Church Missionary Society. Northern District, Middle District, Eastern District.
[Image of page 484]
New Zealand.
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
NORTHERN DISTRICT.
KAITAIA.
Particulars respecting the late War at Oruru.
OF the war which took place between two numerous tribes at Oruru, about twenty miles from Kaitaia, a detailed account of some particulars connected with this distressing event and of the mitigating circumstances attending it, is contained in the following extracts from Letters received from Mr. W. G. Puckey and Mr. J. Matthews.
Mr. Puckey writes--
Oruru, as all the old and wise men of these parts declare, belonged to Noble Panakareao by hereditary right from Poroa; but some of his distant relatives-- the father of Pororua, and others--having no land on which to live, were permitted by Poroa to live at Oruru. After a course of years, for some unknown reason, Noble's relations wished to expel them from thence, and repeatedly drove them away; but as constantly did Pororua's relatives return. At last Poroa said, "Well, let them remain; my sister is a wife to one of them:" and all acquiesced. In the
[Image of page 485]
mean time, European Settlers increased, lands were purchased, and Pororua's relatives took the liberty of selling large portions at Oruru and Manganui, which secretly were like goads in Noble's heart; but still the animosity slumbered, except in occasional grumblings.
When his Excellency Governor Hobson came to Kaitaia he acknowledged Noble's right to the purchased lands of Oruru and Manganui, and gave him 100l. and a horse for the whole. No doubt Noble was pretty well satisfied, and would have said no more on the subject, although he thought the sum too small; but Pororua also presented a claim to the Governor, who, hoping to conciliate both parties, and to do away with their ill feelings, made the same present to Pororua. This, I need not say, vexed Noble a great deal; but still they all lived at Oruru--not, indeed, in charity, although peace was creditably maintained.
At length the Land Commissioner for these parts arrived at Manganui, the land sold by Pororua, and whose right to sell Noble disputed. The two Chiefs, Noble and Pororua, agreed to let the claims be examined in silence, neither of them saying any thing on the subject; but Pororua remembered not his promise, and stood forth as sole master of the lands which he had sold. And so the quarrel began. Noble refused to acknowledge Pororua's claim, and returned to Kaitaia; and after the Commissioner had stayed a month at Manganui, hoping matters would be settled, he also came to these parts. While he was here, Noble agreed to compromise the matter with Pororua, and sent messengers to that effect; but Pororua was very hostile, and shortly after began killing Noble's pigs at Oruru, to exasperate him. They then commenced building a Pa, and our Natives, seeing them so engaged, did the same, and collected their forces. It is but justice to the Christian Natives to say that the war was against their inclinations, and that they followed their leader merely from a sense of duty to him.
It was not to be expected that such a body of Natives would quietly live together long when every thing was ready for war; and in fact, after a few depredations on each other, they began skirmishing, and the loss of two or three Chiefs grieved them sorely, and occasioned still more skirmishing. The number killed and wounded was not large: fifteen, I think, were killed; and both killed and wounded together, if I recollect rightly, did not amount to more than forty. The Natives assembled from all parts, and compelled both parties to leave the contested land without occupants for, I believe, four years. So the matter rests; but I hope peace will shortly be permanently established.
His Lordship the Bishop of New Zealand very kindly stayed a week in the camp, trying his best to effect a peace, and so did the Rev. H. Williams and other parties. Mr. J. Matthews and myself were continually backward and forward. It was very gratifying to our feelings to witness the respect and love, I may truly say, with which we were always received by both parties. The Natives seemed to feel that the Missionaries were their best and real friends. Two Europeans from these parts went for the purpose of seeing the battle; but were received very roughly by the Natives, who plainly told them that they did not come to do any good, but merely to look on, and so bid them begone. The conflicting parties had prayers morning and evening; and the Lord's Day was always a day of rest, and observed as religiously as usual. Each party had Divine Service on that day. This shews that there is a real and great difference for the better.
Mr. J. Matthews writes--
The late event, which has so much unsettled our tribes, was not unexpected by us, and we used every endeavour to keep our Natives in peace; but it appears to be a hard thing to remove the animosity from the human heart, when once fixed. As a body, our Natives are altogether opposed to war; but they say they cannot but obey their Chief, when he requests their assistance. I was much interested one moonlight night, when the war first broke out, in several Christian Teachers, who were conversing with me on the subject of Christian Natives going to assist their Chief. One of them pulled out his Prayer Book, and pointed to the 37th Article, which says that "It is lawful for Christian men, at the command of the magistrate, to wear weapons, and serve in the wars." I was at first rather put to a stand; but managed to explain matters. One of the Natives said, "I will not agree to that Article as being good." It was remarkable that this Christian Native opposed Noble in all his de-
[Image of page 486]
signs of reclaiming his lands, and would not fight, but went unarmed into the camp, from time to time, to see his brethren. This man went with me into the hostile Pa, and was much respected by many, because they thought he was consistent in not fighting. About a fortnight ago another Native opened his book, and shewed me the same Article with a pencil-mark against it. The Article, however, was not translated rightly, and has since been altered. The Article, as it stands in the old Prayer Book, has the word "Rangatira," instead of "Kaiwakawa." As every Kaiwakawa may be a Rangatira, while every Rangatira is not a Kaiwakawa (Magistrate), the difference is very striking, and shews what an important thing it is to have the Bible and Prayer Book translated so as to give the true sense of the original.
