1852 - Barrett, A. The Life of the Rev. John Hewgill Bumby - CHAPTER VII. HIS LAST DAYS.

APRIL 23d, 1840.--I embarked on board the Wesleyan Missionary ship "Triton," accompanied by the Rev. Messrs. Buddle, Buttle, Turton, Smales, and Aldred, with Mrs. Buddle and Mrs. Turton, for New-Zealand; the Rev. Messrs. Wilson, Kevern, and their wives, for the Friendly Islands; and Mr. and Mrs. Williams, for Feejee.

The morning was fine, my wife and several members of our family, with the Rev. Messrs. Turner, Longbottom, Manton, and many other friends, accompanied us down the Derwent, when we sang a hymn; Mr, Turner commended us in prayer to the care of Him whom winds and seas obey, and we parted: a time not to be forgotten! At seven P.M. we had tea; and, after reading the Scriptures and prayer, made an arrangement for our regular devotional exercises, &c., and spent the remaining part of the evening in adjusting matters in our berths, &c.

24th.--All the passengers sick.

25th.--Out at sea, sickness unabated, with unpleasant tossing to and fro.

Sunday, 26th.--Few at the prayer-meeting; no other service, so many sick. During the week, we had ship's rolls in abundance. I read to the brethren various official documents relating to Missions; and urged on them the great importance of circumspection, as Missionaries to the Heathen, &c.

Sunday, May 3d.--Heavy gale. I preached sitting, holding myself by the table: the congregation were like Welsh jumpers, but not voluntarily so. The subject was Peter's love tested, and Christ's authority given him to feed the lambs and sheep: both essential for Christian Ministers!

4th.--We got sight of land near the North Cape of

New-Zealand, having drifted, while lying to, all Sunday and Sunday night.

From Tuesday to Thursday we were dodging about the coast. Our leisure time was employed in surveying the natural scenery, and in examining the erroneous maps and charts.

7th.--Crossed the Hokianga bar at four P.M. Immediately the wind ceased: we cast anchor in the narrows, with an ebb tide. The situation of the ship not allowing any seamen to man the boat, I got three New-Zealand lads, whom we had taken from Mr. Turner's, at Hobart-Town, and two of our brethren, to take me in our boat, in search of Mr. Martin, the pilot, who, we soon learnt, was ill in bed. Night was overtaking us, but a boat was seen at a distance, under sail. I directed them to pull with all speed, when, to our great joy, we found it was Mr. Hobbs, who, having seen a vessel, as he feared, on the rocks, and thinking it might be the "Triton," was making his way to her. I entered his boat, and quickly reached the ship, and found Captain Young, the other pilot, on board, who soon succeeded in bringing her into a place of safety. I then went with Mr. Hobbs, and reached his house about eleven P.M., where a hearty welcome was given me by his excellent wife. We talked about things new and old till one A.M. A ship's mattress was then placed on the table in the middle of the room; and, having had little sleep for several nights, I stretched my weary limbs, anticipating a comfortable time; but the rats, as though it had been the dawn of their jubilee, were merrier than welcome. I looked, like the watchman, for the morning; and no sooner did the day dawn than I rose from the table, girded myself, and, having implored the blessing of God, walked into the bush, where I was greeted by a powerful native, finely tattooed, whose eye beamed with delight: he accompanied me to a native hut, where having room to stand, I judged it

the best position to maintain a freedom from vermin. I gazed on a group of human beings, men, women, and children, the horizontal position of all of whom was immediately changed, and each seemed desirous to be first in shaking hands. The effluvium was sufficiently powerful; and one woman, who appeared to have forgotten the days of ablution, scraped a raw kumera, of which I ate a little, and then endeavoured to point them to the God and Father of the spirits of all flesh. I then returned to Mr. Hobbs's house, and he accompanied me to the "Triton," where we took breakfast, and proceeded in his boat to Mangungu, a distance of twenty miles, up a beautiful river, skirted by the picturesque scenery of nature, bold and imposing. The native lads rowed as if for life and death. When we neared the station, the lads made the hills to echo with sounds of exultation. My old and beloved friend, Mr. Bumby, and others, welcomed me to their abode, where all were in health; and, having done justice to wholesome food, I was much interested in seeing native canoes coming towards us in every direction. We had a prayer-meeting in the evening.

9th.--Mr. Bumby being busy, I went among the natives, Mr. Woon being my interpreter. Men, women, and children came to shake hands with me, some saying I was their great Bishop; others, that I was their exceeding great father. Two or three of the leading Chiefs, surrounded by a great number of natives, formed a circle. I sat down, while they, in blankets, and at full length, were reclining on the left elbow, except the Chiefs, who sat on their heels, with keen eyes, and pierced me through and through. They were delighted to learn that I had a wife, ten children, and a grandchild. Mr. Woon told them that I was "the General Superintendent," &c. This appellation Thomas Walker, the Chief, termed, kai taiki, signifying "protector or keeper;" and said, if I

