Author(s): Hugh McBain

NZ History

The Plough, the Chalice and the Sword tells stories of the Williams family from their arrival in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1823. It tells the story of the family's involvement with agriculture and horticulture - through all the changes that have taken place over 200 years. It tells the story of those who followed Henry and William Williams in the Anglican Church and their involvement in establishing schools for both Māori and Pākehā. It tells the stories of those who have served in the armed forces from the Napoleonic Wars, through two World Wars, to present-day peacekeeping in the Sinai. This book also celebrates those members of the family who have excelled in their chosen careers and have received civil honours.

These stories offer an insight into Pākehā settler life with all the ideals and skills that called these remarkable people to the other side of the world in the early nineteenth century. Here too are the rich stories of what happened to their descendants, and the varied and ongoing contribution that continues to enhance the life of this country in terms of farming, faith and the common good.