1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1841 - Australasia--New Zealand, p 511-519

The past year has been marked by many encouraging circumstances; and we have much reason to be thankful for the success of the Gospel among the Heathen, as well as for our own preservation. Our Lord's-Day duties have been regularly attended to; and instruction given on weekdays, at the Station, to those Natives who have visited us; and at their dwellings, as opportunities have offered. Public Service has been held, on Lord's Days, at Kaihiki, Warengaere, Patunui, and Tangitu. 1 Thirteen adults and two children have been baptized during the year: others are seeking to be admitted into the Church by the same rite. Most of the Natives of this place make a profession of Religion. The Baptized Natives in general,

however, have not made that advance and improvement in relative and domestic duties which we might reasonably have expected. The Natives are careless and indifferent about cleanliness, and look upon it as a trifling thing. Europeans in general, as well as Missionaries and Catechists, have urged the Natives to cleanliness, and have been at expense and labour in order to overcome their reluctance.

The Natives at Takou, Matauri, and the Ngaere, 2 have been visited, and some have been baptized. The Gospel is finding its way to every tribe, and to every family. May it find access to every heart, and cause the people to crown our Redeemer--Lord of all! ----- [Mr. John King.

The Natives in the Station, though few in number, have had the Means of Grace regularly afforded them on the Lord's Day and week-days. Their attention, I am glad to say, has, on the whole, been pleasing; and I would hope that they are making some progress in a knowledge of the Scriptures, and in their general conduct. With the assistance of my son James, I have continued to instruct the Natives residing on the Station, in reading the Scriptures, Writing, Catechisms, &c. The Infant School has not of late been well attended; provisions being so scarce, owing to the great influx of Europeans, that we have not been able to procure food for the children. Our average number has been about eight: these, with the Native Girls, are under the care of Mrs. Kemp, assisted by her daughter Elizabeth. They are instructed in reading, writing, catechisms, and sewing. I trust that the knowledge which many have obtained will be made a blessing to themselves and others, that so our labours may not be in vain in the Lord.

Our congregation at Kerikeri varies: at times our chapel is full, at other times but thinly attended: it being in a public situation, Natives who are on their way to the Bay, and who would not be able to attend any other place, are often present. Parties frequently come up the river to attend Service; and many, I trust, have been benefitted by the Means of Grace afforded them.

The Natives at the Out-stations in connexion with Kerikeri, viz. Tohoranui, Takou, and Waiaua, have been regular in attendance on Divine Service on the Lord's Day. I have also visited Tohoranui as frequently as my other duties would admit, to instruct them in the truths of the Gospel.

During the past year, the Ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been administered twice. Sixty-three Natives were admitted to baptism, most of whom had been candidates for a considerable time: there are others, who are candidates for that holy Ordinance. Sunday Schools are conducted by Native Teachers at the above places, and are, I trust, the means of much good. We would hope that the Lord is pleased to bless this day of small things. ----- [Mr. J. Kemp.

A Native Woman, named Mary Kapai, who has resided in our family for eighteen years and upward, was, after a lingering illness of six months, lately called to her last home. She suffered much in body and mind. Her example, for industry, cleanliness, and faithfulness, is worthy of imitation. At one time, she was under a strong delusion of Satan; but toward the end of her life she often said, "My Saviour never left me." I doubt not that her end was peace. She was much respected by all who knew her, both English and Native. She has left two little-ones, whom, I hope, we shall be able to train up in the right way.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been made known to the perishing Heathen, without much interruption. Our congregation has been large; more than our little chapel could contain. The attention of several to the Truth is very encouraging. Several additions have been

made to the number of candidates; and I hope that some of our members feed upon God's Word, and grow thereby.

