'The rev. gentleman was appointed to the vicarage of Clareborough in
1844, and shortly afterwards his wife, from some unsettled
disposition, proposed to visit some distant relation in New Zealand.
Notwithstanding all the remonstrances of her husband, she proceeded
to the antipodes without a guide, protector, or friend. After
remaining some years there, she returned to this country, and again
took up her residence with her husband and children, of whom she was
the mother of ten--seven sons and three daughters. She, however,
could not rest long in this country, and ultimately persuaded her
husband and part of her family to accompany her to New Zealand. For
this purpose the rev. gentleman applied to and obtained leave of
absence from the bishop of his diocese for two years; but, at the
expiration of that period, not returning, a monition was issued for
his immediate return to his cure. It was in obedience to this
mandate that the rev. gentleman was returning in the "Royal
Charter," when he met his melancholy fate. Mr. Hodge left behind him
in New Zealand his wife and three sons. Three sons and one daughter
are at present in England, the others having died in infancy. Mr.
Hodge's only brother, the Rev. Henry Vere Hodge, M.A., perpetual
curate of Middleton, near Tamworth, is at present engaged in the
melancholy duty of watching the shore in the immediate neighbourhood
of the wreck, seeking to recognize the person of the deceased. Mr.
Hodge was universally respected and held in high esteem by his
parishioners for his deep-rooted piety and sincerity in all things.'
He died like old Gilbert--went down beneath the waters Bible in hand.