was their keeper, I ought to bring Mrs. Waterhouse and my family, select a piece of ground, build a house, and learn the language, preach the word, meet classes, and keep supplies for the people, and then I should indeed be their keeper. Mr. Woon said, I was also kai taiki of the Missionaries. The Chief said, that was very good. He then said, "Before the Missionaries came, we went to all parts of the land, to kill and devour our countrymen. My hand was against every man, and every man's hand was against me. I delighted in the blood of others, and never went forth but to scatter, tear, and slay; but since I heard of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, I have desired to publish peace, and have gone to different parts of the land, to persuade the people to turn to God." He then appealed to a Chief belonging to another tribe, with whom he used to contend, for the truth of his assertion; and added, "That Chief has now given up his heathenish practices, and wishes to be baptized, that he may get rid of his old name, and have a new one." When I rose to leave them, they wished me to sit a little longer. I did so, and expressed the pleasure I felt in witnessing the triumphs of the Cross.

The Roman Catholics are doing all that flesh and blood can do to beguile them from their simplicity. Ebenezer, a native, was printing off some books at the press, in Mangungu, the other day, when some of the Bishop's people (the Papists) passed by, and laughed at him for attaching himself to our Mission. He looked at Mr. Woon while they were mocking him, and quoted that passage of Scripture, "For without are dogs." There is a shrewdness about them; but the power of habit forms a great impediment in the way of Missionaries. The natives love to herd together; and to induce them to practise European customs will be very difficult.

Sunday, 10th.--I am fifty-one years of age this day; a poor, feeble worm of the earth! O Lord, be Thou my

helper! At nine A.M. I attended the adult school, and was delighted to hear the natives read so well, and to witness their general good conduct. At ten, the large bell rung, and the chapel was immediately filled. Some of the hearers were wrapped in blankets; a few were attired in European dresses: but their tastes differed as to the mode of putting them on. Some had coats with one sleeve in front, and the other in the rear, fastened by a hook-and-eye to the collar, the front opening to the right side: some had a harmless feather in the hair: but all of them seemed devotional. The Liturgy was read; and the responses seemed delightful, beyond anything I had heard in England. Mr. Hobbs preached, evidently with great readiness, and a holy unction, which his congregation felt. I then addressed them, and Mr. Hobbs interpreted; and having engaged to preach to the Europeans the following Sunday, Mr. Buddle attended to that department in the afternoon; and Mr. Creed conducted the native service in the evening, much to his credit: afterwards Mr. Ironside married a couple robed in their blankets. Much, very much, has been done for this degraded people; but much more is wanted for the best of them.

11th.--I attended to various matters belonging to the ship, and made arrangement for expediting our voyage, the circumstances of several of our party requiring haste.

12th.--I went with the Mission-party to Mr. Mariner's, a kind friend, about a mile from the Mission-station; and returned to dine at Mr. Bumby's, where ample provision was made in memory of my birthday, and the greatest kindness was shown me by all parties. To live in their affections is pleasing. While singing in our social circle at night, a native exclaimed, "Mr. Woon's voice is like the westerly wind! it blows strong!"

13th.--I spent the morning in filling up my journal,

and in addressing a few hurried lines to the Committee. We held a prayer-meeting in the evening.

14th.--I spent the morning in adjusting matters in my cabin, and ascertaining from Mr. Buller the state of things at Kaipara. We breakfast at nine, and dine at four; so that our mornings are long. Miss Bumby has to provide daily for twenty of the Missionary party: she does it with great cheerfulness, and in a manner highly to her credit.

15th.--The morning is very wet. I had arranged to go to Waima, Mr. Warren's station, distant twenty miles; but am hindered. At five P.M., the rain having abated, I set out, accompanied by five of our party, and three native lads, in a small boat. Leaving the Hokianga about five miles from the Mangungu station, we entered the Waima river, beautifully skirted on either hand with fine scenery, but wanting the industry of man to make it profitable. We passed several native villages, their huts being faintly discovered by the shining of the moon. Their attention was attracted by our singing, and at the last place a signal was given for us to go to the riverside: immediately two powerful natives sprang into the boat; we shook hands heartily with each, and, when they learned that we were going to Mr. Warren's, they became our pilots. This was the more acceptable, as the river in this part is remarkably serpentine, and not one of us knew the locality of the house; besides, we were thoroughly saturated with the heavy showers that had fallen, except those who were fortunate enough to have their Mackintosh cloaks. Between eight and nine o'clock we landed, wet and weary, as each had in his turn assisted in rowing; and were led through the bush, which was almost flooded with water,--the reeds, rushes, and brushwood relieving themselves on our garments of the superabundance of wet that had fallen. Being near the house, we stopped and made the hills echo with