Monthly visits have been made to the Natives of Matauri, Ngaere, Wainui, and Mahinepua, on the coast, and to the Natives contiguous to the Station. I trust the Natives at Matauri are advancing in the divine life. Some at Ngaere promise well: one has been admitted by Baptism into the Church at Kerikeri. A young man there told me, about three weeks ago, that he had been thinking very seriously of some observations which I made on a former visit; that he now knew that all earthly things have an end; that, however good they may be to-day, in a short time they will be worth nothing: "But," said he, "the Word of God continues good." This young Chief, before I left, gave into my hand twelve shillings, for three Testaments for himself and his friends, and one shilling for a Hymn Book. I called on Ururau about a week back. He expressed the joy he felt in the prospect of having a chapel near, where they might regularly attend Divine Service. Since the winter has commenced, the Pupuke, and other Natives up the river, have not been able regularly to attend.

I am happy to state, that a good number of Natives who have received books and slates from me have, by close attention, made considerable progress in reading and writing. The Schools in the Settlement have not succeeded so well as could be wished, for want of accommodations.

The Sunday Schools for adults and children have been pretty well attended, and have averaged from 200 to 300.

The number of persons who have been admitted to the Holy Sacrament is eight. During the year, seventeen adults and thirteen children have been admitted to the Ordinance of Baptism. The number of candidates for baptism is now considerable. One of them, a young woman, who could read well in the Testament, died last evening. Her stepfather says that her book was her daily companion. A little before her death, she said to him, "Will you continue stedfast?" She afterward called for "Mother"; -- the Natives call the Missionaries' Wives, "Mother," --and then said, "It is ended," or "It is finished," and spoke no more.

Instruments are being raised up from among the Natives of Wangaroa, who are not only willing but able to exhort their countrymen. James Kepa Tupe, Paora te Oka, with some others, are making themselves Useful. ----- James Shepherd.

Sept. 10, 1840--Upward of thirty Native Men have been received into the visible Church of Christ; of some of whom, I hope that they have been united to Christ by a living faith. The number added to the Church during the past year is between sixty and seventy. We have endeavoured to act with caution in the admission of Candidates into the Church. We have, in the first place, examined their knowledge of the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel; and, secondly, the conformity of their actions to these truths. We have made especial reference to my own actual knowledge of the Candidates, and particular inquiry of those established Christian Natives who have given instruction to their countrymen. The individuals whom I had concluded to put off for another opportunity were objected to by their Native Teachers.

We have commenced the erection of a chapel, twenty-four feet long by seventeen feet wide, about four miles from our present Station. It will be contiguous to the Pupuke Natives, and about the centre of the European population residing in Wangaroa.

Nov. 16 -- I trust we are advancing in the Missionary Cause. Some of our Christian Natives behave exceedingly well; and there are many candidates for baptism, some of whom, I have reason to hope, are sincere. There are, however, tares to be found among the wheat. The New Zealanders are only children of a larger growth: they require line upon line, precept upon precept.

Dec. 31 -- Upward of sixty Natives have been baptized during the half-year. Average number of the congregations:-- at the Station, 100; at Waipaipai, 120.

The Lord's-Day duties at Paihia have continued as usual, during the year. The Native Services are held at eight A. M., and at six P. M.; and an English Service at eleven A. M.

The Natives are assembled every morning and evening, at the chapel, to attend Prayers. The Bible Class has been continued, with little intermission. Of this we have good hope, many attending who are unconnected with the Settlement.

Eleven Native Girls have, during the past year, been instructed every morning, in the English Language, Reading, Catechism, and Accounts.

The Native Male School has met with much interruption, consequent upon the arrival of the Governor.

The Female Native School consists of the women and girls living with Mrs. Williams, and of occasional attendants not connected with the Settlement.

The Sunday School has been regularly continued. Average attendance; Males, 30; Females, 25; Infants, 14.

At Kororarika, still the residence of the Popish Bishop and his Priests, we have been enabled to continue two English and two Native Services. The attendance of both Europeans and Natives has lately very much increased, notwithstanding the efforts of the Papists to mar the good work.

At the Kauakaua, the congregation has increased to 300, and the attendants are regular. The Services at this place are held on Lord's-Day morning and afternoon, by one of the Christian Natives, or a Missionary from Paihia. From this place several Christian Natives proceed to the out-posts, every Lord's-Day morning.

The School has been chiefly confined to the Lord's Day, when all, both old and young, generally attend.

