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(Source - GNZ MSS 191(1) Grey Collection, in the Special Collections Department of Auckland Public Library.)
The Journal was written during the first four months of 1858 by Peter McDonald, the storekeeper and schoolmaster on Sundays at Mine Bay, on the north-west coast of Great Barrier Island while the copper mine there is operational, and at various times, the ore vessels Midge (18tons) and Spray (106 tons) call in to unload supplies, load ore and embark/debark passengers. Peter McDonald, his wife Margaret (nee Russell), and three children arrived in October, 1842 on the Jane Gifford from Glasgow via Greenock. The children were Alexander [aged 7], Margaret Marshall [aged 4] and Thomas Russell [aged 4 months]. Three more daughters were born in New Zealand; Flora McLean [1844], Isabella Russell [1847] and Frances Harwood [1848].
"On arrival in Auckland the family lived in the Vulcan Lane area before moving to Kawau Island in 1845 where Peter was employed in the copper mine. The family remained on Kawau until the copper mine closed, then moved to Great Barrier where Peter was storekeeper for a few years before returning to Kawau circa 1859. In 1872 Sir George Grey reopened the island school and appointed Peter as schoolmaster. Margaret died in Auckland in 1858 and is buried in the Presbyterian section of the Symonds St Cemetery in Auckland. Peter died on Kawau in 1879 and is buried in Boyd’s Hill Cemetery, Kawau Island". - source Margaret Couch of Hamilton, gt-gt granddaughter of Peter and Margaret McDonald. The following transcription, (which will certainly contain errors), is by Don Armitage.
Kawau mine closed finally in November, 1855, so McDonald and his family could have arrived some time shortly after that. More information may emerge when his autobiography and diaries are looked at shortly.
[Cover] Great Barrier Island Journal 1858
[First page inside cover] Friday Jan 1st 1858 We have reached another of those moral “Milestones” which have now set up to measure time by - I wonder when the first one was set up or when the last one may be arrived at - at any rate we have an idea of the number we have passed. How many more we may see is a very difficult story - but possibly not a great many in the interval that may intervene let us endeavour to make ourselves comfortable, and as far as our fickle power extends promote the happiness of others + + + --------- This the first day of the new year 1858 has passed away very quietly and soberly so far as the people on the Barrier have been concerned, altho’ this state of things was no we believe exactly in unison with the wishes of the Majority - but they could not help themselves there was nothing within their reach but
Page 2 “Wai Maori” nothing to the feeling, a fillip - to stir up the blood that may have got stagnant and waterlogged . alas! alas! not a drop of that liquid of which the Poet hath said. “When oil’d by thee The wheels o’ life gae down hill scrieving wi rattlin glee” * However there more nither since hears nor broken heads, altho’ both of theti sometimes risible from initiating too large a dose of the above mentioned stimulant.
Saturday 2nd Great joy on the Barrier this morning the “Midge” has arrived Messr Bain & Graham has brought [ ] to return our kegs & our [mor?] without assigning any reasons for their doing so, we certainly did not expect they would have returned the money but such is the fact and one ought to [?] recorded.
Page 3 We are led to believe however that there is a small supply on board, but the wind is blowing so hard that they cannot get it ashore - Capt Ninnis, Sam & Jas. Gribble** came down as passengers. They are going from this to Coromandel on a Gold prospecting excursion - My daughter Isobella also arrived by the same conveyance. The “Midge” takes no ore this trip as the [?] Watson has not yet arrived. Sunday 3rd It would appear that early this morning they had managed to get on board and bring off a supply. This was evident from the loud talking not to speak of the black eyes and bloody noses which made their appearance towards the afternoon. It seems strange that otherwise quiet individuals whenever they get a glass or two of spirits must quarrel and fight - perhaps the steam from
Page 4 The alcohol arising to the brain causes a turmoil in the locality everything topsey turvey and especially stimulating and enlarging the bumps of self esteem and combativeness making each individual imagine himself a giant or a hero - but we had better leave these matters to be settled by the Phrenologists - in the Meantime whoever be the cause the effects are undeniable - Brig = the Black Eyes & Bloody Noses - Monday 4th The wind still blowing hard and everything pretty squish. The men nearly all at work - Tuesday 5th The wind still continuing Capt Ninnis and party are getting tired and the women are being uneasy thinking they would get away in time. Wednesday 6th The wind has changed at last and the Midge
Page 5 is getting under way - There are a goodly number of passengers going on board = Vz Mrs McDonald and Fanny - Mrs Paul & child Mrs Viall & two children. Mrs Harvie & 4 children besides the bloody Sailor with Capt N & his party. And Mr Rowe who is also going to Coromandel. Thursday 7th All quiet Nothing very particular Friday 8th All right Saturday 9th fine weather - very hot Sunday 10th At school in the forenoon. Monday 11th All right Tuesday 12th A boat & a canoe arrived from Maori Bay with Potatoes & this was a very seasonable supply as the people have been out of potatoes for some time passed.
