1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1836 - Australasia--New Zealand, p 555-563

Feb. 15, 1835--It was a source of great encouragement to me, to observe a large proportion of elderly Chiefs; who on this Sunday, as well as last, paid more than ordinary attention. At the conclusion of Evening Service, two Chiefs made a few remarks on passing events. They are brothers, and have been noted for their outrageous conduct. One spoke to the following effect:-- "Let us listen to all the Missionaries tell us, for we shall derive benefit from them. Here am I, a noted thief, who never spared your pigs or your potatoes; but I am now as one buried; I am unheard of. I have a great regard toward our relatives, who have been selected from among us this day. Let us all attend to the instruction which they have listened to. Our fathers did not believe these things, because they had none to instruct them. But when Europeans came, and brought guns and axes, they were glad to obtain them: and if they had been told of Jesus Christ, they would also have received Him."

May 27 -- The Natives belonging to Waimate are now assembled, for the purpose of holding their annual feast; made on occasion of the removal of the bones of the dead. On these occasions, it has been the custom to bring together a large quantity of kumera and pigs, for the entertainment of a neighbouring tribe, which comes by special invitation. The bones of the relatives of the party giving the feast, who have died during the five or six years preceding, are produced; and great lamentation is made over them. After this, it has been the custom for the Chiefs to speak in council; when their object has generally been, to excite one another to war, and especially to seek satisfaction for those who have fallen in battle. The guests at this time are the Natives of Hokianga; and if the present state of things had continued, the compliment would have been returned by that tribe, next year, or the year following. But the Natives now begin to see the folly of these things; and while the Chiefs who have embraced Christianity have silently given up the custom, it has now become a state-question among those who are not under the influence of Christian principles. Persons of this character are weary of the practice, because it is attended with much trouble and expense; and they are glad to avail themselves of our assistance to get them out of the difficulty. Rewa, the principal man on this occasion, has been to us, to propose our interference; and to request that we will speak to the effect, that this feast is to be the last, and that no return is to be made for it by the people of Hokianga. This morning we went to see the parties, who are keeping their entertainment about a quarter of a mile from the Settlement. The food consists of about 2000 bushel-baskets of kumera, and fifty or sixty pigs, which are cooked. Our business was concluded without any trouble: for form's sake, three small flags were hoisted at the extremities and in the centre of the heap of food, which was 300 yards in length; appended to which were placards, desiring the Natives of Hokianga not to make any return for this entertainment, and informing them that from the present time the removal of bones is to cease. No bones have been exhibited to public view; but the separate families are about to collect their own respectively, and to commit them to their final depository.

June 14, 1835: Lord's Day -- Held Service in the Native Chapel at the Ahuahu and Mangakauakaua. I called also at Hihi's village. This man is an aged Chief, who still holds out against instruction; and, consequently, his people were not assembled. He has no reasons to allege against the Truth; but, like the multitude in Christian countries, he is indifferent about it. In one respect, he was obliged to acknowledge that a change for the better had been effected, through us. In former days, the season at which the principal crop of food is taken up was always the time for settling differences, because there was then food enough to satisfy the stomachs of the discontented. I asked Hihi how it was with him formerly. "I used to cultivate kumera," said he, "for Hongi and Te-koikoi, for they generally found some excuse for plundering my crop; but I have been visited by no party for

the last three years." This is evidence which may be depended upon; and is the more valuable, because it comes from one who rejects the Truth, while he securely enjoys the benefit which results from it.

July 5: Lord's Bay--Went to Manawenua and Owaiawai. At the former place is a commodious Chapel, built by the late Chief Temorenga. The congregation amounted to about seventy. There ought to be, perhaps, about four times that number; but we must be satisfied with the day of small things. Owaiawai is a village containing some 200 or 300 people; but the visits from the Waimate have been discontinued of late, because there has been a determined opposition, on the part of the Chiefs. The Christian Chief, Broughton, however, who lives within the distance of two or three miles, has been there occasionally, but to very little purpose. As I approached the place, I met a Christian Native coming away. "Ho!" said I, "whom have you been to see?" "Taki," was the reply. --"And what has he got to say?" "He is as hard as ever; and says, that all of us who believe will be burnt up in the fire." We proceeded; and soon found ourselves at Taki's kainga. The old man was busily employed making a house--a sight which is now, happily, very seldom witnessed on the Lord's Day. His back was toward us, as we approached; and he continued his work for some time after we had sat down, although well aware that I was present. This conduct, in the Natives' estimation, is about as insulting as can be shewn. I considered it, therefore, as a clear token that little encouragement was to be expected. At length, he condescended to speak; and, at my request, he left his work and sat down. I reminded him, that I had visited him many years ago, before the Missionaries came to Waimate, and that then he was wont to be attentive. He stated his reason for giving up these things, to be, that his people will persist in their wickedness. I told him that the effect of Christianity is to do away with these things; and related to him the conversation which I had with Hihi on a former Sunday. We had a long, and, upon the whole, a pleasant conversation; and it was a great point gained to have obtained a quiet hearing. At length he said, that when his children returned from the sea-side, he would consult with them; and that agreed, he would believe.