these words, "My God, the spring of all my joys," &c. Mrs. Warren had heard us, Mr. Warren having gone to bed. At last we obtained shelter, with a joyous welcome; but we had no fire, there being no chimney in the building. We went to the adjoining hut, where their victuals are cooked by a fire in the middle of the room; which having no chimney, the smarting of our eyes in consequence of the smoke soon compelled us to retire; and, Mr. Warren's house having only two rooms, we occupied one without furniture, and they the other. Mrs. Warren had been only a fortnight confined: I was much afraid of her being injured, especially as she was so concerned that they had no bread or meat to set before us. After a while, the natives brought us a large pan full of potatoes and kumeras: upon these, with the addition of tea, we made our supper. The establishment not being supplied with a complement of spoons, &c., for so large a party, we lent each other a friendly aid; and closed the day with reading and prayer. The floor was to be our bed; and, living in good fellowship, each man used his discretion in the selection of a place; I, as the senior, being allowed a mattress. Being young travellers, we had taken no blankets with us; and, our coats and cloaks being wet, we were a little at a loss. Mrs. Warren kindly lent me a flannel sleeping-gown; and, being in the posture in which persons usually repose, we looked for "tired nature's sweet restorer:" but the buzz of mosquitoes gave the alarm, and the black jumpers made our bodies the place of their merriment. Nor did the solemn hour of midnight remain undisturbed: the goat, feeling the cravings of nature, pushed at the back-door which was supported by a piece of wood; it fell, and without ceremony she came to eat the Indian corn on which one of the brethren slept, and then retired. At four o'clock we girded ourselves, and prepared for another day's toil. A little after seven we breakfasted on

pork, potatoes, and tea; and, having engaged in family devotion, made our way to the boat, which we found in safety. Having come to the residence of a heathen Chief, who had visited Mangungu a few days before to see me, we went ashore, and were welcomed by him and his tribe. Mr. Buller addressed them, and they seemed greatly interested in what he said. On bidding them farewell, each seemed anxious to shake hands. Several were venerable with age, having the marks of ancient warriors. On re-entering the boat, we united in hymning the praises of God: they all arose, their countenances beaming with delight; and when we had done, they waved their hands, which was returned by our party till distance removed us from their sight. At two P.M. we reached home in safety, our appetites being no worse for the journey. In the evening the candidates for baptism were examined, and an animated and powerful address was given by Moses, a Chief from Waima.

Sunday, 17th.--At nine o'clock I addressed the natives outside the chapel: Mr. Buller interpreted. They said it was good, and wished me to continue; but the chapel-going bell reminded us of the hour for public worship in the house of God. Immediately the place was filled, and many were compelled to remain outside. I counted six hundred natives in the chapel. At prayers the responses were as delightful as on the former occasion. Mr. Buller preached; after which, Mr. Ironside read the Baptismal Service, and asked the usual questions. Ninety persons presented themselves, as candidates, each holding a paper on which was written the name which they had severally chosen. Each name being announced in order, I applied the water, Mr. Bumby pronouncing, in their own language, "We baptize you," &c. Nor were we forgotten in the names which they had chosen; such as John Waterhouse, &c. I addressed them on the necessity of their seeking a new heart, now that they

had received a new name; and showed that, being now professedly Christians, they must seek to possess the Spirit of Christ, to imitate the example of Christ, and keep the sayings of Christ.

At two o'clock our native lovefeast began: the chapel was crowded, and about thirty spoke with great fluency and animation. When one was closing his testimony to the efficacy of the Gospel, another sprang from the ground like an arrow from a bow; not a second of time was lost. At half-past four, I addressed them again on relative duties; and, having to preach to Europeans at five, we parted. We had a good company at the English service, composed of the Missionary party, the settlers, and natives. I felt much freedom in preaching from Isaiah lv. 8--13. Mr. Bumby prayed; and we repaired to the Mission-house, sang a hymn at the request of the natives, conversed on the interesting day we had spent, read the Scriptures, prayed, and then retired, thankful to God for all His mercies.

18th.--I conversed with several of the Chiefs, and made some arrangements for the subsequent part of our voyage. I met the brethren in the evening, read over the "Twelve Rules of a Helper," and delivered some general remarks on the work of the ministry.

19th.--I addressed the following letter to the Governor:--

"TO HIS EXCELLENCY CAPTAIN HOBSON, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF NEW-ZEALAND.

"SIR,--I had intended waiting on your Excellency, in company with my honoured friend the Rev. J. H. Bumby, to express our satisfaction and pleasure in your appointment to the onerous office of Lieutenant-Governor of New-Zealand, and to assure you that it will at all times be a pleasure to the Wesleyan Missionaries to further your benevolent designs.

"I am on my way, with five additional Missionaries, to Kama, Taranaki, Kapiti, and Port-Nicholson; then to the Friendly Islands, where I place some others; and finally to the Feejee Islands. The circumstances of their excellent wives will not admit of any delay: this will be a sufficient apology to your Excellency for our not doing what, under other circumstances, we should have felt it to be our duty and honour to do.

"I therefore, on the behalf of the Rev. J. H. Bumby, our chief Minister in New-Zealand, and the fifteen Missionaries under his care, beg to assure you of the cheerful co-operation which they will afford by any influence they can exert for the accomplishment of the important objects you have in view.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your Excellency's faithful servant,
"JOHN WATERHOUSE.

"Wesleyan Mission-House,
"Mangungu, May 19th, 1840."

At noon the "Triton" weighed anchor, and, the wind being unfavourable, she dropped down the river about a mile the first tide. I remained on shore, and addressed a letter to the Committee.