MIDDLE DISTRICT.
Appointment of the Rev. A. N. Brown as Archdeacon.
The Rev. A. N. Brown has been appointed by the Bishop to act as Archdeacon of the district of Tauranga, including Rotorua, Taupo, and other places.
TAURANGA.
The ancient enmity between the Tribes of Tauranga and Rotorua, which formerly caused fierce and devastating wars, and which at one time had the effect of breaking up many of the Stations in this district soon after their first establishment, has not wholly subsided. The smothered embers of deadly strife, which have, during the last six years, been restrained from bursting out into a flame by the powerful influence of Christianity, occasionally manifest their existence, and prove that they have not been entirely extinguished. The following Report and Journal of the Rev. A. N. Brown will present several distressing proofs of this, interspersed with many gratifying indications of the triumphs of the Gospel, notwithstanding the vigorous efforts made by the prince of darkness to maintain his cruel dominion.
Report, by the Rev. A. N. Brown.
We have often been privileged, in past years, to report, with St. Paul, a great door and effectual is opened unto us: we have now to continue his language, and there are many adversaries. At the commencement of the year, a band of murderers from the Thames, attacking a defenceless Pa of the professing Natives, succeeded in killing six and carrying away thirteen others as slaves. This produced an excitement among the Natives around us that caused the wheels of our Missionary Chariot to drag heavily onward. They were, however, persuaded not to seek for a "payment" then; but to leave the matter in the hands of Government. Since that period, three more Natives, connected with Tauranga, have been murdered by the Rotorua Natives.
At our Annual Examination at Tauranga 213 only assembled from the various Schools: last year there were upward of 400. At Maungatautari, however, we were cheered with an interesting examination, and the Natives present in the classes--461--shews an increase upon the number last reported. Taking the whole of the Congregations in connexion with Tauranga, Matamata, and Maungatautari, the decrease has been but 145.
The baptisms, during the year, have been 154; viz. 93 adults and 61 infants.
Baptism of nearly 500 Natives.
Mr. Brown writes--
Our work is making progress. I have baptized nearly 500 Natives in this district during the last seven months; two-thirds of them being adults. Surely amidst this "profession" there must be some "principle;" and after every probable deduction for the chaff, may we not reasonably hope that there is wheat here, which will be gathered into the heavenly garner, sufficient to call forth the warmest feelings and the liveliest praise toward the Lord of the harvest?
Illustration of 1 Cor. viii.
June 16 --In the afternoon I was engaged with a party of Natives from Maungatapu. Nuka, the principal Chief, had been exhuming the bones of several of his wives, and, according to native custom, had been making a large feast, of which the professing Natives, with few exceptions, had partaken, in common with their heathen countrymen. The question was, whether it was lawful for them to do
[Image of page 487]
so. The food was cooked in three ovens. The first was made sacred for the Priests engaged in the ceremony, and the Native "karakia" had also been used over the food in the second oven, which was reserved for the Ariki; but no ceremony appears to have been performed with the food contained in the third oven, of which all who were not sacred partook, including the women and children. It was of the food from this that the professing Natives ate. As it was not connected with any religious ceremony of course no moral guilt attached to the act; but I urged their abstaining from all appearance of evil. If lawful, it was certainly not expedient, as it gave occasion to such of their countrymen as had not embraced the Gospel, as well as to some of the believing party, who were weak, to think that there was no difference between Christianity and Heathenism. We read together 1 Cor. viii.
Just Views of a Native on the Declension of a few Individuals.
August 13 --Old Matthew called to see me. He has just arrived from the Thames, whither he had gone on a visit. We were getting anxious from his protracted stay, he being at the Thames at the time Taraia and his party came over and murdered Wanaki and the others at Katikati. The old man referred to the baptized Natives who had forsaken their profession and joined the fight. "Let not your heart be dark on that account," said he: "do not think that the Church of Christ has fallen because eight boys have gone outside the fence."
Sept. 16 --Matthew and others came to converse. The old man is less grieved than many of his brethren as to the conduct of those who left us in consequence of the murder of Wanaki. "Let us not be cast down," he remarked: "we could not see the wheat from the chaff before; but now the wind of Satan has blown away the chaff we can better discern the wheat--the real believers."
Hopeful Death of a Native Female Teacher.
Sept. 15 --Our Native Teacher, Mary Sharpe, died this afternoon. During the month she has been lying at the Papa she has been so deaf that it has been impossible to hold any conversation with her. Her eyes, also, have been too dim to allow her to read her Testament. We believe, however, that it was not on her death-bed that she had to learn the Way of Salvation. In health she manifested the reality of her faith in Jesus by devoting herself to; His service. She was faithful in a few things. Just before her death she said to her husband, "My body is dead: my heart is living. When I am gone, leave my little child with Mother Brown, to take care of it."
Specimen of a Day's Employment in New Zealand.
