J.H. Baker, “but as I had met and worked with him before, I knew that I should have no di culty in getting<br />
on with him” (27}<br />
There was no revolutionary change in policy or procedure.<br />
<br />
The work of the department proceeded smoothly and e ciently and McKerrow passed the necessary plans. These he kept indexed in his field book (28)<br />
<br />
He was often required to pass judgement on proposeddeferred payment blocks, and, as a guide, prepared a tabulation showing the extent of certain runs, the area of land which (29) could be taken from them, and the area which it was proposed to take from them immediately it appeared that one block of 82,600 acres was to be opened between the Waiairiki Hundred and the boundary of the Wairuna and Pomahaka Hundreds at Popotunoa. McKerrow pointed out that the opening of this (30) block would complete the chain of settlement from Riverton to the Waitaki River. He also prepared reports on hundreds<br />
at Heriot and in the Waikaka Valley, and an estimate of the agricultural and pastoral potentialities of the Waiau Valley. Yet another report dealt with the protest which Messrs. Cargill and Anderson lodged against the decision to open for settlement 2800 acres of their run. McKerrow had suggested that part of the run was suitable for closer division, but the run-holders took the case to law and succeeded in retaining possession of the disputed part.<br />
<br />
In his first annual report McKerrow was able to report a satisfactory standard of e ciency and attainment by both surveyors and draughtsmen. He pointed out that as large areas awaited trigonometrical survey and 8,000,000 acres had still to undergo section survey, there was ample work to occupy offcers of the department for many years. (31)<br />
<br />
During his years as Chief Sur veyor, McKerrow had to discharge sundr y duties other than those of a surveyor and an Assessor of Waste Lands.<br />
<br />
His intimate knowledge of Central Otago made him an admirable guide for scientists. On one occasion he and Captain F.W. Hutton spent some time searching around Wakatipu for traces (other than moraines) left by the reteating glacier. The search was fruitless, and none of the more perishable remains,<br />
such as blocs perches and straite, were to be found (32)<br />
<br />
In 1874 a scientific event of peculiar interest occurred. A transit of Venus was due. On learning that British and American expeditions were being dispatched to New Zealand, the Otago<br />
Institute appointed Messrs. Thomson, McKerrow and Skey as a committee to assist the visitors. The committee collected data on climate, traveling facilities, and suitable localities in<br />
Otago for obser vation, and forwarded reports and maps to the Astronomer Royal at Greenwich and to the States Astronomer in America. No reply was received from the former, but the latter<br />
reported that Professor Peters would consider the proposals on his arrival in New Zealand.<br />
Lieutenant Bass of the American party preceded Peters to New Zealand, and under the guidance of McKerrow made an extensive tour of Central Otago. He decided to follow the Institute’s advice and to make Queenstown the base for operations. From there the Americans enjoyed singular success in their observations. No fewer than 160 photographs of the transit of the planet on the sun’s disc were secured. “The scientific world may . . . congratulate themselves on his success”, stated Thoson “as owing to the failure of all other expeditions the most valuable data has been secured for all nations”. Peters acknowledged his debt to this voluntary band of helpers, whose advicee had enabled him to choose an ideal spot. The other expeditions had not been so fortunate for bad weather had hindered their operations<br />
(33)<br />
<br />
Major Palmer, the leader of the English party engaged in observing the transit of Venus, was an authority on sur veying, and before he left the country was approached by the Central<br />
Government o undertake the examination of what was generally conceded to be a disjointed and ine ective survey system.<br />
<br />
The Chief Surveyors of the Provinces were well aware of<br />
the deficiencies in their sta s and systems, but maintained that<br />
lack of time and trained personnel had forced them to push<br />
on with systems lacking a consistent geodetic basis. They met<br />
in conference in 1873, and recommended the adoption of one<br />
co-ordinated system throughout the country. Thomson, who<br />
was unable to be present, wrote emphasizing the need for the<br />
establishment of a national system under a Surveyor General<br />
before too much of the country was surveyed into sections (34)<br />
<br />
The Government had made no move in this direction, but by 1875 was forced to institute an enquir y.<br />
Palmer’s report revealed chaos and disorder in practically<br />
every province. He described the history of Auckland Surveys<br />
as “one of lamentable confusion and neglect, and want of<br />
system and accuracy”. The only system which came in for any<br />
substantial measure of commendation was that of Otago. Of<br />
it he wrote that “Surveys of Otago which have mainly been<br />
carried out on this safe and steady system, are on the whole<br />
in a better state than those of the other provinces . . . The<br />
Late Chief Sur veyor, Mr. J.T. Thomson established in 1861 a<br />
uniform system of surveying which was . . . simple and practical.<br />
Upon this system the surveys have been pushed forward as<br />
rapidly as possible under the direction of Mr. Thomson, and<br />
latterly under that of his successor, Mr. McKerrow. They have<br />
generally kept pace with the demands of settlement, and are<br />
at present in a forward state . . . All work hitherto done may<br />
be considered fairly accurate showing that, as an expedient for<br />
promoting rapid and correct land sales and preventing waste,<br />
the Otago system has answered well. Indeed both of the cardinal<br />
branches, trigonometrical and detail, have been surrounded<br />
with most of the safeguards and precautions which should be<br />
looked for in a well-managed survey department. All original<br />
records, moreover, have been carefully kept and registered, and<br />
the trigonometrical stations with few exceptions are erect and<br />
permanently marked, so that ever y part will be available for<br />
further use if required”.<br />
“When as the surveys within circuits progressed the various<br />
initial points came to be connected together by inter vening<br />
minor triangulations, it became possible to test the accuracy<br />
of the work by making comparisons between the observed<br />
di erences of latitude and di erences computed through the<br />
network of triangles; also by comparing the observed and<br />
computed convergence of meridians. The results of these tests<br />
were very satisfactory, considering the means and instruments<br />
used, and they do high credit to the skill and care of Mr.<br />
McKerrow, by whom all the original observations for latitude<br />
and tr ue azimuth were made” (35)<br />
<br />
Palmer came to the conclusion that one exact and<br />
comprehensive system was needed to eliminate small errors,<br />
and to weld the existing piecemeal systems into a homogeneous unit<br />
. No immediate action was taken to implement these (36)<br />
suggestions immediately however, and the province found<br />
themselves free to pursue their activities unchecked.<br />
<br />
During 1875 and 1876 the work of the Otago Survey<br />
Depar tment went on at high pressure, and showed every<br />
indication of continuing that way. The rate of settlement under<br />
the deferred payment system was increasing in tempo, and<br />
it was necessar y to keep surveys ahead of settlement. Sixteen<br />
pastoral leases embracing a total area of 400,000 acres were<br />
due to expire in 1878, and something more detailed than a<br />
Reconnaissance Survey would be required for administrative<br />
purposes. Maps, grants and lease must also be prepared for<br />
District Land Offices (37)<br />
<br />
McKerrow was not destined to supervise all these plans.<br />
In 1875 the Central Government decided that the Provincial<br />
Governments had outlived their usefulness. Despite vigorous<br />
protests, they were abolished the following year, and most of their<br />
essential functions transferred to Government Departments<br />
in Wellington. Mr. J.T. Thomson was appointed Sur veyor<br />
General, and expected that McKerrow would be his assistant<br />
. Nor was he disappointed for on the 16of December, 1876 (38)<br />
James McKerrow was appointed Assistant Surveyor General.<br />
Thus at one blow Otago lost to wider spheres of service two<br />
gentlemen who had played an active part in opening up and<br />
settling the province’s lands. They had subjected the work of<br />
their subordinates to stringent enquiry, and by encouragement<br />
and personal example had succeeded in inculcating an “esprit<br />
de corps” into the department. Only really competent surveyors<br />
could find employment in Otago, and those that did took a<br />
delight in reducing their margins of error below the maximum<br />
allowed by regulations. They took a pride in their work, and<br />
appreciated the need for rigid standards. Thus although a<br />
stickler for accuracy, McKerrow was popular with the members<br />
of his sta , and when he left for Wellington they presented him<br />
with a handsome gold watch.<br />
The value of the work accomplished in Otago by Thomson<br />
and McKerrow has been universally recognized. “Otago was<br />
fortunate in its choice of surveyors”, writes W.G.McClymont, “and<br />
<br />
McKerrow no less than Thomson was a man of marked ability”<br />
(39) J.H. Baker, a prominent surveyor in early times, maintained that,<br />
“Mr. Thomson was one of the pioneers of scientific survey in New<br />
Zealand, and the colony owes more to him and his assistant Mr.<br />
McKerrow than is I think generally recognized”.(40)<br />
McKerrow’s qualities of character attracted all classes<br />
of people, and when he moved from Otago, he left behind<br />
hundreds of friends and acquaintances in both town and<br />
country. He was invariably obliging and cour teous on both<br />
social and o cial occasions. “I had an interview with Mr.<br />
McKerrow”, wrote Hon. George McLean the Conservator of<br />
State Forests, and the latter, who was just leaving for Wellington,<br />
kindly gave me all the information in his power during the<br />
short time at his disposal, and sketched out a route which<br />
served as a general guide during my stay in the province.”(41)<br />
<br />
“We traveled . . . with Mr. McKerrow whose genial nature and<br />
wide and comprehensive knowledge of New Zealand made<br />
him a most attractive and interesting companion”, writes C.S.<br />
Ross<br />
. Friendships cemented in remote districts of Otago were<br />
(42) not forgotten, and at his residence in Wellington McKerrow<br />
entertained a constant stream of his old Otago friends.<br />
<br />
<strong>Notes</strong><br />
1. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. X, 5th Sept. 1866, P. 173. Thomson’s report<br />
2. App. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XIX, 1864, Select Committee<br />
Reports, Pp. 89-90<br />
3. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. XI, 28th Aug. 1867, Pp. 226-7.<br />
4. Ibid<br />
5. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XXVII, 1870, Departmental<br />
Reports, P. 33.<br />
6. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XXIII, 1867, Departmental<br />
Reports, P 2.<br />
7. Connell, J.S. On New Zealand Surveys, App. Trans. N.Z. Inst. Vol.<br />
VIII, 1875, Pp XXVII-XXXVIII.<br />
8. Thomson, J.T. Exposition of Processes and Results, P. 15.<br />
9. Connell, op cit. P. XXXVI.<br />
10. V & P Otago Prov. Council Session XXVII, 1870. Departmental<br />
Reports, Pp. 30-33.<br />
11. Otago Witness 26th Feb. 1870, Article<br />
12. Otago Witness, 26th Feb. 1870, McKerrow’s Report<br />
13. Otago Witness April 16 and 23, 1870. The Martin’s Bay Expedition<br />
14. Otago Witness 26th Feb. 1870, Article.<br />
15. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XIX, 1871. Departmental Reports,<br />
Pp. 34-5.<br />
16. Eccles, A., The Life of Donald Reid Pp. 179-211 gives a good account<br />
of land conditions and tenure, 1856-76.<br />
17. Between the Mataura and the Waikaka districts.<br />
18. App. H of R 1873, Cl, Pp 18-19, Mao Flat is near Heriot, Central<br />
Otago<br />
19. App. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XXX, 1872. P. 64 Survey<br />
Report<br />
20. App. H. of R. 1872, H1<br />
21. App. V & P, Otago Prov. Council Session XXXII, 1872, Pp. 117-121.<br />
Waipahi is 84 miles south-west of Dunedin<br />
22. App. V & P, Otago Prov. Council Session XXXII, 1873, Pp. 14-29.<br />
Maerewhenua is about 30 miles north west of Oamaru, and on the<br />
south side of the Waitaki River.<br />
23. App. V & P Otago Prov. Cuncil, Session XXII, 1873, Pp. 14-29<br />
24. Ibid P. 12. Survey Report<br />
25. Baker J.H., op. cit. P. 134<br />
26. Otago Prov. Gaz. 26th Nov., 1873, P. 437<br />
27. Baker, op cit P. 134<br />
28. Field Book No. 330, Dunedin Survey O ce<br />
29. App. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XXX, 1874, Pp. 106-08.<br />
30. In the Clinton district – about 80 miles south-west of Dunedin.<br />
31. App. V & P. Otago Prov. Council Session XXXIII 1874, P. 67<br />
32. Trans. N.Z. Inst. Vol. V, 1872, P. 343. Hutton, F.W., On the Last<br />
Glacier Period in New Zealand.<br />
33. Trans. N.Z. Inst. Vol. VII, 1874. Pp. 550-53<br />
34. App. H. of R. 1873. H1.<br />
35. Palmer, Major, State of Surveys in New Zealand. App. V & P.H. of R.<br />
H1. 1875<br />
36. Ibid<br />
37. App. V & P. Otago Prov. Council, session XXXIV, 1876. Departmental<br />
Reports No. 5<br />
38. Baker, J.H. A Surveyor in New Zealand, P. 140<br />
39. McClymont, W.G. Op. cit. P. 132.<br />
40. Baker, J.H. P. 116<br />
41. App. H. of R. 03, 1877, P. 7. Report of Conservator of State Forests<br />
42. Ross, C.S. Early Otago, P. 182.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-18763687287602470452010-01-21T00:10:00.000-08:002010-01-21T21:15:17.580-08:00James McKerrow's Geodetical SurveysI have had a few people asking me about James Mckerrow's work on Geodetical Surveys. here is a page from David Herron's 1948 Thesis.<br /><br /><strong>GEODETICAL SURVEY</strong><br />IN his annual report for 1862, Mr.J.T. Thomson made a recommendation that McKerrow be employed on Geodetical <strong>1</strong> operations after he had completed the Reconnaissance surveys.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6jKVl66_INJi3pkyWDZj5ZjAh6cz4STufvHQeTBf2UYCkcb3bMKeEfY43Gw0tUra94uQVgwnEtASKAUqzgDPSpEOf8IrNUEQLFNqZJtcriZfD-miA02rDC62l7CmPIXfUlqjS-ne_Oir/s1600-h/mckerrowmap.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 399px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429426634855269282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6jKVl66_INJi3pkyWDZj5ZjAh6cz4STufvHQeTBf2UYCkcb3bMKeEfY43Gw0tUra94uQVgwnEtASKAUqzgDPSpEOf8IrNUEQLFNqZJtcriZfD-miA02rDC62l7CmPIXfUlqjS-ne_Oir/s400/mckerrowmap.jpg" /></a> Under Thomson’s tutelage he would gain practice in this type of operation<strong> 2</strong>, so that unaided, he might establish standard bearings and distance, and set up marks to guide the district surveyors <strong>3.</strong>As long as the detailed surveys were confined to narrow limits, no harm could arise from the use of small instruments in directing general survey, but as operations were extended the governing power of larger and more delicate appliances became more and more necessary. The cheap and rapid Reconnaissance surveys were adequate to control all preliminary arrangementsfor settlement and to guard against the possibility of major boundary disputes, but as minor triangulation and section survey extended slowly westward, the approximate observations of the Reconnaissance surveys were found to be palpably insufficient. <strong>4</strong>Thomson had long been considering the advisability of securing a set of observations exact enough to maintain accuracy in succeeding surveys, but before 1864 could find neither the time nor means to do so.<br /><br />It had been intended to use the department’s solitary eightinch theodolite to carry out major triangulation from the series of bases sixty miles long. This scheme would have taken twentyeight years to complete5, but the discovery of gold however,<br />and the subsequent influx of settlers gave such an impetus to settlement in scattered and isolated communities that a more rapid system was needed <strong>6</strong><br /><br />Thomson had two courses open to him. One was to carryout operations in areas unconnected with one another; the other to use a common standard of reference connected with given points. A decision was essential; to temporize would have<br />meant immediate relief, but ultimate disgrace and disaster <strong>7</strong><br />Thomson knew only too well that when isolated and unconforming surveys close, confusion and overlapping is inevitable, and it comes as no surprise to learn that he decided on a system governed by common references. Throwing time-honoured precedents to the winds, he adopted a system appropriate to circumstances. It had as its bases the use ofmeridional circuits; it was rapid, would control settlement<br />survey and did not deviate from true principle <strong>8</strong>. What more could be desired?<br />The province was to be divided into five large districts named meridional circuits. These were to be not more than 120 miles in length and 90 in breadth, and were to be bounded by conspicuous geographical features. In each circuit there would be set up an initial station, central if possible, from which observations for latitude and true meridian would be made with the eight-inch transit theodolite. <strong>9</strong> The methods to be used were those of “equal altitude of stars”, and “high and low stars”. From the initial points bearings would be extended and traverses carried firstly down those valleys already inhabited, and ultimately into every accessible corner of the province.<br /><br />Points on these traverses, called geodetic stations, would be placed from ten to fifteen miles apart, and bearings of the traverse lines, all referring to the meridian of the initial station would become fundamental bearings for all subsequent minor triangulation and section survey.<strong>10</strong><br /><br />McKerrow spent his first season in geodetic surveying in extending true bearings in south-eastern Otago.<strong>11</strong> His theodolitewas set up at Trig. Station A., North Taieri, the initial station for the south-eastern districts, and from that point observationswere taken to find true meridian <strong>12</strong>. The first set of observations taken were to discover the altitude and azimuth of the sun13,<br />but it was found that evaporation from a nearby swamp was having a considerable effect on the readings. To obtain results independent of this error, observations were directed to thestar B Orionis (Rigel) in order to apply a system of calculation<br />known as equal altitudes and azimutha <strong>14.</strong> This method relied for<br />success on a clear sky for several hours, but being independent<br />of latitude, time and altitude, reduced the possibility of error to<br />a minimum, provided that the instrument was not disturbed.<br />Reference before and after observations to a distant mark<br />precluded the possibility of a disturbance passing unnoticed.<br />The same method was used to determine the true meridian of<br />Observation Point, Port Chalmers, although on this occasion,<br />a different star was employed.<br /><br />The latitudes of the stations were found by observing<br />stars north and south of the zenith. The stars selected did not<br />differ much in altitude15 or right ascension <strong>16</strong>; thus errors due<br />to refraction affected each star equally and were neutralized.<br />It was important however, that the instrument be adjusted<br />perfectly horizontally. It it wasn’t when it was turned round<br />to the second of the two stars any error would be doubled.<br />To guard against such a contingency great care was taken in<br />levelling the horizontal limb, and, as an added precaution, the<br />instrument was placed on a massive stone pedestal and wellprotected<br />from the weather.<br />McKerrow considered that the mountain masses close to<br />the initial stations might also be suspect if errors crept into his<br />observations. To check up on this possibility he recommended<br />the comparison of measurements by standard chain and<br />latitudinal observations on half a mile of meridional line on a<br />level plain. Such an experiment would show the accuracy of the<br />theodolite observations and enable corrections to be applied to<br />the initial point.<br />At Port Chalmers the observations for latitude were taken on<br />still clear nights, and the results compared with those obtained<br />by Captain Stokes of the Acheron and by Mr. Thomson. Cloudy<br />weather hindered operations at North Taieri, and appeared to<br />preclude the possibility of anything other than an ordinary<br />geographical determination. McKerrow decided to leave a<br />geodetical determination for some other time, however, and as<br />soon as he had determined true meridian began the extension<br />of bearings through south-east Otago so as to overtake the<br />surveys in progress. Within a few months bearings on true<br />meridian had been extended through the surveyed districts<br />in Kuriwao Peak17 and thence to Glenomaru18, Waikawa19,<br />Tuturau20, Toitois21 and to the Pomahaka22 and Waikaia valleys.<br />From Port Chalmers bearings were extended to Black Hill and<br />up the Waitaki Valley and a start made up the Shag Valley<br />One of the stations of the minor triangulation was always<br />converted into a geodetical station if the district had been<br />triangulated, and from it a round of angles were taken to the<br />surrounding stations. In this manner much minor triangulation<br />was checked and the difference between it and the standard<br />system noted. In unsurveyed districts a reference trig station<br />was erected within two or three miles of the geodetical station.<br />This made the geodetical stations available for checking. The<br />stations were built of stones, when it was necessary to erect one<br />– otherwise a stone was placed in the centre of a circular plot of<br />ground twenty feet in diameter and enclosed by a trench. The<br />augur point was the centre of a circle carved on the face of the<br />block. Reference trig stations were always selected so that they<br />could be of use in the minor triangulation system.<br />To keep the theodolite safe during the journey from station<br />to station, its parts were placed in strong padded boxes and<br />carried in a spring wagon. Moreover it was screened from sun<br />and wind during observation, and its adjustments frequently<br />checked.<br />Another duty which fell to McKerrow during his time as<br />Geodetical Surveyor was to lay down standard length chains<br />for the use of district surveyors. During his first season he did<br />this at the Custom House Dunedin, at the survey offices in<br />Popotunca, Toko, Oamaru, and Hampden23, and on the rocks<br />on the Otago side of the Mataura Falls. Stone blocks with brass<br />centres were placed sixty-six feet apart in the ground while the<br />temperature was between 55o and 60o F. For the convenience<br />of surveyors testing chains, an oblong pivot was placed on one<br />of the brass plates, and on this one of the handles of the chain<br />could be hung while the other was brought up to the graduation<br />on the second plate. At each ix feet pegs were driven in, so that<br />if the chain rested on them while being tested, it would be in<br />one and the same plane.24 At the Mataura Falls the rock had to<br />be cut down to the level of the line joining the brass centres.<strong>25</strong>During the course of his work, McKerrow was frequently<br />called on to repair or renew stations of the minor triangulation.<br />In some cases both mound and trig were gone and it was<br />necessary to take observations to re-determine their position.<strong>26</strong>Mr. J.T. Thomson was gratified with the results achieved.<br />In his annual report for 1863-64 he stated that “particular<br />notice is called for to the most important operations that<br />have been undertaken since I had charge of the Department,<br />viz. the Geodetical Survey conducted by Mr. McKerrow . .<br />. So far much objection cannot be taken against the survey<br />as the error does not exceed the maximum allowed in lineal<br />measurements; but had the work proceeded on to more distant<br />areas the error would have increased so materially as to be a<br />cause of opprobrium against the survey, and this not only in a<br />professional point of view, but errors of sufficient magnitude to<br />cause lawsuits regarding disputed boundaries would have crept<br />in to so great a degree as probably to put the province to the<br />expenses of a revisal of survey.<strong>27</strong>On the recommendation of the Chief surveyor McKerrow<br />spent 1865 in carrying geodetical bearings further into the<br />interior28. Astronomical observations for latitude, true meridian,<br />and compass variation were taken at Lindis Peak; then standard<br />bearings were extended down the Ahuriri Valley to meet with<br />the line of bearings previously extended up the Waitaki Valley<br />from Observation Point Port Chalmers. Reference stations were<br />erected at various points, and standard chain lengths again laid<br />down, this time at Peninsula Pt., between Taieri Lake and the<br />mouth of the Kyeburn, at the Mining Survey Office Warden’s<br />camp, Clyde, and on the banks of the Clutha.<strong>29</strong>McKerrow’s work once more earned him the approbation<br />of Mr. Thomson. Regarding the cost of geodetical survey<br />operations (£114/7/3), the latter wrote: “I need say little, as<br />the high importance of the service to all future surveys of this<br />Province is now well established.”<strong>30</strong>One more season was required for the completion<br />of geodetical operations, and it was occupied in making<br />observations for latitude, true meridian and variation of<br />compass at Mt. York and Mt. Nicholas, and in re-determining<br />the latitude of the station at North Taieri. The observations for<br />latitude were taken under flawless conditions. On comparing<br />the two sets of readings for the latitude of North Taieri,<br />very little difference was found, a tribute to the accuracy of<br />McKerrow’s work. When the true meridians of Mt. York<br />and Mt. Nicholas had been determined, the bearings of the<br />different meridians were extended and closed on one another,<br />and it was possible to draw a comparison between calculated<br />and observed meridional differences.31<br />Only a slight discrepancy was found, despite the<br />incorporation of errors accumulated during the extension of<br />bearings through as many as thirty intermediate stations. A<br />further comparison, this time of the latitudes obtained during<br />the Reconnaissance Survey on one hand and the geodetical<br />operations on the other, led McKerrow to report that “it is<br />satisfactory . . . that the differences are so nearly uniform”.<br />Standard chain lengths were laid down during the season at Fern<br />Hill, Te Anau Downs, and at the Survey Office, Queenstown.<br />Mr. Thomson received the final report with enthusiasm32.<br />“The primary operations that will henceforth regulate and<br />govern all survey operations in the Province I am happy to<br />state have now been completed by Mr. McKerrow, in so far<br />as it is at present necessary, the strip of precipitous land on<br />the West Coast alone remaining, but which does not call for<br />survey . . . The total cost of the geodetical operations have,<br />from their commencement amounted to £3735.17. These<br />operations have extended over 10,300,000 acres, as the rate of<br />cost per acre is only 8/100ths of a penny . . . As these points<br />or stations are accessible to all surveyors in different parts of<br />the province wherever employed, they can now proceed with<br />their work correctly and without error or difference. A map of<br />these standards bearings is now in the course of publication so<br />that the benefit of Mr. McKerrow’s labours will be at the easy<br />command of all . . . I annex Mr. McKerrow’s report. On his<br />last year’s work in full, by which the care, patience and skill<br />with which he has pursued his labours, under many difficulties,<br />discouragements and not to mention perils, during these last<br />three years, will be apparent to the Government. The work as<br />it now stands, if it goes no further, will be a lasting monument<br />of his services to this department and I have no doubt will<br />be fully appreciated by those who will reap the most benefit,<br />viz. the members of his own profession, and the settlers whose<br />properties can now be surveyed without fear of errors and law<br />disputes”.<br />In a newly settled country such as New Zealand in the sixties,<br />there was opportunity for pioneer work in many spheres; work<br />of a permanent nature which when done is done for all time.<br />Thus McKerrow was fortunate in that he was able to secure<br />a standing in New Zealand surveying circles by engaging in<br />geographical work of peculiar interest to the colony. McKerrow<br />himself, with characteristic modesty, attributed his success<br />to his good fortune in being entrusted with the vital work33,<br />but the fact remains that he was picked from a staff of highly<br />competent craftsmen as the most suitable for the job, and he<br />carried it through to success. He overcame great hardships34,<br />D 106 d SURVEYOR, EXPLORER AND CIVIL SERVET<br />used his ingenuity to meet problems as they arose, and secured<br />valuable and exact data. The value of the Geodetical Surveys<br />can be established from this fact – they still form the basis of<br />Otago Surveys.<br /><strong>Notes</strong><br />1. Geodetical survey, as opposed to plane survey, takes into account the<br />curvature of the earth. It ties the humbles village in with a world-wide<br />scheme. Geodesy means literally “earth division”.<br />2. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V, November 26, 1862, p. 207.<br />3. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XVIII, 1863, Departmental<br />Reports, p. 12.<br />4. V & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XIX, 1864, Departmental Reports,<br />pp. 31-3.<br />5. Palmer, Major. State of Surveys in New Zealand, App. H of R 1875,<br />H1.<br />6. Thomson, J.T. Exposition of Processes and Results of the Otago Survey<br />System, p. 11, Pamphlet in Hocken Library.<br />7. V & P Otago Prov. Council Session XXVII, 1870, Departmental<br />Reports, pp. 30-33.<br />8. Ibid.<br />9. The theodolite is used to measure horizontal and vertical angles with<br />the aid of a telescope and graduated circles. Theodolites are grouped<br />into two classes; plain and transit. The latter is used for astronomical<br />and geodetical observations, and differs from the plain in one respect.<br />The telescope of a plain theodolite can move through an arc of about<br />45o upwards or downwards from the horizontal plains; in the transit<br />theodolite the telescope may take a complete revolution from the<br />horizontal. Thus a different method of mounting the telescope to<br />correct its adjustments is necessary.<br />10. Palmer, Major, op cit.<br />11. V. & P Otago Prov. Council, Session XIX, 1864, Departmental<br />Reports, pp. 4-8 [McKerrow’s Report].<br />12. True meridian as opposed to magnetic meridian.<br />13. The zenith is the point in the celestial sphere immediately above<br />the observer’s head. The angle which the plane passing through the<br />zenith and the heavenly body makes with the meridian is known as<br />the azimuth of the heavenly body. It is generally measured from the<br />James McKerrow D 107 d<br />north towards the right, and will of course vary from 0o to 360o. The<br />term is thus practically synonymous with bearing, and means merely<br />horizontal direction.<br />14. All stars appear to revolve from east to west around a point in the sky<br />known as the Celestial Pole. To mark out a true north and south line,<br />the direction of the celestial pole must be determined. The simplest<br />way to do this is to observe a circum polar star, wait until it is seen<br />again at the same altitude, and then to bisect the line adjoining the<br />two points of observation. The celestial meridian is thus obtained for it<br />starts at the celestial pole and passes through the zenith. True meridian<br />on the earth lies directly below the celestal meridian.<br />15. Altitude refers to the angular altitude of stars in a vertical plane above<br />the horizon.<br />16. Each star crosses a meridian at a definite sidereal time. The sidereal<br />time at which a star is on the meridian is called its Right Ascension.<br />17. About 70 miles south of Dunedin.<br />18. About 65 miles south of Dunedin on the Catlins Line.<br />19. On the South Coast of the South Island.<br />20. Forty miles north-east of Invercargill.<br />21. On the south coast.<br />22. Ninety-two miles south of Dunedin.<br />23. Popotunoa is near Clinton, Toko near Milton.<br />24. V & P. Otago Prov. Council, Session XIX, 1864, Departmental<br />Reports, pp. 4-8<br />25. Field Book No. 163, Dunedin Survey Office.<br />26. V & P. Otago Prov. Council, Session XIX, 1864. Departmental<br />Reports, Pp. 4-8.<br />27. Ibid. Thomson’s Report.<br />28. Ibid.<br />29. Otago. Prov. Gaz. Vol. IX, September 20, 1865, p. 201. McKerrow’s<br />Report.<br />30. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. X. September 5, 1866, pp. 172-3, Thomson’s<br />Report.<br />31. The difference found when meridional circuits meet is due to the fact<br />that the meridian of any point in a circuit is calculated as though it were<br />parallel to true meridian of the initial point of that circuit. Actually it is<br />not, as lines of meridians converge slightly. Thus a slight discrepancy is<br />found at the point where circuits meet.<br />32. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol X, 5th Sept. 1866, pp. 172-3. Thomson’s<br />Report.<br />33. Kilmarnock Standard, September 12, 1903.<br />34. Unfortunately no narrative accounts of the 1863-66 journeys appear to<br />have been kept. One of the chainsmen on these journeys died several<br />years ago at a ripe old age. He is said to have told many tales of the<br />adventures the party experienced in theBob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-61385947841661061042009-08-19T17:59:00.001-07:002009-08-19T18:10:47.826-07:00Plucking Turnips<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPB4XLO3OW4xRICjL0820U3g0m2-zDNLpQb2GS6v1LMbEUUAwJADB1UfRDkt8iTBrhdmu6Y_C8lVw6Tp6D-l4dE0yVWkukL6Kbuf-7_fqqHyhNByxvgegAo4hvSwdRceWxe8H6UsNeXJr/s1600-h/Piper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPB4XLO3OW4xRICjL0820U3g0m2-zDNLpQb2GS6v1LMbEUUAwJADB1UfRDkt8iTBrhdmu6Y_C8lVw6Tp6D-l4dE0yVWkukL6Kbuf-7_fqqHyhNByxvgegAo4hvSwdRceWxe8H6UsNeXJr/s400/Piper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371846478774357650" /></a><br /><strong>A lone piper plays a dirge overlooking Lake Manapouri, first surveyed by James Mckerrow</strong><br /><br /><strong>James McKerrow – Surveyor<br /><br />PLUCKING TURNIPS</strong><br />James McKerrow was born on 7 July 1834 in Kilmarnock, Scotland, with a genealogy that can be traced back to King James the Vth. <a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a><br />His Father, Andrew McKerrow was a famous ploughmaker of Beansburn, Kilmarnock, who manufactured patent single furrowed ploughs and back delivery reaping machines which gave him the means to provide his sons an adequate education. James was a bright young student and frequently was top of his class and had a great love of mathematics, and after a good grounding in both pure and mixed aspects of the subjects under Mr. Thomas Lee of Kilmarnock Academy, he studied these subjects further at Glasgow University. Like all his brothers, James did an apprenticeship in implement making as his father believed that having a trade ‘prove a safe standby in times of need, and would often open the door to numerous other occupations.’