20th.--Seven A.M. The "Triton" went down in the night-tide; so that Mr. Bumby and myself must proceed in a few hours.

It was amusing to see their various tastes in dress. John Wesley had trousers on; then a shirt over them; and a waistcoat over his shirt, the laps hanging down like a surplice. Many of them have the tooth of a pig for an ear-ring.

The native huts are formed of a few rough posts, on which the roof rests; and then they are covered with a kind of reed or strong grass, the sides being made of reeds. The ground is their bed, a native mat or blanket

their covering. There is a small opening at one end for ingress and egress, a fire in the middle, but no chimney; so that you have the benefit of smoke as well as heat. They herd together in a disgusting way; and various troublesome nuisances are the consequence. Their food consists of potatoes, kumeras, and roots of various kinds. The native oven is a hole dug in the earth, of the shape of a basin, about eighteen inches deep, and three or four feet in diameter. This is filled and heaped up with wood, small stones being placed on the top. The wood is burnt to ashes, by which means the stones become very hot. The stones are then taken out, and water poured on the remainder; immediately all is covered with a species of green wet grass or fern. The pork, fish, or whatever the food may be, is then put in, and the hot stones are placed on the top, and the kumeras or potatoes over them; the whole is covered with grass or native baskets, and buried with earth until no steam is seen to escape. In this state it remains, until the bursting forth of the steam through the covering of earth is the signal for the appetite having a speedy supply. More generally, however, vegetables only are the food which they are able to provide. I partook of some of their kumeras thus cooked: they were beautifully done, and the natives seemed much pleased at my eating with them.

21st.--I left Mangungu yesterday at three o'clock in a boat, and reached the "Triton," about twenty miles down the river, at eight P.M. This morning, the wind being unfavourable, but the weather fine, we went on shore, and, after considerable fatigue in perambulating the country, reached the residence of Captain Young, our pilot, where we had comfortable refreshment. In the afternoon we went, with Mr. Bumby and several brethren, to Mr. Hobbs's house, and thence to a heathen village called Paknai, situated near a lonely valley which they had cultivated. They had been urged to embrace

the Popish heresy: the result was that they set themselves in array against every form of Christianity. I urged one of the Chiefs to come to Christ, the Saviour of the world: he replied, "Give me plenty of tobacco, and then I will believe strongly!" Their state is deplorable.

We walked round the Mission-ground, containing from fifty to one hundred acres, and much valuable land. If Mr. Hobbs had a yoke of oxen and a plough, he would teach the natives to cultivate land,--a most desirable thing. We took tea with Mr. and Mrs, Hobbs, and returned to the vessel.

22d.--The wind is still unfavourable. We had a ramble on the sand-hills in the morning: in the afternoon we went to examine the flag-staff, a miserable-looking thing; and called, on our return, at Omarapirai. We ascended a steep precipice, and were welcomed by the Chief and others. He told us, he had buried ten children, and that he loved Jesus Christ. We sang a few verses, with which they all seemed delighted: we then returned to the ship, and, at two in the morning, crossed the Hokianga bar.

23d.--We are now out at sea, amidst an almost entire calm; but several of our company seem disposed to be sick.

Sunday, 24th.--The morning is favourable. Mr. Bumby preached an encouraging sermon on the doctrine of Divine Providence. Mr. Ironside preached in the evening. Towards midnight the wind increased nearly to a gale. We were about twenty miles from Kawia. It continued for thirty-six hours: all the passengers were sick. Three men were stowing the jib, when, by a sudden jerk of the ship, they were all thrown into the water; but, each retaining his hold, they rose unhurt. For the last twelve hours, we had little prospect but of a lee-shore on an iron-bound coast. At length the wind took a favourable change; and, on Wednesday morning,

we found ourselves driven back nearly twenty miles south of Hokianga. We tossed to and fro till Thursday morning, not knowing whether it would be best to go round the North Cape to the Bay of Islands. A little before seven A.M. I called the Captain up, and had a consultation with him and Mr. Buck, the chief Mate: his views were exceedingly gloomy. I said, "Well, come! we must have a little faith, and its legitimate fruit, works." After pausing a little, he said, "Come then, Mr. Buck, about ship." Immediately the wind became a little more favourable; and at five o'clock that evening we crossed the bar at Kawia, and at six anchored in safety, with dreadful weather out at sea. The Captain came to me, and said, "Sir, I am much obliged to you for the self-possession you displayed this morning, and the advice you tendered. Under God, we are indebted to you for our safety this night." As I had felt great diffidence in speaking to him on the subject of our making another attempt to reach Kawia, such a declaration was the more gratifying. We sang our usual doxology, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," &c.; and at the family altar, "This, this is the God we adore," &c.