Sept. 25: Lord's Day --Matamata. There were 350 Natives at Divine Service, and I baptized nine adults. The School was attended by 75 men and 120 women. In the afternoon I went to the Heathen Pa to converse with the Natives, and returned to hold Evening Service at the Chapel. I baptized five infants, and conversed with three sick Natives who desire baptism; but found them too ignorant to partake of that Holy Sacrament. As I was going to Chapel this morning an old Priest called out to me to make my karakia very short, as he was going to attend Service.
Popery--Discussion with two Priests.
Oct. 9: Lord's Day --Matamata. Two Roman-Catholic Priests called on us- They are urging another public discussion, and were very angry because, in a Note which we sent them yesterday, we declined wasting the Lord's Day in controversy.
Oct. 11 --We met the Priests by appointment; and about 500 Natives assembled. The discussion was almost confined to the Rev. R. Maunsell and the Roman-Catholic Priest from Tauranga. The Papists will not, I think, reckon this discussion among their victories. Toward evening, the Natives held an open conference, in our presence, as to whether they should not send away the Priest from Matamata. One old Chief, however, objected to this, though certainly not in a way to flatter the vanity of the Priest-- "Why should he be sent away? He is a quiet man; he does us no harm; and nobody attends to his karakia."
Illustration, by a Native, of the worthy and unworthy Reception of the Lord's Supper.
Nov. 5 --I have been occupied with various classes of Candidates. Their examination, on the whole, was so satisfactory that very few were rejected. One of the men, in illustrating the right partaking of the Lord's Supper, remarked, "Two men may be taking a long journey in the Koraha, and, being weary, determine to drink the juice of the Tupakihi berry.
[Image of page 488]
The one, being a wise man, is very careful lest any of the poisonous seeds should pass down his throat: the other, being an ignorant man, drinks the juice and the seeds together. One man is refreshed: the other dies. It is so with those who come to the Lord's Supper. One man ignorantly partakes of it as a common feast: he has no repentance, no faith: he eats and drinks his own damnation. Another man eats of the same Supper; but he discerns, by faith, the Lord's body: he spiritually eats and drinks; and, being refreshed, he goes on his journey toward heaven with increased strength."
Administration of the Sacraments.
Nov. 6: Lord's Day --I baptized 81 adults at Native Service this morning, and in the afternoon 31 infants. At night I administered the Lord's Supper to 35 Natives.
Sympathy of Natives in Mr. Brown's Ill-Health.
Feb. 8 --I received two native letters to-day from Matamata and Tauranga, in consequence of my present rather indifferent health. The first, from Henry Williams, was in the following terms: "Mr. Brown, we have heard that you are near to death, and our hearts are very dark because of our Father. We have also heard that you are going to England, and therefore our hearts are increasingly dark. If our Father goes there to die, we shall also die, for the greatness of our love toward him." The second letter, from Samuel, was to this effect: "Sir, how do you do? Great is my love to you because of your illness. Constantly remember our Father who is in heaven, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Pray without ceasing, that Jesus Christ would send His Holy Spirit to guard you."
Services at Matamata and Maungatautari--Native Punishment of a supposed Breach of Etiquette--Examination and Feast.
March 23 --I arrived at Matamata, and held Service at the Chapel, with an interesting Congregation of 200 Natives. In the evening it was arranged that the Natives of this place should go on with me to the Annual Examination at Maungatautari.
March 25 --Engaged at Wareturere with the party who had taken upon themselves to excommunicate their Native Teacher, and remove the bell from the Chapel, in consequence of his having entered into a second marriage at rather an early period after the death of his first wife. The offending party expressed regret for the steps they had taken, and I again put Wiremu Hapi (William Sharpe) in charge of the School and Chapel.
The Natives have raised a large quantity of grain this season, and the wheat-stacks scattered around are indeed a pleasing sight: still more so the moral fields, whitening to the harvest.
March 26 --The Chapel, into which not more than 600 could crowd, proving insufficient to hold the Congregation, we assembled outside; between 700 and 800 attending Divine Service. In this number, however, were included 200 Heathen Natives belonging to this place and Matamata. I baptized 20 adults, and afterward preached. Of the 200 who, after Service, attended the Men's School, about ] 50 read in the Scriptures; but of the 170 Women who were at School, not more than 70 were able to read in the Testament. In the afternoon I baptized 18 children; and at the Evening Service again addressed the Natives, 300 being present.
March 27 --Administering medicine, conversing with the Natives, baptizing a child, examining Baptismal Candidates, &c. At Native Service in the evening I baptized six adults. I had a long conversation at night with the Native Teachers. They reported the falling away of some who did run well; and one of them observed, "More will go outside as the White Men increase around us."
March 28 --I baptized four children, making the number of baptisms on this journey forty-nine. The Natives around are making preparations to give the visitors at the Examination a large feast. More than a hundred pigs have been killed at the Pa, where my tent is pitched. At the Examination 700 Natives assembled, 461 of whom, arranged in thirty-two classes, went through their usual routine of school exercises. It was pleasing to see nearly 250 of the Natives reading that Word which is able to make them wise unto salvation.
Administration of the Sacraments at Rotorua.
May 6 --A large assemblage of Natives from all parts of Mr. Chapman's district, including Taupo, were present today at the Examination. It was truly a spirit-stirring scene: 800 Natives stood up in class, while about 400 Heathen Natives
[Image of page 489]
were standing about in various groups, listening, perhaps for the first time, to the words of eternal life, which came sounding from the various classes who were engaged reading the New Testament.
