1889 - Wilson, J. A. Missionary Life and Work in New Zealand - APPENDIX

       
E N Z B       
       Home   |  Browse  |  Search  |  Variant Spellings  |  Links  |  EPUB Downloads
Feedback  |  Conditions of Use      
  1889 - Wilson, J. A. Missionary Life and Work in New Zealand - APPENDIX
 
Previous section | Next section      

APPENDIX

[Image of page 104]

APPENDIX.

I.

EXTRACTS FROM FAMILY LETTERS.

From Captain Borlase, late of the 2nd or Queen's Own Regiment:

Fareham, 23rd March, 1831.
My dear Sir, --I dare say you have been wondering that I should have allowed your last to remain so long unanswered, but I have not been unmindful of you and of your wishes during that time. I have been making inquiry as to the possibility of getting you ordained, or employed as a missionary, which, I believe, has been your object. But, first of all, with respect to the idea you formed of getting into the army. Certainly it is possible to practice righteousness, and but barely possible in that service, except you are the chief, or your commanding officer is religious; otherwise there is no certainty of your being allowed to address the sick in behalf of the Saviour and of their own souls.

Upon receiving your letter I began to make inquiries, and a kind friend recommended your getting to St. Bees, which is a sort of minor college, but upon further information it was found undesirable, and now a friend of mine has offered to make application to the Church Missionary Society for you to be employed by them, if you will allow it to be done. Should you therefore think it right, I beg of you to let me know, and in the same letter write (not for my information, but theirs) your age, marriage, children, etc., etc., in fact, everything, particularly your studies, that can assist in giving you qualifications for the office.

And now, dear sir, I must commit you to the care of the Almighty Father, who is ever ready to help in the time of need, to whom we have always access through the Son. . . . I hope your mother and the family are well; my kind regards to them. Also my Christian regards to your wife. --I remain, my dear John,
Your faithful friend,
C. BORLASE.

Mrs. Wilson's last letter home: --

Tauranga, September 20th, 1838.
(Received 10th May, 1839.)
My dear Parents, --It is a very long time since I wrote. Various have been my hindrances. We have had a great deal of sickness in the family this winter; indeed, as fast as one has become convalescent, another has become ill. A species of erysipilas has been epidemic among the natives, also a severe sore throat, and Europeans have suffered much also. The sore

[Image of page 105]

throat has been through our family. I have had it twice, the second attack much more severe than the former. John is now in a convalescent state, but much debilitated. The warm weather is beginning, and I hope we may have no more returns. You would see in the papers of the death of good old Mr. Marsden. He died lately in New South Wales of erysipilas. He was upwards of eighty. He had been a shining light for many years amidst a crooked and perverse generation, for no one now can tell what vexations he had to contend with in the first colonization of that place, with scarcely any one but convicts and liberated convicts.

I received your letter the other day, and it gave me no small pleasure to find you were all well, although you had such a severe winter. Our Lord is very merciful, and does with each affliction give its comforts. Yes, we have, although tried in various ways, many earthly comforts, and above, yes, far above the greatest earthly comfort, a hope full of joy and immortality, a home in heaven which we shall never quit, an eternal rest for the people of God, whose partings shall be no more.

I have been anxiously looking out for some time for Charles, 1 as I had great hopes from your letter that he would have come this way, but begin to despair of seeing him again, as September has arrived, and I fear he has joined his regiment before this, without taking us in his road. I cannot help feeling disappointed, and have been looking out for him by every vessel for some time. About a month ago a man-of-war brig lay off, and sent a boat on shore with the commander to see how we were getting on with the natives. When I saw the boat coming, I felt confident that Charles was in the boat, but it was not so. I have still a hope that he may have got an extension of leave.

You mention in your latest communication that you have removed into the rooms which were formerly occupied by Mr. and Mrs Wilson. I am very glad you have done so, not only because they are, I should suppose, more commodious than those you have left, but because I can imagine my father and mamma sitting beside the fireplace, and Jane making tea, and Charles entering by the folding doors bringing some news to amuse you all; and it is pleasant to be able to know every place where you frequent, your garden, etc., and on the Sabbath, before we retire for the night, I think, "To-day, I know what they will be doing. They are preparing to go to church," and in thought I follow you there as I lie in bed awake. May our prayers ascend together to the Throne of Grace that every day, not the Sabbath alone, be spent to His glory, who hath done so much good for us, even redeemed us not only from the punishment of sin but from the power of sin, so that those who are indeed born again are indeed His children; look to Him in every affliction as unto a father, and are sincerely grieved when they offend, and pray for the influence of His Holy Spirit against their besetting sins. I know you will say, "Come, Anne, do not preach us a sermon." No, my beloved parents, I do not wish to do so, but I cannot help mentioning those things which lie nearest my heart, both for you, myself, and my dear boys. I have now four dear children; my fourth, little George Alfred, is getting a fine little fellow; he is very fair, with blue eyes, and light hair. I wish that you could see him.

