1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1846 - Church Missionary Society. Kaitaia, Middle District, Eastern District, p 362-372

On the arrival of the news of the war here, our Chiefs met, and manifested the best feelings toward the Government. There were present ten Wangaroa Natives, who had come expressly to sound our Natives as to their intentions, and to learn if they would sit still, and not molest their wives and children, in case they should go to fight with the soldiers. I never attended a better Meeting of the kind. Noble told them that it was not the first time he had been kind to Europeans, and it was not the first time Ngapuhi had been unkind. He suggested to all the Chiefs that none should be allowed to go to the Bay at this time, lest they should fall into temptation. To this they all agreed, and although there were two Chiefs who wished to accompany the Wangaroa Natives, they would not allow it.

For the last year, I believe a solid work of piety has been going on among our people. The Means of Grace have been well attended, and the Native Teachers are increasing in Bible knowledge. Sometimes as many as twenty attend on the Saturday to have the subject explained for the ensuing Lord's Day. Mr. Puckey, with his little Press, prints the heads of the subject, and the references to Scripture texts, which is of great value. The Native Teachers are also more attentive to Schools for the children in the villages than they were.

Two baptized Natives have lately died, and left a testimony behind them that they had tasted that the Lord was gracious. One was a young man about twenty, who could read well. One day when I visited him he appeared to be dying, and his father was supporting him. I talked for some time without his taking any notice of me. His father observed, "He has not left off praying and reading the Testament." Hearing this, he revived, and asked for his Testament. His father gave it to him. I observed several new strips of paper as marks. Jeremiah, for that was his name, with trembling hands and a faltering tongue, shewed me the portions he had been reading in the morning, and said, "I have marked these portions for myself, to meditate upon as I approach death." One was the parable of the Ten Virgins. After this, through the aid of medicines, he was spared three weeks; and his pious friends brought him to our Settlement that he might be near us: he died here. The other was an old man, who, although he could not read, had yet well stored his mind with Bible Truths. He was no common Christian for a Native advanced in years. While enjoying good health, he seemed to feed upon the Word of God, and was always ready to converse on the subject of Religion. A few days before his death he wished me to talk to him of the resurrection of the body. He observed, "When we plant a potatoe the seed utterly perishes, and the potatoes produced are entirely new: will it be so with our bodies?" I endeavoured to shew him the difference according to the Scriptures. The Native Teacher, Meinate Hongi, sitting by, observed to me, "It is quite a pleasure to

talk to this sick man." He said he should die on the Lord's Day; and so he did, on the 9th instant These are some of the pleasing instances we meet with in our labours. May God increase such more and more!

Feb. 13, 1844 --To-day I received a Letter from Nuka, requesting boards for a coffin for his aged mother, who died yesterday. "Be kind to me," is his language, "for I have thrown away my native ritenga, and wish my mother to be buried after the custom of the Christians." This shews a yielding in some of the strongest of the Heathen customs--those connected with their dead; and that, too, on the part of a Chief, who from infancy has been a most abject slave of superstition.

Feb. 14 --Nuka sent to request that I would go over and bury his mother. She had not been baptized, and I therefore could not read the Burial Service; but thinking that a large number of Natives might assemble, and thus an opportunity be afforded of addressing them, I proceeded to the Pa. The coffin was followed by 200 Natives, who walked in orderly procession to the grave, at which I addressed them.

March 8 --To-day we held the Annual Examination of the Tauranga Schools. There were 400 in the various classes, and about the same number of spectators --a decided improvement upon last year's proceedings. The examination was succeeded, as usual, by a feast The whole day passed pleasantly, and, I should hope, not without profit.

I was engaged until a late hour at night in examining the Baptismal Candidates. I was obliged to reject some; yet, considering that they have only been visited twice, by any Missionary, it is remarkable how clear their views of the only way of Salvation--faith in a crucified Redeemer--seem to be. The same observation applies to the Wareti; where, amidst much ignorance, they yet appear to have steered remarkably clear of heretical views. Can we doubt that the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher of the Church, has blessed to their souls the simple reading of the Scriptures, and that they have been enabled, by the aid of that form of sound words contained in our admirable Liturgy, to worship Him who is a Spirit in spirit and in truth?