May 7, 1843 --At Morning Service I baptized 202 adults, and in the afternoon 73 children.
May 8 --I administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to 77 Natives. It was a solemn season. One of the Communicants, who is on the confines of eternity, and who, I trust, has been prepared by Divine Grace to enter upon its glorious realities, received the Sacrament lying at the rails of the Communion Table, his head supported by one of his relatives. Another of the Communicants, by the accidental igniting of some gunpowder this morning, was so dreadfully burnt, that I fear he cannot survive. He expressed, however, a wish to fulfil once more the dying commands of his Saviour in partaking of the Sacrament in remembrance of Him, ere he was introduced, through the portals of the grave, to the enjoyment of the heavenly banquet.
Horrible Murder at Tauranga.
May 9 --I returned from Rotorua. Another fearful murder has taken place during my absence. A Chief, resident at Otumoetai, suspecting the unfaithfulness of one of his wives, who was staying at our Settlement, came over last night to fetch her, and while the poor woman was quietly walking before her tyrant, he shot her through the back, and she fell lifeless at his feet.
Hopeful Death of a Child.
May 18 --The child of one of our Christian Natives died during the night. He had been for many months a severe sufferer. Just before bis death he wished his father to read a chapter to him: when it was finished the child was speechless; but lay apparently free from pain, and in the enjoyment of reason. "Whither are you going?" asked his father. The boy pointed upward, and his soul immediately took its flight--may we not hope?--to Him who has said, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.
Backsliding of a Native, and consequent Murder--Another Murder.
July 24 to 29 --Administering medicine, &c. Zechariah, our Native Teacher from Hanga, came to the Settlement. Uita--the man who some years since murdered William Marsh's child, but who afterward embraced Christianity, and, from his subsequent good conduct, was ultimately baptized--has, it appears, been committing adultery, and, in consequence, has been turned out of the Pa at Patetere. He has made application to be received into the Christian Pa at Hanga, and hence Zechariah was despatched to consult with me on the subject. I of course objected to his admission.
Another dreadful circumstance has just taken place, the result of this wickedness on the part of Uita. His wife, having given birth to a child, immediately murdered it, in order to shew her anger toward her husband. This is the third case of murder which has of late come to my knowledge. One I have already recorded, under date of May 9th, and the other occurred at Waikato. The wife of a Chief being taken ill, persuaded her husband that she had been bewitched by another of his wives, when the enraged savage immediately proceeded to the poor suspected woman, and severed her head from her body with his battle axe.
Difficulty in supplying Medicine to Heathen Natives.
Aug. 5 --Te Mutu passed through the Settlement. He appears to have quite recovered from his late severe illness; but ascribes that recovery partly to the medicine with which we have supplied him, and partly to Nuka's native karakia. I have often doubted how far it is right to supply medicine to those Natives, who, during the time of their taking it, apply also to the Native Priests to be karakiad; for, in the event of their dying, it is ascribed to the medicine; and if they recover, the influence of their lying karakia is extolled.
ROTORUA.
Report, by Mr. T. Chapman.
In retracing the proceedings of the last twelve months, there appears to be very little to remark relative to the Christian Natives of this district. Their numerous little bands have kept steady, somewhat increasing in every part.
There have been 112 Adults and Children baptized during the above period, and 32 admitted to the sacred ordinance of the Lord's Supper.
[Image of page 490]
Of the heathen population of this district, it may truly be said that very many of them are following their own devices, and still cleaving to their former wickedness. A party at Maketu treacherously murdered two relations of the principal Chief of Tauranga, residing at Mayor Island; again abridging the hope we were beginning to entertain of introducing peace into these long-unsettled districts.
WAIKATO.
Report, by the Rev. R. Maunsell.
The closing year invites the Missionaries of the Waikato District to renew their expressions of admiration and gratitude: ourselves and our families preserved in health; but little serious interruption to the progress of our labours; and our people still interested in the blessed message conveyed to them. In two parts of our district, it is true, sources of disturbance have arisen, and evil has been apprehended. Still, when we reflect on former times, we cannot but recognise, in the hitherto peaceful issue of this excitement, the strong overruling influence of better principles.
During the year a new position has been occupied in our district; Mr. Ashwell having removed from the Waikato Heads to Kaitotohe. This place has lately risen considerably in importance. Its occupation has involved but little additional expense, while it serves to maintain the connexion between Otawao and the other two Stations of this district, and to bring the population of the central parts of the river more regularly and directly under the influence of the Gospel.
In one part only of our district, Otawao, had Popery heretofore endeavoured to gain a footing. The Converts to that system, however, are few, and chiefly from among the Heathen Natives, and will, we trust, as soon as the novelty wears off, fall, as has frequently been the case, into the ranks of the Christians. At the village of Wawarua, indeed, southward of Otawao, the Converts of the Priests appear to have all joined the Christian party.
What growth our people may have made in Christian habits and knowledge it is difficult to determine. The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. But while we indulge hopes, from the steadiness of our people in their attendance on the Services, we would earnestly invite our friends to pray that our labour may not be in vain in the Lord.
