Maria kept a diary in a school exercise book between 1890 and 1894. It’s a vivid mix of everything from gossip to drama, sickness and tragedy.
The diary was transcribed for a reunion of Alfred Sisam’s and her family in 1987. Dorothy kept a copy, along with so much more family memorabilia.
One of Maria’s grandkids, Joan Stewart, wrote to Mum, “I think our Grandma sounds such a dear — she was evidently very attractive and enterprising — and always looking after her family.
With the exception of Te Kooti, all the images were shared on ancestry.com by Mark Wheelan-Lamont ~ Ian
Opotiki, June 6, 1890
I have often thought of writing down the things that interest me most so that I would look back and see what happened in the past. I am 43 years old today, so there is no danger of any romantic bosh. At present a few of us are gathering gifts for a Church Thanksgiving, and I think it is very sad to see how grudgingly the people here give towards the preaching of God’s word, when I could not name one really poor person in the place. We have a splendid minister, Mr. Wills. He has just returned from Auckland today after being away a month. He tells me that the churches are all — I mean, the people — squabbling in Auckland, and it is no end of trouble to get a stipend for the clergyman.
8th
Mr. Spencer and Mr. Wills were here to tea tonight. Dear old Mr. S. When he leaves us this time, we shall not be likely to meet him in this world again.
18th
Alfred got word today that we are transferred to Whakatane. How will we ever get my family there, and what a horrible place for young people to be brought.
Alfred and Maria certainly didn’t want to leave the security, familiarity and family of Opotiki for the unknowns of Whakatane. An hours drive away today, it was anything but back then.
27th
What an unsettled state I am in. Alfred away and half my things packed. I know he thinks Mr. Bockett’s letter to the Minister of Justice will get him back, but I don’t. He is too interested in Mr. B’s welfare. The Inspector of Customs called this evening over the Brewery case, which Alfred wrote about some time ago.
July 6, 1890
This will be our last Sunday in Opotiki. Mr. Bockett called me yesterday and showed me the telegram he received from the Minister of Justice refusing to let us remain here. We thought it very strange for Alfred to be packed off in such a hurry, but I believe the Brewery case had something to do with it. Emerson and Bush knew very well that he would be able to find out more than Cavanagh, and that Bates would come off second best. They are a pack of dishonest scoundrels and have used all their power to get us out for reasons best known to themselves. I believe poor Mr. Wills and the church are at the bottom of it, but wherever I am, He is … Him.
I have no idea what any of this is about. Do I take it out? — or leave it in and enjoy wondering?
15th July
Started for Whakatane and only got as far as the bar.
Those few words recount what must have been a fraught and terrifying day. Alfred was already in Whakatane, so Maria had to get herself, the kids and their belongings down to the boat by herself for the trip up the coast to their new home. The bar at the mouth of the River, downstream from Opotiki was shallow and dangerous. If an experienced coastal skipper decided they should turn back, you can be pretty sure that most people would rather be somewhere else.
16th
Left Opotiki and got out all right. How I held my breath crossing that old bar, for just dreaded going back over and over again. Although nothing could be done to make us comfortable, those kind friends the Parkinsons, Mr. Connors and Mr. Wills did for us. I’d like to have stayed one night at the Parsonage. I shall never forget his last sermon and his special prayers for us. I hope God will answer them and make us some use here. I feel very lonely here without poor old father. I hope he will soon come when we are settled. I think we shall be comfortable enough.
18th
Allie and I have been up to the graveyard. I was agreeably surprised to see how nicely they keep the graves here, it speaks well for their kindness of heart. I went up to the cemetery the other day before I left to take a last look at my dear Mother’s and poor Kenneth’s grave. I wonder, will we ever go back. My God, how I love that Grave Yard — no place so dear to me on earth.
Maryann, Maria’s mother, had died in 1878. I don’t know who Kenneth is, but the family thinks he may be a family friend. Kenny, Maria’s youngest, died in 1971 in the UK.