April 11 --Having finally examined the Baptismal Candidates, I held Service outside the Chapel, and baptized 159 adults. There were 300 present professing Christianity, beside 200 of the Roman-Catholic and Heathen party.

April 12 --I baptized 39 infants, and then administered the Lord's Supper to 49 Communicants. We afterward held the annual examination, at which 730 stood up in Classes---a noble show; the greater number of them being readers of the New Testament. The Roman-Catholic party, having got the Heathen party to join them, drew up in four lines to witness the examination: they muster 200 Natives.

April 13 --Before sunrise I assembled ahout 700 Natives in the Chapel, and held a full Service with them before they separated for their respective homes.

I have observed that their Congregations consist, for the most part, of children; but they may form a formidable party in the next generation, unless, when they shall arrive at maturity, they are led to see the errors of Popery--a result more to be hoped for than expected, when we consider the strength of early

impressions and education. The Roman-Catholic Priests, in being permitted to baptize the children of Heathen parents, possess a great advantage in adding to the number of their nominal Converts.

The Native Teacher left with me to partake of the Lord's Supper on Lord's Day next at Matamata. He mentioned to me that his Pa had lately been visited by two Roman-Catholic Priests, one of whom told him that our Church was wrong, and hence our daily confession "we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep;" which, he added, meant that we had strayed from the true Church, which was the Roman Catholic! The Teacher, however, told him that the confession was of much earlier date than either of the two Churches, and, turning to his Psalter, he read the last verge of the 119th Psalm, The Priest then objected that our Church must be in error because our Ministers married, which the Apostles never did. "That is wrong," replied the Teacher; "for Peter's wife's mother was healed by Jesus Christ of a fever." "Yes," retorted the Priest; "but John was not married." "Shew me a passage," said the Teacher in his simplicity, "in which we are told that John was not married. I have shewn you one in which it is proved that Peter was." The Priest thought proper to decline any further controversy with one whose instruction was simply drawn from the Scriptures, and pursued his journey.

It is with deep thankfulness to Him who alone can give the increase, that I have now to report that I find my people in as satisfactory a condition as can perhaps be at present expected from New-Zealand Christians. The people are still regular, exceedingly regular, in their attendance on the Means of Grace. Candidates for the Lord's Supper are steady in numbers and attendance. All seem to value, and desire, frequent visits at their Settlements. The number of lapsed Natives is as yet but few; and there are now some cases, in connexion with this Station, of persons, far advanced in sickness, who seem to evince a considerable desire for the blessings of the Gospel. Our Sunday School is also, I trust, making a little progress, and averages between 35 and 40.

My immediate charge now comprises 25 miles northward, and the same distance southward, along the sea coast and up the Waikato River. The population, of which I have lately taken a census, is-- adult men, 650; adult women, 586; children under 14 years, 486: total, 1722. The bulk of the population is at the mouth of the Waikato River, and to the northward on the Manukau, with which place I have a good communication by the sea beach. My plan of labour is, to spend the larger portion of the week in translation and Settlement duties; every alternate Lord's Day to visit one or more of the distant Congregations; and on the other Lord's Days to hold Morning Service at the Station, and Evening Service at some of the nearer Out-stations. Twice in the year I am expected to proceed up the river to the Kaitotehe and Otawao Stations, for the administration of the Sacraments. I am satisfied that at least four-fifths of the people of my district are nominal worshippers. Of some I have strong hopes that they are really converted; but one's expectations are so often disappointed that we must hope with trembling.