At Otuihu there has been a regular attendance of Natives for the greater part of the year; and a small boarded building, with a piece of ground, was purchased for the use of the congregation. Pomare strenuously opposed those Natives who inquired after the Truth, until his brother, the principal leader of this little band of Believers, and some others, left for Kaipara; since which time there has been a falling away.

At Owai, on the coast, near Wangaruru, there is an interesting party of Christian Natives.

Wangai, Waikino, Waiomio, Tirohanga, and Wangaruru, have been occasionally visited by ourselves and Christian Natives. Numbers continually come from a distance for examination, and we have great encouragement.

Numerous applications for books and slates have been made, by persons who have come from a distance for Christian instruction.

The number baptized during the past year is 100.

When we look at the number pressing forward for admission into the Visible Church, and consider also the universal demand for the Scriptures and instruction, the state of the Natives calls forth the astonishment of those who may be disposed to make any inquiry. Even the enemies of Religion bear an unwilling witness, in complaining, that such is now the state of things, that the Natives will do no work on the Lord's Day. ----- [Rev. H. Williams.

The number of baptisms during the half-year is 163.

In the course of the year 1840, many of the European inhabitants of Kororarika, feeling their own need of the means of Religious Worship, drew up and forwarded a Memorial, earnestly entreating that one of the Society's Missionaries might be located in that town, and engaging to subscribe liberally towards his support. It subsequently appearing that many Natives residing in that neighbourhood, and many others from the interior resorting thither for the purpose of trade-, are exposed to peculiar temptation, and at the same time willing and anxious to receive religious instruction, the Committee have, as a temporary arrangement, complied with the request contained in the Memorial; and, accordingly, the Rev. R. Burrows is, for the present, stationed at Kororarika.

On the Lord's Day, Native Service is held morning and evening, together with a Bible Class, at Waikare; and Morning English Service. I hold a Lecture during the week; and have devoted one evening to a Bible Class, finding it to be the most simple means of instruction for the Natives. I have several times visited Wangaruru, Owai, and the Natives of the Rawiti; and have received a number of visits, for instruction. The Day Schools have not been attended with regularity, owing to the people being scattered among their plantations. The Infant School at Owai is promising, and the Sunday School has been well attended.

From the number admitted into the Church by baptism, the labours of the Christian Teacher are increased. The social and relative duties of the Christian have to be exhibited, and any deviation from those duties reproved. There is, we thank God, much to encourage. Scriptural Knowledge is increasing; so that good must follow, and the name of the Lord be glorified.

Many circumstances have occurred during the past year, which will have a lasting influence, either for good or evil, on the future destinies of the Natives of this country. Our Country has taken possession of the Islands; and we have seen great efforts made to establish Popery and Infidelity in the land, and to disseminate the soul-destroying seed among our followers.

An unprecedented number of Candidates for Baptism have presented themselves; and far more than usual have been admitted to partake of that Sacrament. Though we can by no means say that these Christian converts have attained a high moral and religious standard, yet we see them maintaining a consistent deportment; shewing, by their reverence of the Lord's Day, their diligent use of the Means of Grace, their keeping the Commandments, and putting away heathen practices, combined with great love for the Word of God, that they really have the fear of God in their hearts.

During the year, the new Church has been put up and roofed, so as to allow of Divine Service being held in it.

The number of adults received into the Church at this place, by Baptism, during the year, is 560, and 199 children, including six Europeans; making a total of 765. The Native Communicants have averaged 200, and the European 18. Two English Services have been given every Lord's Day, at which there has been an average attendance of 80.

It has afforded us much pleasure to remark the holy jealousy of the poor Natives, lest they should partake of the Lord's Supper unworthily. Their consciences being extremely tender, they are not satisfied until they have unburdened themselves to us; and though they highly esteem the privilege of attending the Lord's Table, they often forego it, through fear of partaking unworthily. We have had much to encourage us. The Church of Christ is extending: its foundation is a rock, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. While it is our privilege thus to behold the advancement of the Gospel, we have still no reason to glory, but much to keep us humble, and to cause us to ascribe all honour and power to our adorable Redeemer. ----- [Rev. R. Taylor.