<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> During his apprenticeship, James showed more interest in surveying the paddocks in the neighbourhood and gaining knowledge of surveying.<br />James was the eldest of ten children, nine brothers and one sister. When James was five, his sister Jean was born but she died before the age of one. His brother John, born when he was three, died at the age of 21, the year before James left for New Zealand. He was the first to leave for New Zealand, and later, 6 of his brothers emigrated<br />James McKerrow married Martha Dunlop at Fenwick, Ayreshire Scotland, on 5 August, 1859. Three weeks after their marriage, James and Martha traveled to Glasgow to board the Cheviot, a ship with a reputation for speed, weighing 1066 tons.<br />Unfortunately the Ship’s departure was delayed some hours so James and Martha, decided to fill the time in by having their last walk on Scottish soil. As they were strolling through the countryside, they passed a field of turnips, and feeling the pangs of hunger, James climbed over the fence, and plucked a turnip. As he was climbing back over the wall, a farmer appeared and threatened to get the police and take charges against him. James quickly produced a sum of money and paid an exorbitant price for a miserable turnip, and they quickly scurried back to the ship, before any other misfortune came their way.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">[3]</a><br />The cargo vessel ‘Cheviot’ set sail on Tuesday the, 23 August and left ‘The Tail of the Bank’ at Greenock and with it Scotland. The ship was heavily laden with foodstuff, spirituous liquors, iron goods, building materials, farm implements, stud sheep, pigs and cattle.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">[4]</a> Being a cargo ship, it was only able to accommodate twenty-four cabin and eighteen steerage passengers. The majority of the steerage passengers were emigrating under the sponsorship of a Mr. Holmes, who had made large purchases of land in the Lumsden district where he intended to settle them on his holdings. The McKerrows were in the steerage cabins together with sixteen men and one woman.<br />The Cheviot rounded Ireland and then reached Madeira on 3 September, passed close to Cape Verde on 7 September, and after confusing winds, crossed the equator on 26 September For the next leg of the journey, the weather was good and they rounded Cape Horn on 25 October and a point, south of Adelaide reached on 18 November.<br /><br />The trip had been eventful with the discovery of a ‘stowaway, the death of a still born baby, the provisioning of a life boat from a foundered vessel and condition were tough at times with cramped quarters, snow and thunder storms, gales force winds and ripped sails, and near misses from flying blocks. The dairy of one of the passengers, Mr. T.L. Barnhill, on 3 October 1859 shows the spirit on board. “ shipped a sea which ducked almost all the steerage passengers who were standing together- all in good spirits owing to our making such progress.” <a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5">[5]</a><br />James and Martha got their first look at New Zealand a week later when they sighted Stewart Island and the next day after ninety five days at sea, they entered the Otago Harbour.<br />‘ I was very much struck with the beautiful situation of Dunedin and with the clean, neat appearances of the houses looking out spick and span from picturesque spots in the surrounding bush. In coming up the bay and through the islets of Port Chalmers, I was strongly reminded of beautiful Loch Lomond.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6">[6]</a><br />.<br />In 1859 James amd Martha McKerrow<br /><br />Surveyor, explorer, administrator<br />James McKerrow was a man of wide and yet at the same time narrow interests; wide in that anything pertaining to learning, culture, religion, patriotism, and his fellow man and their lives came into his scheme of things; narrow in that the general and conventional frivolities and amusements of the day were of the very slenderest interest to him. Drinking he regarded as reprehensible, smoking as unnecessary, and sports as relatively uninteresting. His time was too fully occupied in the vital and essential elements of life to allow participation in any such extraneous activities. Not that McKerrow could be accused of pursuing a life of unwearied toil unrelieved by amusement or enjoyment. On the contrary he lived happily but his happiness depended not on conventional entertainments, but on his work, his books, his religion, his love of nature and through intercourse with his friends and family..<br /><br />He arrived in New Zealand in November 1859 to take up an appointment with the survey department of the Otago Province. McKerrow worked with J. T. Thomson in the triangulation of Otago and Southland, helping to make the Otago system of surveying, based on the practice of the survey of India, the best in New Zealand and later its model.<br />One of McKerrow's main tasks was the exploration and mapping of the Otago lakes district, where sheep farmers had already penetrated, between 1861 and 1864. He began with a journey through from Wanaka down into Southland. Then he explored the two northern lakes, Wanaka and Hawea, reached over the Lindis Pass, and his excellent account in the Otago Provincial Gazette comments shrewdly on the possibilities and the drawbacks of this inland region with its pastoral as well as goldmining potentialities. It could be reached by bullock dray only by the Lindis Pass, and the unfordable Clutha made southern access difficult. McKerrow explored the Matukituki, Motatapu, Makarora, and many subsidiary river systems. He noted especially the great seasonal fluctuations in volume of the glacier-fed mountain rivers. Later McKerrow travelled through the southern portion of the lakes district, exploring Wakatipu, Te Anau, and Manapouri, with the rivers feeding the lakes from the Kawarau south to the Waiau. He left the exploration of country beyond Lake Hauroko to be completed from Preservation Inlet. Again his report was shrewd and realistic: even if passes existed to the West Coast, the routes would be so menaced by flooding rivers as to be of doubtful value.<br />The physical difficulties of these journeys, in which over 500 square miles of country were explored, can hardly be exaggerated, even though the existence of a few scattered sheep stations provided a certain amount of support. Lakes Wanaka and Hawea were surveyed from a whaleboat. A much smaller craft had to be used in similar waterborne surveys of Manapouri and Te Anau, where storms made the enterprise especially dangerous. In January 1864 McKerrow and his companion landed at the head of the western-lying Middle Fiord of Te Anau and made their only deliberate attempt to reach the West Coast. Although after some days of struggle in this very difficult region they stopped short of their objective, they did reach a mountain top from which they could see Caswell Sound in the distance.<br />In 1863 McKerrow was appointed Geodesical Surveyor and Inspector of Surveys in Otago. His work was of a high standard; his younger colleague, J. H. Baker, who accompanied him on his visit to Bluff Hill to take bearings on prominent distant features, attested his debt to McKerrow: “This work and my conversations with Mr McKerrow were of great use to me, as they gave me an insight into the higher branch of my profession which I had not had before”.<br />In 1873 McKerrow was appointed Chief Surveyor of Otago. In 1877, after the abolition of the provinces and the absorption of their servants into the General Government's civil service, McKerrow became Assistant Surveyor-General. Two years later he was appointed Surveyor-General and Secretary of Lands and Mines. In 1882 McKerrow observed the transit of Venus from the Wellington Observatory, and in 1885 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.<br />As a competent administrator, McKerrow had much to do with work with other Government Departments. He was appointed Chief Commissioner of Railways in 1889 and on the dissolution of the Railways Commission in 1895 he became chairman of the Land Purchase Board. He retired from the Public Service on 31 December 1901. In 1905 he was appointed chairman of the Land Commission. He died on 30 June 1919.<br />A casual acquaintance, C. S. Ross, reported McKerrow's genial nature and that “his wide and comprehensive knowledge of New Zealand made him a most attractive and interesting companion”. McKerrow was typical of the lad “of pairts” who came out from Scotland with a good education and undertook skilled tasks with “painstaking enthusiasm and tireless accuracy”. In addition to his meticulous survey field work, McKerrow discharged with distinction the tasks of a higher public servant at a time when administration needed resource and invention as well as energy and method.<br />by David Oswald William Hall, M.A., Director, Adult Education, University of Otago (retired).<br />History of Otago, McLintock, A. H. (1949)<br />Exploration of New Zealand, McClymont, W. G. (1959)<br />Early Otago and Some of its Notable Men, Ross, C. S. (1907)<br />A Surveyor in New Zealand, Baker, J. H.<br />Related stories from Te Ara<br />· <a href="http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/NewZealandPeoples/Scots/en">Scots</a><br /><br />From Survey Quarterly, Issue 37 march 2004 by Janet Holm<br /><br />As Surveyor General, he admired the work his surveyors did and he could empasise with the hardships they encountered.<br /><br />By then Westland had been divided into three circuits – Hokitika, Okariti and Jackson Bay, and Roberts was to extend the standard bearings through the Hokitika circuit. James McKerrow outlined roberts’ undertaking in his annual report in mid-1877. He had just spent three months under Mr Mueller’s direction, selecting and preparing stations ‘through wooded, mountainous country’. Several were extremely high and difficult to access, so would become the points of major triangulation, while numerous reference stations would be easily accessible.<br /><br />In the 1978 report McKerrow wrote that Roberts had extended bearings from the geodesical station at Koiterangi to that at Arahura. This ‘….under very great difficulties of a busy country and wet climate, which laid him up for a time….’<br />In 1890 Roberts led the first survey party to venture into the glaciated regions of Westland. To him must go the credit of being the first New Zealand-born mountaineer to read up on the subject of mountaineering beforehand. With his foreman Dan Strachan, he went up the Wanganui Valley to the Lambert Junction, and spent three days cutting a track from the forks up a steep bush ridge to a rock promontory which terminated a range coming off the Divide.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7">[7]</a> This promontory, named Blue Lookout, became central to later journeys by Douglas and Teichelmann who built on Robert’s earlier survey. Roberts completed his 1880 explorations by moving from Blue Lookout and exploring the snow grass platforms. ‘Above them rose a line of vertical rock faces (the Lord Range) and towards these the party moved, finding the snow slopes very useful for by cutting steps (we) got to the top of peaks otherwise unscalable’ until they were ‘finally jammed by the western (south-west) precipices of Dan's Peak’. Eventually the party found access to the Main Divide by following along the northern side of the Lord Range to the point where it met The Divide. Here three high massifs met at a low depression (which they named Strachan Pass) leading through to the Ramsay Glacier in Canterbury. Among lower peaks there were potential trig points and, through the pass, others of much the same altitude could be seen in line; both close at hand on the Butler Range and far away on the north shoulder of the Arrowsmiths.’<br />‘Roberts found mountaineering skills to be essential in the course of his work, and had forged a link between mountaineering and surveying.’<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8">[8]</a><br /><br />Deeply impressed by the outstanding work of Roberts, McKerrow wrote in his 1881 Report:<br />‘ This was very arduous work, conducted, as it necessarity was, for a considerable distance over glaciers and snow-fields, with trigonometrical stations 5000, 6000, and 7000 feet in height…’<br />He further noted that several of the surveyors had been ill ‘owing to continuous work in the wet bush of the West Coast district.’<br />Roberts triangulation surveys continued down the West Coast and by 1882 had got close to Jackson’s Bay. In his report McKerrow wrote: The accuracy of this officer’s work, and the progress he has made, despite the difficulties of a very rugged bush-country and a wet climate, entitle him to the warmest commendations.’<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Andrew Kennedy McKerrow, Your Folk and Mine – The story of the McKerrows, private circulation, Edinburgh, 1990<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a><br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">[3]</a> David G.Herron, James McKerrow –SURVEYOR, EXPLORER AND CIVIL SERVANT- With special reference to Exploration, 1861-3, Presented for History Honours, University of New Zealand.1948<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4">[4]</a> Otago Witness, 3 December, 1859<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5">[5]</a> Barnhill, T.L., MSS Dairy of Voyage of Cheviot. Read by D.C. Herron, 1947.<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6">[6]</a> Mckerrow, J., Reminiscences, p.10 MSS<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7">[7]</a> John Acheson, op cit.<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8">[8]</a> Trish McCormack, A History of Survey and Mountaineering in South Westland. Department of Conservation, Hokitika, 1988. pp23, 30.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-77325982518016006282009-07-04T02:47:00.000-07:002009-07-04T02:53:06.272-07:00Who is Miss McKerrow in this article ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4d7Qd9HgTrdJBj5CoEfXxT4upzRrOy8gSyJn44Zhw26vTimOol0xqJRtwCZ9vfL1zKrm9HljHCGyPdKLFI34YTzXv68V7Pbx7IqLp1-_TaAgUfYLYWxqTc_gsdU4Eu7mNIgZ0ZBegWgkp/s1600-h/ritchie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354540219527572242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4d7Qd9HgTrdJBj5CoEfXxT4upzRrOy8gSyJn44Zhw26vTimOol0xqJRtwCZ9vfL1zKrm9HljHCGyPdKLFI34YTzXv68V7Pbx7IqLp1-_TaAgUfYLYWxqTc_gsdU4Eu7mNIgZ0ZBegWgkp/s400/ritchie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>John Douglas Ritchie</strong><br /><br /><br />I recently discovered this article about the daughter of James McKerrow, who married John Douglas Ritchie. I found it in The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District] Department Of Agriculture<br /><br />Mr. John Douglas Ritchie, Secretary for Agriculture and Chief Inspector of Stock, was born in Perthshire, Scotland. Educated partly at Perth and partly at Cargill, Mr. Ritchie entered and was for some time in the employ of his uncle's firm, Messrs. Douglas Watt and Co., of Dundee, who were in the Baltic and Calcutta trade. In 1877 he decided to seek his fortune in New Zealand, and embarked for the Colony per ship “Halcione.” In the rearing and management of stock and farming generally, Mr. Ritchie has had an extended experience, having been brought up on a farm in the Old Country, and for fourteen years he held the position of manager of the Mount Royal Station at Palmerston South, the property of his uncle, Mr. John Douglas. Mr. Ritchie joined the Government Service in 1891 as Chief Inspector of Stock, and a year later he was appointed Secretary for Agriculture. The departments which he supervises are most important, and it is satisfactory that the Government has appointed qualified experts to foster and encourage the staple industry of the Colony. In 1892 ha married Miss McKerrow, daughter of Mr. James McKerrow, late Chief Commissioner of Railways.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-87096651676043644682009-03-05T02:59:00.000-08:002009-03-08T17:37:31.221-07:00JAMES MCKERROW. THE FIRST RECONNAISANCE SURVEY 1861<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoEf1NYy-KkjJMNa1J1u_UyPq_tZ5UVelVuXzfqoznVvSa466txVZ1PB9hiWriToHF2vaOcfQvReMNhT4WRMphBUCoOCfvS3r-oG9poDMQ9Xa4okzEyA546j28yA1zyIzC1WomkfXnAn_/s1600-h/jmckerrow.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoEf1NYy-KkjJMNa1J1u_UyPq_tZ5UVelVuXzfqoznVvSa466txVZ1PB9hiWriToHF2vaOcfQvReMNhT4WRMphBUCoOCfvS3r-oG9poDMQ9Xa4okzEyA546j28yA1zyIzC1WomkfXnAn_/s400/jmckerrow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265103763115712946" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday, at the request of Terry Thomsen, I am posting three more chapters on James McKerrow's three remarkable Reconnaissance Surveys conducted in the years 1861-63. This was probably the most land surveyed by a single survey team in such a short period of time.<br /><br />I have to edit them further as mistakes have crept in when changing formats.<br /><br />I would like to dedicate this posting. and the next two, to my Auntie, Francis McKerrow, who got a copy of James Herron's thesis way back in 1969 and sent to me when I was working in Antarctica. I spent the winter of 1970 at Vanda Station, Wright Valley, Antarctica, and one of my hobbies was retyping his wonderful thesis.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc72Ia5BzUxNaunw3RjeE0w5Y4z9qjrhratnPeTtBLThnBlUlgAz5JkdCg531uRjh8wLffM2bmE3IhfpGoB8J3myQbK6WHXSOhv00eYkMg7LDJNv_aFwUlpFl-93ZrXpdIzU3SjvMgXO0/s1600-h/mckerrowmap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273190928381899810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc72Ia5BzUxNaunw3RjeE0w5Y4z9qjrhratnPeTtBLThnBlUlgAz5JkdCg531uRjh8wLffM2bmE3IhfpGoB8J3myQbK6WHXSOhv00eYkMg7LDJNv_aFwUlpFl-93ZrXpdIzU3SjvMgXO0/s400/mckerrowmap.jpg" border="0" /></a> A map of James McKerrow's survey expeditions 1861-63. This map shows the enormous area he covered<br /><div></div><br /><br /><strong>THE FIRST<br />RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY</strong><br />Between the time of McKerrow’s arrival in Dunedin and the completion of his work in rural section survey, the search for pastoral land had been going on space. The disinclination of pastoral explorers to wait for survey before occupation led them far beyond the boundaries of the 1857 and 1858 Reconnaissance Surveys.<br /><br />As early as 1856 John Chubbin, the Morrison brothers, and M. McFerlane, following directions given them by Reko, a Maori at Tuturau, left McKeller’s station on the Waimea Plains and forced their way through spear grass and matagouri to the south end of Lake Wakatipu.<br /><br />There they were obliged to <strong>1</strong> immerse themselves in the lake, for a lighted match had fired the parched vegetation.<br />From that time on squatters advanced<strong>2</strong>up the Mataura Valley in a steady stream.<br />In 1859, W. Saunders and N. Bates led the rush to Wakatipu by this route, and the former hastened back to Dunedin to lease a block of land.<br />In the same year D.A. and W. Cameron <strong>3</strong>and A.A.McDonald induced a Maori from Riverton to guide them up to the south-eastern side of the lake. J.T. Thomson appreciated all the information on this region that this party could give him when they arrived in Dunedin to apply for runs.<strong>4</strong> A more comprehensive exploration of the lake was made in the latter part of 1859 by Donald Hay, a hardy Australian sheep farmer, who was introduced to the Wakatipu district by D.A. Cameron. Hay found an abandoned moki on the lake and used it to establish the fact of the existence of the great north arm of the lake. <strong>5</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAca-EzC4dhu_ypXSxGK2DLAnc5IgOQhvfghXJn5ZD1hMRP8qXmRwLCD2E_i9lCWmy87wR855hbPwk_PphPgaVAzVhWWn-mEAHkx9PqZkQ4yXwcg5pTM_QVFKxHFMf4n8TKxN-5thw080f/s1600-h/Piper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAca-EzC4dhu_ypXSxGK2DLAnc5IgOQhvfghXJn5ZD1hMRP8qXmRwLCD2E_i9lCWmy87wR855hbPwk_PphPgaVAzVhWWn-mEAHkx9PqZkQ4yXwcg5pTM_QVFKxHFMf4n8TKxN-5thw080f/s400/Piper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288229075258893506" /></a><br /><strong>A lone piper, facing Lake Manapouri and the mountains of Fiordland, plays a tribute to the hardy Scottish explorer and surveyor, James McKerrow, who surveyed this lake. Photo: Bob McKerrow</strong><br /><br />Soon after, the Canterbury surveyors Jollie and Young spotted the lake from near the Motatapu river whilst engaged in plotting the boundary between Otago and Canterbury.<br />They were not able to visit the head of Waneka since they had no boat, and it was left to H.S. Thomson and G.M. Hassing <strong>6</strong> to explore this region. These two went twenty miles up the Makarora and set fire to the wilderness of ax, fern and cabbage trees. <strong>7</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NKg-2oZGOPvG4qIzFEMk4P7j-nwf31CmEMF8ZO6tfKB9xXBsplmthq6hzOLhG_Vu9uD6H8PlBwN1ug7SQEPHruhBq0zJvenonPA3L5M7RAUBM0yBEg8v1TBbJhxePuuDxh7nOEBnRMbu/s1600-h/UpperMakaroraScrubbyPass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NKg-2oZGOPvG4qIzFEMk4P7j-nwf31CmEMF8ZO6tfKB9xXBsplmthq6hzOLhG_Vu9uD6H8PlBwN1ug7SQEPHruhBq0zJvenonPA3L5M7RAUBM0yBEg8v1TBbJhxePuuDxh7nOEBnRMbu/s400/UpperMakaroraScrubbyPass.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309481713292417794" /></a><br /><strong>Upper Makarora from Scrubby Pass</strong><br /><br />An extensive area of land between Wanaka and Wakatipu still remained unexplored. In 1860 W.G. Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelman pushed their way down the Cardrona Valley<br />over the Crown Range and on to Lake Wakatipu. Their four more faint-hearted companions had turned back at what was seemingly impenetrable scrub. Following some exploration on <strong>8</strong> the lake itself, Rees supplied the Lands Office with a sketch map, and secured a pastoral license for land on the east side of the lake. Von Tunzelman took up land on the west side, near the mouth of the Von river. <strong>9</strong><br />The mountainous district between Lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau remained unexplored until 1861 when D. McKellar and G. Gunn went up the Mararoa River, over the Greenstone Saddle, and eventually sighted the coast. <strong>10</strong><br /><br />The pastoralists were playing an increasingly important part in the a airs and prosperity of the Province. Between 1855 and 1861 the number of sheep in Otago increased from 59,000 to 694,000, and cattle numbered 44,000 as compared with 6,500. Pastoralists began to penetrate into every corner <strong>11</strong> of the province, and the survey staff found it impossible to keep up with them. The basis of most surveying systems is triangulation. If one side and three angles of a triangle can be measured, then the other two sides can be calculated. Any one of these sides may form the base of an adjoining triangle, and a network of triangles varying in size and shape may be extended throughout the country. As the three established stations of a triangulation may be too few from which to cover an area for topographic detail, triangulation is supplemented by traverse lines. A traverse is a local survey, complete and accurate in itself, but tied to a triangulation before its true position can be calculated. Baselines may be measured along a stream or a road, and o sets referred to bends or nearby objects. Ultimately bearings are referred back to the initial starting point and the traverse should close. It remains then to refer the end points of the traverse to the trig station of a triangulation. When the traverse has been linked to a triangulation, the true position of all its points can be calculated. The ideal arrangement for a survey is a general triangulation interlaced by traverse lines.<br />The steps in general survey adopted by Otago surveyors were as follows : After marking the block boundaries, the surveyor laid out the roads, connected the traverses to the sides of a triangulation, and designed the shape and arrangement of sections. These were generally quadrilateral in shape and varied from forty to three hundred acres depending on the course of the road, the topography of the country, and fertility of the soil. The details were plotted on a black plan of eight inches to the mile. About one tenth of the plans were examined in the field; the remainder was completed in the o ce. When the plans had been passed and the press notified, lithographed copies were made available to the public as an index for selecting land. <strong>12</strong><br />This system was admirable in every respect, save one. T was too slow; it was creeping westward with tantalizing deliberation.<br /><br />Squatters sought accurate fixations of boundaries, but could get little assistance from the Survey O ce. At least one third of the best map available was a virtual blank although often decorated with caricatures of the great lake and river systems.<br />These represented an ingenious but unavailing attempt to interpret and reconcile an accumulation of Maori tradition and squatters’ reports. Thus Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, was shown by a mere dot, while Wakatipu had been<br />represented in so many ways that many believed there were two lakes in the region.<br />It was left to Hay and Rees to explode <strong>13</strong>that myth.<br />The land office had no option but to delineate applications for runs in squares and oblongs on a blank map. These were to be systematically assorted after survey. Confusion arose almost immediately. Mountains, lakes and snow-fields were tentatively<br />granted to speculators as runs, and “spotting” surveys, <strong>14.15</strong><br />related neither to one another nor to a common point, proved a fruitful sources of dispute, claim and counter claim.<br /><br />Edward Gibbon Wakefield had foreseen this very di culty and in his “Art of Colonization” devoted a few lines of warning to the avils of exploration before survey. The explorer, having chosen his spot, could not describe its boundaries to<br />the government; in most cases, he could not even tell the government where the spot was; for without a map, he could not say it is here or there. Without a map, all he could say is, it is somewhere where I have been, but whereabouts the spot is I cannot tell, except that it is near a river, and not far fromsome hills . . . A good map, the result of a careful survey, is indispensable . . . The sur veys should extend over the whole colony; and at any rate, for all colonies, a very large extent of the waste adjoining every settlement should at all times be keptsurveyed, in order that so wide a liberty of choice should at all times exist.”<strong>16</strong><br />In his diary Goldie painted a picture of confusion which bore out Wakefield’s views. “One gentleman (goes) in search of a run for himself, finds a suitable places, fixes his marks from a certain mountain or stream giving the name of these points or streams himself, then . . . applies to the Westland (sic-waste land) Board for a run and gets it by paying his license. In course of time another . . . does the same, fixing on his point from a certain point eastward to a certain point westward, perhaps one of his points are (sic – is) from the centre or part of the first applicants’ run, thus they have become all locked and intermixed with each other, and I would not be surprised although some by the end will (be) . . . without runs altogether.”<strong>17</strong> Infiltration by pastoralists into the country between the di erent lakes and north of the Takitimo mountains made the need for a further Reconnaissance Sur vey urgent. The Provincial Government sympathized with the feelings of the squatters since it had itself felt the need of a map of the country as far as the Southern Alps for purposes of administration. Accordingly it issued an order to the Dunedin Survey Office sanctioning the dispatch of a party to the interior.<br />J.T. Thomson was nothing<strong>18</strong>loath to comply with these instructions.<br />As early as May 1860 he had intimated his intention of carrying out a project of this sort,and in his report for the <strong>19</strong> 1860-61 season, provision for a surveyor to carry out this work had been listed as a first priority.<br />Major Richardson <strong>20</strong>the Superintendent of Otago readily gave his consent. “In accordance with the suggestion of the Chief Survey,” he said, “I am desirous that he should in the ensuing season devote the attention of the department to firstly a Reconnaissance Survey of the Waiau and Lake Districts, and if possible of the West Coast.”<br />Thomson was eager to undertake the task<strong>21</strong> and complete the survey he had unfinished in 1856, but multifarious duties and failing health compelled him to entrust it to a subordinate.<br /><br />All the other members of the staff were <strong>22</strong>therefore invited to submit their qualifications for the task. <strong>23</strong><br /><br />To his surprise James McKerrow was chosen. His satisfaction at receiving the appointment was tempered with di dence as to his ability to overcome the inherent di culties of the assignment.<br />“I happened to be the junior member of the survey staff at the time,” he wrote many years later, “and was therefore not a little surprised when the Chief of the Department called me into his room one day and said, `You see the blank on the map? I wish you to fill it up. Make ready and proceed as soon as possible. You have `carte blanche’ as to all your arrangements.’”<br />Thomson<strong>24</strong>had doubtless been impressed by the initiative, trustworthiness and hardiness already displayed by the young surveyor and it<br />was these qualities in addition to the essential knowledge of practical astronomy<br />which McKerrow possessed, that won <strong>25</strong> him this distinction in competition with his more experienced colleagues.<br />As the blank referred to on the map extended more than 8000 square miles and was known to be characterized by high snow-clad peaks, stormy lakes, dense forests, and uctuating snow-fed mountain torrents, McKerrow’s fears were no mere flights of fancy. Early explorers and squatters had left reliable reports of the conditions which could be expected. A general idea of what he might encounter could be gained from a perusal of the New Zealand Pilot. “A view of the surrounding country<br />from the summit of one of the mountains bordering on the cost, of from 4000 to 5000 feet elevation, is perhaps one of the most grand and magnificent spectacles it is possible to imagine,” it maintained, “and standing on such an elevation, rising over<br />the south side of Caswell’s Sound, Cook’s description of the region was forcibly called to mind.<br />He says - `a prospect more <strong>26</strong> rude and craggy is rarely to be met with, for inland appeared to nothing but the summits of mountains of a stupendous height and consisting of rock that are totally barren and naked, except<br />where they are covered with snow.’” <strong>27</strong> In addition to the thought of having to scale cheerless and uninviting peaks, knowledge of the depressing numbers of pioneers who yearly met death by drowning, and speculation<br />on the mysterious fate of Dr. Schmidt must have given<strong> 28</strong>each explorer food for serious thought. Exploration in Otago was indeed no sinecure. Obstacles of a nature rarely encountered either in Eastern Otago or in the North Island had to be conquered almost daily. Dr. J.R. Elder describes these difficulties thus: “The high alpine chain, that forms the backbone of the island presented a formidable barrier to his who sought to cross from east to west. The search for low passes over which a roadline might be carried, involved long journeys into di cult country, where the bed of the mountain torrent usually presented the only practicable route. The ever present danger was that the creek which presented no obstacle and was easily forded today, might tomorrow owing to sudden rains on the melting of snow on the great divide, become a deep rushing torrent impassable by man or beast. Cut off from supplies amid the desolate mountains the surveyors were often called on the face starvation. Death by drowning was the fate of many who risked the danger of swollen rivers in the endeavour to return to the base for supplies.” <strong>29</strong><br />A further potential menace, if prevalent and persistent rumours could be believed, was the presence in the remote recesses of fiordland of a truculent renegade Maori tribe, the so called “Lost Tribe” of the Ngatimamoe people.<br />In deference <strong>30</strong> to the pleas of friends that he should arm himself, McKerrow purchased a gun from Mr. Mills, the well known gunsmith in Stafford Street. Before the sale was legal, the purchased was required to sign a form declaring that his weapon would notreach the hands of natives engaged in the Maori Wars. While<br />the form authorizing the sale was still in the post, events in Dunedin made the completion of the transaction impossible. “I found the shopkeeper standing at his door with a very long face,” wrote McKerrow recalling the incident, “I said, showing him the authority. `I have come for my gun.’” “He said, `have you not heard what has happened?’” “No, what?” “Some of these rascals from Victoria have cleaned out my place and taken your gun also.” <strong>31</strong> The “rascals from Victoria” were some of the rougher lement among the so called “New Iniquities” who were pouring into the recently discovered goldfields in numbers hat soon reduced the “Old Identities” to the position of a inority group. From this time on Otago gradually lost some of its distinctive pecularities. Locks and keys became necessary,<br />the former pervading atmosphere of trust became somewhat modified, and imperial troops and an e cient police force replaced, as the guardians of law and order, the two plain-clothes government servants who had found time to engage in sundry duties besides that of keeping the peace. The threat previously used to intimidate runaway seamen, namely that they would be excluded from the jail and a night’s lodging if they overstayed their leave, became no longer practicable. Roads improved, and with this improvement the bullock, slow, independent and invaluable under bad conditions, began to give way to themore active horse. Even the thatched fern tree or clay houses, which had been hastily constructed in the early days when remunerative labour was of primary importance, were being replaced by more stately and pretentious structures. <strong>32</strong><br />This sudden influx of immigrants on an unprecedented scale threw an even heavier load onto the shoulders of Mr.Thomson and his already overworked staff. “The work of<br />a surveyor in a new country is very onerous, as he has first to survey lands suitable for immediate settlement of the immigrants and colonists, and then to permanently secure their titles, the former task requiring rapidity of execution, and<br />the latter practical correctness.”<strong>33</strong><br /><br />“The Surveyor may leisurely proceed with his 36-inch theodolite to measure the various angles of his great triangulation, and may occupy his time in solving . . . interesting geographical problems . . . without a single person feeling the want of his services or being possibly aware of his existence.”<br />“It is, however, quite another matter where the surveyor is required to deal with naked portions of the earth’s sur face and, with the least possible delay, divide the some into suitable portions for the occupation of the colonists.”<strong>34</strong><br />It was the latter situation which faced the Otago survey staff . Their activities were of such general interest and importance, that they enjoyed a greater amount of limelight than do members of their profession today. Their work was often spectacular and exciting but the chief surveyor was frequently called on at a<br />moment’s notice to accomplish accurately, simply, and speedily, tasks which were beyond his resources.