Though close to Auckland, with so many temptations before them, the people of this district have, as a body, continued to maintain a peaceable carriage toward the Settlers. Still, I must admit, that one great cause of this is the upright and conciliatory conduct of the Government, and there being so little community of interest or relationship between this people and those of the northward. As things begin to assume in the district a more settled and decided form, the aspect of my charge begins to be more varied, and more a subject of anxiety--in some places encouraging, in some the reverse. Still, on the whole, I look on my field of labour with feelings of deep thankfulness.

The last three months have witnessed some severe trials of the sincerity and forbearance of my people. There are now, unfortunately, two disputes about land in this district; and, a thing of by no means rare occurrence, about pieces of land, which, if there were any such in the district, might most fairly be classed under the "spare" or "waste" lands which the Committee of the House of Commons seem to think could be so easily taken possession of by merely asserting a claim. One of these disputes was commenced about six months ago, by one of the parties taking possession; the others, Ngatipou, immediately felt themselves bound to assert their claims: and both Tribes built very strong fortifications within about 100 yards of each other. They have been thus entrenched during the last four months, and have had frequent disputes with each other.

Aware, themselves, of their excitable character, they were very unwilling that I should leave them, as the "Teacher" being present served as a check on both parties. I also was desirous to spend among them all the time I could spare from my other labours; and hope that, on the whole, we have gained instead of lost by the whole occurrence. I had School in the morning with the adults and children before they got their food--10 o'clock --and a little before sunset had a Reading Meeting and Evening Service at one Pa, and after that a Reading Meeting at the other. The classes in each Pa average, daily, about 40. Thus I had, through the winter, full employment. On the Lord's Day, if the weather at all permitted--for, from the Bishop downward, we are all open-air preachers here--both parties, no matter what their quarrels might have been on the week-days, quietly met on a spot between each fortification, for the Services and for School. On fine days the Congregations averaged between 300 and 400. As these sat attentively around me--the magnificent Waikato rolling his smooth waters onward, the blue heavens spread forth above, and a most enchanting scenery encircling us -- I often, in the Evening Services, as the sun was setting, and a star twinkling above, indulged the solemn feelings which the season suggested, and, as I thought, with good effect, enlarged on the unity and dignity of the Creator. Another great benefit which we reaped from these otherwise untoward proceedings was, the being brought into closer contact with the lapsed Natives. After their fall into sin, they feel a kind of shame, and absent themselves, often altogether, from prayers. Simple conversations do not always seem to be sufficient to urge them to return; but they quietly join the reading classes, to which they are very partial, and which is one of the most deeply important of all our duties, and thus gradually rise into the class of "worshippers." Many, during the last four months, have thus been restored to Christian Communion.

In all these contests, much as there is to deject, I find many things to encourage. Almost all the speeches made by the combatants, and indeed their actions, attest the power which the Gospel has, even now, obtained over them. Many things, it is true, have occurred which must appear most strange to those who are not accustomed to observe the development of native character, and to penetrate through, often, very incompatible appearances to the substance. The people of England, methodical and consistent even in anger, can scarcely conceive of two large bodies of men meeting, fully armed, engaging in a most strenuous struggle, one party in breaking down, the other in defending a piece of fencing, and both using the most violent language to each other; the bell for Evening Prayers ringing, and both parties, each in their positions of defence and attack, with their guns lying beside them, joining in worship, while I addressed them from Eph. iv. 26, and, pointing to the setting sun, urged my text--Be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath; then, rising up, each dispersing to their respective encampments, quietly preparing food for the Lord's Day, and meeting together on the morrow for Worship, as if nothing had happened.

The beginning of last July found me at Auckland, to which place I had gone, at the request of the Bishop, to revise the

manuscript of our revision of the Prayer-book, previous to its transmission to England. On my return, on the 23d, I found my people much disturbed by disputes respecting boundaries of land. Lately, matters have assumed a serious aspect; and one party in Manukau, having attacked another, lost five of their Chiefs in the skirmish. This has cost me much anxiety and care; but I am thankful to report that there is some prospect of such an untoward event passing off without further evil.