20th
Lena [Maria’s daughter Caroline] failed again, and I am sure she could’ve passed if she had taken my advice and gone with Miss Boyd a fortnight before and got over all the worry and sickness. But for one who suffers from seasickness as she does, to have to work at once, it was impossible. I am very disappointed. Not that I wanted her to get her living, I should grieve to part with with her, but just the honour of the thing. I suppose it’s all for the best. Perhaps we are too proud of her.
July 23rd
Whakatane is just a lovely place with its grand high hills. Just fancy, a few short years ago old Te Kooti was careering about them, and frightening the people, both here and at Opotiki, out of their wits. Now the farmers’ sheep are feeding peacefully here. And the river is a glorious picture. I had a view of it from McGarvey’s store room this evening. The sun was just setting, and the beautiful shades of light He threw out over the smooth water, where two or three boats were sailing about so prettily, just charmed me.
But how about the people. I think them a queer lot. The leading ladies are Mesdames Swindly, Enas and Buckworth. Then comes Mrs McGarvey — Mr is only a storekeeper. Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Chalmers are only farmers. All the rest seem to be honest working folk. Then there are a number of half castes, ladies who count. Mrs McGarvey, Mrs. Buckworth and Mrs. McAllister have called on me. All three can boast of Māori blood.
25th
Major Swindly called on me today and told me they’re going to have a dance. We are to be invited. Tom, Bill and Harry are not to be invited, but they are not so particular about the ladies. All sorts and colours are to be there. It was amusing to hear Swindly go over the list.
29th
Mrs. Buckworth called today to ask if Lena would assist with the music at the dance. She says it is to be very grand. Mr. Stafford, manager of the Opouriaro Station, has been quite a little king here and the people just worship him. Well, the station has been sold (for £52,000) to a Mr Gould, a very rich gentleman who has just come here to take charge, so Mr. Stafford is going away, and this dance is to be given for him.
August 2
The dance has fallen through. Everybody is offended with poor Mrs. Buckworth. It appears they think she is taking too much upon herself. Tom, Bill, and Harry have made an awful row, as they all wanted to come, and so for the present it is knocked on the head, and we are glad. We did not want to go.
11th
What a terrible thing. The new gentleman Mr Gould has been found dead this morning, shot through the heart. Mr. Stafford brought the news. It happened last night. Whakatane is in a great state of excitement. It appears he went out to shoot a sick bullock that was in pain, and his gun caught in the fence when getting through. I’m so sorry for his poor wife, God help her, it’ll be a fearful blow, and they say she is in delicate health. They had five children.
September 6th
Mr. Wills has been reporting Mr. Wyatt, the Opotiki schoolmaster for being drunk in the school. The people there are making a great fuss about it, especially Bates.
8th
Leonard just had a very near escape of being killed. He fell off a rock at the top of the hill, about sixty or seventy feet. He is very ill. I pray God he may recover.
Lennie was Maria’s second son. He would have been about twelve at the time. Maybe it’s time to introduce them all.
September 9
Lennie is much better than I expected he would be, though he is dreadfully bruised and cut about the face — his right knee is badly sprained. Dick, his dog, is very excited every time he sees Len. I am sure he knows yhere is something wrong.
September 18
Lennie is still on crutches but otherwise well. Mr. Bold telegraphed Alfred today that he would appoint Allie Post Mistress. What a good thing that will be for her. Lena has only three pupils here — perhaps it will be better bye and bye. I must mention the Auckland strikes here. It seems that New Zealand is not going to escape the mania. Many people are actually in want through it. In Whakatane provisions were expensive enough before. Last month flour was 7/- for 50lb, and this has raised to 10 shillings and everything else raised at the same rate. A man is shifting the telephone into the Post Office today, so we shall have more house room.
Lena (Caroline) was Maria’s third daughter (after Tottie and Allie). She would have been about sixteen at the time. Sounds like she was a student teacher, as Allie had been in Opotiki.
November 21
What a lovely day we have had. Mr. Brown took Mrs. Jas. Parkinson, Eva, Lena, Kennie and I out in the boat to see Mr. Clay’s farm. They will have a fine home there. Mrs. Grey saw us there but did not ask us in. I was not sorry.