Destruction of Mr. Maunsell's Dwelling, &c., by fire--Good Conduct of the Natives.
The following particulars of this distressing event, given by Mr. Maunsell will call forth the sympathy of our Readers--
I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you of a very heavy misfortune which I have just sustained, in the destruction of my house, and a large quantity of my property, on the night of the 22d inst. Mrs. Maunsell's assistant had put a large log of firewood into the kitchen grate, and at midnight it seems to have rolled out into the room. Our first alarm was from the bowlings of a dog, and in about an hour afterward the whole house was in flames.
In the midst of judgment, however, our Master remembered mercy: we were all preserved from serious injury, and the next night Mrs. Maunsell was safely confined, in an out-house, of a daughter.
This trial I feel more acutely than almost any thing that has yet befallen me in my Missionary life. At the request of the Bishop, I had undertaken a revision of the New Testament, and, after six months of hard study, had reached to the fourteenth chapter of St. John's Gospel. At his request, also, I had spent a good deal of labour on my Native Dictionary, with a view to its publication. I had in my study, also, many translations which I had made with care from the Old Testament. All these, with a valuable collection of books on criticism, and other subjects, perished, without one being saved. The visitation was indeed to me a heavy one; but I would humbly receive it as the chastisement of a Father who loves, and who will promote His cause by His own means. On the evening of the fire, Saturday, I had, according to my custom, consigned my labours of the week to His care, and begged that my studies might be made a blessing: He has answered in a mysterious manner; and I should be altogether discouraged, if I were not aware that the darkest time is often made to usher in the brightest.
The conduct of the Natives in this lamentable event was peculiarly gratifying. They gave me far greater assistance in rescuing my property than the same number of Europeans could have given, and
[Image of page 491]
shewed the greatest sympathy and kindness. Although every thing was lying loose about, I cannot find that a single thing was pilfered.
Missionary Meeting.
In the same Letter Mr. Maunsell writes--
Some time since we held an Anniversary Missionary Meeting, at which Natives alone were present. The sum of 15l. was collected.
Missionary Tour--Notices of Orere.
Mr. Maunsell remarks-- I have lately taken a tour round the western bank of the Thames as far as Orere. The population of the whole coast does not amount to more than 1000 souls; but its proximity to Auckland -- about thirty-five miles by water--and the need there is of a Missionary to visit that place occasionally, would, I think, render the formation of a Station there desirable. With the people I am, as indeed I always was, much pleased. For the last six years I have been the only person who has paid them occasional ministerial visits; and the pleasure with which they received me, and the concern with which they learned that I was not likely to return, were very gratifying. The Bishop had sent them notice to prepare for meeting him in the beginning of this month with a view to Confirmation, and I had the pleasure of concluding my labours among them by preparing them for the ordinance.
Decrease of the Population at Orua.
On this subject Mr. J. Hamlin writes--
I and my family are still living in our raupo house at Orua, not having yet enjoyed the comfort of a better habitation. There is a decrease in the native population in this neighbourhood. For want of suitable ground for cultivation at Manukau Heads, several small parties of Natives, who were residing on the spot when the Station was formed, have left: some have emigrated to Waikato, some to the vicinity of Moeatoa, and others to Auckland; so that the population of this neighbourhood is not much more than half what it was when we first came here. Indeed, I do not think that the Natives would ever have come out to Manukau Heads to reside, but for the hope that an abundance of shipping would have frequented the harbour; in which, however, they have been happily disappointed.
Missionary Meetings at Orua and Orakei, Waitemata.
In the same Letter Mr. Hamlin gives the following particulars of these Meetings--
The Meeting at the Station consisted of myself and family, and the Natives from the adjacent villages: the weather being unfavourable, scarcely any from a distance attended, and there were probably not more than 80 present. The Meeting commenced by singing a hymn, reading Matthew xxvi. 6-13, and prayer. This being concluded, I addressed those present, by observing, that although many of them were informed of the object of Missionary Meetings last year, when, through the mercy of our Heavenly Father, we were permitted to meet for a similar object, yet, seeing some before me who were not then present, and fearing that others had forgotten, I would again repeat, that the great object of all Missionary Meetings was to send the Gospel to those lands in which the name of the Saviour had not been heard. I addressed them at some length on this subject, and concluded by saying that I knew all present would acknowledge the blessings which the Gospel confers upon a people, even in a temporal point of view, and that all whom I then addressed would assert that it was the influence of the Gospel alone which had prevented hostilities in Manukau during the last eight months. Having resumed my seat, several of the Natives addressed the Meeting, and spoke much to the purpose, exhorting their fellow-countrymen to live more closely to God; and, as they had received so many blessings from our Heavenly Father, to shew their love to Him by contributing to His cause according to what they possessed. At the close of the Meeting a collection was made of 6l. 10s. 2 1/2d. I was pleased to see each of my children spontaneously give something out of their small stock toward the Missionary Cause.
