Family History 4.21

Robinson story

Joshua's diary continues

Landing the Family

I had heard and seen enough to make my position very gloomy. I went on board and related to my wife the state of things. She heard the tidings in better spirit than I feared, reminded me of our heavenly Father's care, hitherto encouraging me to trust in him and not be afraid.

So the next day we had the ship's long boat at our service, got all our belongings on board, and bade goodbye to ship and crew that had carried us safely over the deep waters.

It was nearly low water when we landed, and as there was no wharf or landing place except a rock or reef running out to a distance, but could not be reached till near high water, we had to use great expedition in unloading them and working them up by degrees, as the tide was fast chasing us. The most heavy and least perishable, a kind storekeeper near the beach allowed us to leave them in the store till we required them. Our bedding and clothing we managed to get under cover before the rain had done much damage.

 

The house we had taken was not far from the beach. Our first night was not very pleasant, but we were nearly used up on landing, and so soon fell asleep, and in the morning we found our mattresses on which we slept was stopping the water that flowed in from the doorway. By some exertion we got things a little straight and got some breakfast. the water was got from a waterhole on the edge of the cliff opposite our house.

 

Our next business was to seek ways and means of providing a living. We sallied forth, made several inquiries, found there was very little money in circulation and consequently little work to be had, for there were plenty to do it without any additions to their numbers, so that the very thing happened that first induced me to emigrate that I thought impossible.

 

Hearing that one of the government officers was thinking of building a house on the Parnell side of Auckland, we had an interview with him. He told us he was prepared to build, but he feared we could not get the timber for some time. However he was a Christian and had heard of our arrival and disappointment. he gave us a plan of what was required and requested us to give him a price, and if he was satisfied and we could get the timber we should have the job. He gave us some valkuable advice.

 

We then sought for information as to prices of material etc. We found we could get sufficient to make a start. There were no roads. The timber and other materials had to be rafted around Point Britomart into Mechanics Bay and carried up the hill by Mouris. We made a tender for the job and were accepted. We immediately commenced under great difficulty. Nevertheless we succeededto the great satisfaction of all parties and before we had completed our contract we were offered a larger job.

 

So things began to look up and we to be reconciled to our lot. We had many privations to encounter, but we never wanted for the necessaries of life, and our children enjoyed the best of health.