<br />Such was the position which Mr. Thomson faced in late 1861. He was expected to arrange for the survey of a huge block of virgin country in such a manner that the subsequent map would be useful in giving the heights of mountains, passes, and of lakes for use in later survey work. It had also to act as a guide for the distribution of pastoral runs and leases, and for the subdivision of the province into districts within natural boundaries for various registration purposes. It had to<br />be of some assistance in promoting village settlement and road construction, and should also serve as a general and intelligible geographical guide to Government Authorities. Every day’s delay meant that more miners were surging towards unsurveyed<br />lands.<strong>35</strong> The system of survey Thomson finally adopted was almost<br />identical with that use in 1856-7. In his 1859 report he had written “Requirements . . . numerous and urgent . . . could not be met in a limited period by conforming to the most approved and tardy systems adopted in Land Survey, viz., triangulation and traverse. Considering the above circumstances and the<br />nature of the country to be submitted for survey, which possessed in every direction prominent features or natural survey stations in the numerous peaks . . . considering also that the requirements of the Board did not demand absolute<br />minuteness as a foundation to their measures . . . it appeared to me that the system so much had recourse to in Nautical Survey, viz., the ascertaining of di erences of latitude for the basis, and the observation of converging angles for the details, was<br />admirably suited to compass the objects in view, by its rapidity of execution and correctness of principle.”<br />From the summit <strong>36</strong> of an initial station, the true position of which was known, the surveyor took bearing with a theodolite to some prominent<br />objects in the area to be surveyed. The position of these latter could be fixed by plane trigonometry as soon as bearings had been directed from it both back to the initial station and to other points seen previously from the initial station.<br />Observations of angles were taken at every two to four miles to three or more of the stations in view, and the position of such topographical features as rivers, ridges, and bushes fixed by cross transit and tangent bearings and by rough sketches.<br />The beauty of this system, employed by McKerrow with only minor variations, lay in the fact that no artifically constructed stations were necessary. In addition, since for its basis the system depended on the distance between objects at the extremities of the operations, any incidental errors decreased as operations contracted from the extensive to the minute.<strong>37</strong> Since the survey was being conducted inland, the most immediate and fundamental requirement was the establishment astronomically of the true position of the three initial meridians on which all subsequent observations were to be built.<br />At <strong>38</strong> each point observations for latitude, longitude, true meridian<br />and altitude would be necessary. Sextant observations of the circummeridianal altitudes of the sun would readily determine latitudes but the determination oflongitudes presented <strong>39</strong> more di culty. It was decided to calculate them through a comparison of the di erences in time of two chronometers set<br />to the time of observation Point Port Chalmers, the focal point of the Otago Coast Survey. The method was relatively simple in theory, but in practice it proved difficult. The longitude of a first station is known; also the time at which the sun is at high noon over it. In addition the rate of the sun’s progress East to West is known. If the di erence in the times of high noon at the first station and a second can be measured accurately, it is possible to calculate the distance between the two stations and hence determine the longitude of the second did not fulfil expectations for after a severe jolting from a packhorse picking its way over tortuous mountain track, the chronometers were found to be inaccurate. <strong>40</strong><br />By December 1861, McKerrow and his three assistants, John Goldie, James Bryce, and Malcolm McLean were ready for their preliminary trip. The region they hoped to explore extended 170 miles from the head of Lake Wanaka in the north to Sandhill Point in the South and varied in width between the outposts of former surveys in the East and the watershed of the est Coast. In all, it embraced over 4,000,000 acres. <strong>41</strong><br /><br />On the 11th of the month the party packed their baggageand turned to the north. Three packhorses swayed under bulky loads made up of provisions, a tent, oilskins, blankets, clothes, a barometer, a thermometer, an ar tificial horizon, a<br />prismatic compass and a theodolite. Everything except the <strong>42</strong> indispensable necessities for the trip were pruned from the load. The only cooking utensils carried consisted of two billycans and a frying pan. Even the o er of a six-barrelled revolver for defence purposes was refused, and it was decided to rely on<br />improvised means rather than firearms for stocking the larder with game.<br /><strong>43</strong><br />The start was inauspicious and provided the party with a foretaste of the trials they could expect. Three weeks had been spent waiting for a glimpse of the sun in order to set the chronometers, but before more than a few miles had been covered<br />one of the instruments was found to have stopped, and it was <strong>44</strong> necessary to return to Dunedin in order to regulate it. <strong>45</strong><br />After this experience particular care was taken in carr ying the chronometers. They were carried by hand for five hundred miles, but the attempt to keep them steady while traversing <strong>46</strong> rugged country was doomed to failure. The daily comparison of the two instruments showed that not only was there a discrepancy in time, but that this discrepancy varied a second or two from day to day.<strong>47</strong> Conditions at the outset were wretched.<br />Two of the horses <strong>48</strong> shed shoes on the first day, a pack saddle broke on the second, and drizzling or torrential rain soaked the party all the way to<br />Waikouaiti. From there, provisioned and with the horses re-shod, they made their way up the Shag Valley to the parched and rocky hills at the head of Taieri Lake. Here they pitched camp for a night before tackling the scattered low-lying ridges<br />and muddy creeks of the Strath Taieri Plain. The Ida Valley plain was still before them. They crossed it the same day and pitched camp on the bank of the Manuherikia River. The nearby plain was interlaced by a number of streams issuing from the rugged<br />sides of the nearby Dunstan Range, and Christmas Day being foggy, it was decided to utilize it in shifting camp nearer thebase of this formidable mountain barrier. On Boxing Day they scaled the double range successfully although not without a<br />great deal of di culty. The task of leading the packhorses down through the loose shingle on the steep western side was one requiring great care and resourcefulness. That night camp was made at the Lindis Burn. In the morning McKerrow went in seach of a suitable hill for his first meridian. He considered Lindis Peak, a high peaked<br />knoll situated about one mile north-west of the junction of the Clutha and the Lindis, but came to the conclusion that it would be too di cult to climb while carrying a chronometer. Further search revealed no more prominent landmarks however, and he fixed on Lindis Peak for his purposes. While McKerrow himself was engaged in taking observations for time and latitude, and in referring bearings for tr ue meridian to the highest peaks towards Wanaka and the Southwest, John Goldie went up the Lindis River to secure stores and a shovel from McLean and Gibson’s store. The Lindis district had been the first Otago Goldfield, although by this time its glory had faded and all its inhabitants save the storekeeper had abandoned it to seeking<br />the red metal in the more recently discovered Tirapeka fields.<br />It was decided to spend a day prospecting. Pieces of quartz indicated the presence of the precious metal but the party was composed of sur veyors, not miners, and they were without the tools necessary to prevent water fro ooding the holes they had sunk in the river bank. Thus all e orts were fruitless.<br /><br />The last day of 1861 was spent constructing a large and conspicuous mound over the spot from which the observations had been taken.<br />On New Year’s day 1862 and with the position of the first of three meridians satisfactorily determined, tracks were made for the Clutha River. Dwarfed by Mt. Dunstan to the rear, seven or eight snow-clad mountains in front, and a high peak<br />towering on either side, the party crept humbly westward along the river valley, its members awed by the majesty of the scene and fully conscious of their own insignificance. The same night they reached a point opposite Wilkins’ station and took the opportunity to cross the Clutha in a punt. At this point the river was swift and turbulent ood as it surged from nearby lakes, and fording it was out of the question. From Wilkins’ station they forged up the bed of the Cardrona River. Near its source the river became so narrow that tracks had to be dug so that the horses could edge their bulky loads between the rocks and scramble up on to the Crown<br />Ridge. They struggled along the ridge, heartened by the sight of Lake Wakatipu in the distance, and turn down to the terraces while still a mile short of the Crown. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3-3symWX45wwwV6oxBoR4vGMmCn4GLFHgEndNLzZGaNhrMl5kMMM_VcI_glSabQB8g2KVXldxwNhMIgHWC40gWlqp8MTymvH-KQTIwQiJnWks3-u7NMW5uIoSLoGOizXckWaWfDZS29G/s1600-h/queenstownintro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3-3symWX45wwwV6oxBoR4vGMmCn4GLFHgEndNLzZGaNhrMl5kMMM_VcI_glSabQB8g2KVXldxwNhMIgHWC40gWlqp8MTymvH-KQTIwQiJnWks3-u7NMW5uIoSLoGOizXckWaWfDZS29G/s400/queenstownintro.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309611041934730450" /></a><br /><strong>Tracks had to be dug so that the horses could edge their bulky loads between the rocks and scramble up on to the Crown Ridge. They struggled along the ridge, heartened by the sight of <em>Lake Wakatipu </em>in the distance, and turn down to the terraces while still a mile short of the Crown.</strong><br /><br />A shepherd living in a hut beside Lake Hayes gave McKerrow detailed directions how to<br />ford the Shotover, and enabled the party to press on without delay over a well grassed plain to Mr. W.G. Rees’ station. There McKerrow took the opportunity to dispatch a batch of letters and reports to Dunedin.<br /><br />On Monday the 6th January the horses were turned loose, and the survey party rowed fifteen miles over the lake to Von Tunzelman’s station. The station was deserted, so while McKerrow, Bryce and McLean established the second meridian on Mt. Nicholas, a peak to the south-west commanding an extensive view, Goldie pushed on to White’s station to borrow a packhorse. There he drew another blank – there was not<br />even a horse in sight; but on his return journey he succeeded in driving before him two horses which were subsequently identified as belonging to Von Tunzelman. Hardly had the horses been secured when they snapped their others and made for the hills. Meanwhile Van Tunzelman had returned home in time to join Goldie and Bryce in an unsuccessful hide-and-seek with the horses. McKerrow and Goldie soon completed their observations and were ready to move on to White’s. The search for the horses<br />was therefore abandoned, and swags containing blankets and provisions made up. Conditions were wretched and swags heavy, but the trampers still found time to admire the never-ending sea of deep green waving birch trees growing in gravel beyond the Oreti River. Mr. White offered McKerrow the loan of a mare as far as Hamilton’s, and subsequently Mr. Hamilton agreed to lend the party a horse for the journey to Hankinson’s. The latter beast proved to be particularly intractable and<br />not till she had broken a bullock hide bridle, attempted to rid herself of her pack, and rolled McKerrow on the ground, did she submit to some timely attery and the inevitable tether rope. The route now led up the Mararoa Valley, and the realization<br />of his proximity to Lake Te Anau, already sighted from Bald Hill near Hamilton’s, prompted McKerrow to veer northward to Mt. Prospect, the only peak near the lake at all suitable for a meridian. The peak proved admirable in many respects, but as<br />it was too near to Mt. Nicholas, it was resolved to carry on to Hankinson’s station. Hankinson had no boat, and could not suggest how one might be procured, but he gave McKerrow a pen and ink sketch of the district drawn by his brother. He suggested that Mt. York, picturesquely situated on the right bank of the Mararoa near its junction to the Whitestone Creek, might be a suitable meridian. If it was then it would not be necessary to use a boat in looking for a peak. The following day McKerrow walked as far as Mt. York, viewed it without making the ascent, and<br />arrived back at the camp wet, weary and ragged after the thir ty mile journey, through charred scrub. He had found that Mt.York, although small in comparison with neighbouring peaks, commanded an extensive panorama of rugged and barren<br />mountains as far as snow capped “Whitehead” on the West side of Lake Te Anau. Next day the whole party moved immediately to Mt. York, and spent three days there securing observations and building a cairn.<br />On January 21, 1862, provisions were secured from the st Gillow brothers’ station, and the little party headed back up the fertile Mararoa Valley. They spent a night in one of Von Tunzelman’s huts eleven miles from Lake Wakatipu, and those eleven miles to Von Tunzelman’s station were covered in such torrential rain that any halt for obser vations at Mt. Nicholas was clearly out of the question.<br />At Von Tunzelman’s a fortuitous meeting with Rees’ boatman obviated the necessity for lighting the beacon fire, the signal to Rees that transport was required. McKerrow had no intention of crossing the lake immediately however, always a<br />stickler for precision he was perturbed at the daily variation of the chronometers, and had decided to check the instruments t the two meridians he would pass on the homeward journey.<br />It became apparent that one chronometer was fast but losing ime and the other was slow but gaining. The former varied to more limited extent, however, and it alone was considered eliable enough for use in determining the differences in ongitude between meridians. <strong>49</strong><br /><br />The heavy rain of the previous day had resulted in creeks nd rivers being swollen with oodwaters, and it was found o be impossible to reach Mt. Nicholas on foot. The di culty as overcome by Rees’s boatman rowing McKerrow cross the on River and giving him an opportunity to complete his bservations on Mt. Nicholas in brilliant sunshine. The party hen bade farewell to Von Tunzelman and made for Rees Station.<br /><br />Lingering there only long enough to secure the packhorses nd to procure stores, they set out for the base of the Crown ange. They crossed the Range in the almost unendurable heat of a Central Otago day, and the sun continued to beat<br />down mercilessly while the weary travelers retraced their steps down the Cardrona, down the Clutha, and on to Lindis Peak. Everyone was anxious to secure the necessary observations at Lindis Peak and to pursue a rapid course homewards, but the<br />sun was perversity itself and refused for two days to oblige with its presence. Goldie took advantage of the delay to secure provisions from the Lindis, its population now increased to five by the addition of four goldminers. He and Bryce then took the horses to the junction of the Clutha and Lindis Rivers and awaited the arrival of McKerrow and McLean. All the observations on the meridians were completed and the party pushed on with all possible haste. They followed the Clutha for four miles, then turned eastward on to one of the ridges of Mt. Dunstan. Under a broiling sun which fatigued both man and beast to the point of exhaustion they crossed the rugged Dunstan Range and set out over the upper Strath Taieri plain. The Shang Valley, Waikouaiti and Blueskin village were swiftly left behind as the men hurried over the last lap of their 500-mile journey. From Blueskin, Goldie pushed on over the bushtrack to Dunedin with the packhorses and a batch of letters, but the other members of the party had to spend two days taking observations at Port Chalmers before they could look for ward to obser vations for time on Bell Hill Dunedin,<br />and the completion of the first Reconnaissance Sur vey. That date was February 1, 1862.<br /><br />In the report presented six days later for the scrutiny of Mr. Thomson, a strictly objective account of observations was set out.<br />“Although the chronometers were carried with the 50 utmost care, all the observations obtained with a clear sky, and the rates frequently verified,” wrote McKerrow, “I would not claim any higher value for the longitudinal determinations<br />than a near approximation; for the chronometers were always a ected more or less when carried over high elevations. This may be attributed to the zig-zag course one has to take at some places and also to the change of temperature. The uniformity of<br />rate for di erent intervals, and the comparatively small change of rate when it did take place, show that compensation of errors takes place to some extent, but still there will be some error remaining which cannot be eliminated until the chronometers<br />can be got to act independently of such in uences . . . The observations for latitude and true meridian were taken undergood circumstances. To obtain a clear sky I had to wait several days at each meridian – the weather being broken and clouded<br />throughout.” <strong>51</strong> The three meridians which were to form the foundations of the survey system, had been determined; the more laborious<br />task of filling in the details lay ahead. This preliminary survey was valuable experience for Goldie, Bryce and McKerrow. During its course they not only<br />gained valuable geographical information but learned to adapt<br />themselves to the life of the wide open spaces. They learned to bake dough, in a hollow in the ground beneath the hot ashes of a scrub fire. “The result called damper was not very sightly, but it passed for good bread when there was nothing better. A baking of damper would sometimes last three weeks, so that in<br />such a case one’s digestion was not impaired by eating newly baked bread.”<strong>52</strong> They also learned to trap the inquisitive and pugnacious“weka” by persuading him that a red rag bobbing on the end of a stick and accompanied by a chirping noise was a challenge to combat; a foolhardy misconception which led him immediately into a noose and ultimately into a stew. The weka was soon discovered to be an astute pilferer, although not soon enough to prevent the disappearance of the camp cutlery. Despite this universal tendency, the species held a warm place in McKerrow’s heart, and he considered it a matter for regret that poisoning and ferrets were gradually leading to their extermination.<br />Thirty years after his Reconnaissance Surveys he stated that “Even now when I hear their well known cry as they go home in the gloaming, it carries my thoughts back with gratitude to savoury stews, that did not require any sauce to make them<br />palatable.”<strong>53</strong><br />Prolonged absence from their homes and the accepted amenities of town life had accustomed the surveyors to a simpler scheme of things, and on their return home they were forcibly struck by the contrast.<br />I was just as well that they had <strong>54</strong> no nostalgia for comfort; ten months of the next fifteen were destined to be spent under canvas.<br /><br /><strong>Notes</strong><br />1. Beattie, H., Pioneer Recollections, Vol. I, P. 13<br />2. Gilkison, R., Early Days in Central Otago, P. 25<br />3. McClymont, P. 125. Beattie, H., op cit., Pp. 195-6.<br />4. Beattie, H. Pioneer Recollections, Vol. II, P. 47.<br />5. Ibid, Pp. 155-159 being letters of D. Hay to D.A. Cameron<br />6. Beattie, H., op cit. Pp. 187-190 – letters from Mr. Young<br />7. Hassing, G.M., Pages from the Memory Log of G.M. Hassing, P. 32.<br />8. Von Tunzelman, N., Struggles of a pioneer in the Lake Wakatipu<br />District, MSS., Hocken Library, Dunedin<br />9. McClymont, W.G. op cit. Pp. 127-9.<br />10. McKerrow, J., Diary, Account of talk with D. McKellar in 1863, see<br />Appendix D<br />11. Hocken, op cit, P. 168.<br />12. Palmer, Major, State of Surveys in New Zealand, App. H. of R., 1875,<br />H1.<br />13. McKerrow, J., Letter to Hocken, 20th May, 1907, Hocken Library<br />14. Ibid<br />15. Mr. J.T. Thomson condemned “spotting” surveys in practically every<br />annual report.<br />16. Wakefield, E.G., “A Letter from Sydney and other Writings.” (Everyman<br />Edition) P. 245<br />17. Goldie, J., Diary of First Tour in New Zealand. M.S.S. in Hocken<br />Library, Dunedin<br />18. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, P. 15<br />19. Otago Witness, 26 May, 1860<br />20. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, 11 Nov. 1861, P 262<br />21. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, 26 June 1861, P. 222<br />22. McKerrow’s letter to Hocken<br />23. Kilmarnock Standard, 22 Aug. 1903<br />24. Reminiscences, P. 15<br />25. Kilmarnock Standard, 22 Aug. 1903<br />26. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. III, 22 Sept. 1859, P. 282<br />27. Cook, Captain James, A Voyage towards the South Pole, Vol. I, P. 96.<br />28. App. V. & P. Otago Prov. Council, Vol. I, Session II, 1855, Pp. 96-100.<br />Dr. Schmidt set out in 1855 to carry out a lengthy exploratory trip in<br />Otago, but disappeared somewhere in the Catlins Bush. His fate is<br />unknown to this day.<br />29. Elder, J.R., The Pioneer Explorers of New Zealand, Pp. 33-4.<br />30. The belief in the existence of a renegade tribe persisted as late as 1930.<br />Beattie, H., The Southern Maori, O.D.T. 20/9/30, 15/11/30, 7/4/31.<br />Southland Times, 21/10/30, 23/20/30, 29/10/30, 30/10/30<br />31. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, P. 16, M.S.S. (Punctuation slightly altered)<br />32. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, M.S.S. Pp. 11-13.<br />33. Jourdain, W.R., History of Land Legislation and Settlement in New<br />Zealand, P. 200<br />34. Connell, J.S., On New Zealand Surveys, App. Trans., N.Z. Institute,<br />1875, P. XXVIII.<br />35. Palmer, Major. State of Surveys in New Zealand. App., H. of R. H1.<br />1875, P. 22<br />36. Thomson, J.T., Report, Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. III. Sept. 22, 1859, Pp.<br />256-7.<br />37. Ibid<br />38. McKerrow J., Reminiscences, M.S.S. and McKerrow, J., Letter to Dr.<br />Hocken, M.S.S.<br />39. If at noon on a particular day, an observer measures by sextant the<br />distance in degrees of the sun above the horizon, he can immediately<br />ascertain his latitude by consulting the appropriate table in the Nautical<br />Almanac<br />40. McKerrow J., Survey Report, Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V July 23, 1862<br />Pp. 11-12<br />41. McKerrow, J., Letter to Hocken<br />42. Goldie, J., Diary of Town in N.Z., M.S.S. Hocken Library, Dunedin.<br />Artificial Horizon. At sea level the altitude of a celestial body is<br />determined by measuring the vertical angle between it and the visible<br />horizon. In hilly country this is impossible and an artificial horizon is<br />employed. It consists of a trough of mercury protected by two glass<br />plates inclined at 45o. The surface of the liquid adjusts itself so as to<br />form a minor. Re ection is the basis of the method<br />43. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, M.S.S.<br />44. Goldie, J., Ibid.<br />45. McKerrow, J., Diary of Explorations in N.Z., M.S.S. – the property of<br />Mr. J.A.D. Ritchie, Wellington<br />46. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences<br />47. Report, Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. V, 23 July, 1862, Pp. 11-12.<br />48. Unless expressly stated otherwise, information on this first<br />Reconnaissance Survey is drawn from two parallel sources, the first<br />being McKerrow’s own diary, and the second the diary of Goldie his<br />lieutenant.<br />49. Report, Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. V. 23rd July, 1862, Pp. 11-12<br />50. Report, Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V, 23 July, 1862, Pp. 11-12.<br />51. Report, Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V, 23 July, 1862, Pp. 11-12<br />52. McKerrow, Reminiscences<br />53. McKerrow, Reminiscences<br />54. IbidBob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-18770390019069906752009-03-05T02:51:00.000-08:002009-03-09T06:39:22.865-07:00JAMES MCKERROW. THE SECOND RECONNAISANCE SURVEY - 1862<strong>Chapter IV<br />THE SECOND<br />RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY</strong><br /><br />In his report on the first Reconnaissance Survey McKerrow wrote – “I will now proceed to the Wakatip(u) Lake, and direct my attention to the survey of the country between it and the Wanaka Lake. How much I may accomplish before the end of the season, I cannot estimate, as the country there seems to be almost inaccessible and the work is new to me: I shall push forward as much as I possibly can.”<br />Despite his <strong>1</strong> own misgivings as to the accuracy of the initial observations, <strong>2</strong> McKerrow evidently satisfied Thomson that the work had been competently carried out, and he was instructed to carr y on with a more detailed Reconnaissance Survey.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRIner1De3H17uDIzzTBtVVR2KjEKe2tFe2h6aSnNdcM3glZtrRWVzZB4rOqNc5NvoK72BTb1ITJqa2k7pk5sxGFpYB2V01sTM_A8fkJHfHLp-fGQZy-KtfZHw7YKJIR0j3_umrFr7LQA/s1600-h/james+mckerrow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRIner1De3H17uDIzzTBtVVR2KjEKe2tFe2h6aSnNdcM3glZtrRWVzZB4rOqNc5NvoK72BTb1ITJqa2k7pk5sxGFpYB2V01sTM_A8fkJHfHLp-fGQZy-KtfZHw7YKJIR0j3_umrFr7LQA/s400/james+mckerrow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311181403952546258" /></a> James McKerrow<br /><br />On Monday, February 17th , 1862, only six days after the completion of their first journey, Goldie and Bryce loaded up two packhorses and set out for Lake Wakatipu. Two days later McKerrow over took them in the Shag Valley. The route from there to Lindis Pass was practically identical with that used on the previous trip. On this occasion however, they managed to find a much easier path over the Dunstan Range and were able to make Lindis Peak in good time. They made use of this peak to fix points towards Wanaka and Hawea, then crossed the Clutha in Wilkins’ boat and pushed on to Roy’s. The manager of the latter station agreed to supply them with provisions, although he did so with extreme reluctance and only after McKerrow as leader of the party had made personal representations. <strong>3</strong><br /><br />The Second Reconnaissance Survey had not yet opened up fresh regions to the party, but when they turned westward <strong>(45)</strong>and began coasting round the shores of Lake Wanaka, new and impressive vistas were constantly being revealed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzLzZMISHY1XqelXk5H3oxLoshBsSzXLW3-E5Q9mkByjxvj-mk_I2NyoCLeVop-SajyfvHRnaIQ4ai04pFLVS0NwmDhGtFrcZj_A3l0js27fKMQ2Vy_U9MQR1jz4mTht7oNSipqsYP6P3/s1600-h/wanaka_11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzLzZMISHY1XqelXk5H3oxLoshBsSzXLW3-E5Q9mkByjxvj-mk_I2NyoCLeVop-SajyfvHRnaIQ4ai04pFLVS0NwmDhGtFrcZj_A3l0js27fKMQ2Vy_U9MQR1jz4mTht7oNSipqsYP6P3/s400/wanaka_11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309612666259138946" /></a><br /><strong>They turned westward and began coasting round the shores of Lake Wanaka, new and impressive vistas were constantly being revealed.</strong><br /><br />Unfortunately fog tended to disrupt the work, to limit the visibility, and to mar the view. At the outlet of the Motatapu, McKerrow decided to follow this river to its source. He forced his way up the rugged valley, fixed the position of the river, then turned up the Matukituki. The latter was low at the time, and no di cultywas experience in fording it although it was found necessary to eep a keen look out for quicksands.Ascents of the mountains overlooking the river were interrupted again and again by drizzling rains and thick blankets of fog. On one occasion McKerrow and Goldie discovered that one of the tethered horses was missing, and its more faithful companion subsequently shied, chucking its double burden to the ground and bolted. Even a successful ascent was often accompanied by unpleasantconditions. Goldie described one in detail. “For the first two hundreds yards or so, we had to creep on our hands and knees if not serpent like on our bellies, from the bank of the river till we gained the foot of the mountain through among thick growing high overtopping scrub, then we had to scramble up a pile of steep rugged rocks, clinging to some jutting piece of rock, the roots of some scrubby bush or anything that would favour us with assistance, halting now and again in an eerie swither, whether to proceed or return. Then again we would be weltering amongstthick scrub . . . Again you will find us pulling ourselves up some almost perpendicular rock, thus alternately we proceeded from scrub to rock, till we gained the more open ground, where we were able to walk half bent to the top . . . Mr. McKerrow fell from a rock several feet high . . . fortunately after a little faintness he felt himself little hurt.” As compensation for this effort, Goldie and McKerrow were rewarded with a magnificent view of rugged ranges studied with lofty snow capped peaks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcyRD-RGVDmSoUIeTGKr7MC_FhkLbwqcqGJ7ayaLiWeq0gQF-Iyjx9tyuPFIW3pYQo9SHvXkWU1ZQvsCx2N2TL_-xmn6-0qr2MTyRwUEQO-vhrlNrkWzZHbhXKiWaHIDi_ARfjIvEY3LD/s1600-h/aspiring_jan_99.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcyRD-RGVDmSoUIeTGKr7MC_FhkLbwqcqGJ7ayaLiWeq0gQF-Iyjx9tyuPFIW3pYQo9SHvXkWU1ZQvsCx2N2TL_-xmn6-0qr2MTyRwUEQO-vhrlNrkWzZHbhXKiWaHIDi_ARfjIvEY3LD/s400/aspiring_jan_99.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309479939541878018" /></a><br /><strong>As the party pushed up the Matukituki to the point where its two branches sidle round the foothills of Mt. Aspiring, it became apparent to them that it would be certainly unprofitable and most likely impossible to find a path to the west over the frozen slopes of 10,000 foot Aspiring and her satellite peaks.</strong><br /><br />Through the telescope they could discern glaciers hanging precariously to the flanks of these glistening mountain giants. As the party pushed up the Matukituki to the point where its two branches sidle round the foothills of Mt. Aspiring, it became apparent to them that it would be certainly unprofitable and most likely impossible to find a path to the west over the frozen slopes of 10,000 foot Aspiring and her satellite peaks. Instead, it was decided to follow each branch of the river in turn; the south-west first. “At some places,” wrote McKerrow, “the water forces its way through a narrow gorge between two opposing precipices, at others and especially at the many rapids on the course it dashes impetuously through amidst the huge boulders that oppose its progress.” The scenery up the branch rising north of Aspiring was also strikingly picturesque, but it was restricted by perpendicular cliffs rising almost sheer from either side of the river bed. These formidable varriers dissuaded the explorers from probing further afield. They were en foot now, for under the circumstances ahorse would merely have been an encumbrance.<br /><br />“I can assure you that the scenery here in its native grandeur was beyond anything I have ever seen for beauty,” wrote Goldie.“Each side was clothed with deep green waving birch trees, . . . here and there were to be seen splendid waterfalls, teeming<br />their water rainbow-like over some rocks . . . of several hundred feet in height high up on the mountain side, while many others were to be seen whose waters tumbled from one high rock to another dashing themselves into foam and mist-like spray . .. I myself regretted not a little at not being able to handle a pencil.” McKerrow was similarly enchanted. “The thunder of the avalanche is frequently heard and its over whelming forcedisplayed in its ruthless track left through the forest where remains of great trees lie torn and snapped into matchwood! Glacier Dome and Mount Aspiring enthroned amid perpetual snow and ice, bid defiance to the sun and forbid the approach of the beholder, who is spellbound, impressed with awe and<br />veneration at the stupendous forces of nature.”<br />“The Glaciers <strong>4</strong> pour down from the precipices that support them, every form and variety of cataract and cascade. The eye at one view may<br />see the waters bounding in sportive mood from crag to crag, as if eager to anticipate the more genial clime that awaits it, at another curling up like smoke as if appalled at the awful abyss that yawns below.” <strong>5</strong><br />They trudged past the last known cutpost of European exploration and found themselves further up the river and further west than any of their venturesome predecessors. As the ountry ahead appeared to be useless for cultivation and in any<br />case was within the borders of Canterbury, McKerrow decided ot to follow the river to its source. Itwas a comparatively easy task to make tracks back to the lake, and to push round the shore as far as Stuart Kinrees and Co's Station, but from that point onwards the waters of the lake lapped on to heavily weeded and irregular peninsulas, and numerous mountain spurs terminated abruptly in dangerous,<br />precipitous ridges. A beat was essential. McKerrow had been promised one sometime previously by the manager of the station, but it had not yet arrived from the head of the lake. In the meantime he occupied himself by determining the position<br />of the lake, and in comparing his findings with these secured two years previously by the Canterbury sur veyors Jollie and Young. It appeared to McKerrow, (and a comparison of the two maps confirms his belief ) that Jollie and Young had sadly<br />distorted the outline of the lake.<br /><br />Only a limited amount of work could be carried out without a boat, and it was a profound relief to McKerrow when it arrived and enabled him to continue with his observations further north. He pursued a zigzag course up the lake, and from<br />the peaks which rose high above either shore, took observations to other mountains, to bays, or to various landmarks in the Hawea and north-west regions. From the isthmus separating Lakes Hawea and Wanaka he finally determined the position<br />of the latter lake, then extended bearings to Hawea from the same point. From the upper end of Lake Wanaka and for many miles northward, there extended a long, narrow alley, fringed by rough scr ub and dominated by birth-covered hills and snow-<br />topped ranges. Through the valley the Makarora River flowed down to Lake Wanaka. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV0zoILFZtoOqHyzpTO1HfQedM34xKt1vE2AS9AeJu3iM6bMYfTNHxllQyIDnCEnwpqLq5e5mCXEGUmo9y4BoziEcMgBNOrulMDXl92CwfEGcGSmxGf_IMlCs6q4wdwpEP8gOXiH2UDwA/s1600-h/image1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV0zoILFZtoOqHyzpTO1HfQedM34xKt1vE2AS9AeJu3iM6bMYfTNHxllQyIDnCEnwpqLq5e5mCXEGUmo9y4BoziEcMgBNOrulMDXl92CwfEGcGSmxGf_IMlCs6q4wdwpEP8gOXiH2UDwA/s400/image1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309599624298400578" /></a><br /><strong>Through the valley the Makarora River flowed down to Lake Wanaka.</strong><br /><br />It had been McKerrow’s fer vent desire to spend a few days searching for the Maori track which was reputed to lead from Wanaka to the West Coast; a track of mystery and romantic allure to the pakeha, one of imper fectly recalled historical associations to the Maori. The discovery of such a route was one of the objectives of the expedition.