When we got back, there were three old Māori women having a tangi with a large picture of Webster the Chief in front of them. It was leaning against a briar bush with a piece of white nette under it. They made a strange picture, these old black creatures, and Eva seemed spellbound.
Eva Woodford was Maria’s sister Emma’s oldest.
7th Jan’y 1891
I have not written anything for two months, not because I have not had anything I thought worth writing, but when I feel most excited, I cannot write. Poor Mr. Wills has been mobbed and assaulted most cruelly by Fred Bates, Tom Parkinson junior, and several other ruffians. And when he had them up, the worst of the lot, Bates, got off altogether, and the others had to pay a small fine. So much for Opotiki justice.
On the third of this month, young Wyatt walked up to Mr. Wills and struck him several times across the face with a loaded whip and marked him very badly (so I hear). Most of the people seem to think he was very brave, but I think any cur could do the same to a man unarmed and unaware of his approach. Every honest person in Opotiki knows that Mr. Wills has only done what was right in exposing Mr Wyatt. The old man is a drunk and an atheist, and is not fit to teach young people. Yet they all pity him. But when my husband, who neither drinks nor never owes any man in Opotiki one shilling but went without many a comfort that he might pay his way honestly, yet those people who are against him, those who are for Mr. Wyatt. The Revd Soutar went bail for young Wyatt, just what we might expect from a brother clergyman. Father has been attending his services ever since he came here, but he is so disgusted with him over this that he won’t attend anymore.
Allie has given up the Post Office. She is to be married in six months’ time to W.P. Brown, so she has met her mate in Whakatane. Lena is appointed Post Mistress, and Telephonist from the 1st of January 1891.
February 22
Alfie was taken ill on the 15th and has been very bad. He is getting on all right now, although he cannot speak or use his right arm yet. No tongue could tell what I suffer when he is ill. It is such a hopeless case.
Alfred John, born the year after Allie, was named after his father and died in 1913, aged 41. Joan Stewart says the family understands him to have been epileptic.
March 1st
Alfie could get about a little today. It’s just a fortnight since he was taken ill. Mrs. Clay came yesterday to see her new home. I hope she will soon come to stay, it is so nice to have real old friends about you.
March 7th
Have had quite a lot of visitors from Opotiki—Miss Bell, Miss Barry Gordon and Jack Armstrong.
March 23rd, 1891
The Governor, Lord Onslow, is just leaving Whakatane. He has been through the Urawera country visiting the Hauhaus. Poor little Lena McGarvey died today at about 3 o’clock. I stayed with them until 12 o’clock. Poor Mr. and Mrs. McGarvey are very grieved.
March 24th
Alfred got a telegram from Mr. Wills today about the libel case. Bates was convicted and bound over in £100 to appear if he offends again.
March 28th
A telegram from Downey and one from Dawson telling us that a verdict of not guilty for Mr. Wills in Wyatt’s libel case.
March 31st
Bishop Stuart visited us today, and we all went to hear him preach tonight. He was a treat after not attending church for so long. He introduced me to his daughter, Miss Stuart.
April 3rd
Alfred and Lennie left for Opotiki today to take the Census. Emma [Maria’s sister, married to Harry Woodford] will be glad to see them.
April 4
Rain at last after five weeks of dry weather. We have been drawing water all that time. A telegram from Alfred to say they won’t be home until the 7th inst. Len will be glad to stay awhile.
May 31, 1891
Allie was married on the 6th of this month, and this is the first day I’ve had a minute of time to sit down and write a word about it. Alfred, Allie, and Mr. Brown rode over to Opotiki. They were married by Mr. Elliot. He is Registrar just now. The weather was lovely, so they must have enjoyed the trip. The only thing I am sorry for was that Mr. Wills did not marry them.
The wedding dance was a great success. Over 50 people sat down to supper. From Opotiki, there was Harry Woodford and his two daughters, Eva and Rosie. They looked really pretty in pale blue dresses. They came with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Parkinson and Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Alf from Whakatane, Major and Mrs. Swindly, Mr. and Mrs. Buckworth, Mr. and Mrs. R. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. McGarvey, Miss Elliott, Mr. Grant, Mr. Brodrick, and Mr. Pratt, and all the other nice people here. I believe everyone enjoyed themselves, and so they ought, for neither trouble nor expense was spared to make it the success.