June 30, 1840 -- From the scarcity of labour, we have this season not been able to sow more than twenty acres of wheat. The Mill is still in charge of Mr. Wilkinson. During the year ending June 30, 71,525 lb. of flour were made; the principal part of which was used in the Mission, and by the mechanics and other

labourers connected with it. A considerable quantity of wheat was also made into flour for Natives and others.

For some time there has been much excitement among the Natives, from the introduction of the British Government: and although they have been treated, by his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, with the greatest lenity and tenderness, yet they appear paralyzed. Scarcely any wheat has been sown by them this season; and every effort to arouse them to this important duty has nearly failed. But these discouraging circumstances will, I hope, prove only of short duration; as there can be no doubt of the progress of true Christianity in the district.

The School for Women and Girls, which has been kept by Mrs. Davis and her daughters, has fallen off during the last six months, from many of the Natives having left the Settlement.

Dec. 31, 1840--My catechetical duties have been much improved during the last half-year; partly by Mr. Clarke's removal, and partly by the extended influence of Religion. My Lord's-Day duties have been principally confined to the Waimate Congregations. I have also held Service at Toutoka, Mawe, Pirikotaha, Mangakauakaua, Kaikohi, Mangakahia, and Otaua; and other outposts have been supplied by Native Teachers. My son William has attended to the Lord's-Day duties of the district of Taiamai, and has also instructed the Natives during the week.

My Week-day Meetings were, for some time, confined to Tuesdays; but as the number of Natives increased, I found it necessary to divide them, and to set apart Wednesday also for their instruction.

It appears that, chiefly owing to the misrepresentations of some ill-judging or evil-designing Europeans, several of the Native Chiefs have betrayed symptoms of uneasiness, on account of the cession of the Sovereignty of the Islands, and the assistance which the Missionaries afforded to the Government in that necessary transaction. These feelings have been manifested by increased thoughtfulness and suspicion on the part of the Natives, and, in one or two instances, by a disposition to commit acts of open hostility. The death of a Native Girl in Mr. Clarke's house, after a very short illness, furnished an occasion for one of these outbreaks, in which it is to be regretted that some of the Christian Natives joined.

June 11, 1840--The Natives are in a disturbed state, in consequence of an Infant-School Girl, who died on Lord's-Day morning, at Mr. Clarke's. A few days previous, some disagreement having taken place among themselves, she ran away. Mr. Clarke sent a man to bring her back, and the Natives attribute her death to the violence used by the man, in effecting his object; but the child doubtless died from a severe cold, which she took in consequence of it being a very wet day when she left Mr. Clarke's house.

June 19 -- This morning, a hostile party from Kaikohi arrived, led by John Heke. They made some very hard speeches against us. I saw that the poor creatures were under a delusion of the great Enemy, and that they could only be met in the spirit of Christ. Much forbearance was necessary. They found some difficulty in getting up the party, which was principally composed of the worst people. It was, however, painful to see them headed by a Baptized Chief, and many of the baptized among them. They had begun to suspect that we were in league with Government to take their country: this idea they doubtless got from Europeans. There certainly was much plausibility in some of their remarks; but, by a little management, combined with much forbearance, we were enabled to settle the point. They ordered all our working-people to leave us: should they do so, it will involve us in difficulties. After the matter was over, we sent them 100 lb. of flour from the mill, and Mrs. Clarke gave them some sugar; so that they soon appeared to be happy.

March 12--I went early to Taiamai, and found two fighting-parties in the field: peace between them was however restored, through the agency of Christian Natives. Some Natives, who were on their way to Taiamai to settle a point in dispute, which had originated solely with some Europeans, were met by another party, who fired upon them from three

directions at the same time--mercifully, without effect. Much forbearance was manifested by the party thus assailed; which I attribute entirely to the influence of Christianity, as it was headed by some very determined men. They, the attacked party, wished me to accompany them to Taiamai; for although peace was made, yet they had much reason for suspicion. After having seen them safe among their friends, I visited the Natives who had committed the assault. They appeared glad to see me, and expressed their surprise that I had not arrived sooner. They said, that having their enemies within their reach, they were tempted to fire upon them; but that if a Missionary Father had been at hand, to have held them back, they should not have done so. I told them, that had I heard of it yesterday, I should have been with them. Amongst these people, Religion has little or no influence.