29th, Royal-Oak day.--We feel thankful to our heavenly Father that the "Triton" and all hands are in safety. Last night we had torrents of rain and awful lightning, with the wind dead on the shore. Mr. Bumby, having gone, on our coming to anchor, with the whale-boat and native lads, to Mr. Whiteley's, returned this morning; and about eleven a.m. I went with him and Mr. Whiteley to the Mission-house. A hurricane overtook us: it was awfully grand, but we were held in safety. Mrs. Whiteley gave me a hearty welcome, which, with a good fire of wood, a sharpened appetite, wholesome provision, and a cheerful and thankful heart, made it a paradise. When at dinner, the floods de-

scended in a manner I had rarely seen. The vessel, I understood, was awfully shaken. Towards evening, the weather became more favourable; and I took a bird's-eye view of the surrounding scenery,--wild and beautiful, far, very far, exceeding that of Mangungu.

The Mission-premises are delightfully situated; and the house, when finished, will be a plain, comfortable building, with patriarchal simplicity in its furniture and inmates. Three of the brethren came in the evening: the Prophet's small room was my abode, with a hard, thin mattress. Mr. Bumby and the other strangers were in another room; but our supplies would only allow of a blanket between them and the boards. The new comers felt it rather hard; but indulgence is not the order of the day. Their appetites, however, were not lost: the breakfast reminded us that they were in unimpaired vigour. About eleven o'clock the preceding evening, I felt an involuntary shock, like the sudden lurch of a ship; and as Mr. Whiteley had been telling me that they had experienced this year three slight shocks of an earthquake, I concluded it to be one. In the morning Mr. Whiteley asked if I had felt it: several others gave testimony to it, so that my opinion was confirmed.

30th.--The weather has become more favourable. Some of the bedsteads, mattresses, &c., have come ashore: all hands are at work to provide for the females, who must all, for the present, sleep in one room.

A Chief from Autea has come to me for a Missionary. I never witnessed such pressing importunity. I reasoned on my inability to meet his case; but he met me, on every turn, in a most acute manner, sticking to his text better than many Preachers. If he had been seen and heard in an English congregation, the result would have been to his heart's content. Missionaries and books are matters of urgent desire. Send them Testaments. "Pook-a, Pook-a," is the constant cry.

Joseph Whiteley, a Christian native, was engaged as our pilot at Kawia. He slept on deck with the other natives, who were accompanying Mr. Bumby. On our coming to the bar at Kawia, Joseph felt all the dignity of office, and pointed out admirably the shallows, mud-banks, &c.: his services were valuable. He made his demand for remuneration; and, on paying him, I wished to have a receipt from him; of which the following is a literal translation:--

"Received the shillings of the Waterhouse by me, eight shillings, a payment for my piloting the ship here. This is all my speech to you, O my Chiefs!
"From JOSEPH the Pilot."

Sunday, 31st.--We went with Mr. Whiteley to Mahoe, in a boat, up the Waiharakeke river about six miles. The scenery was lovely; and there were wild ducks in abundance. The natives assembled in a large building: the earth was our pulpit, seats, &c. There was a small door-way, but no windows. Most of the natives, on coming in, fell on their knees; and, having performed the silent part of their devotions, they sat partly on their heels, their knees supporting the breast, while every eye was fixed on us. Mr. Whiteley read prayers: harmony and heart went together, as usual, in their responses. I addressed them, and Mr. Whiteley interpreted. The stillness and attention of all was pleasing, especially in the boys and girls from two to eight years of age. All seemed thoughtful and devout. At the close, an interesting man and his wife came with their child, wishing it to have my name; which was given him in baptism accordingly. Returning down the river, we called at a heathen village: they flocked round us to shake hands. But one tall woman, about fifty years of age, without a moment's notice, placed her nose on mine, with her powerful arm

round my neck, making at the same time a plaintive noise. Thus, unexpectedly, I passed through the ordeal of rubbing noses; and hope now to be, like the man who has once crossed the Line, freed from any similar operation. I endeavoured to point them as sinners to Jesus Christ, and then we hastened homeward.

In the afternoon we had native service at Kawia: the congregation was not so large as usual, on account of the heavy rains that had fallen. Mr. Bumby gave out the hymn; Mr. Whiteley prayed; and I addressed them through the medium of Mr. Whiteley, who concluded that part of the service with an exhortation. George Morley, one of Mr. Bumby's native men, engaged in prayer,--humble, fervent, solemn, and impressive. Mr. Ironside had preached in the morning.

At half-past five P.M. I preached in Mr. Whiteley's house to the Mission-party, a few Europeans, and the sailors; and endeavoured to encourage the brethren by remarks on Psalm cxxvi. 5, 6: "They that sow in tears," &c. We partook of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper together, and found it a profitable season. The Missionaries here need much encouragement. Before embarking in such a work, they should all (men and women) accompany John the Baptist into the wilderness, and, taking his life for their rule, count the cost; then they will be happy with hard work and coarse fare, in circumstances more trying than any English Minister can conceive. But it is a delightful work. If I were young, I should prefer it to all others. However, I am highly honoured in being permitted to do and suffer a little.

Monday, June 1st.--We had wet weather, and were employed in facilitating our departure. In the evening Mr. Wallis arrived, having come at considerable risk of health.

2d.--We have much rain, and are still engaged principally in arranging the berth vacated by Mr. Buddle for

myself, the stern-cabin being so excessively uncomfortable.

