Col. William Hayward WAKEFIELD [1657]

  General Notes:

William through his association with his brother Edward in the Turner case, served a sentence in Lancaster jail. He served in the Spanish Army. Joined New Zealand Coy in 1840 and led the first immigrants to Port Nicholson, now Wellington NZ. He remained in NZ until his death.

24 Mar 1837
Your uncle William (Wakefield) has been in a very dangerous action in Spain, where 900 were killed and 1,500 wounded, but he was, through mercy, preserved. His regiment is mentioned as having behaved very gallantly.
Ref: Letter from Catherine Torlesse to her son Charles

Port Nicholson, N. Z.
March 25th, 1840.
My dear Catherine,
I have scarcely time to write a line to my friends but snatch a moment to let you know that we have accomplished our voyage and object satisfactorily., This country quite equals my. expectations and there can be no doubt of the success of our Colony.The natives are fast improving amongst us. They like our clothing and observances of the Sabbath. I am half a missionary myself and have perfect control over our tribes here, who have given me the name of Wideawake, by which I am known all over the islands. I have written to Edward to send me Emily, but fear he may have left England.If so, I trust to you and Charles to look to her till I can go home for or to her. I can hear nothing from Felix to whom I wrote six months ago, but saw a friend of his who left him not so long ago at Launceston, where he was making L600 a year as a private surveyor.Communication is very rare here so I hope still to hear from him. All our colony arrived safely and are happily located.We expect another fleet soon. If you have a son to spare and like to send him to me I can do something for him and he shall not be eaten by the natives. I intend to write to Pris by the first ship to India. I heard from her from the Cape, She and her children were flourishing.
As Edward has written I will not repeat but begging you to send my love to my father with thanks for his two letters and to give the same to Charles and your brood,
I remain,
My dear Kate,
Yours very affectionately,
W. Wakefield.
Taken to be Catherine G Torlesse his sister.