You mentioned that you do not understand how we live here. We break

[Image of page 106]

fast at eight, after breakfast prayers, at ten the three eldest boys go to school (Mr. Brown, Mr. Stack, and my husband keep school alternately by weeks, and Mrs. Brown and myself alternately each afternoon); I then proceed to see about household affairs, to teach the girl how to cook the dinner, make beds, clean, sweep, and those that understand to see that they are employed at their various occupations (we make all our own bread and butter). I have no employment which requires strength, but constantly have to keep them to their work, as I find they are very like some dancing-dogs my mother used to talk of; as soon as their master turned round they would be on all-fours; so it is with the natives, if you are not always saying, "Do this," "Now do that," and seeing that it is done, they will sit down on the ground round a bit of fire, and talk and eat potatoes and maize all day. At twelve we dine, at two the European children come to school. We drink tea between four and five, have prayers about seven, when the two younger boys go to bed, John and Charles sit up till eight, and we retire ourselves at ten o'clock.

I have now given you a general outline of our day. John has various occupations. He is employed all day either seeing to his natives, visiting the sick, or in the garden with the children, and his evenings are usually employed reading to us.

My health continues delicate, the pain in my side still continues to trouble me at times. It is a complaint in the heart; I have no hopes of a permanent cure, although I feel it is a duty to use every means. John is always very kind so that I have very little trouble of any description. We have a very nice large garden, which I enjoy greatly, and, although I have a baby, John never allows me to nurse him. A native woman, who nursed Hawker, carries him all day. I wash and dress him of course.

You ask if the Society made any difference towards us from our receiving things from you. -- Not the slightest. Our salary is fixed, and our rations according to the size of our families. Our natives are fed, clothed, and paid by the Society. When the Society sends "articles" out to us we are charged for them, but it is a very great convenience to us, as, by their buying such a great quantity, the articles are so very much cheaper than anything we can purchase here. Indeed where we are we cannot purchase anything. Miss Marsden has been kind enough to purchase some things for me at different times, and though things are expensive there (Sydney) yet they are cheaper than here.

I as well as John are anxious to lay by some money to put into the Colonial Bank at Sydney, where they give no less than sixteen per cent. I know some here who have money lodged there, therefore can depend upon the statement. A little placed there for our children would accumulate into something about the time they will want it.

We are looking out for the box you mention, but I am very vexed with mamma. She does not mention having sat for her picture. I am very glad papa's likeness is coming, which I feel quite impatient to see. Yet I hope you, my dear mamma, and Jane will oblige me in that way also.

John begs to thank papa for his kind letters, and with sincerest prayers, both for health and happiness, temporal and eternal,

I remain, your affectionate daughter,
To Major HAWKER.
A. C. WILSON.

[Image of page 107]

II.

MISSIONARY PAY AND ALLOWANCES.

In reply to a note asking information regarding the pay, etc., of missionaries, the following answers were received:--

Te Ahu, Mission House, Kaitaia, Dec. 26th, 1887.
Dear Sir,-- * * * I arrived (in New Zealand) March 26, 1832. At that time the salary of single laymen or catechist (so called) was £30 per annum; a married couple had £50. I believe that the ordained were allowed at the rate of £80. All children received a good and free education, with board. Children under school age had each £10 allowed. After that £18 was allowed for each child (son or daughter) up to the age of fifteen. This allowance was fairly liberal, but as the children grew up the "pinch" came. There is no doubt that the Church Missionary Society did their best by their "settlers," as they were at first called.

The rations, when I came, were called "the soldier's ration," being 8lbs. of flour per week for a male, and 6lbs. for a female, with half ration for each child up to seven or eight years of age. There was an allowance of sugar and tea of the commonest kind. The tea was nicknamed "posts and rails." Soap was also allowed as a ration, but if mustard, pepper, vinegar and other luxuries were required, these had to be purchased from the mission store. An order from the local committee could he obtained for common clothing, carpenters' tools, nails, etc., etc., at the rate of 25 per cent. To the rations I should have added there was a full allowance of pork --no beef or mutton for many years as a rule. --Very sincerely yours,

JOSEPH MATTHEWS.
To Mr. C. J. WILSON, Howick.