Page 6 Jany 1858 Wednesday 13th Fine mild weather showery. The Maoris left again today - did a little business with them in the store. Thursday 14th Fine clear weather with strong breezes - wondering how they are getting on in Auckland and when we may expect the “Midge” Friday 15th Very hot weather Saturday 16th Blowing a fine westerly breeze - not overly busy in the store. Sunday 17th Strong morning wind like to be rain - had a walk as far as the mine - Reading the Conquest of Peru by Prescott an American writer a well written work. Monday 18th still blowing hard. Opened the school today Tuesday 19th Nothing extra Wednesday 20th “ “ Thursday 21st Dull showery weather. No “Midge” yet. - What can be keeping them? Friday 22nd A canoe came over from Maori Bay they have nothing for sale.  Mine Bay and the valley where the miners' village and store were. Photopanorama by Don Armitage 2007 copyright.
Page 7 Saturday 23rd The “midge” arrived this morning but brought nothing with her. She has been to Wangari [Whangarei] and only came here for a load of ore. Had a letter from Mr Rowe which says he will be down by another vessel which was to leave Auckland on Tuesday or Wednesday and bring the stores with him. It appears the Midge did not reach Auckland on her last trip till the morning of Tuesday the 12th - The wind is blowing so hard we cannot load today. Harding & Mr & Mrs Robinson arrived today. Sunday 24th At school this morning the breeze still continuing the men can’t get ashore from the Midge Harding & Robinson windbound- Monday 25th Got the Big Punt out this morning as the wind has lull’d will be able to get loaded Harding & Robinson got off this morning early. The Midge has her load 20 tons on board.
Page 8 February 1858 Wednesday 3rd The same as yesterday - A Boat[?] of Maoris has come over and have brought a quantity of what they call grog with them and which they are getting anything they ask - one individual gave a suite new clothes which cost him the day before 3-5- for three bottles of the villainous stuff. Such asses do men make of themselves.- Thursday 4th Today I think is about finished and several men are going about in the Horrors as well they may - Strange infatuation. I think to act this once in a lifetime would be quite sufficient. But they seem to forget all about it and are ready to do the same over again whenever they find an opportunity.
Page 9 Friday 5th A few of the Men still moving about more dead than alive. Weather very warm. Saturday 6th Rather slack in store feel very unwell Sunday 7th Too unwell to attend to school - in house nearly all day - a cry got up toward evening of a sail - it turned out to be a schooner which went into Neagle’s [Nagles] harbour Monday 8th opened school in the forenoon could not go in the evening Tuesday 9th &[?] O’Clock am Sail Ho! The Midge has arrived in command of our friend Dick She brings passengers Mr & Mrs F.Rowe and child. Mrs Viall & children. Had a letter & a few things from Mrs McDonald they have very little on board for the stores - had a letter from I. Greenhill.
Page 10 Wednesday 10th Loading the Midge with ore - wrote a letter to I. Greenhill & one to the wife obliged to give up loading. Thursday 11th “Midge” loaded today and is off. Friday 12th Nothing extra Saturday 13th The White Boat with Mr& Mrs Rowe and any number of children sailed or was [?] over to Maori Bay to see the place and get a few peaches they returned in the evening. Sunday 14th - At school & - Monday 15th [?] wet all day Tuesday 16th A vessel seen into Neagles Harbour thought the “midge” Wednesday 17th The Midge arrived this morning having aboard Mrs McDonald & family Mrs Wilson Mrs Paul & Arthur Craig the passengers got ashore but it is blowing too hard to get out.
Page 11 Thursday 18th got the things ashore this morning - Harding & Robinson came over today Harding is going to town being in ill health. Got a load on board the Midge - Mr Rowe & Dick Smell are going up to Auckland. Friday 19th Very unwell have been for some time----- Saturday 20th Not very busy throng in store. Sunday 21st Not able to go to school wind very high Monday 22nd Blowing a hurricane Tuesday 23rd Weather moderate Wednesday 24th calm for a wonder! Thursday 25 Do. Friday 26th A vessel was seen this afternoon supposed to be the Midge Saturday 27th - The Midge arrived Mr Rowe passenger - got loaded and away with a fair wind. Sunday 28th At school & ----
Page 12 March 1st Monday - [?] busy in store Tuesday 2nd Do Wednesday 3rd Not very well Thursday 4th Do Friday 5th In bed Saturday 6th Heavy Rain Sunday 7th Do------- Monday 8th Do------- Tuesday 9th Do----- Wednesday10th [?] heavy rain Thursday Very damp & [ ?] Friday 12th very warm Saturday 13 rather cold Sunday 14 blowing and cold Monday 15 pretty fair Tuesday 16 Do Do Wednesday 17th St Patrick’s Day Thursday 18 commenced to take stock Friday 19 Canoe with Peaches Saturday 20 a party went goat hunting they brought home several goats.