Excited, however, as have been the minds of the people, they have not declined in their attendance on our Religious Services. The number of worshippers in immediate connection with this Station is 970, and of Sunday Scholars 103; making altogether 1073, The whole population is upward of 1700, about 300 being children. It must not, however, be concluded, that the others, not enumerated, are not "worshippers"; for in the whole district there are very few who do not claim that character. They have not, however, been recorded, because, in consequence of their scattered and wandering mode of life, it is difficult to reduce them to any one Congregation.

We have now the prospect of having completed on the Station, in the course of a few months, a neat and comfortable Place of Worship, 56 feet by 24, that will meet the wants of our ordinary Congregation,and be capable of expansion in order to accommodate the larger number resorting hither in the summer months. This little Gothic building will, I hope, serve as a neat model for a New-Zealand Church.

The work of translation has been much interrupted; but the remaining portions of the Pentateuch are now ready for the press.

Passing circumstances forcibly remind us all of the present unformed state of the opinions of our people; and we are often compelled to witness anomalies of character and conduct that are seldom seen in a more fully-matured state of Society. New and grand views, admirably suited to their state, have burst upon them, after a long night of error and wretchedness. The fermentation thus excited is now in progress. Into what it will subside it is impossible to foresee. That it cannot continue long as it is there is every reason to believe. In Manukau, last year, we were led to fear that a settled collapse had taken place; but the recent disturbances have wrought a very material alteration for the better. Still, we feel our position to be critical, and deeply needing prayer. Diffused as are the efforts of each solitary individual over a wide surface, he feels himself quite unequal to the vitally-important work of teaching the young, who, as they grow up, seem, in too many instances, to lack the warmth of feeling by which their fathers are actuated. Under these circumstances we endeavour to rest satisfied with doing what we can, instead of doing what we wish; and adore, with thankfulness, the grace that can make such small things effectual for so great a work.

The excited and disturbed state of part of this district has operated unfavourably upon Missionary Work. Ten Baptized Natives have lapsed, and a general indifference to Religion prevails. The Natives do indeed assemble for Religious Worship, and for reading classes, Schools, &c.; but the love of many has waxed cold. On the other hand, some few of the old men, and some principal Chiefs--among whom is Te Werowero, the greatest Chief in Waikato--have joined us, and we trust will evince more stability of character than the younger ones.

During the former part of the year, beside the accustomed duties connected with Morning and Evening Services, catechizing Natives, reading-classes, and Schools, I was engaged in endeavouring to settle a dispute between Te Ngatihini and Te Ngaungau respecting a fishery; and in the latter part of the year I visited Te Ngatipou, who are from this District, and were contending with Te Ngatitipa at the Taroa, near Waikato Heads, respecting land. Ngatipou, although they have lost one of their principal men, have determined not to seek satisfaction. This, I trust, is the result of Christian principle in some of the Chiefs.

I have visited, in conjunction with Mr. Maunsell, these disturbed parts several times, having spent 120 nights in my tent. In consequence of the large assemblies of Natives, I have had many opportunities of usefulness in Religious Services, reading-classes, &c

