NEW ZEALAND--CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY
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NEW ZEALAND.
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
We proceed to lay before our Readers the communications mentioned in the Number for August, p. 351; and regret that the press of other matter has delayed them.
SETTLEMENT AT WYTANGHEE.
In the Journal of Mr. Kendall, given in the August Number, he mentions, under date of May 19th, the purchase of about fifty acres of land, from the Chief Warrackie, at Wytanghee, 1 further up the Bay of Islands than Ranghee-Hoo, the first Settlement of the Society. On this subject Mr. Kendall
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writes to Mr. Marsden from Ranghee-Hoo, Tippoona, July 5, 1815--
When we perceived that we could not procure spars and deals at Tippoona, and that our two sawyers would be unemployed, I and Mr. Hall thought it would be very advisable to try what could be done on the other side of the Bay. In Mr. Hall's opinion, the river Wytanghee is preferable to any other place in the Bay, for the rafting and securing of timber; as the adjoining land certainly is for rearing and keeping cattle. We thought, therefore, that it would be desirable to purchase fifty acres of land there for the Society.
As soon as the sawyers had finished their work here, they went to live on the spot; and immediately commenced digging ground for a saw-pit. The Chief, Warrackie, died a few days after they had fixed themselves thereupon. When a Chief dies, the country is in a very unsettled state; and, commonly, a great deal of pilfering succeeds the event. While the relations of Warrackie had withdrawn themselves from Wytanghee, in order to cry for the deceased, a party of strangers came on one of our sawyers in the night, and, by their artful manoeuvres, bilked him out of his little property. Shunghee, on hearing of this, immediately repaired, with a party of his people, to the residence of the robbers; who all fled at his approach, except one old man and a few women. Shunghee, as I am informed, related, with a great deal of feeling, to the old man, how himself and Duaterra, and several others, had been treated by the English at Port Jackson. He told them how white men were punished for theft, and he said, as the people had taken away this property, he should certainly take away and destroy the property of as many as had been guilty: on which the people of Shunghee entered the houses of the plunderers, and carried his orders into execution. Warrackie's people have also chastised them, but none of the property has been recovered.
Mr. Hall is determined to persevere in his intention of settling at Wytanghee, notwithstanding this discouraging circumstance. Warrackie's son has sent a party of men for the protection of the sawyers, who will go back with Mr. Hall as soon as the Active sets sail for Port Jackson. I, Mr. King, and the blacksmith, remain here.
Mr. Hall accordingly removed to Wytanghee, from which place he writes to the Secretary, under date of October 24, 1815--
Our timber being all wrought up at Tippoona, we experienced great difficulty in procuring any more, on account of the distance, and the shyness existing between different parties of Natives. After serious deliberation, Mr. Kendall and I agreed to fix a Settlement at Wytanghee, about five or six miles from Tippoona, and by so much nearer the timber-ground; being, on some accounts, the most eligible place for a Settlement, in all the Bay of Islands. Here we purchased fifty acres of land, on the Society's account, in consideration for which we gave five axes. The land here is level, and the soil good. It is overgrown with fern and small brush, which is cleared off with very little trouble. We can have plenty of fine timber brought hither by the natives. They fall it themselves, and float it down the river with their canoes-- large logs of pine, fit for masts or yards of vessels, or for any other purpose. I came up hither in July last, and brought the sawyers with me, and some timber. We built a small wooden house; and I set the sawyers to work in cutting timber, which the friendly natives supplied us with. I also employed the natives in clearing and levelling the ground; for which I gave them fish-hooks and pieces of iron hoop in payment. We first formed a timber-yard, and dug a foundation for a dwelling-house. I lived there with the sawyers; and left my family at Tippoona, until I had built a wooden house, forty feet long and fifteen feet wide, in a substantial manner. The first piece of work which I finished, was a tall flag-staff, to mark the return of the Sabbath Day, of which the natives are exceedingly observant. Mrs. Hall made a Union-flag, which we hoist every Sunday. Previous to this, I had told the natives that I was going to hoist a flag on a certain day, on which no work was to be done; but that it was to be
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kept in honour of the "Atua nue," which is the Great Jehovah. This was a cause of much conversation among them, and led them to look for Sunday with anxiety. The next Sunday morning being calm, the flag hung down by the pole, and could not be distinguished at any great distance. A respectable Chief, who lives about three miles from Wytanghee, sent his canoe, with a party, on purpose to see whether the flag was up or not. Just before the canoe arrived, the breeze sprung up, and spread the flag: they returned, highly delighted indeed. They can see our flag from Korroraddickie, across the Bay; and I believe that the natives there maintain regularly some outward observance of the Sabbath.