Aug. 12, 1840--In visiting the sick, I found Timothy, a Chief, in a melancholy state. He said that his heart was the only part affected; and that was in consequence of his people having believed in God only with their lips, while their hearts were with the things of the world. He expressed a strong desire to be relieved from the burden of sin, and to depart and be with Christ. He asked, in the most simple manner, for the medicine which Europeans used to destroy life. I thus perceived the delusion under which he was labouring. I spoke of Christ to the poor man, who was truly hungering and thirsting after Him, and left him much refreshed.

Feb. 2 -- At Toutoka, my congregation was large; but at Mawe, small. I spoke affectionately to them at both places. Oh that those dear friends, whose hearts have been made to bleed on account of what has appeared in print against us and our Mission, could have witnessed the manner in which I was surrounded, on my road home, by those whose object it was to speak on religious subjects! It would have cheered their hearts, and called forth praises to the God of Glory.

Dec. 15--I met a large party of Natives, including Mihi, the widow of the late Chief of Ohaeawai. She has long been the principal support of Popery in her tribe: may she be taught by the Spirit of the Lord! Sixty-nine people stood up to read the Scriptures: among them were three children of the three leading Chiefs of Taiamai. These young people had attended no school, nor had they been taught by Europeans; yet they read as well as any that were present. A grey-headed old woman read so fluently, that I thought she knew by heart what she repeated. In order to ascertain this, I gave her a passage, which she read with equal fluency.

Dec. 20 -- At the Lord's Supper today, 381 Natives partook of the Holy Elements. Our new Church could not hold the congregation: a hundred or more were at the windows.

Dec. 27-- This morning, 101 Adults were admitted to Baptism: the congregation was much larger than the Church could contain.

Dec. 21--I met the Otaua and Kaikohi Tribes, and others; and spoke to them seriously on the subject of their declension. They acknowledged their fault.

Hill remarked: "What you say of us at Kaikohi is very true. We have become forgetful. We have divided: some of us remain at Kaikohi, and some have gone to Punaketere"--a place about five miles south of Kaikohi. "A person at Kaikohi takes his fishing-tackle under his arm, and says to his wife, 'Take the children, and let us go to the river.' There he builds his temporary hut; shoots a pigeon, as bait for his eel-pot; and digs a hole, to put his fish in as he catches them. It is night: he sits down by the deep water. Having caught some eels, he goes to his family: the fish are cooked -- they are sweet to the taste. He lies down to sleep, he awakes, he hastens to his fishing again. He forgets the book, which he put behind one of the stakes at the side of his temporary dwelling: he neglects prayer, and grows cold." -- Another observed: "This is true; and while he remains in this state of forgetfulness, no strength gets possession of the soul, which soon brings forth a host of wicked children, such as, angry words, lying words, adulterous thoughts, &c."

Coleman observed: "I was brought up in great wickedness, as I have before told you. My father, at the earliest stage, began to teach me how to commit deeds of darkness. Whole nights were spent in teaching me incantations: this was done in much secresy. As I grew up, I put them in practice, and was pleased to have