March 12, 1845 --I accompanied the Ngaungau to Waitutu, the encampment of Ngatihini. Before we reached that place, the Ngaungau consented to engage with me in prayer, and pulled their canoes to shore. After having committed ourselves to His keeping who can "turn from us those evils we most righteously have deserved," I gave them a few words of good advice. On arriving at Waitutu, we found Ngatihini drawn up in a line, in order to shake hands. This ceremony over, the parties separated, leaving a space of forty yards between them, in which Tima, another neutral Chief named Kepa, and myself, stood. Both parties remained silent for some time. At last Tirua arose and said, "Let your words be good. Don't be angry. Keep to the point." I also said, "I will motion with my hand to the first man who gets angry, that he may sit down until his anger shall be gone, and his words become straight again." This was consented to. Neither party seemed inclined to commence. At last Ngatihini called to the Ngaungau to commence. After a Native of each party had spoken, Ngatihini, contrary to an engagement that there should be three speakers on either side, allowed the same Native to speak again. Tirua called upon another Native to speak. The Ngatihini remained silent for some time; whereupon William Wesley, the Chief of the Ngaungau, arose and said, "You ought to have kept to your agreement; but as you will not speak I will, and we shall go." After speaking for about three-quarters of an hour, he said, "I have finished: let us go." The Ngaungau and their party then went to their canoes, upon which some by-standers cried, "They are gone for their guns," which had been left in their canoes. This was a false report. A scene of confusion now prevailed, in the midst of which a Chief of Ngatihini struck the bell,and cried out, "Let us have prayers." The object of the bell was to prevent the young men from running to their muskets, which was the case with a few. I spoke to them from the words, Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me--telling them that if the Holy Spirit once left them they would be given up to all the evils of a deceitful and desperately wicked heart--and then went to the Ngaungau, who had pulled about a quarter of a mile distant. In the evening both parties assembled together for prayers, and again the neit morning. I also had reading classes with them, and School with the children; but the matter is not settled.

From the above account it will be seen that the Gospel had an influence--1st, in disposing the Natives to prayer before they met; 2dly, in inducing something like courtesy in their conduct to each other; and 3dly, in preventing bloodshed in the moment of confusion and disorder. I fear there are but few who are really changed characters; but there are a few. Even the blessing which the mere outward profession of Christianity, as regards this world, has brought to this people, is great; when it is considered that in former times the whole population of the river would have been involved in war by far less provocation.

Aug. 31, 1845: Lords Day --Both parties assembled together, about 400 in number, lor Morning and Evening Services, and School. At night I was about commencing a Bible reading-class with Ngatipou, when a Native informed them, that on the following morning Ngatitipa would destroy the boundary fence. The Chiefs immediately assembled the tribe, and sent for me to ask my advice. I said, "You must not fire your muskets. Let the Ngatitipa fire the first ball." One of the Chiefs said, "Ngatipou, listen to me: do you all consent to the words of your Teacher?" They all immediately cried, with one voice, "Yes, we do."

I then went to Ngatitipa, and asked the Chief Warenahi if it were his intention to break the boundary fence. "Yes," was the reply: "it shall not stand, for it is on our land." -- "Well," I said, "I have a question to ask you. Will you consent not to fire the first gun?" Nini, a troublesome Chief, jumped up and said, "I will not consent: mine shall be the first to be fired at Ngatipou, for the land is ours." Kawae, another Chief, then said, "Blood shall be shed for that fence: that's all I have to say." After some further conversation with them, I returned to the Pa of Ngatipou tired and dispirited.

Sept. 3 --We assembled by sunrise for Morning Prayers. I was about giving out the hymn, when a Native came running, and crying out, "Let your prayers be short, for Ngatitipa are breaking down the fence." Uira, the Chief, replied, "Never mind; let us have our prayers: our's is a right cause: God will take care of us." We sang the 125th Psalm-- They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion. We then had prayers; after which I cried, "Ngatipou, don't forget your promise: don't fire." All now rushed to the fence, of which a small part only was left standing. This was defended by Ngatipou, and a scuffle took place, wrestling, sparring with their guns, &c.--a scene of confusion which baffles description. I was in the midst of them, and my constant cry, "Friends! remember your words! Be careful of your guns! don't fire!" Ten muskets were wrested from Ngatitipa, who were the weakest party, and [??] were trampled dwon by [??] of the Ngatipou Natives [??] and called to them not to deal hardly with their fallen foes, but to let them return to their Pa, which they did. The whole body of Ngatitipa were beaten back. Thus ended, perhaps an anomaly in the annals of New Zealand, an actual collision of old enemies--both parties having lost three friends in a former engagement, a few years since, respecting the same land--without bloodshed.