In the same month, I held another Missionary Meeting in the Native Chapel at Orakei, Waitemata; but, from some misunderstanding, many of the Natives, were not apprised when the Meeting would take place, in consequence of which it was but thinly attended: probably, not
[Image of page 492]
more than seventy were present. This Meeting proceeded in the same manner as the one before described. G. Clarke, Esq. favoured us with his company, and addressed all present much to their satisfaction. When the Meeting closed, a collection was made of 4l. 7s. 10 1/4d.; which, added to 6l. 10s. 2 1/2d., makes a total of 10l. 18s. 0 3/4d. This, though small, is an increase upon last year; and, by the blessing of God upon our labours, may we not hope for a much greater increase in the ensuing year?
Report, by Mr. J. Preece.
During the year 59 Natives have been admitted into the Church by baptism; viz. 33 men, 10 women, and 16 children. The number of Congregations in connexion with this Station is 24, scattered, on the river and coast, over more than 80 miles: each place has been visited. There is everywhere a good attendance on the Means of Grace. There are many who love the Word of God, and desire to walk according to its directions; but there are also others, who, although they make a profession of the Gospel, shew great indifference about the state of their souls. Much assistance has been received from the Native Teachers, many of whom spare no trouble to promote the spiritual welfare of their fellow countrymen; and, to the best of their ability, teach them the truth as it is in Jesus. There has been an accession from the heathen party of about 80, several of whom are principal Chiefs.
The Day Schools have been nearly every where discontinued, owing to the people giving more of their time to cultivation. Children's Schools have been commenced in several places. The Sunday Schools are well attended. There is, we thank the Lord, much to encourage us to go on with our work.
EASTERN DISTRICT.
This district contains five Stations; viz. Turanga, in Poverty Bay, at which Archdeacon Williams resides --Uwawa, 36 miles North of Turanga, where Mr. C. Baker has commenced a new Station--Rangitukia, near Waiapu, where another new Station has been commenced by Mr, J. Stack --Kauakaua, in Hicks' Bay, where the Rev. G. A. Kissling is stationed-- and Opotiki, under the care of Mr. J. A. Wilson, which has been transferred from the Middle District, in consequence of its more immediate connexion with this District. Native Teachers have also been sent to various Stations to the South of Turanga, even as far as to the neighbourhood of Port Nicholson, so that the whole of the Eastern Coast has been brought into communication with the Missionaries of this District.
Report, for the Year, by the Ven. Archdeacon Williams.
The Mission of the Eastern District, after having been established four years, begins at length to assume a more organized form. The care of this widely-extended field is now divided by the augmentation of Labourers.
At Turanga, the frame of a large building, put up by the Natives, as reported last year, was progressing in a satisfactory manner in the hands of an English carpenter, and would soon have been made a substantial building; but in the month of December it was blown down in a violent hurricane, and the material was so shattered as to be useless for the same purpose again. A part of the timber which had been sawn for the Church is in the course of erection into a dwelling-house for the Missionary of the Station.
The Schools, at the best times, are but indifferently conducted. The Scholars are chiefly adults, and are not easily kept within the bounds of regularity. If they are so disposed, they attend the School; but if otherwise, they keep away. Notwithstanding all disadvantages, however, the knowledge of reading is very general, and is decidedly on the increase. The number of Schools in connexion with Turanga and Table Cape is 20, and the Scholars average about 650. Those of Ahuriri and Wairoa are 15; and the Scholars, of whom there are no regular returns, average about 400.
The attendance of the Natives on religious services is generally the same as it was last year; but at Table Cape there is a large reduction, owing to a party of Natives belonging to Palliser Bay having returned to their own district.
[Image of page 493]
The Candidates for Baptism attend with much regularity; but of late there has been a falling off among those who have been disappointed in being refused admission to the rite of baptism as soon as they expected. The baptisms at Turanga have been 144 men, 97 women, and 61 children; at Table Cape, 131 men, 91 women, and 58 children; at Wairoa, 111 men, 58 women, and 87 children; at Ahuriri, 110 men, 43 women, and 39 children: at Uwawa and Tokomaru, 145 men, 70 women, and 83 children.
Of the Christian Natives in immediate connexion with Turanga, about 350 regularly attend the Bible Classes once a fortnight. These constitute the body of Communicants, and there is good reason to hope that many of them are sincerely desirous of receiving spiritual benefit. The Christian Natives of Table Cape, Wairoa, and Ahuriri, have not the same means of instruction, neither can so much be known of their general consistency of conduct.
The body of the Natives profess Christianity; but, as may naturally be expected, there is much of mere profession. On the first introduction of our holy religion, it was received favourably by most of the leading Chiefs. The multitude soon followed, not perhaps from any conviction of its suitableness to their present comfort, or its importance to their future well-being, but because it was becoming the general religion of the country. There were certain advantages which could not fail to strike every one--such as the quiet possession of their property, and freedom from the hostile incursions of their neighbours; but then there were restraints put upon them which could not be submitted to without feelings of dissatisfaction. Hence it has not unfrequently happened, that, where a solitary individual has wished to cast off the yoke, many others have been ready to follow the example. Such, without doubt, has been the course of Christianity from its commencement, and our Divine Master has taught us to expect no less. It is only a portion of the seed which falls upon good ground, and brings forth a fruitful increase. In the case of others, the Word, which was at first gladly received, is, after a time, choked by the cares of this world, and by the deceitfullness of riches, and by the lusts of other things, and it becometh unfruitful. It is a sufficient encouragement for us to know that the purposes of God's mercy are fulfilled in the case of many, while we look forward in prayerful expectation to the time when the Kingdom of Christ shall be fully established, and all shall know the Lord from the least unto the greatest.