3d.--The rain continued. I had a meeting of all the brethren, and determined on Mr. Turton going to Autea; by which arrangement, the Chief of that place (of whom I wrote on Saturday, the 30th ult.) will have his wants supplied. Mr. Turton will have access to about a thousand natives, and will also have the advantage of Mr. Whiteley's judicious superintendence. I also accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Buddle, and Mr. Wallis, about six miles by water. Mrs. Buddle was then put in a chair, and carried, on the shoulders of natives, a two days' journey through the bush to Wangaroa. She would have to sleep in a native hut, without table, stool, or candlestick. They have taken a small mattress, and will gather a few ferns on which to place it. She wept much at our parting; but was by no means discouraged, beyond what any female, under her circumstances, and in such a situation, would have been. A thirty miles' journey, chiefly through the bush, in the depth of a New-Zealand winter, for a delicate female, expecting soon to be a mother, is no trifle. Thou God of Missionaries, vouchsafe to defend her!

4th.--The rains still descend. A company of Christian natives, with their Chief, William Naylor, have arrived on their way to Taranaki as peace-makers; a large party having gone before them, to claim Taranaki as theirs by right of conquest. They surrounded us while we sang, to their great joy, "Soldiers of Christ, arise," &c. I then told them, through Mr. Whiteley, we were glad they had abandoned their former warlike practices; and we hoped they would now become valiant soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and be rendered successful peacemakers on earth. They then entered their canoes, and proceeded on their journey, while we all united in preparing for our departure.

5th.--We have constant rain. The weather has been rainy ever since our arrival, the roads all but impassable, and we are all hurrying to depart. I am wet from morning to night, more like a farmer half-buried in mud, than a Minister. But we are all on our Master's business, and cheerful as larks. Had I not counted the cost, my harp would have been hung on the willows.

6th.--All hands are at work preparing to weigh anchor. Mrs. Wilson is very seriously ill, and we are quite at a loss what to do. Mr. Wilson wishes me to take on myself the responsibility of saying whether she should go forward with us, or be left at Kawia. Every view of the subject is perplexing; but I am most inclined to our taking her again on board, as she says she is quite as well at sea. At eleven A.M. we left our kind friends, and Mrs. Wilson was taken in a chair to the "Triton." We soon dropped down to the Heads. Mr. Bumby is with us.

Sunday, 7th.--The weather being once more fine, and wind favourable, we determined, on account of Mrs. Wilson's state of health, to take advantage of the flood for crossing the bar: consequently, at nine A.M., Mr. Bumby went in a boat for Mr. Whiteley. Mr. Williams, myself, Mr. Buck, (the chief Mate,) and the second Mate, went in another boat, to take the soundings; which proved to be vastly important. We returned at half-past nine. At half-past ten we commenced service; and Mr. Bumby preached on St. Paul's lesson of contentment. About one o'clock we weighed anchor, and, with smooth water and fair wind, crossed the bar, without feeling it. Six P.M. out at sea. We held a prayer-meeting, to thank our heavenly Father for past mercies, and to implore His continued aid. This has been a lovely day; a delightful contrast with the preceding wet, dull, gloomy weather. As we were getting under weigh, I received the following letter:--

"WANGAROA, June 5th, 1840.
"REVEREND AND DEAR SIR,
"As you so kindly expressed a wish to hear from us on our arrival at Wangaroa, I send to inform you, that we reached this place about six o'clock last evening, in perfect safety, and thankful to God for His care over us. It was a very fatiguing journey for Mrs. Buddle; but she kept up her spirits to the end; though, on our arrival, she was completely exhausted, and obliged to retire immediately. We slept at Autea the first night, in what they call a chapel; and, our circumstances being new and strange, we had but little rest. The insects almost worried us, and the pigs were grunting about all night, we being separated from them only by Mr. Wallis's tent, which he kindly lent us. It was impossible to rest much: however, we felt thankful for a place of shelter. We started again yesterday morning, about nine; and, after encountering many little difficulties,--as heavy showers of rain, sticking fast in bogs, rolling down in the mud, &c.,--we arrived safely. You can form no idea of the state of the road. I think, if I had seen it before, I durst not have attempted the journey with Mrs. Buddle at present. However, we are both thankful that we have got home. Mrs. Buddle, I am happy to say, is not any worse for the journey. We received the greatest hospitality and attention from Mr. Wallis, and met with a cordial reception from Mrs. Wallis. I have no doubt we shall be very comfortable with them. We shall ever cherish a grateful remembrance of your fatherly kindness, and look forward with pleasure to the time when we hope to see you again. Mrs. Buddle joins in love to you.
"From yours most affectionately,
"THOMAS BUDDLE."

8th.--The wind is favourable, but the rain is excessive. Mrs. Wilson has vomited blood several times, which has

thrown a gloom over us; but her calm resignation to the will of God, under the most trying circumstances, is very pleasing.

9th.--The wind, on the whole, is favourable. Mrs. Wilson is no better.

10th.--We passed the Hokianga, the wind being moderate. Mrs. Wilson is no better. I asked her if she felt a firm repose in the merits of her Redeemer. Her reply was, "O yes!"