Wellington,
New Zealand.
October 12th 1841.
Sir,
The most important cir: (sic) circumstances of the past month are the safe arrival of the "Whitby" with Captains Liardet and Wakefield on the 18th of Septr. and the continuation of the negociations with Governor Hobson respecting the site of the second colony,
Captain Wakefield & myself having had ample time to confer on the course to be adopted in reference to the important subject of his mission previous to the return of Captain Hobson from Akaroa, which happened on the 23rd Septr., waited on his Excellency on board the
Government brig before she anchored, accompanied by Captain Liardet.
The former intimacy between Capt Hobson & Capt Liardet, it was thought, might be advantageous in inciting the former to listen without prejudice to the propositions to be made for the most suitable location of the 2nd colony and the general cooperation of the local
Government and the Company's Officers in the colonization of this
country .
I regret to state that all hopes of assistance from Captain Hobson in carrying out the views of the Court of Directors speedily proved delusive. Upon all subjects excepting the essential ones of so placing the 2nd colony as to ensure a desireable (sic) position without danger of its settlers being drawn off by older settlements and the general interests of the Company as a promoter of Emigration his Excellency was communicative and polite.So soon, however, as these topics were introduced the feelings of opposition and jealousy, which have so long been apparent, betrayed themselves.
In the first interview the subject of the 2nd colony was not pressed upon Captain Hobson - but Capt Wakefield on the following day entered at length with his Excellency into the relative merits of different locations and the general position of the Company with the Home Government and the public.He was dryly requested to put any proposition he had to
make in writing. The accompanying copies of a correspondence will acquaint you with the result of the negociation.
I had further occasion to address his Excellency on the subject of duties exacted on the stores of the 2nd colony. Subjoined is a copy of my letter and the answer I received. Captain Liardet had a private interview with the Governor previously to sailing in the Regina for New Plymouth, which he did on the 27th Septr., but elicited no more friendly sentiments towards the Company than before. The "Victoria" left this port for Auckland with the Governor and suite on the 28th of Septr.
It would be idle to conceal from the Court of Directors the spirit of animosity and active opposition evinced by Captain Hobson and the officials of the Government settlements towards the Company and the settlements formed under its auspices. Towards the settlers here, who are but little disposed to suffer injustice without earnest remonstrance and agitation, Captain Hobson showed a disposition to assist them; but even this was felt on all hands to be put forth with a view to estrange them from the Company, whom he lost no occasion of disparaging in conversation with those settlers who waited on him.
After Captain Hobson's departure the efforts of Captain Wakefield and myself were directed to complete the efficiency of the expedition under his orders. We engaged the services of a pilot, thoroughly acquainted with Blind Bay and who represented the anchorage in Astrolabe
roads and the district of land at the bottom of the Bay in a manner most satisfactory to Capt Wakefield. We also secured Mr. Heaphy the draftsman and an interpreter, who was present during my purchase of the place from the natives, to accompany the expedition, which sailed on the 2nd inst, for its destination.
In some points of view Blind Bay has advantages over the eastern coast of the island. It is very accessible from the Australian Colonies and within easy reach of the Company's settlements in Cook's Strait. If, as is supposed by many, it contains a considerable district of available land, with access to the grassy plains about the "Lookers On" the want of a harbour in the immediate neighbourhood of the good land is greatly compensated for by the excellent anchorage at the bottom of the bay ., where the wind never blows home. In this respect it is similar to many deep gulphs (sic) in the east of Europe. The roadstead and Croissilles Harbour are besides perfectly safe.
I have instructed Capt Wakefield to send back here the "Arrow" with information of the site of the settlement being determined and hope to be able to inform you of it by the "Balley".
Since the departure of Capt Hobson we have experienced considerable annoyance from the natives, who from being, perfectly satisfied and quiet have become restless and discontented with the lands alloted to them. They have been advised by Mr. Clarke, the Missionary Protector of Natives, to withstand the occupation of the land by the White
population. They have in consequence commenced to fence in their old potato grounds in preference to cultivating the reserves made which, however, are equally retained for them.
Mr. Halswell has been joined in a committee with Mr. Murphy and Mr.Hanson for the purpose of letting some of the native reserves, many of which are exceedingly valuable but restricted by his instructions from Capt Hobson to granting leases for seven years. No one will hire them for the object of building substantial dwellings on them for so short a term. The fund, therefore, derived for native benefit will be very small. The pahs, which the natives had agreed to vacate, have been again settled in & promise an abundant source of difference and inconvenience, as they are situated in some of the best water frontages of the Town and have been alloted to purchasers and for public purposes.
On the 23rd of Septr. a distribution of land took place at Wanganui to purchasers after the preliminary section. 0ne hundred and fifty sections were ready; but owing to many of the land owners and agents not arriving in time, only eighty sections were selected. I hope to receive shortly the sanction of the Court to the plan I proposed in December last of alloting a quarter of an acre of town land to each holder of 100 acres of country land in that district. Should
such consent be given it would be a great inducement to purchasers & the settlement might be extended to 100000 acres, with a town of 500 acres. In this case I should wish to be informed of the wish of the Court as to the name of the Town., which I shall defer giving until I receive its instructions. I have lately received information from New Plymouth of the arrival there of the "Amelia Thompson". The Master, Capt. Dawson, had evinced here every disposition to make difficulties in landing his passengers and cargo and was not under the controul (control) of Captain King. I understand that he slipped his cables without cause
and has gone to Port Hardy, which he insists is the harbour of New Plymouth and where he threatens to discharge the remainder of his cargo.
The passengers were landed at New Plymouth. I trust that Capt Liardet's presence will remedy any evil consequent on Capt Dawson's timidity or inexperience and that he will make use of the "Regina" to convey the cargo to the settlement. In the mean time Capt Dawson must not be considered to have completed his contract. The settlers at New Plymouth continue to be satisfied with their location and the passengers by the "Amelia Thompson" have expressed the same feeling. The accompanying description of Port Cooper in Banks peninsula will offer inducements to the Directors, at a future period, to obtain the sanction of the Home Government to form a settlement there.
In this case the knowledge of the locality would be highly attractive to purchasers and the arrangements between the Govt and the Company might be made so as to avoid the inconveniences felt by former settlements. From various reliable persons I understand the district to be unlimited and one offering a most important new element of wealth in its
pasturages. The harbour is good and the anchorage outside it available
for 20 miles with safety - as shown by the numerous whale ships which are all the year round lying in Pegasus Bay where they try out oil as if they were in harbour. It is one of those places where the wind does not blow home.
I have reduced the wages of the men hitherto employed by me in consequence of their not finding other employment on the road between this place and the valley of the Hutt. This has been necessary in order to meet, a representation of several landowners, who preferred the work on the road for the Company at, 1L per week with rations of flour and meat to receiving 3os/ a week in private employment.
The present wages of 14s/ a Week with 10 lbs, of flour & 7 lbs. of meat are sufficient to prevent destitution according to the agreement by the Company and will induce many landowners to commence agriculture by means of a small addition of wages to our labourers.
The want of capital here is the general complaint and the loans on land contemplated to be made by the Company are eagerly expected.
Should that plan be carried out and steam navigation be employed between our settlements, I contemplate an extraordinaryprosperity amongst all classes in the Companys territories.
I am, Sir,
Your most obed St.
Signed: W. Wakefield.

The Secretary of the
N Z Company

No. 1
Wellington,
Nov 20th 1841.
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 7th inst with a copy of your diary and an eye sketch of Nelson Haven. They will be forwarded direct to the Court of Directors by the Schooner "Balley" which is to sail from hence on the 23rd inst.
Nothing can be more satisfactory than your account of the operations of the expedition under your orders.
I have not failed to represent to His Excellency the Governor the propriety of immediately appointing a Magistrate for Nelson and either to proclaim the Haven a port of entry or to take such other steps as will prevent the necessity of vessels destined for it overrunning their port in order to enter and clear out at this place. I have also forwarded a similar representation to the Court of Directors.
Original per "Eliza" Novr 21st/41 Duplicate per Kate Novr 28th/41
I am, Sir,
Your most obed, servant,
W Wakefield.