Auckland, January 24th.
My dear Wilson, --I am sorry that I cannot throw much light upon the matters under your thoughts. I arrived in New Zealand in the beginning of the year 1835, Matthews, I suspect, in 1833, or 32.

I forget all about the rations, etc., and can only recollect that travelling expenses were allowed, but cannot recollect how much. About the cow 2 I have no recollection. I daresay they got one at the north. We in the south got our supplies irregularly from the north. We had a store from which we paid for food and labour.

Matthews' memory seems far more exact than mine, and I should be sorry to pledge myself to any details. I think that an apprentice fee of £50 was given each child on reaching a certain age. --Yours truly,
E. MAUNSELL.

On the 9th January, 1861, Mr. Wilson received the following note from the Governor, in reply to his request for the release of the prisoner Te Wihona (Hone te One). See page 81.

Dear Sir, --I am very much obliged by your valuable letter, and shall take the liberty of sending it home, to which I hope you will not object.

[Image of page 108]

We have agreed to release the prisoner as you desire, and send orders to that effect by this mail....
Believe me,
Yours very truly,
T. G. B.

I ought to have thanked you for your valuable services, which I do sincerely, and value them very highly.

Epiha's letter of invitation, received January 12, 1861 (referred to at page 87): --

Na Epiha Tehu
Kia Te Wirihana te tangata pai rawa. E hoa tena koe, kua tae mai tau reta ki a matou. E hoa kahore he ritenga mou, ki a koe to wakaaro, ki te pai koe ki a haere mai e pai ana ko koe anake, kaua he Maori, kaua he Minita ko to kotahi anake.

Kati. Tena koe ki te pai koe apopo tou ra ki haere mai koe.

Whakahokia mai ano te pukapuka nei.

Kia Te Wirihana.
Minita.
Kia te Taone.

Otawhao, June 17th, 1861.
My dear John, -- . . . When I reached Ngaruawahia I was received very well by the natives, but was too late for their meeting. I then came on to this place, and have just returned from Tamahere, the Waikato settlement of Ngatihaua. W. Thompson had left for Matamata, but his people becoming pleased with my explanations, etc., in reference to the Governor's letter, and also to events that had taken place at Taranaki, wished me to follow him. However, as I had neither food nor clothing with me, and as there was every appearance of rain, I was obliged to return to this place, and I arranged with Piripi that I would return as soon as the weather cleared. I hope to set out to-morrow. All are agreed that the future of the natives in this part of the island depends on Thompson. It is therefore of the greatest importance to see him, as the last hope of peace. The natives may break down at the last (I find their losses have been very severe); they wish for peace, but the peace must be on their own terms, they do not give up a single demand....

I find travelling about rather expensive, the £5 I brought with me, with the exception of 10s., is already expended. I should be obliged if you would ask for the quarter's rent of my house, £16 5s. I want four or five pounds sent me by the first post....
Your affectionate father,
J. A. WILSON.

--------------------------------------



III.

Copy of despatch from Governor T. Gore-Browne, C. B., to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K. G.:--

Government House, Auckland, New Zealand,
May 4th, 1861 (received July 22nd, 1861).
My Lord Duke,--I have the honour to bring to your Grace's notice the valuable assistance which I have received from the Reverends J. A. Wilson and J. Morgan, members of the Church Missionary Society.

[Image of page 109]

Mr. Wilson undertook to visit the different chiefs in the Waikato, in the hope of inducing them to spare the lives of men wounded or taken prisoners, and was in a great measure successful. He then visited the insurgents at Taranaki with the same object, and very narrowly escaped assassination.

The deep interest he takes in the welfare of the Maoris, and his kindness to their sick and wounded at this time, is admitted by all who knew him.

When I last visited Taranaki he was good enough to delay his intended departure for Europe in order to go there a second time, and his influence (always used for good) was of very great use to me.

Mr. Morgan, who resides in the midst of the Waikato, and whose whole life has been spent in promoting the welfare of the Maoris, still thought it consistent with his duty to them and to Her Majesty's Government to keep me acquainted with what passed among the insurgents in his immediate neighbourhood, and I have often received from him the only information from that district upon which I could depend.

These gentlemen have not desired peace less earnestly or cared less for the interests of the Maori race than those of their brethren who have placed themselves in direct opposition to the Government, and who have, I fear, endeavoured to lower Messrs. Wilson and Morgan in the estimation of the Church Missionary Society.