I have now removed my family to Wytanghee; and Mr. Kendall proposes to have his house built at Tippoona, and remain there; and, although it will be inconvenient to me, I mean to give him all the assistance in my power in building his house and school.
I employ several Natives constantly, in clearing ground, making fences, &c. I am also teaching some of them to saw timber. I have not been at much expense with them for clothing yet; although some European clothing is necessary, for cleanliness: and if the Committee should think proper to appropriate a small portion of coarse clothing to those domesticated Natives immediately under my instruction, such as sawyers and other workers, about six in number, it would have a good effect, as they are frequently asking for clothing. They live chiefly on pork and potatoes, the produce of the place. I have got a garden of nearly half an acre of ground, fenced in and cultivated. Part of it is planted with fruit-trees, and the remainder with Indian corn, peas, beans, pumpkins, and other vegetables; and I hope, with the blessing of God on our labours, that our little Settlement will be able to support itself in a short time. We have a wide field for labour here; and if you could strengthen our hands by adding to our numbers, it would be highly desirable; as the forwarding of the great work is my constant endeavour, as well as fervent prayer.
Dec. 1817.
In a subsequent Letter, dated January 12, 1816, Mr. Hall writes--
After I had removed my wife and family hither, a certain party of Natives were very friendly with me; but there were others who threatened our lives. I have induced the Natives to do, with my assistance, a great deal of work. We have been here but four months, and have got two small patches of wheat; one of which we have reaped, and the other is nearly ready. I have also got an excellent garden, full of vegetables; and about two acres of ground cleared for wheat.
I wish to teach the Natives to saw timber, and have made several attempts. They offer very well. My tools are much exposed by working among the Natives. They frequently annoy me by pilfering them. There is no redress, however, but replacing them. They have stolen several of my tools lately; but it would not be prudent to be angry with them. I am often troubled in mind, when I am obliged to appear cheerful; and am not seldom at my wit's end; but, blessed be God! I am not at the end of His grace. All my support is from God's Holy Word and Spirit. May we find His grace sufficient for us! He alone is able to counteract the violence of His, and His people's enemies, and restrain the remainder of their wrath. I find much consolation and support in reading and singing the Psalms. Many passages are very applicable to my present situation; and especially the LVIth Psalm. We have always matter for thankful praise. We have no occasion to hang our harps upon the willows, or yet have them out of tune, although we are in a strange land; for the mercies of God are new every morning. I should like very much to have a fellow-labourer here in the work, that we might strengthen each other's hands, and praise Him together.
The promising prospects at Wytanghee were more than counterbalanced by the dangers to which the retired nature of the situation exposed the Settlers. It has been already mentioned, in Mr. Kendall's Journal, under date of Jan. 29, 1816, that Mr. Hall had re-
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turned to Ranghee-Hoo, in consequence of having been plundered at Wytanghee. The circumstances which determined him to return are detailed in the following Letter, dated Wytanghee, Jan. 16, 1816.