Capt Ar Wakefield R.N.
N.Z. Co., Principle Agent, Nelson.


No. 76
Wellington,
New Zealand
November 20th 1841
Sir,
I have the pleasure to forward to you for submission to the Court of Directors the accompanying documents from Captain Wakefield.
The discovery of Nelson Haven has removed the chief obstacle to settling Blind Bay. The advantages presented by its easiness of approach from the neighbouring Colonies and by its open and comparatively champaigne country adapted to live stock require no comment from me to draw attention to them.
On the return here of the Arrow I intend to send her back to Nelson with provisions &c and. shall keep in constant communication with that settlement and New Plymouth.
I am Sir
Your most Ob. St.
W.W.

No 78
Wellington,
New Zealand
November 24th 1841
Sir,
Enclosed I send you two despatches (No.2 and 3) from Captain Wakefield with the continuation of his diary.
In pursuance of Captn Wakefield's suggestion to send home some person qualified to give the Court of Directors every information relative to Nelson, I have engaged with Mr Heaphy to proceed in the "Balley". He will. take with him the charts & drawings he has made during his late trip to Tasman's Gulf and will give you all the details respecting the place known to any one. I should have engaged the "Arrow" to convey him & my dispatches, had not the "Balley" been about to sail and but for the exorbitant Charter demanded by the Master of the Arrow viz: L1340 for the voyage. All the freight I could procure for her at this moment would have only amounted to L350. I have, therefore, not felt justified in providing for the
arrival of the duplicates - particularly as I expect another vessel will be put up soon for London direct.
I am Sir
Yr most obt. St.
W. W.
The Secy. N. Z. C.

No 2.
Wellington
Nov 27 1841
Sir,
The Arrow arrived here on the 22nd inst, bringing me your despatch No. 2 with the charts & drawings. Mr. Heaphy will take with him in the Balley, which will sail with the first fair wind, your despatches and documents for the Secretary of the Company. Duplicates with one of Nelson Haven will go by the first opportunity.
Your despatch calls for no remark. I have chartered the Kate for the trip to Nelson for L50 to convey to you the goods you required, of which I send the bills of lading. The Kate has five days for loading and discharging after notice at both places - One day has been consumed here for the former purpose. The demurrage will be L4/4/0 per day but I cannot anticipate any delay.
Mr. Webster, the owner of the Kate intends to take her into Wanganui for coals. It may be as well, if you can spare one of your intelligent surveyors, to send him in her to examine that place, with a view to report to me on its merits as proper to be included in one of the ^{Company's blocks.}
I have discharged the Arrow in order to lighten as much as possible the expences of the settlement and would suggest that the Will Watch be discharged as soon as you see no further prospect of being obliged to communicate hastily with this place. Small craft are continually arriving here and will afford us the means of constant intercourse, until I can charter one suited for a permanent engagement.
I am happy to say that the Governor has placed your name in the new Commission of the peace. Mr. Murphy sends you a communication, which will enable you to act in cases of emergency, without having taken the oaths.
I am, Sir,
Your most Obed. St,
W. Wakefield,

Capt. A. Wakefield R.N.
Nelson.

Original per Kate
Novr 28th 1841.

Duel
1847: Colonel William Wakefield and Dr. Isaac Featherston (who was his doctor) met in Wellington after Featherston had questioned Wakefield's honesty in a newspaper editorial on the New Zealand Company land policy. Featherston fired and missed, then Wakefield fired into the air, saying that he would not shoot a man with seven daughters.
See 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand for other New Zealand duels.

He is buried in a family plot in Bolton St Cemetery Wellington.
The grave is one of four in the family plot, for brothers, Edward, William and Daniel Wakefield, and Daniel's daughter, Selina Elizabeth Wakefield.
Image Courtesy of Sth Australian Library

  Other Records

1. William Wakefield: Agent of NZ Company, 1843-1845, Part one. Regarding an Audit of NZ Company Accounts 1843 - 1845

2. William Wakefield: Agent of NZ Company, 1843-1845, Part two.
Regarding an Audit of NZ Company Accounts 1843 - 1845

William married Emily Elizabeth SHELLEY-SIDNEY of Penshurst [1658] [MRIN: 545], daughter of Sir John SHELLEY-SIDNEY Bart of Penshurst Kent [12188] and Henrietta HUNLOAKE [12189], on 23 Mar 1826 in British Embassy Chapel Paris Seine France. (Emily Elizabeth SHELLEY-SIDNEY of Penshurst [1658] was born about 1805 in Penshurst Place Kent and died on 12 Aug 1827 in Quiddenham NFK.)