It is for this reason that I have troubled your Grace on the present occasion, trusting that you will be good enough to communicate with the Society, and assure them that the services of these excellent men have been such only as are, in every sense of the word, consistent with the Gospel of peace which they preach.

These gentlemen, like many others who agree with them in supporting the Government, were among the first of the missionaries who came to New Zealand. --I have, etc.,

(Signed) T. GORE-BROWNE.
His Grace the DUKE OF NEWCASTLE, K. G., etc., etc.

Extract of enclosure in the Governor's despatch; report by D. McLean, Esq., Native Secretary:--

Auckland, May 1, 1861.
Sir,-- * * * The Rev. J. A. Wilson, of the Church Missionary Society, who on a former occasion used all his influence to introduce a feeling of humanity towards prisoners and wounded among the tribes engaged in hostilities, afforded me the most valuable assistance and advice whilst at Taranaki. --I have, etc.

(Signed) DONALD MCLEAN,
Native Secretary.
His EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

-------------------------------------



IV.

EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS.

Taranaki Herald, New Plymouth, N. Z., January 19, 1861 (from leader):--

A very natural and healthy mistrust is felt of the interference of

[Image of page 110]

unauthorised private persons in any matter of grave national importance. The interviews of Mr. Cobden with the French Emperor, the meddling letter of the Liverpool merchants to the same potentate, were greeted by the voice of all Britain as sickly fruits of a one-sided civilisation. There was something unmanly and impertinent about those proceedings, and in general it must be said that the dealings of the missionary with the natives in arms against the Queen's authority is of this character. When the Government of a country take up the sword against any refractory part of the community, the time for the exhortations of the preacher has passed by. No Government can tolerate that any of its subjects should act as neutrals. When a missionary persists in reading Church services alternately beside Marsland Hill and at Mataitawa, or in attempting to negotiate as a disinterested though benevolent spectator, he exhibits a want of good citizenship--an unwillingness to accept his own modest place in society--that is instinctively perceived to be inconsistent with sober Christianity.

But it would be going too far to say that no individual may with propriety undertake any dealings with the Maori taua at Waitara on any subject or under any sanction whatever. It is said there can be no treating with rebels with arms in their hands. But without stopping to dispute the saying, in simple fact we have not to do with rebels, at all, but with a spirited race of men who, however misguided, are fighting for an idea--men not destitute of faith and high feeling, and it may be that even now; something of the self-restraint and judicial character which distinguishes English warfare from Maori butchery, may have reached the minds of these people, who have been feeling about after the light. A definite, simple attempt to lead them to adopt some of those redeeming practices that enable men of the highest class of mind to adopt the trade of destruction, if carried out in sincerity and honesty, it is not for any Englishman to scoff or rail against. It is a matter naturally rising out of the war and peculiar to it. Such we believe to be the object which has brought down to this settlement the Rev. J. A. Wilson, a Church of England missionary, who has spent a quarter of a century in New Zealand, and acquired, as the best authorities state, a knowledge of the Maori habits and character such as very few possess.

Mr. Wilson has resided in Waikato, and also to northward of Auckland. While visiting the Rev. John Morgan, of Otawhao, he heard from the lips of some of those natives who returned with the spoils of our out-settlers, the dismal tale of Puketakaure. They confirmed the conjecture that every one must have made, distinctly stating that at least several of the poor fellows who were left on the field survived the retreat of their comrades for hours and even days, and finally were killed in cold blood. Mr. Wilson endeavoured at once to show the truth of the distinction which civilised people make between slaughter in and after battle. He suceeeded in opening the eyes of Wetini Tiporutu, who has since fallen at Mahoetahi. That chief, whom he describes as an enthusiastic and straightforward man, promised his help in reforming the savage custom of his race. Mr. Wilson has come down to Taranaki, and sought out the hostile camp, at no little risk to himself, in the furtherance of the same idea. He has the sympathy of the Government, if not their distinct sanction; and if, as we have great confidence, he has laboured with straightforward simplicity for this end and

[Image of page 111]

this only, we are constrained to give him our cordial good wishes for the result, although our fear is greater that our hope. Such reforms are not generally extemporised, but are a part of "the long result of time." The Waikato chiefs, with one exception, have, however, agreed to promote a more humane practice. Instead of tomahawking the wounded, they agree to take prisoners, 'and to treat them kindly, or exchange them. The men of the South, true to their old character, refuse to do otherwise than their fathers have done before them. They come out to kill, and everyone with white blood who falls into their hands they promise to kill without distinction.