July 12: Lord's Day--Put off, about half-past seven A.M., with Mr. Morgan, for Kauakaua. Delightful row of about two hours, up the Kauakaua River. The village lies a short distance from the landing-place, in a country which has every appearance of fertility. At the sound of the native bell, i. e. a hoe, 130 Natives assembled in the open air; a chair and table having been previously placed for our accommodation. Mr. Morgan addressed them at some length. Was much pleased with their conduct. After a hasty meal, we took to our boat again. Stopped, on our return, at Pomare's Pa; and immediately proceeded to the house in which Mr. Baker held Service on the 28th ult. In front of the house, we found a considerable party of Natives sitting; among whom were Kiwikiwi, and a great native lady from the Thames, named Urumihia, who formerly lived with Kiwikiwi as his wife. Plenty of food lay on the ground, to welcome Urumihia and the Thames Natives. At a short distance from the front of the house, on the edge of a suddenly rising ground, sat a pretty strong party of Thames Natives; and behind and above them sat another similar party. Mr. Morgan at first called to these upper groups to come down and join with us in prayer; but his call was unheeded; and we therefore thought it would be best first to ascend and attempt to hold Service with those above, and then come down again to those below. We ascended, and made the proposal; when several of them set up a native song in concert: and as Mr. Morgan continued speaking, they endeavoured, by noise and gesture, to put him down. I left Mr. Morgan speaking to them; and went into a house where four or five Europeans had met, and addressed them from part of the first chapter of Isaiah. While addressing them, I could hear the mob of Natives without, continuing and increasing their uproar. Mr. Morgan came in before we had concluded. He had succeeded in getting a few Natives to appoint a meeting at their own place, in the Pa. When we came out, the mob had dispersed; and we went, with the

above-mentioned few, into an enclosure in the Pa. We commenced by singing a hymn; which I suppose attracted the notice of other Natives, some of whom came in and sat down to listen; while others stood outside the fence, and frequently interrupted Mr. Morgan, in the course of his address. One or two here were better disposed. Leaving them, we returned to the place where Kiwikiwi and the old lady were sitting, with now a small muster of Natives, and food in abundance. Here Mr. Morgan was soon interrupted in speaking. Mentioning some of their evil practices, they reminded him that Europeans did the same. Such is the reproach which many of our unhappy countrymen bring upon us! Two of these European Settlers were standing by us at the time. Mr. Morgan went up to one man who was very earnestly opposing; and, after a little conversation with him, turned to Kiwikiwi, who, as yet, had scarcely said a word. No sooner was the punishment of hell-fire mentioned, than he commanded Mr. Morgan to leave the place. On Mr. Morgan's refusing to do so, Kiwikiwi rose, trembling with rage to the very fingers' ends, and, seizing hold of a stick, threatened to strike Mr. Morgan; who maintained his ground, till unceremoniously taken by the shoulder and pushed back. It was evidently useless to persevere talking to the man; but, that we might not appear as if driven away by his talk, Mr. Morgan went quietly to a pile of food close by, and helped himself to a kumera. This soon brought a Native with two small baskets of potatoes and kumera for us. A dirty piece of cooked pork was liberally thrown on the top. We partook of a kumera or two, gave the rest to our Natives, and then made a move to go. Kiwikiwi's rage had now cooled down. Both he and the old lady shook hands with us before we parted.