UWAWA.
Report by Mr. C. Raker.
On January the 12th I arrived at Uwawa, with the chief part of my family, and forthwith commenced my Missionary duties. I have held two Services with the Natives on the Lord's Day, and one English Service. I have had one Week-day Lecture with the Natives, and have attended meetings for reading and imparting spiritual instruction. I have also been much engaged in administering medicine to the sick. I have been twice to Tokomara and Anaura, and have visited several other Native Settlements in connexion with the Station. A Day School, for both males and females, had been held on the Station with some interruptions. The Congregations present for Divine Worship at the different places on the Lord's Day, have attended School on that day for reading the Scriptures and rehearsing the Catechisms. Of the Baptized Natives I have more than 300 on the books, to whom I have given religious instruction: some from among these have acted in a way to bring disgrace upon their profession; but the greater part have maintained better conduct. Rigid attention to special instruction, as conducted in the Reading Meetings, is of great benefit to the people, while at the same time a moral restraint is kept upon them. The same means of instruction have been afforded the inquiring Natives as the baptized; but I fear that there are but few who are anxious about the salvation of their souls. It is, however, gratifying to find that so many of the people attend the Means of Grace; and that not a few can read the Word of God in their own tongue. The Scriptures are circulated, the Word is expounded, and there are some whose lives witness to the power and efficacy of the Truth. The Holy Spirit alone is now wanted to turn this wilderness into a fruitful field--to cause this moral desert to blossom as the rose.
The Chiefs of Uwawa have presented to the Society, as a site for the Station, about ten acres of land; eight acres of which I have had fenced in. The work of the
[Image of page 494]
Station has considerably advanced; and a moderate sum, in addition to the present cost, will complete the necessary outlay. At Tokomaru the Natives have put up a good rush Chapel at their own cost, save that of nails and a few other articles.
In a Letter dated Dec. 16, 1843, Mr. Baker gives the following further particulars--
The Society will not, I trust, have cause to regret the formation of this Station. It was of very great importance to place a Missionary here. The number of Natives baptized within the boundaries of my charge is, I believe, about 350; living in at least twelve different villages. The northernmost of these is about ten hours' walk from the Station, and the southernmost about three hours' walk. There are also different settlements up the Uwawa River, to the distance of three hours' walk.
KAUAKAUA.
Report by the Rev. G. A. Kissling.
We made Hicks' Bay on the 18th of March; and had no sooner anchored in front of the Pa, Kauakaua, than a number of canoes came off to our vessel to welcome our arrival. After dinner, we made ready to go ashore: the sea was rather rough; but still we landed safely on the pebbled shore, amidst a crowd of people who had congregated from the various villages in the neighbourhood. A number of large canoes were immediately launched; and at the close of the day, our bedding, furniture, and little live stock, were safely landed, and carefully brought to our humble habitation, by a people, who, a few years ago, would have thirsted for our blood. Our habitation had been erected by those very people, who now hunger and thirst after righteousness; and, notwithstanding its rude construction, proved very comfortable, and was, therefore, most acceptable to us. We praised our Heavenly Father for His past mercies, and took courage for the time to come.
The Lord's Day succeeded, and I attended two Native Services, reading the prayers, and had also an English Service in the Native Church. The Lord had prepared a feast for my soul. There had never been a European Labourer stationed here, yet we had an attendance at Church, both morning and evening, of 400 or 500 persons. Their worship was solemn and devout; they offered their prayers with one accord to the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. The sight of this Congregation would have cheered the hearts of our friends at home, even those not excepted who are inclined to take a gloomy view of the New-Zealand Mission. To me it was doubly gratifying, since the place will be the principal sphere of my labour in the propagation of the Gospel of Christ.
Honesty of the Natives,
At the dawn of day, on Monday, the "Columbine" was surrounded by the canoes of the Natives; and at the close of the day all our things had been carefully landed, and conveyed to our house. The whole Pa--old men, young men, youths, women, and children--were busily and cheerfully engaged in carrying along the Pakeha's (white man's) boxes, inquisitively looking at what each of them contained; but notwithstanding the bustle which was naturally occasioned by so many hands, not the smallest article was found missing when the work was done. A few nails had fallen out of a cask, and were picked up by little children; but the Chief took them from their hands, and brought them to my house, making an apology, and advising me to secure the cask. These are the people, who, a few years ago, butchered and devoured the White man, and seized upon his vessels, when they came within their reach. I content myself with barely stating these facts, leaving it to the reflection of those whom this account may reach, that they may ascribe praise and glory to Him who "stilleth the outrage of a violent and unruly people," and causeth them to walk obediently in His holy commandments.
When the "Columbine" had taken her departure, I called the people together, to give them a slight remuneration for their toil. The men and boys formed a circle on one side of my house, and the women and girls on the opposite side formed another: each of the men and boys received a New-Zealand Testament, or a Prayer Book, and the women and girls a garment. All were delighted with their boon, and returned to their respective places of abode rejoicing.
First Administration of the Lord's Supper.