It is said by persons, whose judgment weighs much with us, that Mr. Wilson's attempt is in advance of the people he has to deal with. That in reference to our settlers and troops, it is an idle expectation that they will fall in with such benevolent purposes; that, on the contrary, they will be irritated by the appearance of sympathy with the enemy, and rather stimulated to violence than mollified by the example. The giving back of the Waikato prisoner, which was intended as a pledge and evidence of our humane disposition, it is said, is resented as a wrong by the brave men who captured him, and, as a wrong, will be visited on further unfortunates. A few fretful persons may threaten this, but most brave men are neither vindictive nor unjust. If the policy of the act in question was bad, clearly the fault is not with the insurgents, but with our commander who sanctioned, and Mr. Wilson, who probably recommended it. It will be monstrous to retaliate it on the enemy.

It would, indeed, be greatly to be regretted if our men were seriously capable of such violent views, and, seriously, those who think them so, put our civilisation too low. What the men of Waikato are able to reach cannot be an idea too refined and noble for men of the nation foremost in sobriety and humanity. Without indulging in any cant, there is enough that is respectable in the Waikato's desire for national independence to find forbearance, if not respect, from every British subject. Mr. Wilson does not defend this present insurrection; he does not, as some of his profession have done, shut his eyes to the substantial justice which everyone of the race has had from us and our Government. But neither he nor any of us desire to see a war of extermination; and those even who may think Mr. Wilson's course injudicious, will not allow his error to drive them into a reaction, mischievous to our race, and fatal to that with which, under God's providence, we have been placed in contact.

-------------------------------



Southern Cross, Auckland, New Zealand (leader article) Tuesday, 22nd January, 1861: --

In the account of the capture of the Matarikoriko pa, which appeared in our issue of the 4th, a sentence occurs which would lead one to believe that it was the opinion of men at Taranaki, that but for the advice tendered by the Rev. Mr. Wilson a complete victory might have been gained, and the defenders of the pa have been cut off from escape. Such an idea has, we believe, taken root here, and some odium has attached in consequence to a

[Image of page 112]

gentleman, whose motive in going to the seat of war, and conduct there, require to be only known to be appreciated.

Unfortunately, for some reason or other, upon which it is not necessary to enter here, a strong feeling against missionary influence exists, evincing itself of late more particularly in a jealousy of anything like interference on the part of the clergy between the authorities and the natives. It is a painful subject to allude to, but we are not surprised at the existence of this feeling. From high places there has been denunciations of the acts of those in authority, and of all, who hold that obedience to the laws of Christianity and civilisation must be sometimes enforced with the strong arm. The soldier, on the eve of proceeding to the seat of war to fight in accordance with those oaths of allegiance and obedience, which all Christian men have always held to be strictly and morally binding on him, has had an opportunity of hearing from the highest authority, that he is going to take part in an "unholy war," a most consolatory announcement to a man about to do his duty at the risk of his life. He feels himself stigmatised as an unholy instrument of sin by men to whom he ought to be able to look for guidance and assistance in his endeavours to do his duty bravely both as a Christian and a soldier; and both he and the rest of the community cannot repress their indignation. It is not strange therefore if those not much given to draw distinctions as to men or actions should arrive sometimes at rash conclusions in reference to the influence and motives of the missionaries in this island. We have heard expressions made use of in the heat of discussion, which we should he sorry to repeat: and which probably the speakers themselves would regret to hear repeated: sweeping propositions which would punish all for the follies of a few. One misguided man is pointed out, or one act of clerical influence quoted, and the conclusion immediately drawn ' ex uno disce omnes.

Under these circumstances it requires some boldness on the part of a clergyman anxious to do his duty fully without exceeding those just bounds which it becomes him to respect, even to run the risk of appearing to touch on forbidden ground. The more however is he to be respected if, with full confidence in his own integrity and straightforwardness of purpose, he does not allow himself to be influenced by the fear of what men will say, but goes directly forward and does his duty. Such, we conceive, were Mr. Wilson's motives in going to Taranaki, and we believe that those at the seat of war best able to form an opinion, are not only convinced that he has acted as a conscientious Christian minister, but recognise likewise his exertions as a loyal British subject, and the benefit which has accrued from them to the cause of humanity and civilisation. War teaches lessons of good as well as of evil, and it will not, we hope, be considered paradoxical to assert that the spirit of peace is often most effectively taught in the school of war. If the natives learn to act with humanity after battle, and to abandon their old customs, arising from passions which have remained dormant merely in consequence of their not being excited; which no civilisation, no mills, no blankets, no flour and sugar, not even the reception of the abstract truths of Christianity will effectually eradicate, but which are best preached against by practical acts of charity and self-devotion; the present war will not remain without fruit, and those who have laboured in bringing about such a change in the native mind will have done an amount

