ST. H E L E N A .
parishes, pressed forward the work of church building until each
parish had its church, and, appointing a clergyman to each, he was
just upon the point of visiting the wealthy settlements on the Brazilian
coast, and Europe as well, to raise funds for the permanent
establishment and endowment of this c o m p a c t little church fabric,
when, unfortunately for the Island and its people, his translation to
the See of Colombo took place. His strong influence for good over
the minds of others did much to raise the moral tone of St. Helena
society, and, though his residence was a short one, no departure was
ever more grieved over than that of Bishop Claughton and his
Sir Edward Hay Drummond Hay devoted much attention to
public works, and carried out some schemes which had been protected
by his predecessor, Colonel Gore Browne, amongst which may
be mentioned the settlement in Rupert’s Yalley, and the main drainage
works of Jamestown. Improved dwellings for the poor were erected
in one of the worst localities in the town; new custom houses
were built, and the supply of water for the ships increased by
additional lines of pipes. His attention was also given to -the
improvement of the local corps of militia. In 1857, the church of
St. John in Jamestown was commenced, and, in 1861, that of
St. Matthew at H u t’s Gate was b u ilt; hut of all the events which
occurred during Governor Drummond Hay’s time, the most important
by far, was a visit to the Island, in September, 1860, by
His Royal Highness Prince Alfred (now Duke of Edinburgh), who
was an officer serving in the Royal Navy at the time, on board of
H.M.S. Buryalus. As might be expected, the first visit from a Royal
Prince of England threw the whole place into a flutter of excitement.
Triumphal arches, garlands, and floral decorations of all kinds lined
the streets and wharves, in such a way as perhaps had never been seen
before. Everything was ready, everything was perfect. As minutes
passed away, and as the time named for the ship’s arrival approached,
the very height of expectation was attained, but no proud and
gallant ship made its appearance that day, nor yet the next, and
great was the grief of the Islanders at the prospect of the Prince
arriving only to see the faded remnants of their loyal demonstrations; ■
After a few days’ suspense, however, the good ship with the Prince
did arrive, and gave the people of St. Helena an opportunity of
pouring out their pent-up feelings in a right hearty loyal welcome.