Lot 150
Diary, New Zealand Wars Volunteer Churton
A manuscript diary kept by William Henry Churton of Auckland, teenage brother-in-law of Charles Heaphy.
1863-64. 8vo. Halfbound, marbled boards. Spine damaged with some loss. A rarity indeed - an untapped diary from this important period in the history of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Offering a glimpse of the daily life of the son of a Colonial Chaplain, beginning with a round of social and church-related engagements in Auckland. William wrote his name and address in this diary on the 1st of January 1863. His address 'Little Sutton' (St George's Bay) followed by 'Exchange clerk Bank of N S Wales, Auckland'. This page has also been used to practice his signature and initials. The bank was evidently close to the waterfront as the comings and goings of ships and their passengers were keenly noted by our diarist. '5th February 1863. The "Ida Ziegler" sailed for London, etc. The Fairburns went in her.' Churton also observed the quick departure for Sydney of survivors of the wreck of the 'Orpheus' on February 10th, the entry for the 17th edged in black as the city mourned its loss. Perhaps the most exciting entries in the diary relate to the activities of the Auckand Volunteers. Fresh accounts of the much studied Land War period are always welcome. This diary differs from specific 'war' diaries in that it covers nineteen months in the life of a seventeen-year-old, during which time he went to war. Flick the pages from dining with the Heaphys, the Baddelys & the Coateses, to find our diarist starting for Otahuhu or the Wairoa, the cast changing to Captain Brackenbury, Lieut Russell, Private Von Sturmer & Major Dequincey. The entry for the 6th February 1864 includes 'Mrs Buchanan went to Mercury Island and Mr Heaphy to the front in the "Alexandra" with the Governor and the War Minister'. 13th February: 'Went to the child's (Marvins baby) funeral, & to the Coates's in the evening. News of engagement at Waiau. Mr Heaphy wounded.' An eye-witness account of turbulent times. Further information on request. G.
Realised: $4,500 September 2010

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