[Image of page 113]

of good too great to calculate. If we look at the history of Europe we shall find that peace would have become merely a hollow deception, and good feeling between rival nations a miserable hypocrisy, but for the stern lessons in truth and manhood taught on Christian battlefields. The courtesies of war lead to the amenities of peace; the shams of a spurious peace often conceal feelings which, on the slightest provocation, show themselves in their true colours--savage and inhuman. Our Northern war has left behind it a kindly feeling between European and Nga Puhi, whilst the Waikatos, with whom we had never before fought, commenced the present in the spirit of a Hongi and his followers. They are beginning, however, to change already; the foremost amongst those who deserve credit for having done their best, if only to make them recognise the spirit of European warfare, is the Rev. Mr. Wilson, and in doing so he has had personal danger to contend with, and what is often more feared by brave men, obloquy and the danger of being misunderstood.

Without going further into the subject of what has been recently done at Taranaki, or criticising the acts of our gallant Commander-in-Chief, we need only mention that we have authority for saying, that in the Rev. W. Wilson he has near him an able and trustworthy man, whose advice and promptness of action have not a little contributed to save losses and secure advantages to her Majesty's troops, and who, by his very presence on the field, has done much to evoke the better feelings of the Maoris arrayed gainst us.

------------------------------------------



Extract from leading article, Southern Cross, 10th February 1864:--

After a great deal of trouble, and running frightful risk, Mr. Wilson succeeded in persuading the majority of the Waikatos to promise that the would spare the wounded; and to this compact (as far as we can ascertain) during the remainder of the war they honourably adhered. All honour to Mr. Wilson.

-------------------------------------------



V.

THE RESCUE OF THE REV. T. 8. GRACE. When in March, 1865, the news arrived in Auckland of the martyrdom of a missionary, the Rev. Carl Volckner at Opotiki, and that another missionary, the Rev. T. S. Grace, was a prisoner in the hands of Kereopa; Bishop Selwyn and some of the clergy met at Parnell to determine what steps should be taken for Mr. Grace's rescue. They could determine nothing and were, as one of themselves said, nonplussed. In their difficulty Mr. Wilson suggested that the Bishop might ask for H. M. S. Eclipse to visit Opotiki. To this it was objected that the Eclipse was under repair and could not be had in time. Mr. Wilson pressed that she be asked for. He thought she could be got, and as he knew the Opotiki natives he stipulated that he should be of the rescuing party. Captain Freemantle and the Bishop were soon under weigh for Opotiki, but Mr. Wilson was left behind. --ED.

[Image of page 114]

VI.

IN MEMORIAM

The Rev. John Alexander Wilson, who died June 5th 1887, at Mount Aubin, St. Helier's, Jersey, was the second son of Captain J. A. W. Wilson, 2nd or Queen's Own Regiment. He was born in at Ipswich, June 15th, 1809, and entered the Navy (1822) as gentleman volunteer, his only exploits in which were the capture of a pirate in the Gulf of Campeachy, and the rescue by the boats of the British fleet, at Lisbon, of the King of Portugal out of the hands of a faction. In 1828 he married Ann Catherine, second daughter of Major Francis Hawker, 12th Dragoons, and in 1832 he joined the New Zealand mission under the Church Missionary Society; of that time till 1862 his journal speaks for itself. Mrs. Wilson died at Tauranga in 1838, leaving four sons.

In February, 1862, after thirty years absence, Mr. Wilson visited Europe, and at Copenhagen, by special license of the King of Denmark, married secondly, June 19, 1863, Charlotte Jane Emma, second daughter of Captain Digby Dent, R. N., by whom he had two sons and three daughters. Mr. Wilson finally left New Zealand in 1866, and his connection with the C. M. S. closed January 21, 1868. For some years he resided at Pau and afterwards in Jersey, at both of which places he took occasional clerical duty.

"Counting all things here but loss.
Riches, pleasure, as but dross,
'Neath the shadow of Thy Cross.


Printed by H. Brett, Star Office, Shortland and Fort Streets, Auckland.

1   Charles Hawker, her brother.
2   Each child received a heifer through the Church Missionary Society from the Rev. S. Marsden.

Previous section | Next section