(Porphyrio), with its red shanks and bill, occupied another position; and bringing the list to a close, another connecting link, not certainly so wide, was found in the Ground Parrot, Kakapo (Stringops), which scientists hold to connect the Owl and the Parrot, was wont to be plentiful; and these also roamed at freedom the almost wingless Kiwi (Apteryx), which runs like an ostrich, and by striking the ground with its foot brought up the worm on which it desired to feed. And last and greatest of all was the Moa (Dinornis), who stalked around in imperial majesty; and although having ages ago quitted this sublunary sphere, anticipating incredulity as to presence, laid himself peacefully to rest on the banks of the burn which trickled down from the hill and flowed through the South Recreation Ground, and when his bones were in 1864 unearthed, and carefully collected by Alex. Begg, then curator for the Botanic Gardens; now in proof the complete skeleton is exhibited in our museum.
On the 27th November, 1847, the ship John Wickliff sailed from London with Captain Cargill, the official agent, and 90 immigrants, and on the same day the ship Phillip Laing sailed from Greenock with the Rev. Mr Burns and 236 immigrants; the Wickliff arriving at Otakou on 23rd March, 1848, and the Phillip Laing on the 15th April following. The weather was extremely fine, and the surroundings being enchanting, the great majority of the new arrivals were highly satisfied with the place and with their prospects. The male portion was first conveyed to town principally by boats, but a few of the more adventurous preferred to try their skill in penetrating the dense bush that intervened between Kaputai or Port Chalmers and their future home. All arrived safely and soon busied themselves in making preparations to accommodate the women and children, either in barracks or in roughly built huts, and in about three weeks this was satisfactorily accomplished, and the nucleus of the future community thus formed. A spirit of indomitable resolution pervaded the whole company, and each vied with the other in their efforts to promote the settlement.
Arrangements were soon completed for enabling those entitled to select their sections, and the first choice made was that corner of Princes and Rattray streets, on which the Bank of New Zealand now stands. Following this, selections were made
