DAY, RICHARD (1805-79) was born in County Cork, of an Irish Methodist family. He qualified as a doctor, but his health was not robust and he came on a voyage to New Zealand. During his stay at Mangungu with the Rev N Turner (q.v.) he was so impressed by the New Zealand climate that he decided to remain, and he became an unofficial member of the mission staff, rendering medical service to both missionaries and natives on the Hokianga.

Day persuaded other Irish families to emigrate, and with Turner selected land for them in the Kaihu valley, which they purchased through the chief Parore. Four families (the Salters, Wilkinsons, Stannards and Stewarts) arrived in Auckland and chartered the schooner Sophia Pate to take them to Kaipara. Stewart and Stannard left the ship at Bay of Islands to travel overland. When the Sophia Pate reached Kaipara heads she was totally wrecked and only one child (Wilkinson) was saved (Sep 1841). Day was much attached to the Rev John Hobbs and acted as tutor to his family. He moved to Auckland with them and there took up the practice of his profession. He died in 1879.

Buller; Morley; A. Strachan, Life of Samuel Leigh; W. J. Williams; M. A. R. Pratt (information)

Reference: Volume 1, page 115

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