Yesterday, Captain Graham came over to our Settlement; and left me a boat, and several articles out of his ship. He has been very kind indeed. After Captain Graham returned to his vessel, my friendly Natives being up the country in search of potatoes, a strange party came over from the other side of the Bay, and got upon the top of the Sawyer's house. I went to desire them to come down; when they immediately laid hold of me, threw me down, got upon me, and brandished their war-instruments over me. It could be nothing but that same Almighty Power that saved Daniel out of the paws of the lions, that delivered me out of the hands of these savages. When my wife saw me seized, she came running toward me; when a Native met her, and struck her in the face with a war-instrument, and knocked her down. When I got myself from under them, I beheld my dear partner lying moaning: I could not see a feature in her face for blood. Some friendly Natives, being at a short distance, heard the alarm, and came to our assistance; else God only knows what the end would have been. We have reason to bless God, that my wife's wound is not mortal; and I hope she will get the use of her eye again, after a time. They took from us our bedding, and pulled our clothing out of the boxes; but they had not time to take it all away, before assistance came. They took away my axe and some of my tools, cooking utensils, and fire-irons; and likewise my two guns, especially the double-barrelled gun, which was very useful to me, as I could go out occasionally in a morning, before breakfast, and bring home as many ducks, and other wild fowl, as would serve our family for two days. But when I think of the wonderful mercy of God, in sparing our lives, the loss of our goods is nothing. I cannot but think, from this great deliverance, that the Lord has work for us to do. I am sorry, however, that I am under the necessity of confining my exertions to narrower limits, by removing to Ranghee-Hoo for protection. Wytanghee is the garden of New Zealand. I have been here but four months; and we have already almost every useful kitchen vegetable in the highest state of perfection. I have reaped both wheat and barley, and have more nearly ready for reaping. I have got the Natives to clear two acres more. I shall endeavour to induce them to carry on my cultivation; and shall give it in charge to some of the confidential Chiefs, paying them for their labour with suitable trade, and occasionally visiting them.
We have detailed these particulars; though Wytanghee has, for the present at least, been relinquished; because they give us a better insight into the situation of the Settlers; and may serve as a warning to persons in their circumstances, to take a full and comprehensive view of things, and to sacrifice some present advantages for what may be best on the whole.
Mr. Marsden, with his accustomed sagacity, foresaw the insecurity that must attend such a situation as Wytanghee. We think it right to give his sentiments on the subject.
He writes thus from Parramatta, March 10, 1816--
When I was at New Zealand, and had settled the Missionaries in a populous village, where they would be safe among their friends, before I came away they wished to remove to the banks of the river Wytanghee, because the situation is beautiful and the land rich. Here there was no town, but only a few scattered huts. No person is safe, even among us in New South Wales, in retired situations, either from our own people or the Natives: and it is not to be supposed that the New Zealanders will not feel the same propensity to theft, and other crimes, as are common to men in civilized as well as in savage life.
MISCONDUCT OF EUROPEAN SEAMEN.
The brig Trial and the schooner Brothers were attacked, on the
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20th of August, 1815, by the Natives, in Mercury Bay, near the River Thames; when several sailors were killed, and many Natives. We gave some account of this transaction, from the report of the seamen, at p. 523 of the Number for December, 1816; and then intimated the necessity of waiting for further information.
These ships returned to the Bay of Islands on the 31st of August. It is as we suspected. Mr. Kendall writes, on the 19th of October--
The Society will be happy to learn, that I and my colleagues have been preserved in safety here nearly twelve months; and that we are, at present, under no apprehension of personal danger.
There has been an unhappy dispute between the Natives and the crews of the brig Trial and the schooner Brothers, while the vessels were near Mercury Bay; but we do not feel ourselves the least alarmed on that account.
Our friend Shunghee is strongly attached to our interests. Whenever he hears of strong parties paying us a visit, he is sure to bring his men for our protection. His residence is about thirty miles from us; but he says as soon as my house, is built he will come to live near me, and resume his former studies. He will place his sons, Depero and Duingho, under my care.
All the surrounding Chiefs are our friends. The Chiefs of Whangorooa, who were concerned in the destruction of the Boyd, behave well when they come to see us. Tippoohee expressed a desire to go to Port Jackson in the Active, the last time he was here; but I advised him to the contrary. I told him he must keep from the ships. The friends of the unfortunate people who were murdered in the Boyd were very angry. He had done a very bad thing. He replied he would "never make another attempt to take a vessel."