Alfred left here on Friday the 29th for Auckland. He had beautiful weather and a quick trip, arriving in town on the 30th. I wish Tottie was nearer home, but we can’t have everything in this world.
June 3rd, 1891
There was a tremendous downpour of rain last night, and one of the waterspouts on the hill (at the back of Swindly butcher’s shop has burst, doing a great deal of damage to the roads and the blacksmith’s shop. Mrs. McGarvey tells me the noise of the great stones rolling down the hill in the dead of night frightened them all very much. I had a telegram from Alfred saying that he leaves Auckland on Monday and brings Carrie Sisam with him.
June 6th
My birthday today. I had a telegram from dear Tottie wishing me many happy returns.
Sunday, June 7, 1891
Eva [Woodford] leaves for Opotiki today. She has been with me six weeks. I miss her very much, she is a dear soul. May has returned all safe after being in Opotiki a month. Her visit has not improved her.
The cousins often visited between Whakatane and Opotiki. Emily May (Bunny) was Maria’s fifth child.
Tuesday, 9th
Telegram from Alfred saying he is anxiously awaiting the Douglas.
June 12
Alfred home and brought Carrie with him. She has a pretty face but is anything but graceful and speaks very badly. She has been strangely brought up. One thing, she obeys me, but I’m in for a treat.
July 11, 1891
Te Kooti is here to meet the Native Lands Minister. He looks well compared to when I saw him last, two years ago. He was then a prisoner at Opotiki. He came into the sitting room and wanted us to have some beer with him, and the old rogue kissed Carrie’s hand. I think him a wonderful man to have the power he has, both with white and black men. Twenty-two years ago, we used to live in dread of him, and there was £1,000 reward for his head, and now he is free to roam about with his followers just as he pleases.
Te Kooti had been formally pardoned in 1883.
August 12, 1891
Poor old father is here a year today. I think he misses the Church very much.
14th
The body of a young man named Ernest Norris was buried today. He was drowned six months ago and was never found till yesterday.
August 17th
Lena has just got a letter from Eva telling of a very dreadful boat accident on the Opotiki bar. Two of Captain Hopkins’ sons were drowned, his eldest, Charlie, and Alfred, also a young gentleman named Hudson. My children all knew him very well. I remember so well them telling me when they saw him baptised in our church about two years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are in Auckland. It will be a dreadful shock for them to hear such news and them away from home. Allie got a letter and wedding present from Mrs. MacFellan today. I’m afraid they think too much of the little we did for poor Kenneth.
Sept. 3rd
I must not forget to say something about Jimmy White’s bravery. I hear he risked his own life trying to save young Hopkins, and the poor little fellow could see the boat coming, and after keeping up all that time, nearly two hours, he was drowned. Poor Capt. Hopkins.
October 10th
Carrie has been four months with me, and I have done everything in my power to teach her all I can. The children don’t get on very well with her. I hear them nightly quarrel in the bedroom, and in the morning before they leave their bedroom. I have even heard Carrie stamp her foot with rage. May is just as bad only she is fooling, while Carrie is in earnest. Last night we had a display of that young lady’s temper. I told her to put her work away at 9 o’clock because she was making a horrid mess of it. The fact is that she will take up any work that she does not understand….
[Two pages torn out here]
…and I shook hands with him after all the row. Well, perhaps it’s best.
December 26
Lena went early this morning. Maggie Kelly tells me her mother has persuaded Mr. Bates to stay for the picnic today. Whatever will poor Lena do for her things? I do feel worried about her. She will have to go about in her habit till he goes back. Later on in the day, Mr. Bates has been to see if I will go over to the picnic. Somehow it was like old times to see him come. I asked him to have some whisky.
January 3, 1892
Mr. Brown is very unwell. I hope it is nothing serious.
January 6
My poor old Tottie arrived today with her husband and three children, the youngest not three weeks old. She looks well, but Jack does not. Campbell is a very fine little fellow, and the little girl is a nice little thing, but very much freckled.
