gleaned a daughter of Captain Gibson is resident in Christchurch, and confirms the foregoing suggestion.]
Weld Street, was one of the four streets of the town named after notably prominent politicians of that period. It was named after the leader of the Weld Ministry, Sir Frederick Weld, which was in office in the stormy days when the seat of Government was moved from Auckland to Wellington. The Weld Ministry was defeated on the casting vote of the Speaker, and was succeeded by the Stafford Ministry.
So we have the name of Stafford Street accounted for. In profile Sir Ed. Wm. Stafford was of the Atkinsonian type. He was Superintendent of the Nelson Province, and was twice Premier of New Zealand within 13 years, first for a period of 5 years and then for a period of 4 years. His biographer was very frank about him, stating: “He talks too much; puts himself too much in the foreground, and is wanting in suavity of manner.” But behind this there was a large reserve of genuine public worth. He had a well balanced mind of the “golden mean” which is set down as being a “rare and valuable statesmanlike quality.” His politics were moderate and his administration capable.
Sewell Street is another connection with a name distinguished in the early political life of the colony. Mr Henry Sewell is described as being “a man of culture and considerable ability. His conversation sparkled. with cleverness and wit. He was happy in classical quotations.” Also he was “fussy, restless, too easily impressionable and full of false dreams. This natural disquietude taught him to be what he was—fertile in resource and skilful in evasion.” The biographer concludes in this unkind vein: “Being fond of office and not exclusive in his political associations.” Mr Sewell in features was of the Gladstonian caste. By profession he was an English solicitor.
Then as the fourth statesman of the time, we have Sir William Fitzherbert’s name drawn on for the street which has become the main thoroughfare linking up the great north and great south roads. “A great speech from Sir William” (says Wm. Gisborne—the biographer who has been quoted) “was an intellectual treat. He was able and astute—the Ulysses of statesmen—of great debating power.”
Next we have Bealey Street named after His Honor Samuel Bealey, who was Superintendent of Canterbury in April, 1866, when the petition for the Borough of Hokitika was lodged. The petition in point of fact was addressed to His Honour.
Hall Street was obviously named after he whom so many of this generation knew later as Sir John Hall. When Hokitika was laid out, Hon John Hall was a member of the Provincial Executive, and took a very intimate part in the early fortunes of Westland. Ultimately Sir John Hall became Premier of New Zealand.
Brittan Street it may be justly assumed was named after Joseph Brittan, who was a member of the Canterbury Board of Education from June 1865, and was identified with educational matters on this Coast. Brittan Street appropriately lends to the present site of the public school.
Sale Street recalls the most memorable of names associated with the birth of Hokitika—or for the matter of that, with Westland at large. He was known here officially as Warden Sale, but he was more often dubbed “King” Sale, for he was a veritable Pooh Bah in those early days, being everything the