How little benefit may be expected from a mere visit paid to England by the Natives of savage countries, will appear from the recollection of the atrocious and untamed character of Hongi, and from the following account of his companion, Waikato. Both these Chiefs were in this country fifteen years ago, and received much attention from various persons: they were also introduced to His Majesty, George the Fourth. The subsequent course of Hongi is related by Mr. Yate, in his Volume on New Zealand: the following passages, concerning Waikato, exhibit a

Jan. VI, 1836 -- At Mr. Busby's request, I attended a meeting at his bouse, which was convened for the purpose of deciding a difference respecting the ownership of a tract of land lying in dispute between the Natives of Rangihoua and the Kauakaua. The meeting promised to be one of much interest. A large party was present from the Kauakaua; at least 150 men, and many of their wives and children: of the Rangihoua Natives there were about 40. Of the former, many are Christians, and nearly all are regular attendants on the Means of Grace: they came in a peaceable manner, without any hostile weapons; while the Rangihoua Natives, as we afterward learnt, were armed; and having loaded their muskets at a retired spot where they landed, they hid them under some bushes near Mr. Busby's fence, before the other party made their appearance. The speeches had scarcely commenced, when the Rangihoua Natives began to express themselves in a most outrageous manner; and, upon an expression of indignation from the other party, they rushed to their arms, and fired several shots among the peaceable Natives of the Kauakaua. The result was, that two Natives were killed, and two severely wounded. They then decamped as speedily as possible, before the rest had any means of retaliation. Mr. Busby has since communicated with the Kauakaua Chiefs; who express their determination not to retaliate, though by their numbers they could easily overpower their opponents.

We received a hearty welcome from our Brethren at Paihia; where we have

been remaining till lately. While there, a circumstance occurred which reminded us that we were still among a barbarous people, and in a lawless land: the circumstance was this. Two parties of Natives having a dispute about some land, Mr. Busby called a meeting of these Natives, to be held near his house, in order to have the matter settled peaceably. The party that laid claim to the land was living at Rangihoua, and was headed by a Chief named Waikato: this man and his people are pagans, and worship a god they call Popendi. The other party, who resisted the claim, was from Kauakaua; among which were many baptized Christian Natives, headed by a Christian Chief. On Tuesday, Jan. 12, both parties met, apparently unarmed, and were ranged on each side of Mr. Busby's house. Mr. W. Williams and Mr. Baker were there; having been invited, with some other Brethren, to attend; as Mr. Busby wished them to use their influence, to settle the matter amicably. I accompanied them. Waikato, who was dressed in European clothes, rose first to speak; and running to and fro, in true New-Zealand style, said he had a right to the land, because he had been to England, and had seen King George. After two or three speeches had been made by his party, in the most abusive language, a Kauakaua Native replied, in a very quiet manner: when suddenly, Waikato's party ran to their muskets, which they had hid in the bush, and commenced firing on the defenceless Kauakaua people, who took shelter in Mr. Busby's house. Two Natives were already murdered, and four wounded: two badly, the others but slightly. Messrs. Busby, Williams, Baker, and a respectable merchant who happened to be there, ran towards Waikato's party, and stopped the firing. I followed; when Mrs. Busby came running out of the house, and called out to me, "Oh Mr. Ashwell, my poor child!" I said, "Oh, they will not touch the child." She said, "Fetch him." I went to the room where the poor babe was; and I shall not easily forget the scene. The room was covered with blood: and as the Natives were crowding into it, I was afraid the child would be trampled to death. I took it up, and in a few minutes it was with its anxious mother. Every room in the house was crowded with Natives, for they had brought the wounded men there. The next day, Paihia was thronged with different parties of Natives, who were dancing their horrid war-dance, and were disposed to revenge this foul treachery of Waikato: but the Kauakaua people had not heard the Gospel in vain; for they said, "Since we have heard the Gospel, we will not fight: Mr. Busby shall settle the matter for us." They crowded, in overflowing numbers, to Church, to attend Service, the next night: and came to buy books in such crowds, that Mr. Baker's house was quite beset with them. One Chief, who had eight sons, said he would buy eight books, i. e. the Gospel of St. Luke, instead of eight guns, for his sons for they would do them more good. I was astonished at the delicacy of these people, even during this time of excitement. Mr. Baker happened to be in Mr. H. Williams's house when the people wanted him: a Chief went to fetch him, and rapped at the door; but would not enter the house, because Mr. Williams was from home, having gone to the southward with Mr. and Mrs. Maunsell. Although there were so many Natives in the Settlement, none attempted to get over the fences round the Mission House, or molest, in any manner, the Missionaries. God has given His Servants a wonderful influence over their minds; and their advice was sufficient, with the blessing of God, to determine them to peace. It is generally supposed that some grog-selling European occasioned Waikato to act as he did.

