Page:Tales-of-Banks-Peninsula Jacobson 2ed 1893 cropped.pdf/221

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Stories of the Bays.

the opposite side of the valley to that on which the present road lies. Messrs. George Boleyn and John Bennett cut the first track to Okain’s. The manner in which a road was tested in those days, to judge whether the contractors had done their work in a proper manner, was by taking a bullock along it laden with clay. This was done to test the track to Okain’s. The Rev. Mr. Torlesse, clergyman at Okain’s and Little Akaloa, was judge, and his report was unfavorable, and he wouldn’t pass it. This gentleman got the church built in Okain’s, and was schoolmaster there also. He frequently came to Little Akaloa, and preached in the open air. Mr. Waghorn’s barn was then used as a place for worship. Bishops Selwyn and Harper both preached in this barn. The former anchored off the Bay in his schooner, and put a boat ashore. The inhabitants all collected on the beach, eager to see who their visitors were. On the boat arriving, the Bishop called out, “Do you know who I am? I am Bishop Selwyn, the travelling Bishop,” and he jumped first out of the boat up to his middle, and helped drag her ashore. He then went up to the barn, and preached to them, and also christened several children who are now residents in the Bay. He did not stay long, but left behind him a great admiration for his abilities and plain speaking. Bishop Harper made periodical visits to the Bay. In 1862 the schoolroom was built, Mr. Bishop being the first master. In the following year the building was made the church, and still remains so.

In 1853 Toby Green started the first dairy on the place where the Messrs. Waghorn now live. Mr G. Ashton soon followed his example, and as the bush was cleared so were fresh dairies commenced. Mr. G. Ashton kept up regular communication with the outside world by sailing a whale boat between Little Akaloa and Lyttelton, and carrying the mails. He