The Plan
In February 1850 the Canterbury Association published the Canterbury Papers. The papers described how the new settlement would set an example of a colonial settlement which was English at heart and included “the very highest, of a good and right state of society.”
They hoped to preserve the religious values of the Church of England, and to set up a civilised society which supported the church through its schools, institutions and its economy.
"Our present object is, therefore, to set an example of a colonial settlement, in which, from the first, all the elements, including the very highest, of a good and right state of society, shall find their proper place, and their active operation.
…We intend to form a Settlement, to be composed entirely of members of our own church, accompanied by an adequate supply of clergy, with all the appliances requisite for carrying out her discipline and ordinances, and with full provision for extending them in proportion to the increase of population.
Such are the main features of the plan; those who bring it before the public propose to themselves a high object, being nothing less than a reform in our system of colonisation, which might also appear to have been based on the assumption that colonists have no intellects to be cultivated, no souls to be saved; and that by emigrating they lose their right to the feelings and aspirations, the habits and institutions of Englishmen. They believe that by careful application of the means which they have devised, it will be found possible to preserve the blessings of religion and civilisation, according to the forms, attachment to which have become a second nature in Englishmen."
Source: Canterbury Papers No.1 and 2, Canterbury Association, 1850
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The Plan
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Will you join us? | The plan | Who can go? | A better life | Why here? | An ideal place
They hoped to preserve the religious values of the Church of England, and to set up a civilised society which supported the church through its schools, institutions and its economy.
"Our present object is, therefore, to set an example of a colonial settlement, in which, from the first, all the elements, including the very highest, of a good and right state of society, shall find their proper place, and their active operation.
…We intend to form a Settlement, to be composed entirely of members of our own church, accompanied by an adequate supply of clergy, with all the appliances requisite for carrying out her discipline and ordinances, and with full provision for extending them in proportion to the increase of population.
Such are the main features of the plan; those who bring it before the public propose to themselves a high object, being nothing less than a reform in our system of colonisation, which might also appear to have been based on the assumption that colonists have no intellects to be cultivated, no souls to be saved; and that by emigrating they lose their right to the feelings and aspirations, the habits and institutions of Englishmen. They believe that by careful application of the means which they have devised, it will be found possible to preserve the blessings of religion and civilisation, according to the forms, attachment to which have become a second nature in Englishmen."
Source: Canterbury Papers No.1 and 2, Canterbury Association, 1850
Christchurch City Libraries
The Plan
- members of our own church
- the very highest, of a good and right state of society
- a reform in our system of colonisation
- preserve the blessings of religion and civilisation
See also >>
Will you join us? | The plan | Who can go? | A better life | Why here? | An ideal place
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Haere Mai, Welcome / Solving History’s Mysteries / Will you join us? / Our Journey / Our New Land / Resources / About this site / Links / Sitemap