The much-freckled little girl was our grandmother, Campbell our Uncle Cam. The three-week old was William, who was to die in the First World war.
February 5
Everything has been upside down the last month. Tottie’s family being here has filled the house and made such a lot of extra work, and then poor old father got sick, and what with waiting on him and washing for them (although she does all she can to help), I managed to lay myself up, and I have been ill the last week. Thank God I am better, but I don’t feel very strong.
March 25
Tottie gone, and poor Jack is looking very ill. He has been laid up for the last week. I do hope he will soon be all right again. I feel quite sad today, losing little Cam and Biddy and my poor good Tot.
March 31
Allie’s baby, a boy, born dead. She is very ill. Mr. Brown very much cut up.
I find it confusing that Maria continues referring to Allie’s husband as Mr Brown!
May 22 1892
Returned from Opotiki. Have been away five days. Left poor Allie in Dr Reid’s hands. She has been very ill ever since her confinement.
———
March 9, 1893
What a long time since I have written a line here, and how many things have happened since I last wrote. Allie went to Opotiki yesterday to be there for her confinement. I pray God she will be better this time. Poor child. The Māoris are giving some trouble here. They will not allow the Survey to go on. Police expected. Two have come. Alfred worried very much with work.
20th
Have met the two policemen, Mr. Kyrby and Mr. Hughes. They are very nice.
25th
Maoris still obstinate. Won’t let the survey go on. Mr. Brown going to see Allie today.
April 2nd
Going to Opotiki today.
April 16th
Returned from Opotiki. Allie’s boy born last Sunday on the 9th. She is doing splendidly. While at Opotiki I had my mother’s and Ken’s graves painted and put in good order.
April 17th
Today Te Kooti died. The Māoris will be greatly grieved, but the white men will be glad. No doubt he was a wonderful man and a great general.
May 13th, 1893
Mr. Brown ran a tin-tack into his knee yesterday, and I believe from the look of it, he will have a bad leg.
14th
This is Sunday, and my father’s birthday. He is 75 years old today. Allie is coming home and Eva going back to Opotiki. I fancy she thinks we shall be too crowded if she stays.
24th
Mr. Brown has been in bed since last Sunday with his leg, and I have been poulticing it three times a day all last week. Allie is laid up with a bad breast and can’t even wash her baby, so I had to wait on the lot.
June 24, 1893
Poor Allie left home today for Tauranga. She is still bad with her breasts, and Mr. Brown’s leg is still very bad. Had they both gone away well, it would have been sad enough to part with one’s child, but to see her looking so miserable and lonely and hopeless, I shall not be able to rest until I hear she is well again. I’ve just put Walter to bed. I think he is sickening for the measles. One sickness seems to relieve the other and keep me nursing.
July 11th
Everyone from Lena down to Keny have had the measles and been very ill with them. I have had a fearful time of it with the poor things.
That’s five kids with measles, aged between roughly six and eighteen.
July Monday 17th
Just got a letter from Tottie telling us that Jack is lying dangerously ill. On Thursday, the sixth, just while chopping wood, he broke a blood vessel. God help my poor child and her loved ones. Later on in the day, we got a telegram to say the doctor has pronounced him out of danger.
July 20th
Bad news from Allie — her baby is ruptured. She says the Dr thinks he was born so. I’m sure he never was. He was doing splendidly when she left home. Mr. Brown’s knee is getting better, and she is getting better health, and that is something to be thankful for. All here are well, thank God.
Monday 24th
No news from Tottie. I see by the paper that Jack is still very ill but getting better than he was. How very slow the improvement is. I’m very much afraid for him. Poor boy.
July 27th
Mr. Brown arrived from Tauranga today. Allie’s baby is doing very well. No news from Tottie. I’m going to see the McGarvey children this evening — they all have measles.
August 31
This is poor Kenneth’s birthday — he would have been 31 years of age had he lived. Bad news from Allie — a telegram asking me to go to her. Will go next Thursday Sept. 1st. Another telegram asking me to come at once. Alfred is going to take me out to meet the Waiotaki at the Heads. Have not time to say goodbye to my father or the boys.