it in my power to destroy whom I thought proper: in this way I destroyed many. I was thus proceeding, when Broughton first took the Word of God to Kaikohi. I heard him speak the first and second time without effect. I went to the assemblies of the people, when they met for prayer; but it was to practise wickedness. Thus I proceeded, until Abraham came, and spoke to the people. I went to the assembly, and heard him say, 'Fear not: lay hold on the saving Word. Admitting that you are persecuted, or even stripped of your possessions, your souls cannot be injured thereby. Those who persecute you, together with all who will not believe, will be bound after death in the fire of Hell; but you will be saved therefrom.' These words alarmed me. I said, 'This is doubtless true: it is dreadful to be burnt: and, as he says those who believe will be saved, although they may be murdered here, I must consider on this subject. I know my father has been a murderer, and I have been a murderer: a time of retaliation may soon come, so that I must know more of the nature of this belief.' I attended Morning and Evening Prayers regularly; but was not satisfied. I went to live with you, in order to know what believing, so as to be saved thereby, was. You often gave a good word to others, and encouraged them; but for me you had no word of encouragement. You said that I was a very wicked man. This did not discourage me: I persevered, and have been enabled to proceed thus far. At present, I feel strengthened against sin; but I have weak parts."

During the past year, 154 adults and children have been admitted to Baptism, and about 80 to the Lord's Supper. We trust that the greater part of them, from their attention to the Means of Grace, are making progress in the divine life.

On Lord's Days, the Service has been read morning and evening at the Settlement, and in the villages in the vicinity. The average attendance at our chapel has been between 300 and 400. Sunday Schools for men and women have been regularly continued.

The Schools for Native Men and Boys have been attended to by each of us in turn; but the attention of our Natives to the schools has often been interrupted by events which we could not controul.

Many of our Natives are continually leaving us for months at a time, because they cannot meet with that employment and remuneration which they can obtain at places where Europeans are numerous. We think, that although at present our Natives have not suffered much from the excitement which is caused by the influx of so many Europeans, yet ultimately they will be in great danger of losing that simplicity of character which they not long since so pleasingly possessed.

Our Settlement Natives have, during the last year, been severely taxed with the carriage of timber for the new Church. We are thankful to add, that it is now weather-boarded, and the roof completed: we hope in a few weeks to make use of it for Divine Service.

With regard to the outward prosperity of the Natives, we believe their state to be much improved. Since they have changed their diet, they have had much less sickness, and but few deaths have occurred. A great number of children have been born during the year, and very few have died. Many Natives have reaped much advantage by growing wheat.

A married woman, Alice Pua, lately died in the Lord, full of faith and hope in that glory which awaits the righteous. She had been a great sufferer for two years; but she fed on the Word of God as her portion, and there was scarcely a part of the Testament with which she was unacquainted. We could not visit her without admiring the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, toward her, was indeed very abundant.

Our prospects of future usefulness are, upon the whole, cheering, should it please God to continue us to labour here. In conclusion, we praise the Lord for what He has done, and desire to trust Him for that which is to come. ------ [Mr. Wm. G. Puckey. Mr. J. Matthews.

During the last twelve months, we have had great difficulty in raising our Church; being obliged to bring our timber four miles and a half, and there not being a horse-road to the place. The Natives

have very willingly brought all on their shoulders, until lately, when their patience became exhausted. We cannot complain of their backwardness, every other Station having either water-carriage or some other conveyance: indeed I must say, with thankfulness, that the Lord has very much blessed us in our Natives.

Our Chief, Noble, has become quite a European in his habits. He has a neat little weather-boarded cottage, which is furnished with tables and chairs like our own; and his food is much the same. He has purchased tea, sugar, and rice, from the European Settlers; and is as cleanly, with his wife, as any white persons, and in all respects as comfortable. He assembles his servants, and the people about him, morning and evening, for prayer; and all his concerns are conducted with the utmost order. His Excellency Governor Hobson has just visited this place: he, with his suite, supped at Noble's, and was vastly pleased with him.

June 30, 1840--At Waro we have met with considerable encouragement. A party of sixty, who bad embraced Popery, have now become attendants on the Means of Grace. I have visited this and other parties on week-days, to hold meetings with them for religious instruction.

During the half-year, I have visited the Natives of Oruru, Parapara, and Parakerake; and am thankful to say, that, from the cordial reception with which I have met, I have reason to hope good has been done, and that a blessing has attended our labours.

Dec. 31--The newly-printed portions of Scripture, containing part of the Books of Daniel and Jonah, are highly esteemed by all who can read. There are nine Native Teachers, living in distant villages, for the purpose of teaching their fellow-countrymen to read the Word of God.