It is manifest that the evil lies with the Europeans. Though stragglers and marauders will commit excess, yet the Chiefs and the mass of the people are easily won by kindness, and are faithful to their engagements; while they will not endure an insult or an injury without revenge.
Five Europeans, and not less than 100 of the Natives, were killed in this conflict. The Natives at the Bay of Islands were highly offended at the crews of the brig and schooner, for the murder of their countrymen; and would, in all probability, have cut them off, on their return thither, for the crimes which they had committed, had not the Active been then lying in the Bay, and the Settlers fixed among them. Before they left the Bay to proceed toward the Thames, a Chief was defrauded of a quantity of flax and many baskets of potatoes; and there is sufficient reason to believe that the vessels were filled with Native Women the evening before the attack, which often leads to quarrels. The Settlers have much more to fear from this rapacious and cruel conduct of their countrymen, than from the Natives.
These men may, at present, commit, and actually do commit, the most flagrant crimes with impunity, except from the vengeance of the Natives. It is become ah object of national justice and humanity, to secure the Natives of these seas from this cruelty, and the benevolent men who live among them from the dangers to which the conduct of their countrymen actually exposes them. The Natives have, as yet, no means of security, but that of repelling force by force; while the guns of the Europeans give them greatly the advantage. The Natives will not, however, allow themselves to be plundered, and insulted, and shot, and their wives taken from them, without retaliation. They are men of high minds, and will not submit to be ill-treated.
One Master of a vessel returned
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to Port Jackson from the Islands, having lost his vessel, and not bringing back a single European who went out with him. No satisfactory account could be obtained from him. He knew nothing of his ship's company, but that two boats and their crews had been cut off. It is not improbable that some of these, and many other Europeans, are living among the Natives of the Islands.
The most effectual remedy for these evils, in conjunction with the enactment of the necessary laws for the colony, would be the establishment of a Government Vessel in these seas for the protection of the Natives and Settlers, and the enforcing of the laws.
The last Report of the Society speaks strongly on the conduct of the Europeans. See pp. 427-429 of our Number for October. The Memorial there mentioned, as about to be laid before his Majesty's Ministers, has been presented; and assurances have been given that prompt attention shall be paid to the subject.
PLAN FOR ESTABLISHING A NATIVE SCHOOL.
On this subject Mr. Kendall writes--
I have before stated my opinion that I can have plenty of Scholars, as soon as convenient apartments are prepared for their accommodation. This will be accomplished, as I hope, in a short time. I shall therefore acquaint you, for the approbation of Mr, Marsden and the Committee, with the manner in which I intend, through the divine blessing, to establish and support a School.
It is my intention to take about forty children under my care. These must be clothed and fed, Such brown cloth and stuff as is used in Charity Schools in England, would suit very well. The clothing which can be procured from the Natives will greatly assist. With a little alteration, it will do for working-days.
I trust I shall also be enabled to rocure, for a few axes, as much pork and potatoes as will serve the School for the whole year. I shall apply to Mr. Marsden for rice, or a little wheat, if he should think it advisable to let them have any bread. In the summer, I have every reason to believe, a School can be maintained at little expense; and, even in the winter, if by any means a sufficient quantity of potatoes could be deposited in a store-room. Supposing there was no smith in the Settlement, I think thirty pounds' worth of English Trade would supply forty children with pork, potatoes, and fish, for one year. Each scholar might have two suits per year of clothing, of English Manufacture. We could make beds of the native clothing; and the children might also wear native clothing, if at any time they should be inclined to pay a visit to their parents, or be employed about any dirty work.