<br /><br />“The West Coast still remains a terra incognita,” Thomson had written. “It would be well to have the mysteries of the locality cleared up and its resources made known.”<br />The long valley and <strong>6</strong> broken ranges suggested a track, but the eye could pick out no opening in the confusion of forest, snow, and rock, stretching<br />thirty miles into the distance.<br /><br />It was the 20th of April and snowstorms could be expected before the survey was finished. Rather reluctantly McKerrow turned his back on the Makarora valley, leaving the elusive pass for others to conquer.<br />His interest in the pass did not ag <strong>7</strong> however, and at several of the nearby stations he set enquiries on foot. When the sur vey was completed McKerrow received a letter from Mr. Hopwood, the manager of the station of the<br />station of Lake Hawea. In it some light was thrown on the Maori use of the track. It appeared that a Maori from Noeraki had been paying a visit to Hawea to show a youthful companion the traditional route used in procuring eels and woodhens from<br />the West Coast. For Hopwod’s benefit the native described theroute from the lower end of Hawea over the range to the head of Wanaka, and from there ten miles up the Makarora to a place where a large Totara grew. Here the party had split. The<br />narrator had remained there catching eels until his companions returned eight days later. Hopwood had some faith in the tale, for the native was evidently well acquainted with the lake and the tracks around it. <strong>8</strong><br /><br />It was too risky to venture a oat in a cockleshell boat during the prevailing story weather, and for two days the surveying party kicked their heels at the top of the lake. Then the wind dropped and they rowed down to Kinross’s station in<br />a at calm. Here they left the boat, took in supplies, recovered their horses, and set out for Roys. At Roys they borrowed fresh horses, but the additional beasts often proved more of a liability than an asset, and their nightly habit of breaking their tethers and bolting kept Goldie busy tramping in pursuit for half a day<br />at a time. The party next turned southwards, crossed the Cardrona<br />and followed down the right bank of the Clutha. McKerrow sent the men on to the junction of the Clutha and the Lindis while he continued with his work, but when later the same night be attempted to find their camp, he by-passed it in the<br />dark and was forced to spend a chilly night in the open with a free as his only shelter. In the morning he heard shouts and was able to rejoin his companions. Downstream they went, taking bearings to Lindis Peak and Trig Hill from all the<br />Clutha’s tributaries up to and including the Kawarau. When McKerrow had determined the course of the Clutha to his own satisfaction, tracks were made for the outlet of the Cardrona and Wilkins’ station.<br />At Wilkins’ they left a batch of mail for delivery to Dunedin, then crossed over the Wanaka branch of the Clutha to the fertile run lying between Wanaka and Hawea. From Mt. Brown which lay nearby, McKerrow took observations to the bends of the Hawea River and to the east side of the Wanaka Peninsula.<br /><br />Later he climbed Mt. Moude and took a set of observations to Hawea and its encircling mountains, and to Quartz Creek. At this latter spot McKerrow met an experienced miner who had been fortunate enough to strike gold. After he had dug thirteen feet, water seeping in had stopped him, but in the spring he<br />intended to exploit the claim with suitable equipment. This discovery was duly reported to Mr. Thomson. <strong>9</strong><br /><br />On the 9th of May the survey of Lake Hawea began. After fording the Hawea branch of the Clutha, McKerrow determined its course, then extended bearings from Mt. Maude forward to other land marks. From the south side of the lake campwas shifted round the shore of the lake as far as Jones’ lower station. The place was deserted; even worse, there was no boat. McKerrow and Goldie decided to scramble along the side of the lake as far as Jones’ upper station, and set out prepared to spend several nights in the open. They had covered only four miles however, when they sighted four sawyers rowing down the lake. Both McKerrow and Goldie shouted at the top of their voices, and noted with satisfaction that the sawyers had seen them and were drawing in to the bank. It was the sur veyors’ lucky day, for two miles further on impassable precipices rose perpendicularly from the lake-side. After some discussion the sawyers agreed to row Goldie and McKerrow round the precipices and to set them ashore near a hut occupied by a contractor engaged in blasting out a bridle-track for stock. From that point it would be possible to reach their destination on foot. This course was adopted and eventually the surveyors reached Jones’ upper station. Mr. Hopwood the manager of the station at once lent them a boat, and for two days they rowed up and down the lake taking observations. It was not found necessary to proceed far up the Hunter River since for the most part it lay in Canterbury, and on the 17th May Hopwood rowed Goldie and McKerrow down to the bottom of the lake.<br /><br />Dunedin was the next objective.<br />McKerrow had a high regard for those enterprising runholders who were prepared to risk their capital and spend their time on country which would not pay its way for many years. Sheep and shepherds were exposed to the dangers of <strong>10</strong><br />mountains and gorge, a full muster for shearing was merely a pipe-dream, communications and the shipping of stock were of necessity by water till a bridle-track could be blasted through, valuable cattle land could not be utilized; and in spite of it all hardy pioneers took up runs and, what is more, overcame all di culties with indomitable courage and astonishingingenuity.<br /><br />The travelers had turned for home none too soon. Warm sunshine prevailed as far as the Dunstan Range, and as there was no vestige of snow on its slopes, the sur veyors elected to camp for a couple of days on the western side. This decision was instantly reversed in the morning when the dawn revealed the countryside thickly mantled with snow. The snow was still falling thickly and continuously, and if the Dunstan Range was to be crossed before conditions deteriorated too far, there was no<br />time to be lost. The horses were packed, camp was struck, and then began the long weary trudge up one of the valleys leading to the summit. That night, the horses, hungry and without anything to chew, stood hobbled outside the tent in biting frost<br />and falling snow. Inside, three surveyors lay and shivered on six inches of snow. Before the horses could be saddled next day, frozen snow was scraped from their backs, and they were led up and down until body heat and sweat melted the foot-long circles which hung from their bellies. Shivering in the chill wind the miserable little procession plunged in Indian file through knee-deep snow. Each man took his turn at leading; then returned exhausted to the rear. At times, great balls of snow formed on the horses’ feet and caused them to stumble and fall. Each one of the party had the private fear that their tracks had led up apromising spur only to peter out in an impassable ridge, and it was a welcome relief when the curtain of snow lefted and the Maniototo and Manuherikia Plains burst into view. <strong>11</strong><br />That night camp was pitched in scrub which provided fuel for a miserable fire and some slight nourishment for the ravenous pack-horses. The following morning McKerrow took a horse and pushed on alone. The unexpected depth of the snow on the plains impeded his progress more than he had anticipated, and at dusk there was no sign of the shepherd’s hut in which he had intended to spend the night. Just when he was pondering on the unpleasant prospect of a night in the open, he saw the smoke of a chimney, and a figure silhouetted against the doorway of a hut. The down-and-out miner who greeted McKerrow invited him in for the night and supplied him with a sheepskin to cut hobbles for the horse, since it was unlikely that the animal would prefer the bleak environment of the hut to shelter and the company of his companions. At daybreak McKerrow set out on another lap of his journey to Dunedin. Two days later, amidst the convenient shades of a winter evening, a very weary and ragged horseman rode into Dunedin and on to his cosy little home in Forth Street Pelichet Bay.<br /><br />For James McKerrow the second Reconnaissance Survey <strong>12</strong> was at an end. Goldie and Bryce spent three days camped on snow and a further two delayed by rain before they were able to slog their way through mud tracks to Dunedin. They arrive there on the 30th of May, 1862, after an absence of nearly four months. <strong>13</strong><br />McKerrow set to work immediately to compile a report and to produce a map of the area he had covered. A preliminary report was handed to Mr. Thomson before the end of June. <strong>14</strong> In it McKerrow gave a brief account of the method of survey he had adopted. “A base of three miles was . . . measured on the terrace between the Wanaka Lake and the Cardrona River; from the ends of his base, and with the true bearings brought forward from Lindis Peak, several triangles with sides of from three to six miles were forced – these again, when completed, served in their turn as new bases for triangles, greater or less according to the position of the mountain peaks. In this manner about 1000 square miles of countr y have been gone over . . .<br />The three angles of each triangle in the middle of the survey were observed; in case where it was only possible to observe the two angles of a triangle a bearing from a third position ser ved as a check.” <strong>15</strong><br />The report then went on to describe the physical features of the area surveyed and in particular the character and surroundings of the streams and rivers. For example, the Matukituki’s uctuations were ascribed to its glacial origin, the volume of melted show in the river depending on the heat of the day. Of Wanaka he stated that “with its many peninsulas and sinuosities, it yields to the passing gaze panoramic views unsurpassed . . . by the far famed Loch Lomond of Scotland.”<br />A brief note on the reputed Maori track followed. The report then went on to discuss the evidence suggesting that Hawea, Wanaka and the terraces of the Clutha had at one time all been under one large lake until an earthquake had cut a passage for the Clutha through the Dunstan Range. Another possibility, it pointed out, was that a swift current had worn away the river bed in the rock. The investigation of such a problem could well be left to the Geological Survey.<br /><br />The complete report,written by the 9th of July 1862, was <strong>16</strong> lengthy without being in any way verbose or irrelevant. It gave a precise summary of the physical characteristics of the country the party had covered. Of the 1829 square miles surveyed, 940 square miles were considered suitable for pastoral purposes.<br />The balance of the land in Otago consisted of 40 square miles of forest, 180 of lake and 326 of barren ground. The part of Canterbury surveyed was practically all barren.<br />The permanent snowline, based on frequent observations of 7838 foot Mt. Alta was estimated at about 8000 feet, but observations to glaciers on Mt. Alta and Mt. Aspiring indicated that the permanent glacier level was considerably lower. The source, course and characteristics of the main snow fed rivers such as the Matukituki, the Makarora, the Hunger,the Motatapu, the Dingle and the Timaru were described in appropriate detail, and the contention that their waters varied with the melting of the snow was substantiated by reports of flood marks around the lakes. The lakes McKerrow suggested appeared to act as reservoirs in conserving ood waters and in controlling the ow of the Clutha. Without the lakes, the mighty Clutha might well have been an intermittent torrent.<br />Some space was devoted to a discussion of the agricultural and pastoral potentialities of the various districts, and a concise and illuminating summary of the details was set out. Another valuable section dealt with di culties which could be anticipated in gaining access to these areas. In McKerrow’s opinion part of<br />the Clutha Valley would grow cereals and vegetables, although the absence of suitable timber for fence-posts might prove a drawback for farm purposes. The last section of general interest discussed the all important question of communications. McKerrow pointed out that the only overland route to the interior suitable for dray was through the Lindis Pass, but that this track, like the bridle tracks over the Dunstan Range and Crown Ridge, was generally impassable for a few weeks every winter. Even at the best of times drays could be taken no further than the junction of the Wanaka and Hawea Rivers. There their contents had to be transferred to ferries. It was possible to cross the Clutha on horseback at certain times of the year, but in the meantime the upper reaches of Wanaka and Hawea were accessible only by boat.<br />Short paragraphs on nomenclature and gold discovery concluded the narrative section of the report, but appended to it was a list of the heights of the mountains, a summary of the different classes of land and a day to day record of the <strong>17.18</strong> weather conditions, together with barometer and thermometer readings.<br />The report was published in the Otago Provincial Gazette.<br />Its importance can scarcely be overemphasized. For the first time squatters had a reliable and comprehensive description of the upper Clutha Valley. They could venture forth secure in the knowledge that no hostile natives would molest them and<br />that the land they had bought in Dunedin would be clearly delineated on an o cial map. No land piracy was possible. McKerrow was not feted in any way for his work, but J.T. Thomson, a taciturn Northumbrian inclined to be frugal in his praise, realized that his trust in McKerrow’s ability had not been misplaced. “The service was one of the great delicacy and diffculty” he maintained, “and having being satisfactorily accomplished by that officer, (i.e. McKerrow) much credit is due to him.” <strong>19</strong><br />For the year of these operations was £805.3.2, and the price per acre of the Reconnaissance Survey worked out at a penny to a penny halfpenny per acre. For a service which fixed the <strong>20</strong> positions of pastoral runs, district boundaries, tracks and routes acquainted the public with the fertility of Central and north-Western Otago and brought large sums rolling into the coffers of the Provincial Council, it was money well spent.<br /><br /><strong>Notes</strong><br />1. Report. Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. IV, 23 July 1862, Pp. 11-12.<br />2. Ibid<br />3. Unless stated to the contrary, the description of this journey is taken from the diaries of Goldie and McKerrow. Fixing the position of the Cardrona river and its tributaries. From the Pisa Range bearings were carried west to the Kawarau River. “It is a river worthy of no small admiration,” wrote Goldie . . . Its principal attraction consists in this that it passes through so many narrow and rocky gorges churning its waters into foam, places that at a short distance from them, one would think you could step over them . . . if its equal was in the old<br />country many a pleasure party would be witnessed on its banks.” From the Kawarau they retraced their steps up the Cardrona valley to the fertile strip of land at the outlet of the Cardrona River. On the way the observations were taken during winds of gale force, and it was found necessary to improvise additional supports for the theodolite.<br />4. McKerrow’s letter to Hocken<br />5. McKerrow’s diary<br />6. Report by J.T. Thomson, Otago Prov Gaz. Vol. V, 26th Nov. 1862 P.206<br />7. Report by McKerrow, O.D.T., 28th June, 1862<br />8. M.S.S. Letter from Hopwood to McKerrow – in back of field book No. 127, Dunedin Survey O ce.<br />9. Report Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V, 23rd July, 1862, P. 16.<br />10. Report, Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. V, 23rd July, 1862, P. 15. McKerrow’s diary for this trip breaks o on the 15th of May on which date he was still engaged in surveying Lake Hawea. Goldie’s diary is complete however, and part of the journey back to Dunedin is described in McKerrow’s “Reminiscences.”<br />11. McKerrow’s Reminiscences<br />12. Ibid. – I have it on the authority of the Misses Todd that Mrs. McKerrow lived at “Burnside” in Halfway Bush during the surveys.<br />The Todds lived next door. I cannot explain McKerrow’s reference to his home being in Pelichet Bay<br />13. Goldie’s Diary<br />14. Report, O.D.T., 28th June, 1862.<br />15. Ibid<br />16. Report, Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. V, 28th July, 1862, Pp. 12-16<br />17. See Appendix E<br />18. See Appendix F<br />19. Report, V. & P. Otago Prov. Council, Departmental Reports, Session<br />XIX 186 Z, P. 2<br />20. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol.V, 26th November, 1862, P. 208Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-89493138627064752522009-03-03T15:25:00.000-08:002009-03-07T21:40:29.739-08:00JAMES MCKERROW. THE THIRD RECONNAISANCE SURVEY 1863<strong>Chapter V<br />THE THIRD RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc72Ia5BzUxNaunw3RjeE0w5Y4z9qjrhratnPeTtBLThnBlUlgAz5JkdCg531uRjh8wLffM2bmE3IhfpGoB8J3myQbK6WHXSOhv00eYkMg7LDJNv_aFwUlpFl-93ZrXpdIzU3SjvMgXO0/s1600-h/mckerrowmap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273190928381899810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc72Ia5BzUxNaunw3RjeE0w5Y4z9qjrhratnPeTtBLThnBlUlgAz5JkdCg531uRjh8wLffM2bmE3IhfpGoB8J3myQbK6WHXSOhv00eYkMg7LDJNv_aFwUlpFl-93ZrXpdIzU3SjvMgXO0/s400/mckerrowmap.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>This map shows the enormous area covered James McKerrow and his survey expeditions 1861-63. </strong><br /><br />Mr. J.T. Thomson was evidently quite satisfied with the scope and accuracy of the first detailed Reconnaissance Survey, for in his annual report covering the period 1961-2 he recommended that McKerrow be employed in surveying an area extending from the mouth of the Waiau River up to Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau, and north of the Takitimo mountains as far as the Crown Range. At this point bearings should close with those determined on the previous Reconnaissance Survey. If possible and practicable an attempt should also be made to reach the West Coast. <strong></strong><br />On the 29th July 1862,Goldie and Bryce entered the Survey Service at a wage of Rs.1/-per day, and two days later started south on the first stage of a circuitous sweep through Invercargill, the Waiau District, and the mountainous region surrounding Wakatipu. This route was preferable to the northern one in that horses could be used for the major part of the trip. The use of the Shag Valley route meant leaving the horses at Rees’ station. They followed the newly metalled south road as far as the Taieri ferry, where it degenerated into a muddy dray track. Then they pushed across the Tokomariro Plains to the Clutha River, and crossed this mighty waterway in a punt designed and constructed by Mr. J.T. Thomson. The Mataura River was also safely negotiated, and before them stretched a low level plain which provided an easy passage to the thriving little town of Invercargill. <strong>2</strong><br /><br />Although McKerrow had left Dunedin four days after Goldie and Bryce, he arrived at Invercargill on the same day, the (59)9th of August. Before setting out for Blue Hill in the company of Mr. J.H. Baker of the Southland Survey staff, he made a careful study of those field books in the Invercargill Survey Office which dealt with the Reconnaissance Surveys of 1857-8. On the way to Bluff it became necessary to wade along the side of the harbour but ultimately he and Baker reached Bluff Hill and pitched camp on its summit. They spent a fortnight here, but the weather was so boisterous that the vital obser vations to Stewart Island and inland mountains could be secured only on rare occasions. Mr. Baker later paid a tribute to McKerrow’s ability on this occasion. “This work”, he maintained, “and my conversations with Mr. McKerrow were of great use to me, as they gave me an insight into the higher branch of my profession which I had not had before.” 3 On his return to Invercargill McKerrow determined to his own satisfaction the position of Mt. Anglem on Stewart Island. Later on he used this peak as a point of reference from the mouth of the Waiau River.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMW-cL3-MhJ1-LEnPqdCoY6ZUTmyTV_CaQaJj7JYejMQMfcNI-iYf5aBrz5uaMiLhLPiRPhhNOmPXmYOJH8SDTjgWE08wNd3PTz0J9GfPVfmFaIkEJc248jBS2Li5PhJiJGttlJMJu8zw/s1600-h/Mt.+Anglem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMW-cL3-MhJ1-LEnPqdCoY6ZUTmyTV_CaQaJj7JYejMQMfcNI-iYf5aBrz5uaMiLhLPiRPhhNOmPXmYOJH8SDTjgWE08wNd3PTz0J9GfPVfmFaIkEJc248jBS2Li5PhJiJGttlJMJu8zw/s400/Mt.+Anglem.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309488181619588482" /></a><br /><strong>Mt. Anglem on Stewart Island was an importrant reference point for future surveying on his 3rd expedition.</strong><br /><br />All preliminary observations were at last complete. As soon as Goldie and Bryce found the flooded track from Bluff passable, they joined McKerrow in Invercargill and made final preparations for their long sojourn in the interior. Finally stores were procured, and the party set out for Riverton. At Riverton, a picturesque little settlement situated at the mouth of the Aparima or Jacob’s River, and important since the decline of whaling operations as the port of the Western runholders, useful information was collected. Mr. Howell, who owned a run on the west bank of the Waiau, informed McKerrow that there was no bush from the south of his run to within five miles of the coast. In his opinion it would not be necessary for the surveying party to follow their projected course along the coast. Howell also maintained that Solander Island could be seen from Twinlaw Peak. This meant that its position could be determined by means of bearings from Bluff and Twinlaw Peak, and that the position of the mouth of the Waiau could then be calculated from the positions of Solander Island and Mt. Anglem. He volunteered the additional information that the Lillburn River emerged from a lake which could be seen from the vicinity of one of his runs. This fact was substantiated by Solomon, a well known Riverton Maori. According to the latter there were two lakes named Howlako and Monowai lying in the bush west of the Waiau. He had seen neither, but the former had been visited by an old woman of his Kaika, and the latter figured in the traditions of the tribe. Solomon was able to make a rough sketch showing the approximate positions of the lakes, and this he gave to McKerrow. <strong>4</strong><br />Bearings were taken to Mt. Anglem from a nearby trig station; then the party turned their backs on civilization and set out on their journey to Twinlaw Peak, some forty miles to the north east. The route led through the Aparima valley with theLongswood forest range visible on the left, and, on the right, a broad plain extending as far as Invercargill and the Mataura.<br /><br />Showery weather and swampy roads made traveling conditions miserable, but eventually they arrived at Twinlaw Peak and secured the necessary observations to the Takitimos and other westerly ranges. The Waiau, just sixteen miles westward, was the next objective. A succession of low barren ridges led to a beautiful little valley, the Wairaki. Through it a limpid stream owed on its way to join the Waiau some thirty miles from the sea; and here was that broad and turbulent torrent, the Waiau itself.<br />Howell’s station was only two miles beyond the river, and a signal fire lighted on the bank of the river soon attracted the attention of the manager who came down to the river and rowed the party across.<br />Howell’s manager spent nearly a week in guiding McKerrow round the run; one of the only three west of the Waiau. A base line was measured on gravelly soil, and from it the positions of the Deanburn River and of various swamps and bush terraces were determined. During the week McKerrow noticed some tree trunks stripped of bark. They had obviously been scarred with blunt axes at various times in the past. On one occasion McKerrow, accompanied by the station manager and a Maori boy, went a day’s journey on horseback towards the Lillburn River. Thick scrub continually scratched both men and horses, and it was found necessary to fire it to facilitate progress. On<br />returning to Howell’s, McKerrow set the men to widening the track he had passed over so that the pack horses could push their way through the scrub. While they were engaged on this work he himself spent some time determining the positions of some of the tributaries of the Deanburn, and in fixing the position of Howell’s house. The following day the journey to the Lillburn commenced. A track was slowly hacked through the brushwood and rank native grasses on the north bank of the river. Fog stopped observations on several occasions, so the surveyors spent some time in an abortive attempt to find gold in the mica and fireclay In the bed of the river.<br />Lake Howloki, was thought to be somewhere at the head <strong>5</strong> of the LIllburn, and McKerrow was anxious to visit it. Leaving their horses at the edge of the scrub and snow grass, he and Goldie plunged into the bush on what was to prove a fruitless search. The going was hard and seven hours were occupied in covering fifteen miles. “We sank to our knees in fogg (moss),” wrote Goldie; “and what with rotten branches or huge fallen trees our traveling was both tedious and toilsome. Upon each side of the Lillburn, there is a great extent of bush, mile after mile, hill and vale appear robed in . . . dark green foliage.”<br />As they advanced up the river, Mt. Hindley came into view, standing like a sentinel at the bend of the gorge. By that time the Lillburn had degenerated into a small mountain torrent obviously incapable of draining a lake of any size, and after taking a few observations from a spur, the surveyors pitched camp in the bush for the night. The following day they returned to the base camp thoroughly drenched by pouring rain.<br />For four days the rain continued, and during that time the Lillburn was found to be impassable. Until the swollen waters subsided, McKerrow occupied himself by taking observations around the camp. Eventually the river returned to normal and enabled him and Goldie to reach their next objective, a high wooded peak twelve miles up a tributary of the Lillburn. From the top of one of the tallest trees on this peak, which was named Double Bush hill, Goldie and McKerrow enjoyed a magnificent view extending north up the Waiau Valley to Dean Hill and the Hindley Mountains, south to Stewart Island, and west to the snow clad mountains. “Around us on every side the country was under one dense forest, stretching in some directions as far as the eye could reach while far in the west, the lofty snow-clad mountain peaks stood high and bold, dazzling in the sun.” No break in the beach forest revealed the elusive Lake Howloko however. <strong>6</strong><br />Supplies were running low, and they stayed only long enough for McKerrow to secure a few observations from an opening hacked in the trees at the brink of a precipice. They soon discovered that their enthusiasm had led to indiscretion; they had advanced too far on meager rations. Bryce was therefore sent ahead to push through brushwood and swamp in an attempt to reach Howell’s without resort to crossing one of the Lillburn’s tributaries for within a few hours the rain had changed from a mere trickle to a surging torrent. McKerrow tried to cross one stream and very nearly paid for the attempt with his life. A second attempt was unnecessary however, for Bryce soon arrived back safely from Howell’s with the precious supplies. He had been unable to discover the whereabouts of the packhorse which had broken away some time previously however, and although he and McKerrow subsequently spent a day combing the valleys and ridges between Howell’s and the Lillburn, no trace of the animal was seen. Not even the lure of the other two horses was suffcient to rout him out, and it was concluded that he must either be wandering in the scrub, or have swam over to the east bank of the Waiau. No more time was wasted in the search. Instead a passage was cut through the scrub bordering the Lillburn. Occasionally the banks of the intervening tributaries were so steep that the packs had to be removed from the horses backs and carried over, or the horses allowed to swim along until a gently sloping bank provided them with an easy passage from the water. Traveling in this manner became both slow and tedious,especially as frequent halts were necessary for obser vations to determine the course of the Lillburn and the Waiau.<br />At a point just south of the Limestone Gorge and not far below the junction of the Lillburn and the Waiau Rivers, they struck Mr. Aitken’s station. His run, a beautiful level piece of land extending over some 10,000 or 12,000 acres, stretched to within six miles of the mouth of the Waiau, “a distance though short, never known to have been traveled by a white man,” claimed Goldie. They found some diffculty in making this journey through the forest of giant totaras to the coast and wet scrub, muddy creeks, and a lagoon, made traveling conditions far from pleasant.<br />Once more McKerrow noted tangible signs of former native occupation – stripped trees, and typically constructed huts containing such articles as a pipe, a piece of iron, a piece of wollen stocking, the remains of a axe basket, and heaps of shells presumably for use as axe scrapers. From the mouth of the Waiau which was obviously unsuitable for navigation, bearings were taken to Mt. Anglem, Solander Island, and the western mountains.<br />Once more the party turned their thoughts to Howloko, and decided to search for a possible outlet along the coast. They walked fifteen miles east along Muscle Bench,<br />but saw no river <strong>7</strong> of any size and abandoned the search when a few miles further past Sandhill Point would have seen the party rewarded. They turned north once more, and spent a full day pushing through bush so thick and overhanging that constant reference to the compass became necessary even after a detour of only a yard or two. The six miles to open country took eight and a quarter hours to cover. Next day the party caught their horses, which had bolted in their absence, and turned north to Aitken’s. Mr. Aitken himself was away from home, but one of his employees named Jones and two other men, whalers by occupation, proved very obliging.<br />When McKerrow and Goldie expressed their desire to cross the Waiau, these three, who had had experience of the crossing, volunteered to make the first trip with a horse. McKerrow and Goldie evacuated the boat and stood on the bank. While the boat was in midstream, it seemed to McKerrow that the horse was being held too tightly, and was dragging the boat downstream towards a rope stretched across the river. The boat drifted closer and closer to the rope, touched it, capsized and flung the men into the current. Mrs. Jons, who was on the bank, gave vent to a series of frantic screams which soon subsided when her husband was seen to be safe, saved by the quick witted action of those on the bank. They had sighted him hanging grimly to the rope in midstream, and severed the taut rope and seen him swung into calm water on the other side of the river. Meanwhile one of the whalers had managed to climb on to the upturned boat, and waiting for an opportune moment leaped to the shore. His companion was not so fortunate however, and was swept out of sight. McKerrow and Goldie spent two days searching for his body, but saw no sign of it and abandoned the search. Meantime Bryce made his way up to Howell’s station, crossed the Waiau, and made down the east bank of the river to a point opposite Aitken’s run. There he met Jones and Mr.Aitken, secured the horse, which had swum out on the east side of the river, and accompanied the two men on their circuitous journey for home. Bryce alone reached the station immediately however, for in showing Aitken and Jones a suitable place at which to ford the Lillburn, he was swept away, and only saved himself by grasping at an overhanging ax bush on the south bank. His horse made for the nor th bank, and Bryce was left, drenched and shivering amidst snow and hail, to make his way to Aitken’s on foot. Aitken and Jones then retraced their steps to the point opposite the former’s station, and shouted across the river that they would meet the surveying party at the Lillburn. Several wet days followed and were used in cutting a track to the Lillburn, but ultimately the weather cleared, the river subsided and Aitken and his unfortunate companion, who was weak, bruised but safe, reached the station. Jones maintained that the accident was not due to the horse’s behaviour, but to a gust of wind which had blown the boat on to the lowstrung and over stretched rope. Aitken, who had been on the east bank of the river at the time of the mishap, admitted that the rope should have been replaced and maintained it had<br />been his intention to do so. He also said that his instructions had been that no one was to cross in his absence.<strong>8</strong><br />On the 27th of October the party left the scene of the tragedy, and headed via Howell’s for the Wairaki valley. Here they spent some time in mending badly scratched bags and saddles before setting out south for the journey to Cuthbertson’s station. At Cuthbertson’s they picked up the missing packhorse whose whereabouts Jones and Aitken had reported, then turned back past the Limestone Gorge and retraced their steps to the Wairaki River. A few days were spent here in fixing the course of the Wairaki, but on one occasion McKerrow spent the day writing letters while Goldie and Bryce chased the runaway horses over the spurs of the Tokitimu Mountains. Camp was eventually shifted to the base of this ranges over a succession of low lying ridges and grassy plains which auguredwell for the pastoral and agricultural future of the Waiau Valley.<br />The Surveyors were entranced by the view from the southcorner of the Takitimus, Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, the serpentine meanderings of the Waiau on its sixty mile journey to the sea, great forests and mountains, and at long last, Lake<br />Howloki, “shining like a great mirror from the depths of the bush at the base of the Princess Mountains.” <strong>(9)</strong> Several short journeys were made up the valley to creeks and ridges, and from one of these McKerrow caught a glimpse of Lake Monowai.<br />He considered that Howloko and Monowai would probably be seen to better advantage from the Hindley Mountains, and with this end in view signaled to Rogers’ station on the west bank of the Waiau. If any confirmation for the existence of a large lake in the west was needed, it was found in the large tream which owed into the Waiau to the North of Rogers’ tation. Eagerly they toiled through bush and over fallen timber,<br />struggled above the bush line, slipped past frowning cliffs and climbed up on to the top ridge of the Hindley Range.<br />Only two or three points of Howloko could be seen,but that was enough to indicate that it was a lake of fairly large dimensions and relatively inaccessible without a boat. It appeared probable that the outlet of the lake was west of Sandhill point. Beyond the lake was a vast sea of undulating <strong>10</strong> forest clad ridges separated from the party by deep precipitous gorges and snow covered peaks. McKerrow considered that this area might be more easily explored from Preservation Inlet. Somewhat reluctantly he abandoned Howloko, and peered through the fog concealing Monowai from view. He succeeded in identifying the shoreline of the north west corner of the lake, but the north east corner stretched west beyond his field of vision.