Oct. 3, 1835--A number of Natives, who have long been under the care of Mr. Davis, came yesterday from Kaikohi, to be finally examined, previously to admission to baptism. These, together with others who have been chiefly under Mr. Clarke's care, occupied me from nine o'clock in the morning till half past ten at night. These examinations were, for the most part, satisfactory, and some were highly gratifying. To the question, "What think you of Christ?" one replied, "If Christ had not come into the world, I should not have been suffered to live. His blood has been shed to wash away my sins; and I desire forthwith to be given up to Him, and that my body may be a temple for Him." -- "But how can God dwell in us, polluted

as we are with sin? Our hearts are like a house which is full of all manner of filth." "God will destroy the sin which is within." -- "At the Day of Judgment, who are they who will be approved?" "Those in whom the Spirit dwells. If sin is allowed to remain in us, we shall die." -- "How are we to deal with Satan, who will still continue to make his attacks?" "Beat him down." -- "By what means?" "By the Word of God, and by the Holy Spirit."

The following conversation took place with Taere, an elderly Chief. "Why do you approve of this new Religion?" "Because I only am left a survivor, by sickness, fighting, and evil-doings." -- "What benefit is to be derived from the Gospel?" "Everlasting life. When I used to go to fight, and killed an enemy, or took a prisoner, I used to rejoice in the idea, that this was the best object to be followed after. But no, it was the cause of our numbers being diminished. I wish now to be bold and brave in seeking after the things of God." -- "How is sin to be cleansed?" "By the blood of Christ." -- "In what state is the heart of a believer to be?" "It must abhor that which is evil, and cleave to that which is good." -- "How is a person to become valiant against Satan?" "He must become a soldier." -- "What arms will he fight with?" "The Holy Spirit."

A Native, named Taki, gave the following account of himself. "When the Station was first formed at Waimate, some of the Natives used to come and visit us. When they told me that I should be cast into the fire if I remained in sin, I professed my disbelief of a heaven or a hell; and told them that I would put them into hell, if there were such a place. At length, a portion of an old native book came into my hands, in which there were three hymns; and without any regular instruction, I began to learn to read. After this, I obtained another book, in which was the Lord's Prayer. I read, 'Our Father which art in heaven.' 'What!' thought I, 'is there a God in heaven, and is He a Father to us? and is His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven? And then,' thought I, 'this is the God against whom I have so often spoken.' From that time, I began to inquire after him."

Korora is an old man, whose back is bowed down with age. He has frequently visited Mr. Davis for instruction, coming the distance of eight miles with as much regularity as the youngest and most healthy. He has a pleasing countenance, and speaks with much animation on religious subjects. Some of his children and grandchildren have been already admitted into the Church. "I have many sins," said he, "but Christ will take them all away. He died upon the cross for us, and then told his Disciples to go and teach all nations: and thus he has visited me." -- "What feeling have you of the love of Christ?" "His love," said he, "is not on this side, nor on that side, but right in the middle of my heart." This old man will soon realize the full enjoyment of that love, in heaven; and is a glorious instance of what the grace of Christ can do, at the eleventh hour. I proposed the name of Simeon for him; for he can truly utter the exclamation of that Servant of God, Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace!

March 11, 12, 1836--Conversed with forty-six candidates for baptism. Two out of the number only were rejected: the rest are satisfactory evidences of the power of the Gospel to change the devoted servants of Satan. Some of them I will mention.

Akitu is an elderly lady of great respectability; formerly noted for her violent temper, and her activity in works of darkness: she is now a simple-minded Christian, clear in her views of the Gospel.

Tira and his wife are natives of Taranake, or Cape Egmont, the place where a part of the crew of the "Harriet" was murdered, and a Mrs. Guard and her children detained in captivity. They have been living here for seven years past, being slaves to Titore. They are both remarkably clear in their views of the Gospel, and earnest in their wish for baptism.