You will agree with me, that it is of the utmost importance to establish a School as soon as it can conveniently be done. When the Natives perceive the disinterestedness and generous behaviour of their unknown benefactors, and our kind care and attention to the welfare of their children, they will give credit to the purity of our motives; and will be more favourably inclined to receive the important truths, which I humbly trust that God, in infinite mercy, is preparing us to tell them. Their attachment to us will also be stronger. We have already had a proof of this. During the last trying winter, besides the ten children which have been clothed and fed at the expense of the Society, many sick persons have been occasionally relieved. The Natives in the rainy weather can catch no fish, and many of them die for want of proper nourishment. When they come to us for relief, we cannot turn them away. Since winter, the attachment of the Natives toward us is more conspicuous. Many of them come on the Lord's Day, to hear the service and singing.
Although the spot on which I reside is entirely unsuitable for the purposes of cultivation, and I cannot, of course, do much here for the support of my family, yet I think it my
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duty to settle here, on account of the number of children that are about me.
To Mr. Marsden, he writes--
I have prepared a first book for the instruction of the Natives, which I transmit to you. You can get a few copies printed, if you think proper. There are, undoubtedly, many defects in it; but it is good to make a beginning. I wish to have it printed with a large type, and on good paper. I have two or three children still with me.
Of this Spelling Book, Mr. Marsden says--
Mr. Kendall sent me over a Spelling Book to get printed. I have had a few hundreds printed and bound. A few copies I have forwarded you. This I consider to be a good beginning, fur the first year. Mr. Kendall has used much application to proceed thus far, in so short a time. His heart is fully in the work, and he will do all in his power to forward the views of the Society.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE NATIVES.
We trust that the plan of Adult Schools, now adopted with such advantage in the Negro Towns in Sierra Leone, will be acted on at New Zealand. The employment given to the Natives by the Settlers, is gradually improving them; and they cannot fail to benefit by the example of the Settlers: but Adult Schools will be a most powerful instrument of advancing their obligation.
Mr. Hall writes--
When we first landed, we engaged the Natives to build thatched huts for us, after their own fashion. Since that, I have built two wooden houses, beside the smith's shop. I have also made a boat, out of a canoe that we purchased from the Natives. I accomplished it by cutting off both ends of the canoe, and then making them up again in a regular manner, and strengthening the sides with additional planking. It was made to pull with six oars. We call it the "Experiment." It will carry between three and four tons, and sails well.
I employ as many Natives as I can, in preparing timber for fences, and in any other such work as they are able to do. I now consider myself as if I were at home, in the sphere of greatest usefulness; and what my hand findeth to do, I endeavour to do it with all my might.
I have been for five weeks past assisting the Active in procuring timber. She lay about ten miles from the Settlement, up a river convenient for taking in timber. I employ Natives to pull the boat for me, and likewise to fall the timber, and float it down the river, convenient for the vessel. Being so much among the Natives, I learn the language very fast. I can converse with them on any common subject; and have no doubt but, in course of time, I shall completely acquire the language. The Natives steal our things whenever they can lay hold of them. Their stealing is one of the greatest evils which we have to guard against: but it is what we must expect from a people in a state of nature. May we have grace and strength equal to our day, and rely on Him who alone is able to bear up his servants under all their trials!
GENERAL STATE OF THE SETTLEMENT.
Mr. Marsden observes, under date of March 10, 1816--
The following is the present Establishment of the Society in the Bay of Islands--
Mr. Kendall, his wife, three children, and one servant; Mr. Hall, his wife, and two children; Mr. King, his wife, and two children; the smith, with his wife, and one child; one carpenter, four sawyers, two of them married, and one child; Mr. Carlisle, who came out hither as a free settler, and is gone over to assist in agriculture, leaving his wife in New South Wales. Should he like to live in New Zealand, he will return with the Active, and take his wife with him. Mr. Carlisle will suit the Natives well, if he should approve of living among them. It would be desirable if the Society could get two pious smiths to go out to New Zea-
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land. A good boat or ship carpenter would also be very useful, if one could be met with. I should recommend none to come out, unless married.
There are twenty-six men, women, and children, belonging to the Settlement, who are supported by the Society, besides the wife, son, and daughter-in-law of the Captain of the Active, who maintain themselves.
Mr. Kendall has been very diligent in his work; and will, I trust, be a great blessing to the poor Heathen.