I followed Ngatitipa to their Pa when they retreated, for I was afraid they would fire from their fortifications: a few did; but it was merely to intimidate the other party, who were again erecting their fence. The bullets whizzed over our heads; but Ngatipou did not return the fire.

After remaining a short time at the Pa, I returned to the fence, where I found Ngatipou had assembled for Worship. I said, "Perhaps the heart is too much excited for prayers; but as you have all assembled I have one word to say to you: Do not be lifted up: be not proud: it is God who has kept your hearts to-day. Give Him the praise." After prayers, the Chiefs called to me, and said, "Your words are true: it is God alone. It is the Gospel alone that has prevented mischief to-day. If we had held our old native custom, great would have been the evil: we should be mourning over our dead."

On looking back upon the last twelve months, I have every reason to be satisfied with the general state of my Natives. I have not to report any striking instances of success, neither have I to mourn over any particular falling away among those who have made a profession of Christianity and have been baptized. Although three or four Natives in my district have yielded to temptation, still, as a body, their conduct has been consistent, and their attendance on the Means of Grace regular.

The Congregations have not decreased in numbers. Tbe baptisms have been fewer than during the last year; but this has chiefly arisen from the unsettled state of the Natives in Mr. Maunsell's district having prevented his paying us a visit at the close of this year. Seven new Chapels have been built, or are being built, at various native villages. To encourage the Natives in the erection of Chapels, I have promised to supply them with nails, &c.

amounting to about 10s. for each Chapel. I was induced to offer this small boon from a desire to see a neat and substantial building erected in every village.

The visiting of the Natives in my District is attended with much labour, from their being so scattered. Hence, also, another difficulty arises--that of providing suitable Teachers for each little village; and which, in some instances, I have not been able to accomplish. This has arisen partly from a want of zeal, and partly from the natural unwillingness of New Zealanders to leave their own tribe and people.

I am thankful to say that we have been kept in peace during the past year. It is a cause for gratitude that since the formation of Otawao, five years ago, the Tribes around have not once been engaged in fighting. Minor disturbances have occurred; but, by timely mediation, they have been amicably settled. The cloud which, for a few months, hung over us, in consequence of the murder at Wawarua, has passed over; the various tribes having vindicated their honour by meeting together and presenting themselves before the Pa of the murderers, on one occasion keeping them close prisoners for two days, when, through the interference of a Native Teacher, whom I had sent to them, they agreed to receive a payment in land, made peace, and retired.

In reference to Schools, I am sorry to say that very little can he accomplished in that department of my labours. The adult, having learned to read and write, the Day School no longer presents the same attractions to him, few of the Teachers being able to instruct their people in arithmetic, and there being no geography or other elementary works published in the native language. The Infant Schools are still more discouraging. The unrestrained habits of the children render this department of labour very irksome, and there are but few Native Teachers possessed of sufficient perseverance to collect and instruct children over whom they possess no authority. I might also add, as a second reason, the want of clothing for the children during School-hours. This difficulty could be easily overcome by Christian Friends in England sending presents of clothing, which would act as an inducement to them to attend School.

The Roman-Catholic Priest, in my neighbourhood, is making strenuous exertions to maintain his ground.

At the request of the Bishop, I have made a census of my district, and find it to contain about 2100 souls. There are twenty-seven Male and Female Native Teachers in the district

After much exertion, I have succeeded, during the year, in making a horse road to Rangitoto, Wawarua, Manukarere, Ruahine, Arowena, Ngauhuruhurn, and Waipa; by which I am able, with greater certainty and leas exertion, to visit the Outposts. The length of road completed is about eighty miles, and the cost was about 10l.

I left Kororarika on its destruction by the Natives in March 1845, and have since resided in Auckland; whence I have visited during the year, for the purpose of fulfilling ministerial duties, the following places-- Waiwarauki,Waikeke, Orere, Umupuri, the Wairoa, Pukaki, Te Karaka, the whole of the Hauraki, the Great Barrier, and other places.