September 1st
Left Whakatane at 10 o’clock and arrived in Tauranga at five in the evening. Found Allie very low, had been suffering with her breast ever since she left home. Dr. Bullen attended her and at last told her she had cancer. He called in another doctor named Davy and they had a consultation. Dr. Davy does not believe it is cancer, nor do I. My opinion is that she was low in health, and Bullen telling her this has completely prostrated her. The dear little baby has improved very much. He is both pretty and good. Poor Mr. Brown looks almost as bad as Allie.
September 2nd
Allie a bit better today.
September 3rd
Allie sat up in her chair awhile today.
September 4th
Allie still improving. The old doctor does not seem so positive that she has cancer.
September 10th
Allie able to take a nice long walk, but the weather is very bad.
September 17th
I have had a very pleasant time in Tauranga since Allie has been well enough to go out. Everyone here has been very kind to her and me. I have made one or two new friends and met a good many old ones. All have been very nice to me and I like Tauranga very much. Would rather live here than Opotiki or Whakatane.
I’m going home on Thursday 19th inst. I had intended to leave at midnight but Chelmsford did not call. Shall leave at 4 o’clock tomorrow morning.
Allie died in 1961, twenty years after Mr Browne.
September 20th
Left Tauranga at 5 o’clock and got home one o’clock. Thank God they’re all well. I had a very rough passage and was a little sick, but the Capt. and all on board the Chelmsford were very kind, and I would rather travel in her than in the Waiotaki.
September 24th
I wish I had been seasick, for I have not felt well since I came home.
October 20th
Maurice’s birthday.
November 4th
Allie home. She and the baby are looking well, but she complains of pains in her back.
November 21st
Allie left for home and Alfred for Auckland. Mr. Brown bought Matata and has leased it to a man named Taylor. Neither Allie nor Alfred like the arrangement, and that is why Allie’s left so soon, to try and make some alteration in the lease.
November 27th
A letter from Allie telling me she is ill again and if not better in a fortnight will go to Auckland.
Another from Eva to say Jack is bad again. I am afraid he will never be able to work again, and poor Tottie is expecting another baby. There is no end to our troubles. Alfy has been very ill for the last seven weeks. This is the worst attack he ever had. He was quite out of his mind for nearly three weeks, is a little better now.
Alfy was the oldest of Maria’s boys. He died in his early 40s.
November 30th
Poor Kenneth MacFellan [a family friend?] has been dead six years today. Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Downey came here today. I went out to the cricket ground with them. Nearly all the Whakatane ladies were there. When I came home, there was a telegram to tell me Tottie has another son. God help my poor child.
This was Tottie’s third son. He and the second, Walter, died within a week of each other in World War 1.
January 7th, 1894
Allie’s baby arrived today. Poor little love, he has taken to us all and is quite happy.
January 25th
Alfy still very ill.
July 21st
A telegram from Lena saying Jack is worse. I suppose that means the end. Poor boy has had a sad time. It seems dreadful for one so young and so good to be taken away from wife and family. Again, I pray God help them. It’ll be a sad holiday for my poor Lena too, but I think God put it into her heart to go just at this time so she would comfort poor Tottie. I am thankful Alfy is better and quite himself again. Poor Mrs. Buckworth left here for Tauranga with her baby ill.
July 22nd
Mrs. Buckworth’s baby died on the way up. I am sorry for the poor soul.
August 2nd, 1894
A telegram telling us poor Jack died today. Lena left here on 9 July for Auckland and returned 1st August.
November 1st
I was called to Mrs. Creek tonight.
November 7th 1894
Mrs. Creek died this morning at half past four. If there’s a heaven, she is there.
Last month, Tottie came down from Auckland just to see us. I really forget the date. She came and went by the same steamer. We have had a letter from her telling us Allie is with her. Has seen the doctor. She is going to have another baby. It seems just dreadful. She was getting on nicely and then for this to happen—it was just a case of murder on one side and suicide on the other.
§
Maria died on July 22, 1895, aged 48 years.