<br />“The Monowai lake,” wrote McKerrow, “is regular in its form and beautiful in its appearance, surrounded by high mountains all closely wooded around the lake . . . while the placid waters reflect, as from a mirror the dark green shade of the mountain birch.”<br />Provisions were once more low, so they pushed on down the Monowai River, crossed the Waiau at Rogers’ station and headed north to Ligar’s station, where they secured supplies by voucher. Once more they headed nor thwards, passing over the extensive plain which stretched right up to the junction of the Mararoa and the Waiau Rivers. This point was only a few miles distant from Mt. York, the third meridian established during the first Reconnaissance Survey, but the link was not closed immediately. Instead, McKerrow shifted camp east to the rich pastureland north of the Takitimu Mountains, and ascended one of these rugged and shingly peaks to take observations to Lakes Manapouri, Te Anau and surrounding mountains. Progress was being constantly interrupted by the continued proclivity of the horses to vanish during the night, although they were always followed and recaptured. A brief trip was also made to Mt. Prospect, which by reason of its isolated position proved admirable for observation purposes.<br />This particular jour ney involved swimming the Mararoa river twice. Eventually the party arrived back at Gillows’ eager to turn their attention to the survey of Lake Te Anau. One of the Gillows brothers had promised McKerrow the loan of a boat when the two had met previously in Invercargill, but when approached on the spot both brothers showed a decided reluctance to co-operate in any way. The boat was only used twice a year to cross the Waiau; it was unsafe in rough weather and needed careful handling in calm weather; it would be available for use on Manapouri only, as the current was too strong to row to Te Anau. Furthermore their dray was out of repair, their bullocks intractable, their time valuable, and even if they had the equipment and were substantially recompensed they would still be unprepared to assist. McKerrow reminded the younger brother of his promise. The latter temporized and evaded the issue. Finally the truth emerged. It was all very well for the Otago Provincial Council to use his boat when it suited them, but they were not prepared to accept his returns as to the size of his flocks. McKerrow appealed to him not to transfer his grudge to an innocent surveying party endeavouring to open up the country, but the plea was in vain.<br /><br />Further discussion could obviously serve no useful purpose, and McKerow determined to proceed to Hankinson’s and seek help there. This course proved unnecessary however, for on the north side of the Mararoa river the younger brother Gillow overtook the surveying party and ordered them the boat. His conditions were that in return for the loan of the boat McKerrow would sign a paper to the effect that the Otago Provincial Council took full responsibility if the boat capsized and the party was lost, and under such circumstances would compensate the owners of the boat for their loss. Before he returned home Gillow told McKerrow that he was a fool and would probably never survive his expeditions. <strong>11</strong><br />McKerrow carried on as far as Mt. York, measured a baseline, and extended operations as far as the Whitestone valley. On one occasion from the summit of Mt. York he was able to see the valley of the Waiau, the Takitimos, the Mararoa valley, and, in the north-east, a series of high mountains still retaining, “in tattered strips, the remnants of their winter robe.”<br />Manapouri,studded with many small and diversely <strong>12.13</strong> shaped islands, shimmered in the distance, and the protractionof bearings to peaks near the head of the Lake made it evident that the West Coast sounds were not far distant. From Mt.York McKerrow and Goldie followed the course of the WaiauRiver as far as Te Anau “This part of the river,” wrote Goldie, “looks beautiful all along its crooked course. The boughs of the birch trees that adorn its banks yield to take a parting kiss from its limpid waters as they calmly and silently roll along on the<br />tortuous course.”<br />It was quite evident that it was impossible to row from Manapouri to Te Anau against the strong current, but no difficulty was anticipated in making the trip from Gillows’ to Manapouri. To the concentration of McKerrow, after he had covered a third of a mile all his e orts to make fur ther progress were frustrated by the strong current. When twenty minutes strenuous pulling at the cars produced no better result, he realized that there was only one alternative. The boat must be carried. It was only a one man, at bottomed boat, apparently a puny craft, but that six mile por tage over rough country was punctuated with many a rest, and the day was far spent before aching shoulders deposited their burden on the waters of the Manopouri. The position of the rowlocks was immediately altered to make room for two rowers, and waiting only long enough for the surface of the lake to assume the placid appearance of millpond, Goldie and McKerrow stepped into their unseaworthy craft, took o their boots as a precaution against foundering, supplied themselves with a stock of damper, and set o to explore the ramifications of the lake.<br />From various peaks around the lake bearings were taken to the waters edge, the angle of depression determined, and distances calculated. The lake proved to be much larger than was anticipated, and a return for supplies became necessary.<br />Eventually all the arms of the lake were explored and McKerrow was able to turn his attention to the possibility of finding a route to the West Coast. One glance at the insuperable barriers presented by the sheer 1000 foot granite pecipices at the<br />western end of the lake persuaded him that he must forgo the attempt.<br />Both men were enchanted with the scenery. “The <strong>14</strong> lake,” maintained McKerrow “with its magnificence of outline, its many and varied forms of wooded peninsulas and islands dotted over its surface, here revealing and there hiding in its shining surface the precipitous mountains that hem them in, with their jagged and snowy peaks mingling with the clouds, make up a scene . . . which it would be difficult to find an equal.”<br />“Beautiful water falls are seen teeming their waters rainbowlike over rocks several hundred feet in height, and the more noisy and angry cascades were here seen and there hid among the foliage upon the mountains side churning their waters into foam long before they reached the bosom of the lake,” wrote Goldie in enthusiasm. The lake was not always seen in such a pacific mood however, and as the boat was totally unfitted to contend with the tumultuous seas which arose from time to time, Goldie and McKerrow were often faced with the choice of remaining ashore, or of taking a chance that the slight swell would not break into crested waves at a pu of wind. In the latter case a hasty retreat to shelter was indicated.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsn4QNSs5b23Twa_J7z8pQncDS_u8JNzfF4_wIr6axOj0SsBfx1FpaRT8XMONACHl-l6HZWWSz8Cm-vsRNngUeCJgh75Yz4oxxVni0YhyphenhyphenKOFcSifgUn2JmXD_2wLfB_MLNv2FF28uyWyM/s1600-h/Aerial_looking_down_lake_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsn4QNSs5b23Twa_J7z8pQncDS_u8JNzfF4_wIr6axOj0SsBfx1FpaRT8XMONACHl-l6HZWWSz8Cm-vsRNngUeCJgh75Yz4oxxVni0YhyphenhyphenKOFcSifgUn2JmXD_2wLfB_MLNv2FF28uyWyM/s400/Aerial_looking_down_lake_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309574215419038786" /></a><br /><strong>The survey of Lake Te Anau was the next objective, and one of the most challenging feats of exploration and surveying in New Zealand.</strong><br /><br />The survey of Lake Te Anau was the next objective but at one stage it appeared that this would have to be abandoned. The problem was one of supplies. Gold had been discovered in the Lake Wakatipu region, and the yearly supplies for the Te Anau district had been diverted to this new goldfield. Mr. Jackson, one of the Te Anau runholders, rose to the occasion however, and supplied the survey party with provisions from his own scanty stock. <strong>15</strong><br />The next task was to move the boat the fifteen miles from Manapouri to Te Anau. It was out of the question to row against the strong current, and after their previous experience they did not take kindly to the prospect of carrying it. Ultimately Bryce<br />was sent for help to Hankinson’s station which was situated some miles north. Although no bullock dray had ever been over the proposed route, Harkinson agreed to make the attempt. The dray arrived in due course, and the boat was carted up to<br />Te Anau without much trouble.<br />On occasions Te Anau is as calm as the proverbial millpond, mirroring in its glassy surface the outlines of the surrounding mountains. On other occasions and without warning it can become a raging sea, threatening to swamp all but the most seaworthy craft or to dash unwary rowers against rocky precipices. McKerrow and Goldie impatiently kicked their heels on the shore of the lake waiting until the seas should calm down. Provisions were low and time valuable, and eventually they were tantalized into making a premature move during a temporary lull in the wind. They soon regretted their action. A sudden squall and a rising wind caught them in the south fiord, unable either to make shore or to continue. A sheltered cove two miles distant o ered temporary refuge for two hours.<br /><br />Then a lull in the storm persuaded them that the worst was over, for four miles they rowed over a calm surface. Suddenly without warning a gust of wind swept down the lake, and within five minutes whipped placid waters into a tumultuous sea of white crested breakers. Desperately McKerrow and Goldie rowed to the protecting shelter of a small cove.<br />Night drew on and still the storm raged unabated, so it was determined to make an attempt to land. Goldie seized an overhanging branch, scrambled up a rocky incline, and in the absence of any at piece of rock, constructed a platform of branches on which to place the small tent. Standing on it, he seized the provisions from other gear which McKerrow handed up, and finally helped his companion to pull the boat<br />out of the w ater by its painter and to secure it between two trees. For two nights and a day Goldie and McKerrow perched in their tent on the side of the cli face, while round about them every peak echoed and re-echoed with a roar of thunder, and every storm cloud belched forth deluges of torrential and incessant rain.<br />In this manner they spent Christmas Day and Boxing Day of 1862; doubtless one of the most memorable festive seasons in their lives. <strong>16</strong><br />Undaunted by this experience the two men rowed further up the south fiord. They had hoped that from the watershed of the small stream at the head of this arm of the lake they would be able to see the West Coast, but once again precipitous mountains barred the way, leaving McKerrow with his high hopes unrealized. Thwarted here, he turned to the middle fiord, similarly enclosed by lofty mountains and rockbound sides, and studded at its entrance with wooded islands and peninsulas. Triangulation by horizontal angles was obviously impracticable here. Instead, altitudes of peaks ahead were determined for use as bases from which to determine ver tical angles. By protracting a few bearings on a blank map used for plotting progress roughly, it became apparent that the West Coast fiords were only ten tofifteen miles distant from the head of the fiord. <strong>17</strong><br />One of the avowed aims of the trip had been to reach the West Coast, and McKerrow, unsuccessful at Wanaka,Manapouri and at the south arm of Te Anau, was anxious to<br />find a pass connecting east and west. Apart altogether from its practical value, the discovery of a mountain pass carries with it a certain measure of allure. “Around most of them,” writes James Park, “have grown a halo of romance. Even in these days<br />who of us can read of the crossing of the Alps by Hannibal, or the forcing of the passing by Napoleon without a thrill of pride for the genius that made such events possible?” <strong>18</strong><br />In New Zealand the discovery of passes preserved this romantic flavour, but it was not McKerrow’s lot to find the first in Otago. His only serious attempt to reach the coast failed. Progress up the Doon valley was reasonably easy at the outset but bush, granite rocks, dead timber and finally an unfiordable river impeded and ultimately halted progress, and a shortage of damper forced a return to the camp at the head of the fiord. <strong>19</strong> He then decided to attempt to secure a sight of Caswell Sound, and to fix on any route to the coast which might be cut through with probability of success. It was decided that an attempt should be made on the only accessible peak handy. Goldie and McKerrow blazed a trail through the bush, and zigzagged their way up on to a spur leading to the summit. A disappointment was in store. On all sides was a dismal and confused array of peaks. Shrouded in fog, but of Caswell Sound there was no sign. Drenched with rain, and smeared with wet moss, they slithered down the mountain side and spent a miserable night without a fire, and su ering from the unwelcome attention of swarms of sandflies.<br />On three consecutive days they ascended this same peak,but each time a climb of four hours had for its reward nothing but the tantalizing sight of snow and black rocks looming through the mist. Damper was again low, the meat had “come to life” once more, and the sand ies were keeping up a persistent attack. They decided on a final attempt. To their delight the fog gradually lifted during the ascent, and there, lying to the west, was Caswell Sound, with the island at its mouth and the surf beating on the rocks fringing it clearly visible through the telescope. George Sound was not in view, as a mountain peakobscured it from sight. “We wave our caps, give three cheers, and down we hurry to the boat, glad to have verified our position<br />and glad to get away from our blood-thirsty tormentors the sandflies,” wrote McKerrow. <strong>20</strong>“There was a good deal of public interest at the time as to who should be the first to sight the West Coast from the interior of Otago. I am not aware that anyone did before the third day of Jan. 1863 the date of the fifth and last ascent. <strong>21</strong><br />I named the mountain `Pisgah’ in recollection of a mountain of that name in another and distant country from which a <strong>22</strong> long expected and promised land was seen on a much more important occasion.” <strong>23</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5VNbQIBl0S5qWYPTtYSsYoosxcruaEybwjtdTiZhwEusZgOAT8eDcJs-OJbvi8M0pXRhC6lkT7-xQvTusm3hTHEMgRiAhFRIM2Lq7sx14Q-ag63YcjuT4hoXI59SvYVJxBlYDAUlQzXM/s1600-h/Mount+Pisgah.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5VNbQIBl0S5qWYPTtYSsYoosxcruaEybwjtdTiZhwEusZgOAT8eDcJs-OJbvi8M0pXRhC6lkT7-xQvTusm3hTHEMgRiAhFRIM2Lq7sx14Q-ag63YcjuT4hoXI59SvYVJxBlYDAUlQzXM/s400/Mount+Pisgah.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147153880514422402" /></a><br /><strong>Mount Pisgah, Southwest Arm, Middle Fiord, Lake Te Anau. McKerrow climbed Mt.Pisgah five times, and on the fifth ascent he got a treasured view of the West Coast.</strong><br /><br />From the summit of Mt. Pisgah it appeared that the wooded saddle separating Caswell Sound from Te Anau might yield to determined bushwhackers, but the paucity of his supplies, and the realization that a permanent route could only be carved out at a prohibitive initial cost and yearly maintenance, dissuaded McKerrow from making the attempt.<br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjSrqPUkH8XFUYnL6bwtTDsVK3ScniXLBxwg477GQ-O4VWkVVG913Vw_ya004okUDii6Xzrc3EI_-weBgbt0JVgnFeIJU2DNWViiGjdKGdtJwKaSq1hH9sE3UD4BV_A0xiNc8md-LQVoo/s400/Caswell+Sound.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310289023333197090" /><br />1. Milford Sound road end<br />2. Bligh Sound<br />3. George Sound<br />4. Caswell Sound<br />5. Charles Sound<br />6. Nancy Sound<br />7. Dagg Sound<br />8. Breaksea Sound<br />9. Dusky Sound<br />10. Chalky Inlet<br />11. Preservation Inlet<br />12. Doubtful Sound Deep Cove<br />13. Lake Te Anau<br />14. Lake Manapouri<br />15. Lake Monowai<br />16. Lake Hauroko<br />17. Lake Poteriteri<br /><br />“Rain, rain, rain the whole day, and these horrid sand ies,” he complained next day in his diary. The following day broke fine however, and he and Goldie made for the Eglinton river. There they erected a small shelter for their food, beached the boat, and headed across country to Hodge’s station for fresh stores. They spent the<br />next two days determining the outline of the bush encircling this run, then collected the precious foodstu and swagged their way back over swamps and through bush to the Eglinton river. Mt. Eglinton, six miles north of the camp, was the next peak to beclimbed, and when observations were completed here the journey up to the north end of the lake was commenced. They pulled up the lake to the north eastern corner, thenrowed up the Clinton River for about one and a half miles. <strong>24</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BaEqZapfa1bDxJiGmGIDuzAzGzRGZOJUadhSmfM9NXgOLmLnPl4qonXQvhfQYOXbNgn3QL0Hlirp88rSkjKqduf5l1dyoA-HqCKW3S70YhIIwYT_SZofvQRTW9G0XUx11uNCpJOlMG8A/s1600-h/Eglinton_Valley_Greig_Blair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BaEqZapfa1bDxJiGmGIDuzAzGzRGZOJUadhSmfM9NXgOLmLnPl4qonXQvhfQYOXbNgn3QL0Hlirp88rSkjKqduf5l1dyoA-HqCKW3S70YhIIwYT_SZofvQRTW9G0XUx11uNCpJOlMG8A/s400/Eglinton_Valley_Greig_Blair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310292276204995618" /></a><br /><strong>Eglinton Valley</strong><br /><br />Goldie likened this upper end of the lake to the fiords. “The upper end is very much akin in its appearance to each of theother three arms stretching away far and narrowly closing amid the high mountains, while here and there, their bold<br />perpendicular rocks rise from the brink of its waters to a great height, while here and there upon the more gently elevated par ts of the mountain and from amid the somewhat stunted growing birch trees that grow to a considerable breadth up the<br />mountain sides all round the west side of the Lake were to be seen the jagged prows of overhanging rocks, dark and grim looking with age.”<br />From the north-eastern corner of the lake, they made for the north-western corner, they turned south and rowed up the north fiord. It provided no surprises, so they retraced their <strong>25</strong>way to the mouth of the fiord, and headed back to the Eglinton River.<br />From there the east shoreline of the lake was followed without incident as far as the mouth of the Waiau. Here they halted to wipe the sweat from their brows and to consider the practicability of running the rapids. Goldie was quite willing to take the risk, and a hazardous journey commenced. Downstream the dinghyraced, careering merrily along. Just an occasional stroke of the oars was necessary to keep a course past bends, or through the eddies and whirlpools which persisted in turning the boat about. Suddenly they came on a rocky gorge with banks so precipitous that escape was out of the question, and to their consternation the boat literally danced on the strong current towards protruding rocks, broken water, and a mass of foam-rapids!<br />“What side of <strong>26</strong> that rock in the centre of the river shall we pass? If we go to the right side we are in danger of the snags sticking out of the sideof the bank, if to the left we may be dashed against the centre rock for the current breaks off from the rock above on to it, let us try the latter plan and see if we cannot go partly through it, pull hard, it is done, we are into the rapid, the centre rock appears just over my right shoulder. Thank God we have just cleared it, touch gently with your oar, let us keep end on with the current, or else these waves will swamp us, spread your feet well and keep your seat firmly; look out, more rocks are ahead.<br /><br />Keep into the smooth water, that is that one passed, just another and then I see we have smooth water, we are now into it; never more thankful for anything in all our lives before.” Later on <strong>27</strong> several less dangerous whirlpools and accumulations of sand or trees were safely negotiated, although the boat grated once or twice on the bottom. “When in my mind I look back over it, I conclude that it amounts almost to a miracle that we escaped,” wrote Goldie.<br />Camp was pitched on the shores of Lake Manapouri three hours after leaving Te Anau. Both men were eager to satisfy their ravenous hunger after such strenuous activity, but the nervous strain had a ected them more than they realized, and the damper and cup of tea were wasted. <strong>(28)</strong> It occurred to McKerrow that the worst stretches of the river had been hidden from sight when he had made the survey of its course; otherwise he would never have considered making the trip by boat. He therefore decided to warn anyone against following his example, and to disclaim any responsibility if they attempted unsuccessfully to emulate his unintentional feat.<br />Strenuous rowing carried the two men down to the Mararoa River and on to the last lap in the little dinghy. Six weeks after its removal, a journey of three hundred miles behind it and none the worse for the experience, the little dinghy was replaced in its scrub boathouse. <strong>29</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwXDHC6Tjl08gARdC3jaAdkq7xIJoTjaYzUR3jsQOrkgi39B8RzWvf9X_jAgKSzDH0G31ay6HHDjcgfG2EdiQdL7S6cpGeVNdmcH1nLI4zPIorws5keUmjPoIWGOEuK8ciL1oxOqRL-Cg/s1600-h/My+river.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwXDHC6Tjl08gARdC3jaAdkq7xIJoTjaYzUR3jsQOrkgi39B8RzWvf9X_jAgKSzDH0G31ay6HHDjcgfG2EdiQdL7S6cpGeVNdmcH1nLI4zPIorws5keUmjPoIWGOEuK8ciL1oxOqRL-Cg/s400/My+river.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310394538434095250" /></a><br /><strong>Upper Mararoa River Area - Overlooking the Pond Burn Area and into the Greenstone Valley from above the Upper Mararoa Hut.</strong><br /><br />From Gillows’ boathouse McKerrow and Goldie made for Jackson’s station where they picked up Bryce. He had been resting there with the horses since the sur vey of Te Anau had commenced. They pushed on over the Whitestone and Upukerora rivers and as far as Hankinson’s Station. Here they were delighted to receive a batch of letters, and to take the opportunity of writing replies to be posted at Riverton.<br /><br />McKerrow took some observations from Mt. Prospect to the Upukerora and Whitestone rivers, then the whole party made tracks for Gillows’ station to report the delivery of the boat. For a time they followed that same route up the Mararoa valley which they had used a year previously to the very day, but after a while they branched o towards Oreti river. In time they came up to the Eyre mountains and on ascending a dark, rough spur picked out Mt. Hamilon, the Takitimo Mountains and the Oreti and Mararoa rivers.<br />At Printz’s station nearby, McKerrow had a yarn with Thos. Brown, an old whaler. He was able to give McKerrow particulars of anchorage at Milford Sound and the Awarua<br />riverand stated that in his opinion the Maoris had been in <strong>30</strong> the habit of following this river and one of its tributaries until they could pass over a saddle and down the rivers leading to Lake Wakatipu. Brown himself had been part of the way up the river in a Maori canoe.<br /><br />From Printz’s the surveyors proceeded up the Oreti valley, crossed over to the Mararoa valley and eventually reached Bald Hill from its summit they were treated to an impressive sight. Rugged peaks towards above valleys wrapped in evergreen<br />beeches or containing detached clumps of bush; to the north stretched the valley leading to Wakatipu. During their stay in this district, the party was fortunate enough to have access to Hamilton’s house, which, although unoccupied at the time,<br />had been left open for travelers.<br /><br />McKerrow was anxious to proceed next to the Mavora lakes. He pushed up through a dark wooded valley, skirted the two lakes, and advanced as far as the junction of the contributing branches of the Mararoa. From a nearby peak he caught sight<br />of the Mararoa, Van and Greenstone rivers. They appeared to rise very close to one another. Supplies were low again, and on the second of February a route was followed which led down to the Oreti Valley and thence to one of White’s outstations about ten miles east. Next day McKerrow took some observations to the watershed of the Eyre Mountains in a wind so gusty that he was forced to steady the base of the tripod with stones.<br />He then pushed on alone to White’s main station nearer Lake Wakatipu, but as no one was there retraced his steps as far as a hut belonging to Von Tunzelman. There he found Goldie, Bryce and Von Tunzelman himself. The latter maintained that it was possible to take packhorses up the North branch of the Von River as far as the head of the Mararoa river, which rose close to the Greenstone. He led the surveying party as far as the swampy valley leading to the Greenstone, but McKerrow could ill afford to spend a fortnight so late in the season in making a close study of the region, and turned back up the Von river to Tunzelman’s station at the edge of Lake Wakatipu.<br />After taking a few observations to bays and peninsulas from Mt. Nicholas, Goldie and McKerrow took Von Tunzelman’s boat, which the latter readily made available, and rowed up the lake, taking obser vations from points all along the western shore.<br />From the end of the lake they pushed six miles up the Ress Valley as far as Mt. Alfred, a small and easily accessible conical hill. Digger fashion, with bedding, food and instruments packed in a swag, they then tramped up alongside the Rees until<br />the grassy valley narrowed into a rocky and bushlined gorge.<br />Throughout the valley diggers were constantly encountered. All were prospecting with some success in the gullies opening on to the main valley. Provisions were again very nearly exhausted, but with the splendid weather showing every indication of continuing. McKerrow decided to push ahead with all speed. They retraced their steps down the Rees, skirted Diamond Lake, and made for the Dart. Walking along the shingle of the river bed or struggling through the bush which covered every spur and bluff, they toiled up the valley as far as the gorge beneath the brow of Mt. Macintosh. Prospectors in this valley were enjoying only moderate success, but were hoping for more substantial returnsin the winter. Somewhere in the Dart Valley McKerrow came into conversation with P.Q. Caples who told him of an unknown river flowing into a lake close to the Tasman Sea. McKerrow could not accept the invitation to see for himself, but gave <strong>31</strong> all the help he could to Caples. He presented the miner with a small pocket compass and a tracking of a map showing the true relative positions to scale of Lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau, also the line of the coast from Milford Sound north to about Jackson’s Bay. This tracing was taken from McKerrow’s own camp map which he kept up to date from week to week. <strong>32</strong><br />Caples eventually reached Martin’s Bay and returned to Dunedin some two or three months later. He gave Mr. J.T. Thomson an accurately drawn sketch of the country which contained some of his own place names, and this, on McKerrow’s advice, was <strong>33</strong> accepted as an addition to the map of Otago then under course of preparation. <strong>34</strong><br /><br />On the return journey to Wakatipu a rainy spell set in. this was spent in a hut on the shores of the lake. Eventually theweather cleared, and a course shaped for Von Tunzelman’s via Pigeon Island. A halt was called at Von Tunzelman’s to enable<br />McKerrow to sign some vouchers and to set Bryce off on the first lap of a circuitous hundred mile journey with the horses to Kingston.<br />Immediately this was done, Goldie and he set <strong>35</strong> out for Queenstown. That night they reached a point opposite the town before a rising sea and win compelled them to seek shelter.<br />The following day, the third of March 1863, Goldie secured stores from Queenstown, and rejoined McKerrow; then they rowed down to the small settlement of tents which<br />went by the name of Frankton. They had been greatly surprised to see a small steamer and many other boats plying a busy trade between groups of tents snugly placed in every sheltered nook, but they were astounded at the changes wrought at Rees’ station. Six months previously the homestead had stood isolated. Since then, large stores, hotels, a canvas town, and a seething population had sprung from nowhere. Toiling up the rugged slopes of Ben Lomond, diggers could be seen leading packhorses or bending under swags as they made eagerly for their claims.<br />At the mouth of the Kawarau, while engaged in taking observations, McKerrow met Mr. Shanks of the Dunedin survey office. He had come down from Frankton to deliver a<br />verbal message from Mr. J.T. Thomas to the effect that every effort should be made to reach the West Coast. “I am very sorry that time will not permit the attempt . . . or I should be most happy to make the coast if possible,” wrote McKerrow.<br />He immediately proceeded to measure a baseline at Frankton, completed a triangle by observations from Morven Hill, and gave the series of results and the boat to Mr. Shanks. McKerrow and Goldie then packed their swags, crossed the Shotover by ferry and made for a ridge at the head of Hayes Lake. “Last year,” narrages Goldie, “on our first journey, while we crossed and recrossed these streams and traveled over these beautiful ats through which they ow are they join the Kawarau river, there were no living things to attract our attention and not a sound, no, not even the ba-ba of a grazing sheep to disturb or even cheer our ears. Now the hundreds who daily traverse them and some of the adjoining mountains show how soon the once impenetrable and unknown mountains and wilds of a country can be tamed and traveled over by man, when found to possess the richest of the golden ore.”<br />From the creek at the head of Hayes Lake, they pushed on to a spur at the head of the Arrow river overlooking Fox’s town, and continued from there down to the main branch of the river where this mushroom canvas town had made its appearance.<br />Up the Arrow river, clusters of tents were encountered at every bend, for the gullies were still yielding forth fabulous riches in uneven but decreasing amounts. The main force of the rush had been spent however, and the valley was full of abandoned claims.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IT_06emUGLoe0Ra3Zn-Rk8vIcFdktxc2yRZE6cn9lOOwjZIfh5__h8ZOZ7tNVk889cRZcvgtVuVH-w9QOCzo2jfcLDfGu6otljjJYtqHRc3P2BSNyVjAb0e8z72jVhiNE3RgBvIGgV2W/s1600-h/Harris_Mountains,_New_Zealand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IT_06emUGLoe0Ra3Zn-Rk8vIcFdktxc2yRZE6cn9lOOwjZIfh5__h8ZOZ7tNVk889cRZcvgtVuVH-w9QOCzo2jfcLDfGu6otljjJYtqHRc3P2BSNyVjAb0e8z72jVhiNE3RgBvIGgV2W/s400/Harris_Mountains,_New_Zealand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310584948949660626" /></a><br /><strong> From a similar spot to this McKerrow wrote "“Standing on the Harris Mountains and looking over to the Upper Shotover, a wild hacked, precipitous scene presents itself, to which it would be difficult to find a parallel,”.</strong><br /><br />At the head of the Arrow river McKerrow ascended a mountain ridge, and from the summit was able to pick out the course of the Shotover from its source until it was joined by Skippers and Stoney creeks. “Standing on the Harris Mountains and looking over to the Upper Shotover, a wild hacked, precipitous scene presents itself, to which it would be difficult to find a parallel,”, he wrote.<br /><br /><br />He made some observations <strong>36</strong> to the mountains encircling the head of the Shotover, then moved to the Coronet Peaks, made for Hayes Lake, crossed the Shotover and approached Queenstown.<br />When they saw the bustle and activity in the town, Goldie and McKerrow sought the privacy of the scrub until sundown should serve to conceal their tattered clothes. Then they crept down to the town. At the Union Bank McKerrow made himself known to Mr. Bradshaw the gold buyer, and borrowed enough money to buy new outfits of clothes. Any lingering doubts that Mr. Bradshaw may have had as to the identity of this rather unkempt individual were dispelled when the two met later in the evening at Rees’ homestead. <strong>37</strong><br />The following day was spent in the ascent of Ben Lomond. When Goldie and McKerrow set out later for Mr. Shank’s camp, Queenstown was thronged with a crowd of rowdy miners bent on celebrating the St. Patrick’s day sports. McKerrow soon secured the boat from Mr. Shanks, returned immediately to Queenstown, filled in his fieldbooks and wrote a report to Mr. Thomson as well as letters to his wife and friends.<br />On Wednesday the 18th of March, Goldie and he set off by boat for Kingston. They stopped a number of times to ascend several peaks on the east side of the lake and a single one to the east of the south branch of the Lochy river. At Kingston Bryce<br />was waiting with the horses. McKerrow measured a baseline there and made the ascent of a nearby peak to pick out the creeks which ran off the Eyre Mountains into the Mataura river. After some little delay in completing business transactions the party, united once more, moved o down to the Mataura River. Behind them they left Wakatipu, a lake which in Goldie’s opinion could not stand comparison with the picturesque and unsurpassed grandeurs of Te Anau or Manapouri. Down the fertile Mataura valley the party travelled, crossing and recrossing the Mataura River from Southland to Otago, and bound for the Waikia Valley, although by a circuitous route made necessary by a formidable barrier – the Garvie Mountains they crossed over the east side of the Five Rivers Plain, touched a point on the Oreti River, and finally headed north-east towards the plain lying between the Waikaia and Mataura Rivers. On the way McKerrow called in at McKellar’s station on the Waimea Plains, and heard Mr. David McKeller recount the story of his explorations in the Greenstone Valley.<br />McKeller stated that he had followed the Greenstone River as far as the saddle from which he had seen Milford Sound. He <strong>38</strong> considered that a tack might be cut from Milford Sound to the west branch of the Greenstone. Such a project McKerrow considered impracticable. To his way of thinking such a track would be of use only in driving stock to the Mararoa Valley, for the Greenstone followed through a tortuous narrow and rocky gorge on its way to Wakatipu, and to ford it in floodtime would be a hazardous undertaking. “Now that I have seen and partly examined all the possible approaches to the West Coast from the Otago Province”, wrote McKerrow, “I cannot but conclude that there is no practical route for heavy traffic – thatat the very most and only after much labour and expense a bridle track may be formed – that if any metals or minerals be discovered in paying quantities on the west side of the dividing range, all tra c to and from must be by the sound and inlets of the West Coast, that the means of communication to and from the east side of the dividing range must continue to be as at present by following up the valleys of rivers”.<br /><br />From McKeller’s the party made up the Waikaia valley. Here two or three hundred miners were prospecting, with some success. The weather was cold and equally, and at Cox and Shand’s station they met a party of miners who had been driven from profitable claims at the head of the Nevis by snowstorms. Observations were taken from a high neighbouring peak, then they crossed the Waikaia, ascended a ridge of the Umbrella Mountains, crossed Gow’s Creek and climbed on to the high tableland close to the Remarkable Gap and Rocky Mountain and in sight of the upper tributaries of the Waikaia. <br />No further observations were necessary to the north, so the par ty was able to return down the valley. On the way they encountered prospectors at a stream draining the north side of the Umbrella Mountains. Some were successful enough to be tempted to spend a winter in the valley. Every other gully harboured its complement of diggers engaged either in sluicing or in cradling.