Tama and Poti, Chiefs of Kaikohi. were formerly desperate characters, always forward in mischief. They will, I trust, be as active in the service of Christ, as they were formerly in that of Satan.

Toi is the Chief of Olana; a place distant twenty miles from the Settlement, and seldom visited. I expected to find him indifferently informed, but was much

gratified with his answers. His wife was with him, and like-minded with himself; and his daughter, who is quite a child, seems to have read her Bible to good purpose. Indeed, this whole party, about eight in number, were among the best informed, shewing the power of the grace of God; while many, who enjoy much greater advantages, remain in total ignorance.

March 13, 1836: Lord's Day--Baptized the forty-four Natives, in the presence of a large congregation of Natives, many of whom were Christians.

Aug. 4, 1834--Assembled, this evening, the baptized and serious Natives. One remained, for the purpose of private conversation: he belongs to Puriri, and has only heard of the New Way since our arrival here: his own remarks will shew his present state of mind. He began, after being encouraged to speak all his mind, by saying that his heart was very dark; only that in these evening visits he thought he could sometimes perceive a small, very small, glimmer of light; likening its size to the tip of his little finger compared with his whole body; but even that he thought was a delusion, and this made his thoughts dark. I asked what he did when he chose a spot of new ground for a plantation. "Do you plant the seed among high fern or briars?" "Oh no! we burn off the fern, dig the land, pull up the roots, and then plant the seed." -- "Well, after you have planted the seed, if no rain fall, will it grow?" "Oh no! it just comes above ground, but is weak and sickly, and has no fruit at the roots." -- "Now, do you not see any thing resembling this plantation in your own heart? You see you may dig and plant, and strive in your own strength, yet all is in vain, without the blessing of a gracious rain; but with it your plants will grow and thrive. And so it is with the heart of man: without the influence of the Holy Spirit of God, it will be always unfruitful. Fruitfulness is only to be obtained by faith and prayer; for God says, Ask, and ye shall receive." His countenance brightened, as he said, "My heart is just like that plantation you have described; and I now want the Spirit of God acting on my heart, as the rain on the plantation." After much further conversation, he reluctantly went home.

Jan. 25, 1835--Went to Mawe, to see Broughton Ripi, who is exceedingly ill. He expects to die; and has been earnest in giving counsel to his Christian relatives. The Natives have a poor idea of comfort, and no notion of a proper attention to the sick. Broughton had taken no food of any kind for some days; and his nephew, who was lying at the point of death in the same house, they had ceased to feed, because he did not wish for food.

Jan. 28 -- Visited Broughton to-day, who appears worse, inasmuch as he takes no kind of nourishment: and though he has tea, sugar, and flour, his friends do not urge him to take any, after his first refusal. I boiled some peaches for him with sugar, which he seemed to relish.

Jan. 31: Lord's Day -- Took the home-duty to day; and in the evening went with Mr. Clarke to see Broughton, having heard that he was much worse. We found him much reduced for want of food, though his complaint was not of a nature to threaten serious consequences. We persuaded him to take some food, which we had brought with us; and recommended his removal to Waimate in the morning. He is happy in mind; and requested all his people to be present, while we had prayer with him.

March 8, 1835: Lord's. Day--Held Service at Paihia in the morning and evening, and at Kororarika in the afternoon. In the morning, news came from the Kauakaua of the death of a European, who has been living some years there. He had, of late, followed the stream with the Natives [meaning, the pious Natives]; and had become an

attendant with them on the Means of Grace, joining with them in worship, and often leading the hymn for them; and always listening to the addresses delivered by the Native Teacher. Last night he was about to retire to rest, and knelt down to pray in the Native Language. He had repeated the first three clauses of the Lord's Prayer, when he suddenly complained of pain in his head, and expired.