Page 13 Sunday 21st Beautiful weather Monday 22nd Do-------- Tuesday 23rd The “Midge” arrived this morning - Mr Harding passenger likewise Mrs Harvie & family Mrs Smith and Old Parker - they have a brt[?] very little for the Mines only some brick Lime [?] and nothing for the stores. They take no ore this trip but am going over to Neagle’s Harbour for a load of firewood they left this afternoon taking old Parker with them - Mr Rowe & McLean go to town. Wednesday 24th Nothing particular Thursday 25th Taking stock Friday 26th finished stock Saturday 27th all right Sunday 28th Do Monday 29 the Cathrine came around from Maori Bay Tuesday 30 Nothing extra Wednesday 31 The “Cathrine” [Catherine?] sails for Auckland passengers Cole & Walters with their wives-Sent a note to Mr Rowe
Page 14 April Thurday 1st All Fools Day Friday 2 good Friday all hands getting ready for a jaunt some going goat hunting others for a sail to Neagles Harbour A vessel in sight as day light appears it proves to be the Midge with Mr Rowe McLean & Faster[?] passengers Had a letter from Mrs Edwards Tommy is very bad with fever. Had a sail over to Neagles Harbour [?] Mr Mrs McD Returned in the evening-----left Isabella Saturday 3rd The White Boat went over to Neagles Harbour this afternoon Mrs Donald[?] goes in her, being anxious to go to Auckland to see Tommy.------ Sunday 4th A very long day Monday 5th Pretty busy- Tuesday 6th Do. Wednesday 7th a vessel has gone in to Maori Bay [?] [?] the Cathrine
Page 15 Thursday 8th A boat arrived from Maori Bay having Malens[?] and Cole on board, they bring me the sad tidings of the Death of poor Tommy* - he died in the Hospital and buried before his mother arrived in Town - Thus another [pr--?] has been carried away to Which one Might have looked forward to as a support in our old days. But we must submit, then trials and disappointments appear to be our fate and we are only life resignation to the will of that power which rules and regulates all Nature-- Friday 9th Mrs Edwards it seems is very unwell she is [?] weakly and has been fairly worn out by her attendance on Tommy - His Mother I am sure Must be in an awful state- but what can I do there is no way of leaving this place and although I was in town what good could I do to them - I must just suffer out[?] ponder on the past - I can get little or no rest during the day I am unhappy at nights can get no sleep.
Page 16 April 1858 Saturday 10th Another dreary day and another more dreary night Sunday 11th very unwell did not go to school Monday 12th Do--- Tuesday 13 cold and wet Wednesday 14th Do--- Thursday 15 a vessel passed today did not come to the Mines but passed on to More flowers bay Friday 16th cold no appearance of any vessel nor is any obe expected for a considerable time. Saturday 17th Nothing particular Sunday 18th Do Monday 19 Do Tuesday 20 Do Wednesday 21 Do Thursday 22 Do Friday 23 Do Saturday 24 Do Sunday 25 Do Monday 26 blowing very hard Tuesday 27 Do with heavy showers
[End of journal entries]
Don Armitage © July 9th, 2008. (Thank you Graeme Murdoch for letting me know about this material)
*DIED.
At Auckland, on the 2nd of April, after a short illness Thomas R. McDonald, aged 17 years, the only surviving son of Mr. Peter McDonald, storekeeper, Great Barrier. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1124, 6 April 1858, Page 2 Inwards [to Auckland] Dec 30 [1857] - Midge, 18 tons, Jacobs for Great Barrier and Coromandel with 30 packages, sundries. Passengers Capt.Morris, James Gribble, S.Gribble, Miss Paul, and Miss McDonald Daily Southern Cross 1st Jan 1858
Inwards [to Auckland] Jan 12- Midge, 18 tons Jacobs, from Great Barrier in ballast, Passengers- Mr and Mrs Rowe, Mr Moloy, Mr and Mrs McDonald, Miss McDonald, Mrs Paul and child, Mrs Veale and two children, Mrs Harvey and two children. Daily Southern Cross 15th Jan 1858
Inwards [to Auckland] Jan 22-Midge, 18 tons Jacobs, from Great Barrier with 20 tons copper ore. Passenger Mr.F.Rowe. Cleared Outwards Jan 26th Spray 106 tons H T Anderson for the Great Barrier with 12 bags sugar, 2 tons flour, 30 packages sundries. Bain, Grahame & Co-agents. Daily Southern Cross 29th Jan 1858
* The correct version of Robert Burns' poem 'Scotch Drink' is: But, oil'd by thee, **James Gribble (1838-1886), wife was Mary Ann nee Goldsworthy (1838-1901).   James Gribble Mary-Ann Gribble |
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Great Barrier Island Journal 1858 |