Mr. Hall, though a very industrious man as can be, is not able alone to put up the necessary buildings, for himself and all the other persons belonging to the Settlement. On this account, I sent over, in the Active, the carpenter mentioned in the preceding enumeration of the Settlers, to assist in the necessary work.
The Chiefs are so urgent to get mechanics of any kind, particularly smiths and carpenters, that I was induced to send over also the second pair of sawyers and their wives. They will be, I trust, but little or no expense to the Society; as I have sent them on my own account, to procure timber for the Active; and hope that their labour will cover their wages and maintenance. My main object, however, in sending these two families, was to promote the civilization of the inhabitants, and to add to the strength and respectability of the Settlers; and thus to give them more weight and influence.
I mentioned to you that I thought the Active would make three voyages in one year to New Zealand. I sailed for New Zealand on the 28th of Nov. 1814, and she returned the third time on the 28th Nov. 1815. She sailed again in January, 1816, for New Zealand; and, after visiting the Settlers, and landing their supplies with the Native Chiefs who come over to visit Port Jackson, she will proceed to the Society Islands, with Mr. Crook, his wife, and seven children, and supplies for the Missionaries at Eimeo, whom Mr. Crook and his family are going out to join in the great work that is carrying on among the Natives of these Islands. The Active, on her return, will call at New Zealand, to fill up with timber. I do not expect her back before August or September.
GENERAL VIEWS.
To the Secretary Mr. Kendall writes --
Although Africa and Asia are extensive fields for Missionary Exertions, and will take greatly from the funds of the Society, yet the Gospel must be preached in all nations: and when the character and situation of the New Zealanders are considered, and such fields in the Pacific Ocean are whitening already for harvest, I have no doubt many will cheerfully contribute to raise the Islanders from their deplorable state of barbarity and superstition. I am informed that the character of the Natives of Owhyee is much improved by their intercourse with Americans. Perhaps some Missionary will be, in time, induced to volunteer his services for the spot which witnessed the fall of Captain Cook.
Should it please God ever so to increase the Missionary Spirit, that a general attempt may be made to establish Settlements of one, two, or more Missionaries in the numerous Islands of the South Seas, or on the largest of them, I believe the work might be accomplished at a much less expense, and with greater care than any plan of the kind in the interior of an extensive continent. The easy access of the Missionaries to the different islands by means of shipping, would be a great advantage to the cause, and the comforts of life might be easily conveyed to them.
To Mr Marsden he writes, in just congratulation of the probable success of his benevolent exertions--
The Natives do, indeed, very great things, and our prospects are encouraging. I am happy to hear that our plans correspond with the views of the Society; and of the liberal Vote for the support of the Settlement of New Zealand. You have indeed had many hard struggles, in bringing to issue your benevolent plans in behalf of this noble race of men.
Permit me, my dear Sir, to congratulate you for having made so good a beginning, and to thank you as the instrument of calling me forth to this delightful work. God has been with you!--to His Name you will give the praise.
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We shall conclude with the sentiments of Mr. Marsden --
I am happy to say, that I see the way preparing for the spread of the Gospel in this part of the world. New South Wales will be the grand point for establishing the Missions in the South Seas. l am more and more convinced of this daily; and observe the Divine Goodness removing difficulties, and furnishing the means for the healing of the nations. I shall do all in my power, while it pleases God for me to remain here, for this great work.
I now feel the greatest gratification in being able, through the kind providence of God, to carry into effect, in some degree, what I have so long and so ardently desired. I feel the fullest conviction that the Natives of the South-Sea Islands will now receive the blessings of civilization and the Gospel. The work is great, and many difficulties may oppose it: at the same time, it will go on. The foundation is now, I trust, firmly laid, and that no power on earth can overturn it.
To impart the blessings of civilization and religion to the New Zealanders, is an object worthy of the British Nation. A greater work, or a more noble undertaking, could not be suggested to the Christian world. I am exceedingly happy that the Church Missionary Society has turned their attention to this important object. May the good Lord prosper their labours, and cause them to see their happy fruits every year