11th.--About three A.M. Mrs. Wilson was delivered of a son still-born. The child Mrs. Kevern took into her berth, and watched over it, though no symptom of life whatever appeared: it was then placed in my cabin. About five o'clock other favourable circumstances were reported of Mrs. Wilson, and we began to hope the worst was past; but her extremely weak state made us rejoice with trembling. Being now abreast of the "Three Kings," at the north extremity of New-Zealand, with a strong wind in a direct course to the Friendly Islands, I asked the Captain whether it were practicable to put into the Bay of Islands, as Mr. Wilson would, if possible, (on account of his wife's extreme debility,) wish to obtain medical advice. He and Mr. Buck (the Mate) said, "It is utterly impossible with this wind to work into the Bay of Islands." About mid-day, unfavourable symptoms presented themselves; and I was hastily called below deck to minister spiritual comfort. I said to her, " My dear friend, we had hoped your heavenly Father would have spared you a little longer to us; but we are compelled to give you up. Under these circumstances, I may ask, 'Is it well with you?'" She said, with placid firmness, "Yes, it is." Mr. Wilson, with indescribable feelings, asked me to commend her spirit to God. This I endeavoured to do as far as feeling would allow utterance in prayer. Her husband went out to weep; when, in perfect recollection, she gave a look as if anxious to

see him. Mrs. Kevern called him in; but her eyes were closing in death; and, with some difficulty, she united her almost palsied fingers together, and lifted her feeble hands in prayer, while without a struggle or a groan her happy spirit took its flight to God. Nor did we wonder at the peaceful end of such a saint: hers was a meek and quiet spirit, seldom equalled. This event took place about a quarter before two o'clock P.M., in 32 deg. 14' south latitude, and 175 deg. 20' east longitude. We removed the body into the stern-cabin, and employed the carpenter to make a substantial coffin.

12th.--We have no prospect of reaching land, which would warrant our attempt at keeping the dead bodies; so that our only alternative is, to commit them to the silent deep as soon as possible. Under the valuable superintendence of Mr. Williams, a strong, neat coffin was made, covered with white calico, and on the breast a crown, under which was inscribed, "Sarah Wilson, aged 27, 1840." The mortal remains of Mrs. Wilson being placed in the coffin, and her babe resting on her breast and right arm, all was made secure, having iron in the foot of the coffin, and holes perforated in the side, to sink it. The coffin was then brought upon deck, and put on a board, one end fastened to the ship's side, and the other to the drip-stone case. I then read the Burial Service; and concluded by saying, "We now commit the mortal remains of our friend and her child to the great deep, until the sea shall give up her dead." Immediately the bodies were let down, and, in a few seconds, sank to be beheld by us no more.

We now endeavoured to console our bereaved friend, to whom creation seemed a blank, and darkness all around. Recovering a little from the shock, he took refuge in the promises and grace of Christ, and had his spirit refreshed by unforbidden access to the Fountain of living waters.

WAIMATE, July 11th, 1840.

MY DEAR MISS BUMBY,
I CANNOT refrain from writing a few lines, to sympathise with you in the great loss which I have just heard you have experienced, in the sudden removal of your dear brother. I trust, in this your season of trial, you will be supported by our heavenly Father; and, while you mourn for your loss, will not grieve as those who have no hope, but richly enjoy the consolations of religion, and now experience how substantial they are when most needed. Allow me, then, as a Minister, to comfort you with the hope, that the termination of your dear brother's earthly career is the commencement of his heavenly glory; that he has fought the good fight, and finished his course with joy, having died at his post; and that henceforth there is laid up for him a never-fading crown. Still these earthly bereavements darken our joys, though but for a time. The heavy cloud must pass away, and reveal the refulgence of our heavenly Lord, to lighten our path. Our days are but as a span; and when we feel it to be the desire of the heart to spend and be spent in the service of God, then we can rejoice under all His dispensations: even when He shortens our course, we know He orders all things for good. May this feeling afford you consolation, and bear you up under the present apparently heavy dispensation of Providence: though we are yet constrained to acknowledge, whilst we are in the flesh, we have the feelings and infirmities of the flesh. Accept, then, these lines as the breathings of a heart which most sincerely participates in your sorrow; and that the God of all goodness and mercy may be with you, is the fervent prayer of,
Yours affectionately in the Lord,
RICHARD TAYLOR.

MY DEAR SIR,
IF you should have an opportunity, shall feel much obliged if you will forward the enclosed letters to Captain Symonds. I should have left them yesterday, but did not think of it. We are about to try to reach home by way of Wangarei.

With many thanks for your kindness to a stranger in a strange land,
I am
Yours affectionately,
JOHN H. BUMBY.
The Rev. -- Fairburn,
Mission-house.

WAIMATE, July 12th, 1840.

MY DEAR SIR,
I forward with all possible dispatch the accompanying packet from Mr. Fairburn, which, I deeply regret

to say, contains tidings of the most painful nature to you all.