<br />At the south end of the valley the party crossed the Mataura and later recrossed it by the ford of the new track. This ford was situated close to the Pyramid and contained only three feet of water, but the horses’ hooves sank in the gravel and mud, an indication it would be unsuitable for use by drays in the ood season. At the Pyramid McKerrow made what might be called his farewell observation. Then the whole party turned for home.<br />Their route led over the Dunedin-Wakatipu track until near Popotuno it joined the Dunedin-Invercargill road. Snow and rain fell and hurricane winds roared over the countryside during the final stage of the journey, and it was with profound feelings<br />of relief and joy that the three weary travelers entered Dunedin on the 6th of May, 1863.<br /><br />The computation, mapping and reports occupied several months more, and it was not till October 1863 that the final map and report were forwarded to Mr. J.T. Thomson. The report was a lengthy summary of the geography of western <strong>39</strong> districts, compiled with McKerrows visual painstaking care.<br /><br />From the appended tables it appeared that of the 4883.3 square miles surveyed, 4579.8were within the boundaries of Otago. Included in this total were 1372.8 square miles of pasture land, 954.7 of forest, 325.3 of lake, 1924 of barren land, and three of swamp. A brief report on the points used for reference during the survey preceded a descriptive account of the actual methods employed.<br />“The distances throughout the survey were determined from bases measured twice by a common chain; artificial marks were set up till a length of three or more miles was obtained in the sides of the triangles, after that natural marks, such as mountain peaks, edge of landslips etc were used as points for triangulating; where this was impracticable then the method of converging angles was had recourse to. Up the fiords of the Te Anau and Manapouri Lakes, where on account of the inaccessible nature of the mountains and the shore line being shaded over by foliage, neither a triangulation could be carried on nor bases measured, di erences of level between the lake and one or more of the commanding peaks were used as a base for determining distances. This method, from the rapidity it gave to the execution of the work, was found to be of great value in the circumstances. It was generally not di cult to find a suitable mountain peak a mile or so in vertical height above the level of the lake. The angle of elevation to which, after the necessary corrections had been applied, gave an excellent means of determining distances up to seven or eight miles. The bearings were (from the same reason as rendered a vertical triangulation necessary) magnetic. Care was always taken on returning to <strong>40</strong> the stations of the true meridian to obser ve if there was any local deviation in the variation of the compass. In every other part of the survey, the work was done on the true meridian. The difference of bearing between the meridians of Mount York and Mount Nicholas and Lindis Peak 44’, the difference to be added to the meridian of Lindis Peak. These differences are not to be taken as precise, seeing that the instrument had to be set several times to natural objects in taking on the bearing from meridian to meridian; but they may be taken as showing ageneral agreement throughout the survey as to bearing, for the apparent discrepancies are very nearly such as are accounted for by the conveyance of the meridians to the Pole The difference <strong>41</strong>between the meridians of the Blu and Mount York obtained in a similar manner to the other di erence is 29’; to be added to the meridian of the Blu . In plotting the survey, the latitudes of the prime stations were found to close one with the other, as also with the latitude of Mount Hamilton as determined by the Reconnaissance Survey of Southland. A discrepancy of rather more than a minute of longitude, or nearly five seconds by chronometer exists between the longitudinal positions of Mount Hamilton as determined from the two surveys; as the discrepancy is one of absolute distance, it does not a ect the value of either survey. The desirability of having a check on the chronometrical determination of the longitudes of meridians was kept in view during the survey by carrying on, with as much care as possible in the circumstances, a triangulation based on short lines. After plotting the work to the scale of one half inch to the mile, it is satisfactory to state, considering the rugged mature of the country that the difference between the chain and chronometrical measurements of the distance<br />between Lindis Peak and Mount York was not appreciable, the meridian of Mount Nicholas when brought to the same test shows a difference of 2 ½ seconds of the Chronometer”. “To check the altitudes, several peaks were determined, both from the data of Mount Pisa and from the data of the Bluff . The nearest agreement of the two determinations was that of Earnslaw, the diffeence being only two feet. The greatest<br />disparity was in the two determinations of Mount Nicholas, the difference being 107 ft. The angular measurements of the survey were all made (with the exception of the astronomical observations), by a four-inch Everest theodolite. <br />Throughout the survey, an equal attention was given to the details of each district; so that unnecessary minuteness was not obtained in one part at the expense of vagueness in another.” The next section of the report dealt with physical geography. “The most marked and striking feature in the configuration of the country under consideration is the great and sudden differences of elevation that diversify its surface; the elevations take the form of mountain ridges, and the depression that of gorges, valleys and deep rocky basins, the latter filled by lakes”. It seemed to McKerrow that these mountain ridges, many of them glacier clad, had great in uence on the Province’s climate, both in condensing into showers vapours that might have escaped, and in periodically ooding the rivers with snow waters. The lakes on the other hand tended to act as huge reservoirs in restraining the flow of flood waters. These lakes could be supposed to have once extended over the large<br />areas on which they had left traces before being mutated by an earthquake, and the depth of their clear waters, impenetrable to the eye, made it appear possible that precipices extended as are below the water as they did above.<br />“The recent development of inland navigation has directed attention to the fickle and uncertain winds that prevail on the lakes”, wrote McKerrow. This he attributed both to the principle of pneumatics (by which cold air shows a tendency to<br />enter into a warmer and more rarified atmosphere) and to the unequal radiating powers of land and water making for land and sea breezes.<br />A description of the character and course of the main rivers followed. Among those mentioned were the Waiau, the Mararao, the Monowai, the Dean, the Lillburn, the Wairaki, the Kawarau, the Shotover, the Arrow, the Clutha, the Dart, the Rees, the Greenstone, the Von, the Lochy, the Oreti and the Waikaia.<br />The section on pastures occupied a very prominent place in the report. It had been found that 778.5 square miles of pastoral country were drained by the Waiau and upper Oreti Rivers, 305 by the Wakaia and 552.3 by the Kawarau. There followed a precise delineation of the location of pastoral patches in the Waiau district with reference to such features as the quality and quantity of grass, the condition of stock, the amount of scrub clearance necessary, the extent to which natural boundaries fenced o runs and thereby lightened the duties of the shepherd, the facilities for wintering stock in sheltered paddocks the freedom from snow of elevated blocks of land, and the areas of forest in the district. In discussing the pastoral potentialities of the district drained by the Kawarau River, McKerrow described in turn the valleys from the head of Wakatipu to the foot; first on the<br />west side, then on the east. The twenty thousand acre block extending from Queenstown to the Crown Range was, in his opinion, equal to the best pastoral land in the province.<br />As regards agricultural farming, he considered that despite its low elevation, the Waiau Valley was not as suitable for this purpose as the areas around Mt. York, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, east of Frankton and in the Waikaia Valley.<br />The forests, he reported, were mostly around the Waiau River and its tributaries, and included red and black pines, red, black and white beeches, and totaras, but at times Tutu, Fuchsia and numerous shrubs were found to flourish, “and by the variety of their foliage and brilliance of blossom, contribute very considerably to the charms of the Lake scenery”. After considering the habitats of the various species, McKerrow went on the point out that the beech was in a numerical preponderance of five to one over the remainder, and grew up to 3400 feet. Few of the other species were found at above 1000 feet. He continued: “Seeing that so large a portion of the Province is covered with this tree, it is interesting to know, that so far as applied to economic purposes, it is found to answer well; the stock owners use the black birch extensively for fencing, stockyards, etc. As for the red birch, it has been found to answer well for building and for furniture, and for implement purposes. At Printz’ station the erection of a handsome mansion-house made of it was nearly completed while the survey was being conducted there. At Gillow’s station<br />all the buildings have been formed of it and what is of more importance in judging the qualities of this timber, a wool press was seen there in successful operation that was made entirely of red birch; there were no straps or bands of iron to withstand the strain, every detail being of the timber. The Messrs. Gillow have had considerable experience of it and they compare it to the elm of Britain”.<br />The report then entered into a description of the barren mountains. All country west of Te Anau and Manapouri and not forest clad was included in this category. McKerrow<br />anticipated that quantities of mineral and metallic ores would be found in fractures of the mountains, and mica, he pointed out, had already been found in streams although no auriferous deposits had yet been discovered. The country between Te Anau and Wakatipu had not been prospected previous to the Reconnaissance Survey, but McKerrow considered that even if gold were found there it was unlikely that it would be extracted as readily as from the narrower valleys of the Arrow or Shotover.<br />The question of communications occupied a place of importance in the report. In the open country of the Waiau district, pack horses and drays had recourse to any number of possible routes, and could readily open communications with other districts. In the Wakatipu district on the other hand, impassable barriers cut o one valley from the next, and all travel was of necessity carried out by water. The sole dray track<br />leaving the district was from Kingston at the south end of the Lake, but bridle tracks could be taken to the Te Anau downs, or over the Crown Range to the Cardrona Valley. Thus Kingston controlled supplies for the district, and the magnitude of<br />the trade made the consideration of communication with it one of importance. Southland, McKerrow indicated, held an advantage in that communications between Invercargill and Kingston could readily be established over the inter vening<br />plains, and unless the Otago Provincial Council was prepared to push a road through the precipitous Kawarau Gorge they could not hope to compete with their southern rivals. It seemed quite obvious to McKrrow that the eastern side of the province<br />would always contain the porte commanding the interior, since the height and abruptness of the ridges parallel to the West Coast would rule out the possibility of road construction other than through river valleys subject to frequent ooding. “I will conclude this report”, wrote McKerrow, “by stating my belief that the extent of the Pastoral and Agricultural portion of the Province has now been determined. The distance between the most westerly points of this sur vey and the coast line is only a few miles; the great altitude of these points – the altitudes by Captain Stockes near the coast line – the life of the country and its appearance as actually seen leave little doubt in my mind as to the utter barrenness of the region extending between the forests of the Wanaka, Wakatipu, Te Anau and Manapouri Lakes on one side, and the forests on the West Coast on the other.”<br />Along with the report went a summary of the various types of land surveyed, a list of the heights of all hills and peaks, a day-to-day record of the weather, and the new map. This latter was a great advance on anything issued previously. Formerly, the country West of Lake Wakitipu and Eyre and Takitima Mountains had been shown as blank, but in this map the general physical features of the lake district were clearly indicated. To Anau’s position had been marked only very approximately; In McKerrow’s map its broad outlines were laid down with certainty and its size established. The same could be said of the northern portion of Lake Wakatipu. “The map may be said to be complete as exhibiting information hitherto unobtained respecting the natural features of the country.”<strong>42</strong><br />As the survey was completed in such quick time, its accurate detail was remarkable, and shows no major deviation from the standard maps of today. Numbers of minor errors were of course inevitable, but the only really major error discernible is the shape of Lake Mawioko which was seen at a distance, <strong>43</strong> from a single point and on a foggy day.<br />The value of the report and map to the public was considerable. Settlers had feared the presence of a hostile tribeof Maoris lurking in the unexplored west; McKerrow reported nothing more ominous than chipped trees and deserted huts.<br />They had been chary of coming to gripe with the gigantic mao; McKerrow told them that only once did he sight anything even resembling the Moa. It had bounded along in desultory<br />fashion in the dust of the evening, but on closer inspection proved to be neither a nor a kangaroo, but merely a lady’s crinoline. They had feared to venture into land unsurveyed<strong>44</strong> and of unknown potentialities; they could now turn to an excellent map and a comprehensive report for guidance.<br />The remaining agricultural and pastoral lands were soon snapped up, and between 1860 and 1974 the number of horses in the province increased from 2541 to 30,840, the number of cattle from 28,999 to 136,921, the number of sheep from<br />378,180 to 4,326,938. <strong>45</strong><br />The credit for promoting these highly e cient and remarkably rapid surveys must be attributed to Mr.J.T.Thomson, but his system was dependent on the capabilities of his field workers. That McKerrow enjoyed the full confidence of his superior is amply borne out by the latter’s remarks in his 1863 report. “I may state that although I have not received the map of the Renaissance Survey from Mr. McKerrow yet, I have no doubt that it will be a full and complete survey and in every way well worthy of the expense to the Government”.<strong>46</strong><br />The expense incurred was £914/5/6 or 1/6.d. per acre, apart from the £93 required for the boat accident on the Waiau, and the £42 for the hire of the boat at Lake Wakatipu.<br /><br />Later historians have been generous in their estimates of McKerrow’s work. Mr. R. O. Carrick for example describes him as “Mr. James McKerrow, one of the earliest and most enterprising of our Southern explorers . . . whose early explorations and considering the state of the country in t hose days astonishingly correct observations did far more towards settling the country and developing its resources than those of any other man”.<br /><strong>47</strong><br />The Royal Astronomical Society’s tribute, paid on McKerrow’s death in 1919, indicates that his worth was recognized by leading scientific bodies. “Years of arduous work . . . in the early days demonstrate to the full the loyalty, grit, and solid determination that he possessed and displayed in the carrying out of expert and scientific work at a time when means of communications were of the most primitive description, and when the surveying of the mountainous forest lands in<br />the south necessitated the finest qualities that man can possess. But, intent on doing his duty, he carried out his responsible work unappalled by dangers which rarely cross the path of a professional man”. <strong>48</strong><br />McKerrow’s intimate knowledge of the interior was fully utilized by those requiring information on the region. “Select Committee for Roads and their Construction” appointed by the Otago Provincial Council asked him his opinion about the<br />possibility of running a road through to Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge. McKerrow pointed out the inherent di culties of making such a road, and the immense expenditure of time and money required. In response to a series of questions he<br />also gave his opinion on the most profitable and speedy way of getting supplies through immediately to the Wakatipu goldfield, and the measures he considered necessar y to compete with Invercargill for the trade. <strong>49</strong><br /><br />In a more specialized field, that of geology, McKerrow’s observations were of particular significance. In a paper read before the Otage Institute on July 19, 1870, and later printed in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, he discussed<br />the “Physical Geography of the Lake Districts of Otago. After <strong>50</strong> referring brie y to the areas, dimensions, altitudes and positions of the lakes, he pointed out that they were long and thin, lay lengthwise in their valleys had precipitous sides, surfaces not differing greatly in altitude, and terminated at the point where the valleys broadened out into plains. On each side and at the southern ends there invariably lay vast areas of shingle and large blocks of rock. It appeared that some great natural cause had had a uniform action in producing these lakes. McKerrow contended that the glaciers lying on the side of the mountains were puny descendants of glaciers which had formerly filled valley and lake bed, and had slid slowly but irresistibly forward, carrying with them the spoil of the mountain, gradually working a bed deeper and deeper, and finally depositing their spoil as lateral and terminal moraines. Soundings taken of the depth of Lake Wakatipu supported certain corollaries of this theory, and McKerrow drew further support for his contentions by<br />explaining why New Zealand was at one time cold enough to contain such large glaciers. The present condition of lake and river, he maintained, must however have been in existence for a long time if the conclusions he drew from the slow silting up at the heads of the lakes were valid. He pointed out that the rivers were gradually eroding their courses to a lower level, with the result that several small lakes had been transformed into valleys. Rivers then ran through them and dashed over the moraine as rapids. From these observations and taking into consideration the great disintegrating power of frost, it could be readily understood to what an extent the mountains were denuded every year. “Speaking on the Lake Districts in a general manner”, he concluded “It may be observed that, considering the extent of agricultural, pastoral and forest land that abounds in them, their mineral products, their delightful climate, and extent of inland navigation, they have within their own borders all the man elements that render communities prosperous and ourishing.”<br /><br />McKerrow’s paper was of great interest to geologists throughout New Zealand since by attributing the formation of Wakatipu to glacial erosion he rejected the theory of differential subsidence propounded in 1869 by no less an authority than Sir James Hector <strong>51 </strong><br />In 18762, F.W. Hutton, in a paper read before the Wellington Philosophical Society said, “I need scarcely say that I agree with Mr. McKerrow . . . In his paper McKerrow points out, I believe for the first time, the very important fact that the<br />constrained exure of a solid body like ice, when passing from<br />one angle of inclination to another, would greatly increase the friction at this particular point”. <strong>52</strong><br />McKerrow’s theory in later years received support from such men as Sir Archibala Geikie, Professor Hein, Professor Penck and Tyndall the Physicist.<br />More recently the view has <strong>53</strong> been than these two theories both contain elements of truth.<br />It says much for McKerrow’s keen and analytical powers of observation and for his wide scientific knowledge that he, an amateur geologist, was able to contest points of geological theory with the geological authorities of the day. Such was the high regard in which McKerrow was held in geographical and geological circles that Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, the President of the Royal Geographical Society and a geologist of world wide reputation, saw fit to link the young surveyor’s name with those of Hector and Haast. These three men had all had papers read in 1864 before the Society, McKerrow’s being his report to Mr. Thomson on the lake district previously published in the Otago Provincial Gazette. In his address to the society at an anniversar y meeting on the 23rd May, 1864, the President said: “Three papers of great interest have been communicated to the Society, which throw additional light<br />upon the physical geography of the hitherto unsur veyed districts of the great middle island of New Zealand, and certain new facts illustrative of glacial action. I consider it, indeed, to be a fortunate circumstance for our science, that these regions should have been visited by such men as Dr. Hector, McKerrow and<br />Dr. Haast”. McKerrow’s subsequent election as an F.R.G.S. <strong>54</strong> can perhaps be attributed to Sir Roderick’s remarks. Practically and scientifically McKerrow’s journeys were of value to his fellow men, but they also a ected him personally n such a way that for the rest of his life he had a nostalgia for the wide open spaces, the lakes and the bush-clad hills. Professor James Park, an explorer of a later day describes some of the diffculties of such journeys, and then goes on “But the gains were great. The man has not yet been born who will ever<br />forget the blazing campfire and itting shadows that chase one another from tree to tree, the blue sky overhead, the vitalizing whiff of the mountain air, the scents of the forest, the murmur of the nearby stream, the boom of the bittern, the shrill cry<br />of the kakape, or the clear call of the kiwi. When to these we add the quest of adventure and the joy of discovery we have a combination of in uence that make a powerful appeal to the primitive instincts of man”.<br />“For the time being the party forms a little self-governing, self-contained community. For the common weal every man must exercise patience and self-restraint, and in none are these qualities more required than in the leader. It is his duty to allot each man his particular task, to call the time of starting and of camping. The daily round, the close association, and perhaps more than all, the community of ideals which brings together kindred souls for a common and tends to foster a spirit of comradeship that often ripens into lifelong friendship.” <strong>55</strong><br />James McKerrow was an ideal leader for such a small self- contained community. Daring without being foolhardy, never expecting more of his companions than of himself, quick to take a lead in apparently trivial matters such as changing wet<br />clothes promptly or drinking sparingly of cold water on a hot day, he contributed an impressive quality of leadership towards the success of the expedition. One incident typifies McKerrow the man. On one part of a return journey something went<br />wrong with the compass, and McKerrow was forced to take bearings from the stars. Goldie was not satisfied with the results, and declared they were heading in the wrong direction.<br />He refused to proceed further, and after signing a paper to the effcct that he was taking such a course of his own free will, he struck out by himself. Three days later he returned and to his astonishment found McKerrow still at the same place.<br />Goldie expressed his surprise. McKerrow replied “I know you would come back, John, so I waited.” No reference to Goldie’s obstinacy ever escaped McKerrow’s lips, but in John Goldie he had made a lifelong friend.<br /><strong>56</strong><br /><br /><strong>Notes</strong><br />1. Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. Vi, 26th Nove, 1862, M.S.S. in hands of Mr. J.A.D. Ritchie<br />2. Unless otherwise stated the description of this journey is drawn from Goldie’s and McKerrow’s diaries<br />3. Baker, J.H., A Surveyor in New Zealand, P. 62<br />4. McKerrow’s diary: also O.D.T. 8th May 1863: also Roberts, W.H.S., Maori Nomenclature, P. 19. See Appendix C.<br />5. The present day spelling is Hauroko, See Appendix C.<br />6. No Double Bush Hill is marked on McKerrow’s map, but Goldie Hill marked on the map, appears to be the same hill. On P. 84 of H. Beattie’s “The Pioneers Explore Otago” a letter from McKerrow to Goldie written in 1907 gives an account of the search for Howloko. “You will . . . remember our ascent of a high bush clad hill, which I named Mount Goldie, on the South side of the Lillburn valley, and our<br />climbing the highest trees to have a good look westward for the lake which we thought must be at the base of the Princess Mountains. We saw a haze, which we thought must be over a lake, but we could not say that the lake was there or under it.”<br />7. The correct spelling is Mussel<br />8. The loss of the boat cost the Otago Provincial Council 95. V. & P. Otago Prov. Council, Departmental Reports, Session XVII 8163, P.14<br />9. Beattie, H., The Pioneers Explore Otago, P. 84, Letter from McKerrow to Goldie.<br />10. Lake Hauroko is actually drained by the Wairaurahiri River which flows into the sea less than ten miles west of Sandhill Point.<br />11. McKerrow J., Letter to Hocken, MSS<br />12. Goldie<br />13. McKerrow’s spelling was the earlier form Manipori<br />14. It may have been that McKerrow did not penetrate right to the end of each fiord, for from one of them a track was eventually pushed through to the West Coast.<br />15. O.D.T. 5th May, 1863 (McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, MSS, P.21)<br />16. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, P. 21, MSS. In the hands of Mr. J.A.D. Ritchie, Wellington<br />17. McKerrow, J., Letter to Hocken, MSS Hocken Library, Dunedin<br />18. Park, J., Maori and Early European Explorations in Western Otago, P. 3, Pamphlet, Hocken Library<br />19. McKerrow, J., Diary, MSS, McKerrow, J, Letter to Hocken MSS<br />20. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, P. 22, MSS<br />21. See Appendix D.<br />22. Deuteronomy 34:1.<br />23. McKerrow, J., Letter to Hocken, MSS<br />24. “We were the first to go up the Clinton River.” Goldie in letter to McKerrow. See P. 83, H. Beattie’s “The Pioneers Explore Otago”<br />25. Goldie’s diary records that the exploration of the north fiord preceded that of the upper end of the lake. I have followed McKerrow’s version.<br />26. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, P. 23, MSS<br />27. McKerrow, J., Diary, MSS<br />28. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, P. 23, MSS<br />29. Ibid<br />30. The Awarua is a small stream owing into Awarua or Big Bay, but it is not like that it was used by the Maoris. The Haast River was known to some Maoris as the Awarua and it is probable that this was the river to which Brown was referring.<br />31. McClymont, op cit., P. 136.<br />32. Roberts, W.H.S., Maori Nomenclature, P. 62, Letter to author from McKerrow. No account of the meeting with Caples is found in either diary.<br />33. See Appendix B.<br />34. Roberts, Maori Nomenclature, P. 62, Letter from McKerrow<br />35. Also referred to as St. John’s.<br />36. Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. VI, 14th Oct. 1863, P. 390<br />37. McKerrow, Letter to Hocken, M.S.S.<br />38. See Appendix O.<br />39. Otago Prov. Gaz.Vol. VI, 14th October 1863, Pp.381-98<br />40. Since the peaks enclosing the fiords were inaccessible, it was impossible to refer bearings back to the true meridians, as none of the stations could be seen from the lake level. Thus true meridian could not be found, but, with the use of the compass, magnetic bearings could be observed.<br />41. All meridional lines within a circuit are held to be parallel to the meridian of the initial station of the circuit. This is done for the sake of convenience for it is not feasible to take a whole series of observations for true meridian. As the lines are not parallel, but converge due to the shape of the earth, discrepancies often arise at the place where adjoining circuits meet. This discrepancy is usually adjusted in reference to mountain ranges, lakes or unproductive land.<br />42. Otago Witness, 28th Feb. 1863<br />43. Compare Map in back pocket with a standard map.<br />44. McKerrow, Reminiscences, M.S.S. P. 18<br />45. Thomson, J.T., Exposition of Processes and Results, P9.<br />46. Report, V. & P. Otago Provincial Council, Session XVII, 1863. Departmental Report, P. 12<br />47. Ibid<br />48. Monthly notices of Royal Astronomical Society, Vol. LXXX, 13th February, 1920, No. 4. Pp. 348-49.<br />49. App. V. & P. Otago Prov. Council, Session XVIII, 1863. App. To Reports of select Committees, Pp. 2-3<br />50. Trans. N. Z. Inst. Vol. III, 1870, Pp. 254-63. The MSS copy is in the<br />hands of Mr. J.A.D. Ritchie, Wellington.<br />51. Park, J., Geological Survey No. 7, Queenstown, P. 15.<br />52. Trans. N.Z. Inst. Vol V, 1872, P. 394.<br />53. Park, J., Geological Survey, P. 7<br />54. Murchison, Sir Roderick. Journal of Royal Geographical Society, 1864, Pp. C/1-C/11.<br />55. Park, J. Maori and Early European Exploration in Western Otago. P 1. Pamphlet, Hocken Library.<br />56. Letter to author from Miss McKerrow of Hampdon. The incident is not mentioned in either diary or in any of the reports. Miss McKerrow heard it from John Goldie himself.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-88240958774791589652008-12-11T13:23:00.000-08:002009-02-13T10:17:34.062-08:00JAMES McKERROW – 1834-1861 Chapter IISURVEYOR, EXPLORER<br />AND CIVIL SERVANT<br />James McKerrow<br />With special reference to Exploration, 1861-3<br />Code Number.17<br />Presented<br />History Honours. University of New Zealand 1948<br />By David Herron <br /><br /><strong>Here is Chapter 2 of Dave Herron's thesis.</strong><br /><br />ONE day early in December 1859, a young Scotsman walked<br />into the Dunedin Survey Office. He came in answer to the urgent<br />advertisement for surveyors made necessary by the persistent<br />demands for roads, bridges and general surveying which were<br />taxing the resources of Mr. Thomson’s little staff. The applicant’s<br />name was James McKerrow; a name which for sixty years was to<br />be known and respected throughout New Zealand.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTpargoKADRCl0y25_xtiKISoRY9ptxeBHsCS6CANAY22fHyVdX6biZ1UcGLwRZxPw7Y3eILAUJxcU13QlWmQyTFNfRj9i_oswV8cKYdraEuWzK45RV1YXD_BhJhRoBuHS9bo8ZVITCgM/s1600-h/Moeraki.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTpargoKADRCl0y25_xtiKISoRY9ptxeBHsCS6CANAY22fHyVdX6biZ1UcGLwRZxPw7Y3eILAUJxcU13QlWmQyTFNfRj9i_oswV8cKYdraEuWzK45RV1YXD_BhJhRoBuHS9bo8ZVITCgM/s400/Moeraki.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302346889268905906" /></a><br /><strong>James McKerrow had to survey Moeraki Beach and the Native Reserve pictured above</strong>.<br /><br />McKerrow was well fitted both by aptitude and by<br />academic training for the profession he was to grace for so long.<br />His father, Andrew McKerrow, the famous ploughmaker of<br />Beansburn, Kilmarnock, Scotland, whose patent single furrow<br />ploughs and back delivery reaping machines were used as far<br />from his native land as South Africa and New Zealand,1 was<br />in a position to provide each of his seven sons with adequate<br />educational opportunities. James, the eldest son, showed general<br />all round scholastic ability from an early age and frequently<br />was top of his class.2 <br /><br />His particular interest was in the field of<br />Mathematics,3 and after an excellent grounding in both the<br />pure and mixed aspects of the subject under Mr. Thomas Lee<br />of the Kilmarnock Academy, he studied these subjects further<br />at Glasgow University.4<br />N.B. The Registrar Glasgow University can find no James<br />McKerrow on his files. He suggests however that he may have<br />been a “private” student. This would possibly correspond to the<br />extramural student in New Zealand.<br />On the completion of his academic studies, James was<br />compelled by his father to serve an apprenticeship in the<br />implement-making trade. All the boys were similarly treated,<br />for Mr. McKerrow senior considered that the experience in the<br />trade would prove a safe standby in times of need, and would<br />often open the door to numerous other occupations.<br />During this time James interested himself more in<br />surveying than in his apprenticeship, and much of his spare<br />time was spent in applying his knowledge to the surveying of<br />neighbours’ paddocks.5<br /><br />In 1859, at the age of twenty four, and filled with the<br />courage and optimism of youth, he realized that the colonies<br />offered prospects where initiative and vitality would pay<br />ample dividends, and decided to emigrate to New Zealand.<br />The decision was made in no light hearted spirit of bravado or<br />without full realization of the implications involved.<br />“My first reminiscence of New Zealand,” he wrote much<br />later, “carries me back to my school days … when I remember<br />two or three families left my native place for New Zealand. At<br />that time it was considered a very great venture to set out for<br />these most distant Islands of the sea, inhabited by formidable<br />tribes jealous of the intrusion of the stranger the pakeha, and<br />who only a few years previously had wreaked a terrible revenge<br />at Tua Marina near Blenheim over a land dispute, now known<br />as the Wairau Massacre.”6<br /><br />His marriage to Miss Martha Dunlop who, in the difficult<br />days ahead was to prove an admirable source of inspiration and<br />encouragement, took place at Fenwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, on<br />the 5th August, 1859.7 Shortly afterwards, the young couple<br />were accorded to public farewell which Kilmarnock habitually<br />tendered to her aspiring youth. A friend, Mr. John Thomson,<br />recalled the scene some forty-four years later. “Our guest’s hair<br />was then like the raven8 `his bonnie bow was bent.’ His face was<br />grave, thoughtful, resolute and self-possessed unusual for his<br />years, and his newly wedded wife an object of interest, looking<br />brave and handsome, just the type, I thought of an Ayrshire lass<br />fitted to be the helpmeet of a man going to carve his fortune in<br />a new and distant land.” In addition to this public farewell, the<br />young couple and another intending colonist were the guests of<br />honour at a farewell supper in the George Hotel, Kilmarnock,<br />arranged by a large company of enthusiastic friends, young and<br />old, to wish them God-speed.9<br /><br />Less than three weeks after their marriage, James McKerrow<br />and his bride journeyed to Glasgow to board the “Cheviot”, a<br />speedy sailing vessel of 1066 tons on which passages to New<br />Zealand had been secured. As the ship was found to have been<br />delayed over the advertised hour of departure, the McKerrows<br />took the opportunity of enjoying a last stroll on Scottish soil.