The work in some parts of this district is, on the whole, making progress; yet in other parts much apparent indifference is manifested by many toward the things which belong unto their peace, and some, who once made a profession, have gone back. Others continue stedfast in the faith, and are, I trust, earnestly seeking the salvation of their souls.

The Week-day Schools have been almost neglected, on account of the Natives being so much scattered, and of their frequent removal from one place to another. The Lord's-Day Services have been well attended. During the year, 3 adults and 14 children have been baptized. The number of Candidates for Baptism is 88, and of the Communicants 36.

The last Report for the Station of Turanga, including the districts of Wairoa and Ahuriri, was given up to the 30th of

June 1843. 1 A retrospective view of the period which has since elapsed presents us with a state of things more natural than it is flattering to the high expectations which we are apt to form. While, however, the progress of Christianity has not been so striking as in former years, there are still sufficient causes for encouragement.

The body of Natives who have professed Christianity may be divided into three classes. 1. First, those who have cast off their profession altogether. This party is not numerous; it consists of persons who have followed the prevailing custom; but, having no root in themselves, the time during which they have endured has been short. 2. The second class is made up of those who hold to their profession; but walk not as becometh the Gospel. They are persuaded of the truth of Christianity, and feel the necessity of it; but have not the grace of God reigning in their hearts. This class is numerous in every community; but there is hope that, with God's blessing on the steady ministration of the Word, many from among them will become indeed the children of God. 3. The smaller portion who remain lead a consistent life, attending with diligence to all the Means of Grace; and, though they be but babes in Christ, it is to be hoped that they will be rooted and built up in Him, and be stablished in the faith.

The number of worshippers continues to be nearly the same as heretofore; but the Congregations are divided into smaller parties, as many of the lukewarm will not take the trouble to go any distance to Worship, but keep up the form in their own little villages.

The number of Adult Baptisms at Turanga since the last Report has been 142-- 45 men and 97 women; and the Infant Baptisms, 86. The Candidates for this ordinance are 169: many, who were on the list, have discontinued their attendance, because they were weary of the long period of probation to which they were subjected.

The attendance of the Christian Natives at the Bible Classes is about 240, and the average number of Communicants 200.

The Adult Baptisms at Ahuriri, and at places to the south of it, have numbered 94; and the Infant Baptisms 36. There are 104 Communicants.

The Adult Baptisms in the Wairoa District have been 61, and the Infant Baptisms 37. The number of Communicants is 126.

Much effort has been used to keep up the Day Schools; but the complaint of the Native Teachers, that they cannot persuade the people to attend, is universal.

In the Sunday Schools, the larger part of the Congregations are scholars. They are catechized in the Church Catechism and the Scriptures.

The Natives of the Southern part of this district have experienced much disadvantage from the want of pastoral care. At Turanga this has been occasioned by my absence during seven months at the Bay of Islands. 2 A temporary provision was made during the time, by a visit of five weeks from Archdeacon H. Williams, and by two visits from Mr. Baker. The recent appointments of the Rev. J. Hamlin to Wairoa, and of the Rev. W. Colenso to Ahuriri, will, for the future, place those parts of the district upon an efficient footing.

The attempts of the Romish Priests to disseminate their errors have proved an entire failure. They have not only withdrawn from the district, but the few Natives who long professed an adherence to them have either joined us or have relapsed into their native state.

The attendance at the Bible Class is better than during the corresponding period of last year, though a large number of professed Christians altogether neglect this important means of instruction.

The Candidates for Baptism are not numerous; but those who come are regular in their attention. The Communicants have numbered 284.

On the 14th of January I set out on a journey to Wairoa and Ahuriri, and administered the Lord's Supper to 46 Communicants at Nuhaka; to 77 at Table Cape; to 33 at Wairoa; and to 96 at Ahuriri; assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Hamlin and Colenso. At Wairoa and Ahuriri I was thankful to find that Messrs. Hamlin and Colenso, who had recently arrived at their Stations, were in the way, though encompassed with many difficulties, to be fully occupied in very extensive spheres of usefulness.