On my arrival at the Thames, with His Excellency the Governor, we were deeply afflicted at the news of the death of our greatly esteemed friend and brother Mr. Bumby, who was suddenly removed from us by one of those mysterious Providences, to be cleared up hereafter. Mr. Bumby, it appears, left Waiheke on Friday, the 26th of June, in a large canoe, which we learn upset off Tiritiri-matangi; but you will learn all particulars from Mr. Fairburn. Six out of twenty escaped a watery grave, and have, doubtless, ere this, arrived at Mangungu, with all the painful particulars. The six who escaped started overland, by way of Keupara, and ought long ere this to have reached you. I deeply sympathise with you all, but more especially with that amiable and bereaved sister, who must, notwithstanding all the consolation arising from the word of God, and the consideration of the many excellencies all centred in that dear relation of brother, bitterly feel her bereavement. Tell dear Miss Bumby she has an interest in our poor prayers; and, as the only tribute of respect and esteem which I can now pay to both the deceased and the surviver, I shall go into deep mourning, as for a dear brother.
With our affectionate regards to you all,
I am, my dear Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
GEORGE CLARKE.

MANGUNGU, August 4th, 1840.

MY DEAR FRIEND,
ERE this reaches your hands, you will have heard the melancholy and distressing intelligence of the sudden removal of our dearly beloved brother Bumby from this vale of tears, by drowning in the Thames, in this country, on the 26th of June last, and twelve natives who met with a similar fate. This painful catastrophe has overwhelmed us all in trouble, and we have furnished particulars to the Committee, which you will read, no

doubt, in the "Missionary Notices;" and everything about Mangungu looks melancholy and sad in consequence of the disaster; and our dear sister Bumby appears most comfortless on account of her loss. He appears to have been, like a messenger from the heavenly world, sent to us for a season, and then called away when we most needed his counsel and advice; as we are placed in peculiar circumstances, from the effects of colonisation, and appear to be on the eve of experiencing some great change in connexion with the New-Zealanders. He was to me a dearly beloved brother and kind friend; and his death has deeply affected my mind, and I do not expect to see his like again. He and I used to converse about you and your dear family; and it was evident that you and yours, and your brother, the Rev. John Farrar, lived in his affections, and were amongst his most valued friends. While I am writing this letter, I can hardly believe it possible that my counsellor and guide is no more. Alas! it is so. That eloquent and charming voice is silent in death!.........I need not tell you what he was: you knew him well; and, with thousands, will mourn his premature end. Never shall I forget his sermons delivered to the English congregation in our chapel here; his fervent and extraordinary prayers, and his beautiful counsels and experiences, in our class-meetings: no; never, while memory holds her seat, can I lose sight of his example and devotedness in the holiest and best of causes. And methinks heaven will become more attractive because he is there; and there I look forward to a renewal of our friendship, which death cannot interrupt or dissever. I have written fully and freely to the Secretaries about him, and stated that I hope you, or some one of his friends, will publish his life, and that they might assist in furnishing information since he took charge of the New-Zealand Mission.

............The cares and anxiety connected with his office appeared like a burden, and he evidently tried to

set out of it; but the Lord has taken it from him, in a way he did not anticipate. And in trying to avoid danger, by going on the other side of the island to reach home, he went into it, as you may learn from the particulars furnished to the Committee; and as the great kindness of his heart led him, no doubt, to gratify the wishes of a valuable native, named Morley, who wished to go to the Thames to see his relations. The Thames, you are aware, is on the eastern, and all our stations are on the western, coast of New-Zealand. We have not yet examined any of his effects. Such was his self-denial, that he slept in a store where the Mission property was deposited; and there his hats, shoes, papers, &c., lie undisturbed as when be left them, and possess a melancholy interest when we gaze upon them from the window,--for he took the key of the place with him.

In due course we shall be called to visit the hallowed spot; and, as he preached and exhorted frequently about death, we expect to find some presentiment recorded of his removal from this vale of tears. I was much in his company, and frequently went out with him to the native settlements, and we laboured together in delightful harmony. Our brethren, Hobbs and Smales, are gone to the Thames to look after his remains; but we fear that they will not succeed, as he sank in deep water, and some way from land. How we should have rejoiced to have been with him had he been called away at home, in the bosom of his friends! But the Lord has ordered otherwise; and although His way is in the sea, and His path in the great waters, He doeth all things well. But I shall resume my pen when the brethren return, and things settle down a little. With our love to Mrs. Farrar and family, begging you to excuse this scrawl,
I remain
Your afflicted and affectionate brother,
WILLIAM WOON.

P.S. I forgot to mention, that at the time the "Triton" left this place for the southward, with the Rev. John Waterhouse and the new brethren, our dear departed brother manifested great reluctance in proceeding with them; but, as the Chairman of the District, he was anxious to see them stationed at their respective places, and thus he left to return no more. Poor Miss Bumby cannot get over this,--that he should have gone out never to return. The last words I received from him on parting were, "Take care of yourself." Little then did I think that I was to see his face no more. On the Sabbath before the "Triton" sailed, he gave out a remarkable hymn in the native lovefeast in our chapel, the only native he ever spoke from the pulpit; and, singular to say, the last words he spoke from that place. The language is very remarkable. I send it herewith; to us it possesses singular interest. [See the hymn before mentioned.]