<br />Their path led past a field of turnips and James clambered over<br />the fence to secure one for himself and his wife. Unfortunately<br />at this juncture an irate farmer appeared on the scene. He<br />threatened to give McKerrow in charge, but a sum of money<br />far out of proportion to the value of the turnips pacified him,<br />and enabled the young couple to return to the “Cheviot” in<br />plenty of time before she sailed.<strong>10</strong><br /><br />On Tuesday, 23rd August, 1859, the “Cheviot” left the<br />“Tail of the Bank” at Greenock and with it Scotland. James<br />McKerrow was destined not to revisit his homeland for fortyfour<br />years. The “Cheviot” was a cargo vessel carrying much<br />foodstuff, spirituous liquors, iron goods, building materials,<br />far implements, as well as stud sheep, pigs and cattle.11 <br /><br />Thus although a ship of over 1000 tons, she was able to accommodate<br />only twenty-four cabin and eighteen steerage passengers.<br />The majority of the latter were emigrating under the<br />auspices of Mr. Holmes, a gentleman who had made extensive<br />purchases of land in the Lumsden district on which he intended<br />settling them. The McKerrows were in the steerage along with<br />sixteen other men and one other woman.12<br /><br />The “Cheviot” rounded Ireland, reached Madeira on the<br />3rd September, the Cape Verdes on the 7th September, and<br />after several days of baffling winds crossed the line on 26th<br />September.13 From this point on the weather was reasonably<br />kind. The Cape was rounded on the 25th of October, a point<br />opposite Adelaide reached by the 18th November, Stewart<br />Island was sighted a week later and on the following day the<br />26th November 1859, ninety five days after leaving Greenock,<br />the “Cheviot” sailed into the Otago Harbour.14<br /><br />Apart from the usual phenomena seen on such a voyage,<br />the passengers’ interests were aroused by such incidents as the<br />discovery of a stowaway, and the provisioning of a lifeboat from<br />a foundered vessel. Once the “nal de mer” had been conquered,<br />the passengers supplemented these casual interests with a series<br />of organized functions.<br />Church services and psalm singing took a prominent<br />place but shooting, fishing, dancing, charades, fortune telling,<br />ballad singing, fairday celebrations, a wedding anniversary<br />party, and the ceremony of crossing the line provided lighter<br />entertainment.15 From most of these lighter forms of amusement<br />James McKerrow exempted himself. His habitual retirement to<br />ponder over some weighty volume earned him the reputation<br />of a recluse and a certain measure of unpopularity among those<br />of the passengers more socially inclined.16<br /><br />Conditions on board were often far from pleasant, and<br />there were frequent thunder storms, snow storms, and gales,<br />accompanied by ripped sails and dangerous flying blocks. Mr.<br />T.L. Barnhill’s entry in his dairy on the 3rd October, 1859, is<br />indicative of the spirit on board. “Shipped a sea which ducked<br />almost all the steerage passengers who were standing together<br />– all in good spirits owing to our making such progress.”17<br /><br />Only one death occurred on board – that of a stillborn babe,<br />and over a dozen ships were overhauled in a swift passage.18<br />On their arrival the majority of the passengers, the McKerrows<br />included, appended their names to a letter addressed to Captain<br />Orkney of the Cheviot in which, after describing the voyage<br />as “a prosperous and agreeable one so far as it is possible to<br />be” thanked Captain Orkney for having done all in his power<br />to make the voyage “expeditious, safe and agreeable,” and<br />presented him with a purse of sovereigns.19<br /><br />The first sight of Dunedin was quite equal to expectations. “I<br />was very much struck with the beautiful situation of Dunedin,”<br />wrote McKerrow later, “and with the clean, neat appearance of<br />the houses looking out spick and span from picturesque spots<br />in the surrounding bush. In coming up the bay and through<br />among the islets at Port Chalmers, I was strongly reminded of<br />beautiful Loch Lomond.”20<br /><br />The “Cheviot’s” arrival at a time when other provinces<br />were pouring their surplus goods into Otago only served to<br />overstock the market further.21 Although the foodstuff market<br />was overstocked, the same could not be said of the labour market<br />where opportunities for employment and toil abounded. “Each<br />person as he arrives finds he has more to set his hand to than<br />he can possible find time or means to do,” warned a leader in a<br />contemporary newspaper. “Toil unwearied toil must be the lot<br />of those who emigrate.”22<br /><br />The McKerrows were not slow to accept this challenge.<br />Mrs. McKerrow temporarily took up domestic duties at Green<br />Island,<strong>23</strong> while James McKerrow applied for apposition in the<br />Survey Office. He explained that he was not a professional<br />surveyor, but thought he had a fair knowledge of their system<br />of procedure. Mr. Thomson’s urgent need for surveyors had<br />not blinde him to the realization that an additional surveyor, if<br />incompetent, was more of a liability than an asset. He therefore<br />enquired from the young applicant when he would be ready to<br />submit himself for a written examination. “Now,” was the reply24<br />and there and then McKerrow set to work on an exacting set of<br />problems. He soon finished, and handed in his test problems,<br />complete and correct, to a somewhat amazed official.25 The<br />quality of the work impressed Thomson profoundly, and to<br />this incident McKerrow attributed his immediate admission to<br />the surveying staff.<strong>26</strong>On the 21st December, 1859, James McKerrow was appointed<br />to the position of sub-assistant on the staff of the Dunedin Survey<br />Office at a salary of £150 till the end of the financial year on June<br />31st 1860, and thereafter at an annual salary of £350 for carrying<br />out the duties of a District Surveyor.<strong>27</strong><br /><br />Thomson, with his customary foresight, saw to it that<br />inexperienced recruits of his staff were employed close enough<br />to the head office for effective surveillance and encouragement.<br />During this period in which he was for all intents and purposes<br />on trial, McKerrow surveyed the road from Anderson’s Bay to<br />Tomahawk and extended Stafford Street as far as Town Belt.28<br />From road surveys he graduated to the task of surveying<br />blocks into subdivisions suitable for occupation.<strong>29</strong>A five thousand acre block on the south side of Blueskin Bay and about a dozen miles north of Dunedin was his first scene of operations; operations which involved traverses of<br />roads and streams in rather difficult country. Such phrases as<br />“through bed of creek,” “enter stream”, “enter swamp”, “enter<br />bush”, “on to dry land”, “on to beach”, were frequently written<br />alongside notes of bearings in his field book.<strong>30</strong><br />This work, completed without the assistance of any senior<br />officers, occupied his attentions uptill the end of June 1860. In<br />his report for the year ended June 1860, Mr. Thomson wrote,<br />“As the cost of the rural section surveys of Messrs. McKerrow,<br />Moran and Shanka is above average, it is due to them that I<br />should mention that they all entered the service in December<br />and January. Their operations were in very rugged country…I<br />have no doubt that these officers will give a better account of<br />themselves in the coming season.”<strong>31</strong><br />The amount of section survey completed had not been<br />outstanding, but, as Thomson pointed out, the completion of<br />triangulations would make available several more surveyors to<br />proceed systematically with section surveys in those districts<br />requiring settlement of claims. Triangulation was, however, a<br />necessary prerequisite to accuracy in section survey; accuracy<br />unobtainable under the obnoxious “spotting” system.32<br />For the 1860-61 session it was proposed to employ three<br />surveyors on triangulation, five on rural section survey and<br />two on town sections.33 James McKerrow was one of those<br />appointed to rural section survey. For seven months he spent<br />his time in surveying five blocks in the Otokia region on the<br />east side of the Taieri plain, and in distinguishing bush reserves,<br />quarry reserves, sections previously surveyed on application or<br />otherwise unavailable for occupancy. Traverses of all roads were<br />also made.<strong>34</strong><br />His next task was in the Moeraki district, where he was<br />required to survey a block covered by serubby bush and<br />including Moeraki bench and the native reserve. Soundings of<br />the harbour were also taken, and a summary of the rise and fall<br />of the tide compiled.35 McKerrow was greatly impressed with<br />the delightfulsituation of the surrounding countryside, one of<br />his favourite haunts in later years, but his subsequent purchase<br />of a piece of land near the harbour can perhaps also be attributed<br />to his shrewd business acumen. Along with others, not the<br />least of whom was Frederick Tuckett, he envisaged Moeraki a<br />flourishing port and the neighbouring countryside the centre<br />of North Otago commerce and industry. That Oamaru not<br />Moeraki should prove to be the chosen site, and that his land<br />would not yeild a substantial profit, was his misfortune.36<br />McKerrow’s forceful personality, together no doubt with his<br />mysterious survey instruments, made a deep impression on the<br />Maoris at Moeraki, and many years later when he received an<br />appointment in Wellington, several of the natives commented<br />to his relatives on his promotion.<strong>37</strong><br /><br />From Moeraki McKerrow moved to the hilly Maungatau<br />district on the south side of the Taieri plains. Part of this<br />block had been surveyed under the old system, but as so often<br />happened, the validity of certain clams had been questioned and<br />it was found necessary to cover the area in a more systematic<br />manner. The traverse of the Waipori river and indeed the<br />subsequent traverses of roads on the Taieri plains, necessitated<br />wading through creeks, swamps and stagnant pools.38<br />Mr. Thomson’s report on the state of surveys in the province<br />for the year ended 30th June, 1861, showed that 141,690<br />acres of rural survey had been completed. James McKerrow’s<br />contribution, 29,420 acres, represented a substantial part of<br />the total. He had covered more ground than his confreres and<br />at a lower cost. Thomson was aware that there was no adequate<br />standard for comparisons however, and refused to enter into<br />personalities.<br />“All have done their utmost towards the services,” he<br />reported.39 Major Richardson, the Provincial Superintendent,<br />expressed his satisfaction with the service rendered. “It is with<br />pleasure” he said in an address to the Provincial Council, “that<br />I bring under your notice the systematic progress of the surveys<br />now being made under Mr. J.T. Thomson. I think it would<br />be unwise to interfere with a department which has attained<br />its present efficiency at some considerable cost of money and<br />labour…40 When you regard the amount of work done of a<br />permanent character, the rate at which it was done, and the<br />great advantages flowing from the surveys, you will, I feel<br />assure coincide with me in regarding the operations of this<br />Department as of a strictly reproductive nature.”41<br />Six months later Major Richardson reiterated his expression<br />of confidence when he asked the Council to “continue your<br />present heavy expenditure which may be termed an investment<br />payable on the sale of unsurveyed land.”42 Funds were urgently<br />needed if the Survey Office was to extend its services to the<br />additional and extended hundreds.<br /><br />James McKerrow was fortunate in receiving his early<br />professional training under such a capable and painstaking<br />master of his profession as Mr.J.T. Thomson. The benefit<br />of this sound training, unique in New Zealand, was made<br />manifest during his journeys of 1862-3. McKerrow himself<br />was an apt pupil. The qualities of versatility, independence, and<br />adaptability, the hall marks of excellence in a colonial surveyor,<br />were developed to a high degree in the bush, hill, river, scrub<br />and swamp conditions of the coastal regions. Here he learnt<br />the practical application of the finer points of his profession,<br />and a knowledge of outdoor life. Survey work was indeed a<br />valuable preparation for exploration.-<br /><br /><strong>Notes</strong><br />1. Per Mrs. Ross, Invercargill. McKerrow ploughs may still be seen in this<br />country. One was seen years ago near Lumsden.<br />2. Letter to the author from Mrs. Caldwell, McKerrow’s daughter.<br />3. Ibid<br />4. Kilmarnock Standard, 22 August, 1903, also Scholefield, G.H.,<br />Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, Vol. II, P. 30<br />5. Per Mrs. Ross. At least two of the McKerrow boys made use of this<br />knowledge, temporarily at least, in occupations in N.Z.<br />6. McKerrow, J., Reminiscences, Pp. 9-10, M.S.S. – in the hands of Mr.<br />J.A.D. Ritchie, Wellington.<br />7. Mennell, P., Dictionary of Australasian Biography, P. 301<br />8. In later life McKerrow’s beard and hair were white.<br />9. Kilmarnock Standard, 12 September, 1903<br />10. Letter to the author from Miss McKerrow, Hampden<br />11. Otago Witness, 3 December, 1859<br />12. Ibid<br />13. Barnhill, T.L. MSS Diary of Voyage of Cheviot – in the hands of Miss<br />Adamson, “Castlerock”, Lumsden<br />14. Ibid<br />15. Barnhill, T.L., MSS Diary of Voyage of Cheviot – in the hands of Miss<br />Adamson, “Castlerock”, Lumsden.<br />16. Per Mrs. Ross. Told her by the late Miss Cochrane, Invercargill, a<br />passenger on the “Cheviot”<br />17. Barnhill, T.L. Diary, M.S.S.<br />18. Ibid<br />19. Otago Witness, 3rd Dec., 1859<br />20. McKerrow, J., Reminiscenses, P. 10 MSS<br />21. Stewart, W.D., The Journal of George Hepburn, P. 187<br />22. Otago Witness, 3rd Dec., 1859<br />23. Per the Misses Todd Invercargill<br />24. Kilmarnock Standard, 12th Sept., 1903<br />25. Per Mesdames Caldwell, Ross and the Misses Todd<br />26. Kilmarnock Standard, 12th Sept., 1903<br />27. App. V. and P., Otago Prov. Council, Session XVI, 1863, Council Paper<br />No. 2. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, P. 83, gives his date of admission as<br />the 26th Dec.<br />28. Field Book No. 106, Dunedin Survey Office<br />29. For an explanation of this see P. 27<br />30. Field Book No. 106. Dunedin Survey Office<br />31. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, 30th Aug. 1860, P. 82<br />32. Ibid<br />33. Ibid<br />34. Field Book No. 106<br />35. Ibid<br />36. Per Miss Cross Invercargill<br />37. Per Mrs. Ross Invercargill. This land passed into the hands of McKerrow’s<br />brother Andrew. It is now being farmed by that gentleman’s grandson<br />Mr. Ross.<br />38. Field Book, No.106<br />39. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, 11 Nov. 1861, P. 271-3<br />40. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, 26 June, 1861, P. 222<br />41. Ibid<br />42. Otago Prov. Gaz. Vol. IV, Jan. 6th, 1862, P. 281.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-56452207062035107812008-11-26T20:33:00.000-08:002008-11-26T20:36:49.169-08:00Area of James McKerrow's survey expeditions 1861-63<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc72Ia5BzUxNaunw3RjeE0w5Y4z9qjrhratnPeTtBLThnBlUlgAz5JkdCg531uRjh8wLffM2bmE3IhfpGoB8J3myQbK6WHXSOhv00eYkMg7LDJNv_aFwUlpFl-93ZrXpdIzU3SjvMgXO0/s1600-h/mckerrowmap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273190928381899810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc72Ia5BzUxNaunw3RjeE0w5Y4z9qjrhratnPeTtBLThnBlUlgAz5JkdCg531uRjh8wLffM2bmE3IhfpGoB8J3myQbK6WHXSOhv00eYkMg7LDJNv_aFwUlpFl-93ZrXpdIzU3SjvMgXO0/s400/mckerrowmap.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have had a few requests for mays of James McKerrow's survey expeditions 1861-63. This map shows the enormous area he covered<br /><div></div>Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-48965067656401548342008-11-05T01:05:00.000-08:002008-11-16T17:48:50.872-08:00JAMES MCKERROW SURVEYOR, EXPLORER AND CIVIL SERVANT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoEf1NYy-KkjJMNa1J1u_UyPq_tZ5UVelVuXzfqoznVvSa466txVZ1PB9hiWriToHF2vaOcfQvReMNhT4WRMphBUCoOCfvS3r-oG9poDMQ9Xa4okzEyA546j28yA1zyIzC1WomkfXnAn_/s1600-h/jmckerrow.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoEf1NYy-KkjJMNa1J1u_UyPq_tZ5UVelVuXzfqoznVvSa466txVZ1PB9hiWriToHF2vaOcfQvReMNhT4WRMphBUCoOCfvS3r-oG9poDMQ9Xa4okzEyA546j28yA1zyIzC1WomkfXnAn_/s400/jmckerrow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265103763115712946" /></a><br /><br />I have managed to get the whole of David Herron's full thesis typed out and here is the first chapter. Happy reading. I am currently trying to find a publisher to publish it as a book, but no luck yet.<br /><br />Enjoy reading Chapeter One.<br /><br />Bob McKerrow<br /><br /><br /><strong>SURVEYOR, EXPLORER<br />AND CIVIL SERVANT<br />James McKerrow<br />With special reference to Exploration, 1861-3<br />Code Number.17<br />Presented<br />History Honours. University of New Zealand 1948<br />By David Herron</strong> <br /><br /><br />EVERY country has its regions of mystery whose secrets lie undiscovered for years after the more accessible regions have been exploited. Australia had her Central deserts, Canada the unknown west.”<br />In Otago, it was the wild and rugged country(1)lying to the west of the chain of major lakes. Progress from eastto west brought with it ever-increasing di culties, and the last few miles immediately east of the west coast for long proved<br />mpenetrable. It was nearly twenty years after Tuckett had surveyed the original Otago block in 1844, that P.Q. Caples, a venturesome miner, struggled through to the west coast.<br />Much of the country he and later explorers bypassed (remains<br />unexplored to this day). In the initial work of exploration, and indeed in much of that carried out in later days, the surveyors played a major part. Danger was part and parcel of their everyday work; they found their reward in the feeling of satisfaction which comes from knowing that a job has been<br />well done, and not in the plaudits of the crowd. To them Otago owes a great debt of gratitude. One of the ablest of this band of surveyor explorers was Mr. James McKerrow, a young Scottish immigrant who, during a long and successful public career, served New Zealand faithfully in many capacities. His adventures in the west are worthy of consideration at length, but before a study of them can be conducted with profit, some background knowledge of Otago, its history, and McKerrow’s predecessors is desirable<br />Even a cursory glance at a relief map of the province is su cient to convince one of the ruggedness of its terrain. G.W. Hutton, one of the more ominant of New Zealand geologists has aptly compared the mountain system of Otago with the<br />extended fingers of the right hand with the palm resting on the south west portion of Canterbury.<br />This mountain system(2)covers the province so extensively that there are no large plains.<br />There are however, several small plains wedged between low ranges of wooded hills in fairly close proximity to the eastern seaboard, and it was to this area, rather than to the more central and western regions dominated by a confusion of mountain,<br />lake, bush, and gorge, that the earliest inhabitants of the province gravitated.<br />The Maori people as a whole were but little disposed to settle in territory so unlike that of their tropical homeland, and only a very few took up permanent residence in Otago or Southland (3}<br />Their knowledge of bushcraft and their venturesome spirit enabled and encouraged these southern Maoris to penetrate inland and on to the more confused regions lying further west.<br /><br />The journeys increased in number and importance when supplies of the precious greenstone were discovered near Lake Wakatipu, and to exploit the new found riches to the fullest extent, small settlements were established. Northern tribes learned of the discovery, and sent trading parties to secure supplies either of the<br />precious stone, or of the finished products which the relatives of the central natives were producing at Murdering Beach on the east coast.<br />The Northern Maoris made full use of the West(4)Coast passes<br />in their trading expeditions, and as late as 1836 Te Puoho (5) traveled over the Hanst Pass, although on this occasion<br />6} his purpose was conquest and not trade. Even before Te Pucoho made his raid the greenstone trade had largely died out. The white man had made his appearance<br />around southern shores, iron had replaced greenstone and(7} the trade routes had become so over-grown from disuse that only a few of the older East Coast Maoris could boast of any personal acquaintance with their relatives in the interior. The<br />members of the latter had diminished to such an extent that by 1836 only around Wanaka and Hawea did hapus remain,and when in that year Te Puoho captured their pahs and drove out, took prisoner, or murdered the occupants, he terminated(8)large scale Maori occupation in Central Otago. Individuals or families still remained, but their exact location or distribution was unknown.<br />The Maoris at the coast soon became so conversant with<br />the pakeha way of life, that in time they became no more<br />disposed to nor even capable of venturing inland than the new<br />arrivals.(9)<br />Thus, although by 1840 a reasonably accurate knowledge of the coast line was available through the activities of whalers and sealers, information concerning the interior was forthcoming only from the reports of the older Maoris, and these reports were often highly fanciful and misleading. Lake Wakatipu in the earliest maps was sketched as an oval sheet of water named “Waipounamu”, and the outlines of other lakes were equally inaccurate.<br />The early white explorers in Otago found this inadequate<br /><br />knowledge a severe handicap. In 1843 Edward Shortland was engaged on a journey through Otago, but was unable to secure the services of any natives capable of leading him to the Molyneaux River by way of the old track. On his return journey<br />north however, Shortland met a chief named Huruhuru at the Waitaki river. Huruhuru had some personal knowledge of the central lakes, as well as the route over the Lindis Pass to Hawen, and all stages of the two day journey from Wanaka over the<br />Haast Pass to the West Coast.<br />He drew a sketch of the interior(10}for Shortland, and for many years the offcial map of Otago and Canterbury showed the great central lakes as reproduced<br />in shortland’s map in his “Southern Districts”.(11}<br />The early surveyors added comparatively little to the existing knowledge of the hinterland. Frederick Tuckett arrived in 1864 to choose a suitable block of land for the projected Scottish colony, but he advanced no further inland than the Tokomairiro Plains.Charles Kettle, the surveyor who came to Otago in 1846 to<br />direct the survey of the block preparatory to settlement, had little opportunity for exploration, but on one occasion ascended the Maungatuas and saw the Strath-Taieri Plain stretching away into the distance.<br />Thus when the main body of settlers arrived from Scotland in 1848 they found very limited portions of the province open for settlement. Their early activities moreover, guided by the counsel and authority of their leader Captain Cargill who was a firm adherent of the Wakefield Tents of a concentration and contiguity,<br />were directed more to the immediate needs of home and business than to feats of exploration and adventure. From 1848-56 the majority of artisans and tradespeople were quite content to remain in Dunedin and to leave the few practical farmers to occupy small holdings on the adjoining plains of the block.(14}<br />During this period of consolidation within a small radius some exploration had been going on, sporadic and unsystematic though it was.<br />In 1850 J.W. Hamilton of the sur vey ship “Acheron”, which had been engaged in coastal survey, made an overland journey from Bluff to Dunedin, and embodied in his subsequent report a map drawn from his own observation and from those<br />of Maoris slightly acquainted with the more remote lakes and<br />rivers.(15}<br />The following year Charles Kettle, in the course of a trip from Waikouaiti to the Strath Taieri and Miniototo plains, made the first entry into Central Otago.(16}<br />In the same year, 1851, W.D.B. Mantell, the land commissioner, traveled overland from Blu to Dunedin and marked in his own map not only his own route, but also the progress up the Aparima and Waiau valleys to Monowai and TeAnau made by Messrs. Nairn and Pharazyn under the guidance of a native from the latter district.<br /><br />By 1853 a thin stream of explorers and pastoralists were pushing into the interior. Nathaniel Chalmers, guided by a Maori, followed first the Mataura and then the Clutha until he arrived at Lake Wanaka, but was too exhausted to continue<br />over the Lindis Pass to the Waitaki River.(18}<br />When Mantell journeyed south once more in 1854, he was accompanied by prospective squatters who had been crowded out of Canterbury, and were in search of pastoral country. Some of these men found the pastures they desired on the Maniototo<br />Plains; others settled round Lake Te Anau and were still there when James McKerrow surveyed that district. (19}<br /><br />y 1856 more general interest was manifest in land outside the Otago block, and Captain Cargill and the Provincial Council, prodded into action by Mantell, were forced to make a tardy recognition of the place of the pastoralists as well as the<br />agriculturists in the progressive realization of Otago’s potential wealth. Their change of front produced one great practical boon. The capital required to buy sheep runs and stock them had been beyond the means of the great majority under the old land laws, but under the exceedingly liberal land laws<br />promulgated and passed in 1856, even a humble settler might become a landowner. Rural sections in the old Otago block, now divided into eight instead of three hundreds, were on(20}sale at ten shillings per acre on condition that thirty shillings per acre should be expended on improvements within three<br />years. Outside the actual block, 600,000 acres were o ering in lots of not less than 2,000 acres at a price of ten shillings per acre, and depasturage licenses were available to those who would venture still further afield.(21}<br />The effect of these land laws was immediate. Scores of people took the opportunity to procure cheap land. But diffculties arose almost at once. The Survey O ce possessed little date on unsurveyed land, and when the balance of available land<br />had been snapped up, it was at a loss to obtain information for settlers’ guidance.<br />At this critical juncture, when the journeys of Kettle represented the only exploration of more than thirty milesinto the country west of Dunedin,and with her Lands and Sur vey Department hopelessly disorganized, Otago was indeed fortunate in securing for the post of Chief Sur veyor<br />Mr. J.T.Thomson, an intelligent worker with a wide colonial background of practical surveying, and a remarkable facility for adapting his methods to meet each fresh problem.<br /><br />His(23)influence on New Zealand surveying was to be profound. Staying in Dunedin only long enough to remedy some of the more outstanding abuses in his headquarters, Thomson plunged into the task of exploring and sur veying as quickly and as accurately as possible, those tracts of land required so<br />urgently for settlement.<br />Starting from 1857, within four months Thomson had completed a survey extending from the Waiau Gorge, north to the Dome Mountains, south to the coast, and east to the Mataura river; an area of two and a half million acres. He<br />crossed and recrossed the country in every direction, passed over plains and through rivers and swamps, and covered 1500 miles on foot.<br />The report derived from this survey was so(24} encouraging that within twelve months the Dunedin Survey was inundated with applications for land to the extent<br />of three to four million acres.(25}<br /><br />In October and November 1857 Thomson made another Reconnaissance Survey, this time over the Horse Range to the Shag Valley, and from thence by the Pigroot to the Maniototo Plains, Ida Valley and the junction of the Manuherikia River<br />with the Clutha.(26}<br /><br />In December of the same year a further expedition took himto the upper Waitaki valley, and from some hills he subsequently descried the Lindis Pass, Lakes Hawea and Wanuka, and the course of the upper Clutha.(27}<br /><br />In February 1858, Alexander Garvie, one of Thomson’s assistants, was instr ucted to explore and survey the basin of the Clutha as far north as the junction of the Clutha and<br /> awarau Rivers.<br />Enterprising runholders, among them the(28}Brennan brothers, had examined this area the previous year, but Thomson’s firm belief in the wisdom of survey before settlement prompted him to send out Garvie to explore the south-eastern (29}portion of the province and to link the Reconnaissance surveys already completed in the south and north-east of Otago.<br />The reports derived from these sur veys gave concise summaries of the agricultural and pastoral potentialities of land remote from the coast, and were eagerly scanned by prospective settlers. They revealed that of the 15,047 square miles sur veyed, apart altogether from the 11,23 square miles as yet untouched no fewer than 12,516 square miles were suitable for pastoral purposes and 4,200,000 acres of this were capable(30}for producing corn and vegetables. (31}<br />The combined effect of the 1856 land lawsand Thomson’s optimistic forecast was to change the whole character of the province. In the first eight years of its existence Otago had made little progress. Mr.J. de la Condamine Carnegie in 1851 wrote home saying that he believed less than forty immigrants had arrived during the previous twelve months. (32} “The settlement was in a statement stated,” wrote Thomson describing conditions in 1856. “The pilgr im father s<br />were dissatisfied with ill success and poverty discontent reigned.”(33}<br />After 1858 optimism and confidence were characteristic, and engendered vitality, growth and prosperity. Stock owners were attracted from all quarters, and with the help of the new maps had no di culty in finding and occupying r uns. Settlers<br />from less prosperous provinces helped to swell the numbers of assisted immigrants. The number of sheep in the province increased from 75,000 to 300,000 within four years, and the value of wool exports showed an increase of from £16,000 to £107,000 in a similar period.<br /><br />Otago was on the crest of a (34} minor boom; a boom which two years later was to be absorbed in the greater one resulting from the discovery of gold.<br />Mr. J.T. Thomson’s contribution to this prosperity was outstanding. Although enjoying indi erent health he persevered<br /> n tackling a task of inherent di culty and great responsibility,<br />and actually carried out operations beyond the terms of his<br />engagement. (35}<br /><br /><strong>Notes</strong><br />1. Sutherland, Miss L.E., The Settler and Surveyor Explorers of Otago, P.<br />76. Unpublished Thesis, Public Library, Dunedin<br />2. Durward, Miss E., The Maori Population of Otago, Pp. 6-7.<br />Unpublished Thesis, Hocken Library, Dunedin.<br />3. Gilkison, R., Early Days in Central Otago, P. 18<br />4. Park, J., Maori and Early European Explorations in Western Otago,<br />Pp. 4-6, Pamphlet, Hocken Library, Dunedin<br />5. Ross, A., The Puoho And His South Island Raid, pp. 87-98.<br />Unpublished Thesis, Hocken Library, Dunedin<br />6. Durward, op cit, P. 18.<br />7. Ross, op cit., pp.98-103<br />8. McClymont, W.G., The Exploration of New Zealand, P. 75.<br />9. Shortland, E., The Southern Districts of New Zealand, pp. 205-6<br />10. McClymont, op cit. P. 78<br />11. Thus the original Otago block was confined to a comparatively narrow<br />strip of land on the east coast.<br />12. Hocken, T.M., Contribution to the Early History of New Zealand,<br />Appendix A, Pp. 203-25, being a copy of Tuckett’s Diary<br />13. Kettle, C.H., Letter to Col. William Wakefield, 13 April 1847, M.S.S.<br />Hocken Library, Dunedin<br />14. McClymont, W.G., op cit. P. 112<br />15. Ibid. Pp. 90-91<br />16. Cowan, Miss J.C., A History of the Maniototo County, Pp. 10-11.<br />Unpublished thesis, Dunedin Public Library<br />17. McClymont, op cit. Pp. 114-115.<br />18. Beattie, H., Pioneer Recollections Vol. II, P.54, Letters from Chalmers<br />19. McClymont, op cit. P. 117<br />20. “Hundreds” was the name given to the new districts which from time<br />to time opened up for settlement by the Provincial Council.<br />21. Hocken, T.M., op. cit, P. 167<br />22. McClymont, op cit., P. 113.<br />23. Hocken, T.M., op cit., P. 169<br />24. Thomson, J.T., Survey of the Southern Districts of Otago, passim,<br />Pamphlet, Hocken Library<br />25. McClymont, op. cit., P. 119<br />26. Otago Prov. Gazette, Vol. III, 22 Sept. 1859, Pp. 270-73. Thomson’s<br />report.<br />27. Thomson, J.T., The Exploration of Otago and Recent Travel in other<br />Parts of New Zealand, Pp. 75-81, Pamphlet, Hocken Library<br />28. Otago Prov. Gaz., Vol. III, 22 Sept. 1859, Pp. 276-281, Garvie’s<br />Report. Garvie’s Diary can be found in the Survey O ce, Dunedin<br />29. McClymont, op cit., P. 122<br />30. Byars, Miss F., John Turnbull Thomson Early Surveyor, P 88,<br />Unpublished Thesis, Hocken Library<br />31. Thomson, J.T., The Exploration of Otago, P. 82.<br />32. Cowan, Miss J.C., op cit. P. 12<br />33. Thomson, J.T., The Exploration of Otago, P. 75<br />34. Ibid. P. 82.<br />35. Ibid, P. 75. also Byars, op cit., passimBob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-3291055048888730482008-09-09T23:07:00.000-07:002008-09-09T23:09:43.712-07:00McKerrow Coat-of- Arms<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNb406WXp2603y_K2BUNZ8dpdTiOlMyuazTMibgeRPLA-rtTsjJM8PODJ2pIff5B9iQzGJN6V3lrYxsa_u-iKGXtoI0EXu3dTcolJHucqJ2DENqjAazPuzqBZ66l_YFHW0jjWxz-HuFkI/s1600-h/mckerrow+coat+of+arms.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNb406WXp2603y_K2BUNZ8dpdTiOlMyuazTMibgeRPLA-rtTsjJM8PODJ2pIff5B9iQzGJN6V3lrYxsa_u-iKGXtoI0EXu3dTcolJHucqJ2DENqjAazPuzqBZ66l_YFHW0jjWxz-HuFkI/s400/mckerrow+coat+of+arms.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244270588980737058" /></a><br /><br />I have been searching for a McKerrow Coat-of-Arms for some time. I have finally found it. Not that impressive ?Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-28586688727760036472008-07-06T02:55:00.000-07:002008-07-06T03:25:54.838-07:00Plucking Turnips - James McKerrow-
<br /><div>James McKerrow was born on 7 July 1834 in Kilmarnock, Scotland, with a genealogy that can be traced back to King James the Vth. <a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>
<br />His Father, Andrew McKerrow was a famous ploughmaker of Beansburn, Kilmarnock, who manufactured patent single furrow, ploughs and back delivery reaping machines which gave him the means to provide his sons an adequate education. James was a bright young student and frequently was top of his class and had a great love of mathematics, and after a good grounding in both pure and mixed aspects of the subjects under Mr. Thomas Lee of Kilmarnock Academy, he studied these subjects further at Glasgow University. Like all his brothers, James did an apprenticeship in implement making as his father believed that having a trade ‘prove a safe standby in times of need, and would often open the door to numerous other occupations.’<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> During his apprenticeship, James showed more interest in surveying the paddocks in the neighbourhood and gaining knowledge of surveying.