On the 3d of March I set out on a circuit through the principal Stations of the Archdeaconry of Turanga, at the re-

quest of the Lord Bishop, for the purpose of attending to the ministerial duties of those places. At Opotiki I administered the Lord's Supper to 62 Natives; at Wakatane, to 32; at Te Kupenga, to 17; at Rotorua, assisted by the Rev. T. Chapman, to 94; and at Oputai, sixty miles to the south of Wakatane, to 23. The villages in the latter district have received but little attention, except from Native Teachers; while a strong effort has been made by the Romish Priests, who have consequently many followers--led, as they told me, by the promise of gifts of clothing, to countenance their vain superstitions. Still, the part of the population which is with us is most numerous, and merits more attention than it receives. After an absence of nearly six weeks, I reached home on the 10th of April.

This district extends from Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, to Waipiro in Open Bay; comprising a route, by land, of 130 English miles at the most moderate calculation. We have as yet no roads in this part of New Zealand, so that the traveller is obliged to follow the old native paths--over frightful cliffs, steep and lofty mountains, across swamps and rivers, or in the soft and yielding sand of the seashore.

Raukokore is the only Pa along this coast which I omitted to visit. The people had shamefully treated an English sailor, stripping him of all his clothes, and threatening his life. I therefore sent them a message expressive of grief at their conduct; but promising to see them next season should any improvement among them take place. Since then a Native Teacher has been twice at Hicks' Bay, informing me that many of the people were attending School and other religious instructions, and that they anxiously looked forward to the accomplishment of my promised visit.

Warekaheka, which I believe is, properly speaking, the Hicks' Bay, lies seven miles N W from Kauakaua, and contains only a few huts, belonging to the Chief Hou-ka-mau. Within the present year, however, a new Pa, called Omuruiti, has been raised in its vicinity.

Te Kauakaua, in its present shape, has been but recently established; it stands on a plain immediately adjoining a mountain, on which the original inhabitants resided; but from which, on the introduction of fire-arms, they were swept, by the Natives of the northern part of the Island, almost to a man. The chief part of the present inhabitants came from Waiapu, the Bay of Islands, and other parts of New Zealand. Before the Gospel had produced its effects they were spoken of, both by Europeans and their own countrymen, as a peculiarly avaricious and unfaithful set. About four years ago, a vessel, wrecked off their Pa, was immediately plundered. At another time, a ship, cruising for whales along the coast, called in for a supply of water from the little river which flows along the Pa. Tho Natives demanded payment for the water, which the Captain refused; and was going to take his empty casks to the vessel, when the people seized upon them and took them away. The casks were of no use to them whatever; yet it was only through the energetic interference of a Christian Native, from another place, that they were eventually returned to the whaler.

When I commenced dealing with these people, nearly two years ago, there was not a man who would stand to his word or agreement. The fence around the land, which the Chief of the place presented to the Society, was more than once threatened to be razed, and the Chief himself prohibited the supply to me and my family of the requisite food, because I did not purchase his pigs at the very moment he offered them. This lasted ten days, when I received a Letter from the Chief, expressing his great love to me, and

stating that he had sent me two pigs to make amends for what had passed. In a similar manner one cloud after another passed away, owing to the influence of the Gospel, and I begin now to feel more like a father amid a large circle of children, than a defenceless stranger before an excited crowd of savages.

I have baptized at the village 34 adults and eighteen children during the past year; and during the week 97 Candidates for Baptism, from different places in the district, have for the last seven months come to my house for religious instruction. On Friday, all the Communicants have attended, for the reading and explanation of the Acts of the Apostles.

Beside the Sunday and Day Schools for adults I have opened a Day School for children also, at which about 60 attend. The girls likewise receive instruction in needle-work from Mrs. Kissling, who has also commenced teaching them English, of which they are exceedingly fond.