Having heard that Kohirangatira was very ill, I prepared some medicine for him; and, accompanied by Mr. Morgan, started early this morning for Tauru, eighteen miles distant. Reached the place at one o'clock; and found a dozen Natives sitting round two others playing at draughts, on a rude board of their own make: their draughtsmen were cockleshells, played the round side up by one party; by the other party, the reverse. I inquired where the sick Chief was. They replied, "Tapued" (made sacred). I told them we had heard that he was ill, and had come to see him. "Is the Ariki" (priest) "with him?" "Yes." I told one of the players, and son of the sick man, to inform them that we wished to see Kohirangatira: he reluctantly rose from his game, to convey my message; and soon returned, saying, that his tapu was so great, that he could not be seen. --It is worthy of remark, that when persons of distinction are taken ill among them, and their friends imagine that they will die, they convey them to an open shed, and prohibit every kind of food from being given to them; water only is allowed. Thus the poor sufferer is literally starved to death. --He resumed, very composedly, his position at the draught-board. I told him we had come a long distance, in the hope of affording his father some relief, by medicine that I had brought for the purpose; but Wiro (Satan), their great enemy, wished him to die, that he might go to his (Wiro's) place: and I supposed that I must take my medicine back again; shewing, at the same time, a bottle of liniment. I then turned to the two Natives who came with us, and said, "Come, let us go; we are not wanted here." "Wait a little," said the young Chief. "These young men have come a long distance, and are mate hia kai (bad for food)." I replied. -- Several voices here called out, "Make haste, scrape and boil potatoes for te manuwiri (strangers)!" The young Chief paid another visit to his father and the priest; and, shortly after, I was invited to advance toward the place where the sick man lay, with the Ariki sitting close at his elbow; who, on our approach, put on a very wise countenance; and, no doubt imagined that contamination was drawing near, as we approached them. Still, however, I found that we were not to advance nearer than within six yards of the invalid; a line being marked off as the boundary to all, except the tapued, by branches of laurel stuck in the ground around his shed. I spoke to the sick Chief; and told him that I was sorry I could not assist him with my medicine--exhibiting my former passport, the bottle of liniment -- which I had brought on purpose to ease his pains. He said something, in a low tone, to the priest; and then requested us to advance. I held out my hand, to shake hands with him; which he deferred doing, till he had first placed a leaf of the laurel in the hand I was to take hold of. This ceremony over, I sat on the ground beside him; the old priest in the meanwhile watching every motion. Having asked him some questions about his sickness, I found it to be chronic rheumatism. I prevailed on him to let an old woman, one of the sacred party, rub his ankle with the liniment. The priest wishing to know what the liquid in the bottle was. I handed it to him. He applied it to his nose, and, being strong, it brought forth tears in abundance; an electric shock could scarcely have surprised him more; while the sick Chief and bystanders laughed heartily. I gave the Chief some pills, with directions how to take them. One, which I gave him while there, he took in his hand, with a leaf placed in the palm as before; then, putting his hand behind him, he repeated some words which I could not sufficiently hear to make out, and then swallowed the pill. Superstition seems to be deeply rooted everywhere in this quarter; perhaps as much as though Christianity had never appeared in the land; but Satan's kingdom is now invaded, and it must

fall. May we have grace from on high, to keep our armour bright! Having eighteen miles to return overland, we took our leave, and reached home about eight in the evening.

July, 1835--I have been employed in cleaning and setting up the press; making and getting tools to rights; laying type in cases; composing and working-off 2000 copies of the Epistles to the Ephesians and Philippians, and folding and sewing the same; composing and working-off 600 Tables for Schools; repairing native and other books; and numerous little things for the Station, as cutting out boards and mounting lessons, writing, glazing, &c.

Jan. 5, 1836 --During the last six months, I have been engaged in composing and printing 1000 copies of St. Luke's Gospel, and a 12mo book of sixty-seven pages; since which I have bound, in leather and cloth, upward of 400 of these Gospels. I have also printed seventy-five Circular Letters in English, and seventy in the Native Language, for the British Resident.

Struck off 1000 copies; have bound upwards of 400; and am going on with the remainder. I cannot bind them fast enough for the Natives: they are very impatient to obtain them. I have also printed 600 copies of the Addition, Multiplication, and Shillings-and-Pence Tables, for the Natives.

I send you a copy of a Note received yesterday from a Chief named Wari, at Wangaruru; a place on the coast, outside Cape Brett: to which place I suppose I shall pay a visit in a week or two.

"Ekera, e Puka--Maku te tahi pu hei pupuhi mo Hiro, ma te kapahu ano e tika hei urungi."
Ne Wari."

"Sir, Father, the Baker--(Give) for me one gun (a book), to enable (me) to shoot Wiro (the Evil Spirit); as the compass truly sets straight (or guides) the rudder (or steerer)."
From Wari."

The words in parentheses are supplied. The Natives call a Bible, or Gospel, "a gun."