<br />James was the eldest of ten children, nine brothers and one sister. When James was five, his sister Jean was born but she died before the age of one. His brother John, born when he was three, died at the age of 21, the year before James left for New Zealand. He was the first to leave for New Zealand, and later, 6 of his brothers emigrated
<br /> James McKerrow married Martha Dunlop at Fenwick, Ayreshire Scotland, on 5 August, 1859. Three weeks after their marriage, James and Martha traveled to Glasgow to board the Cheviot, a ship with a reputation for speed, weighing 1066 tons.
<br />Unfortunately the Ship’s departure was delayed some hours so James and Martha, decided to fill the time in by having their last walk on Scottish soil. As they were strolling through the countryside, they passed a field of turnips, and feeling the pangs of hunger, James climbed over the fence, and plucked a turnip. As he was climbing back over the wall, a farmer appeared and threatened to get the police and take charges against him. James quickly produced a sum of money and paid an exorbitant price for a miserable turnip, and they quickly scurried back to the ship, before any other misfortune came their way.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">[3]</a>
<br />The cargo vessel ‘Cheviot’ set sail on Tuesday the, 23 August and left ‘The Tail of the Bank’ at Greenock and with it Scotland. The ship was heavily laden with foodstuff, spirituous liquors, iron goods, building materials, farm implements, stud sheep, pigs and cattle.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">[4]</a> Being a cargo ship, it was only able to accommodate twenty-four cabin and eighteen steerage passengers. The majority of the steerage passengers were emigrating under the sponsorship of a Mr. Holmes, who had made large purchases of land in the Lumsden district where he intended to settle them on his holdings. The McKerrows were in the steerage cabins together with sixteen men and one woman.
<br />The Cheviot rounded Ireland and then reached Madeira on 3 September, passed close to Cape Verde on 7 September, and after confusing winds, crossed the equator on 26 September For the next leg of the journey, the weather was good and they rounded Cape Horn on 25 October and a point, south of Adelaide reached on 18 November.
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<br />The trip had been eventful with the discovery of a ‘stowaway, the death of a still born baby, the provisioning of a life boat from a foundered vessel and condition were tough at times with cramped quarters, snow and thunder storms, gales force winds and ripped sails, and near misses from flying blocks. The dairy of one of the passengers, Mr. T.L. Barnhill, on 3 October 1859 shows the spirit on board. “ shipped a sea which ducked almost all the steerage passengers who were standing together- all in good spirits owing to our making such progress.” <a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5">[5]</a>
<br /> James and Martha got their first look at New Zealand a week later when they sighted Stewart Island and the next day after ninety five days at sea, they entered the Otago Harbour.
<br />‘ I was very much struck with the beautiful situation of Dunedin and with the clean, neat appearances of the houses looking out spick and span from picturesque spots in the surrounding bush. In coming up the bay and through the islets of Port Chalmers, I was strongly reminded of beautiful Loch Lomond.<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6">[6]</a>
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<br />James McKerrow was 85 when he died in 1919 at his Ghuznee Street home in Wellington.
<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Andrew Kennedy McKerrow, Your Folk and Mine – The story of the McKerrows, private circulation, Edinburgh, 1990
<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a>
<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">[3]</a> David G.Herron, James McKerrow –SURVEYOR, EXPLORER AND CIVIL SERVANT- With special reference to Exploration, 1861-3, Presented for History Honours, University of New Zealand.1948
<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4">[4]</a> Otago Witness, 3 December, 1859
<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5">[5]</a> Barnhill, T.L., MSS Dairy of Voyage of Cheviot. Read by D.C. Herron, 1947.
<br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6422178857419841088#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6">[6]</a> Mckerrow, J., Reminiscences, p.10 MSS</div>Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-56008390147308756372008-02-02T02:28:00.000-08:002008-02-02T02:29:25.830-08:00Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand 1868-1961Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand 1868-1961<br /><br /><strong>Search Results</strong><br />Your search for "james mckerrow" found 116 results.<br /><br />His address was recored as : McKerrow, James, F.R.A.S., 142 Ghuznee Street, WellingtonBob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-43405890879990977942008-02-02T01:42:00.000-08:002008-12-09T06:35:01.986-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFoUhfmfCjRcHZFjdGnZUDIODKWtXHMIBqmcoEpUZZAvmfic-SutBvcC_Eje67Q2DVrWpB48TzUbXmPLPhl924j2OxcT7WZsyb4_0xCId-XJDqOWQFUc6chknv6zQh-4bhtQvwtU0QV3T/s1600-h/mck-header.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFoUhfmfCjRcHZFjdGnZUDIODKWtXHMIBqmcoEpUZZAvmfic-SutBvcC_Eje67Q2DVrWpB48TzUbXmPLPhl924j2OxcT7WZsyb4_0xCId-XJDqOWQFUc6chknv6zQh-4bhtQvwtU0QV3T/s400/mck-header.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162316333777851234" /></a><br />Taken from the above website with deep appreciation.<br />HISTORY – DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION<br />The Search for Land<br />As pastoralism spread in Canterbury, would-be runholders became explorers as they searched for ungranted land. Thus in 1851 M. P. Stoddart explored the upper Rakaia and Lake Coleridge region, and in 1855–56 J. B. A. Acland and C. G. Tripp went well up both the Rangitata and Ashburton Rivers. The author Samuel Butler was notable in this phase of exploration; in 1860 he explored the headwaters of all the great Canterbury rivers, saw the pass later known as Arthur's Pass but did not cross it, and, in company with the surveyor-speculator J. H. Baker, crossed the main divide via the Whitcombe Pass before J. H. Whitcombe. They were forced back while following a stream which flowed west. By this time, however, the mountains had been crossed by people other than Maoris, who, in fact, passed their information to the first European explorers. E. Dobson, in 1857, followed the Maori route up the Hurunui and over Harper Pass to the upper Taramakau River. Later the same year, L. Harper and S. Locke followed this route to the mouth of the river.<br /><br />The search for grazing land also took men south. In 1861 Baker, with E. Owen, explored the region around Lakes Tekapo, Ohau, and Wanaka, and reached the top of Haast Pass. Julius von Haast was engaged to make a geological survey of the Canterbury province; urgency was soon given to his task by the hope of finding gold, prompted by the 1861 rushes in Otago. In 1862 he and A. D. Dobson went into the upper Waitaki River and past the lakes (Tekapo and Pukaki) to the peaks and glaciers beyond them. He named Mount Tasman, and also the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, and saw the Murchison Glacier from the Mount Cook range, and attempted to cross the Sealy Pass to the West Coast. He also explored the Dobson and Hopkins Rivers from Lake Ohau. In the same year from the Wanaka-Hawea region, he crossed the Haast Pass to the West Coast. He found no gold, but caused some stir in European scientific circles by the evidence he found of extensive early glaciation.<br /><br />The sheepmen were also important in opening Central Otago. Penetration to the lake country from the south began by C. J. Nairn and C. J. Pharazyn in 1852 who journeyed, with a Maori guide, from Invercargill via the Aparima and Waiau Rivers to Lake Te Anau. In the following year a runholder, Nathaniel Chalmers, similarly guided, went up the Mataura River to near present-day Cromwell and then by the Clutha to Wanaka and Hawea. Instead of pressing on to Canterbury via the Lindis Pass, as had been his intention, he returned down the Clutha River.<br /><br />In the mid-1850s the Otago Provincial Government began to encourage pastoralists, and the pressure increased. The chief surveyor, J. T. Thomson, first attended to Southland, and then turned to Central Otago. In 1857, by way of the Shag Valley, the Maniototo Plain, the Ida Valley and the Waitaki River, he reached Omarama, and went from there to the peaks north of Hawea and Wanaka, naming one of the country's best-known peaks, Mt. Aspiring. Then he passed to Lake Ohau and the west side of Lake Pukaki. The sheepmen took up this country quickly; some had been there at the same time as Thomson. Their reach extended to the southern lakes by the end of the 1850s. D. Hay, an Australian, rowed a raft around Wakatipu in 1859 and explored the shores, learning of the existence of its northern arm. In the same year a large party including W. G. Rees reached Wanaka from Oamaru, followed the Cardrona River and the Crown Range south, and reached Queenstown via the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. They went past the head of the lake to the Dart and Rees Rivers. D. McKellar and G. Gunn, two years later, explored the country between Lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau. The exploration conducted by the sheepmen was hardly systematic or accurate; they were more concerned with grazing land than with map-making. <strong>Between 1861 and 1864 James McKerrow followed them with an accurate survey.</strong><br />Runholders' curiosity failed when they passed, as they inevitably did in pressing west, out of potential sheep country. But no country was unpromising to the gold seeker. After Gabriel Read's find in 1861, a series of rushes took men across Otago and into the mountains beyond. As well as gold, men looked for a west coast port with access to the interior, for quick communication with Australia. The north head of Wakatipu promised the best fulfilment for this chimerical hope. Charles Cameron in 1862 found a way across by the north branch of the Routeburn, and in 1863 P. Q. Caples went over Harris saddle to the Hollyford River. Later he followed the Hollyford to Martins Bay. In the same year James Hector went up the west branch of the Matukituki and over Hector Col to the Arawata and the coast near Jackson Bav. while Haast, following a Maori account, crossed the Haast Pass and followed the Haast River to the coast.<br /><br />Meanwhile, during this period, boat parties were exploring south-western sounds and creeks for access to the interior. The Aquila party led by Captain Alabaster went from Milford to Martins Bay and the Hollyford River, discovering Lakes McKerrow and Alabaster. From Lake Howden, the party saw the rivers flowing east. A. Williamson with the Nugent, also in 1863, went up the Arawata from Jackson Bay and prospected without success around Haast and Cascade Rivers. Hector, using the Matilda Hayes, explored the Martins Bay – Hollyford – Lake Howden – Greenstone route, unaware of previous trips. There was enthusiasm in Queenstown, but the route west and the port remained unestablished. Nor was gold in workable quantities discovered in this wild region; the diggers who penetrated it had to rest content with extending the boundaries of knowledge.<br /><br />The West Coast and its connections with Canterbury were almost all that remained. In these areas, explorers had to build upon the foundations laid by Brunner in the 1840s and Harper in the 1850s (as well as by some anonymous shipwrecked Americans who, with Maori help, walked from Jackson Bay to Nelson in 1857). In 1860 James Mackay opened up a direct Nelson-Greymouth route, using the Buller, Maruia, and Grey Rivers. A year later, J. Rochfort, following the course of the Grey, Ahaura, and Waiheke Rivers, crossed the divide to Doubtful River, a tributary of the Waiau. In 1862 there was a bridle path along this track; a year later it was used by sheep.<br /><br />Gold in the mid-1860s stimulated Canterbury interest; in particular a serviceable route across the island was needed. This was discovered by Arthur Dobson in 1864, when he went up the Waimakariri and Bealey Rivers to cross the divide by Arthur's Pass, a route known to the Maoris but no longer used by them. The next year the West Coast gold rush set in; men poured over Harper Pass, and a bridle path and then a coach road were established over Arthur's Pass. The gold fever moved south, and prospectors with it into the remoter parts of South Westland, as far as northwestern Otago.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-13219753311917614412008-02-01T20:40:00.000-08:002008-02-02T01:35:06.979-08:00Mt. McKerrow - AntarcticaI have finally located the coordinates of Mount McKerrow in Antarctica which was named after James McKerrow, Surveyor-General of New Zealand.<br /><br /><br />Mount McKerrow SCAR Gazetteer Reference No 9303<br /> <br /> <br />Feature Types Dome, Mesa, Monolith, Mountain, Platform, Rise, <br />Location Latitude: 81° 45' 00.0" S (-81.75°) <br />Longitude: 159° 48' 00.0" E (159.8°) <br />Altitude: <br />Confidence in position: <br /> <br /> <br />SCAR Composite Reference 9303 <br />Original Source<br />of Name AUS <br />Other Names Mount McKerrow - USA <br /> <br />Region <br />Date Created <br />Named for A peak in the Surveyors Range, 6 km south-west of Mount Hotine. Discovered by the New Zealand Geological and Survey Antarctic Expedition (1960-61). Named after J. McKerrow, a former Surveyor-General of New Zealand.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-70867558614192387692008-01-08T19:33:00.000-08:002008-12-09T06:35:02.657-08:00McKerrow family and Robbie Burns<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDXo9nZjI2d5U9EO8aQY4dek3LrG7GF_JZIhdXbzliI0gpN8J4C-zZbjHLHdk7NDPPleV3aXPziLDiXWQbMi4Gk-6F-IQgAKQG9Pz-f-Aacp_a2LDC3JfZYci_HbJ0yZn0pyaFmjWFcXv/s1600-h/Globe08.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDXo9nZjI2d5U9EO8aQY4dek3LrG7GF_JZIhdXbzliI0gpN8J4C-zZbjHLHdk7NDPPleV3aXPziLDiXWQbMi4Gk-6F-IQgAKQG9Pz-f-Aacp_a2LDC3JfZYci_HbJ0yZn0pyaFmjWFcXv/s320/Globe08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153315990353078754" /></a><br />Caption: <em>The Globe Inn today is packed with Burns artifacts and memorabilia</em><br /><br /><br />If someone were to choose the ideal situation for the commemoration of <strong>Robert Burns</strong>, for the recitation of his poetry and the singing of his songs, it would have to be in Dumfries, in the Globe Inn, or, as it was in his day, the Globe Hotel. This interesting old hostelry, popularly called 'Burns Howff', is situated in the High Street, along a narrow close opposite Assembly Street. It was near the Poet's house and was 'the tavern to which the Bard gave preference' while he resided in the town. Many a jolly hour he spent there, as have, over the past hundred years, the members and friends of the Howff Club, in captivating surroundings and convivial company.<br /><br />In Robert Burns's day, the Hyslop family were proprietors of the Globe, and its associations with the Bard have brought world-wide fame to this little High Street hotel, so, when she fell heir to these associations from the Hyslops, Mrs Jane Smith considered it her bounden duty to preserve them. Since the time of Mrs Smith's death in 1927, the Mill family and, at present, <strong>the McKerrow family</strong>, have religiously followed her lead and example. During the first forty years of its existence, Mrs Smith, 'the genial hostess', was held in the most affectionate terms among the members of the Howff Club, and became known as 'the Mother of the Club'. She took a prominent part in the annual celebrations on the 25th, and it was her invariable custom to fill the Burns punch bowl and place it before the President, by whom the contents were dispensed with Burns's toddy ladle. On the centenary of Robert Burns's death, Mrs Smith was made an Honorary Member of the Howff Club along with her niece, Mrs Grierson. Mention must also be made of another genial hostess, Mrs Elizabeth Brown, or, as she was affectionately known, 'Ma Broon', who was employed with her husband John, to manage the Globe Inn, by the McKerrows. Both endeared themselves to Howff Club members during the war years and thereafter. <br /><br /><br />The courtyard outside The Globe Inn <br />Robert Burns brought many of his cronies to the Globe, including William Nicol, the High School teacher whom Burns met in Edinburgh, 'kind-hearted Willie,' of 'Willie brewed a peck o' maut.' Along with Nicol, Robert Burns had met Allan Masterton, writing master in Edinburgh High School. In 1789 Nicol had travelled down from the capital to holiday in Moffat and, while there, was visited by Robert Burns and Masterton. Together they had 'such a joyous evening' that, on their return to Dumfries, Burns wrote the words and Masterton the music of the song. No doubt the scene of the Bacchanal was re-enacted at the Globe on many occasions during Nicol's holiday. The first verse of the song mentions each of the three:<br /><br />'0, Willie brew 'd a peck o 'maut,<br />And Rob and Allan cam to see.<br />Three blyther hearts, that lee-lang night,<br />Ye wad na found in Christendie.'<br /><br />At the Globe Hotel, Robert Burns made the acquaintance, among others, of Helen Ann Park, the barmaid and niece of the landlady, Mrs Hyslop. Burns immortalised young Helen when he wrote 'Anna wi' the Gowden Locks'.<br /><br /><br />The bar at the Globe today - a popular stop for visitors and locals <br />There is a story which relates that when he omitted, on one occasion, to order dinner at the Globe, Robert Burns was fined by having to give something new by way of grace. The Poet instantly, with appropriate gesture and tone, delivered this little gem:<br /><br />'0 Lord when hunger pinches sore,<br />Do Thou stand us in stead,<br />And send us from Thy bounteous store<br />A tup or wether head!'<br /><br /><br />When the meal was over, Burns, in returning thanks, just as promptly said:<br /><br />'0 Lord since we have feasted thus,<br />Which we so little merit,<br />Let Meg now take away the flesh,<br />And Jock bring in the spirit.'<br /><br />The room off the Globe kitchen, known as Burns Room, remains today as it was in his lifetime, much of the furniture and fittings having been carefully preserved. In addition, Robert Burns literally left his mark on some of the Globe windows, and, on one of the upstairs rooms, one finds the following lines scratched by the Bard:<br /><br />'0 lovely Polly Stewart,<br />0 charming Polly Stewart,<br />There's ne 'er a flower that blooms in May<br />That's half so fair as thou art.'<br /><br />and again, on another window:<br /><br />'Gin a body meet a body<br />Coming through the grain;<br />Gin a body kiss a body,<br />The thing's a body's ain.'<br /><br />Polly Stewart's father, incidentally, was factor on the Closeburn estates. <br /><br /><br />The Globe Inn today is packed with Burns artifacts and memorabilia <br />Dumfries Burns Howff Club have the good fortune to hold their annual Anniversary Dinner and other main functions, together with their regular Committee meetings in this Inn/Hotel hallowed by Robert Burns. At the celebrations on the anniversary of the birthday of the Bard, they continue to carry through timehonoured ceremonies. What is now known as the Club Room or Mystery Room, and which is now used for all Club meetings and receptions, was gifted in 1949 by Mr M.H. McKerrow, a Howff Club Past-President and President of the Burns Federation from 1937 to 1943. During this time, he was proprietor of the Globe. The 'Mystery' tag arises from the fact that the room was only 'discovered,' in 1937, when Mr McKerrow employed an architect to look over the Hotel following purchase. The architect was puzzled by two extra windows on the north side, and, after investigation and the breaking down of a brick wall at the top of the stairs, found a room - the 'Mystery Room' - still with the original panelling and in an excellent state of repair. When and why was it bricked-up? No one will ever know! The following extract from the Minutes of 6th April, 1949 details in full the handing-over ceremony by Mr H.G. McKerrow:<br /><br />'Following upon the Executive Meeting, a very pleasing and pleasant function took place in the new Room so kindly set aside in the Globe Inn by Mr McKerrow as a Club room, when the official opening and housewarming was carried through. Members of the Executive Committee along with Mr McKerrow, Mr James Denniston, Mr W. Black and a number of Club members were present.<br /><br /><br />Burns' Chair in the bar of the Globe <br />Mr E. K. Byers, President, occupied the chair and called upon Mr H.G. McKerrow to officially hand over the room. In his remarks, Mr McKerrow said that he had long felt that a room where the books and records of the Howff Club could be kept and where the members could meet, should be set aside for their convenience, and, on behalf of his father (Mr H. McKerrow) and himself, he had great pleasure in asking the President to accept the Room with their best wishes for the future prosperity and success of the Club. He also asked the President to accept a gift of books from the Dumfries Burns Club, and he hoped that the close Bond of Fellowship which at present existed between the clubs, would long continue, to the mutual benefit of both.<br /><br />The President said he had great pleasure in accepting the gift of the very fine Room on behalf of the Howff Club and its members, and thanked Mr McKerrow and his father for the great interest they had always shown in the welfare of the Club and its members. He also thanked the Dumfries Burns Club for their kind gift of books, and hoped that the members of the Howff Club would take full advantage of the new Club Room and its Library.<br /><br />Mr W. E. Boyd, one of the oldest members of the Club, said he would like to associate himself with the remarks of the President, and, on behalf of the members, expressed thanks to the McKerrow family for the great interest they had always taken in the Burns cult. Mr A.I. McElvogue, as a young member of the Club, also expressed thanks to Mr McKerrow, and said it was a very encouraging gesture, and would be a great help to the members and all lovers of Robert Burns.<br /><br /><br /><br />EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF 1939<br /><br />M. H. McKerrow, John Burnie, Neil Little, Tom Waugh, Tom McCrorie, Tom Laidlaw, Tom McConnell, Dan Constantine, I. Maxwell Gray, John Marshall, John Brown, David Millar, L. Bell, H. G. McKerrow,<br />D. Langlands Seath, John McKenzie, James Sheridan, A. Campbell, G. S. Bennett.<br /><br />This Room in the Globe remains to this day the official headquarters of the Dumfries Burns Howff Club.<br /><br />It is here worthy of note to mention the fascination that this ancient hostelry, with all its historic connections, holds for guests of the Club. The prospect of addressing the members unquestionably thrills them in a mysterious way, and the atmosphere within grips them, to their obvious delight. If one can quote, for example, the Rev. John Nivison of Orkney:<br /><br /><br />The Howff Club is still very much part of the Globe Inn today <br />'I have come a long way to be present with you in this old howff of Robert Burns, and I cannot voice my sense of the honour that is mine, as I stand before you now. In life, many events, experiments and conditions seem to be the natural product of plans and effort, and we take the expected as our due, but, on the other hand, the realisation of desire and the fruition of hope are, at times, so little short of marvellous, that we must pause and wonder. One of my ambitions has always been to stand where I am tonight. Ambitions are not the offspring of ability, nor are honours the proof of merit.'<br /><br />'That to speak of Robert Burns in this town whose streets he walked, in the very howff where that deep, rich voice was heard in song and laughter, and sometimes in heart sorrow - this, indeed, might make the proudest humble.'<br /><br />These are the thoughts of only two speakers who have delighted the Club with their presence over the century, but they are exemplary of so many who feel that the Globe can never lose its atmosphere and drawing power.<br /><br />People who have visited the hostelry are legion and the Visitors' Book contains such names as Lord Rosebery, Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling, President Wilson, T. P. O'Connor, Andrew Carnegie, Lord Balfour and J. M. Barrie.<br /><br />Lord Rosebery said of the Hotel, in his centenary speech of 1896:<br /><br />"You have in this town the Globe, where we could have wished that some phonograph had then existed, which could have communicated to us some of Robert Burns's wise and witty wayward talk."<br /><br />These sentiments can only be re-echoed.<br /><br />For more information about The Globe Inn Dumfries visit their own web site.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-33489771493500869592008-01-08T05:38:00.000-08:002008-01-08T05:41:32.680-08:00They were wrong, Poets were indeed surveyors.John Morrison (1782-1853): Land-Surveyor, Artist, and Poet<br />John Morrison, the son of a small farmer, was born in the Parish of Terregles, Galloway, in 1782. As a boy, he attracted the interest of the philanthropist Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, who paid for his education in Dumfries and Edinburgh. The Earl believed that emigration to America was the only means to relieve the poverty of many of his countrymen. He had Morrison trained as a land-surveyor with a view to employing him on the settlements that he would found on Prince Edward Island (1803) and the Red River (1812-16). While in Edinburgh, however, Morrison also studied painting under the landscape and portrait painter Alexander Nasmyth, and was to remain torn between his profession and his artistic ambitions throughout his working life.<br /><br />The Sydney surveyor and poet R D Fitzgerald (1902 - 1987) played a major role in leading Australian writers out of the era of the balladeers to achieve maturity and poise in the world community of letters. He enjoyed a long career from the roaring twenties to the swinging sixties, and during the 1930s he shared with Slessor the mantle of "the leading poet in Australia". <br /><br /><br />And, the final comment is, let us begin with a truism. It is universally admitted that poetry, like each of the fine arts, has a field of its own. To run a surveyor’s line accurately around the borders of this field, determining what belongs to it rather than to the neighboring arts, is always difficult and sometimes impossible. But the field itself is admittedly “there,” in all its richness and beauty, however bitterly the surveyors may quarrel about the boundary lines. (It is well to remember that professional surveyors do not themselves own these fields or raise any crops upon them!) How much map-making ingenuity has been devoted to this task of grouping and classifying the arts: distinguishing between art and fine art, between artist, artificer and artisan; seeking to arrange a hierarchy of the arts on the basis of their relative freedom from fixed ends, their relative complexity or comprehensiveness of effect, their relative obligation to imitate or represent something that exists in nature! No one cares particularly to-day about such matters of precedence–as if the arts were walking in a carefully ordered ecclesiastical procession. On the other hand, there is ever-increasing recognition of the soundness of the distinction made by Lessing in his Laokoon: or the Limits of Painting and Poetry; namely, that the fine arts differ, as media of expression, according to the nature of the material which they employ. That is to say, the “time-arts"–like poetry and music–deal primarily with actions that succeed one another in time. The space-arts–painting, sculpture, architecture–deal primarily with bodies that coexist in space. Hence there are some subjects that belong naturally in the “painting” group, and others that belong as naturally in the “poetry” group. The artist should not “confuse the genres,” or, to quote Whistler again, he should not push a medium further than it will go. Recent psychology has more or less upset Lessing’s technical theory of vision, [Footnote: F. E. Bryant, The Limits of Descriptive Writing, etc. Ann Arbor, 1906.] but it has confirmed the value of his main contention as to the fields of the various arts.Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422178857419841088.post-31297031939133150852008-01-05T17:25:00.000-08:002008-12-09T06:35:02.807-08:00Surveyors are not Poets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIcCssvRmgtT63MTVmz7dHp7ES0kkDAkY3HlelcBARRRost9jsoqeQ9alL8Zmc-TY4rqmG-YVfeoyE1IADuaUhhqpzTMS6WmX770VJWjTqPN_gM3M_pSpg7DfDUDdOvLzQnYgvFZDUR9g/s1600-h/jamesmckerrow.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIcCssvRmgtT63MTVmz7dHp7ES0kkDAkY3HlelcBARRRost9jsoqeQ9alL8Zmc-TY4rqmG-YVfeoyE1IADuaUhhqpzTMS6WmX770VJWjTqPN_gM3M_pSpg7DfDUDdOvLzQnYgvFZDUR9g/s320/jamesmckerrow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152174078808156482" /></a><br />The Otago Guardian of 14 July 1877 reports a dinner in honour of James McKerrow, prior to his departure for Wellington, at the City Club Rooms. The spacious dining room of the club was tasefully decorated with flags, and a company of between 70 to 80 Gentlemen<br /><br />Mr. Robert Gillies, vice President of the club, made mention to poetry and surveying not mixing. He said, "Surveyors are not poets. He only knew one subaltern who attempted it. He caught him one day reciting poetry at a trig station and told him, "it would never do."<br /><br />His reply was -<br /><br /> Blow, blow thou winter wind<br /> Thou art not so unkind<br /> As man's ingratitude<br /><br />Mr Gillies went on to mention that "the subaltern only lasted a few weeks."Bob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.com0