During the week I examined into the state of the Congregation, as I intended to administer the Holy Sacrament of the
[Image of page 495]
Lord's Supper to the Communicants on the ensuing Lord's Day. About 33 of those whom the Ven. Archdeacon Williams had baptized on former occasions expressed a desire to partake of the tokens of our Saviour's love.
On Lord's Day the 2d of April, the weather being fine, we had an extraordinary attendance on Divine Service. The Church was filled some time before the Service commenced, and many persons had to remain outside for want of room. The children were neatly arrayed in their new garments, and the whole was to me an overwhelming sight. What caused my mind to be still more solemnly impressed, was the circumstance of its being my thirty-eighth birth-day, and the first time that I had been enabled to preach in the Maori language the unsearchable riches of Christ. At the close of my subject, I made some remarks respecting the Lord's Supper, which was now for the first time administered at Hicks' Bay. I had the satisfaction to learn, afterward, that my language was intelligible to the Natives; and I have since made it a point each week to write a Sermon in Maori, trusting thus to become useful to my flock, and to acquire more of the language, till I shall be able to address them more fully and frequently, both in public and private.
The Chief, our Native Teacher, and the principal men of the Pa Kauakaua, manifest a pleasing readiness to be guided by my advice and direction; and with their assistance I find it not a difficult task to manage and regulate the rest of the Congregation.
The Candidates for Baptism I have divided into classes under their respective teachers, meeting a class myself twice or thrice a week. I have baptized three children, and solemnized one marriage, during the last three months.
Fondness of the Natives for speculative Questions.
A Roman Catholic, formerly an energetic opponent to the labours of some of our Brethren, has lately joined our Church. He did so entirely of his own accord; for I have carefully abstained from agitating the points at issue between the Protestant and the Roman Churches. My reasons for not speaking to the Natives on these points are, that I perceive the Natives, in general, are more open to speculative knowledge than practical instruction; and hence it is that a number of them are inclined to dispute about religious differences ere they have become acquainted with the doctrines of our holy religion itself. By an agitation of speculative questions we foster pride and self-conceit in their minds, while we take away from them that relish for a sound form of doctrine, which tends to godliness, to the honour of God, and love to Christ.
Description of the Station.
I have not much more to report, and shall therefore conclude with a few remarks on the locality of my Station. I have every reason to say, with David, The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. This is both literally and spiritually applicable to my situation. The place is healthy and cheerful, both of which I particularly need. Our board house, which is nearly finished, with about six acres of land, which the Natives have given, through the Government, to our Society, are on a plain about four miles in length. This plain is almost entirely under cultivation--maize, potatoes, breadfruit, cabbages, melons, &c.; with a number of evergreen trees, forming groves and shades, which give the place a most lovely appearance. These groves and shrubberies attract the feathered tribe, which warble their melodious songs as soon as the day begins to dawn in the morning, and late at night; thus giving us a most powerful admonition, on each returning day, to say, with Asaph, Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks: for that Thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. About 800 feet south of our house is a beautiful table-mountain, with trees and shrubs of variegated green: to the east of us, about five minutes' walk, lies the village, Kauakaua, on an elevated ground, by the side of which a small river falls into the ocean, coming through a valley which opens on the Pa. On the western. side of our residence our view is bounded by a lofty range of mountains, declining toward the sea till they form a point at Warekaheka, under which the mariners find shelter on their voyages along the coast. To the north we have the open ocean, the water of which is at times splendidly coloured by the reflection of the forest on the steep and lofty mountains; but at other times awfully foaming, its raging billows breaking upon our pebbled beach, and producing a hollow sound like
[Image of page 496]
that of distant thunder. Never, till we came to Hicks' Bay, did I feel how suitable and sublime the language of St. John is, when he compares the voice of our exalted Saviour to the sound of many waters. The dark night heightens the awfulness, and the thundering sound of the waves impresses the mind most solemnly with a sense of the power and majesty of God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is. Surely all His works praise Him!
OPOTIKI.
Report by Mr. J. A. Wilson.
Though, during the last year, a general peace has prevailed in this part of the country, enabling the inhabitants to cultivate undisturbed the fruits of the earth; yet, notwithstanding this auspicious circumstance, the propitious appearance which was discernible nearly two years ago, and, above all, the knowledge which many have acquired, their advance in zeal and holiness is by no means satisfactory. It is true, there has been a great cry for books; but, on the other hand, when desired to purchase them, considerable reluctance has been manifested. This, in reference to those situated at a distance, could reasonably have been borne with; but from the Natives residing at Opotiki, and in its immediate neighbourhood, a better spirit might have been anticipated. This tribe alone are now in possession of two small vessels, and those of Wakatane a third: the consequence is, they are frequently at Auckland and the Bay of Islands, where they are associated with the lowest Europeans, to which may be attributed that supineness which is now so prevalent. To this may be added, a sad spirit of covetousness, which absorbs in some, and appears to sully in others, every nobler feeling. Indeed, among the majority who make a profession, their distinguishing feature consists rather in refraining from flagrant sins, and the old native superstitions, than a reaching forward unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, and growing up into Him in all things.
In December, the Bishop of New Zealand visited this Station, and was pleased to admit 27 to the ordinance of baptism. There are likewise others who have received this ordinance at the Bay.
